Stephen Lynch

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on National Security, I rise to remind the House Republican leadership that actions speak louder than words when it comes to national security and America's defense of democracy and human rights worldwide. In reference to the current migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, Speaker Johnson has repeatedly stated that ``our national security begins at our border.'' He has indicated that border policy would be the Republican hill to die on. He even insisted that the House would not act on a foreign aid package unless it included substantive provisions to enhance border security, his ``top priority.'' However, the actions taken by the House Republican leadership do not live up to those words. Three weeks ago, a bipartisan coalition in the U.S. Senate negotiated a national security agreement that proposed the most significant reforms in decades, introducing new emergency border authorities, including granting the President the ability to close the border under certain circumstances, anti-fentanyl and anti-human trafficking provisions, and resources to enhance security at the southern border. President Biden indicated a willingness to sign the compromise agreement, when passed. Instead, at the direction of former President Trump, Speaker Johnson declared the bill dead on arrival in the House before he even received the final text. Mr. Speaker, Congress should debate and amend, when necessary, and pass a commonsense border security and immigration bill to end the crisis at our border and regain control of our border. Similarly, following Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, the House Republican leadership released the following statement: They said, ``We stand in complete solidarity with the innocent Ukrainian people and vow to continue to support them as they defend themselves from Putin's unprovoked onslaught.'' The Speaker personally echoed those commitments during his meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in the Capitol last December. However, after the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan foreign aid package that includes over $60 billion in assistance to support the Ukrainian military and people, a bill which also included provisions for $14 billion in aid to Israel and nearly $10 billion in humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, Ukraine, and other populations affected by conflict, the Speaker once again declared the bill dead on arrival. Upon his election to the speakership, Speaker Johnson pledged that the House Republican Conference, and I am going to give you a quote, ``And we will restore sanity to a government desperately in need of it.'' That could not be further from the truth. As evidenced by another looming government shutdown, this Republican majority remains mired in internal party dysfunction and legislative chaos to the great detriment of U.S. national security, our international partners, and the American people. We are now one day away from a partial shutdown that would disrupt critical Federal programs, including veterans' outreach services, air traffic control training, food assistance for low-income families, and an estimated 200,000 military families who now rely upon WIC to alleviate food insecurity--according to the National Military Family Association. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House Republican leadership to set politics and partisanship aside and work with Members on both sides of the aisle to immediately address these critical priorities. We also have an opportunity to urge the United States Treasury to take control of the $300 billion in Russian assets that are in the possession and custody of U.S. and EU banks. Take that $300 billion and give it to Ukraine so they can fight for their freedom and feed their people.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Subcommittee on National Security, the Border and Foreign Affairs, I rise in strong support of emergency aid for our Democratic ally and partner and for the people of Ukraine, now entering the third year of their fight for freedom and democracy in the face of the brutal invasion launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022. This morning, the United States Senate passed a bipartisan foreign aid package that included vital Ukraine assistance by a wide vote of 70-29. In stark contrast to this bipartisan effort, the House Republican leadership continues to fall in line behind former President Trump, refusing to act swiftly on Ukraine funding on purely partisan political grounds. Regrettably, Speaker Johnson has already dismissed the Senate bill as a status quo measure. Madam Speaker, this is a missed opportunity. Members of this House should have the right to vote on a package of Ukraine funding, Israel funding, and greater security funding for our southern border. On the issue of Ukraine funding in particular, this political impasse comes at the great expense of U.S. national security, international peace, and the freedom of the Ukrainian people. It also follows repeated warnings from the Biden administration that the failure to enact additional aid will kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield. It will allow Putin, an autocratic dictator, to prevail and simply pave the way for a Russian military victory. Even the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee recently reported that with the Ukrainian armed forces now desperately rationing munitions, ``We have to get this done. . . . If we do not move, this will be abandoning Ukraine.'' The Ukrainian people deserve better. They are valiantly defending their country against relentless campaigns of state-sponsored terrorism that the United Nations reports has killed more than 10,000 and injured nearly 20,000 Ukrainian civilians. The war has also forcibly displaced an estimated 10 million people, including 6.3 million people, Ukrainian refugees, who have fled to neighboring countries. With Putin vowing to continue this unlawful war until Russia achieves its nationalist and imperialist objectives, I strongly urge my Republican colleagues to abandon their misguided and dangerous deference to Donald Trump. At a campaign rally this past weekend, the current standard-bearer of the Republican Party actually stated that if one of our 31 NATO allies did not meet their defense spending goals, he would not protect them as President of the United States in honoring our obligations to NATO. In fact, he said he would encourage Russia `` . . . to do whatever the hell they want.'' He would treat the surrender of millions of Ukrainian people as a transaction. We must instead be guided by our own founding Democratic principles, enduring defense of freedom and human rights around the world. Indeed, the House Republican leadership would also be wise to recall their own longstanding commitment to a strong national defense and embrace American global leadership as a bulwark against expansionist schemes undertaken by brutal dictatorships. The Ukrainian people deserve better. They are defending their country against a relentless campaign of state-sponsored terrorism that the United States reports has killed more than 10,000 people. `` . . . people are at last free to determine their own destiny,'' said Ronald Reagan, who also demanded of Putin's President, Mr. Gorbachev, ``Tear down this wall.'' He was a defender of a free and democratic Europe. I recently returned from a bipartisan delegation to Ukraine where I met with President Zelenskyy and examined the security and humanitarian situation on the ground. There is zero evidence that the Government of Ukraine is directing resources anywhere but toward its singular goal of preserving Ukrainian sovereignty and independence. I urge my colleagues to support additional aid for Ukraine.