Thomas Kean

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1547, which requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study analyzing the costs and benefits of providing commuter rail service that does not require riders to change trains. Furthermore, the Secretary must submit the report to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs within 1 year of the legislation enactment. The one-seat-ride issue for commuter rail passengers is something that I championed both here and in the New Jersey State Senate. Examining this issue is a priority for my constituents who rely on New Jersey Transit. Anyone living in the Seventh Congressional District of New Jersey or along the Raritan Valley Line can describe the difficulties of commuting to and from New York City. Seventh District residents who travel to Manhattan by train are regularly frustrated with unnecessary delays mainly due to the aged infrastructure, often making weekly commutes hours longer than they need to be. Worsening matters, passengers traveling on the New Jersey Transit Raritan Valley Line must change trains, almost always on a different track, at Newark Penn Station to make trips to the city. During peak commute hours, Raritan Valley passengers have very little time to make their way, alongside thousands of other rushed passengers, through Newark Penn Station. These daily transfers make trips longer and increasingly exhausting for passengers. The longer commute times cause commuters to spend less time with their families, making it more difficult to make their child's sporting events, scouting meetings, and cherished family dinners. According to the Raritan Valley Line Coalition, the RVL makes up about 10 percent of New Jersey Transit's daily ridership systemwide. Additionally, the impact of a one-seat-ride service has been studied in a report published by the Regional Plan Association. The report shows its impact on towns surrounding the train line in a positive way. Rail lines with one-seat-ride service into Manhattan are more desirable and encourage more development of residential housing units, retail stores, and offices located near existing train stations. Some of the benefits of a town with a one-seat-ride option are that towns with the one-seat-ride service have fewer vacancies and a more diverse and economically viable selection of restaurants, stores, and offices in downtown, and they have increased train service westbound, allowing towns along the RVL east and west to flourish. My hope is to get, in the future, as many commuters on rail traveling westbound in the morning as they do eastbound. One-seat-ride on the RVL is something that my constituents and many New Jerseyans want to see become a reality before the completion of the Gateway Project years down the road. I thank Representative Watson Coleman of New Jersey for cosponsoring this legislation, and I note this bill passed out of committee with strong bipartisan support. Madam Speaker, I urge the support of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, H.R. 1547 represents an important step in improving the commuter experience for all individuals who rely on transit, and the bill also ensures, as it reviews the broad issue, that the New Jersey Transit Raritan Valley Line is examined specifically. Madam Speaker, I urge the support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4688) to direct the Administrator of General Services to sell the property known as the Webster School.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on H.R. 4688.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I thank Delegate Holmes Norton and the Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee Chairman Perry for their leadership on this bill to shed wasted space in the Federal Government's real estate portfolio. H.R. 4688 directs the General Services Administration to sell the vacant Webster School building in downtown Washington, D.C. The Webster School was originally purchased by GSA at the request of the Secret Service in 2003. However, for 20 years, no plans or funding have been secured for its Federal use and the building sits vacant, in disrepair in the middle of downtown D.C. It makes no sense for taxpayers to pay for buildings that have never been occupied and have no real use or benefit. I was pleased to see, after the committee's passage of H.R. 4688 in July, that GSA notified Congress of its intent to dispose of the Webster School, along with 22 other unneeded properties across the country. However, it is important that we pass this bill to ensure that the property is actually sold and sold for the highest market value. Madam Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, in closing, this bill is a small, but necessary step in the rightsizing of the Federal real estate portfolio. The Federal real estate portfolio has far too much empty space as it is, and we should not hold onto known empty buildings at the taxpayers' expense. Madam Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 992) to amend the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to designate the Texas and New Mexico portions of the future Interstate-designated segments of the Port-to-Plains Corridor as Interstate Route 27, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials in the Record on S. 992, as amended.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of S. 992, the I-27 Numbering Act of 2023, a bipartisan bill that has passed the Senate. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure favorably reported companion legislation that amended a bill introduced by Congressman Jodey Arrington in November. This legislation officially designates segments of the Ports-to- Plains Corridor of Texas, previously marked as a future Federal interstate route, as Interstate Route 27. The Ports-to-Plains Corridor connects with other highways to span from the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas through our country's heartland to Alberta, Canada, and serves as a crucial infrastructure asset for American agricultural and energy accessibility. This designation will benefit farmers, ranchers, and producers across Texas and the country, boosting our trade economy. Madam Speaker, I urge support for this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Arrington).

