John Larson

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Neal and Leader Brady--what an outstanding example of bipartisan cooperation. But especially as it relates to what has amounted to a financial retirement crisis, this clearly will help aid in the work that has already been done by Chairman Neal with regard to both the SECURES Act and the Butch Lewis Act, but this even adds more flexibility and also provides an automatic opportunity for people to put money forward. I went to the Aetna School of Insurance and they said there are three legs on this table: personal savings, pension, and Social Security. This helps address the pension issue as no one can. Again, I want to commend Mr. Neal and Mr. Brady for their efforts, and point out that we have another leg on that stool that is called Social Security that Congress hasn't addressed in more than 50 years. I commend the chairman as we go through the process of markup on that as well.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, Martin Luther King famously said in a speech in Memphis that there is always a need to act, but especially, as he noted there at the time, with the fierce urgency of now. The fierce urgency of now, as it relates to Social Security, has been underscored by a global pandemic, a global pandemic that has hit the world and our country especially hard. More than 940,000 Americans have lost their lives. Of those who have perished, over 700,000 of them are over age 65. I bring this to the attention of the body because COVID has specifically underscored a problem that existed amongst our elderly before the outbreak of this international pandemic. Over 700,000 over the age of 65 have died. This is the same group that is worse hit by the effects of inflation. As you know, Madam Speaker, everybody who is on a fixed income and has to marshal their resources understands how inflation can be crippling. All the more reason that we need to provide relief, and relief is on the way. Relief is on the way with the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act, currently in the process of being marked up in the Ways and Means Committee. Our seniors need our help now, as they struggle both with COVID and as they struggle being on a fixed income. The last time that the United States Congress did anything to enhance Social Security was more than 51 years ago. Richard Nixon was the President of the United States, and the cost of a gallon of milk was 72 cents. A lot has transpired since then, but what hasn't taken place is Congress and its responsibility to make sure that Social Security keeps pace with the changes that are needed. The last time Congress did anything substantial with Social Security was 39 years ago, in 1983. It increased the solvency, but it did so by cutting benefits and taxing the elderly. Social Security 2100 seeks to enhance benefits, that hasn't been done in more than 50 years, and eliminate a burdensome tax on people who have to work after they have retired in order to make ends meet. I want to especially commend the Congressional Black Caucus and Mr. Clyburn for their efforts in this area, underscoring, again, and knowing what happens to people of color. As Mr. Clyburn so eloquently says: Not only is it people of color, but people in rural America. All across the South and all across this country, rural Americans are forced to live on fixed incomes that haven't been adjusted in more than 50 years. In the midst of COVID and this inflation, they are the ones who are hurt the most. Congress can no longer afford to kick the can down the road and, once again, not address the preeminent program that prevents the elderly from living in poverty and the preeminent program that prevents children from living in poverty. It is time for Congress to act. It is our responsibility to do so. As the chair of the Subcommittee on Social Security on the Ways and Means Committee, I am proud that Chairman Neal and our membership are moving this legislation forward and onto the floor. It wouldn't happen without the best efforts put forward by Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and I commend Joyce Beatty for her efforts as well.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, we all anticipate and await the presentation from an international hero. Hearing from President Zelensky tomorrow is exactly what this Congress and what the Nation needs to hear. I believe that we will come out united. Certainly, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine and the bravery of President Zelensky. Madam Speaker, I am here to also talk about another urgency here at home. The fierce urgency of now, as Martin Luther King said, would apply to seniors all across our country. We are all painfully aware of the results of the pandemic with more than 900,000 Americans having perished and over 660,000 of them over the age of 65. Madam Speaker, you know firsthand as well because you led Chairman Neal's racial equity initiative that also underscored this very group of people--seniors and especially people of color--who have been impacted the most. As John Lewis said: This is the next major civil rights issue. And if Black Lives Matter and is more than just a slogan, it is long overdue for the Congress of the United States to take action. I commend you, Madam Speaker, for your efforts in making sure that we bring to the American public's attention this inequity that exists. Imagine more than 5 million Americans in the wealthiest nation on the face of the Earth living in poverty, millions of whom have paid all their lives into a Social Security system that gives them a below poverty-level check. The last time Congress did anything to enhance Social Security was in 1971. Richard Nixon was the President, and a gallon of milk cost 72 cents. A lot has transpired since then, especially as it relates to our seniors. The people who are impacted the most, along with COVID, are the people who are on fixed incomes. They are impacted by inflation as well. That is why it is so vitally important, with more than 10,000 baby boomers a day becoming eligible for Social Security, that Congress finally acts. Help is on the way. Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust will do just that and make sure that it provides across-the-board relief and makes sure that no one can retire into poverty and raises the new floor for those who are in desperate need now. We can no longer afford to kick the can down the road. The pandemic has only further underscored the problem that our seniors face. Madam Speaker, as you know, it is not just our seniors. When we look at veterans, more veterans rely on Social Security disability than they do on the VA. When we look at spousal and dependent coverage and the need for children to stay on their policies and be able to be eligible as Social Security recipients, how we have treated widows and widowers, all needs to be addressed. Who is impacted the most by this? Women. And specifically women of color that are most in need, because of the jobs they held in society and because they were primarily caregivers and spent more time at home. It is they who are living longer and also need assistance from the United States Congress. It is long overdue for us to act. It has been more than 50 years since Congress has done anything. This is not something the President can do with an executive order or that is going to be adjudicated by the courts. This can only happen if Congress takes action. I am proud of the efforts of Chairman Neal and the Ways and Means Committee as we move toward a markup of Social Security and to bring this to the floor and then to vote on it in the Senate.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I am here to commend Chairman Neal and the Racial Equity Initiative headed by Terri Sewell, Steve Horsford, and Jimmy Gomez, and also to recognize Joyce Beatty, for the work that they have done in bringing forward the inequity that has existed in this country for far too long. More than 5 million of our fellow Americans get below poverty-level checks from Social Security because the Congress of the United States has not done anything to enhance Social Security in more than 50 years. Whom does that affect the most? It affects women of color and women specifically--people who held jobs who weren't earning the same kind of salary or wages and people who were caregivers at home for their children. Help is on the way. Social Security 2100 is coming to the floor, and finally, millions of Americans who get below poverty-level checks after having worked all their lives and paid into a system are going to get what they richly deserve.