Thomas Kean

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude to the Speaker's Office, the majority leader, Chairman Lucas, and my colleagues for their collaborative efforts in addressing the urgency of passing my bill, H.R. 6219, the Accessing Satellite Data to Enable New Discoveries Act, the ASCEND Act. I also extend my appreciation to Representative Bonamici for co- leading the ASCEND Act, which will establish a program through which NASA can procure satellite imagery and data from commercially operated satellites to support and complement its science objectives. Space, once dominated by government actors, is now home to a growing variety of commercial operators. This commercial space industry includes commercial operators of small satellite constellations that produce remote sensing imagery and data. NASA could obtain cost- effective imagery and data for its science missions by purchasing such products from these commercial providers as one of their many customers. In 2017, NASA established a pilot program called the Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition, CSDA, Program to identify and to evaluate commercial capabilities that could add value to NASA research. The program also established new processes to acquire and use such products. The CSDA pilot program proved to be a great success, with participating scientists finding commercial datasets to be both reliable and highly valuable for a wide range of research applications. The ASCEND Act seeks to build upon the success of the pilot program and to permanently authorize the CSDA Program within NASA, thus ensuring the program's continued growth and longevity. This bill directs the NASA Administrator to establish a commercial satellite data acquisition program within NASA's Science Mission Directorate, allowing scientists and agencies to access cost-effective commercial satellite data products. The bill also allows the Administrator to both obtain commercial Earth remote sensing imagery and data needed by agencies and scientists and to also encourage growth of private-sector space entities. Additionally, this legislation requires the Administrator to submit a report to Congress describing the implementation of the program, including the types of data acquired, the sources of that data, its uses within NASA, and any impacts. Not only does this program benefit NASA scientists, but it also supports federally funded and accredited researchers across various agencies, such as NOAA, USDA, or DOI, as well as Federal grantees, including the National Science Foundation and other agencies. By utilizing a diverse set of capabilities and data sources, and leveraging advancements in the private sector, we are ensuring that America remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological advancements for generations to come. Now is an important time for Congress to reaffirm our support for this program by enacting it into statute, thus ensuring its continued growth and success for the Federal scientific community. Access to such timely, high-quality satellite data is essential for improving our understanding of natural disasters, enhancing response capabilities, and mitigating impacts, especially for flood-prone coastal areas like New Jersey. This data will help protect our communities by informing more accurate predictions and better preparation efforts. The ASCEND Act demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing our scientific capabilities, such as by providing data that would enhance disaster preparedness and response efforts and by supporting commercial space efforts. This bipartisan legislation reinforces our dedication to promoting sound research and innovation in space exploration and ensuring NASA remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and public service. Again, I thank the Speaker's Office, the majority leader, and Chairman Lucas for helping advance this impactful legislation. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States, a day where the lives of 2,977 Americans, 750 of whom were New Jerseyans, were lost. After the worst attack in our Nation's history, we came together as Americans, and we showed the entire world our resilience. Today, we mourn the lives lost in the Twin Towers and the buildings nearby, the Pentagon, and in the field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on Flight 93. We commemorate the sacrifice of thousands of first responders who rushed into the face of danger. We honor the passengers of the hijacked flights. We remember those who were lost and help those today who survived and who are now dealing with illnesses from that day. We recognize the resilience of our families, our communities, and our Nation. Today, I will remember and keep alive the call to never forget.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate The Arc of Union County for their 75 years of service in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District. The Arc is a non-profit organization headquartered in Springfield, NJ, dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Serving more than 1,000 adults and children, the Arc engages with individuals, their families, and public and private entities to ensure that all people associated with the organization lead a productive, and enhanced life. As we reflect on the work the Arc has done for the past 75 years, their lasting impact on our community is clear. I am honored to have such an amazing organization in the 7th Congressional District, and I look forward to what is to come.