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I do want to point out that 130 countries right now, 90 percent of the world's central banks, are studying and doing research on digital currencies, and, in particular, government-backed digital currencies. This amendment would prevent the United States from researching an area that 130 countries are right now researching. It would put us very far back at the end of the pack. Mr. Chairman, as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 4664, the Financial Services appropriations bill and the misguided amendment that would essentially prevent our government from exploring and researching a government-issued central bank digital currency. This year witnessed the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and other U.S. midsize banks holding a combined $500 billion in assets, an institutional banking crisis requiring decisive action by the FDIC, Treasury, and the Federal Reserve to protect American investors and the U.S. economy. We are also in the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic demise of the crypto market following the abrupt implosion of FTX, Celsius, BlockFi, and other crypto companies. Just this week, FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted of seven counts of financial fraud and conspiracy after he stole up to $14 billion from FTX customers and investors. Yet, in this climate that demands regulatory oversight and thorough understanding of this market, this appropriations bill actually guts funding for critical agencies that serve to protect American investors, including the Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, to the great detriment of U.S. global economic leadership, the amendment under consideration would prevent the Treasury from even examining a government-backed central bank digital currency.

Mr. LYNCH. As I said, Mr. Chairman, more than 130 countries and 90 percent of the world's central banks are exploring their own government-backed digital currencies. We should not be suppressing innovative approaches without fully evaluating its benefits and the risks to the American public. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this bill and the amendment that would impede commonsense regulation and research and innovation.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to rise today in celebration of my dear friend, Judith Ann O'Brien Fowkes of Braintree, Massachusetts, in recognition of her 60th birthday. I want to commend her for her tireless dedication to educating and inspiring hundreds of students in the Archdiocese of Boston for more than thirty years. Born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territory, Canada on June 14, 1963, to Kevin O'Brien and Patricia Bowser O'Brien, Judith graduated from Charles P. Allen High School in Bedford, Nova Scotia in 1981, before pursuing and earning a Teacher's License from Nova Scotia Teachers College in Truro, Nova Scotia in 1984. One year later, Judith received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Mt. St. Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After completing her education in Canada, Judith arrived in the United States in 1987, and began her teaching career for the Archdiocese of Boston in the fall of that same year. Inspired and driven to always continue learning, Judith earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Emmanuel College in Boston, Massachusetts in 2002. Furthermore, Judith continued her call to education by serving on the faculties of St. Brigid School in South Boston, the Sacred Heart School in Weymouth, and is currently serving as an aide at the St. Brendan School in Dorchester. Through her countless examples of compassion and selfless service, she has inspired many of her former students to become life-long learners and educators themselves. Many of her former students have gone on to pursue careers in public service, serving as police officers, firefighters, and government officials. Judith has enriched the lives of her family, friends, and all who know her. Her quick and warm smile, her kindness, her compassion, and sense of humor are impossible to dodge. Judith's sincere empathy and care for each of her students over the years is immeasurable. Judith resides in Braintree, Massachusetts with her adoring co- captain and husband of 32 years, Robert, who served as District Director in my office. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House today to congratulate Judith on her 60th birthday and to thank her for her over thirty years of dedicated service in the Commonwealth. I urge my colleagues to join with me, and with Judith's family and friends in recognizing Judith's dedicated career in education.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Francis Xavier Bellotti, in recognition of his 100th birthday and with the deepest appreciation for his courageous service to our Nation during World War II and his many contributions to Massachusetts' legal and political communities. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. Bellotti graduated from The English High School in 1942 before enlisting in the United States Navy's elite Scouts and Raiders--the Navy's first special warfare unit and a progenitor of today's Navy SEALs. Mr. Bellotti led his squad valiantly across multiple theaters in World War II and was decorated for his service in Europe and the Pacific. Mr. Bellotti's earned his bachelor's degree from Tufts University in 1947 and graduated from Boston College Law School in 1952. He quickly became a prominent and respected attorney, practicing at every level of the state and federal judicial system. Mr. Bellotti's career in public service began on January 3, 1963, when he became the 61st Lieutenant Governor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He then served three terms as Massachusetts' Attorney General, from 1975 to 1987, during which time he transformed the Office of the Attorney General, fostering a culture of transparency, professionalism, and nonpartisanship. In 1981, the National Association of Attorneys General unanimously voted Mr. Bellotti the most outstanding attorney general in the country. After his departure from elective office, Mr. Bellotti returned to the law, where he has remained a steadfast advocate for justice and democracy. In his personal life, Mr. Bellotti is a proud father of 12 children and more than twice as many grandchildren. His beloved wife, Margarita ``Maggie'' Bellotti, passed away on December 26, 2022. She is remembered as the ``driving force'' in Mr. Bellotti's life and a powerful victim advocate in her own right. Mr. Speaker, Francis Xavier Bellotti's legacy is clearly one of service--to country, community, and principle. Over the years, Mr. Bellotti has received countless accolades for his good work. In 2011, Boston College Law School aptly named its public service loan repayment assistance and forgiveness program in his honor. In 2012, the District Court of East Norfolk--where Mr. Bellotti first practiced--was renamed the Francis X. Bellotti Courthouse. And, in 2017, the United States Navy awarded Mr. Bellotti a trident badge plaque for his leadership as a member of the Scouts and Raiders. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to join Mr. Bellotti's family and friends in recognizing his 100th birthday and to thank him for his service on behalf of a grateful Nation.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in memory of a dedicated and exceptional American patriot, Robert A. ``Muz'' Murray. Born on September 2, 1935, Robert was a beloved native of South Boston and a resident of Quincy and Hull. As a middle-school student at St. Brigid School, 12-year-old Robert entered a congressional essay contest entitled, ``America, What it means to me,''--sponsored by Speaker John McCormack of Boston. Fittingly, Robert's impassioned and patriotic entry on the ideals and struggles embodied by our Nation earned the honor of first place--along with a special invitation for Robert to join President Harry Truman for lunch at the White House. In the enduring spirit of his essay, Robert dedicated each day of his 87 years to personifying the principles and values that he held dear as an American. Inspired by our shared commitment to liberty, democracy, and humanity, Robert devoted his life in service to his country, his community, and his family. As a veteran of the United States Army and a devoted husband, father of three, and grandfather of five, Robert also instilled service and dedication in all that knew him. Robert Murray passed away peacefully on December 23, 2022. It was at his funeral mass that his 1947 essay was read publicly for the first time, as