Donald Norcross

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chair, let's start out by talking about some of the facts, because I hear some talking points from those who are trying to disturb and remove all workers' rights. There is nothing that currently is in place that mandates project labor agreements be used. If so, we would have thousands and thousands of them. It makes them permissible when a large and complex job would benefit from a precontract agreement, because that is what we are talking about. We are not talking about building a house or renovating a bedroom. Large, complex projects, that is what we are talking about. All it talks about is, before you sign a contract, make sure that you spell out very specifically the issues that could come up germane to that job. I have negotiated in my past life over 100 of these. Why? Because employers understand that this is to their benefit. There is a better cost ratio balance when they do a project labor agreement. They are public jobs, they are private jobs where nobody is mandating everything or anything. What we are saying here is that entering into a project labor agreement does one very important thing that nobody quite remembers here: Helmets to Hardhats, taking our veterans who served our country, giving them an opportunity to come home, put their uniform away, and go to work on a construction project. That alone is worth its weight in gold, and that is what Helmets to Hardhats does under a project labor agreement. It creates and allows that next generation of construction workers, those skilled craftsmen, to be part of that. Not one dime of that apprenticeship program comes from the government. This works. Why does it work? Because it saves money. The employer likes it because there are less headaches on the job, and it is probably the most important tool that could be in that worker's toolbox, to make sure that they level the playing field for a quality job that comes in on time and under budget.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Warrant Officer Two Nicole Sproesser for her achievements, contributions, and service in both the U.S. Army and the New Jersey National Guard. Chief Sproesser joined the Army in 2001. She deployed to Kuwait and Iraq as a Quartermaster, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom from February 2003 to October 2003. She was responsible for transporting all food, water, and supplies to units across Iraq. For her logistical support of 2,496 soldiers during Operation Iraqi Freedom, she was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. Promoted to sergeant after just two and a half years in the Army, she was awarded the Soldier of the Year for the 49th Quartermaster Group. After fulfilling her service obligation with the Army in August of 2004, Chief Sproesser joined the New Jersey National Guard in December of that same year. In 2008, she was selected to become a Warrant Officer and now works as the Property Book Officer for the 57th Troop Command, where she manages and maintains 18 units with property totaling 189 million dollars. While in the National Guard, Chief Sproesser served in numerous major homeland security operations, including Hurricane Sandy, as a Battle Captain, and Hurricane Irene, as an Officer in Charge. She has displayed both tactical and technical leadership abilities numerous times and has been inducted into the International Society of Logistics in 2015. Chief Sproesser comes from a family committed to public service; her mother also served in the Army and her father is currently serving as President of the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police. She and her husband, Eric--an Army Purple Heart recipient, also have three children, Christian, Aiden, and Cora Grace with whom they take frequent trips to tour Civil War battlegrounds. Mr. Speaker, Chief Warrant Officer Two Nicole Sproesser is a great American whose dedication to serving her country in the U.S. Army and New Jersey National Guard is an inspiration to her community. I join with her family, friends, and all of New Jersey in honoring the selfless service of this exceptional woman.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate Delbert Nelson of Camden, New Jersey for his achievements, contributions, and service in both the United States Army and as a pillar of our community. Delbert was born, raised, and educated in Camden. After high school, he served in the Army's 43rd Infantry during the Korean War. Once he returned stateside, he worked for the Campbell Soup Company for 43 years, before retiring in 1994. Delbert has dedicated his retirement to improving the quality of life of Camden's citizens. As a founding and active member of Parkside Business & Community In Partnership, Inc., and the Vice President of the Camden Neighborhood Renaissance, he has helped bring commercial development back into the city. He has worked to improve the natural beauty of the area by volunteering at the Camden Greenway Work Group. Communities around the country need more people like Mr. Nelson that take pride in where they live and devote their time to better it. He has also been involved in local politics and helping fellow veterans He has been an At-Large member of the Camden City Democratic