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Colleen O'Dea, the owner of the Equine Tranquility Wellness Center (ETWC) in Andover, New Jersey. The ETWC has been teaching therapeutic horseback riding lessons to individuals of all ages since 2010. In that time, it has grown to become the largest Equestrian Center in New Jersey that provides annual lessons and holds competitions for the NJ Special Olympics. Colleen and her staff remain incredibly committed year-round to assisting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and to growing their program to include all those in need. I am honored to have incredible people like Colleen in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, who are dedicated to providing invaluable services to our community.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Brigadier General Cindy M. Saladin-Muhammad on her new position as Brigadier General within the United States Army, making her the first Muslim to be promoted to the rank in the history of the United States of America. Brigadier General Saladin-Muhammad is an outstanding officer who has dedicated 40 years of service to the United States Army and during that time earned countless awards and decorations. She holds a variety of degrees including two masters', one in Strategic Studies and one in Business Administration and holds a doctorate in business administration. Brigadier General Saladin-Muhammad has had a stellar career in the Medical Service Corps, rising through the ranks from an Environmental Science Engineering Officer in 1995 to assuming command of multiple support hospitals within the country and abroad. As we congratulate Brigadier General on her new position with the United States Army, I have full confidence that she will serve her position with conviction and pride just as she's done for the past 40 years. I thank her for her service, and congratulate Brigadier General Saladin- Muhammad.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Sparta, New Jersey Women's club as they celebrate their 75th anniversary. Their selfless commitment to community service, volunteerism, and engagement makes an invaluable contribution to the betterment of the Sparta community and Sussex County. Through their variety of programs, they foster a welcoming environment for all NJ women, not just residents of Sparta, to learn about and advocate for the issues that pertain to them. I am proud to see them pass this milestone and look forward to seeing the continued success of their work.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and congratulate Westfield High School track coach Christopher Tafelski on his recent designation by the U.S. Boys' Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) as the 2024 Boys' High School Track and Field Coach of the Year for the State of New Jersey. This is not Coach Tafelski's first award from the USTFCCCA, and I am certain it will not be his last. Coaching for the track and field and cross country programs at Westfield High School since 2004, Tafelski, a WHS alum himself, has worked to build a team that is not only award- winning, but one with a strong sense of community. Tafelski has led the renowned WHS track and field and cross country teams to multiple national qualifications and state championship titles among countless other accolades. I am honored to have such a dedicated coach and educator in out district, and I look forward to seeing both Coach Tafelski and the Westfield track and field and cross country programs continue to thrive in the years to come.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the successful reconstruction of the Lake Hopatcong Fountain. Covering 2,500 acres and stretching a total of nine miles, Lake Hopatcong State Park is frequented by all with a love for the natural beauty New Jersey has to offer. Whether visiting to enjoy the water, take in the scenery, or spend valuable time with family and friends, visitors are now greeted with a beacon of community, camaraderie, and friendship upon entering. First opened to the public on July 16, 1925, the fountain served as a popular cooling spot and photo opportunity for all visitors until its closure in the 1990s due to a clogging issue. For years, the fountain thousands of people once knew and loved stood dry. With the help of the Historic Preservation Fund of Morris County, its full restoration was completed, and honored with a plaque. Providing much needed aeration for the Musconetcong River, a beloved asset for New Jersey citizens and visitors, and a tribute to the rich history of New Jersey, I am proud to honor its restoration.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and recognize the Reeves-Reed Arboretum on their 50-year anniversary. I am grateful to be able to celebrate this incredible milestone with the Reeves-Reed family and our community. The Reeves-Reed Arboretum is a beautiful natural setting of a forest and gardens that engages, enriches, and teaches its visitors about environmental stewardship. For the past 50 years, they have shown their dedication to our community through programs and activities for all ages to grow through connecting with nature. Reeves-Reed has something for everyone, including summer camps for children, gardening and hiking groups, scout events, and many opportunities to learn and reflect. As a non-profit organization, the Arboretum and its staff are dedicated to their mission of helping our community and being an educational and spiritual resource for its visitors. Reeves-Reed is also a cornerstone of Summit's cultural landscape, and its 13.5 acres are listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places. As we reflect on the past 50 years at Reeves-Reed they have exceeded the expectations and I know they will continue to do so for the next 50 years to come. I am honored to have such an amazing community in the 7th Congressional District, and I look forward to what is to come.