Donald Norcross

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW), a member organization of the North American Building Trades Union (NABTU), to honor Sonia Ramirez, who has dedicated six years to the NABTU and millions of working men and women across America. Sonia Ramirez is native of California's 26th Congressional District and a graduate of Occidental University in Los Angeles. From 1995 to 1996, Sonia participated in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institution's graduate program and worked for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in the Office of Latino Outreach in Washington, D.C. Afterward, she served on the DNC's Board of Directors. Sonia began serving working families directly as a legislative representative for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). In this position, Sonia fought passionately for economic and social justice. In 2012, Sonia was named the Director of Government Affairs of NABTU after serving as Deputy Director for two years prior. In this position, Sonia Ramirez advocated for more jobs and better working conditions for her fellow Americans day in and day out. Now, Sonia will be moving on to serve as the Wage and Hour Division Administrator for Oregon's Bureau of Labor and Industries. She will be the first woman and person of color to hold this esteemed position, and it is no surprise to those of us that know Sonia that she will be breaking barriers. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in celebrating Sonia Ramirez's exceptional career, as well as her dedication to the national labor movement. On behalf of my union brothers and sisters across the country, I recognize the tremendous work accomplished by Sonia Ramirez.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Chair, on June 18, 2019, I was unavoidably detained during the vote on the Lesko Amendment number 78 to H.R. 2740. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 324.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army Veteran, Sergeant First Class Edward I. Brown of Winslow Township in New Jersey's First Congressional District. On February 1, 1954, Sergeant Brown began basic training at Fort Dix, currently Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Sergeant Brown left Fort Dix for Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he went through Airborne Training to learn how to be a paratrooper. While serving as a paratrooper from 1954 to 1968, Sergeant Brown attended Jump Master School where he became a Jump Master. After Jump Master School, Sergeant Brown received a Compassionate Reassignment to Fort Dix where he became a Drill Sergeant for ten years. In 1968, Sergeant Brown received orders to report to Panama for jungle training in preparation for Vietnam. Upon returning home for seven days, Sergeant Brown was flown out to Oakland, California. It was in Oakland where Sergeant Brown changed from his military gear to his jungle fatigue gear in preparation for Vietnam. From 1968 to 1969, Sergeant Brown's service in Vietnam consisted of twenty-nine-day patrols followed by three days in base. Sergeant Brown continued this cycle for eleven months. For his combat bravery in Vietnam, Sergeant Brown received the Air Medal, the Bronze Star, the Commendation Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. Following his service in the Vietnam, Sergeant Brown returned home and began working at the NCO Academy at Fort Campbell until his retirement at Fort Dix on January 31, 1979. Commendably, Sergeant Brown's military career spanned a total of twenty-five years. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in celebrating and recognizing the valiant service Sergeant First Class Edward I. Brown dedicated to his country.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Rodney S. Sadler of the City of Camden, located in the First Congressional District of the great State of New Jersey. Mr. Rodney S. Sadler, an accomplished mariner and personal collector of antique boats, served as harbormaster at the Wiggins Park Marina in the City of Camden, New Jersey. Mr. Rodney S. Sadler owned Pyne Poynt Marine Services, had been a teacher, served on the City's Economic Recovery Board and Planning Board, North Camden Neighborhood Development Corporation, Camden Greenways Working Group, the Board of Trustees for the Battleship New Jersey and Save Our Waterfront. Subsequently, the well-being of the City of Camden benefitted from Mr. Rodney S. Sadler's commitment to the demolition of Riverfront State Prison, creating one of the most stable neighborhoods in the City of Camden, and oversaw the creation of Cooper's Poynt Waterfront Park from its conception to its opening. Mr. Rodney S. Sadler committed his life to improving the quality of life for the residents of the City of Camden, educating himself and those around him on how to enact change in their community, while prioritizing kindness and being a true champion for the City. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, neighbors, community members, and colleagues in public service. Madam Speaker, Mr. Rodney S. Sadler, was an exceptional community leader, compassionate about the City of Camden and dedicated to his family. I invite you to join me in honoring the memory of the late Mr. Rodney S. Sadler.