John Larson

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. So there have been no hearings.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the American Museum of Tort Law, located in Winsted, CT, which celebrated its second anniversary on September 25, 2017. In honor of its history and continued importance as a national educational institution, I would like to commemorate the museum and celebrate this milestone. Since its founding by Ralph Nader, the American Museum of Tort Law has attracted national acclaim from media outlets including Politico, the New Yorker, the Boston Globe and the Washington Post. Its vital importance to our citizenry has been recognized by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Thousands of people have attended the museum and have come away educated, entertained, and impressed by its presentation. The mission of this unique institution is to educate, inform, and inspire Americans about their legal system, with a focus on the right of trial by jury and the benefits of tort law. Through school group visits, self-guided tours, quality curated programing, and its website, the museum has shown true dedication towards the fostering of greater civic knowledge and awareness. Moving forward, the museum has an ambitious plan to expand, including not just on-site operations, but broadening its reach by traveling across the country and becoming a resource for practitioners, judges, and legal scholars. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to personally visit the American Museum of Tort Law. As a former history teacher, I can attest to the tremendous value this museum provides through the details and historical context that brings to life the law and justice. Tort law has improved the lives of so many and this museum tells that story. I am proud to have such an exciting and important institution located in my district. Congratulations to the American Museum of Tort Law on celebrating its second anniversary. May it continue to educate and inspire for generations to come.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, I missed Roll Call votes 582 through 584 on the Rule providing for Consideration of the Senate Amendment to H. Con. Res. 71-- Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Govermnent for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 20l9 throught 2027. Had I been present for these votes, I would have voted: Nay on Roll Call vote 582 on the motion on ordering the previous question on the rule; Nay on Roll Call vote 583 on agreeing to H. Res. 580; and Yea on Roll Call vote 584 on the journal vote

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, September 28, 2017, I missed Roll Call vote 543 on H.R. 2792, the Control Unlawful Fugitive Felons Act of 2017. Had I been present for this vote, I would have voted Nay on Roll Call vote 543.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, September 14, 2017, I was unfortunately not present for Roll Call votes 516 through 529 in order to attend the memorial service for a dear friend who passed away. If I had been present for these votes, I would have voted: Yay on Roll Call vote 516 on the motion to recommit with instructions; Nay on Roll Call vote 517 on passage of the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act (H.R. 3697); Nay on Roll Call vote 518 on agreeing to the amendment no. 192; Nay on Roll Call vote 519 on agreeing to the amendment no. 195; Yay on Roll Call vote 520 on agreeing to the amendment no. 196; Yay on Roll Call vote 521 on agreeing to the amendment no. 199; Yay on Roll Call vote 522 on agreeing to the amendment no. 200; Yay on Roll Call vote 523 on agreeing to the amendment no. 201; Nay on Roll Call vote 524 on agreeing to the amendment no. 204; Nay on Roll Call vote 525 on agreeing to the amendment no. 207; Yay on Roll Call vote 526 on agreeing to the amendment no. 223; Yay on Roll Call vote 527 on the motion to recommit with instructions; Nay on Roll Call vote 528 on passage of H.R. 3354; and Yay on Roll Call vote 529 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass the Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series Act (H.R. 3284) as amended.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record remarks made by the Reverend Stephen W. Camp at the Be the Light Interfaith Candle Lighting Vigil at Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford, CT on August 23, 2017. The Reverend Stephen W. Camp, M.Div., Senior Pastor, Faith Congregational Church of Hartford, CT ``The prophetic voice Maya Angelou once said, `I've learned that people will forget what you have said; people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' America was sent a message recently, a message that America rarely feels as deeply. As America watched the unfolding story centered in the little sleepy college town in Virginia. it was forced to feel, the kind of feeling that one never forgets. It was reminiscent of Selma and ``Bloody Sunday.'' It brought to mind Birmingham with the dog and fire hoses; it reminded America of the open hostility and defiance of a George Wallace. As America watched in recent days, some were stirred by the memory of ancestors and family members being marched into ovens, reminded of some of the worst inhumanity that our world has produced. The genie, we thought, was back in the tightly dosed bottle, the monster was locked away in its cage, but here it was again raring it ugly head, saying, ``I'm not dead yet! America felt pain once again. For some I'm sure, it simply felt like a scab had been ripped off an old wound. Still others may have thought these days were behind us, a past just-as-soon forgotten. But lest we forget, lest we ignore for even a moment--this pain rooted in forced Indian reservations and the buying and selling of human beings, lest we forget, it will surely surface and seek to cause havoc and pain until it is faced and fixed. The events of late teach all of us, as if any had doubt; that America is not healed yet. The work is not done. It seems just yesterday that Jewish cemeteries were vandalized, or just the other day that terrorist bombed a mosque or burned churches in the south. Were they just isolated incidents? No, but somehow they connected us and called us to feel, to be awake, to be alert--to mobilize for good. And here we are again. Charlottesville