Committee and is the Camden Mayor's representative for the Battleship New Jersey Board of Trustees. He has been active in the VFW as the former Commander of Clarence Hill VFW Post Number 1297-Camden and the current Sr. Vice Commander of Lawnside Post 2003. In his time with the VFW, he has achieved the distinguished honor of being named All-State Post Commander. Delbert and his wife, Doris, have been married for 66 years and have been blessed with 4 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great- grandchildren. He is also a father figure to many of his nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, Delbert Nelson is a great American whose dedication to serving his country and community is an inspiration. I join with his family, friends, and all of New Jersey in honoring the selfless service of this exceptional man.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Leeanne Hasbrouck on her retirement from my Congressional Office and to thank her for nearly 26 years of dedicated service to the people of the First Congressional District of New Jersey. Leeanne began her career working for the First District in December of 1990 for my predecessor, then newly elected Congressman Robert Andrews. She quickly rose through the ranks to become his Director of Casework, a capacity in which she still serves. Caseworkers are the heart and soul of Congressional offices. They advocate on behalf of constituents and help navigate the maze of agency bureaucracy to deliver life changing assistance. Over the years, Leeanne has helped thousands upon thousands of our friends and neighbors obtain social security benefits, get the care they earned at the VA, and access emergency aid programs in the wake of disasters like Super Storm Sandy. These are only a few of her many accomplishments. It takes a huge amount of love and patience to do casework. Fortunately for my office and the constituents we serve, Leeanne has an abundance of both. For Leeanne, serving our community was not merely a day job, it was a calling. When she wasn't working, she was an active member of the Gloucester County Parks and Recreation Commission, where she acted as Chairwoman of Scotland Run Park; she served as the President of the Friends School Mullica Hill PTA, chairing the school's annual fundraising auction and annual Art and Craft Fair; and she was the Vice President of both the Greater Woodbury Area Junior Woman's Club and the Woodbury Old City Restoration Committee. Leeanne was even the President of the Woodbury Soccer Club and found time to coach her children's soccer teams. Active in local politics, she also served as a member of the Gloucester County Democratic Committee and as Chairwoman of the Woodbury Democratic Committee, where she left a legacy of success and service. Born in New Milford, Connecticut, Leeanne graduated from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, with an Associate's Degree in Science. Married to Bruce Hasbrouck for 37 years before his passing in 2015, they have three children, Ethan, Seth, and Heidi and three grandchildren, Tyler, Dylan, and Francis. Mr. Speaker, Leeanne Hasbrouck exemplifies the sort of dedication and selfless service that makes America great. She will be sorely missed by not only my staff and I, but also the countless constituents whose lives she touched. I join my staff, our community, and all of South Jersey in thanking her for her outstanding service and wishing her well in her retirement.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Norton for yielding. I also thank Chairman Chaffetz and Ranking Member Cummings for leadership and support for bringing this bill to the floor. I take this opportunity to introduce you to a name that no one in this Chamber had likely ever known, but it is a name and a legacy you should know and you need to know. It is my honor to be the one to share it with you. It is one of the reasons why we stand here today enjoying the many freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. The name is Army First Lieutenant Salvatore Corma II of Deptford Township, New Jersey. Sal grew up in south Jersey and even attended karate class with my own children before receiving a nomination to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from West Point in 2008, and then it was on to Active Duty in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant in the Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Sal only stood 5 foot 6, but his leadership made him a towering figure among his fellow soldiers. It was that very leadership on that very dark day that stands out--far from the safety and security of his home in the south Jersey suburbs--in one of those most volatile places on the planet, Afghanistan. That day was April 29, 2010. Sal was leading his company when they spotted an IED, an improvised explosive device. Sal ordered his soldiers to back off. As they retreated, the IED detonated. It would take the life of Salvatore Corma. He was just 24 years old. Sal Corma is credited with saving as many as 17 of his fellow soldiers in that one heroic, selfless act. Many will tell you that Sal made history that day. We know he did, but it happens in ways that you will never know. Because of his heroism, those who survived that day