Andy Kim

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Julie and Peter Bender, who will be recognized as the 2021 Moorestown Citizens of the Year. Julie and Peter Bender have owned Moorestown Hardware for 20 years. Operated by these two Moorestown natives, the hardware store offers something for everyone with a wide selection of materials and tools, plus puzzles and popcorn. However, residents of Moorestown will know that their business is much more than a store--it's an extension of Julie and Peter's commitment to community service. Throughout the year, you can find Julie and Peter working to support a wide array of community efforts that range from fundraising on behalf of scout groups and local organizations to supporting institutions such as the Moorestown Community House. Their business is routinely staffed by local high school students and is a part of a local program that hires special needs students, each of them amplifying the themes of kindness and hard work. The Benders' support and dedication to their community have made a lasting impact on Moorestown, whether it's by donating 10 percent of their Small Business Saturday profits to local institutions or by donating a grand piano that has been used to teach thousands of children how to play. Coretta Scott King once said, ``The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.'' The Benders live and breathe their store and the town that supports them. Julie and Peter Bender are shining examples of service, and I commend them for receiving this award and their continued involvement in strengthening Moorestown.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, l rise today to congratulate Medford Leas on their 50th anniversary. Medford Leas is a retirement community with the mission of creating and advancing individual and community well-being for people aged 55 years and older. For the past five decades, Medford Leas has provided valued high quality residential and healthcare services to older adults. While the community began in 1971, Medford Leas can trace its roots back to 1911 when local members of the Religious Society of Friends created a low- cost boarding house for elderly women. Today, Medford Leas is a thriving community with an arboretum, a fitness and low vision center, and provides residents with access to adult college courses. While the community has expanded over the last five decades, Medford Leas continues to be guided by the teachings and beliefs of its founders; qualities of peace and nonviolence, equality, and stewardship. These values are not only best personified by the daily interactions between staff and residents, but also when the community took in twenty-one Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II. Since I was elected to Congress in 2018, I have had the privilege of getting to know many of the residents of Medford Leas and have participated in numerous events in their community--both in person and virtually. They are always willing to go above and beyond to be good neighbors and truly care about their own community and others less fortunate. It is truly an honor to be their Representative in Congress. On Medford Leas' 50th anniversary, I extend my best wishes to every staff member and resident of the Medford Leas community.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise to offer my amendment that will help countless struggling small businesses and communities access new opportunities and unlock the local economic potential of military bases across the country. My amendment would incentivize the use of local small businesses for military construction projects by asking the Secretary of Defense to provide preference for businesses that will use workers from within the same State or within a 60-mile radius from where the work will occur. My amendment would also strengthen a provision in the underlying bill to finally provide some transparency in the military construction project award process, helping small businesses at least be aware of when possible contracts and subcontract opportunities become available. I represent Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, which for decades has been an economic engine in my community and in my State with thousands of jobs tied to operations on the base. However, too often contracts at bases like mine go unseen by small, local businesses who are qualified and ready and sometimes more cost effective than contractors from out of State. Since coming into Congress, I have met with business owners from around the Joint Base who have stressed to me that not only are they not considered for military construction contracts, but in many cases the Department of Defense does not even make local businesses aware of the contracts that are available. I introduced the Put Our Neighbors to Work Act and offer it as an amendment here for the construction workers in my district who are looking for their next opportunity and to provide some fairness to the award process for small and local businesses who have been passed over for far too long. This is a good amendment that would help to expand opportunities for small and local businesses in the construction industry at a time when so many across the country are struggling. I would like to thank Congressman Norcross, Congressman Garamendi, and Congressman Pfluger for helping push this bipartisan effort forward. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up for small and local businesses by voting to pass this legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I am glad that we are able to have this debate and talk about what it is that we are trying to prioritize here. When we are talking about the workers here, this bill, this amendment, is not something that would force the Secretary of Defense to hire unqualified workers to be able to work on our bases. That is absolutely not the case here. It is talking about, in the circumstances where there are qualified workers, wouldn't we want to prioritize the local workers that are part of that community? We are proud in my district to host a military base. We are proud in New Jersey to have multiple different military installations, and I am sure other States are very proud of the military installations that they host as well. I hope that the Department of Defense is proud of that partnership with our States. That is exactly what this is. It is a partnership. This can be a win-win. In the same way that we are looking out for our joint military base in our community, we would like the joint military base to think of itself as part of that community. I believe in the workforce of my State and other States, and I believe that the workforce across America is strong. I believe that we have the skilled labor all over this country to be able to do this. That is why we have been able to get this bipartisan bill. That is why I have been able to get the support of Congressman Pfluger and to be able to continue to move forward in the way that we need to do this for our small businesses, for our workers, to be able to help build strong national security. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I urge support for my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Keith Pinto, a lifeguard who tragically lost his life on Monday, August 30, 2021. To all of those who knew Keith, he was the perfect kid. To some, he was the exceptional crosscountry athlete at Toms River High School North and an individual who would make anyone feel welcomed. To others, he was a familiar face at the Jersey Shore where he served for four summers as a lifeguard. Keith's commitment to protecting our community didn't stop there; he had higher aspirations. Once he completed his criminal justice degree, he planned on serving his country as a United States Marine. It is with that same heart to serve and protect that Keith gave his life protecting his beach community. During moments of tragedy, our communities rally together under around the theme of ``Jersey Strong.'' This moment is no exception. The day after his passing, hundreds of people--some friends, some fellow lifeguards, others complete strangers--gathered to pay their final respects at the 21st Avenue Beach, in South Seaside Park. This speaks volumes not only to the heart of the community, but more so to Keith's character. Our hearts go out to Keith's family and friends, and we wish them strength and comfort during this extremely difficult time.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the voice, heart and soul of Toms River High School South--P. David Correll. For over 50 years, Mr. Correll has had an indelible impact on the students, faculty and families of those lucky enough to call High School South their alma mater. After first arriving to the high school in 1964, Mr. Correll formed the Pep Club in 1966 and remained at the center of the school's spirit, pride, and inspiration. Even after formally retiring in 2007, Mr. Correll remained on as the school's publicity coordinator and remained ``Voice of the Indians'' by calling the Friday football games from the school's press box. Beyond his contribution to the school's spirit, Mr. Correll was an inspiration in the classroom as an instructor of U.S. History, including students in the Advanced Placement program. He not only cared about the history of America, but about the history in his own backyard. In 2016, Mr. Correll spearheaded the effort to rename the entrance to High School South ``Gaiter Way'' to honor the legacy of an immigrant African-American family that attended school there between the 1920s to 1940s, with one of the children becoming a Tuskegee Airman. Never a shrinking violet, Mr. Correll was actively involved with the high school band, team athletics and student government. He was honored to march in both Inaugural parades of President Jimmy Carter and President Ronald Reagan. As he prepares to hang up his megaphone, this weekend Mr. Correll will be honored with a Pep Rally to celebrate a legacy that will live on in the community of Toms River. I wish to express my deep gratitude and well-wishes to an educator who inspired many to do as much good as you can, for as long as you can. May the proud traditions at Toms River High School South continue with him in our hearts forever.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ell Edward ``Eddie'' Ash. He was a beloved member of the New Jersey community who passed away on August 10th, 2021 at the age of 59. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, his five children, Ell Jr., Kimelle, Joshua, Maurice, LaMiyah and Daviyon, and his grandchildren, Ariell Jr. and Ell Edward Ash III. A man of large stature and spirit, Ell's presence was one that welcomed you and that could not be ignored. You could often find Ell behind his grill at community events preparing his famous barbeque or energizing the congregation at Mt. Zion AME Church by playing Gospel Jazz or R&B on his saxophone. He was an individual that enjoyed challenging the younger men in his life to keep up with him; especially when it came to football, swimming, and bike riding. Anyone who knows Ell will speak to his passion for service and this is shown no clearer than in his commitment toward youth mentoring. From his days at the University of Houston, he was an active leader in the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity's ``Guide Right'' program, a hands-on curriculum that empowers youth in the Black community to harness their potential to address local issues. For 25 years, Ell served as a Senior Corrections Officer at the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility. Throughout any week, you could find Ell coaching football, baseball, and basketball teams throughout the Willingboro Public Schools system where he would always conclude each game and practice with a team huddle to laugh and reflect. My heart goes out to Ell's entire family. For those that knew him, even in the briefest of life's moments, he will be missed.