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, again, I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation championed by my colleague Mr. Arrington of Texas here in the House, along with Mr. Cruz and Mr. Cornyn in the Senate. Ports-to-Plains Corridor connects with other routes to span more than 2,300 miles across eight states. It connects significant agriculture and energy centers to the rest of our Nation, which relies on these industries. This bill ensures congressional follow-through on this designation by formally naming segments of the corridor in Texas Interstate Route 27 and will contribute to the continuity of American advantages in agriculture, international trade, connectivity, and economic development. Madam Speaker, I urge support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, for yielding me time. On the morning of Saturday, October 7, Hamas launched the most brutal and expansive surprise attack on Israel since the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago. The world stood in shock as reports and images began to surface of civilians murdered, young children beheaded, and Holocaust survivors being dragged into Gaza as hostages. Like many of my colleagues in this Chamber, I spent the past weeks engaging with the Jewish community leaders in my district, reassuring them of their communities' safety and speaking with constituents who had to flee back to the United States. I stand here in support of this overwhelming bipartisan resolution, which has almost every single Member of the House of Representatives as a cosponsor. As the House of Representatives, we support Israel's right to self- defense and survival. We stand against Hamas, against its terror, and against its masters in Tehran. We stand with Israel in its fight for survival and against anti-Semitism in all of its forms.

Mr. KEAN

Mr. KEAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 5692, the Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act. Everyone in this Chamber wants peace in Ukraine as quickly as humanly possible, but there can only be a truly durable peace after Ukraine's victory and after the defeat of Russia's invading forces. Victory in Ukraine will also allow America's enemies to know that the price they will pay for future unprovoked aggression is way too high. It will deter Putin from setting his sights on a NATO ally next, and it will signal to Xi that the free world is willing and able to show resolve in the case of Taiwan. With what amounts to just 5 percent of last year's defense budget, U.S. security assistance to Ukraine since the full scale invasion began has helped Ukraine seriously degrade Russia's military without putting one U.S. troop in harm's way. This is why continued support to Ukraine is in the U.S. best interest. Unfortunately, President Biden has slow-rolled the provision of critical weapon systems to Ukraine, from HIMARS to F-16s to tanks to longer-range ATACMS. It is not wise statesmanship; it is weakness. This failed policy is prolonging the war. Mr. Speaker, we must demand President Biden send weapons to Ukraine at the speed of relevance. We must fully utilize the available security assistance authorities to support Ukraine's victory; not defund them. The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative has been funded by Congress for years to support Ukraine against Putin's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and subsequent war in the Donbas. In fact, President Trump used this same critical funding stream that we are debating today to transfer Javelin antitank missiles to Ukraine, reversing President Obama's failure to do so. While supporting Ukraine, Congress must ensure that all U.S. assistance is accounted for and every single taxpayer dollar is spent with precision. That is why my bill also includes $20 million for additional oversight of U.S. assistance to Ukraine. I had the opportunity to speak with President Zelenskyy during his recent trip, and I emphasized the importance of this oversight. It is also in the U.S. security interest for Ukraine to win as soon as possible, and that is why I am asking my colleagues to join me in supporting my bill to ensure that the $300 million for DOD's Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative becomes law.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and service of Captain David Wallace, a United States Navy veteran and permanent military professor, who passed away at the age of 48 on Monday, December 26, 2022. David was born in Stockton, New Jersey. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy, USNA, in Annapolis, Maryland, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in economics in 1996. He later returned to the USNA and earned a master of science degree in information technology management from the Naval Postgraduate School. David served in the Navy on Active Duty for over 20 years as a surface warfare officer. He served aboard the USS John S. McCain, the USS Hayler, and USS Mustin. In 2012, he commanded Coastal Riverine Group 2 Detachment Bahrain and Task Group 56.11 in Manama, Bahrain. On shore, David worked at U.S. Joint Forces Command assessing and developing practices in humanitarian assistance, counterinsurgency operations, foreign internal defense, and stability operations. He also served as deputy director for professional development