will go on to protect the United States from threats and eliminate dangers around the world. Those soldiers will live on and continue to protect us. They continued the fight, carrying in their hearts the spirit of Sal Corma. They are all living tributes and a living history to his actions. Many of those soldiers will come home after service and start the American Dream of a family. That is something that was denied Sal. He will never get to marry or have kids, but his actions ensured that others will get that opportunity, all because of his valor. Sal Corma II is undeniably an American hero. What better way to pay tribute to his valor than with this legislation I present today, to rename the Deptford, New Jersey, post office as the First Lieutenant Salvatore S. Corma II Post Office Building. Like all of our Active Duty servicemembers and veterans, Sal deserved this honor in life, not just in death. It is our duty to preserve his legacy to remind our fellow citizens and the world of his bravery. So every person that crosses that threshold in Deptford will see the name. If they don't know it, I hope they will take a moment to read about his life and his legacy and what he did for us as a country. I respectfully ask for your unanimous support in my legislation to rename the Deptford post office the First Lieutenant Salvatore S. Corma II Post Office Building.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Marine Corps veteran Joshua Moline of Woodbury Heights, New Jersey for his exemplary service to the citizens of New Jersey and the United States. Joshua was born and raised in Woodbury Heights, and attended Gateway High School, where he was a 4-year varsity athlete, broke the state and school pole vault record, and was later inducted into the Gateway High School Hall of Fame in 2012. After graduating in June 2000, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. During his time in the Marines, he served aboard the USS Iwo Jima, was deployed to combat operations in Mosul, delivered humanitarian aid in Liberia, and participated in anti-terrorism operations in Djibouti. After returning to civilian life in 2004, Joshua became a member of VFW Post 5579 and has earned the All State Post Commander Award, All State Quartermaster Award, and is a member of the Semper Fidelis Marine Corps League. Moreover, he continues his selfless community service by helping veterans and their families throughout Gloucester County. Mr. Speaker, Joshua Moline is a great American who exemplifies true love for our country. His commitment to protecting and serving our community both as a member of the Marine Corps and as a veteran is an inspiration. I join with my community and all of New Jersey in honoring the achievements and selfless service of this truly exceptional young man.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of fallen New Jersey State Trooper Sean Cullen of Cinnaminson, New Jersey, for his extraordinary sacrifice and exemplary service to the citizens of New Jersey and the United States. Trooper Cullen was born in Dublin, Ireland, and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was a child. Trooper Cullen and his family resided in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, and he graduated from Cinnaminson High School in 2003. Trooper Cullen subsequently became a police officer, serving in the Sea Isle City, Mount Holly, and Westampton Township Police Departments. In 2014, he became a trooper with the New Jersey State Police as a graduate of the 154th Class of the New Jersey State Police Academy and was assigned to the Bellmawr Station, Camden County Barracks. On March 8, 2016, Trooper Cullen tragically passed away following a motor vehicle accident that occurred while he was on duty and responding to an incident. Trooper Cullen was a loving and devoted father, son, and brother, whose memory will live on in the hearts of his fiancee, family, friends, and colleagues. He made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the citizens of New Jersey and served with courage, professionalism, and a commitment to the finest ideals and traditions of the New Jersey State Police. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of Trooper Sean Cullen, whose life reminds us that the men and women who serve and protect our communities put their lives on the line every day to protect us. I join with my community and all of New Jersey in honoring the achievements and selfless service of this truly exceptional young man.