Andy Kim

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my amendment that will help small businesses and highly skilled workers in the building trades access new opportunities and unlock the local economic potential of military bases across the country. This amendment is not new. We passed it through the House before on a bipartisan basis, and I hope we will do it again today. My amendment would incentivize the use of local workers for military construction projects by asking the Secretary of Defense to provide preference for businesses that commit to hire qualified skilled workers from within the same State or within a 60-mile radius of the project. I represent Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, which for decades has been an economic engine in my community with thousands of jobs tied to operations on the base. However, too often construction contracts at the base don't go to these local businesses and local workers and instead go out of State. I introduced the Put Our Neighbors to Work Act and offer it as an amendment here for those skilled and qualified construction workers, electricians, painters, and other local contractors in my district who are looking for that next opportunity and who are ready and able to do this work and build DOD infrastructure right in their own community; a community they are proud to live in and work that they want to do for our country. I am proud that another key provision of my bill was adopted in the Armed Services Committee markup which would require more transparency to provide small businesses a fair chance to compete for subcontracting opportunities under military construction contracts. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Pfluger, Congressman Norcross, and Congressman Garamendi for cosponsoring this bipartisan bill. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up for local workers and local economies by passing this amendment which has passed the House, as I have said, on a bipartisan basis the past 2 years. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Norcross).

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I just want to say on this front that I have had the great opportunity to go around my State, to go around a lot of other States, to visit different military installations. Every single place I have been to, in every State, including mine, New Jersey, we are so proud to host these military bases, these military installations. It is a duty of ours and something that we consider very sacred, to be able to support and contribute to our national security in that kind of way. Oftentimes, that requires our States and our communities to step up in different ways, to take on different actions to be able to be accommodating and to support these bases. We are proud, though, to be able to host, and we hope that these bases are proud of their relationship with us, of being able to be part of our community. That is all we are asking about here. This isn't about trying to have unskilled workers be able to take jobs of skilled workers. It is exactly the opposite of that. This is something that is only to require DOD to give preference to firms that will hire locally, and it is to the extent practical. If that is not practical, there are, as was said, waivers and other reasons why we can push this forward. I don't want this to be something that pushes in that direction. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' 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 Andrew ``Steve'' Healey, III, a dedicated teacher and coach of 33 years for students throughout New Jersey. For more than 25 years, Steve served as a teacher, head track coach, and defensive coordinator for the Central Regional High School football team. Using his experience as a Division I athlete at Simpson College, he oversaw the school's teams becoming multiple Shore Conference and State champions. Because of his leadership and passion, Steve was inducted into the New Jersey State Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2003. At the conclusion of his tenure as head track coach, the team's final record was an impressive 188-51. It seems only fitting that tomorrow Central Regional High School will be naming the school's track in his honor. His passion for coaching and encouraging students was seen just as frequently on the field as it was in the classroom. For his incredible work he was awarded Central Regional Teacher of the Year, the NJ Governor's Award for Outstanding Teacher, and the Who's Who Among America's Teachers. Steve Healey is a shining example of what makes a coach and teacher successful: the ability to inspire athletes and students to reach their fullest potential by imparting knowledge and the tools necessary to succeed. I know I speak for New Jersey's 3rd District in congratulating Steve on this incredible tribute. The newly named track and the athletes who use it will now and forever know about Steve's incredible work ethic, competitive drive, and compassion. I congratulate coach on a distinguished career and thank him for imparting his values so we can strive to live by his example.