at the USNA from 2010 to 2011. In 2013, David was selected for the USNA Permanent Military Professor program, earning his Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology in 2017 from George Mason University. Since 2020, David has served as the department chair of the USNA Leadership, Ethics, and Law Department, LEL, while also working as adjunct faculty at the George Mason University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, teaching graduate courses. David was a highly decorated veteran earning the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, and numerous unit, campaign, and service awards. In 2022, David received a nomination by the LEL Department for the USNA Military Professor Teaching Award, his second Meritorious Service Medal and his promotion to associate professor. Above all, professionally, David loved fostering the spirit of leadership in the Navy and throughout his career. Outside of his career, David loved to pursue his hobbies of sailing, boating, and home improvement with his wife, Valerie. Last December, David tragically lost his 2-year battle with cancer. I am grateful for his service and dedication to educating future military leaders. In recognition of his exemplary service, David was posthumously promoted to the rank of captain on April 25, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Valerie, with whom he shared 25 years of marriage and his three daughters, Savannah, Madeline, and Emma. May his memory be a blessing to his family, to his colleagues in the Navy, and to his community.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the milestone birthday of Bob ``Gibby'' Gibson who celebrated his 100th birthday on September 4, 2023. Gibby has dedicated his life to public service. Born in Hampton, New Jersey in 1923, he went on to serve in the United States Army during World War II. Following his service in major campaigns such as the D- Day Invasion and the Battle of the Bugle, Gibby was honorably discharged in 1945, and returned to his hometown of Hampton. Once home, he further proved his dedication to his community by joining the Hampton Fire Company, of which he climbed the ranks, becoming Chief in 1957. Continuing to demonstrate his remarkable commitment to public service, Gibby was elected Mayor of Hampton in 1966 and held office until 1971. Gibby has continued his dedication to public service throughout his life, currently serving as the Vice President of the Hampton Relief Association. On behalf of New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, I ask that we honor the celebration of Bob ``Gibby'' Gibson's 100th birthday.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my warmest wishes to Hobson Ellis Rodenbaugh in celebration of his 100th birthday. Hobson or Hobby as he is more affectionately known, was born in Hunterdon County on August 11, 1923. At 19, Hobby enlisted in the Army Signal Corps, serving in the Marshall Islands, Japan, and the Philippines during World War II. After being discharged, he came home to New Jersey where he married the Love of his life Virginia Mae Wands. Hobby continued to express his passion for service by serving on the Clinton Town Council and as Police Commissioner. In his retirement, Hobby joined the Union Township Senior Club of Hunterdon County and has served as both the Vice President and President of the organization. During his tenure Hobby has shared his passion for travel by arranging for the group to visit many locations around the country and the world. Mr. Speaker, it is individuals like Hobby who should inspire us all. I wish to convey our appreciation for his years of service to our country and community. May he continue to touch the lives of many for years to come.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my warmest congratulations to the Wallace Chapel AME Zion Church on their 100-year anniversary. For a century, the Wallace Chapel has been a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration within our community. Their unwavering commitment to serving others and being a source of hope has left an indelible mark on our communities. The first congregation was established in 1923 when Adelaide Edney longed for a church of her choice in Summit, New Jersey. That summer, more than 30 people were regularly attending the church services, building the strong community that Wallace Chapel is known for today. From worshiping in the hallways to having their own property, Chapel Wallace remains a historic, cultural and sacred place to celebrate and worship the Lord. As we celebrate this milestone, may we recognize the importance of this church for our community and the positive impact they have made towards other churches in the area. Once again, congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone, and may God's grace continue to shine upon them.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Mount Arlington Fire Department on its 100th anniversary. This significant milestone represents a century of unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and service to our New Jersey community. Firefighters are the first responders to danger and the backbone of keeping our neighborhoods safe. They represent hope and security, safeguarding our homes and businesses while keeping our families safe. From literally and figuratively putting out the biggest fires to responding to medical emergencies, firefighters exemplify heroism and commitment day in and day out. Their bravery, resilience, and selflessness in the face of danger have not only protected countless lives but have also inspired the entire community. I wish the Mount Arlington Fire Department a happy 100th anniversary. I thank them for their sacrifices, dedication, and overall, keeping our communities safe.