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my sincere condolences and to honor the extraordinary life of Robert A. Lucas, owner of the famous Donkey's Place in Camden, New Jersey. Born in Camden, raised in Medford, and a graduate of Rancocas Valley Regional High School, Robert was truly a son of New Jersey. By the 1970s, he started running Donkey's Place, a bar opened in 1943 by his father, Leon, a former Olympic boxer. Donkey's still has a simple menu, consisting of cheesesteaks served on a poppy seed Kaiser roll from Del Buono's in Haddon Heights and a no-frills bar, just the way Robert liked it. Donkey's is an institution in South Jersey, serving everyone from factory workers in its early days, to neighborhood residents, police officers, and city workers. Highlighted on the CNN television show Parts Unknown, chef and world traveler Anthony Bourdain said of Donkey's, ``the best cheesesteaks in the area might well come from New Jersey'' and it deserves to be a ``national landmark.'' A devoted family man, Robert even met his future wife of 39 years, Elsie, at Donkey's. It was love at first sight and Elsie remembers dreaming about her future husband that very night. Robert and Elsie had 4 children, Robert, Jr., Joseph, Lisa Bystryzycki, and Luis Mendoza, and 2 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Robert A. Lucas was an incredible man, dedicated to his family, the South Jersey community, and his business. He leaves behind an indomitable work ethic and one of the finest establishments in Camden. I join with his family, friends and all of New Jersey in celebrating the life of this extraordinary man.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my brother, George E. Norcross III, on his 60th birthday. George is a longtime advocate for South Jersey, philanthropist, and a superb husband, father, son and older brother. George was born in Cooper University Hospital in Camden, the hospital he now leads as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The oldest son of a labor leader and a home maker who later went on to work in social services, our parents, Carol and George E. Norcross, Jr., George has paved a path fundamentally his own. After briefly attending Rutgers-Camden, my brother received his real estate and insurance licenses and started his own company. That company known today as Conner Strong & Buckelew, has become one of the nation's premier insurance, risk management and employment benefits brokerage and consulting firms. But as successful as George has been in business, it has been his commitment to Camden and all of South Jersey that will be his defining legacy. As Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Cooper University Health System and Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, where he has been a trustee since 1990, George has lead the transformation of Cooper into a top-tier tertiary academic medical center and launched the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and opened the MD Anderson Cooper Cancer Center. George and his wife, Sandy, serve as co-chairs of The Cooper Gala, the largest fundraising event in South Jersey each year. Through the Norcross Family Foundation, George is working to improve education for youth, funding research to help cure diseases, supporting the arts and culture, improving the community's safety, and helping people with disabilities. The Norcross Foundation also partnered with KIPP to open the KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy and George has been a longtime benefactor of the Larc School in New Jersey, which serves children with disabilities. Accordingly, George has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to the community including the Annual Champion of Children Award by the Camden Children's Garden and the Tree of Life Award from the Jewish National Fund. In 2013 he was honored by the New Jersey March of Dimes at the organization's Born to Shine Gala, and he recently was awarded the 2015 Haas Regional Champion Medal by the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my wife, Andrea, and with love from my brothers, John and Phil, I wish my oldest brother, George E. Norcross III, a happy birthday, congratulate him for a brilliant first 60 years, and hope he has many more to come.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate James Kehoe on his recent retirement as Business Manager for the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 322 of Winslow Township, New Jersey, after thirty-six years of membership. Jim has had a lasting impact for generations to come and I would like to applaud him for his service. Jim graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Business Administration in 1979 and then joined the Local 322 Apprenticeship Program. He served his community tirelessly with the Camden County Improvement Authority and the Camden County United Way. As Vice President of the Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO, a board member of the Union Organization for Social Service and president of the Southern New Jersey Building Trades Council, Jim worked to improve the lives of working families in New Jersey. As a trustee at Rowan University, a board member on the Senator Walter Rand Institute of Public Affairs at Rutgers University and as chair of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Jim has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of families and all of southern New Jersey. Jim has worked with multiple community service organizations, including the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Boy Scouts of America and the American Red Cross and I commend him for his social action and devotion to the betterment of our communities. Mr. Speaker, James Kehoe is a great American whose dedication to community service is an inspiration to his family, friends, and our entire state. I join with his Plumbers & Pipefitters brothers and sisters and all of New Jersey in thanking him for his outstanding service and in wishing him continued success and prosperity in all his future endeavors.