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, more than 900,000 people in the United States have lost their lives due to COVID. Of those more than 900,000, 660,000 people over age 65 have been lost because of COVID. This is the same population that was not only worried and concerned about COVID, but they are the ones on a fixed income. They are the ones that rely on Social Security. More than 5 million of our fellow Americans get a below-poverty-level check from Social Security after having paid in all their lives to the number one insurance program in the country, the number one anti- poverty program for the elderly, and the number one anti-poverty program for children. Help is on the way. Social Security 2100, a sacred trust, as the President called it, is a bill that will uplift and raise people out of the depths of poverty and provide them with the sustenance they need in their daily lives, as Roosevelt intended.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise to address an urgent tax policy matter. At the start of this year, a key bipartisan tax policy ended. It had been around for nearly 70 years. For nearly 7 decades American taxpayers had been able to immediately deduct R&D expenses. What has changed since the beginning of 2022, Madam Speaker? Taxpayers are now required to deduct R&D expenses over a period of years. This spread-out deduction is what is known as amortization. What does it mean, Madam Speaker? Expenses would be recovered more slowly. To those innovative businesses cash flow will be reduced. Reduced cash flow means less dollars for R&D. Smaller R&D budgets will harm R&D activity in the United States. That's the effect of increasing the tax burden borne by those innovating businesses. Will there be a loss of jobs, Madam Speaker? The answer is yes. One study concludes the job losses would total over 20,000 jobs in the first five years. As bad as that is, the same study concludes job losses would be three times as much in the second five years. We're talking about 60,000 jobs lost. How will this change affect U.S. global competitiveness, Madam Speaker? The answer is it will hurt U.S. competitiveness abroad. If allowed to remain in effect, the U.S. policy of amortization would treat innovation-related expenses worse than any other developed country. Prior to amortization going into effect, the U.S. was already ranked 27th of 37 OECD countries with respect to R&D incentives. If amortization remains, things get worse. In effect, the U.S. will fall further behind our competitors when it comes to incentivizing R&D. If Congress fails to delay amortization before March 31st, the first quarter of 2022, businesses will be forced to act. Estimated cash tax payments will increase by more than $8 billion in just the first quarter alone. The effect will be an immediate reduction in capital that can support R&D. Of prime concern to Congress should be the loss of more than 20,000 direct R&D jobs this year without our action. A four-year delay of amortization is included in the House-passed Build Back Better legislation and the initial Senate substitute. I would have hoped we would already have addressed this issue, but while progress on that legislation awaits final disposition in the Senate, Congress must begin to consider whatever is the fastest path to enactment because time is of the essence. One option would be the two pieces of legislation designed to address China competition. The House is considering the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Stability (``America COMPETES'') Act of 2022. Our Senate colleagues have passed their own version of China competition legislation. Speaker Pelosi has said she plans to reach a bipartisan agreement to bring these two bills together. Madam Speaker, what does restoring deductibility of R&D have to do with the China competition bills? The short answer is plenty. In terms of competitiveness, China and America are moving in different directions on tax incentives for R&D. The Chinese have enacted a super deduction for R&D expenses. For manufacturing companies in China, that deduction yields an extra 100 percent of eligible R&D expenses. This deduction is in addition to actual R&D expenses incurred. That's why they call it a super deduction. Let's discuss an example. A manufacturing company that undertakes $100 of R&D in China would deduct $200. By contrast, a company that undertakes $100 of R&D in the United States would deduct only $10 in 2022. R&D conducted in China would thus receive 20 times the tax benefit of R&D conducted in the U.S. When all R&D incentives are considered, China would have incentives more than 11 times as generous as those of the United States. Eleven times as generous, Madam Speaker. How are American companies going to win the race with Chinese companies who have that kind of head start? We should look at including the four-year delay of amortization of R&D in the final America COMPETES legislation. Inclusion becomes more important if it appears lo be moving more quickly than the Build Back Better legislation. Madam Speaker, there is another legislative vehicle Congress should consider for this urgent matter. Congress is in the process of addressing defense and non-defense appropriations spending because the continuing resolution expires on February 18, 2022. Congressional negotiators should be aware that a reversal of the decades-old R&D tax incentives brings adverse national security consequences. Where's the linkage to national security? Look no further than the National Science and Technology Council. They concluded that ``ensuring national security and resilience is critical for the United States, especially as other nations dramatically increase their R&D expenditures'' and sustained R&D investments ``are essential to ensure that the United States remains able to secure and protect the American people in the face of this increased competition.'' Ignoring R&D amortization would have implications for our national security interests and should be resolved by the time these issues are settled. Madam Speaker, strong tax incentives for R&D have long had bipartisan support. The initial R&D credit was passed by a Democratic House. Republican Senate, and signed by President Reagan. Last year a bipartisan group of 96 House members and 26 Senators introduced legislation permanently reversing amortization of R&D expenditures. With amortization of R&D now in effect, the bipartisan goal of restoring this bipartisan tax incentive becomes even more compelling. Congress must act immediately, certainly before the end of this quarter, to maintain the immediate deductibility of R&D expenditures. As each month passes, failure to act yields proportionately more harm to US innovation and competitiveness. All available legislative vehicles should be considered. Madam Speaker, America's innovators cannot wait further.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, Ray Dunaway has been the voice of Connecticut for nearly three decades. Ray was hired by WTIC-AM to replace another Connecticut legend, Bob Steele in 1992. Since then, he's been the voice of talk radio in Connecticut each and every morning. Over his tenure, he's helped raise millions of dollars for the Greater Hartford Salvation Army through his annual holiday store. I have had the pleasure of joining Ray over the years and I'm honored to call him a friend. Both the following articles from the Hartford Courant and the Journal Inquirer capture what Ray has meant to the citizens of the state of Connecticut. I look forward to tuning in to his last show tomorrow morning on Christmas Eve. We wish him well in retirement and know his voice will always be missed. [From the Hartford Courant, Nov. 19, 2021] ``Veteran Radio Voice Dunaway To Sign Off'' (By Kenneth R. Gosselin) Ray Dunaway, the morning radio personality who followed the legendary Bob Steele on WTIC-AM and won over listeners with a relaxed but informed conversational style, will retire from the radio station next month after 29 years. ``You just get tired of waking up,'' Dunaway said. ``You just do. I love the morning. I do. I wouldn't do any other shift, but the thing is, after a period of time, it's kind of like you've been there, done that. And I think it's time for somebody fresh to take a look at it.'' Dunaway, 72, said the decision to retire from the morning show, which airs weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., was entirely his own. His last show will be on Dec. 24. His co-host, Brian Shactman, will continue to host the morning show, the station's parent company, Audacy, said. Dunaway was hired to replace Steele in 1992, bringing with him more than two decades of radio experience elsewhere in the country. Steele had a storied local broadcasting career spanning more than five decades, and Dunaway would be Steele's second replacement. Steele's immediate successor lasted just a year. ``The fact of the matter is, it was nerve-wracking