the closing words offered by his youngest daughter, Erin. Include in the Record Mr. Murray's essay. America, What it Means to Me To me, America means homeland. It means my country blessed beyond all countries with the beauty and natural resources, with its inland seas and coursing rivers, teeming with food; its towering mountains, piled high with the riches of the earth; its fertile fields yielding harvest that might feed the world; its cities and towns all throbbing with human life and industry. America means all this but it means much more, much more than the country's materials wealth and power. To me, America means the land of liberty--a land whose democracy, whose ideals of religion, freedom and equality make it pre-eminent among the nations of the earth. In this land, my homeland, the land of liberty, every man has the ownership of himself. He is free to enjoy the results of his labors, to declare the convictions of his mind, to share in the making of its laws, and in selecting the rulers of the nation. America is the land of the free, where every man, no matter how lowly, is a free man in the free country, free to enjoy all its rights and liberties. To me, America means the struggles, the sufferings, and the sacrifices, which paid the price of these liberties I enjoy. It is symbolized by the flag I love--the red, white and blue flag; its rich red for American patriots' blood; the white for America's high ideals and purposes; its blue for the boundless hopes America awakes in humanity. That is what American means to me. Mr. Speaker, may Robert Murray's words serve as a great reminder of who we are as a Nation.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of Sheila Meyers, in honor of her distinguished service to the United States Postal Service, the United States Congress, and the American people. A third-generation postal employee, Sheila began her illustrious postal career in 1979 as a Multi-Position Letter Machine Clerk in Seattle, Washington and subsequently ascended to critical positions in Customer Service, Mailing Requirements, Human Resources, Labor Relations, and ultimately, Government Relations--over 42 remarkable years of public service. Her enduring commitment to serving and advocating in support of our most trusted government institution and its dedicated workforce of more than 650,000 employees stands as a shining testament to the fundamental mission of the Postal Service to ``provide postal services to bind the Nation together'' and provide ``prompt, reliable, and efficient services to patrons in all areas''-- in every American community. As a longstanding member of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, I can certainly attest to the breadth of experience, knowledge, integrity, and talent that Sheila brought to her position as the Postal Service's principal committee liaison during our consideration of postal reform legislation across several Congresses. To her great credit, both Democratic and Republican Members regularly received substantive agency briefings that significantly informed our understanding of Postal Service operations, services, infrastructure, and finances. I remain grateful for the consideration and insight that Sheila always extended to my office, and I am proud to have relied on her expertise as I joined bipartisan committee leaders in developing and enacting H.R.3076, the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022. While Sheila may have retired from the Postal Service on April 29, 2022, I am quite certain that her more than four decades of dedication and hard work will be reflected and endure in the agency's service to the American people going forward. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Sheila on her exceptional career with the United States Postal Service and wish her a happy and blessed retirement.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Michael Taylor of South Boston, who is retiring after a 50-year career in education, government, and human services: A lifelong resident of Boston, Michael has spent his career leading community, city-wide and governmental organizations, and institutions. Michael's long career in the fields of education, government and human services began with his first assignment as a Community Organizer in the D Street Housing Development followed by his role as Administrative Coordinator at the Condon Community School and culminating in his retirement this past June as President of the Urban College of Boston (UCB). Michael took on the responsibility as President of UCB at a time when the College was in great financial distress and on the verge of closing. Over the course of his nearly ten-year tenure, Michael built strategic partnerships with businesses and government and community organizations which solidified UCB as an effective and responsive minority serving institution. As President, Michael successfully advocated for the elimination of all student debt through 2021 and at no time during his presidency was tuition raised, helping many students afford their education without the burden of student loans. He also launched a first in the country initiative in which UCB students could become certified clinical research coordinators. Michael himself graduated from Boston State College before receiving a Master's in Education from Harvard University. Michael served in the administrations of three of Boston's Mayors--Kevin White, Raymond Flynn, and Thomas Menino. Michael also developed a strong partnership with Mayor Martin Walsh which resulted in the development of a new and dynamic UCB campus. Michael is known for his willingness to offer counsel and his efforts to afford opportunities to anyone interested in government and community service. His passion has always been to help others and to better his community. Michael's love of his community is only exceeded by his love for his family and friends. The son of Irish immigrant parents, Robert and Dora Taylor, Michael grew up in South Boston with his seven siblings: Martha, Doretta, Thomas, Colleen, Roberta, Mark, and Maureen. Michael and his wife Janet are the proud parents of their daughter Sara Taylor, who now resides in North Carolina. Michael is also proud of the role he played in the raising of his stepson Daniel Harlow and his nephew Thomas Taylor. Although Michael is retiring after five decades in education, government and human services, his impact on the people of the City of Boston will last far longer. Madam Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Mr. Michael Taylor on his retirement. I join his family and friends in celebrating his many contributions to the City of Boston. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his many decades of public service.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, as a 50-year member of the Massachusetts Building Trades, as former president of the Ironworkers Local 7 in Boston, and as a proud member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure here in Congress, I rise in support of and in acknowledgement of the success and benefits to our States, cities, and towns, of President Biden's transformational Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, better known as the bipartisan infrastructure law. Signed by President Biden this past November, this landmark legislation continues to provide critical investments in our Nation's infrastructure and transportation systems, including $550 billion in new funding to repair and modernize America's roads, bridges, public transit systems, passenger and freight rail ports, airports, high-speed internet, and water systems. Importantly, the bipartisan infrastructure law also stands as a testament to what we can accomplish together on behalf of the American people when we set aside partisanship and divisiveness in favor of collaboration toward addressing the most urgent needs of the American people. In my own State of Massachusetts, the Eighth Congressional District that I represent, we are already putting historic Federal funding delivered by the bipartisan infrastructure law into use. We have older infrastructure in Massachusetts, especially the city of Boston, the city of Brockton, and the city of Quincy. Over $8.5 billion will be allocated to Massachusetts to support that