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to T&M Associates of New Jersey on the occasion of their 50th anniversary and for their tireless work meeting the engineering needs of communities throughout New Jersey and the United States. On March 21, 1966, Richard T. Noble and Richard M. Schulz founded T&M Associates and over the past five decades it has grown from a seven- person local operation to a nationally-recognized professional services firm, with 400 professionals stationed in offices throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states. Even with this remarkable growth, the enduring mission of T&M Associates has remained the same: to improve quality of life and create sustainable value for their employees, clients and partner communities. Over the years, T&M Associates has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to providing high-value consulting, technical and engineering solutions to promote the vitality of their community and business partners. This commitment to community improvement goes beyond just business interests, as demonstrated by their ``50 Ways of Giving'' community service campaign--a company wide effort to bring employees together to participate in 50 acts of volunteerism that give back to their communities. Through its reputation for excellence and commitment to community improvement, T&M Associates has proven itself to be a source of pride for New Jersey and a true asset to the New Jersey business community. Mr. Speaker, I join with all of New Jersey in congratulating T&M Associates on their Golden Anniversary and encouraging them to continue providing quality consulting, engineering, and technical services throughout the United States.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my sincere condolences and to honor the memory of Cpl. Hugh Victor Browne II for his achievements, contributions, and service to his community as a Marine, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A life-long Woodbury resident, Cpl. Browne graduated from Woodbury High School in June 1943 and was recruited into the Montford Point Marines, the military's first all-black Marine unit. Among the first from New Jersey recruited as a black Marine, Cpl. Browne, along with other 20,000 black men, dealt with racism and segregation and ultimately helped to break the Marine color barrier in the midst of World War II. In 2012, Cpl. Browne, along with his fellow servicemen in the Montford Point Marines, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, our nation's highest civilian honor for distinguished achievement in the military. Cpl. Browne, the only surviving sibling of six children born to Baptist minister Rev. Sylvanus and Lovie Browne, was predeceased by his wife, Erma, and son Hugh Victor Browne III. However, his legacy will continue to serve as an inspiration to millions of Americans through his surviving children, 12 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Cpl. Hugh Victor Browne II was an extraordinary man and proud United States Marine. He and his fellow black servicemen fought not only our nation's external enemies, but the scourge of racism and segregation and conquered them both. I join with my community and all of New Jersey in honoring the achievements and selfless service of this truly exceptional man.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of K-9 Officer Zero of the Camden County Police Department for his achievements, contributions, and service to the people of New Jersey. Zero, a Czech Shepherd, joined the Camden County Police Department in 2007. Zero was instrumental to keeping streets safe and sniffing out illegal drugs, but he became a local legend from his ability to find and rescue missing children. Soon he was a local celebrity, known throughout the community for his powerful sense of smell and his friendly demeanor around kids. His personable attitude made him the poster dog for the police force and an essential part of the force's public relations community outreach efforts. Alongside his handler, Lieutenant Zsakhiem James, Zero quickly shattered the K-9 record for most criminal apprehensions in New Jersey. By the end of his career, he apprehended 68 criminals. On December 29th, 2015, our local hero died of natural causes in the home of his friend and partner, Lieutenant James. Mr. Speaker, Officer Zero will be remembered for the lives he saved and the unity he brought to the community. His service sets the bar for all K-9 units and I join Lieutenant James, the Camden County Police Department and the residents of Camden County in thanking Zero for his lifetime of service.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of fallen New Jersey State Police Trooper Eli McCarson for his extraordinary sacrifice and exemplary service to the citizens of New Jersey and the United States. Trooper McCarson's dream was to serve his community as a member of the New Jersey State Police. His perseverance was finally rewarded in February 2015 when he graduated from the State Police Academy at the top of his class with honors. Unfortunately on December 17th, after just ten months on the force, Trooper McCarson was killed in a tragic car accident in the line of duty. His untimely death left behind his loving family--including his wife Jordan McCarson--and a grateful community. Mr. Speaker, Trooper Eli McCarson's life reminds us that the men and women who serve and protect our communities put their lives on the line every day to protect us. I join with my community and all of New Jersey in honoring the achievements and selfless service of this truly exceptional young man.