because I had gone to Trinity [College] and my roommate used to listen to Bob religiously,'' Dunaway said. ``He was really good. It was a great responsibility taking over that job.'' Quick acceptance wasn't a sure thing for Dunaway with the memory of Steele still fresh and dissatisfaction among some viewers about a move by WTIC to talk radio. ``Connecticut-ites weren't necessarily going to make that easy,'' recalled Gary Zenobi, then general manager of WTIC, who hired Dunaway. ``But he filled Bob Steele's shoes in a different way. Formats were changing. Ray was just perfect for that because he could hold a conversation not just about anything but with anyone.'' Dunaway's arrival also coincided with rapid changes in AM radio. WTIC's daytime music listeners were moving to FM radio, leaving AM stations like WTIC to carve out a different niche, which turned out to be talk radio. Dunaway's popularity with listeners survived four ownership changes at WTIC and a relocation from One Financial Plaza, the ``Gold Building'' in downtown Hartford, to Farmington in the early 2000s. The tone of talk radio has turned more contentious and far less civil since Dunaway joined WTIC. ``It is polarizing, no doubt, but the good ones try to make it as fair as they possibly can,'' Dunaway said. ``You can have your point of view. There's nothing wrong with that, and you are able to share it.'' Dunaway said he worked earlier in his career with conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh, who died in February. Dunaway said he considered Limbaugh someone who thought things through before expressing his opinions. Limbaugh would also become part of the weekday lineup on

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise this afternoon to use this hour to discuss ``Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust,'' or, as Martin Luther King would remind us, the fierce urgency of now and Congress' need to act on Social Security. Let me start with the fact that Social Security is the Nation's number one insurance program, the number one insurance program that some on the other side call an entitlement. There is nothing further from the truth, and this is easily verifiable. All you have to do is look at your pay stub. It says FICA. FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. Whose contribution? Every citizen in the United States who pays into the program. It is an earned benefit, and one that has never missed a payment. It is a guarantee, and that is why it is so vitally important to every American citizen. Congress has been negligent. It has been 50 years since there has been an enhancement to the program. It has been more than 38 years since there was an attempt at solvency. Yet, 38 years ago, Congress enacted a cut that will take place this January. The time to act is now. No more procrastination. For all of our C- SPAN listeners, make sure that you contact your Member of Congress in both Houses. We are pleased that 200-plus people are original cosponsors of the bill. You will hear from some of them today. We have taken the liberty of pointing out to every Member of Congress how many people in their district receive Social Security benefits and what that brings into their district on a monthly basis. I assure you, there is no more greater economic development plan for Members' districts than what happens on a monthly basis to those who need it most. Let me reiterate again: Social Security is the number one antipoverty program for the elderly and the number one antipoverty program for children as well. I have here, Madam Speaker, something we have done for every Member of Congress. In this case, we are illustrating our great leader, Representative Jim Clyburn, who is a proud cosponsor of this bill. In his district, in South Carolina's Sixth, there are 149,433 Social Security recipients who receive $189 million in monthly benefits. That is monthly benefits. There are 1.2 million Social Security recipients in South Carolina who receive $1.7 billion in monthly benefits as well. For about half of senior beneficiaries, Social Security provides a majority of their income. Now imagine that, for half the seniors in the country, Social Security provides a majority of their benefits, yet there hasn't been an enhancement or an increase in over 50 years in a COLA. That doesn't even come remotely close to what people need. For more than a quarter of our seniors, it provides 90 percent or more of their income, 90 percent for a quarter of our seniors. At a time when the wealth disparity is the greatest it has ever been in our country, the wealthiest nation in the world, there are 5 million of our fellow Americans, mostly women, who receive a below-poverty level check from their government. Why? Because Congress hasn't acted. This isn't something the President can do through executive order, nor is this something that the Supreme Court is going to adjudicate. This is the responsibility of the United States Congress. I am proud that we had a hearing the other day in the Ways and Means Committee that we are going to bring to a markup and ultimately to the floor of this House: Social Security 2100. I am proud of the fact that we have a President of the United States who refers to Social Security as a sacred trust, a sacred trust between the government and their people. And Social Security has never failed. It has never missed a payment. It used to be--and Mr. Cartwright from Pennsylvania knows this--that we could go back to 1935 to explain why Roosevelt back then, in the midst of the Great Depression, put forward Social Security because of the devastation that had taken place in 1929 during the great crash. But Members on this floor, Members in this Congress understand all too well that we only have to go back to 2008, 2009 during the Great Recession when people saw their 401(k) become a 101(k) where people lost their benefits. And that coupled with the great pandemic, this roller coaster of a pandemic that we are living through now has only further underscored the need for us to enhance the Nation's number one insurance program. And during that same time, during that recession that they witnessed their funds depleted and devastated or lost altogether or during layoffs that have occurred through no fault of their own, Social Security has never missed a payment. Not a pension payment, not a spousal payment, not dependent coverage, nor disability. Madam Speaker, it might surprise some of our viewers and listeners that more veterans depend on Social Security disability than they do on the VA. And it is because Social Security provides these benefits and especially for our veterans. People in this Chamber and in the Senate take great pride in talking about our veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and rightfully so, and saluting them and saying what a grateful Nation we are. Well, if we are truly a grateful Nation, then it is time we end the more than 50 years of neglect and make sure that our veterans are able to get the benefits that they richly deserve without 5-month delays, in making sure that they have disability that they know they can rely on, that works for the times that we are living through currently. Children continue to rely on Social Security, and it is the number one antipoverty program for children. And you know what, 10,000 baby boomers a day become eligible for Social Security, and millennials will need the benefit more than baby boomers. Millennials have been put in the position where they have less money to be able to afford private pensions, where they have been burdened with college loan debt, where they are unable to get the kind of mortgages their parents enjoyed, and, in fact, have incomes that are below that level, and so, Social Security becomes their salvation. But it can't be their salvation if they are locked at the bottom, and we are not making the benefit increases that will provide that opportunity for all generations to enjoy. Madam Speaker, we are pleased also that Social Security 2100 will not only lift benefits across the board, but it will make sure that no one can work all their lives, pay into a system and retire into poverty. More than 5 million Americans get a below-poverty-level check from the government after having paid in all their lives. That is unfair. That is unjust. That is flat out wrong. We are a body that can pass out trillions of dollars of tax cuts to the Nation's wealthiest 1 percent and yet we can't take care of people who have paid into the system because Congress has not fulfilled its obligation and responsibility. Now is the time to act, and under Democratic leadership, that will take place. People say to me often, ``Well, what is different?'' What is different is: we have a Democratic House, a Democratic Senate, and most importantly, a President who believes that this is a sacred trust. A President, as Matt Cartwright also knows, who has said we are going to end WEP and GPO. And for you listeners, for you viewers, that means for all you schoolteachers, for you firefighters, for you police officers, for you municipal employees that were penalized under a system who have worked hard and played by the rules, the President has called for its repeal, and that means benefits flowing to people who rightfully deserve them and should rightfully get them. I would add that that has had bipartisan support in the Congress, and we do have bipartisan support for this bill across the Nation. No one yet on the other side has signed up, but yet, all across the Nation in large numbers more than 80 percent of Democrats, more than 68 percent of Republicans and more than 74 percent of Independents all favor increasing benefits because they know of the security and the promise and the necessity of Social Security. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Cartwright) who is an original cosponsor, Madam Speaker, of this Social Security 2100, as are you, who understands how critical this is to Pennsylvanians and everyone across the Nation.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. During that time, our current Speaker led the fight when George Bush said he was going to use his political capital that they had just gained and were in control of the House, the Senate, and the Presidency, they were going to privatize Social Security. And it was Nancy Pelosi and people like Marcy Kaptur that led the charge in the fight that prevented the privatization of Social Security. To your point, had that gone into effect, people's total savings and everything that is a guarantee under Social Security would have been lost in 2008. We are beyond 2008 now, but we are still dealing with all of those things that people can't necessarily prepare for, whether it is a pandemic or whether it is the Great Recession or whether it is the vicissitudes of the stock market, as Roosevelt would have said. These are the things that people who work hard and play by the rules are subject to, and that is why this is a sacred trust. Because in the United States we will not let that happen to our citizens because nobody deserves to work all their lives and retire into poverty. I thank the gentleman for his leadership in this area.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for joining us this afternoon. Madam Speaker, I would point out a couple of things, something the gentleman knows--and we have been joined by the gentlewoman from Illinois, who will address us shortly--but the number of groups that are endorsing Social Security 2100: The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Social Security Works, the Alliance for Retired Americans, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the NAACP, the National Organization for Women, Latinos for Secure Retirement, the National Education Association, AFGE, the American Federation of Teachers, The Arc of the United States, National Retiree Legislative Network, the Gray Panthers, American Family Voices, The Senior Citizens League. And the list goes on and on and on, because everybody understands the importance and significance of this. Madam Speaker, I recognize the gentlewoman from Illinois, who has worked tirelessly on behalf of seniors across this country, and has headed a task force for more than a decade now that was instrumental in providing us with all the detailed information with the over 17 proposals that are included in Social Security 2100, a sacred trust. Madam Speaker, we make this point often, and I want to make it here tonight, because you are well-aware of this as well. That in legislative parlance, the bill is called H.R. 5723. But what I want our viewers, our listeners, and most importantly, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to understand, this is about your parents. This is about your brothers and sisters, your aunts and uncles. This is about your next-door neighbor, your coworker, the people that you worship with. This is not legislative parlance, this is the reality that they are living; and the disparity that exists today, the gap that exists, can be closed if Congress does a job that it has neglected for more than 50 years in terms of enhancing a program that is a necessity for your parents, for your brothers and sisters, for your aunts and uncles. All you have to do is ask them. It confounds me that anyone can look their constituents in the eye and say that we are doing enough for you, or that you are okay. We all know, and I have heard Jan say this many times--I know my mother said it--she says, Oh, I just care that my children are okay, and I just don't want to be a burden. Of course people feel that way. It is their humility and their kind of generation and people that we know. Nobody wants to be a burden. But I assured my mother she was no burden. She was an inspiration. And for us to stand by in the midst of this, the wealthiest Nation in the world, and not do our responsibility as a Congress and vote. The President can't do it by executive order, nor will the Supreme Court adjudicate it. It is only Congress. And thanks to the efforts of Jan Schakowsky, we are getting there. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. No.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Correct.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, this has been bipartisan. Chairman Neal, a Social Security recipient himself lost his father, lost his mother, his grandmother was then raising him, and then he lost his grandmother. Tom Reed, the ranking member on the Social Security Subcommittee, and Tom Rice, they both lost parents and were raised on Social Security as well. Mr. Davis has put a bill in and has sponsored a bill for a number of years to eliminate the windfall elimination provision. Finally, President Biden said we are going to repeal this in its entirety. It shows that there is an ability, a bridge to come together in so many of these things, including caregiver opportunities, that are bipartisanly-sponsored within this bill and included as part of the bill. We have yet to have anyone endorse and support the bill, but that is a matter, I think, of voting and getting beyond what happens in this Chamber and in discussions between here and the Senate is that there is an awful lot of talk about helping veterans, but nobody actually votes one way or the other. There is an awful lot of talk about understanding what we have to do, but then nobody votes. The time for reckoning, this is a point President Biden makes all the time, and I know, Madam Speaker, you understand this as well. Our very democracy and our Republic is at stake here because government, in an entrepreneurial capitalistic system like ours, where there has to be, by the nature of the system, risk that is taken. Well, that is important and good, but by the same token, Roosevelt and subsequent Presidents, including Eisenhower, including Nixon, and including Reagan, recognized this. We need that safety net there for people who work hard and play by the rules. President Biden has said, yes, this is a sacred trust. Martin Luther King came to Washington, D.C. in 1963 during the famous march, and gave us the phrase, ``the fierce urgency of now.'' He was talking at the time about segregation and about the need for voting rights. But the fierce urgency of now applies to all of our citizens that have been addressed in the remarks, who need this and who are suffering and receiving below poverty level payments from their own government after they have paid in. This is at a time when we gave the Nation's wealthiest 1 percent an 83 percent tax cut. God bless them. It hasn't trickled down to everybody else. That is why we have the system that we do to take care of. It is the government's responsibility. And if a democracy is going to work, if we are not listening to what, as all the polls say, and we have accompanied more than six different polls talking about where the America people are, this is not partisan. This is totally bipartisan in terms of people's understanding of what their needs, their belief in a system they know that has never failed for them. Dr. Martin Luther King said: Now is the time to make real the promise of democracy. Now is the time to make good on the promise of the Federal Government. That is what Joe Biden has said and what he so eloquently has called a sacred trust. Now is the time for us. This is beyond urgent, though it is the fierce urgency of now. It is shameful that this body, the world looks in on this great Nation, this great democracy that we have, it looks how we treat our people; how we treat our veterans; how we treat our children. The statistics that you rallied off about what is going on in this country and how they are depending on it, and then realizing that Congress hasn't done a thing in 50 years? This is not anything that can be done--and I repeat this again--by executive order or by adjudication from the Supreme Court. This is the responsibility of every man and woman in this Chamber, of 535 of us overall, but it is our responsibility and the time to vote is long overdue. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, we can do this. I think Martin Luther King coined a phrase as well, and I am paraphrasing here: This is not the time for the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. This is not the time in the face of so much inequality and inequity. That is when problems happen in society, when the people see that their government has not lived up to its responsibility. As noted, they pay into the system weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Our good colleague and friend, John Lewis, said: This is not only an important issue in terms of our people, this is a civil rights issue. He said and believed that with every fiber in his being because what he saw is the people that were discriminated against were the low wage earners. Unfortunately, as you know and have spoken eloquently on, most of them are women, and specifically, women of color. So whether you had a job as a waitress or a seamstress or whether you were one of those caregivers that everybody relies on, or whether you had to go home to provide care for your family and you didn't pay into a system, or your wage level, long before pay equity, was far lower than your male counterpart, this is not a reason you should live out your remaining days in poverty. This happens for 5 million Americans. In a blink of an eye we can do a tax cut. In a blink of an eye we can pass a defense bill. I support both. But I fervently support the fact that we have to take care of our citizens. It is this body's responsibility, Congress' responsibility. We cannot walk away. Every citizen in this country ought to make sure that they are holding their congressional delegations responsible for doing their job. This is nothing that should be kicked down the road again or put off to some gradual dealing with the subject matter, or yet, another study that we are going to try to look into this on. We don't need to study this. We know what the issue is here. We have looked in the mirror, and the problem is the United States Congress, it is the body that votes and changes the policy and the direction. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for joining us. General Leave

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam 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 the subject of our Special Order today, Social Security 2100, a Special Trust.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I want to thank as well President Biden for having the temerity to not only on the campaign trail, but to speak directly to the American people and let them, and ensure them, that we understand that this is a sacred trust, a bond that will not be broken. Not on our watch. That we will fulfill that promise and make sure that they are receiving the kind of benefits that they have paid into a system for and are, yes, entitled to receive because there is no greater Nation in the world than the United States of America. When this body sets its mind to it, as witnessed how bipartisan the public feels about this on the outside and a number of the great inclusions that both Democrats and Republicans feel about, now is the time for us to act on behalf of the citizens we are sworn to serve. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Neal for his outstanding leadership. Wow. Can you feel the love in this room today? Can't you? I will tell you, I got to hand it to you, the ``vote no and take the dough'' crowd is pretty good. Everybody votes against the bill but then gets a newsletter out and takes credit for all the good work that is in the bill. No one voted for the American Rescue Plan, and yet, you took credit for that and sent letters out to people about their checks. But that is to be understood. Mr. Speaker, what this bill does is to make sure that working families, on average, will get $430 back in their pockets each month; save more than $14,000 a year in childcare; and universal pre-K will save families about $8,600 a year as well. Seniors will now have lower prescription drug prices, an estimated savings of $900 a year; and families in Connecticut will no longer be double-taxed on State and local taxes. Mr. Speaker, I thank Rosa DeLauro and Rich Neal for their hard work.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Frank Mancini, of Berlin, Connecticut, on his recent selection to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU). Frank currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Connex Credit Union in North Haven, Connecticut. He has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including having served as CEO of Connex since 2012, after having served as its Chief Financial Officer since 2003. Under his leadership, Connex has grown in total assets from $378M to $810M over the past eight years. Connex currently ranks as the 5th largest credit union in Connecticut in terms of asset size and 3rd in Connecticut in terms of loan balance. Frank has served on a number of Boards, including New Haven's Financial Empowerment Commission, Credit Union Executive Society of New England (Board Chair), Connex Insurance Services, Constitution State Corporate Credit Union, the Tax Exempt Proceeds Fund, and the Association for Senior Credit Union Officers. In 2016, he was awarded the Mayor's Community Champion Award for his advocacy efforts in assisting low-income households get increased access to banking services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut, and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Connecticut in West Hartford, Connecticut. Frank has a wealth of financial services and leadership knowledge. His vision and decision-making skills will be a valuable addition to the NAFCU Board and credit unions for years to come. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Frank Mancini and wishing him the best of luck in his new role on the NAFCU Board of Directors. I look forward to working with him in this regard.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I was not in attendance to cast my vote on consideration of S. 272--Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act of 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 256.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, on March 29, 2021, I attended the funeral service of Senator Biagio ``Billy'' Ciotto. Billy was a former Connecticut State Senator, Deputy DMV Commissioner, and served on my District office staff since 2007. One of the most unique human beings that I have ever had the honor of knowing and working with, Billy epitomized what it meant to be a true public servant. I am eternally grateful for his friendship and his leadership. I wish to include in the Record my eulogy in honor of Billy's beloved wife Jeanne, and his dear children Maria, Julie, Anthony, John and Joey. Jeanne, Maria, Julie, Anthony, John and Joey. On behalf of Leslie, myself, and the entire Congressional staff--our hearts go out to you. The outpouring of people and tributes keep coming in. Yet we know nothing or no one will ever be able to fully convey the depth of the loss you are experiencing. As Billy would often say, ``no one knows the sacrifice a family endures when they support and stand with an elected official.'' So, let us first and foremost acknowledge your sacrifice and devotion that made it possible for all of us to have benefited from Billy's service. His humanity, his humility, and congeniality. We thank you for making it all possible. Billy was unique, one of a kind, and something that is constant throughout his service--whether at the Motor Vehicle Department, the State Senate, or Congressional Office, he greeted people and answered his call to public service. His humility, and his humanity ever-present as he answered in that unique and distinct cigar voice, ``how may I help you?'' ``How may I help you?'' should be part of every teaching and training course for public officials and staff. For Billy, it came naturally. For him it was effortless and genuine, heartfelt, and sincere. It was who he is!! Now I'm not saying he was angelic by any stretch. He had his faults and an evil side to him. He was an ardent devotee and follower of an evil empire: He was a Yankee fan. Especially in 2007, 2013, and 2018. He did celebrate in 2009 but through all of 2019 when the Sox were cellar dwellers, he would come in the office and announce with a cigar hanging