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Willingboro High School Boys Track Team as they commemorate nearly 50 years of athletic accomplishment with a celebratory parade. Since the 1970s, the high school's boys track team has been a shining example of athleticism, leadership, and teamwork for the community of Willingboro, New Jersey. The school's track program has produced some of the greatest runners in New Jersey Track and Field history, including Olympians Carol Lewis, Carl Lewis, and Lamont Smith. Today, the team is coached by Martin Booker, Aaydah Copprue-Worthy, Chuck James, and Robert Cornelius, whose leadership and guidance have upheld the team's impressive legacy and positively impacted the lives of so many student-athletes. The Willingboro Boys Track team continues its reputation of excellence as record holders for the most State Indoor Titles in New Jersey Public School history. I know I speak on behalf of the entire 3rd Congressional District when I extend my congratulations to the current and former Willingboro players and coaches for their impressive achievements and extraordinary legacy.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John and Kathy Logue, who are being honored as the 2022 Citizens of the Year for Moorestown, New Jersey. This year's award recognizes two Moorestown residents who have positively impacted the quality of life of our community. John and Kathy moved to Moorestown in 1978 and immediately became involved in the community. Their collaborations touched the lives of many, and they have become familiar faces around town. Whether it was volunteering at neighborhood events, coaching sports teams, or leading a Girl Scout troop, their positivity radiates throughout our community. During the last 46 years, John and Kathy have volunteered with 9 and 11 different organizations respectively, in Moorestown and throughout New Jersey. Starting his work in 1978 as the Moorestown Deputy Clerk, John became an active member of many committees and advisory boards. Totaling a combined 12 years of service, John played an integral role on the Planning Board; the Zoning Board; the Economic Development Advisory Committee; the Low and Moderate Income Housing Advisory Committee; Moorestown's Visioning Advisory Committee; and the Make It Moorestown Celebration Committee. In addition, John was an active member of the Moorestown Rotary Club and the Knights of Columbus Council 1082. Similarly impressive, Kathy served as Vice President, Planning Board Alternate, and a member of the Appearance Committee for the Moorestown School Board for more than a decade. Kathy was also a Board Member and Secretary of the Moorestown Business Association from 2006 to 2009. Her most recent community work involves her contributions to Percheron Park and her involvement on the Moorestown Tree Planting and Preservation Committee. For almost five decades, whether they were together or apart, John and Kathy they have been integral participants in Moorestown's volunteer community and have been described as an inspiration to everyone around them. I am proud to congratulate them both for winning this award and thank them for their continued service to our community.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE)'s efforts to unite Los Angeles on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Los Angeles Riots. As many of us remember, the Los Angeles Riots that occurred during the spring of 1992 left 63 people killed, over 3,000 business destroyed, and more than a billion dollars in property damage. The city's Korean community alone saw more than five hundred million dollars of property damage--leaving many to face the uncertainty of no longer being able to provide for themselves and their families. As the 30th anniversary approached, FACE worked alongside community organizations to launch the Serve Advocate Inspire Give Unite (SAIGU) campaign to promote peace, tolerance, and unity across Los Angeles. Beginning tomorrow, events such as documentary screenings, art exhibitions, and interfaith prayer sessions will take place across the city. Together, these events are designed to highlight the community's desire to remember and heal from those traumatic events. This year's events are meant to build bridges of understanding and combat the myths that drive wedges between the city's diverse and vibrant ethnic communities. 30 years later, this anniversary comes at a time of rising xenophobic rhetoric, particularly against the AAPI community. As the one of only four Korean Americans currently serving in Congress, I am incredibly thankful of the work that FACE and others have done to reject hatred and promote diversity and understanding. I look forward to seeing the success of the SAIGU campaign and following FACE's continuing good work.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the hard work and innovative thinking of teachers and staff at Mary E. Roberts Elementary School of Moorestown, New Jersey for taking steps to reduce their food waste. Every year is the United States wastes more than 100 billion pounds of food, the equivalent of 130 billion meals. In New Jersey alone, one person on average throws away 325 pounds of food each year. Across the country, over $408 billion dollars' worth of food is being thrown away each year, the need for new and innovative ways to reduce food waste has never been higher. Knowing that their school had an important role to play in reducing and recycling food waste, teachers and paraprofessionals at Mary E. Roberts Elementary School took action. In 2019, the school received funding through the Sustainable Jersey for