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sheriff Charles H. Billingham of Camden County, New Jersey for his achievements, contributions, and service to the people of New Jersey and the United States of America. Sheriff Billingham started his 34-year career as a patrolman in Gloucester City, New Jersey. Recognized for his talent and positive demeanor, he quickly rose through the ranks from patrolman to sergeant where he supervised and managed the daily activities of a patrol platoon. He moved to the Washington Township Police Department, which put him back on patrol again. His dedication earned him the respect from his fellow officers and he soon rose to the rank of chief of police. During his time as chief of police in Washington Township he focused many of his efforts on community outreach through educational programs including crime prevention, issues concerning youths, domestic violence, and drug awareness such as ``project aware'' and D.A.R.E. In 2007, after serving as a councilman and Mayor of Gloucester City for nearly 4 years, he was elected Sheriff of Camden County. He brought with him the same ``can do attitude'' he had displayed throughout his career. As sheriff, he continued to focus on educating and incorporating the police into the community. In fact, his tenure saw a tremendous rise in community engagement and a plummeting crime rate. Moreover, his work ethic never wavered, even as he approached retirement he continued to energetically and enthusiastically protect our community. During his final days as sheriff while out on patrol during a routine traffic stop, he personally arrested three fugitives, and confiscated illegal weapons and a substantial amount of illegal drugs. A lifelong family man, he is now retiring to spend more time with his wife Marion and their two sons, Chuckie and Michael. Mr. Speaker, Sheriff Billingham is a great American who exemplifies the selfless dedication of law enforcement officers throughout the country. I join Camden County and all of New Jersey in wishing him a happy retirement and thanking him for his outstanding service.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I urge Members to defeat the previous question because I am not sure that the majority has fully considered the permanent damage to jobs and to national security if this is not properly transitioned and implemented. It was not too long ago that many of us in this room remember what we call the odd-even days where we were waiting in long lines, just hoping that we could get gasoline. Well, we have come a long way from there through technology and the ability to extract more oil. We made a strategic investment in American energy. We have refineries on the West Coast. We have them on the East Coast. We have them in the Gulf. That is critical to our national security because oil, without refining, simply doesn't work. So here we are today looking at lifting the 40-year-old oil ban. What this really means is jobs and, in particular, this means jobs and a strategic disadvantage to the East Coast where we will be losing many of our refineries. When it comes to very difficult times in this country, we need that capacity. We have the natural resource called oil, but if we don't have it in the refining sense on the East Coast, on the West Coast, and in the Gulf, we will be putting ourselves at a very strategic disadvantage. Those long lines remind us of how critical it is to have that capacity. It is about jobs, those skilled craftsmen who work in the refineries day in and day out. So what this bill is doing is picking winners and losers. We are trading jobs. I absolutely believe in that. We are taking those East Coast jobs and shipping them overseas. We only have one chance to get this right. This is like creating a dam that has been holding back the water, but instead of letting it out slowly and transitioning, we are just simply breaking that dam. We need to make sure that we implement a transition for our refineries. The 199 is a step in the right direction for those transportation costs, but we need more.

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, this is refining capacity we cannot lose. This is about our Nation's security. This is about jobs. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of American jobs and independence for our strategic national security by defeating the previous questions.