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the Gold Star Mothers Family Monument Extension Act of 2021. Since our country's entrance into World War I, the Gold Star tradition has remained a simple, yet powerful reminder of all the sacrifices made by our servicemembers and their families. The qualities that our Gold Star Families possess are the qualities that we all seek in America: courage, perseverance, strength, and above all, an unflagging determination to see the right prevail. The passage of this bill and the ultimate completion of the Gold Star Mothers Family National Monument would be the clearest display of gratitude from the American people. The monument would embody the spirit of national service, highlight the ongoing contributions Gold Star Families contribute to our communities, and provide visitors with a space to reflect and remember loss. This bill would not have been possible without the tireless advocacy of Judith Young, a constituent of mine from Moorestown, New Jersey. I thank Judith for her work for the commemoration of Gold Star Families through the monument and thank the House for passing this meaningful legislation. Mr. Speaker, I commend the bipartisan work that was undertaken in the last Congress to get to this moment and the same work that was done to bring this bill to the floor.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas A. Harper. Mr. Harper proudly served his country during the Korea War and embodies the resilience and fortitude of the great men and women who serve in our Nation's military. During his time in the U.S. Army, Mr. Harper gained the role of Sergeant First Class, served in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill and was awarded two Purple Hearts. For Mr. Harper's valor and service in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, Gregory Peck, an actor in the movie, Pork Chip Hill, met with Mr. Harper to conduct research for his role. I would like to formally thank Mr. Harper for his service to the United States of America.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Walter Radcliffe's 100th birthday. Mr. Radcliffe embodies the resilience, fortitude, and can-do-spirit of the ``Greatest Generation.'' In a time of crisis, he courageously volunteered to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II, despite having a civilian job exemption. Mr. Radcliffe fought in the Pacific Theatre aboard the U.S.S. Isherwood. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his combat record in the Battles of Leyte Gulf and serving at Subic Bay, as well as for the valor he demonstrated during the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf and the Battle of Okinawa. Mr. Radcliffe is beloved by his family, including his wife Dorothy of more than 38 years, his children, and grandchildren, and by his community where he's still an active member of VFW Post 10092. It is clear to everyone who knows Mr. Radcliffe that he has made the most of each of his one-hundred years. I wish him the best on achieving this milestone and hope he enjoys a wonderful celebration.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Jared Maples on his retirement. Director Maples retirement from public service is much deserved. Prior to working at New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, Director Maples served his country for over a decade at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the U.S. Department of Defense. As Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security, Jared Maples committed himself to making life safer for all residents of New Jersey. He led New Jersey's counterterrorism efforts, and cybersecurity efforts and served as a critical link in New Jersey's COVID-19 response. Director Maples was a staunch advocate for the interfaith community and worked hard to ensure that they remained safe from bias crimes. I was honored to participate on numerous events with Director Maples and found him to be an individual who truly cares about the safety and well-being of all residents in my district and throughout New Jersey. I commend Director Maples for his work, and I know I speak on behalf of my constituents when I say congratulations.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Walter Radcliffe's 100th birthday. Mr. Radcliffe is a proud veteran who is beloved by his community. It is clear to everyone that knows Mr. Radcliffe, that he has made the most of each of his one-hundred years. I wish him the best at achieving this milestone and hope he enjoys a wonderful celebration.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Toms River Fire Department No. 1 on its one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary. Beginning in 1896, the Toms River Fire Department was founded with no budget or fire hydrant. Within two years, the town's running water became operational and the Fire Department was granted a $500 budget. Soon, when there was a fire, the firefighters were able to hook their hoses to Toms River's one hydrant and push a hose cart across town to fight a fire. Through the Toms River Fire Department's work, they protected the residents of Toms River and saved countless lives. While the technology and tools available to the Toms River Fire Department have changed drastically in the past century and firetrucks have thankfully replaced fire carts, the mission and the work ethic of the Toms River Fire Department have not. For the past one hundred and twenty-five years, the volunteer fire service has protected the grateful residents of Toms River. Hopefully, in one hundred years from today, another member of Congress representing Toms River will stand here on the floor of the House of Representatives, honoring the Toms River Fire Department No. 1's noble work on their two hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary. On Toms River Fire Department No. 1's anniversary, I extend my best wishes to all the firefighters, former firefighters and their families of the Toms River community.