Tom MacArthur

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and life of Anthony ``Tony'' Russo III, of the Third Congressional District, and to express my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones he has left behind, as well as to recognize his career and community engagement. Tony was one of Burlington County's most well-known and respected farmers and was a former member of the Burlington County Board of Agriculture and was described as both ``a pillar of the Tabernacle community'' and ``a giant in New Jersey agriculture.'' His farm celebrated its 75th anniversary last year and is one of the most well- known farm stands in South Jersey, in very large part due to Tony who took over operations of the farm after the death of his father in 1991. Tony and his wife Maryann were married for 50 years and enjoyed working together on the farm, along with his son and daughter-in-law. A tragic accident claiming his life has left a devastating void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones. Mr. Speaker, the people of New Jersey's Third Congressional District are tremendously honored to have had Anthony ``Tony'' Russo III as a selfless and dedicated member of their community, whose generosity and vivacious spirit will never be forgotten. It is with a heavy heart that I commemorate his career and life, and recognize the lasting legacy that he has left behind, before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a disturbing trend that deserves increased scrutiny in the wake of Russia's growing aggression on its southern and western borders. Recently, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg met with members of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees to discuss how to counter an assertive Russia, a phenomenon he describes as ``a chief threat.'' Recent events have led some to question the relevance of the NATO alliance. Indeed, designations that NATO is obsolete have sparked an international debate about the significance of the 28-member defense alliance--one that has drawn the focus of our nation's top military leaders who have been stalwart in their defense of its importance. Russia's aggression has also put increased pressure on our NATO ally Turkey. In recent years Turkey has witnessed aggression to its north in Crimea and Ukraine, to the south in Syria, and in Georgia to its east. This has all been part of a larger Russian strategy to put pressure on NATO's perimeter in an attempt to solidify regional control. Turkey lies in the invaluable strategic location as the gateway between Europe and the Middle East. Now is the time for the United States to show strong support for all of our NATO allies, and especially Turkey. Vladimir Putin understands only one thing and this is strength. If we don't stand with our allies now and show strength, then Putin will continue to display regional aggression and ultimately may threaten one of our NATO allies. We must stand with our allies now, more than ever, to ensure that security in the region is maintained and U.S. interests are secured.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Officer Brian Strockbine, of the Third Congressional District, who is an 11-year veteran of the Evesham Township Police Department, and in his past three work shifts, has miraculously saved the lives of three civilians On March 8, 2016, and March 17, 2016 Officer Strockbine responded to two separate instances in which a female was reported unresponsive. In both incidents, Officer Strockbine was first on the scene and immediately began CPR on the victims, eventually able to stabilize and save their lives. Finally, on March 12, 2016, Officer Strockbine responded to a car accident with injuries. Officer Strockbine was first on the scene and noticed that the interior of the vehicle was filled with smoke and about to catch fire. Officer Strockbine broke the passenger side window and carried the victim to safety. In a one-week period, Officer Strockbine saved three lives, and prevented the families of these individuals from an immense level of suffering and grief. He is a true public servant, who continually puts his life on the line to protect and serve his community. Mr. Speaker, the people of New Jersey's Third Congressional District are tremendously honored to have Officer Brian Strockbine as a member of their community, who has dedicated his career to putting the safety of others before himself, and has saved many civilian lives in the process. I am honored to recognize him for his service and to commend him for all that he has done for his community, before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Madeleine Morlino, of the Third Congressional District, on her recent acceptance into all four United States Service Academies, and to commend her for her community service and accomplishments. Madeleine, who is a resident of Moorestown, has worked diligently to succeed academically while simultaneously engaging with her community. Madeleine maintains a 4.23 weighted grade-point average at Moorestown High School. She is an accomplished violinist, and plays for the Moorestown High School orchestra and for a local church ensemble. Additionally, she was honored with the Good Citizenship Award from the Union League of Philadelphia and volunteers for many different charitable causes and organizations. Madeleine has a profound level of respect for our armed service men and