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, these are very anxious times here in America with good reason. We have an urgent national security issue at hand that allows somebody who is on the terrorist watch list to legally purchase a firearm. How can somebody who pledges allegiance to ISIS be allowed to purchase a gun here in America? We would never give a set of keys to somebody who was drunk to get behind the wheel. How is it that we allow someone a license to go and purchase a firearm? We allow them to go and purchase a firearm in this country who are on the terrorist watch list. Would the same fight be taking place if they wanted to get onto an airliner, saying: Hey, let's let he or she on. They are on the terrorist watch list. I want them to fly with me. That is the insanity we are dealing with. Over the course of the next few weeks, we have the ability to make a commonsense, simple approach to reducing the chance of terrorism here in America; that is, to keep those who are on the terrorist watch list from purchasing a firearm. Let's come together, bipartisan, and pass this approach.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Roberta Sandler a New Jersey native who is celebrating her 100th birthday on December 7, 2015. Roberta was born on December 7, 1915, and was one of nine children. She was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey and moved to Brooklyn to raise her three children, Marvin, Paul and Lynn, along with her husband Max. After her husband's death Roberta went to work to support her family. After her time in New York, she moved back to the state she loved and has been a resident of Cherry Hill for the last 35 years. Age does not seem to affect Ms. Sandler, she still exercises every day; does all her own cooking and cleaning; and as a loving matriarch, insists on cooking at all family gatherings. She stays very active in the lives of her family including her 4 granddaughters Meridith, Jodi, Julie, and Jillian and her two great granddaughters Isabel and Andrea. She loves to sing, dance, and continues to keep up with current events. Mr. Speaker, on this momentous occasion, please join me in wishing Roberta Sandler a happy and joyous 100th birthday.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. I certainly appreciate the support. This is just one of many items that we have to look forward to before those who want to do us harm. So I appreciate it, and I urge the passing of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First of all, I appreciate the chairman and ranking member bringing this bill to us. As we know and the title indicates, this is about energy security. Well, my amendment is very simple and direct. We are urging and specifically directing that the Secretary of Energy study the potential cybersecurity weakness in smart meters and to report back on this in 1 year. So the first question is: What is a smart meter? For the consumer, it is that little box outside your air conditioner or by the panel. It provides savings to the consumer, and to the utility provider, it is about providing that secure, reliable electricity at a competitive price. But these meters were designed back before the world as we know it today. Now we have to think of things very differently and think of them before they happen. So what are the risks? A GAO official revealed the vulnerability in these smart meters. There are approximately 40 million to 50 million of these meters that are already installed in hospitals, churches, homes, and in industry that could potentially be a target for hackers. That is why we should be concerned. The CIA report spoke about that malicious activity against IT systems and power systems overseas. Our society has become so reliant on the very electricity that we are standing under today that those who would do damage to our country might have a vulnerability here. And we need to act before they do. This is why I bring this amendment forward. I started out as an electrician many years ago, so I understand the power side of it. I sit on the Emerging Threats Subcommittee. I hear those threats each and every day. We have to make sure that we keep our homes, our businesses, and, most importantly, our military safe. We are talking about damaged equipment and potentially massive blackouts, not just like the ones we had in New York almost a decade ago but potentially taking down our entire grid. Smart meters are now part of the fabric of what we do day in and day out. This amendment very carefully identifies those vulnerabilities. I would urge members to support this. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, we live in the land of opportunity, and certainly many of the people who are being discussed here today understand that, for a very long time, it was not fair and not equal, because that is what we are truly discussing today, having a level playing field. This year is the 80th anniversary of the National Labor Relations Act, which, quite frankly, gave rise to the middle class as we know it here in America today. But time after time, on both sides of the aisle, we hear how the discrepancies between those who are on the lower end and the one-percenters is growing wider. So why am I talking about this when we are talking about this tribal bill? Because that is what we are really talking about. See, there is a mechanism in place already that addresses this issue. It is a three-part test that has worked very well not only with the NLRB, but in the courts it has been working very well. So this is a bill that is looking for a problem, because the true test of what is going on here today is trying to take those rights of having a level playing field away from those who don't have a voice. Well, we stand here today as that