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Monsignor Robert T. McDermott of the City of Camden, Camden County, located in the First Congressional District of the Great State of New Jersey, for his decades of public service. Monsignor McDermott was born July 19, 1942 in the City of Camden and attended Saint Joseph's Pro-Cathedral School and later attended Camden Catholic High School. In 1969, Monsignor McDermott was ordained into the priesthood. He then became the pastor at Saint Joseph Pro-Cathedral for thirty years and went on to serve as Vicar General for the Diocese of Camden. While ministering to the poor and diverse immigrant community, Monsignor McDermott recognized the needs of the community and assisted in the facilitation of opening several nonprofits including the Joseph Fund. The Joseph Fund assists other nonprofits with fundraising and obtaining resources, such as; Saint Joseph Carpenter Society, which improves affordable housing, Saint Joseph Child Development Center, LUCY Outreach, supporting youth through after-school tutoring, mentoring and trauma-informed care, Joseph's House of Camden, aids the homeless, offering emergency shelter, supportive housing and social services, as well as the Romero Center, committed to ending poverty and discrimination throughout the world. In the community he both loved and called home, Monsignor McDermott served with compassion and distinction. The Monsignor was a role model, extraordinary public servant, a tireless advocate for others and will be deeply missed. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join with me in mourning the loss and honoring the legacy of the late Monsignor Robert T. McDermott.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I am here to tell a story about gun violence that spans multiple generations, and it started in my hometown of Camden, a city in New Jersey. A tragic event happened in Camden in 1949. Howard Unruh shot and killed 13 people. This event is now considered the first modern mass shooting in our country's history. During those horrific events that unfolded, a 12-year-old boy hid in the closet as his mother and father were slaughtered. His name was Charles Cohen, and nearly 70 years later in a school in Parkland, Florida, his own granddaughter, Carly Novell, hid in a closet, just like her grandfather did. Carly is with us today to see how true democracy works. I will end with Carly's words. She said: ``This pain shouldn't be generational.'' She is right. It shouldn't have happened, and we must do more for our children, for our grandchildren, and for everyone in our communities.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Navy Veteran, Petty Officer Third Class Charles Warren Pope of Somerdale in New Jersey's First Congressional District. PO3 Pope was born in Hope Mills, North Carolina on August 22, 1946. He joined the Navy in 1966 and during the Vietnam War he was stationed on the USS Saratoga, an aircraft carrier. During this time, he worked as a Yeoman to the Chaplain and earned the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. Upon his return to the United States he was stationed in the Philadelphia Naval Yard for maintenance and repairs. In 1972, PO3 Pope made the decision to serve his community as a law enforcement officer with the Somerdale Police Department. After thirty years of protecting the lives and property of citizens, PO3 Pope retired as Chief of Police in 2002. Afterwards, PO3 Pope continued his lifelong public service career with the New Jersey State Assembly, Sergeant at Arms. Meanwhile, for more than a decade and a half he was a substitute teacher, primarily in the special education classroom at Sterling High School. After his service to the United States Armed Force concluded, PO3 Pope's contributions to our country continued through his service to the community, as a volunteer with the Somerdale Fire Department, serving on the Somerdale Planning & Zoning Board and presently he serves as the President of the Somerdale Fire Department. Petty Officer Charles Warren Pope has four daughters, Dawn, Amy, Meredith and Carrie, and three grandsons Robert, Joshua and Elijah. PO3 Charles Pope is an honorable American, having served our great nation in a time of war, the State of New Jersey, his community and his service to the public for over a half century merits our collective appreciation. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Petty Officer Third Class Charles Warren Pope for his contributions and dedication to the safety of our nation.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud and lifelong IBEW member to honor the life and legacy of IBEW International President Emeritus Edwin D. Hill. I join with President Hill's family and friends in mourning his loss. Mr. Hill dedicated his life to the labor movement and spent nearly six decades in service to working families through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. It is fitting that we recognize the late Edwin D. Hill, on the floor of the House of Representatives, as someone who was a true leader in the organized labor movement. Mr. Hill was originally from Center Township, Pennsylvania. He was a Journeyman Wireman by trade, and from a young age he made the IBEW his calling. He was a second-generation member and began his labor career in 1956 as a construction wireman, and he later became the Business Manager of Beaver County's International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 712. Mr. Hill continued his career serving as the International Vice President for the union's 3rd District, covering Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. In 1997, Hill became the International Secretary and shortly after became International Secretary-Treasurer when the two positions were combined. He then became President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 2001, a position which he held until 2015. During his tenure as President of the IBEW, Hill implemented and pioneered new programs such as the Code of Excellence, as well as an alternate job classification program to help contractors successfully bid on projects. Furthermore, he pioneered business development initiatives and oversaw an expanded investment in membership development, which ensured that the IBEW could not only survive through the toughest of times but expand and grow. Mr. Hill's dedication and hard work affirmed the legacy of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and now the dreams of its founders are being realized by new generations of electrical workers. Through his leadership, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is one of the strongest and most influential unions in North America. Mr. Speaker, the late Mr. Edwin D. Hill dedicated his life to the organized labor movement and he ably led the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers with vision and integrity. I hope that you will all join me in honoring his life and legacy.