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to speak in support of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 which came out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with strong bipartisan support. This legislation includes Army Corps of Engineers water resources projects of national, regional, and local significance that help strengthen our Nation's global competitiveness. Included in this legislation are eight priorities that I am advocating on behalf of. Among these are three projects and initiatives directly related to New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. These include a new feasibility study for flood risk management covering Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Summit. Additionally, there is report language aimed at expediting the completion of a re-evaluation report for the Green Brook Sub Basin Flood Control Project in Middlesex, Somerset, and Union Counties, as well as the expedited completion of the Rahway flood mitigation feasibility study. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am proud to support this critical piece of legislation that benefits our communities so we can continue to grow the economy, protect communities, and create jobs. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mountain Lake Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary on their 75-year anniversary. A team of 25 volunteers including firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and first responders, the Mountain Lake Fire Company has generously supported the communities of both Liberty and White Townships during any and all kinds of emergencies. The Company was founded in 1949 with a single small fire truck, and over the past 75 years the Company has grown into a pillar of the community, from bringing townspeople together for their annual car show to educating children on fire safety. Reflecting on their dedicated service, it is no surprise that the Mountain Lake Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary is still thriving after 75 years. As a former volunteer firefighter myself, I am honored to have such dedicated first responders and community members in the 7th Congressional District, and I look forward to seeing them continue to flourish in years to come.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and congratulate Mendham Township on their 275th anniversary. I am extremely grateful to be able to be here today and celebrate this incredible milestone with the Mendham Township community. Over the past 275 years, Mendham Township has been forward-thinking in preserving the environment, creating a strong sense of community, and supporting excellence in education. For almost three centuries, the township has become home to families and retirees alike who enjoy parks, streams and playgrounds, annual events that date back decades, and award-winning schools. As we reflect on its history, we can use the past centuries as a reminder of Mendham Township's dedication to fostering a community loved by all. I am honored to have such an amazing township in the 7th Congressional District, and I look forward to what is to come.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and congratulate Rocky's Pasties on their 100-year anniversary. I am extremely grateful to be able to celebrate this incredible milestone with the Rocky's Pasties family and our community. A small takeout food business specializing in hand made Cornish style pastries, Rocky's has been family owned and operated for four generations. For the past 100 years, they have shown their dedication to delivering meals the old- fashioned way while carrying a piece of their ancestors with them. They have shown their commitment to this community by preparing daily meals from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients. The Rocky's Pasties friendly environment is a testament to their 100-year history. Rocky's Pasties has been described as an ``unexpected gem'' but if you are a part of this community you know it is no surprise. As we reflect on the past 100 years at Rocky's they have exceeded the expectations and I know they will continue to do so for the next 100 years to come. I am honored to have such an amazing community in the 7th congressional district, and I look forward to what is to come.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the career of Professor Heide Whelan, Professor Emerita of History at Dartmouth College. Professor Whelan grew up in Lubeck, Germany in the aftermath of World War II. One of her earliest memories was of Russian tank units stationed less than a mile from her childhood home. This experience informed her love of freedom, democracy, and independent thought. She later emigrated to the United States, becoming a naturalized citizen, and used her personal experiences to illuminate Central European and Russian history. Professor Whelan was a masterful teacher who brought her fascination with and love of Russian culture and history to decades of students at Dartmouth. Her classes on Soviet history were consistently oversubscribed and some of the most popular on campus. Professor Whelan was also a friend and mentor to students--she led several foreign study programs and provided guidance and personal friendship to her students. She cared about her students, and over thirty years later, her students still care for her.