infrastructure, to rebuild it over the next 5 years. In fact, this year alone, $2 billion in new Federal funding has been announced for our State to date, including more than $1.7 billion identified for key transportation and infrastructure projects. Considering that 472 of our State bridges and more than 1,100 miles of Massachusetts highway has been declared deficient or in poor condition, this funding will not only be used for structural repairs, but also will serve to reinforce our coastal infrastructure against the devastating impacts of climate change. Our State has already received nearly $190 million in bipartisan infrastructure law funding this year to support lead pipe replacement and other clean and safe water improvements. This funding will be critical to some of our older historic cities, like the city of Brockton, that struggle with toxic chemicals in their water supply. As it does in all 50 States, the bipartisan infrastructure law has already allocated approximately $534 million this year for Massachusetts to improve our public transportation systems. This funding could not be timelier for the residents of Massachusetts in view of the ongoing safety incidents, operating deficiencies, personnel shortages, and service reductions at the MBTA, one of the oldest transit systems in the country. Earlier this year, we also broke ground at a new electric bus maintenance facility in Quincy, Massachusetts, that will serve to accommodate a modern electric fleet of MBTA buses and alleviate the carbon footprint of our public transportation that exacerbates the incidence of asthma and respiratory disease. Just this month, our State delegation joined President Biden at Boston Logan Airport to recognize the $62 million in bipartisan infrastructure law funding that will be used to modernize and increase the climate resilience of our international terminal and its surrounding roadways. That project is expected to create almost 6,000 jobs. Mr. Speaker, the bipartisan infrastructure law is supporting similar projects and job creation across this great country to the enormous benefit of the American people. It is also, I remind my colleagues, a worthwhile example of what Democrats and Republicans can do here in Congress when we work together.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Waters for her leadership on this and for helping us to get this bill on the floor. As the proud sponsor of H.R. 310, I rise in strong support of this legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to four heroic Americans killed in the September 11, 2012, terrorist attack against the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya: U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens; U.S. Navy SEAL and CIA security contractor, Glen Doherty; U.S. Navy SEAL and CIA contractor, Tyrone Woods; and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant, Sean Smith. At the outset, I would like to thank Chairwoman Waters, Ranking Member McHenry, and Mrs. Wagner of the Financial Services Committee for their bipartisan work in support of H.R. 310. I would also like to recognize the invaluable contributions that were made by our late chairman of the Oversight and Reform Committee, Elijah Cummings. He made contributions to the legislation and to our additional effort to secure full death benefits for the Doherty family of Massachusetts. Importantly, the advancement of this bill would not be possible without the support of all the family members as well as pro bono counsel from K&L Gates and other stakeholders whose relentless advocacy on behalf of our four fallen heroes is reflective of their sacrifice on behalf of our Nation. In my home State of Massachusetts, I would like to particularly recognize Mrs. Barbara Doherty and Ms. Kate Quigley, the devoted mother and sister respectively of Navy SEAL Glen Doherty of Winchester, Massachusetts. I would also like to thank Amy Carnevale and Dennis Porter, two attorneys from K&L Gates, for their steadfast legal support and counsel to guide this legislation, as well as my dear friend, Dan Rea of WBZ News Radio who amplified the story about these four heroes and our efforts over the past 9 years, notably during a time of deep division in this country. I would like to recognize and thank the nearly 300 bipartisan Members--Democrat, Republican, and Independents--who have joined me to cosponsor this legislation and enable this consideration on the House floor, including my lead Republican cosponsor of H.R. 310, Representative Brian Mast of Florida. Mr. Speaker, since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned and bestowed its highest civilian honor--the Congressional Gold Medal, in recognition of distinguished acts of bravery, leadership, and achievement that leave an enduring impact on our American history. As chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, I firmly believe that there is no legacy more lasting and profound than the bravery and sacrifice of those who have stood in defense of our Nation. In view of the approaching 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack against the U.S. Consulate, the nearby classified annex, and personnel in Benghazi, Libya, it is more than fitting that we bestow the Congressional Gold Medal on these four fallen American heroes who bravely defended our compound and dedicated their lives to patriotic service on behalf of the United States of America. For over 20 years, Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens served our Nation in the Foreign Service. From his first assignment as a consular and economic officer in Saudi Arabia to his last diplomatic mission in Libya, Ambassador Stevens reflected a genuine commitment to building bridges with our Middle Eastern and North African partners and advancing our most cherished democratic ideals. During their decades of service as elite U.S. Navy SEALs with tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflict zones, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods perpetually exemplified the Navy SEAL motto: ``The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday.'' Their continued service as overseas security personnel responsible for the safety of American diplomatic officials was maintained with the highest standards of military excellence. As a former ground radio maintenance specialist in the U.S. Air Force and a State Department officer, Sean Smith served our Nation with honor and distinction throughout multiple deployments that included Iraq, South Africa, Oman, and Libya. Mr. Speaker, the commissioning of the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of these four exceptional Americans will appropriately recognize their heroism, bravery, and sacrifice on behalf of a grateful Nation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 310. Again, I thank Chairwoman Waters for her valued support.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of En Bloc 5 to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which includes my two final amendments to this legislation. These additional provisions will strengthen how we enforce U.S. sanctions and provide the Congress with vital information about the China-Afghan economic relationship. Amendment No. 561 establishes the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Exchange within OFAC. This voluntary public-private partnership would advance information sharing between law enforcement agencies, national security agencies, financial institutions, and OFAC. It would facilitate sanctions administration and enforcement that target foreign countries and regimes, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, and other threats to national security, foreign policy, or the U.S. economy. This collaboration will allow for U.S. economic and trade sanctions to be better administered and enforced, and, ultimately, make them more effective. Amendment No. 562 would require the Secretary of the Treasury to brief the Congress on the identification and analysis of Chinese economic, commercial, and financial connections to Afghanistan which fuel both Chinese and Taliban interests, to include illicit financial networks involved in narcotics trafficking, illicit financial transactions, official corruption, natural resources exploitation, and terrorist networks. Earlier this year, China, among other nations, pledged to deepen its economic and trade ties with Afghanistan through the so-called ``Tunxi Initiative.'' However, China has a history of seeking to increase its influence through development and economic assistance that completely ignores, or even undermines, rule of law, independent civil society, and protection of human rights. After all that the United States has invested and sacrificed in Afghanistan, it is vital that Congress understand the extent of China's connections, and intentions, in Afghanistan so we can respond accordingly. Once again I would like to express my sincerest thanks to Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith, Ranking Member Mike Rogers, and their staffs for including my amendments in this last En Bloc. I would urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this final En Bloc.