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, legacy and service of United States Army Veteran Mr. Alfred Clifton Fisher, of Voorhees, New Jersey in the First Congressional District. Mr. Alfred Clifton Fisher was born in Lawnside, New Jersey on July 1, 1936. He attended Lawnside public schools, then graduated from Haddon Heights High School. He continued his education at the Morgan State University where he majored in Economics and Military Science, was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate as a Army Reserve Officer Training Corps. student and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. As a member of the United States Army, Mr. Fisher traveled to attend numerous advanced Army training schools and was promoted several times to higher grades and assignments, which resulted in higher level Command and Staff positions in the United States, Asia and Germany. As a dedicated public servant, he served our nation during the Vietnam Initiative. While on assignment in New York, he attended Adelphi University where he obtained his Master of Business Administration degree. For his brave service to his country Mr. Fisher was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Joint Service Commendation Medals and two awards of the Army Commendation Medal. He also received numerous other commendations, service medals, awards, citations and letters. In 1979, after twenty-one years of service, he honorably retired from the United States Army. Upon retirement, he worked for the United States Defense Department, where he was selected by the Pentagon to attend the United States Army's renowned Command and General Staff College. Additionally, Mr. Fisher received a Post Graduate Certificate in Organizational Development from Temple University Graduate School of Business. As a lifetime member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Lindenwold, New Jersey, he served as the Co-Chairperson of Finance and Chairman of the Annual Men's Day Committee for eighteen years. In addition, he also served as a member of the Camden County Veterans Affairs, a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lawnside Post 8003 and was the Vice President of the Camden County Technical School Board of Education. In later years, he was inducted into the Voorhees Township Wall of Honor and received the Camden County Freedom Medal. Mr. Fisher most importantly cherished his family and is survived by his beloved wife Stephanie of almost fifty years of marriage, their three children; Stephen (Sarah), Renee and Allyson along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, beloved family and friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in celebrating the life, legacy and service of Mr. Alfred Clifton Fisher.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sargent Edmund A. Walens, Jr., of Gloucester City, New Jersey for his service to our nation. Edmund A. Walens, Jr. was a graduate of Gloucester High School. He then, entered the United States Air Force in June, l952. He was unable to finish the basic training due to the Korean War, the Airforce needed Aircraft Mechanics and he was immediately transferred to the Shepard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. He served at Savannah Georgia refueling planes, then the 307 Bomb Wing, Okinawa Island, in Japan. In 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, this ended the Korean War. After ending the war Mr. Walens was assigned to the 98th Bomb Wing and shipped statewide though his time he served in New York, Texas, and then he received an honorable discharge in 1960 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr. Walens has been married for sixty years and has four children. Additionally, he served as a volunteer firefighter for nine and a half years and was in the New Jersey National Guard for fourteen years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1991. Mr. Walens also was the overseer in designing the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3620, Donald ``Doc'' Doherty Veterans Museum. The museum has artifacts that date back to the 1600's, and has been around for the community's enjoyment for fourteen years. Mr. Speaker, Edmund A. Walens, Jr. is the living embodiment of the ``Greatest Generation.'' I ask you to join me in saluting and thanking him for his service to our country.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of Carr & Duff, Inc, its founders Edward Duff and Harold Carr, and the tireless lineman they employ, as the company celebrates the 60th anniversary of the company. I have a special connection to this company--as a young man, Edward Duff and Harold Carr were gracious enough to hire me. I worked in a variety of roles for the company, including journeyman, foreman and high voltage lead splicer. I can tell you firsthand that Carr & Duff is a company that truly sets the industry standard in hard work and dedication. And as I moved on to other positions in my life, the skills I acquired in my time with Carr & Duff stayed with me--shaping me as a leader and providing me with an invaluable foundation and experience. The story of Carr & Duff is one not only of business success, but also unsurpassed excellence in the field of community service. The men and women employed at this company have shown us time and time again that they are willing to go above and beyond in the name of excellent customer service, and they have been a