women, and has become very involved in the veteran community. In the fall, she organized the Veterans Benefits and Job Expo at the Moorestown Community House, where national and local businesses met with veterans about meaningful employment. She also volunteers at the Disabled Veterans Physiotherapy Clinic in Philadelphia. Madeleine has worked extremely hard to follow her goal of serving the military in whatever capacity possible. She will be attending the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado after graduation. Mr. Speaker, the people of New Jersey's Third Congressional District are tremendously honored to have Madeleine Morlino as a member of their community. Ms. Molino has shown a desire to serve her nation and to give back to her community, and has worked continuously to do so at the best of her ability. I am honored to recognize her acceptance into all four United States Service Academies and to commend her for her outstanding service to her community and our veterans, before the United State House of Representatives.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cadet Kaitlyn Doyle, of the Third Congressional District, in her appointment to Chief Petty Officer of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and to commend her for her dedication to the Naval Sea Cadet youth program. Kaitlyn, who is a resident of Mount Laurel, has worked diligently to complete the regulation U.S. Navy correspondence courses from Basic Military Requirements through Chief Petty Officer. In addition to this, Kaitlyn has exhibited superior qualities of leadership, patriotism, and expertise that have allowed her to achieve this significant accomplishment, which is awarded to less than half of one percent of approximately 9,000 Naval Sea Cadets across the nation. Kaitlyn stands out as an outstanding role model to her peers. This achievement exhibits the pride that Kaitlyn has for the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps youth program and demonstrates her determination to eventually attend the Naval Academy. Mr. Speaker, the people of New Jersey's Third Congressional District are tremendously honored to have newly appointed Chief Petty Officer Kaitlyn Doyle as a member of their community, who has shown a desire to serve her nation, and has worked continuously to do so to the best of her ability. I am honored to recognize her appointment and dedicated service, before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and life of fallen New Jersey State Trooper Sean Cullen of the Third Congressional District, and to express my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones he has left behind, as well as to recognize his career of public service. Sean Cullen was a standout athlete at Cinnaminson High School and All-American wrestler at Lycoming College in Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in criminal justice. After he graduated college, Sean pursued a career in law enforcement, eventually becoming a New Jersey State Trooper. His first police job was in Sea Isle City, where he served as a Special Officer Class II. Sean dedicated five years to the Mount Holly Police Department and then served with the Westampton Township Police Department before joining the New Jersey State Police. Sean was known by fellow officers for his upbeat and positive spirit, and his ability to overcome any obstacle in his way. Trooper Cullen sacrificed precious time with his fiancee and son to protect and serve those in need. He was fatally struck by an oncoming vehicle while responding to an accident. Mr. Speaker, the people of New Jersey's Third Congressional District are tremendously honored by the selfless dedication displayed by Sean Cullen. He was a true hero, who put his life in harm's way to protect and serve those in need. It is with a heavy heart that I rise before the United States House of Representatives to commemorate his career and life, and recognize the lasting legacy that he has left behind.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Vernon and Mrs. Shirley Hill of New Jersey's Third Congressional District as recipients of the Greater Philadelphia Area Leadership Award, and to express my sincerest gratitude to them for their continued service to our community. The Greater Philadelphia Area Leadership Award recognizes business and community leaders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the area through distinguished service and steadfast philanthropy. The Hill family has been active in various charitable projects in the region through the operation of their family foundation. Whether it be their work with the University of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine, or in supporting our troops through Operation Helmet, this award stands as a testament to their dedication to using their resources and experience to help promote the growth of society. Mr. Speaker, the people of New Jersey's Third Congressional District are tremendously proud to have Vernon and Shirley Hill as involved members of their community. It is my honor to celebrate their recent Greater Philadelphia Area Leadership Award and recognized their personal and professional accomplishments, as well as their significant contributions to our community, before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 890) to correct the boundaries of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Unit P16, as amended.