Schools grant to purchase equipment and hire instructors to explain to students how to sort their unopened and untouched food. These resources were instrumental in the launch of the ``No Food Left Behind'' program where left-over food and produce from the school's garden is collected and donated to local food pantries and animal hospitals. The action taken by Mary E. Roberts Elementary School has inspired the community to proclaim yesterday, April 28, 2022, as Stop Food Waste Day and encourage others to learn about simple ways to minimize the impact of food waste. Each of us believes that no one in the United States should go to bed hungry. The unfortunate reality is that, in New Jersey's Third District alone, more than 55,000 people, including 12,000 children, experience hunger. Programs such as ``No Food Left Behind'' are not only raising awareness playing a key role to raise awareness on food waste. I applaud all the staff, students, and volunteers at Mary E. Roberts Elementary School for showing us how we can all improve our communities, and I look forward to seeing more schools across the country follow their lead.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Private Oliver Cromwell, one of the most decorated Black soldiers who served in the American Revolutionary War. Private Cromwell was born in 1753 in Mansfield Township, New Jersey, and in 1776 he enlisted in the 2nd New Jersey Regiment. He crossed the Delaware River with General George Washington and went on to fight for American independence in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Monmouth, Short Hills, and Yorktown. At the conclusion of the war, Cromwell received the Badge of Merit for six years of faithful service to the Army and was honorably discharged by General Washington in 1783. Following his service, Cromwell fathered 15 children in Burlington Country and loved to share stories of his time as a ``Drummer in the Revolution'' with his family and the community. Cromwell passed away at 101 years old in 1853, and he is buried in Burlington at the Broad Street Methodist Church cemetery. Oliver Cromwell risked everything fighting for freedom in a country that did not recognize his own right to freedom. For these sacrifices, Oliver Cromwell should be eternally remembered for his contributions toward America's independence. Burlington County is grateful for Private Cromwell's dedication, sacrifice, patriotism, and honorable personal conduct. Nine generations of his descendants have resided in Burlington County, some of whom still reside in the 3rd District today and continue to honor their familial legacy through community engagement, service, and historic preservation. I am grateful for Private Cromwell's descendants' continued contributions to our community and am proud to be honoring the life and legacy of their ancestor on this day.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Louise Calloway, Founder and Curator of the Underground Railroad Museum in Burlington County, and a beloved member of our community. Ms. Calloway has committed her life to serving others. Prior to founding the Underground Railroad Museum, she dedicated 50 years to a career in social work and taught college courses in Africa. At a young age, preserving Black history became a passion that's grown into much more. A history buff at 9 years old, she would make scrapbooks using article clippings of African Americans who contributed to our local community. Despite her first museum closing in 2013, Ms. Calloway worked with local groups to reopen the Underground Railroad Museum in Smithville, New Jersey as part of the Burlington County Parks System. The museum offers its visitors a visual experience of the Underground Railroad, highlighting the role free African Americans and Quakers played at 16 different locations across Burlington County in helping escaped slaves travel to freedom. She hopes that visitors will leave the museum with a greater understanding of mankind, our capacity to be both cruel and kind, and that while we may have different skin colors, we all belong to one human race. I am proud of the role New Jersey and Burlington County have played in preserving and uplifting Black History. By focusing on the stories of individuals like William Allinson, who operated Wheatley's Pharmacy in Burlington City, New Jersey as a station on the Underground Railroad, future generations will be able to have a connection to the past. Ms. Calloway's remarkable contributions to our community personify Burlington County's slogan, ``The Cradle of Emancipation''. In addition to sharing history, Ms. Calloway volunteers at numerous community charities and organizations, including the Bethlehem African Methodist Episcopal church of Burlington. In 2011, she was recognized by the New Jersey Conference of the NAACP for her lifetime work as an educator with the Distinguished Educators Award. I am grateful to Ms. Calloway for her contributions to our community, and I know I speak on behalf of my constituents when I say her dedication and service are appreciated.