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of en bloc amendment number one to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. This en bloc amendment includes Lynch amendment number 82 which requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to reimburse our service members and veterans who expended personal funds to evacuate their former translators, interpreters, security contractors, pilots, and other Afghan allies out of the country. In developing this plan, the Secretary would be required to lay out clear eligibility criteria, and to consult with the Secretaries of State and Veterans' Affairs as well as representatives from non-governmental organizations with expertise in supporting the evacuation of our Afghan allies. Mr. Speaker, it has been nearly one year since the U.S. officially withdrew its forces and diplomatic corps from Afghanistan. In that time, countless military and veteran volunteers have worked tirelessly to evacuate their Afghan colleagues and bring them to safety. These dedicated Americans have often spent significant personal funds, including maxing out credit cards and exhausting military pensions and life savings, to try to save the lives of those who fought and sacrificed alongside our forces, and who now face mortal danger under the Taliban regime. This amendment honors the dedication of these brave Americans who have shown an unwavering loyalty to those Afghans who worked with us. I would like to extend my thanks to Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith, Ranking Member Mike Rogers, and their staffs for including my amendment in this en bloc and would urge my colleagues on both sides to support it.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of en bloc amendment number two to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which includes three Lynch amendments that ill strengthen our capacity to find our missing service members, increase contracting transparency, and protect veterans from financial fraud. Amendment No. 235 is a bipartisan amendment that will support the mission of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). I would like to thank my Republican colleague Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska for joining me in cosponsoring this important amendment that simply clarifies DOD authority with regard to the resources it may use to fulfill its mission. Currently, the DPAA may accept gifts such as personal property, services, and funds to expand its capabilities and bring more of our missing service members home, but not solicit them. Under this amendment DPAA may seek out these additional resources as well. We make a promise to every brave American that we send into combat not to forget them, and we must do everything to ensure that the agency tasked with finding them has access to all the means possible to be able to do so. Amendment No. 236 reauthorizes the Commission on Wartime Contracting to conduct oversight of U.S. contracting and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and other areas of contingency operations. This Commission has a proven track record of helping reduce waste and fraud in overseas operations contracting. A similar past commission, during its prior iteration from 2008 to 2011, found between $31 billion and $60 billion in U.S. taxpayer funds that were lost due to contract waste, fraud, and abuse in Iraq and Afghanistan. At a time in which all Americans are worried about the state of our economy, their family finances, and what the future may hold, it is vital that we examine how our rebuilding and contract funds were used, and how we can spend more effectively and transparently in the future. Finally, Madam Speaker, amendment No. 237 would require the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to establish an Interagency Task Force on Financial Fraud to identify, prevent, and combat financial fraud targeting service members, veterans, and military families. Service members, veterans, and their families are nearly 40 percent more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population, and four out of five service members and veterans report they have been targeted by scams directly related to their military service or benefits. In total, service members and veterans reported financial losses of $267 million resulting from scams or fraud in 2021. Earlier today, I chaired a hearing in the National Security Subcommittee that examined this very issue. This task force is a necessary first step to understand what makes our military, veterans and their families so vulnerable, what can be done to better protect them, and how we can help make whole those who have been victimized. I would like to once again extend my thanks to Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith, Ranking Member Mike Rogers, and their staffs for including my amendments in this en bloc amendment and would urge all my colleagues to support it.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Peter Bonitatibus, who is retiring after a tireless 35-year-long career in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' system of higher education. Born in Quincy, Peter has resided in Whitman for the last 20 years with his wife Margaret and their children Sheila, Danny, Justin, and Mary. Peter is proud to have spent his entire career working with many outstanding police officers, faculty, and staff in several of Massachusetts's finest public institutions of higher learning. Before his retirement, he was considered the key person for all things technological for the University of Massachusetts Boston's Division of Student Affairs. The group includes over 300 part and full-time employees that encompass Police, General Medicine, Counseling, student care, Housing, Activities, Leadership programs, Multicultural Affairs, and student hunger and housing security matters. Peter is a tireless advocate on behalf of the people he worked with, often going the extra mile to ensure the health and safety of his beloved community. His incredible attention to detail and technical skill have led his colleagues to dub him the ``Mr. Spock'' of UMass Boston. A badge he wears with honor, as he is a great fan of Star Trek. Peter began his career in 1986 as a police officer at Framingham State College. He then worked at Bridgewater State College and finally served at UMass Boston, where he was elevated to Sergeant and then hired as UMass Boston's Director of Student Affairs Technology Services. During his career until his recent retirement, Peter has been recognized as a national leader in the security technology profession and served as the Education Chair for the Boston Chapter of ASIS International. A dedicated family man, Peter and his wife Margaret raised their four beloved children in Whitman. Through his example, his children now work in public service and law enforcement and continue Peter's legacy of giving back to the community and a life of serving others. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Peter's service, thank him, and wish him well in retirement.