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bipartisan bill corrects Coastal Barrier Resources System boundary errors in Collier County, Florida. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which administers the coastal barriers system program, has acknowledged the need to correct these errors and has since remapped the area. The agency sent the new maps to the Congress, which has the sole authority to change the boundaries and codify the correct maps in this case. This is what the bill, as amended, achieves. I urge its adoption. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Clawson).

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I was working in New York City in the fall of 2001 when terrorists tore a hole in our skyline and nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives. Like many others, I lost people that I knew. For many, they lost their dearest loved ones--their soulmate, mother, father, brother, sister, children, child, friend. All of us were moved by stories of heroism that followed that event-- hundreds of firefighters and police and other first responders who gave their own lives to save others. In the months that followed, I remember coming around that site every morning as I went to work because I couldn't take the tunnel anymore. It was closed. I would take the ferry from New York to New Jersey. We would come around the tip of Manhattan. Every morning as we passed the World Trade Center site, a hush would fall on that ferry boat, and people would ponder what happened there. That went on as autumn turned into winter and winter turned into spring, month after month, as we watched the seemingly endless restoration of that tragic site. Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2011--10 years later--the National September 11 Memorial opened. It was erected to remember those who fell, to recognize the endurance of the survivors, to honor the bravery of those who risked their lives, and often lost their lives, to save others, and, above all, to remember the power of our free Nation to overcome evil with good. It stands as a reminder to every generation that we must never forget and we must never falter. Mr. Speaker, private citizens with deep concern erected that memorial. I applaud them for their good work. But now it is our part to preserve and protect this hallowed ground and to answer this national tragedy with national support. The National 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center Act recognizes this site as a national memorial. It provides for funding for security and operations. I want to thank the many who have endorsed this bill. Eighty-two Members of this Chamber have cosponsored it. Police organizations have gotten behind it, including the National Association of Police Organizations and the Fraternal Order of Police, veterans organizations, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Vets of America, Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, and, most importantly, nearly a dozen family and friend support groups of those that were most deeply impacted by 9/11. Private donors and concerned citizens have done their part at this site, and they continue to. But now it is our solemn duty, I believe, to honor the fallen and to protect the living. I urge my colleagues to pass the National 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center Act. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3036) to designate the National September 11 Memorial located at the World Trade Center site in New York City, New York, as a national memorial, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert).

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge Representative Nadler, and I thank him for his support in this process. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Donovan).

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining?

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Stefanik).

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the remarks of my colleagues. Events like 9/11--and the world that it has brought us into--demand that we come together, and I am glad that we have done that on this bill. We have come together to honor the fallen and to protect the living. I urge my colleagues to join in making this the voice of this Chamber as we vote. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3894) to amend title 10, United States Code, to require the prompt notification of State Child Protective Services by military and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense required by law to report suspected instances of child abuse and neglect.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. George Gray of New Jersey's Third Congressional District, and to express my sincerest gratitude to him for his service to our nation and commend him as to all of his accomplishments, specifically his Congressional Gold Medal. Mr. Gray has received a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his status as a Montford Point Marine. This medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress and recognizes Mr. Gray as one of the first African American Marines to enlist in World War II. After enlistment, Mr. Gray was sent to the segregated boot camp for African American Marines, Montford Point. Conditions were severe and required the utmost mental perseverance and will to go on. Mr. Gray was determined to prove himself as a more than competent Marine. After completing basic training at Montford Point, he spent four years at war with the 51st Defense Battalion. He fought valiantly for our ideals and to assist in liberation efforts in the Pacific. Mr. Speaker, the people of New Jersey's Third Congressional District are tremendously proud to have Mr. George Gray as an involved member of their community. It is my honor to recognize both his personal military accomplishments, as well as his contributions to ending segregation in the military, and honorably serving and protecting our country in World War II, before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the scourge of glioblastoma. The glial cells are the glue of the brain. Glial tumors, which attack and destroy this glue, account for over eighty percent of all malignant brain tumors. Glioblastomas are both the most frequent and the most aggressive kind of glial tumor. Put simply, glioblastoma is the most malignant form of brain cancer known to medical science. The suffering caused by glioblastoma is hard to overstate. As the glue of the brain breaks down, glioblastoma causes great difficulties for patients and their loved ones. Life expectancy after diagnosis is about three months without treatment, and even with treatment, typical life expectancy is between one and two years. The five-year survival rate for patients receiving treatment is less than ten percent. Despite these enormous odds, many patients and their families continue to fight bravely and advocate for a cure. I would like to join them in that cause. The National Institutes of Health recently received a major funding increase, and I urge them, along with other centers of medical research, to take seriously the enormous importance of finding new and better treatments for glioblastoma, which represents such a challenge for so many Americans and their families. I also want to recognize in particular Mr. Joseph J. Rullo, a constituent of mine from Beachwood, New Jersey, who passed away after his battle with this terrible disease. His son, Joe, is an active voice in the fight to combat glioblastoma, and I thank him--and all glioblastoma advocates--for their dedication to the hard work of advocacy on behalf of those who suffer from glioblastoma and their families. It's my honor to represent them in Congress as they continue fighting the good fight.