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3525, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act. The contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to this great Nation have been enormous. The history of AAPIs is rich, but this history is rarely talked about, and the contributions often go unknown or unrecognized. I am often asked how someone can learn about AAPI history, and admittedly, I don't know as much as I should. Now more than ever, with the rise in hate crimes like the Atlanta shootings and other acts of violence in New York City and throughout the country, we keep hearing this phrase, ``You don't belong here.'' I have heard that throughout my life and, sadly, my two little boys, 4 years old and 6 years old, have already heard hurtful words that have labeled them in ways they don't yet understand. Like many, I don't want my kids to understand who they are through sources of hate and discrimination. I want them to feel pride, pride in who they are, pride in AAPIs, and pride in our place in this Nation. Our story is not just an Asian-American story. It is an American story. The history is not just an Asian-American history, it is American history, and this history isn't just for AAPIs to learn, it is for all of us. Together, through learning, we can come together, creating greater understanding, a closer knit community, celebrating the richness of this Nation.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Gerard ``Gerry'' M. Thiers, a non-profit leader and champion for private special education in New Jersey for over three decades. Gerry has dedicated his life and career to champion policies that benefit children in New Jersey. He began his career researching for the United Way in Philadelphia while also representing Catholic Charities agencies for the New Jersey Catholic Conference and assisting with the management of a large social services agency. After developing a robust advocacy background, Gerry proudly served as the Executive Director of the Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped (ASAH) for 38 years. Under his leadership, ASAH's membership increased from 25 to 95 schools at more than 140 locations across our state. Through his work, he not only supported thousands of educational professionals through development conferences and programming opportunities, but also ensured that children in New Jersey had the resources they needed in quality education to reach their fullest potential. Gerry led a successful effort to implement a new funding system for private special education schools. With more than 232,500 students receiving special education instruction in the state during the year 2020, this has benefited New Jersey's special needs students' accessibility to a meaningful, accommodating education. He also helped start ``Special Education Week'' in New Jersey, which commends school board members, educators, and parents for their dedication to ensuring quality education for students with disabilities and most importantly, to recognize the hard work of the students themselves. In addition to his work with ASAH, Gerry also served as Chairperson of the New York Society of Association Executives, Chair of the Advocates for Children of New Jersey in Newark, and was a Board member for the National Association of Private Special Education Centers in Washington, D.C. Through these numerous volunteer roles, Gerry earned respect and a prominent reputation as a non-profit leader on both state and national levels. I know I speak for the 3rd District in wishing Gerry a happy retirement filled with days of doing what he loves--biking, golfing and reading. He can retire knowing that his life's work will not go unnoticed by our community, filled with the students, teachers, and parents of those impacted by a disability. It is because of Gerry that New Jersey can continue to pride itself on providing one of the highest quality educations through destigmatizing best practices that continue normalizing special education programs students deserve. New Jersey is grateful for the work that he has done, and I hope that he can inspire others to carry on his legacy as a champion for special education students across the country.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude for the service of our Vietnam veterans and the patriotism shown by the community of Barnegat, New Jersey as they honor Vietnam War Veterans Day. Today families gather to commemorate the 49th anniversary of final U.S. combat troops departing South Vietnam. I had the opportunity to attend the second annual event in 2019 and have seen firsthand how much this day means not only to the veterans and their families, but to the visitors who travel from all over New Jersey to attend. Barnegat is the only town in the entire country to have a Vietnam veterans' monument fully funded by an individual Vietnamese refugee. Barnegat is setting an example on how we can honor the sacrifices Vietnam veterans made for our country and I sincerely hope this inspires others to reimagine how we remember our Vietnam veterans and all of our veterans. New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District is home to one of the largest concentrations of veterans in the country, a place where more than sixty thousand veterans call Burlington and Ocean Counties home. With such a large population, we see brave servicemembers who have kept us safe every single day. To honor such a sacrifice, I know putting together a meaningful ceremony dedicated to the hundreds of Vietnam veterans here today is no small feat. Truly, it is people's passion and organizing that provides hope that military service will never be forgotten. Thy Cavagnaro and her