from the corner of his mouth ``does anyone know the standings in the American League East, and do the Red Sox still play baseball?'' He was the envy of UCONN fans and politicians. He got more TV time sitting right behind the bench of the Men's and Women's basketball teams at every home game. When asked how he got those seats, he said ``it was a blessing from St. Paul'' . . . yeah, St. Paul Polo. And though devoutly religious, and apostolic, and Catholic, he could be critical of a long winded homily in church. I remember being at St. Patrick-St. Anthony with the family and sitting directly in front of him. The priest was going on and on with the phrase ``and may Jesus light a fire in your heart.'' It was rather extensive, and I looked down and all of a sudden saw my children laughing. I immediately gave them the hairy eyeball and scornful look. After church when we were in the car, I said ``how many times have I told you no fooling around in church?'' They said, ``it wasn't us, it was Mr. Ciotto.'' To which I said, ``Don't blame Mr. Ciotto.'' They said, ``but Dad, he made fun of the priest's comments'' and I said ``Mr. Ciotto? I don't believe it.'' They said, ``well you know how the priest was saying may Jesus light a fire under your heart?'' and I said ``yes.'' Well Mr. Ciotto muttered, ``may Jesus light a fire under your ass.'' Well Billy was also wise and was willing to impart his wisdom on the youthful members of our staff. Then Chief of Staff John Rossi was thirty and Billy was a youthful seventy- nine. Rossi was explaining how he told his wife about the important and influential people he was meeting with day in and day out, and the restaurants and clubs he was lunch and dinner at. Billy who listened intently looked at him and said, ``young man you have an important and responsible position. And while I am sure that it's exciting to you and maybe makes you feel good when you are lavishing your wife with these experiences, in my opinion you might try handling it a little different. Having some experience in this field, I think if it were me, you're better off when your wife asks, ``how was your day dear?'' you say ``I was so busy I only had time for a tuna fish sandwich.'' Or as he told Kevin Brown often ``old age, experience, and treachery will defeat youth and ambition every time.'' Billy's obituary was full of the pride he had for his Italian heritage and about what America had done for him. And with justifiable pride acknowledged the journey of his parents as well as his own. This was apparent with his routine drive past the Motor Vehicle building which bears his name. It does so because his parents embedded in him those 5 simple words: ``How may I help you?'' He traveled to D.C. back in 2008 and was escorted by Linda Christiana. His trip was highlighted by dinner at the Italian Embassy with Ambassador Castellaneta. When I saw the Ambassador weeks later, he remembered Billy, and how entertaining and proud he was of his Italian heritage. He added, ``he's even invited me to a Bocce tournament that I believe is at your house!'' That's our guy. And we have a letter here from the Italian Embassy: Letter from the Italian Embassy: We, at the Embassy of Italy were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Biagio ``Billy'' Ciotto. In his passing, Connecticut, and indeed the whole US, has lost a great statesman, and a wonderful American, proud of his Italian origins, which he never lost an opportunity to proudly recall. The story of Senator Ciotto's life speaks clearly to his many talents and innate human touch. His generosity, kindness and dedication were a source of inspiration to the community whom he served with passion, honor, and dignity. Senator Ciotto was an exemplary civil servant, and wholeheartedly dedicated himself to serving this great Country and his fellow Americans, while never forgetting his ancestral land, Italy. Our sincere condolences go out to Mrs. Ciotto, his family, and the entire Italian-American and American community at this moment of great loss. Senator Ciotto may be not with us anymore, but his legacy lives on, and will always do so through the many people, he touched, and inspired. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Grazie, Senator Ciotto. The first time he met with Nancy Pelosi there was an instant bond. She had broken a barrier and was the first woman Speaker of the House. And when he met her, bursting with pride he said ``Madam Speaker you have broken a barrier and as a father with two daughters I am so grateful and proud. But as a young man, I listened to your father Thomas D'Alesandro Jr. He was the first Italian Mayor of Baltimore and he had a Sunday address, he made us proud of our heritage and I listened intently to what he had to say. And now his daughter is not only the first woman Speaker of the House, but as important to people of our heritage and faith, she is the first Italian.'' The bond between them was instant and lasting. A mutual admiration, so much so that after an eight year hiatus as Speaker, when we recaptured the House and took back the majority in 2018, her guest of honor at her swearing in was Billy. And with a cigar in hand and escorted by Sarah Gianni, he took it all in from his front row seat in the House Balcony. Letter from Speaker Nancy Pelosi Every now and then, a person comes along whose heart is so full of love and whose life is so full of kindness that he radiates joy: Such a blessed person is Billy Ciotta. Perhaps he had such generosity of spirit because of how his parents raised Biagio and because of his happy marriage to Jeanne. Everyone loved Billy, because they knew that Billy cared. In his work, whether at the DMV or in the State Senate, where he served with John Larson, whom he loved, he made everyone feel important. In taking pride in his Italian American heritage, he respected others' pride in theirs. In his faith in God, he gave hope and charity to all. Anyone who was blessed and shaped by Billy's friendship wanted to live up to his loyalty. Billy was in the arms of his loving family on March 19, the Feast of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of a happy death, very special to Italian Americans, and made his passage on the 20th. I hope it is a comfort to Jeanne and his children Joseph, Anthony, Julia, John, and Maria, and their grandchildren that so many people mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time. Billy will be sadly missed by all of us who loved him. In his life, Billy brought joy to the world and now he has brought his humor to Heaven. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, United States House of Representatives. We know heaven will never be the same and he's up there with some pretty good company. To be acknowledged and loved by the entire community he served and yes to have the Italian Ambassador and the Speaker of the House eulogize you is pretty impressive. So many words of condolence for Jeanne and the family. So many stories--therefore our staff will be keeping the website open to post on what everyone sends to us of your memories with Billy. And among the first of those that we have is someone who knows something about the loss of a beloved one. Jeanne, we have here a letter from the President of the United States: Letter from President Joe Biden Dear Mrs. Ciotta and Family, Please accept Jill's and my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved Billy. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. I know that this time must be difficult beyond words, and you feel like there is a hole in your heart. In the hardest of times like these, I always turn to family. It is so important to be able to share the feeling of enveloping grief and to have people you love nearby to absorb some of the worst pain. Billy was a devoted husband and father who loved you all immensely. He spent his life building and strengthening the Ciotto family bonds, which are meant for you to lean on during hard times like this. Your family shared Billy with Connecticut and with the Nation--and thanks to your sacrifices, he was able to help our country's most vulnerable. Billy was a true public servant. Though the grieving process never quite ends, it is my hope that you will find comfort knowing that Billy will forever be in our hearts and memories and those of so many whose lives he touched. From experience, I promise you the day will come when his memory will bring a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye. My prayer for you and your family is that day comes sooner rather than later. Sincerely, Joe Biden. Billy will always be with us. Provided we continue to post and tell those stories we fondly remember. The most important way he'll stay with us is if we follow his example by saying when we have the opportunity: How may I help you?