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I thank Chair Maloney and Ranking Member Comer for the great work they have done on this bill. As the son of a postal worker, my mom; as the brother of two postal workers, my sisters Karen and Linda; and as a nephew and cousin to about at least a dozen more, especially Pat Morris, my favorite, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3076, the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022. This landmark reform agreement will finally place our most trusted government institution on a path toward financial viability. It is the product of bipartisan collaboration and meaningful stakeholder input. It focuses solely on fundamental reform areas that have long been the subject of bipartisan and stakeholder consensus. To that end, H.R. 3076 repeals the onerous mandate in current law requiring the Postal Service to prefund retiree health benefits years before it is necessary. The agreement also integrates postal retiree health benefits with Medicare to ensure that all postal workers receive the benefits that they have already paid for, a total of more than $35 billion over the last 40 years. Moreover, this legislation codifies our support for an integrated network through which nearly 650,000 dedicated clerks, mail handlers, letter carriers, supervisors, and postmasters process and deliver mail and packages to the American people at least 6 days a week, even amid a global pandemic. I want to acknowledge the tireless contributions of our employee partners, especially the unions, in this effort, including President Fred Rolando of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Paul Hogrogian of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, President Ronnie Stutts of the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association, and President Mark Dimondstein of the American Postal Workers Union. I also want to recognize Kori Blalock Keller, Jim Sauber, Paul Swartz, Katie Maddocks, Brian Young, and Judy Beard, and the irreplaceable Bob Losi, my great pal and union brother, and all their staffs for their good work. Again, I commend Chairwoman Maloney, Ranking Member Comer, Chairman Connolly, Representative Lawrence, and our dear departed friend Elijah Cummings, who put a lot of time in on this, for their great work. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 3076.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Beacon Hill Village in Boston. It's an anniversary with significance for the whole Nation and they are to be congratulated on reaching this special milestone. Madam Speaker, Beacon Hill Village was created by, and for, neighbors determined to continue to thrive and grow in the neighborhood they loved, as they aged. There was no ready model when they began. A core goal of Beacon Hill Village members was living active, independent, and healthy lives. There is not much choice about growing old, but there are choices about where and how to do so. The Village offers those choices to its members and so much more, including maintaining and enhancing quality of life, providing peace of mind, enabling purposeful lives, and helping to navigate the transitions of growing older. From its start in 2002 Beacon Hill Village has spawned a movement that continues to spread across the U.S. and in other countries. Today there are 263 open and 70 developing Villages serving thousands of older adults from major cities to small, rural communities. These Villages are all across the nation--in 43 states and the District of Columbia--and In four countries abroad. While many Villages were formed through grass roots efforts led by a few passionate people, Villages have also grown from faith-based groups, social service partnerships, and through existing community service organizations. Beacon Hill Village was the chief force behind the creation of the Village to Village Network which remains dedicated to helping communities everywhere design their own Villages reflecting local needs and using local resources. Local Villages connect members to a full range of practical support services to help with non-medical household tasks, services, programs and transportation. Villages also promote staying active by coordinating recreational, social, educational and cultural programs. These social activities minimize isolation and promote interaction amongst their peers. Madam Speaker, I am convinced, that the best days of Beacon Hill Village, the Village-to-Village Network and the Villages of the Nation, are still ahead of them. Their message is simple, forceful and optimistic: aging should be Individual, and person-centered. Villages can help their members take responsibility for their own aging and make choices resulting in vibrant, purposeful lives lived on their own terms, in their own homes and communities. With this message the Villages are changing how elders experience aging and how our society perceives aging. Every American benefits from these changes. This community-based movement offers an economically efficient model for aging. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a bright light on the power of Villages to deliver essential services, keep members engaged and connected safely, and provide critical information during a time of great stress and confusion. Seemingly overnight, VIiiages turned in- person events and activities into virtual programming, trained their members to use Zoom, and partnered with existing services and resources to ensure members had what they needed, especially during lockdown. Not only did Villages and their members thrive during the pandemic, they demonstrated the power of community. By 2030, every Baby Boomer will be age 65 or older, which means that 1 out of every 5 U.S. citizens will be of retirement age. The numbers are even larger In many countries around the world. The Village model and the importance of community and choice offer valuable insights and solutions for this challenging phenomenon. Madam Speaker, in recognition of the positive impact that the village movement has had on the experience of aging, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Beacon Hill Village on its 20th anniversary and saluting all villages throughout the Nation.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the players, coaches and administration of the Cohasset High School football team. On December 1, 2021, the Cohasset High School Skippers won the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Division VII Super Bowl, earning them the title, State Champions. Cohasset High School has a long tradition of excellence in high school football. This is the school's second state championship in the past seven years. Cohasset High School's 2021 team finished the season by winning ten consecutive games, after starting the season 0-2. The win streak included four hard-fought victories in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Tournament. This championship playoff run included a 26-13 home victory over the Mayflower League Champion Nantucket Whalers, a 21-7 road victory over the previously undefeated Cape Ann League Champion Hamilton-Wenham Generals, a 14-8 neutral site victory over the Mashpee Falcons, and culminated with a 27-12 Super Bowl victory over the previously undefeated Suburban League Champion Wahconah Warriors. Madam Speaker, the young men on this football team conducted themselves in such a way as to bring honor, pride, and recognition to the Town of Cohasset. They represent what is truly best about high school student athletes. Today it is my honor to join the families, friends and residents of Cohasset, Massachusetts, to congratulate the 2021 Cohasset High School football team on their impressive achievement. Players: Jamie Smith, Liam Appleton, Thomas Hansen, Will Henle, Jack Mullaly, Henry Burke, Mick Dockray, John Shannon, James Appleton, Jack Cullinan, Ryan Lynch, Owen Rigby, Danny McGinty, Will Baker, Grayson Corbett, Sam Ellinger, Charlie Grudinskas, Josh Burke, Charlie Donovan, Blaine Basile, Luke Willmott, Carter Wimberly, Kyle Wakefield, Luke Moore, Declan Lee, Michael Donahue, Lucas Najjar, Henry Dionisio, Levi O'Duggan, Ben Henry, Christian Steinmetz, Simon Frank, Nick Henry, Charlie McKeen, Robbie Norton, Teddy Fox, Ryan Stevens, Michael Hession, Noah Simone, John Higgins, Christopher Comerford, Lincoln Pattison, Charlie Sebastyen, Jackie Lyons, Henry Richard, Santiago Talavera-Rubio, Jr., Ben Joyce, Brendan Cingari, Martin Rigby, Jay Fox, Ben Weissensee, Nanbeel Bonifon, Will Norgeot, Will McLoughlin, Sam Larsen. Managers: Bridget Mahoney, Mia Froio, Audrey Ryan. Administration: Superintendent Patrick Sullivan, Principal Brian Scott, Athletic Director Steve Rotondi, Head Coach Pete Afanasiw, Assistant Coaches Brian Pattison, Phil Mahoney, John Maher, Danny Tangherlini, Jake Cuneo.