team have done an exceptional job putting this together. Our appreciation for our veterans should not solely be in ceremonies alone. The simple promise we make is that if someone steps up to protect us, our families, and our nation's security, we will have their backs for the rest of their lives. This promise is one that we as a nation have not always kept, and I am trying to fix that so our veterans and their families receive the benefits they have earned. Whether it is passing the Honoring our PACT Act to ensure all veterans exposed to toxic chemicals during their service have access to the care and benefits they deserve, or making everyday connections directly with veterans in the community, it is on all of us to recognize and celebrate our veterans every day. For the thousands of Vietnam War veterans and the hundreds being recognized today at this ceremony, know we are eternally grateful and free thanks to their service.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Greg Handshy of South Toms River. A former U.S. National Guardsman and member of American Legion Post 129, Mayor Handshy continues his dedication to public service as he enters his 10th year as an elected official, with three of those years serving as Mayor. Greg is a retired member of Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 9 where he worked as a licensed plumber. True to his nature, Greg has always been willing to help his neighbors by volunteering to fix a plumbing leak or assist in local food bank distributions. His impact is felt throughout South Toms River through the many social programs he has spearheaded. He is the founder of the South Toms River Community Garden which has brought joy to green thumbs and fans of garden vegetables alike. He also started the very successful After School Homework Club that provides young people in the community both academic and recreational opportunities. I am so very proud to have leaders such as Mayor Handshy in my district and on behalf of all of the constituents of the New Jersey 3rd Congressional District, I thank Mayor Handshy for years of selfless service to our community.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Deborah Heart and Lung Center on their 100th anniversary. Deborah is a true leader for cardiovascular and pulmonary care throughout the state with a mission of providing quality care to our community and beyond. One hundred years ago, the hospital started as a tuberculosis and pulmonary center. As advancements in antibiotics led to the eradication of tuberculosis, Deborah began to concentrate on other chest diseases. Today, Deborah serves as New Jersey's only specialty heart hospital and has become a cornerstone of compassionate care in our region. Deborah maintains a distinguished reputation for educating the next generation through one of the largest cardiac teaching fellowship programs in the country, and consistently debuts innovative cardiac treatments through their clinical research department. In addition to serving as New Jersey's ``safety net'' hospital, providing unparalleled care to residents of all twenty-one New Jersey counties, Deborah in its 100 years has treated 2.3 million patients from every county in the state and from 87 countries throughout the world. From the beginning, Deborah's medical treatment was provided by a staff known for their compassion and medical excellence. At a time when millions of Americans are making the tough decisions between keeping food on the table and healthcare, Deborah has never issued a bill to one of its patients. The work Deborah Heart and Lung Center is doing makes a real impact on the lives of everyone in our community. On Deborah's 100th anniversary, I extend my best wishes and thanks to every current and former staff member and volunteer.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant Brian C. Darling, who recently retired after nearly three decades in the United States Army and the New Jersey Army National Guard. Brian grew up in Manchester, NJ, and was inspired by his familial legacy of service. He decided to carry that torch himself and enlisted in the active-duty Army in 1995. Brian was deployed overseas for several years as a Paralegal Specialist where he provided legal and administrative support to the Army's legal team. Over the course of his service, he served tours in Iraq in 2008, Afghanistan in 2010, and Qatar from 2014-2015. He spent the past year as an active part of the Army's mission to fight COVID-19 and is retiring at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Brian's service hasn't ended with his retirement, he continues to be a valued schoolteacher in the Central Regional School District of Bayville, New Jersey. I would like to formally thank Staff Sergeant Darling for his service to the United States of America and his continued contributions to our community.