Donald Norcross

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Randolph E. Rosin of New Jersey for his military achievements, contributions, and service to the people of New Jersey and the United States of America. Originally from Watertown, Connecticut, Colonel Rosin enlisted in the Army in 1979 after his high school graduation. While serving, he was accepted to the United States Military Academy Prep School at Fort Monmouth, NJ, later going on to West Point and concentrating in Middle Eastern studies and Arabic. Afterwards, Col. Rosin served with the 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, TX, and the ``Hell on Wheels'' 2nd Armored Division. Colonel Rosin greatly benefited from this training post-graduation as he served in Saudi Arabia for Operation DESERT SHIELD/STORM as the coalition warfare operations office for the Army Forces Central Command. His most significant effort during that war was his initiative to develop the anti-fratricide measures used by all Coalition forces, such as the inverted ``V'' which saved countless lives from friendly fire. After completing psychological operations career field training, Colonel Rosin was deployed as a Middle Eastern-focused psychological operations officer in Saudi Arabia and later to Egypt, Jordan, and Yemen. He also participated in Operation DESERT FOX. Additionally, Colonel Rosin was a part of a core group of planners that was responsible for planning our nation's response to the 9/11 attacks. More recently, Colonel Rosin has worked in the Office of Military Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Egypt, as well as part of the Information Operations Chief for Multi-National Corps-Iraq, leading a large staff that worked on degrading extremist threats and legitimizing the Iraqi government. After returning to the United States, Colonel Rosin worked as the Chief of the Information Operation of the Middle East Region in the U.S. Central Command, countering violent extremist propaganda on the web. Serving as the direct representative of the Secretary of Defense to the U.S. Ambassador and Government of Yemen, he oversaw military operations to prevent attacks on the U.S. Homeland and develop cooperation programs throughout the region. Mr. Speaker, Colonel Randolph E. Rosin is a great American who exemplifies true love for our country. His service, which has been honored by 20 awards, is one that should be remembered as he retires from our Armed Forces.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Ritz Theater Company's 30th anniversary. For thirty years, the Ritz Theater has provided Haddon Township and New Jersey with unprecedented cultural experiences. Since 1986, the Ritz Theater Company has made renovation, restoration, and preservation of their historic building a major priority. Now with their 30th anniversary approaching, the theater company has begun construction of their set for the Pulitzer Prize- winning play ``A Streetcar Named Desire'' from 1947. This ambitious undertaking is just an example of the quality events the theater company has provided to the community for three decades. The Ritz Theater Company has received ample support from the community over the years. For example, local volunteers spent three weeks constructing the ``Streetcar'' set and two weeks installing it. This kind of community support maintains the vital bond between the theater and its audience. The Ritz Theater Company acknowledges the importance of community involvement for a growing, local theater and each season, the theater adds an assortment of student productions, concerts and films. During the off season, the Ritz holds a summer program for youth performers, providing scholarships to students in the Haddon Township community. To mark their 30th anniversary, the Ritz Theater Company will expand on its youth programs and scholarships. Mr. Speaker, The Ritz Theater Company is a unique establishment that connects the beauty of the arts to the beauty of working together to accomplish greatness. I look forward to seeing what the next thirty years bring for The Ritz Theater Company, Haddon Township and New Jersey.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I come from a Democratic statehouse where we had to find common ground with a Republican Governor in order to make a budget pass that made sense. Now I sit on the Budget Committee as a freshman here in Washington where we are asked to vote on a budget that makes no sense at all. We all agree that students are now saddled with too much debt, and certainly my colleagues across the aisle want to cut $220 billion from education funding, freeze Pell grants, and limit students' access to loan programs. That doesn't make sense. We all agree that we need to create jobs and get businesses to reinvest here in America, and the best way to do that is to invest here, in ourselves, in America. Yet their budget provides no new resources to upgrade our transportation and water systems, expand access to high speed Internet, or harden our electric grid, which is at risk. That doesn't make sense. Instead, I urge my colleagues to vote for the Democratic alternative that will provide the tools students and families will need to survive and succeed in our economy, create jobs by investing in research and infrastructure, properly fund a strong national defense, and make good on our promise to our seniors by strengthening Medicaid and Social Security. That makes sense. This is why I am asking for my colleagues to join with me and vote for the Democratic alternative.