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my warmest congratulations on the occasion of Mr. Joseph ``Joe'' Sheridan's retirement from Wakefern Food Corporation based in Keasbey, New Jersey. Joe's impressive 47-year career with Wakefern has been nothing short of remarkable, and his dedication to the company's success has been truly exemplary. Throughout his tenure as President, he has displayed exceptional leadership, vision, and a commitment to excellence. Under his guidance, Wakefern Food Corporation has thrived, becoming a pillar in the food retail industry and a source of pride for the community. His contributions to Wakefern and the broader business community have not gone unnoticed. He has left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring countless individuals with his passion and determination. His commitment to fostering a positive work environment and promoting the well-being of Wakefern employees is truly commendable. I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the positive impact Wakefern has had on New Jersey, and I can attribute much of that success to Joe's steadfast leadership. His dedication to the company's values and principles has set a high standard for the industry to follow. As Joe transitions into retirement, I do not doubt that his legacy will endure, and his guidance will continue to be an inspiration to those who have had the honor of working alongside him. His exceptional leadership and integrity have earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, business partners, and the community at large. On behalf of the constituents of New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, please accept my sincerest congratulations once again. May his retirement be tilled with joy, good health, and the opportunity to enjoy special times with your loved ones.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Chair, today, pursuant to the authority from Congress, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to report delayed or canceled flights. The rules also require a cause to be listed for the cancellation and delay. Every cancellation or delay must fall into a category of causes, one of which is air carrier. In practice, many causes of cancellations and delays outside an air carrier's control end up in this category. In effect, it has become a catchall category. This is a problem because without good data reflecting the causes of cancellations and delays, it is impossible to identify the root causes. If you can't identify the real problems, you can't, as a Member of Congress or a policymaker, craft a good policy solution. This amendment would require the Secretary to refine the reporting directives to provide more detailed information about the cause of a cancellation or delay, rather than simply dumping them all into a catchall category. It builds upon the committee's acknowledgment of this obvious problem in section 716 of the bill and is simply a more robust effort to address it. Any event listed in this amendment such as weather damage, unscheduled safety inspections, volcanic ash, or public health issues would no longer be categorized as carrier-caused. The mischaracterization of causes endemic to the current system is fixable, and we should take this opportunity to fix it. If adopted, this amendment will result in greater transparency to the traveling public regarding the cause of a canceled or delayed flight. Better data will allow the Secretary and airlines to develop strategies to mitigate their true causes. This amendment simply attempts to make sure the Department of Transportation and the FAA are gathering more accurate descriptions of the causes of a canceled or delayed flight, and in turn, will allow the FAA and the airlines to better inform their decisions moving forward. Just today, the FAA's effort to explain the cause of major day-to-day issues in real time were reported in various news sources. My amendment will support this goal by improving the data that goes into the system for explaining the causes of delays and cancellations. I share the FAA's goal of providing better data and more transparency, and this amendment will help provide them with the data they need to identify and to fix the problems that we have all been experiencing through air travel. Finally, I thank Representative Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon and Representative Larson of Connecticut for their bipartisan support and for joining me in offering this amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KEAN of New Jersey. Mr. Chair, as I said earlier, this amendment, which is bipartisan in nature, actually increases the scope of transparency and ensures that the traveling public, that the policymakers, and we as Members of Congress have a better knowledge and understanding of what is happening and what is causing delays on a real-time basis, and I urge its passage. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.