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, on Monday June 21, 2021, I attended the funeral service for Wallace ``Wally'' Barnes. I wish to include in the Record my eulogy for Wally's wife, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Barbara Franklin, who served our Nation with distinction. I will always treasure Wally's friendship and am grateful for his leadership in Connecticut and across the Nation. Barbara, Tom and Melanie, Jarre and Whit, the entire Barnes family--what an honor to be part of this tribute to Wally. COVID has certainly turned our lives upside down, and while time doesn't ease his passing, it has provided us time to reflect on the man. Even at 94, he was still an immense resource, whose advice was widely sought by business and civic leaders. In this state--the land of steady habits; a state of sturdy Oaks--he was a Giant Sequoia. I guess when you 're a direct descendent of Ebenezer Barnes, the first settler of Bristol, one could argue that Wally was the embodiment of the concept of ``Noblesse Oblige.'' And that obligation started with love of family and carried over to his beloved community of Bristol, the State of Connecticut, and our great Nation. Any examination of his life in general--both in and out of public office--quickly demonstrates that public service was not some avocation, or hobby for Wally, it was a way of life. A value he cherished, practiced, and nurtured in his family, his community, his state, and nation. And was reflected in his business, civic, and charitable endeavors. I was fortunate to first meet Wally when I was in the Connecticut Senate. We shared that common experience of being a part of ``The Circle.'' As many know, the State Senate is called the Circle because of its geometric shape, but also because unlike the House of Representatives, we sit in a circle of peers, neither distinguished by rank or political affiliation . . . as equals. We chuckled over his famous ``Nikita Khrushchev moment.'' This Republican scion of the Prescott Bush era was hardly a Nikita--but his actions worked. He got the public's and press' attention and made us all remember that it's important not to abuse the rights of the minority. He first ran for Congress in 1954 against Thomas J. Dodd, and I would like to read a letter to you Barbara from someone familiar with that race: Letter from Senator Chris Dodd Dear Barbara, I sincerely regret that I cannot be with you in person today to celebrate Wally's life. He was a good friend. Wally and I enjoyed a warm relationship spanning many decades. Like so many others, I admired Wally, I appreciated his counsel, advice, and support. I was also thankful for his willingness to clearly share his views--when we agreed and when we disagreed. Barbara, as you and your family know, our families go back many years. It was 67 years ago in 1954 when Wally and my father competed for the same congressional seat, the very seat that John Larson now holds. Wally, of course, went on to have a very successful and productive life. The Barnes Group, as all of us in Connecticut are aware, was extremely successful under Wally's leadership. Further, Wally loved his hometown of Bristol and was a treasured, contributing member of the community and our state for many, many years. Let me add that Wally Barnes was a great example of what might be called an American original. If I were asked to describe my image of a great American, I could not give a better description than Wally Barnes--patriotic, creative, imaginative, thoughtful, a person who was always willing to help others, with healthy doses of confidence and humility. And so, Barbara, we were fortunate that Wally was a part of our lives and we thank you for sharing him with us. Christopher J. Dodd. Wally and I both served in the Senate for 12 years. He was the Republican Leader and I, as a Democrat- in different times but with a similar result. We were both candidates for Governor for our respective parties--he in 1970, and I in 1994. In what was a to be a heartbreaking loss for the citizens of the State-he lost to Tom Meskill, and I to Bill Curry. We had both served on various commissions and I can remember a call I received from him after my defeat. But mostly I remember that laugh, when he asked how I felt and I said, ``Hey, Peacock one day, feather duster the next.'' And he laughed that hearty Barnes laugh of disarming approval. Here this giant of industry, presiding over chambers of commerce, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, this highly respected Republican, was calling to soften the blow that only people who have been through it can grasp. I can't tell you how important that was and what it meant to me personally. Wally's sense of humor, his ability to relate to the everyday concerns of ordinary people, was remarkable and endeared him to me and those around him. He was genuine and sincere, believable and had our trust. And his focus was always on getting things done. Quite a contrast to politics today. Barbara I would like to read a letter to you: Letter from President Joe Biden Dear Madam Secretary, Jill and I send our deepest sympathies on the passing of your beloved husband, Wally. We are thinking of you and praying for your peace. There are few words that I can share to ease the pain of losing a partner--it leaves a hole in our hearts. Wally dedicated himself to the people of Connecticut and the state he loved. He was a leader, a good man, and a great husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. As you reflect on your time together, may the love that you shared be a shining light in the years to come. There is an Irish headstone I often quote. It reads, ``Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.'' Though the grieving process never quite ends, I promise you that the day will come when Wally's memory will bring a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye. My prayer for you is that this day comes sooner rather than later. Sincerely, Joe Biden. Time does heal as the President has indicated and has brought a few tears but an equal number of smiles for a man who put service above self. A master pilot, he applied to politics what he applied to aviation. And just like George H.W. Bush, he believed in the pilot's team C.A.V.U., which stands for Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited. He inspired others to believe that you could go as far and as high as their vision, imagination, and courage will take you. Thank you, Wally Barnes. God bless you, God bless America.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, on Saturday July 17, 2021, I had the honor of attending the funeral service for a dear friend and remarkable woman, Ann O'Connell Long. Below are the eulogies made by her three loving children Deirdre, Maura, and Michael, as well as her great friend Suzanna Nolan. I was touched by these remarks and wish to include them in the Record for her beloved husband Michael Long and their family. Remarks by Deirdre Long Absolonne When I think of our mom, I think of faith, family, work, quiet strength, beauty, and good humor. Mom's faith was strong, but quiet. She didn't talk about it a lot--she simply lived it. She grew up in Parkville with two pairs of shoes, and the support of a community that populated the rest of her life. She had happy memories of her childhood, including vacations at Indian Neck, during which, ever the planner, she would lay out her bathing suit and towel before going to bed each night. When the other children would ask what she was doing, she would explain that she was getting things ready for the morning. She chose to stay close to her mom and attend Saint Francis School of Nursing, one step in her lifelong relationship with Saint Francis. While there, she met our dad, who became her best friend and partner of 52 years. She loved to joke that he married her for her money and she claimed at least some credit for making Mike Long a Democrat. She stayed home with us when we were babies and, on my fifth day of first grade, she resumed work full time. Nursing was her vocation. Off she went at 7 am each day to help her family and the sick. She came home every night and put a balanced dinner on the table (a feat that now, as a working mom, I see as nothing short of miraculous). Every week for all those years, with the help of only her family, she cleaned our home top to bottom (usually while singing). She earned degrees and promotions along the way, while always making her family feel that she had plenty of time for us. I am so fortunate that my relationship with Mom was uncomplicated. It was comfortable, joyful, and good. She was steadfast, understanding, occasionally mischievous, and always just plain fun to be with. She really listened. And she was always open to new experiences, perspectives, and people. She enjoyed gathering with family and friends, and I know she treasured her time with each of you. She liked design magazines, good books, cute dogs, babies, massages, making lists on index cards, and simple pleasures like sitting by the fire, in the yard, or on the beach. As everyone who has ever set foot in her home (or the home of someone she helped) knows, she made everything beautiful. True to form, she spent her final months helping all of us to be ready for this morning. Perhaps most importantly, over all the years and through all of life's ups and