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and congratulate Green Township on their 200th anniversary. I am extremely grateful to be able to be here today and celebrate this incredible milestone. Over the past 200 years, Green Township has shown itself to be a lively area with a strong community. In 1824, Green Township emerged from the northern parts of Hardwick and Independence townships. Over the decades, Green Township has gone through significant changes, including expansions, the incorporation of Fredon Township, and the rise of vibrant communities like Tranquility and Greendell. As we reflect on its history, we can use the past two centuries as reminders of the resilience and changes our community has gone through, and the future that is to come. I am honored to have such an amazing township in the 7th Congressional District, and I look forward to what is to come.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my warmest congratulations to the Oak Knoll School of the Holy Cross on their 100th anniversary. I am truly grateful to be celebrating this monumental milestone with you all. The Oak Knoll School of the Holy Cross was founded by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus and has been at the forefront of empowering students not only academically but also in personal growth and social responsibility. Over the past 100 years, Oak Knoll has fostered a welcoming diverse student body of inquisitive students who think critically, embrace knowledge, respond with moral and ethical integrity, and make responsible choices that enrich their own lives and contribute to the lives of others. The Oak Knoll School has maintained a steadfast commitment to integrating faith with education, promoting a community of compassionate and informed citizens who are ready to lead and serve in a global society. The past 100 years have served as a reflection of the vibrant legacy that will continue to inspire and shape future generations. The Oak Knoll School of the Holy Cross has stood as a testament to a century's worth of educational innovation, resilience, and dedication. May the school's next 100 years be filled with as much success as the past 100 years.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my warmest congratulations to SAGE Eldercare on its 70th Anniversary. I am truly grateful to be celebrating this monumental milestone with you all. Over the past 70 years, SAGE Eldercare has made a deep impact on the lives of older adults in our community. Through delivering meals, restoring family heirlooms, providing companionship, and much more volunteers provide the support for older adults to live the most independent and active lives possible. I am proud to have such dedicated volunteers and organizations committed to helping people in our community within the 7th Congressional District. I look forward to watching them all flourish in the coming decades. I wish SAGE Eldercare a wonderful anniversary. May their next 70 years be filled with as much success as this one.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my warmest congratulations to Somerset County 4-H on the 50th anniversary of the Ted Blum 4-H Center. I am truly grateful to be celebrating this monumental milestone with you all. Named after Ted Blum, one of the most important and beloved figures in New Jersey's 4-H community, Somerset County's 4-H Center was touted as the largest building of its kind in the nation when it opened in 1974. The Ted Blum 4-H Center has served as a model for 4-H facilities nationwide, providing meeting spaces for clubs and events as well as office space for the dedicated staff and volunteers who continue to ensure that ``4-H Is Tops''. I wish all the best to Somerset County 4-H on the 50th anniversary of the landmark Ted Blum 4-H Center, and I extend my thanks for all that they do for our community.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my warmest congratulations to Fredon Township on its 120th anniversary. I am truly grateful to be celebrating this monumental milestone with them. Over the past 120 years, Fredon Township has flourished into a lively town with vibrant natural scenery and rich history. As the youngest township in Sussex County, Fredon Township was formed from parts of Andover, Green, Hampton, and Stillwater Townships and is home to approximately 3,450 residents and 1,203 residential dwellings. Once a dusty, rutted, narrow dirt road on Route 94, traveling through a busy little village in the 1800s, can now be found as the core of the township. I am proud to have such a remarkable town within the 7th District, and I look forward to watching it continue to thrive in the coming decades. I wish Fredon Township a wonderful 120th anniversary. May its next 120 years be filled with as much success as this one.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank Setnicky's 40 years of service. Frank Setnicky is a well-respected professional who has dedicated his life to serving his community and educating peers in patient cares for decades. Frank has been a volunteer with the South Branch Emergency Services as an emergency medical technician for 40 years, and as a chief for more than 30 of those years. In the fall of 2021, Frank retired from his full-time position, but continued his volunteer service in Clinton. Congratulations to Frank. I thank him for serving the Clinton community and wish him continued success.