conjured up old feelings. Many who marched in Charlottesville that day, as we watched, most of us glued to the television, as they boldly marched, unhooded this time, khaki wearing white men, with their contorted angry faces, and carrying tiki torches, trying it seemed to desperately symbolize their power, their might, but only succeeding to pull back the scab and memory of historic oppression, failing to offer even a flickering of light, and of peace. We watched with sadness while they shouted hateful words and embodied a most detestable part of the American mosaic, frankly, only making many of us remember and feel the acute sickness that is still a part of America. For those who marched with counter intent, with ``never again'' etched upon their hearts, with ``non-violent direct action'' embedded in their spirit, many of them young people who have gotten the lessons that many of us who are older have tried to teach. So many counteracted and confronted, they stood tall and whether we liked it or not, they stood their ground and they gave us hope that one day the pain would give way to promise. We can take heart, because through them we knew that ``we shall indeed, overcome.'' But dearly, we have not yet reached that Promised Land. We have not yet fully embraced the place that Dr. King and Rabbi Hershel who marched arm in arm tried to show and to teach us. We haven't yet felt how Malcom who epitomized both the hope and the worry of the movement for justice, worry that integrity in the movement would be comprised given the times they were in, yet united with a yearning to taste real freedom for all. All of them understood that justice had a cost attached to it. However, we still haven't learned yet, how to include all the voices, sit with all the pain, open and feel all of the diverse ways we are together, but there is hope shining through, maybe given the Boston event, that we will get there. The beloved community will one day be! Think of the blueprint that was left to us, the light that was given and passed to us, as they each in their own ways, gave their lives to pass on to us, a real hope for a better tomorrow. What I guess Charlottesville has challenged me to do, is to keep singing songs of justice, keep speaking words of peace. The challenge is to sing a new song in this often strange land, this place where America is still striving to form a more perfect union, this place where free speech should always be celebrated, must always be protected, but never allowed by any to be abused. We are called to sing together the words of peace, the words of hope, sing so as to feel that hope and that peace until it is never forgotten, until it is so deeply felt that no one is left behind without voice or value. So we come together again, gathered by the many ways God gathers us, we come together to sing even when we may not feel like singing, sing even though the words may not always be dear to us or the language understood by everyone is not plain. We come together to share words of peace, even when it seems the world is bent upon acts of violent expression. We come together knowing that love trumps hate, that without love and hope we perish, so we hope, we believe and work for a better day. Maya Angelou was right, people will never forget--when it is felt. It is our work, to help each other feel the presence of peace. It's our work to care for one another, to bind up those who are broken, to repair the world and make the world a just place for all. This is our work to feel, not the hate that some would have us feel, but to offer a binding, sustaining and enduring feeling that builds community and opens hearts to know and feel that another world is possible. It is there, don't you feel it, can't you see it? It is there, just over the horizon. Let's go there together! Thank you.''

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my colleague for being stellar in this, in leading the fight in the State of Connecticut and in joining the Connecticut General Assembly in that effort. I thank Congressman Courtney for his diligence in this effort.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, in less than a minute, I want to thank the chairman and I also want to thank the ranking member for their support in what is a critical issue to the citizens of the State of Connecticut. I want to thank Representative Courtney for spearheading this effort in the State of Connecticut, along with a young State senator named Timothy D. Larson.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, on Friday, July 28, 2017, I was not present for rollcall votes 437 and 438. If I had been present for these votes, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote 437 and ``yea'' on rollcall vote 438.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Walter Harrison, who retired as the president of the University of Hartford on June 30, 2017 after serving in that position for 19 years. In his time as president, the University of Hartford has truly flourished. Under his leadership, UHart has grown by leaps and bounds through increased enrollment, continued academic success, new academic programs and centers, and major renovations to campus facilities. He leaves the university as a place with a national reputation as a renowned academic institution. Walt is first and foremost an educator and a scholar of American literature and culture. A native of Pittsburgh, he first came to Connecticut to study at Trinity College in Hartford where he received his bachelor's degree. He then went on to earn a master's degree from the University of Michigan and his doctorate from the University of California--Davis. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force where he served as an officer. During his time as chair of the NCAA's Committee on Academic Performance, he became one of the nation's most influential voices on higher education and collegiate athletics. He has always been a champion on behalf of student-athletes and ensuring that collegiate athletics are always a part of an enriching academic experience. This culminated with Walt's receipt of the NCAA's Gerald R. Ford Award. Walt has not only been an extraordinary leader of the university, but has been a pillar of the Greater Hartford community. That can be seen in the two magnet schools opened by the university under his tenure and through his service on the boards of the Hartford Stage, St. Francis Hospital, MetroHartford Alliance, Suffield Academy, Hartford Consortium for Higher Education, the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, and the Connecticut Science Center. Walt has contributed immensely to the fabric of our civic culture. I am proud to call Walt a friend. Anyone who knows Walt knows that he is a passionate baseball fan, particularly of his Pittsburgh Pirates. His doctoral dissertation was on baseball's influence on the nation's culture and he is the most knowledgeable baseball fan that one will ever meet. I wish him the best in retirement and I hope he takes his newfound free time to enjoy his family and to finally visit every big league ballpark. I would like to submit for the Record the undergraduate and graduate commencement addresses delivered on Walter's last graduation ceremonies as president by my colleagues, Congresswoman Mia Love of Utah and Congressman Richard Neal of Massachusetts, two proud UHart alumni. the honorable mia love It is wonderful to be with you all today. It is great to be back to a place filled with so many memories. My mind has been racing back to places and spaces on this campus; to so many lessons learned, and to so many people who made a difference in my life. My time here as a student stretched me, strengthened me, and positioned me to recognize opportunities so I can rise to my full potential. One of those amazing faculty members who challenged me to rise was Peter Flint. He was our teacher and sadly, he passed away far too soon--but he is forever a part of my life and the lives of those who were blessed by his vision and direction. Peter had a motto for those of us in musical theater. He had us memorize it--but more importantly he challenged us to live it. The motto said, ``I am an artist. These are my emotions and I own them. And I like them. My talent comes from something other than myself, but I alone am responsible for it. I will dare to be bad, so that I may be good. I am an artist. I am that I am.'' Peter continually challenged us to rise. He gave us the courage to know it was ok to be bad in the beginning and that working through the bad was the only way to rise to the good and ultimately to the best we had within us. Above all, Peter expected us to take responsibility and ownership for our talents and gifts. Winston Churchill said it this way, ``To each there comes . . . a special moment when we are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do something very special, unique to our talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds us unwilling, unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.'' The great question you will face in the days and years ahead is this, ``Am I prepared to rise in such moments?'' I hope you consider today, graduation day, the first step to accepting taps on the shoulder that will lead you to a lifetime of fine hours as you rise to the full measure of your potential. Two things for you to keep in mind as you get ready to rise. First your ability to rise will be bolstered or shackled by your ability to engage in elevated dialogue. It may seem crazy for a member of Congress to be talking about elevated dialogue--but I believe it is the key to all of our finest hours. As a nation, as individuals, and as communities we must get comfortable having uncomfortable conversations. We cannot rise if we are constantly spewing divisive and demonizing rhetoric. It is so tempting to melt-down someone's twitter feed or blow up their Facebook page with anger-filled words of frustration. Someone wisely said, ``Speak in anger and you will give the best speech you ever live to regret.'' Even if it's sharing a virtual speech on social media--the result is the same. Remember this, moments captured are forever and friends keep friends off YouTube. The solution to any problem begins when someone says, ``Let's talk about it.'' We have a long way to go as country--but it starts with each of us individually being willing to have an elevated conversation about the challenges of our day. It is impossible to rise without being comfortable and confident in higher dialogue. Second, remember that your goal is to rise with, not over, others. There is an old Scottish saying, ``Thee lift me and I'll lift thee and together we'll ascend.'' Sadly our society tells us more and more that we should just look out for number one and not worry about anyone else. My dad came to this country with $10 in his pocket in an attempt to rise above the poverty and strife of his native Haiti. Through grit and determination he and my mom provided me, and my siblings, the opportunity to rise in pursuit of our own version of the American dream. I will always remember the day my dad dropped me off here on campus on orientation day. He was so excited and giddy as if he were the one ready to start the adventure on campus, away from home. At one point he became serious as he looked me in the eye and said, ``Mia, your mom and I have worked hard to get us to this point today. You will not be a burden to society, You will give back. You will contribute. You will make a difference for others.'' What he was telling me is that it was part of my responsibility not only to rise myself, but to bring others along with me. Just as he had done with me. I will confess that stepping onto this campus that day the thought of being a mayor, a mother or a member of congress were not remotely in my mind. But when I stepped off of this campus, as each of you will today, I was ready to rise to new roles, responsibilities and opportunities. Each of those roles has given me an opportunity to learn, to engage in elevated dialogue and help others rise to their potential. You are the rising generation. You are the leaders, not just for tomorrow, but for today. Today I challenge you to raise your sight, not just your status, as you enter the workforce and a world desperately in need of your energy, talent and commitment. Remember the second half of Churchill's statement about those taps on the shoulder and those opportunities to rise. There is one more quote I'd like to share, by a man named John Greenleaf Whittier. He wrote, ``Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: `It might have been.' '' Guys, we cannot accept ``what might have been.'' It is