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor, Edward ``Ed'' A. Toriello, a World War II veteran, as he celebrates his 100th birthday today. Sergeant First Class (SFC) Ed Toriello proudly served his country in Patton's 3rd Army during World War II. In 1944, he was a recent graduate from St. John's University's Divinity School looking to enter the priesthood when a week later, he answered the call to serve his country. Following six months of training he was sent to the European Theatre where he first served as a combat medic, then a scout in the 76th infantry regiment. Ed was supposed to remain in the country and go to Officer Candidate School, but at the height of the war, the Army needed more enlisted men, and he was immediately deployed overseas. During the frigid winter of 1944-45, he and his unit were sent to help stop the last German offensive of the war at the Battle of the Bulge. The 76th infantry regiment was then tasked with securing the Remagen Bridge in March of 1945, a crucial action that allowed the Allies to enter Germany. This single event's success is credited with shortening the war. Throughout his service, Ed exemplified bravery and resilience as his unit suffered heavy losses. Edward is a decorated soldier, earning numerous commendations including 3 Service Stars, the Combat Medic Badge, and the Combat Infantry Rifle Badge. After Germany's surrender, he was assigned to the U.S. sector in Southern Germany where he was offered to then attend Officer Candidate School as he had originally intended. Instead, he decided to return to civilian life and as he describes it, ``the rest was history''. Ed Toriello returned to Brooklyn where he met his wife to be, Zina Toriello nee Caruba, and together they went on to have six children. They ultimately moved to Southern Ocean County in 1977 where he quickly became a beacon of positivity within the community. He remained active as a community volunteer and leader in numerous organizations such as Kiwanis International, Italian American Social and Civic Association, and the Knights of Columbus. Ed also served as a trustee for three decades with South Ocean's Medical Center and started a beloved local fundraising concert for the facility that has raised over $100,000 to date. Today, Ed enjoys watching the Yankees and cooking for his friends and family. Edward A. Toriello is a distinguished member of our community whose heroic actions during the Second World War set the trajectory for a life of servitude that has positively impacted those around him and will continue to benefit generations to come.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown by the Mount Laurel Cub Scout Pack 15. During the holiday season, Pack 15 partnered with BookSmiles, a 501(c)(3) organization that collects and distributes books throughout New Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area and have been serving our communities since September 2017. As a result of their efforts, Pack 15 collected more than 7,000 books--the largest single day book collection in BookSmiles's history. I commend every member of Cub Scout Pack 15, their leaders Jeffrey A. Shaman and Daniel Pelaez, and the entire team at BookSmiles for accomplishing something that will benefit children, students, teachers, and parents throughout our community.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the incredible work being done by Recycle My Battery, a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase sustainable battery disposal helping preserve the environment and fight climate change. Since their founding, Recycle My Battery has collected and recycled more than 150,000 used batteries as well as educated more than 1.5 million people on how they can properly recycle batteries, and why that process is so crucial to our communities and the long-term health of our planet. They have been able to do this by educating our community on the correct and sustainable ways to recycle and dispose of batteries as well as placing battery recycling bins in easy to access places like schools, libraries, and local businesses. Shyam Suhas Kandala, a twelve-year-old from Chesterfield, New Jersey leads the New Jersey chapter of Recycle My Battery. I applaud Shyam and the more than thirty other New Jersey youth who, even at such a young age, have identified an imperative issue and have answered the call to serve. I commend Shyam and the rest of Recycle My Battery on the work they are doing to better our planet's health, and I encourage more of us to get directly involved in trying to make the world a better, safer, cleaner place. With climate change being one of the most pressing challenges of our time I encourage each of us to follow their example in being better caretakers of our planet.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I stand today to recognize Christopher Chew, Chief of Police for Evesham, New Jersey, for his 25 years of service to his community and our state. Eight months after graduating from Rowan University with a degree in criminal justice, Chief Chew began his career with the Evesham Township Police Department's (ETPD) patrol bureau in February of 1997. He soon transferred to the investigative bureau, where he conducted investigations into the distribution of illegal narcotics alongside the Burlington County Prosecutors Office Narcotics Task Force. In April of 2010, he was selected to command the newly created Office of Professional Standards, overseeing areas such as internal affairs, policy management, and accreditations. In 2011 thanks to his leadership, ETPD became a nationally accredited law enforcement agency through the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and has been further accredited throughout the years. This merit, often described as the ``gold standard in public safety'', places ETPD in the top one percent of agencies across the country. This distinction is shared