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Mary Magdalene Whitehead's 106th birthday. Mrs. Whitehead is a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Mrs. Whitehead is beloved by her community, where she is known as ``Big Mom'' for her warmth, kindness, and wisdom that she offers children and parents alike. Mrs. Whitehead has babysat generations of children and served as a sounding board for scores of overwhelmed and grateful parents. It is clear to everyone that knows Mrs. Whitehead, that she has made the most of each of her one-hundred and six years. I wish her the best at achieving this milestone.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Medford Leas on their fiftieth anniversary. Medford Leas is a continuing retirement community with the mission of creating and advancing individual and community well-being for people aged 55 years and older. For the past five decades, Medford Leas has provided valued high quality residential and healthcare services to older adults. From the conversations I have had with Medford Leas residents, I know Medford Leas lives up to its mission. On Medford Leas fiftieth anniversary, I extend my best wishes to staff and residents of the Medford Leas community.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Eddie Hill's 100th birthday. Mr. Hill is a loving father, grandfather, great- grandfather and great-great-grandfather. Mr. Hill proudly served his country in World War II as part of the 1695th Engineer Combat Battalion in an all-black combat unit. After serving in dangerous combat duty across Europe, Mr. Hill returned home, went to technical school, and went on to become an auto repair specialist. He even owned his own business, a true testament to his contributions to his community. For his contributions, his community loved him back. For his pre- birthday celebrations, his neighbors, friends, and family came together to honor Mr. Hill in a large drive-by parade. It is clear to everyone that knows Mr. Hill, that he has made the most of each of his one- hundred years. I wish him many more pursuing his passions of following baseball and gardening. On behalf of my community and our neighbors across Burlington and Ocean Counties, I wish him a happy birthday and thank him for his service to our Nation.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief John M. Colucci of the Mount Laurel Fire Department on his twenty-five years of service to Mount Laurel and to congratulate Chief Colucci on his much-deserved retirement. A beloved son of New Jersey, Chief Colucci returned to New Jersey to begin his career in the fire service in 1994, after serving in the Navy. While in the Navy, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Armed Forces Joint Expeditionary Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Battle ``E'' Award and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Throughout his twenty-five years as a firefighter in New Jersey, Chief Colucci contributed greatly to the town of Mount Laurel and New Jersey. During his time as Chief of Department, Chief Colucci was dedicated to improving safety and quality of life for firefighters and the residents of Mount Laurel Township. Among his many achievements, Chief Colucci improved the department's ISO rating from a Class 4 to a Class 3, fully implemented a 24-hour staffing plan to increase fire safety and oversaw upgrades in technology, firefighting equipment and the firefighter bailout system. Chief Colucci also founded the Mount Laurel Firefighters Foundation, 501c3, served as Scholarship Chair of the Burlington County Fire Chiefs Associations, and served as President of the New Jersey Career Fire Chiefs Association from 2018 to 2020. I commend Chief Colucci for his work, and I know I speak on behalf of my constituents when I say Chief Colucci will be missed.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rose Cordasco's 100th birthday. Rose is a loving, kind mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is beloved by her family and from how her family has described her, it is clear that she has made the most of each of her one-hundred years. I wish her the best on achieving this milestone.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Floyd L. White, III on his retirement. During his over twenty years of service, Reverend White has been a stalwart of the community, always putting other's needs before his own. Since 1988, in his private capacity, Reverend White has served as a Pastor for the Woodland Avenue Presbyterian Church, providing spiritual leadership to church members. In his public capacity, since 1988, Reverend White has served America's servicemen and woman. Beginning as Battalion Chaplain, Reverend White administered to the spiritual and moral needs of approximately 150 soldiers and their families. Eventually, from 2012 to 2019, Reverend White served as the Director of Camden County Veteran Affairs where he worked to better the lives of veterans and their families. After twenty years of service, Reverend Floyd L. White, III more than deserves a peaceful retirement and I wish him the best. I commend Reverend Floyd L. White, III for his dedication to serving the people of New Jersey and I know the Woodland Avenue Presbyterian Church will be sad to see him go.