downs, she joked and laughed, early often and easily. Remarks by Maura Long Sheehan When I think of my mom, I see her smiling face with that twinkle in her eye and it makes me smile too. She was warm and loving, often laughing, and had a no-nonsense way of making things happen. When I think back to my childhood, I remember Mom singing along to John Denver when she was cleaning the house, baking chocolate chip cookies for our Cape Cod vacations, and highlighting textbooks while studying in bed at night. It wasn't until I was much older that I realized how impressive it was that she earned her bachelor's degree while raising three young children and earned her master's degree while working and raising three teenagers. As a child, I had no idea who I was dealing with. As an adult, I realize how special she was. When I think about Mom's life and accomplishments, it amazes me that she did it all with such generosity, gratitude, and grace. I know many of you here felt her generosity first-hand, whether it was kind words at just the right time, a homemade loaf of Irish bread, or a helping hand with your home improvements. At some point a few years ago I realized that whenever Mom showed up for a visit, after she breezed in with a smile, always bearing gifts of some sort, she would look me in the eye and ask ``what can I do to help you?'' Having a mother like that was a true gift. As for gratitude, Mom found the beauty in everything around her and she knew how to have fun. She was full of joy and always seemed to have time to relax and make new friends. She made everyone feel special and she made it look easy. Sometimes when I would call her and ask what she was doing, she would laugh, tell me she had her feet curled up on the sheepskin and that she was busy, ``cultivating gratitude''. She laughed, but it worked. Mom's grace, and her genuine kindness, were evident her entire life. She was a gracious hostess, and she truly enjoyed entertaining small groups of friends for lunch or dinner, having all her children and grandchildren under one roof every summer on Martha's Vineyard, and hosting extended family for tenderloin dinner (with those incredible mushrooms) each Christmas season. Her grace, dignity, and strength were on full display this past year as she continued to warmly welcome friends and family for laughter-filled visits while quietly, through her example, preparing all of us for what was to come. Remarks by Michael B. Long When I think of Mom the first thing that comes to mind is laughter and the second is the things she taught me. I recall in particular a couple of sayings she would use and tell me that Grammy O had taught her. One is, ``A place for everything and everything in its place,'' the other, ``If ye can't say anything nice don't say anything at all.'' One thing I learned at an early age was to look again. A fly on the wall at 4 Maple Court in the mid 70's might have heard something like this: ``Mom! There's no more bologna!'' ``Look in the meat drawer.'' ``I already did!'' ``Look again.'' ``Okay.'' (pause) ``I found it!'' I also learned that if I wasn't throwing up or didn't have a fever, I wasn't sick. ``Get up. You're going to school.'' If I ever complained about someone else doing a substandard job, she'd chime in with, ``if you want something done right, do it yourself.'' She had a great sense of humor, and all we needed to get each other in hysterics was a word or two, or just an eyebrow raise. And when I commented on some accolade she'd received or something clever she'd done, she'd graciously accept the compliment. And then, a second or two later she'd say, ``They don't pay me for my looks, you know!'' Her kind spirit was always evident, and the aura of positivity she radiated was irrepressible. Two instances in particular come to mind: When we visited Grammy O at Saint Mary Home and walked in the front door, Mom was all smiles. She greeted all the residents in the lobby as well as each person we encountered on the way to Gram's room, and their faces would just light up. Those small acts of kindness make people's days, and for her it was a matter of course, like eating or breathing. Another was when she visited California in 2003 to meet her newest grandchild. A couple of friends met me at the house before we went to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. We hung out for an hour or so and had a nice little visit. On the way to the show, both of my friends remarked about her aura of positivity and kindness, and how much they'd enjoyed spending time with her. Finally, she remarked on many occasions when we were on vacation, that she always tried to leave the place she was staying nicer than when she arrived. Mom left this place nicer than when she arrived. Remarks by Suzanne Nolan Ann and I met in 2005 when I began work at St. Francis Hospital as Director of Spiritual Care. As a new administrator, I was so very fortunate that she took me under her wing; I know so many of you also received from her an embrace of sincere interest and genuine care for your well- being. Ann asked me to speak today about her time at St. Francis. The factual parts of that are well known. Her personal impact on her colleagues and staff was also remarkable. To try to honor her legacy there, I talked to many people who worked with her. So now I ask you to imagine a shimmering Waterford vase filled with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, each flower a phrase describing Ann as a nurse and nurse leader: --Incredibly strong woman --Could see the gift in someone, help that person to see it, and help them to nurture it --Wonderful and supportive, especially in challenging moments (this person told of a night years ago when she had to transfer a heart transplant patient to Yale; Ann was the night supervisor and helped every step of the way) --Consummate professional --Incredibly dedicated --Capable, competent --Respected nurse leader --One person described her approach through a Maya Angelou quote: ``if you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.'' --Honest when you messed up, and then helped you to create the plan to go forward --Helped her staff feel secure in their important roles even as the corporate model was increasing in the hospital --Special in so many ways --Persistent and tough; did the very challenging work of bringing Continuing Care and Utilization and Social Services together into the Case Management Department then became the Director of that Department --Over the top in her generosity --She and Mike opened their home to provide a place for a staff member's wedding --A wise mentor --Gentle sense of humor --Poked fun at herself --Ultimate hostess --A kind person, just so very kind And Ann, of course, throughout her working life, relished being a loving wife, a beloved mother and grandmother. I believe God gave Ann extraordinary gifts in her ability to love and to care deeply for others. Her trust in God, her deep faith, enabled her to embrace these gifts and enrich so many lives thus giving glory to God. We in this church, and so many others, have been privileged to know Ann and to be blessed by her presence. We miss her so much, and we are so grateful to her. May you find comfort in these words of safe passages: ``Rest assured that in her dying, in her flight through darkness toward a new light, Ann held you in her arms and carried your closeness with her. And when she arrived at God, your image was imprinted on her joy-filled soul.''

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, I was unfortunately not present for roll call vote 149 on agreeing to H. Res. 275, Condemning the horrific shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 16, 2021, and reaffirming the House of Representative's commitment to combating hate, bigotry, and violence against the Asian- American and Pacific Islander community. I fully condemn the shootings in Atlanta on March 16, 2021, and stand fully committed to combating hate, bigotry, and violence against the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community. Had I been present for this vote, I would have voted AYE on roll call vote 149.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank President Biden for his science-based efforts in defeating this virus and his unrelenting focus on putting American families back on their feet. The American Rescue Plan meets the moment and fulfills that old adage that help is on the way. This bill gets shots into arms, money into people's pockets, and provides their communities, and especially our schools, with the relief that they need. In Connecticut, 1.5 million working families will receive $4 billion. This relief is felt by those families--I say to my colleagues--as those families sit at the kitchen table and look across at each other and talk about their day-to-day needs and what needs to be met, Mr. Speaker. And so this bipartisan relief package that we have put forward--and I say bipartisan, because when you talk to the general public and when you talk to the people that need this relief directly, you see that more than 70 percent of Democrats, Republicans, and the unaffiliated support this bill.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I was not in attendance to cast my vote on consideration of the En Bloc 1 amendment to the For the People Act (H.R. 1). Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 52.