with only seven other municipal law enforcement agencies in New Jersey. In August of 2013, he was promoted to Chief of Evesham Police and over the course of his eight and a half years, Chief Chew sought to strengthen ties between his department and our community. I had the pleasure of meeting Chief Chew in my first term as Congressman and came to know him and his commitment to tackling challenges in our community. Seeing an unprecedented increase in opioid overdoses and deaths, he worked with local drug counselors to provide immediate assistance to anyone suffering from addiction through the ``Straight to Treatment'' program. In addition, officers and educators worked together under the #NotEvenOnce program at Cherokee High School to inform students about the dangers of opioid addiction. This interactive experience showed students the connection between the opioid epidemic at large and its connection to our community. Chief Chew was recently asked about his proudest accomplishment. He described new wellness and safety programs for the members of his department which have yielded a healthier, more vibrant, collaborative, and productive workforce. Outside organizations have described it as the ``first of its kind'' and has since become a model for other departments across the country. Chief Chew represents the best New Jersey has to offer--exemplifying service and being a positive example for others in our community. Despite his upcoming retirement next week, Chief Chew plans to remain active in the force and committed to passing on his knowledge to the department's next generation of leadership. I wish him the best of luck with his retirement as he spends his time teaching yoga and writing, taking time to be with his wife, Nicole, and two children, Michael and Natalie. May retirement bring him the happiness and comfort his service gave us for 25 years.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the upcoming 200th birthday of Clara Barton and the efforts of the Bordentown Historical Society to have the City of Bordentown, New Jersey officially proclaim December 4, Clara Barton Day. Clara Barton was a trailblazer throughout her life, with a commitment and passion for humanitarian work and uplifting others. She became one of the first women ever to work in the United States federal government, working as a recording clerk in the United States Patent Office. She would go on to become an advocate for public education and in 1853 became involved in helping the City of Bordentown establish the first ever public school in New Jersey. Perhaps, though, she remains best known for her work as a nurse during the Civil War; learning from those experiences to found the American Red Cross in 1881. I am incredibly proud of the work the Bordentown Historical Society is doing to preserve the original Clara Barton schoolhouse, that remains standing in downtown Bordentown, and her legacy as an American pioneer. As the Bordentown Historical Society prepares to celebrate the official proclamation of Clara Barton Day this December 4, I extend my best wishes to the members of the society and my neighbors in Bordentown.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Patricia Thompson and wish her well in her retirement after 43 years of dedicated service to the township of Willingboro, New Jersey. Patricia first joined the Willingboro Police Department in 1978 as a traffic guard and since day one, she has been a comforting presence to Willingboro students and residents. Having lived in the town for most of her life, I was not surprised to hear that throughout her tenure, Patricia was eager to take on additional responsibilities like overseeing the bicycle auction. Her commitment to Willingboro earned her a promotion to Crossing Guard Supervisor in 2011, where she has been a vital addition to training the next generation of crossing guards. On behalf of our entire district, I want to thank Patricia for her tireless commitment to the township of Willingboro, New Jersey. I wish Patricia every enjoyment in retirement with her husband and children.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Carli Lloyd on her retirement from a sixteen-year international career in professional soccer as a member of the United States Women's National Team. Carli grew up in Delran, New Jersey, and while she participated in numerous sports, she always gravitated towards soccer. She began playing at 5 years old and quickly excelled as a youth player. Later she even recalled some of her fondest memories were when she played on the Medford Strikers. From the moment she returned home from school, Carli could be found on any patch of grass big enough to kick a ball. Whether she was playing against men in pickup games or with younger siblings in her family's upstairs hallway, Carli's competitive nature and ambition to be the best player on the field was always on display. After playing on Rutgers University's team, Carli's removal from the Under 21 Women's National Soccer Team forced her to re-examine her approach to achieving her ultimate dream of being on the Women's National Team. As we all know, for Carli simply being on the team wasn't enough. She has gone on to compete in 312 international games, the second highest tally in U.S. soccer history. She played in 25 World Cup matches and 22 Olympic matches. She is the highest scoring midfielder in U.S. history