Mr. KIM

Mr. KIM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Army Brigadier General Jonathan C. Moyer. A beloved son of Burlington County, Jonathan C. Moyer was recently promoted to Brigadier General and took command of the 335th Theater Signal Command. I, and the town of Pemberton, cannot be prouder of him. Brigadier General Jonathan C. Moyer's promotion is much deserved. He has served his country in the armed forces for over two decades and has been awarded a Bronze Star Medal, and numerous citations of the Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal for his service. In addition, Brigadier General Moyer is dedicated to community service and uplifting veterans and students. Brigadier General Moyer is a co-founder of Tip of the Arrow Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that assists mobilized National Guard and Reserve Veterans returning from military service overseas to translate their military skillset to find gainful civilian employment. Brigadier General Moyer also served as Director of Coaching for Tip of the Arrow Foundation, where he managed 30 volunteer coaches to assist our Veterans with resume writing, job interviews, and salary negotiation. Additionally, Moyer has been involved with several organizations from AFCEA, AOC, to AUSA, serving as a senior mentor for local high schools and colleges STEM programs. I commend Brigadier General Jonathan C. Moyer for his work, and I know I speak on behalf of my constituents when I say congratulations.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Thespian Troupe 6803 at Bordentown High School for their exceptional service to New Jersey and their community. Amid a global crisis, the students of Thespian Troupe 6803 at Bordentown High School revitalized the discontinued Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat program and became true leaders. In response to the hunger they witnessed in their community, Thespian Troupe 6803 raised over 615 pounds of food for the St. Mary's Food Pantry as part of the Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat Program. In this time, where a growing number of New Jersey residents are going to bed hungry, we should be doing all we can to ensure that we feed those in need. Thespian Troupe 6803's work exemplifies the best of New Jersey and New Jersey's compassion for all of its citizens. I could not be prouder of the students in this troupe, and I thank them for their service.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Carolyn Little for her exceptional service to New Jersey and to announce that Ms. Little was selected as the 2021-2021 Outstanding Educator of the Year by New Jersey Thespians. Amid a global crisis, while leading a state-wide organization and serving as teacher for her students and two young daughters, Ms. Little continuously put the needs of her students and the less fortunate ahead of herself. While serving as a mentor to her students during this tough time, Ms. Little helped lead Toms River Thespian Troupe 7455 in their Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat Program. With the help of Ms. Little, Toms River Thespian Troupe 7455 at Toms River High School North raised over 547 pounds of food for the Thanksgiving Food Drive. I could not be prouder of Ms. Little and I thank her for her service.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Thespian Troupe 1555 at Rancocas Valley Regional High School for their exceptional service to New Jersey and their community. Amid a global crisis, the students of Thespian Troupe 1555 at Rancocas Valley Regional High School revitalized the discontinued Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat program and became true leaders. In response to the hunger they witnessed in their community, Thespian Troupe 1555 raised over 90 pounds of food for the RVRHS Food Pantry as part of the Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat program. In this time, where a growing number of New Jersey residents are going to bed hungry, we should be doing all we can to ensure that we feed those in need. Thespian Troupe 1555's work exemplifies the best of New Jersey and New Jersey's compassion for all of its citizens. I could not be prouder of the students in this troupe, and I thank them for their service.