voice. My career was as an electrician who later had the opportunity to become a business agent. I have been to National Labor Relations Boards many, many times. I have lost some. I have won some. But one thing I can tell you is it was a fair fight. And that is what we want to give those on tribal lands, a fair fight. Just because they are tribal lands doesn't mean that none of our laws, history, and traditions apply to them. In fact, just the opposite. That three-part test has stood the test of time and has given a fair shot. So what we are really talking about today is those who have the most abusing those who have the least, not giving them an opportunity to have a voice in the workplace so that they can have the American Dream. I would urge my colleagues to vote against this very unfair, misguided bill and to give those who need it most that voice. That is what we are elected to do. I urge my colleagues to vote against this.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the one-hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Borough of Woodbury Heights in Gloucester County, New Jersey. On May 25, 1915, the citizens of the future Woodbury Heights were formally recognized by the New Jersey Legislature as an independent borough out of Deptford Township. However, history for this small town did not begin in 1915. Settled in 1771, the area we know today as Woodbury Heights, New Jersey has a deep history of rich involvement in the South Jersey community. Indeed, many of the older homes can still be seen today, including the La Pann House, built in 1771, that is on the National Historic Registry. In 1892, six businessmen from Philadelphia and Camden: John Mayhew; E.R. Artman; Judge Pancoast; Howard M. Cooper; William Moland; and I.W. Wilson bought land from Deptford Township. There they laid out streets, built homes, and constructed a community hall in 1894, forming the nucleus of the future Woodbury Heights. In the 1900s, the once sparse town started to flourish when a train station was built. Later, Simon M. Snook donated Glen Terrace Lake to the borough and it remains one of the most popular recreation sites in the area. Over the next hundred years, the Woodbury Heights community thrived, and in the past century, the population of Woodbury Heights has quadrupled to reach over 3,000 today. Mr. Speaker, the character of the Borough Woodbury Heights and its emphasis on community engagement is best exemplified by three of the figures featured on its official seal: a scale of justice, a shield of safety, and two shaking hands. This weekend, as the people of Woodbury Heights celebrate their Centennial, I congratulate the citizens, Mayor Robbie J. Conley, and the Borough Council on the past one hundred years and wish them another hundred years of richness and good fortune.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Colonel Edmund J. Barrett of New Jersey on his retirement from the United States Army for his military achievements, contributions, and service to the people of New Jersey and the United States of America. Originally from Moorestown, New Jersey, Colonel Barrett enlisted into the Army Signal Corps in 1984. After a tour in Germany, he attended Rutgers University and the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. Over the course of his 31-year career, Colonel Barrett served in Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom and in a multitude of countries including Germany, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Brussels. He studied and mastered Arabic at the Defense Language Institute. He served the Joint Staff, at the Pentagon, working on Iraq, and later, broader Middle East issues, as a Joint Staff Planner. After deployment to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2006 Colonel Barrett became a staff officer at the National Security Agency. In June, 2012 the Colonel was deployed to Afghanistan with the NATO training Mission as the Senior Advisor to the Afghan National Army (ANA). His work with the ANA prevented over a dozen ``Insider Attacks'' from Afghan Soldiers or infiltrators on U.S. and Coalition soldiers. After saving countless lives in Afghanistan he came home and returned to NSA as a valuable asset providing firsthand knowledge from his time in the Middle East as he directed the Afghan Mission Management team as a Senior Strategist. His extraordinary service has earned Colonel Barrett numerous decorations and awards including the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), the NATO Medal, the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, and the Knowlton Award for Excellence in Military Intelligence, and he was presented with the MacArthur Leadership Award in 2000 by the Chief of Staff of the Army. Additionally, he has been a loving husband and father of four and even made time to coach youth soccer, lead three Habitats for Humanity Church Youth Ministry Builds, and climb to the peak of Kilimanjaro with his then 16 year old son. Mr. Speaker, Colonel Edmund J. Barrett is a great American whose self-sacrifice, leadership, and love of country exemplifies the American spirit. I join his family, friends, and all of New Jersey in wishing him a happy retirement and thanking him for his outstanding service to our country.