and just a few months ago scored after playing for just 23 seconds, the second fastest goal scorer at the start of a match in Women's National Team History. A team general manager described Carli as, ``the embodiment of the DNA of a U.S. Women's National Team player.'' For those of us watching in stadiums or on television, we only see a fraction of what is truly required to compete at the highest level--the hard work, perseverance, self-taught-confidence that each player must have. While Carli leaves behind a legendary record, truly a legacy, her adherence to self-improvement and love for the sport is perhaps what she will forever be remembered. Madam Speaker, Carli is an inspiration to all of us in New Jersey, particularly our daughters, and represents the best of us. Her integrity, humility and dedication to her teammates inspires us to become the best version of ourselves, and I wish her the best of luck in the next chapter of her life.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Erin Murphey of Island Heights, New Jersey for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Erin is the first young woman to become an Eagle Scout in Ocean County, New Jersey, and among the Boy Scouts of America's inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts. Erin's passion for Scouting started when she first heard her father's stories about his own time as a Boy Scout. Being able to participate in the organization's program was always something Erin wanted to do; however, it wasn't until February of 2019 when changes in membership policies allowed her and thousands of young girls to join. Once she joined Troop 570, she committed herself to making the most of her time. In addition to going camping and learning traditional scout skills, Erin worked to expand her council's high adventure and sailing programs, attended a leadership conference in New Mexico, and was elected by her peers into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's National Honor Society. Erin also worked for four summers at the Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation, a local Boy Scout camp in New Jersey, starting as a counselor and ultimately serving as the Resident Program Director. Erin credits her outgoing personality, comfort with public speaking, and leadership to her experiences at camp having interacted with thousands of scouts. To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, Erin worked to complete 41 merit badges that ranged in subjects from railroading to engineering to personal finance as well as complete an Eagle Project that benefits the community. For her project, Erin Jed a team of 20 volunteers for three days, amounting to 55 volunteer hours, in cleaning and repainting half of the stone street signs in her town. Anyone involved in Scouts BSA will say that achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is not an easy process. In 2019, only 8 percent of all Scouts BSA earned the Eagle Scout rank. When you consider the barriers that Erin and other young women had to overcome on top of the traditional requirements, achieving this award makes this occasion much more historic. Because of pioneers like Erin, the path to the Eagle summit will be easier for young women in the future who aspire to a similar goal. Erin herself said it best, when asked what piece of advice she could give to female scouts, she said ``enjoy the journey and don't let anything stop you''. Madam Speaker, the example set by this young woman and her supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Erin is now a part of a select group of women who have earned both their Eagle and Gold Award, the highest rank in Girl Scouts. I know that I speak for all of New Jersey's Third Congressional District when I say congratulations and good luck to Erin on her next steps.

Mr. KIM of New Jersey

Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ocean of Love on their 23rd Annual Billboard Radiothon. As September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, it is imperative that we rededicate ourselves to finding a cure for childhood cancers that impact thousands of families across my district. During this three day event, Ocean of Love for Children with Cancer has a goal of raising $109,000 so they can continue their mission of providing excellent support to families facing unimaginable challenges. Founded in 1988, Ocean of Love has helped over 500 families by providing varying levels of support including grocery gift cards, household expense assistance, scholarships, and caretaker support. Ocean of Love is there to share in the celebration of winning the battle and provides invaluable support for families facing life's hardest tragedy--the loss of a child. Through their bereavement group both for parents and siblings, Ocean of Love is there to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ocean County families. I commit to them and to families across my district that I will continue supporting efforts to increase research into childhood disease and continue fighting for environmental protections to protect children's health for generations to come. I would like to commend Ocean of Love for their tireless efforts on behalf of these families and wish them all the best with their Radiothon. Thank you for being there to let the families here in Ocean County know that they will never be in this fight alone.