a haunting horrible phrase. Fifty years from now you will have far more regrets about the opportunities you didn't take, the mountains you did not climb and the adventures you did not pursue than you will ever have for opportunities you took-- even when you tried and failed. When we fail to continuously learn--we will be left to live with what might have been. When we fail to engage in elevated dialogue in our homes, communities, and places of employment--we will be left to live with what might have been. When we fail to lift others as we ourselves rise--we will be left to live with what might have been. A few years ago my family and I were at an event in our community. There was a large hot-air balloon there as part of the fun. An opportunity arose for me to go up in the balloon. As I approached they told me to bring one of my children along for the ride. I called to my son Peyton, who was 7 years old, to come jump in the basket with me. He hesitated and resisted. The balloon was ready to launch and we couldn't wait for Peyton to decide so I called to my daughter Abi who jumped in and off we went. After rising in the crisp, cool air and enjoying the amazing view of my district in Utah we started our return to the ground. As we began to descend the winds picked up and let's just say the landing was a bit of an adventure. Peyton had watched all the fun from the ground. As we got out of the basket he came running over shouting that he was ready for his turn. Unfortunately with the now windy conditions, the balloon had to stay on the ground. The opportunity to rise and soar in the sky came and was gone. I took Peyton aside and told him to remember this experience. Because in life, especially here in America, if you don't take an opportunity--it quickly passes and you never know if it will--come back. Presented with opportunity--we must rise to the occasion. Graduates--your experiences on campus have given you a view from higher up. Remember those experiences--remember what it felt like to gain that new perspective, understand that new knowledge, ace that test, master that new skill or maximize your talent. So that when life knocks you down--and surely it will--you will get back up because you know what it takes to rise. So my challenge to each of you is the same one I make to my colleagues in Congress--create opportunities every day for yourself, for those you love, and for good people everywhere to rise. To you graduates I say --You got this. This is your tap on the shoulder. This is your time. These are your days--Rise. University of Hartford Graduate Keynote Address, May 20, 2017 the Honorable Richard Neal Good morning President Harrison, President-Designate Woodward, parents, friends and guests. And of course the graduate school class of 2017. I am so honored to speak at University of Hartford's 60th Commencement Address. For me, it is a homecoming. Looking around campus and at the students and faculty brings back fond memories of when I studied here for my Master's degree. For my first year, I worked in the Mayor of Springfield's office during the day and went to school at night. The second year, I went to school as a full time day student. The education I received here allowed me to serve as a lecturer at UMass Amherst and other institutions for the last 28 years. The faculty certainly deserves special recognition. You blend your experience and teaching talents to help students reach their potential. As I have always said, when you reach your potential, your potential expands. I applaud you for pushing students to rely on facts and listen closely to both sides of an argument. You encourage students to be curious and examine evidence while at the same time, discourage them from insulating themselves from opposing views. It is admirable and critical at a time when many students and activists refuse to hear both sides of an argument. The university is not the place for the incurious! As a graduate student, your professors expected more from your writing, presentations and papers. In turn, you had to ensure your work and arguments were backed up with facts, not opinions. Since the beginning of this Congressional session, the House Ways and Means Committee, of which I am the leading Democrat, has been at the heart of almost every major public policy debate about issues that directly impact our nation's economy, including: health care, tax, trade, and Social Security. My Committee colleagues on both sides of the aisle rely on facts and ensure we take time to listen to both sides of each argument. And like me, my colleagues think it is important to talk in complete sentences and give thought to something before we say anything. There is very little substantive thought and analysis that can be done in 140 characters or less. Thanks to the education I received at University of Hartford and the support of its great faculty members, it taught me to think critically and prepared me to be the new Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Committee. As a child who was raised by my aunt and grandmother on Social Security Survivor Benefits, the fact that I am standing here today having accomplished as much as I have is in due part to the great education I received throughout my lifetime. As you move forward in your careers or toward your next degree, it is imperative you keep a critical eye on facts. Because today more than ever, facts should count. And not be seen as decorations to clever arguments. Unfortunately, today facts are hazy or simply non-existent. The 24 hour news cycle creates a constant race to get news out before anyone else. And often, facts are cast aside and ``infotainment'' takes over--entertainment is more and more disguised as news. News should not be entertaining, especially in today's political environment. Opinions draw ratings and provide a ripe environment for fake news to thrive. Merriam Webster Dictionary is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts. They have become the referee in this new-aged news cycle-having to point out what words are being used correctly and when they simply are not. Who would have ever thought ``bigly'' would become part of our political vernacular? Fake news is not based on fact, instead reflects the ``only if you agree with me'' mentality. This is a dangerous precedent. As we saw at Middlebury and Berkley