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Town of Norwood, Massachusetts, and in recognition of its 150th ``birthday'' celebration. What is now the Town of Norwood began as a cluster of small mills and farms in the southernmost district of the Town of Dedham, Massachusetts, which was founded in 1636. The district quickly evolved into a self-contained village, and, as early as 1717, its residents sought to create their own place of worship. They established a parish--known as the ``Second Parish'' or ``South Parish''--in 1728, with Reverend Thomas Balch becoming its first resident pastor in 1736. Although the village was a distinct community, it remained part of Dedham for more than a century. It finally separated from its mother town amid heated education and taxation disputes, and it was incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the Town of Norwood in 1872. At the turn of the twentieth century, the efforts of George Willett-- a magnate and Progressive Reformer--led to a new town charter, which was approved by voters in 1914. With this new charter, Norwood became the first town in New England and only the twelfth in the nation to adopt the ``Town Manager'' form of government, placing the day-to-day business of the community in the hands of a management professional. Much has happened since then, but the core of Norwood's community remains unchanged. Religious institutions, civic committees, recreational facilities, and volunteer associations provide the means for all Norwood residents to thrive in the twenty-first century. So, Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House today to recognize the Town of Norwood, Massachusetts, as it prepares to celebrate its 150th ``birthday''--the anniversary of its incorporation as the Town of Norwood in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of en bloc amendments #2 and #3 which include three of my amendments that will improve transparency in our overseas contingency contracts, make our sanctions regimes more effective, and strengthen our ability to combat illicit financing networks. My first amendment, #252, reauthorizes the Commission on Wartime Contracting which will engage in vital oversight of our contracting and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq and other areas where we conduct contingency operations. This Commission has a proven track record of helping us reduce waste and fraud in overseas operations contracting. Indeed, in its prior iteration, from 2008 to 2011, the Commission found between $31 billion and $60 billion in U.S. taxpayer funds that were lost due to contract waste, fraud, and abuse in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now that the U.S. has withdrawn from Afghanistan after 20 years, and as we prepare to end our combat mission in Iraq by the end of this year--after 19 years of war--it would be irresponsible not to examine what came of the hundreds of billions in contract dollars spent during these operations. Amendment #253 comprises the language of two vital bills. The first is the Combating Illicit Finance Through Public-Private Partnerships Act, which would expand the mandate of the interagency supervisory team convened by the Department of the Treasury to examine strategies to improve public-private partnerships to counter illicit finance by including sanctions evasion and other illicit financial activities. The amendment also contains the provisions of the Strengthening Awareness of Sanctions Act, which would establish within the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) a voluntary public-private information sharing partnership among law enforcement agencies, national security agencies, financial institutions, and OFAC, which will allow for a more effective administration and enforcement to better administer and enforce economic and trade sanctions. This illicit finance amendment will ensure that the sanctions we impose are able to successfully cut off the funding that allow bad actors to continue to carry out terror attacks, traffic in drugs, humans, and weapons, pose threats to the U.S. and our allies, and cause instability around the world. Finally, amendment #254 directs the President to re-establish the Afghanistan Threat Finance Cell. This interagency effort would bring together law enforcement, military, and financial intelligence resources to identify, target, disrupt, and dismantle illicit financial networks. Like the Commission on Wartime Contracting, the Afghanistan Threat Finance Cell has also proven itself as an effective body: not long after its establishment in 2008, it was the first organization to reveal an interdependent web of links between corrupt Afghan officials, criminals, drug traffickers, and insurgents. Thanks to the efforts of the Threat Finance Cell, the Executive Branch took action to pursue broad efforts to address and combat Afghan corruption. While the Afghanistan Threat Finance Cell ended in 2014, this effort remains just as important, especially now that the U.S. no longer has an in-country military presence. The renewed Cell will serve a critical role in tracking and disrupting the use of threat finance by insurgent groups and other illicit actors, while augmenting the oversight work of regional financial investigative units. Only by eliminating the sources of funding can we effectively take on the terrorists, drug traffickers, and other criminal elements that continue to feed into the corruption and instability in Afghanistan. Inclusion of these amendments will strengthen congressional oversight and government transparency, as well as bolster the effectiveness of our sanctions, and provide vital tools with which to combat fraud, waste, and corruption. I would like to thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Rogers for including these three amendments in the two en bloc amendments. I would urge all Members to support the passage of these en blocs.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of En Bloc 3, which includes my amendment to the Labor-HHS-Education Division of H.R. 4502, the minibus Appropriations Act. My amendment will provide an additional $2 million to the Health Centers Program within the Department of Health and Human Services. This funding will provide increased assistance to our community health centers which serve as a lifeline to many of the most vulnerable members of our community, and have been hit especially hard during the pandemic. Today there are around 1,400 health centers in over 14,000 urban and rural communities, across the U.S. serving 30 million patients in every state and territory. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic they provided vital comprehensive, quality health services--including, primary and preventive care, behavioral health, dental care, pharmacy, and vision care--to vulnerable and underserved communities. In recent years, they have been expanding their services to include mental health and treatment of substance use disorder. Throughout the pandemic crisis, community health centers have stepped up to help their communities by providing essential testing, contact tracing, education, and vaccinations. And they have done so while continuing to meet the ongoing health care needs of their patients. However, these vital health care providers, who already operate on very tight budgets with thin margins, were stretched even thinner in the last eighteen months. At a time when they needed all hands on deck, community health centers around the country had to cut hours, reduce services, and lay off or furlough employees. Some even had to shut down temporarily. As we continue to work our way through to the other side of the pandemic, community health centers still need our support to care for our vulnerable and underserved Americans. Thanks to the efforts of the Congress and the support of the President, our health centers have been given some of the assistance they need in order to do so. Fortunately, the American Rescue Plan provided over $6.1 billion in funding to 1,377 health centers around the country. In my state of Massachusetts, 37 community health centers have received over $146 million to help them continue their work. I was pleased to see the substantial increase that the Appropriations Committee provided to health centers in this spending bill, and again, I appreciate the Committee's acceptance of my amendment which will help our community health centers to continue to provide quality, comprehensive health care to millions of Americans. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this En Bloc amendment and the underlying bill.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of the Eliminate Barriers to Innovation Act. It has been 12 years since the cryptocurrency bitcoin was first introduced. Since then, digital assets have proliferated around the world. By one estimate, there are more than 4,000 cryptocurrencies and other digital tokens in use today. While we haven't yet encountered a large-scale crisis, the lack of clarity in cryptocurrency regulation has become a real barrier in developing a framework to optimize the potential benefits of this technology. U.S. financial regulations historically have been developed in response to financial disasters. We had the creation of the FDIC, which followed over 1,000 bank failures during the Depression. Similarly, the development of the CFPB occurred after the 2008 financial crisis. This bill, H.R. 1602, is an opportunity for Congress and our regulators to act proactively toward financial innovation rather than to address gaps in our regulatory framework after the fact. Digital assets have the potential to make transactions more efficient, improve the raising of capital for small businesses, and increase inclusion across our financial system. However, the rapid rise of this technology has created some concerns and questions about consumer protection and about how to ensure that we gain the benefits of this innovation while mitigating potential risks. This bill, H.R. 1602, will create critical collaboration between the SEC, the CFTC, and Congress on the topic of digital assets. It will bring our regulators, small businesses, fintech companies, and investor protection groups to the same table to discuss cybersecurity investor protections and the creation of inclusive and transparent markets. In short, our hope is that this bill will help get the regulatory framework of digital assets right before a crisis occurs. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member, Mr. McHenry, for working on this bill and also Chairwoman Waters for her support. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ed ``Butch'' and Jean Shifflett, two wonderful and generous Americans from my home neighborhood of South Boston. Butch and Jean have been model citizens and engaged members of our South Boston community for decades. Butch, a Vietnam veteran, together with his wife Jean, have been loving caretakers of St. Monica's Church, where they have welcomed those seeking a sacred place of beauty and peace. Their hospitality has made it possible for St. Monica's Church to serve as a home for the recovery community, providing a safe gathering space for those seeking freedom from addiction as well as anchoring the food pantry, where they have provided a safety net for those struggling with hunger during these difficult times. Day or night, Butch and Jean have never failed to answer the call when a family in need has reached out for help. And they have offered more than just practical help and assistance: they have offered respect and warm goodwill, affirming the dignity of all. Butch and Jean have never sought recognition for their service to others. But on January 24, 2021, we expressed our love and gratitude for the hope and healing they have brought to our community by naming the lower hall of the church where they have carried out their ministry in their honor. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House today to thank Ed ``Butch'' and Jean Shifflett for their decades of service to St. Monica's Church and to the families of South Boston.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Washington for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 335, legislation to allow President Biden to appoint General Lloyd J. Austin, III, as our next Secretary of Defense. Throughout my tenure on the National Security Subcommittee, I have had the personal opportunity to meet with and interact with General Austin on numerous occasions in the field during the course of several of our oversight investigations. Beginning in the early stages of Operation Enduring Freedom, we met in Kabul, Afghanistan, during his deployment as commander of Combined Joint Task Force 180. I dealt with General Austin again in the midst of Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as during Operation New Dawn. We also met in Baghdad during his multiple deployments as commander of the Multinational Corps and commander of United States Forces-Iraq. And I have personally received multiple intelligence briefings from General Austin in his capacity as commander of U.S. Central Command. By the way, he was the first African American to lead that critically important combat command. Throughout the congressional investigations into the progress of U.S. military diplomatic and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and other regional conflicts, General Austin has never failed to provide us with direct access to the battlefield and the straight and honest and hard facts as he saw them on the ground. His assessment proved to be critical to our oversight mission and the development of legislation concerning U.S. defense, national security, and counterterrorism policies. He always demonstrated a maximum respect for the constitutional oversight role of the United States Congress and clearly held the highest regard for the civilian leadership of the Department of Defense. Mr. Speaker, General Austin is especially qualified and deserving of a congressional exemption that will allow President Biden his appointment as Secretary of Defense. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 335.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Thomas McCarthy, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Towns of Abington and Whitman, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the United States of America. The son of James and Jane McCarthy of Abington, Tom was born on May 11, 1958. He was raised on Plymouth Street in Abington, and he attended South Shore Vocational Tech High School in Hanover. He attended Southern Washington University, earning a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice in 1979. Tom served in the United States Marine Corps for thirty years (1976 to 2006), retiring with the rank of Sergeant Major. Over the course of his service in the United States Marine Corps, Tom attended the Military Police Academy and was assigned to the Military Police for twenty-six years. Upon his retirement, he returned to Abington. Tom then worked for A-Prime Steel, a specialty steel company from 2007 to 2008 in addition to driving for Dunbar Armor, a private security company. Subsequently, Tom worked at Sears as a sales associate and then as an assistant manager in the automobile service department. In 2012, Tom began his service as the part-time Veterans' Service Officer for the towns of Abington and Whitman. He was promoted to Director of Veterans' Services in 2017. Tom is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 119, in Whitman, where he served as Post Commander from 2011 to 2016. Madam Speaker, Tom is known for his compassion, his kind smile, his quick sense of humor, his storytelling, and his affection for Dunkin' Donuts Iced Coffee. He is an avid freshwater fisherman and has participated in many firearms shooting competitions over the years. He has had the good fortune to be married to Jenny for forty-one years. His passionate advocacy for veterans set an example to all who worked with him, and I extend my sincere congratulations and appreciation to him upon his retirement. It is my distinct honor to join with Tom McCarthy's family, friends and contemporaries to thank him for his service to the United States and to the veterans of Abington and Whitman, Massachusetts.