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member. It is incredible. We are in this great Hall of democracy. The world looks to this very building, for what it seeks is to give people a voice, what our country was founded on. What we are having a vote on today is to clamp down and shut the mouths of those who are seeking to have a voice. Very recently, there was a poll conducted that said, if given the opportunity, 73 percent of American workers want to have a voice and would vote for a union, but what we are hearing today is shutting down the voice and creating predictability. This is about democracy; this is about what we in America believe in: giving everybody an equal opportunity for a voice. What the NLRB--and I have dealt with them for over 30 years. We have won some; we have lost some. They have been independent. Sometimes, I haven't been happy with their decisions, but I have always felt they have been fair. What we are talking about is bringing them into the 21st century, making a voting date that is agreeable to what real people think. You shouldn't have to wait 6 months, 9 months, go through the appeal process. Let's have a vote because, remember, the employer has had access-- unfettered access--to all these employees, and all we are saying is let's make sure that workers have a voice. If they say ``no,'' no harm, no foul, and go home. This is about creating an equal playing field, which certainly isn't there. That is why I am urging my colleagues to vote against this anti- American, antidemocracy, antiworker resolution.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Louis F. Cappelli, Sr. for his achievements, contributions and service to the people of New Jersey as an educator, advocate and leader. Mr. Cappelli passed away at the age of eighty this year and will truly be missed. Mr. Cappelli graduated with a bachelor's degree from Trenton State College and a Master's degree from Temple University both in education. Particularly valuing his work with young athletes, Mr. Cappelli was a physical education teacher as well as a football and track coach. Over his many years in education Mr. Cappelli served as a vice-principal at Triton High School for ten years and as its principal for another twenty-four years. Mr. Cappelli also served the people of New Jersey in a number of civic posts. He honored his heritage through his leadership with Order of the Sons of Italy, serving as the president for his local Lodge 494 and the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. Serving on the board of directors for the Cerebral Palsy School & Treatment Center of Camden County, Mr. Cappelli never shied away from being a part of a good movement. He was an effective and beloved member of the Collingswood Board of Education, and was known as advocate for the needs of the students, even when those positions were unpopular. He was also a valued member of the Camden County College board of trustees. I knew Mr. Cappelli as a vital member of the community, who couldn't have been more proud of his family. Mr. Speaker, Louis Cappelli, Sr. was a great man who exemplified the true meaning of community leader and family-man. I join with my community and all of New Jersey in honoring the achievements of this truly exceptional man.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the works of Mr. Mike Moynihan whose achievements, contributions and service to the people of New Jersey as an advocate and leader, have not gone unnoticed. Mr. Moynihan recently retired after eighteen years with the United Way of Camden County and the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. Mr. Moynihan has also served across the nation with the United Way for nearly thirty years. Mike was an effective and valuable member of the United Way of Camden County as its President and CEO. He was an advocate for the needs of the whole community, assisting in the merger that created a powerful and effective United Way in our area. I know Mike as a vital member of the community, and I enjoyed our time working together. In addition to his work with the United Way, Mike also serves on the executive committee of the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers University, the Camden County Government Ethics Board, and has also been involved in a variety of community service organizations. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Moynihan is a great man who demonstrates for us all the good that can be accomplished by pairing true leadership and great compassion. I join with my community and all of New Jersey in honoring the achievements of this truly exceptional man.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to have a brief conversation. I spent the last 2 hours in the Committee on Armed Services, where General Keane was talking about sending the right message to our enemies, that America has to stand together as one. So as we talk about the threats in Armed Services, we are 48 hours from shutting down Homeland Security. Let's say that again: 48 hours from shutting down the security at our airports, at our train stations, at our ports. This is unthinkable. I am usually not the guy that says ``the sky is falling,'' but unless we do this in 48 hours, we are sending a message to our enemies: it is open season in America. We can't send that message. Please, I am asking my colleagues here in the House and certainly on the other side of the aisle to have a full and open debate on this issue. Let's take the vote. Let's get this done. Let's pass the Homeland Security bill.