earlier this year, the social media mob can disrupt a campus. It reflects the common misperception that you are entitled to your own set of opinions, but not your own set of facts. The university must remain the citadel of free speech and thought. A former Clinton official recently said UC Berkley made a ``grave mistake'' when they originally cancelled an appearance earlier this year by a conservative commentator. These two people agree on almost nothing, but both fiercely defend the first amendment. Why? Because cancelling events like this sets the stage for a slippery slope towards dismantling the first amendment. A similar situation happened at Middlebury--student backlash in response to a conservative speaker sparked violence and other inappropriate behavior. Men and women in masks are inimical to representative democracy. This goes to exactly what I am talking about. Cancelling events like this lacerate the first amendment. Many students like free speech--but only if they agree with the issue. When our founding fathers wrote the constitution, they didn't include an asterisk next to the first amendment that said ``except if I don't agree with you.'' Students could have had an opportunity to hear a view different than their own, and used the experience to further develop and challenge their own fact based analytical thinking. Biased news does not benefit anyone. Instead, it creates a toxic environment that breeds misinformation, anger, paranoia and stifles compromise and dialogue. My staff knows not to even ask me if I will go on cable TV shows because the answer is always no. It is guaranteed to be filled with inflammatory language that is more focused on finding conflict than understanding the facts. It becomes incoherent! Experience informs our judgement. It is critical for students to engage with people with whom you don't agree. It shapes your experience and ultimately your judgement. That's how I informed myself. I read articles and publications that may not agree with my opinion. I talk to those across the aisle. I meet and listen to constituents from all walks of life. And I always leave knowing more than I did when I walked in. It's all about broadening your scope. Democracy is supposed to be noisy. Backlash at Berkley and Middlebury both point to how the first amendment is put at risk--those who think free speech is fine and safe until they are offended and in turn refuse to hear or even allow other opinions to have the opportunity to share their side of the story. The first amendment is the cornerstone of our constitutional system--the first amendment guarantees a second opinion. How did we get here? Well one reason is the passage of time. I am a child of the 1960s. Younger people played a critical role in the civil rights movement and were focused on ending discrimination. As time has passed and the central figures of the 1960's have aged, the younger generation and organizations that have historically focused on civil rights have readjusted their focus to economic justice. While not to belittle economic justice, unfortunately, free speech and nonpartisanship have fallen by the wayside. How do we get back to a place where free speech is not only protected and guaranteed, but can flourish? One simple, important first step: listen. I was recently asked how I engage with younger people. The answer was easy--the same way I engage with anyone--I listen. Today, we talk too much and don't listen enough. We care more about our phones and posting information rather than listening. So much can be gained from listening--it generates thoughtful discussion, shows you care, expands your horizon, and often leads to new ideas and compromise. I am certainly not saying this is easy. It's uncomfortable, but ultimately, it is an important step to protect free speech. The closing of the American mind is not helpful to growing democracy. Columnist and Harvard Professor Cass R. Sunstein put it well in a recent Boston Herald opinion piece. He talked about the energy that goes into protests and encouraged students to think through how their actions and protests will ultimately help people rather than looking inward at college life. As complex as things are today, facts are more important than ever. I challenge you to expand your potential, engage with people with opposing views, and take time to examine evidence to protect facts and discourage fake news. All of these actions ultimately protect the cornerstone of our democracy the first amendment. Thank you President Harrison, President-Designate Woodward and the entire University of Hartford community. Congratulations on behalf of the United States of America.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, while I put up a couple of charts here, the most noticeable one is I want to make everybody aware that tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. we will unveil ACTION, a call to national service. It will be carried live streaming on YouTube tomorrow morning, May 25, at 9 a.m. The first poster that I have up here is of General McChrystal. Tomorrow morning, John Lewis, Doris Matsui, Joe Kennedy, our Senate lead Senator Jack Reed from Rhode Island, and General McChrystal, among others, will be at our bill introduction and rollout. General McChrystal has said that we need to create a culture of service, where we are all vested in our Nation's future and feel a shared sense of responsibility not only to our Nation, but to each other. General McChrystal also said, as was outlined in The Atlantic Monthly, that you don't have to wear a military uniform to serve your country. But certainly wearing a military uniform in serving your country is an honor, and we commend those men and women who serve for what they do for our country. But many among them, including reservists and the National Guard, are not often eligible for the GI Bill, yet they have done tours of duty and served their Nation extraordinarily well. This Monday, Memorial Day, would be the 100th birthday of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. It is hard to believe that so youthful, so vital, so gracious, so eloquent, and so charismatic a leader was taken from us at such a young age. Yet it was he who gave us this great vision when, in his inaugural address, he said to the citizens of this country: ``In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround this globe. ``Now the trumpet summons us again--not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need--not as a call to battle, though embattled we are-- but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, `rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation'--a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.'' Kennedy was speaking of the Nation when he said: ``Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind?'' Then he said to all Americans: ``Will you join in that historic effort?'' ``And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.'' What we propose in this legislation tomorrow we are rolling out is that what you can do for your country is serve it. Whether in the military, the Reserves, or the National Guard, or whether in the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or VISTA, you can serve your country; and what your country can do for you in return is to help you get through college and pay off your debt that you have incurred. Rise with us, America, and join us tomorrow as we go on the march and make sure that, in the legacy of President Kennedy, we continue to move this Nation forward.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about national service. I am delighted, as you can see from these posters, to be standing next to President Kennedy and General McChrystal. Many of you may know that this Monday, Memorial Day, May 29, would be the 100th birthday of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. What better way to remember his legacy than by a call to national service, a call that has been echoed by General McChrystal as well. I love the headline that says: You don't have to wear a military uniform to serve your country. President Kennedy came up with the idea of the Peace Corps at a time when we faced nuclear threats and rising concern of proliferation of nuclear arms; at a time when Russia, as it still is today, was a very strong enemy of the United States. President Kennedy felt that the United States needed to put their best face on for the rest of the world, so he established a Peace Corps and sent the brightest and best all across the globe so that they could represent the values of this great country of ours. What better way to do that than through serving your country, by making sure you are not asking what your country can do for you but what you, in fact, can do for your country. We are proposing a concept called ACTION for National Service, action so that we can encourage people throughout the country to participate in voluntary service. Whether you serve in the military voluntarily, the Guard or the National Reserve, or whether it is the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, or you are part of the Corporation for National and Community Service and one of the many agencies that work to provide a better world both here at home and abroad. Our goal is very simple and direct. We want to make sure, as General McChrystal has outlined, that by 2026, which would be the 250th birthday of this Nation, that we have a million volunteers annually who are coming in to service. We will provide an incentive for people to do so, very clear and simple: If you serve your country, we will help you get through college. If you have been through college and you want to serve your country, if you serve your Nation, we will forgive your college debt. We know that, in attracting a million people to public service, we can do great good across the globe. We want to make sure that we raise the Corporation for National and Community Service to a Cabinet-level position within the White House. We want to encourage people. More than 400,000 millennials were turned away from serving their country last year. Less than 1 percent of the Nation, including all of our military and the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA combined, account for less than 1 percent of the Nation. How can a nation long survive with a population of 330 million people and less than 1 percent of its countrymen serving this great Nation of ours? This is a national crisis. At a time when we have to make sure that we are encouraging and nurturing our great democracy, we need our citizens to become more involved. That is why, on Thursday of this week, we are going to be rolling out a bill that will do just that and do so in a manner that will elevate the Corporation for National and Community Service to a Cabinet-level position, create the goal of establishing a million volunteers annually by 2026, incentivizing them to serve so that if you serve your country, we will forgive your debt; or if you serve your country, we will help you go to college or get the kind of training that you need to be a participant while also gaining the knowledge and expertise and the values that come from community service. Join us. We will be live on YouTube Thursday morning at 9 o'clock.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, today we are one week away from Memorial Day. On May 29, we will celebrate Memorial Day this year. But this also, remarkably, would be the 100th birthday of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. It is hard to believe when we think of President Kennedy, his youthful vigor, the popular appeal that he had not only in this country and around the world, and forever in our hearts and minds, that vision of grace and dignity and wit and humor and public service and dedication. It was President Kennedy, of course, who said we will put a man on the Moon and do it within 10 years, and we did it in 9. Amongst his great legacies, of course, is that President Kennedy founded and was the creator of the Peace Corps. President Kennedy felt in those troubling times when there was the threat of nuclear annihilation, that what we needed to do is send forward America's best, let the world see what America is truly about. So he engaged this great Nation in the effort of sending our brightest and best abroad. Today, many Americans might be surprised to know that in a nation of more than 330 million people, less than 1 percent--let me repeat that again, less than 1 percent--of the Nation serves in all of our military, including our Reserves and National Guard and in the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, Teach For America, Senior Corps, City Year, and Corporation