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Berkeley Heights Police Department as it celebrates its 100th Anniversary this year. The Berkeley Heights Police Department was established in 1924 with Chief Dominick Russo serving as the Township's first full-time police officer. A hundred years later, the department consists of 28 full-time officers and support staff committed to protecting the Berkeley Heights community and upholding the department's history and values. Their dedicated efforts have made Berkeley Heights one of New Jersey's most consistently safe municipalities. I am proud that the 7th District is home to such committed individuals like the officers and staff of the Berkeley Heights Police Department. As the Police Department enters a new era in its history, I congratulate all who have helped it reach this notable milestone.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 870) to amend the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the United States Fire Administration and firefighter assistance grant programs, as amended.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 870, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 870, the Fire Grants and Safety Act. I thank my Senate Democratic colleague Chairman Peters for his leadership in advancing this legislation through the Senate. This bill incorporates language from H.R. 4090, the Fire Grants and Safety Act, a bill that I championed through the House Science Committee. It also includes the ADVANCE Act, legislation from the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee. I thank all of my colleagues for their work in making this a strong and comprehensive bill. Through bipartisan and bicameral collaboration, we have paved the way for advancing this bill in the House, and I anticipate its smooth passage in the Senate. I was proud to lead the Fire Grants and Safety Act with my colleagues and original cosponsors, the Congressional Fire Services Caucus co- chairs, Representatives Pascrell, Bost, Fitzpatrick, and Hoyer, Chairman Lucas, Ranking Member Lofgren, Subcommittee Chairman Collins, Subcommittee Ranking Member Stevens, and Representative Golden. I also thank the many external stakeholders, including the local firefighters from the Seventh Congressional District in New Jersey, for their critically important feedback as we developed this legislation. Firefighters and EMTs are frequently first responders to danger. They are essential for keeping our communities safe. All across the country, firefighters and EMS personnel work through danger and uncertainty every day to protect their neighbors. As a former volunteer firefighter, I know the hardship and sacrifices that firefighters make daily to quickly respond to emergencies, so I am proud to lead the Fire Grants and Safety Act to ensure that our firefighters have the proper training and equipment to continue to protect our communities. The Fire Grants and Safety Act increases funding for the U.S. Fire Administration and reauthorizes two critical programs: the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant program (SAFER). AFG directly supports local firefighters by providing training, equipment, and even vehicles. The SAFER program provides training for local fire departments so that they are better able to respond to emergencies. Together, these programs ensure that we have capable, well-equipped fire departments to protect our communities. We must pass this legislation before the programs sunset at the end of this year. By advancing this multiyear reauthorization, we ensure the continuity and the stability of these programs, enabling the Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER to continue equipping, training, and staffing our departments effectively. This bipartisan and bicameral piece of legislation demonstrates our firm commitment to the safety and well-being of our firefighters, empowering them to overcome challenges and fulfill their mission of safeguarding our communities. I support the inclusion in this bill of the ADVANCE Act to ensure that America maintains its leadership in nuclear energy. To quote the Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy: ``Nuclear Power is the Most Reliable Energy Source, and It's Not Even Close.'' By harnessing its unparalleled reliability, low carbon emissions, and capacity for large-scale power generation, nuclear energy fosters energy security, technological innovation, and a cleaner environment for future generations. By empowering the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to lead in international forums for the development of regulations for advanced nuclear reactors, this bill strengthens America's position as a global leader in nuclear technology. By requiring the NRC to develop a streamlined licensing process and allowing the hiring of specialized staff, the bill facilitates innovation and the adoption of advanced nuclear technologies. This reform not only accelerates the pace of technological advancement but also fosters a more adaptive regulatory environment, encouraging investment and fostering economic growth in the nuclear sector. Once again, I thank House and Senate leadership, my Science Committee colleagues, Congressional Fire Services Caucus co-chairs, and numerous external stakeholders for their critical feedback as we worked to draft this reauthorization. I encourage all my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.