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kyle Dixon III of Cherry Hill, New Jersey for his personal growth and achievements as a successful author at the age of thirteen. As a fourth grade student, Kyle could not write a full sentence. He was a special needs student who struggled with most of his classes, in particular, writing. Due to his struggle, Kyle was homeschooled until the sixth grade. It was at that time that his mother encouraged him to start a journal to improve his writing skills. The support and encouragement he received from his family propelled young Kyle to start writing his book titled ``Jay Bumblebee''. ``Jay Bumblebee'' is about a young bee that does not have wings. Unable to provide for his family, Jay becomes an entrepreneur and goes on to take over his father's shoe business and provide for his family. Many of the themes in ``Jay Bumblebee'' go hand in hand with the challenges Kyle has overcome in his own life, and his book has provided inspiration for many young students to never give up on their dreams. Kyle is a wonderful example of what New Jersey Students are capable of. To date, he has travelled throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania promoting his book. He plans on visiting fifty more schools by April. With over 8,000 copies already sold, Kyle's future success looks promising, and he hopes to continue motivating students by sharing his own story of hard work and success. Mr. Speaker, Kyle Dixon is a great student who exemplifies the American spirit. I join the Cherry Hill community and all of New Jersey in honoring the achievements of this exceptional young man.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tassos Efstratiades, Esq. of Cherry Hill, New Jersey for his achievements, contributions, and service to the people of New Jersey and its Hellenic community. Born in Athens, Greece, Mr. Efstratiades' life has been an inspiration to the citizens of South Jersey. After coming to the United States, he graduated from Villanova University with a law degree and a Master's degree in International Relations. Over his more than three decades practicing law, Mr. Efstratiades has published numerous law articles and now serves as the co-chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association's Banking Committee. Mr. Efstratiades also served the people of New Jersey in a number of civic posts. He was a close advisor to Governor James Florio, served as a board member of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and as chairman of the Governor's Commission on International Trade among several other positions. Currently, he is serving as a member of the New Jersey Health Care Administration Board. Mr. Efstratiades is a pillar of New Jersey's Hellenic community. He was one of the founders of the Greek American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, and served not only as the first chairman of its board, but later as its president as well. He was instrumental in the the creation of the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey and, after being elected its first president, he worked tirelessly to promote the interests of the Greek Orthodox Church and the Hellenic community in New Jersey. In recognition of his efforts, Mr. Efstratiades was made an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. Mr. Speaker, Tassos Efstratiades, Esq. is a great man who exemplifies the American spirit. I join the Hellenic Federation and all of New Jersey in honoring the achievements of this exceptional man.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, it is ironic that we are having this discussion today. First, I want to thank the ranking member for yielding me time. I was sworn in just a few weeks ago. Prior to that, my entire career has been working in a system that supported a multiemployer plan. I went home last night and opened my mail. I received my first pension check which happens to be from a multiemployer plan. I understand how it works, and I understand how it doesn't work, and that is what we are here to discuss today. The fact of the matter is the multiemployer is a very different animal than what most people traditionally think of as a pension plan. Multiemployer is the employee groups, the unions working together with management to make these decisions. In a perfect world--which I have been blessed with, with my plan-- that check arrives on time, and it will be there, but there are other plans that are certainly not in that condition and have not been that way for a very long time. We can continue to bury our heads in the sand and wait for that implosion--because it is going to happen--or we can do the right thing and give people their voice back. Let those plans have the ability to ask their memberships what they want to do. They got there through that cooperation. It might not be their own fault that the plan is failing. There are many conditions that cause that. But the way the rules are now, they have no voice. They are silent. I am just here to make sure that we have an absolute and clear understanding that this is about giving the employers and the employees their voice back.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, had I been present for rollcall No. 555 on passage of the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014 under suspension of this rules, I would have voted ''yes.''

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, Leader Pelosi, Congressman Pallone, and certainly Congressman LoBiondo and my colleagues from New Jersey. The young man who is standing next to me is my grandson, Donald III, who did an excellent job; and a special person in my life who allows me and keeps my life in order, my lovely wife, Andrea. She is up there with my daughter, Corey; my son, Gregory; my son, Donald, Jr.; his wife, Jeanette; and my granddaughter, Natalie. It is great to have you here. And the one person who is truly the leader of my house is my mother, Carol. Hey, Ma. And many friends, family, and supporters from New Jersey, including my three brothers, George, John, and Phil; and my extended brother, Robert--it is good to have you here. To my extended family in labor who I have worked closely with over the past 25 years and certainly the supporters and volunteers who have worked with us over the past 10 months, many thanks. Life always brings us so many twists and turns. You never know where you are going to be. I grew up in the profession as an electrician, and look where we are now, a Member of the House. This is truly the American Dream, and I am proud to be a part of it, and I look forward to working with all of my colleagues on behalf of this great Nation and the people who live in it. Thank you very much.