for National and Community Service. The Corporation for National and Community Service has indicated, last year more than 400,000 of your fellow Americans wanted to serve their country, and yet they were turned away because of a lack of financing. Imagine in this day and age, with our budgets coming out, when we know, in fact, from all sources that the volunteerism that is provided more than pays for itself at almost a 4-to-1 clip. That is why, this Thursday, we are going to drop a bill on national service. It is called ACTION, because that is what this country needs. We find too many Americans who want to serve their nation but are unable to do so, especially those who want to serve in a capacity other than the United States military. So it is up to this Congress to make sure that we provide an alternative to do just that. So we will drop a bill this week and are looking for original cosponsors who will sign on to that bill that says simply this: If you are willing to serve your country in any of those capacities, if you are willing to serve your country, we will help you get a college education. If you have a college education and you have been out looking for a job, and you have been unsuccessful, but you still would like experience and to serve your country, we will pay for that as well. The bottom line: Serve your country, and we will take care of your college debt or help you get to college.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, May 19th 2017, I was not present for rollcall votes 267 and 268. If I had been present for these votes, I would have voted: ``Yea'' on rollcall vote 267 and ``yea'' on rollcall vote 268.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished Member from Maryland and our distinguished chairman from Virginia for taking up this legislation. Let me start by thanking so many cosponsors, starting with Peter King and Bill Pascrell, the co-chairs of our Congressional Fire Services Caucus, for their extraordinary work; the sheriff, as I like to refer to David Reichert, who I serve with on the Committee on Ways and Means; and Tim Walz, the chairman of the Congressional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Caucus and ranking member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Amongst the Members who are cosponsors of the bill, many are former first responders as well: Dutch Ruppersberger, former police officer; John Rutherford, former sheriff of Duval County, Florida; Brian Fitzpatrick, former FBI special agent; Jim Renacci, former volunteer firefighter from Ohio. Special thanks to the Committee on the Judiciary for recognizing, however simple a solution, how powerful the meaning for those who have lost a member of their community and their family who, as Lincoln would say, have given the full measure of their devotion. I thank Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers, Steve King, and Steve Cohen also for their work on this. I deeply appreciate it. I especially thank and single out Jim McLoughlin, a veteran firefighter from Connecticut. He is the founder of the National Honor Guard Commanders Association, and it was he who first came to me with endorsing this concept. I also thank the strong support of Harold Schaitberger of the International Association of Firefighters, the Fraternal Order of Police, Sergeants Benevolent Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the National Volunteer Fire Council, among others. As has been said on the floor already today, a number of people have mentioned that this week we come together during National Police Week to recognize first responders. In fact, the White House was lit in blue last night. It is those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us and our communities, as the chairman noted, who often get forgotten in terms of their line of duty. I am the son of a proud firefighter. I think in every firefighter's memory and every memory of the Nation will be permanently seared that vision of firefighters rushing up the steps of the World Trade Center as people were coming down. Whether it is a national emergency or a medical emergency, these brave men and women are the first to answer the call, and they deserve our respect. Scripture tells us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, but only a few are willing to step into harm's way for others. When everyone else flees from danger, our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs heroically place their lives in jeopardy to help people that they have never met. These jobs are inherently dangerous. The reminders are too common. And as any family of a first responder can tell you, they oftentimes do not return home to their families. Joe Crowley has spoken eloquently of that on this very floor. This bill has been reviewed by the chairman, and I thank Mr. Raskin for his comments as well. But I think we can all agree that these courageous men and women deserve what is a simple tribute but a very powerful message when the American flag and all that it stands for is lowered to halfstaff when they have given the full measure of their devotion to their community, their State, and this Nation. Mr. Speaker, I urge its passage and am thankful for the bipartisan support that we have received on this very important week for these incredibly remarkable and important people who serve their country.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, May 3rd 2017, I was not present for rollcall vote 246. If I had been present for this vote, I would have voted: ``Nay'' on rollcall vote 246. (By unanimous consent, Mr. Hensarling was allowed to speak out of order.) Moment of Silence Remembering Victims of Destructive Storm

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, April 28, 2017, I was not present for roll call votes 235, 236 and 237. Had I been present for these votes, I would have voted: Nay on roll call vote 235; Yea on roll call vote 236; and Yea on roll call vote 237.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Mark S. Marini, Sr. for his dedicated service to our Country, the United States Army, and the Connecticut National Guard. This week, Mr. Marini retires from the Connecticut Army National Guard after 42 years of uniformed service. For over four decades, Mr. Marini has served the State of Connecticut and our Country with the utmost dignity and respect, and it is my profound honor to recognize him as he retires this Thursday from his position as the Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Connecticut Army National Guard. CW5 Marini's accomplishments while serving at home and with his unit deployed into harm's way are extensive-his full engagement, leadership and contributions have had a significant and long lasting impact upon the numerous formations that make up our Connecticut National Guard. His dedication to his country, the National Guard, and the men and women of the state is unparalleled. I extend my deepest congratulations to CW5 Marini upon his retirement, and extend my appreciation to him for enduring so much for so long on our behalf.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, I was not present for roll call vote 223. If I had been present for this vote, I would have voted: Yea on roll call vote 223.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, I was not present for roll call vote 215. If I had been present for this vote, I would have voted: Yea on roll call vote 215.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the entire Connecticut delegation to recognize a dedicated leader, respected academic, and a dear friend, Walter Harrison, on his retirement as the President of the University of Hartford. His retirement marks the end of 19 years of an incredibly successful term as President and the end of an era at the University. A graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Walt began his career of service and experience in higher education, receiving his Masters from the University of Michigan and went on to serve for three years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He then completed a doctorate at the University of California-Davis and worked in the administrations of Colorado College and the University of Michigan before joining the University of Hartford. Walter Harrison played a critical role in revitalizing the University of Hartford after he became President in 1998. Under his guidance, the University increased and diversified its enrollment, financial stability and academic performance. During the time that Mr. Harrison served as President, the University of Hartford renovated dorms, dining halls and athletic facilities to completely change and modernize the campus. New undergraduate and graduate academic programs were added in science, technology and the fine arts. Undergraduate enrollment increased by 20 percent. His genuine affinity for students and his authentic concern were evident every time I walked the campus with him. Walter has also been an engaged leader for the city of Hartford. He serves on multiple boards in the area including on the boards of Saint Francis Hospital and the MetroHartford Alliance. He is one of the founders of the Connecticut Science Center and a past president of Hartford Stage. Walter made engagement with the city a priority of his tenure, and was involved in the effort to incorporate Hartford public schools into the campus of the University, resulting in the University of Hartford Magnet School and the University High School of Science and Engineering. Walter also played a key role in reforming the NCAA and was recognized by his peers for his outstanding leadership. What I admire most about Walt is the easy manner and grace in which he engages students, faculty, and the greater community the University serves. His humanity and well-rounded nature makes him a man for all seasons: cultured, passionate, affable, and witty, truly a Renaissance man. He is just as comfortable at Augie and Rays as he is at Hartford Stage; talking sports, politics, or theater. I have valued our friendship, admired his leadership and academic acumen, and consider myself a better person having benefitted from our relationship and his wisdom. Walt will be truly missed at the University of Hartford. His vision and leadership have shaped the University into the institution it is today, and I am proud to call him a friend. The word retirement doesn't become him; he is too committed and essential to the heartbeat of life to retire. He will simply engage. The entire CT delegation joins in thanking him for his service to the University and the city of Hartford. To paraphrase George Barnard Shaw, Walt has been a splendid torch that has burned brightly for the University and now he is handing it off to the next generation.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I associate myself with Mr. Neal's remarks, and especially him framing this issue from the outside about the arc of history. As we have witnessed in this Chamber time and again, dating back to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, when you look at the impact of 24 million people, you have to look at your colleagues on the other side of the aisle and say: Are you frozen in the ice of your indifference to what impacts the daily lives of people who have showed up at our forums and the forums that you have conducted? The sheer humanity of what is taking place across this country cries out for a solution. Yet all we have heard, as Mr. Neal said, is the helter-skelter back and forth of who is winning politically, what is happening with the Freedom Caucus, what is going to--if Trump loses, is Ryan out? The American people don't care about that. They care about their families. And this is the institution that we were sent to to work on their behalf. It is up to us to come together and work on behalf of the American people. This is not a healthcare bill. This is a tax bill. We are going to work on that later on, but we shouldn't start by saying that we are going to have a transfer of wealth in this Chamber from people who are begging and pleading and showing up at the townhalls and asking for our help, and our answer is a transfer of wealth in a tax bill. Everybody wants to know why we are taking this up first and not taxes. Because it is a tax bill, that is why.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on March 22nd, 2017--I was not present for rollcall vote 185. If I had been present for this vote, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, March 9th, 2017, I was not present for roll call votes 138 and 139. If I had been present for this vote, I would have voted: ``Nay'' on roll call vote 138, ``Nay'' on roll call vote 139. personal explanation