lifeline to both of our districts, as well as the Tri-state Area, throughout the company's history. The company is renowned for going the extra mile in times of emergency. During storms, floods, and severe snow, the incredibly skilled electricians at Carr & Duff have proven themselves invaluable-- working long hours to restore power to impacted communities. Carr & Duff has such a large supply of transformers and generators that they are often able to loan out their stock to local utility companies in times of need. The people of Carr & Duff think nothing of it--it's just another opportunity for them to help their neighbors any way they can. I ask you to join me in celebrating the impact that Carr & Duff Incorporated has made during its sixty-year history, and honoring the transformative legacy of a company that has truly shaped the Camden and Philadelphia area for more than half a century.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I am here to speak about the need to protect Social Security. Last year, the Republicans passed an expensive tax scam that gave 83 percent of the benefits to the top 1 percent. This and the new tax scam 2.0 will add trillions to our deficit. Now they are trying to use this massive deficit that they created to justify cutting and dismantling Social Security, all while a retirement security crisis is looming to wreak havoc on those who are going to retire over the next decade. One in three Americans have less than $5,000--one in three have less than $5,000--saved. Fewer have pensions. For so many families who have worked hard, played by the rules, Social Security is all they will have. And Republicans, they want to take it away. Mr. Speaker, let's build up Social Security, not dismantle it.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Honorable Judge M. Allan Vogelson of Cherry Hill, Camden County, located in the First Congressional District of the Great State of New Jersey, for his decades of public service. The Honorable Judge Vogelson served as the Camden County Presiding Judge for the Camden County Superior Court, for more than twelve years. For eight years, he served as Presiding Judge, for the Camden County Superior Court, Civil Division and subsequently appointed to preside over the Camden County Superior Court, Chancery Division. Prior to serving as Presiding Judge for the Camden County Superior Court, Judge Vogelson served as the Assistant Prosecutor for Camden County and in 1971 elected as a freeholder to the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders, with tenure as the Freeholder Director. In the community he both loved and called home, Judge Vogelson served with distinction: on the New Jersey State Legislature Reappointment Committee, as a member of the Camden County College Board of Trustees, and on the Board of Trustees of the Boys & Girls Club of Camden County, New Jersey. Judge Vogelson was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, forerunner, role model and exceptional public servant who was a tireless advocate for others, and is deeply missed. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join with me in mourning the loss and honoring the legacy of the late Honorable Judge M. Allan Vogelson

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Petty Officer Veronica Aillim Alcazar of Winslow Township, in New Jersey's First Congressional District. Petty Officer Alcazar was a graduate of Camden County Technical Schools at Pennsauken, NJ Campus and graduated with the Class of 2010. She proudly served in the United States Navy since her enlistment in 2012. Petty Officer Alcazar was the loving daughter of Consuelo ``Connie'' Alcazar and Jessie Lopez, beloved sister of Elizette Peralta, Dean Alcazar and Rosemary Alcazar, cherished granddaughter of William and Emerita Alcazar and Ernestina Lopez, adored niece of Alexander and Vianey Alcazar and William and Lucie Alcazar, loving cousin of Ethan and William III, and fiance of Aamir Awad Muhammad. Petty Officer Alcazar is by all accounts an American hero who selflessly served her country. Her service to the Unites States Armed Forces, sacrifice on behalf of the freedom of the United States of America and noble legacy will always be remembered. I ask you to join me in honoring the memory of this great American.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this amendment. We have an opportunity that doesn't come around all that often, thank God. Apparently, there are people who think this isn't important to our national defense. I went up to an electric boat just 2 months ago. This is the most complicated machine ever designed, ever built in the history of the world. You don't turn this on and off like a spigot of water. This is about saving our country. You heard the chairman talk about how we are falling behind as a country. How can we sit by and let this go? We must come together. We have to build this now or we are putting our country at risk.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Edward ``Bud'' Donahue, for his dedicated service to the United States Army. He is a resident of Deptford Township located in the New Jersey's First Congressional District. Mr. Donahue enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965, and trained as a Voice and Morse Code Radio Operator in Fort Jackson South Carolina. Upon graduating Radio school in 1965, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, in Vietnam as a Radio Operator. While assigned to the 1st Cavalry, Mr. Donahue received many honors; the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Mr. Donahue was reassigned in 1966 to the 7th Army, 4th Battalion 44th Artillery in Germany, and a mobile Pershing Missile unit. He was promoted to Platoon Sergeant of the Communications Platoon. Mr. Donahue was a Sergeant (E5) in a Master Sergeant (E8) slot; Radio Teletype, Long Range Voice Radio, Message Center, and Crypto Programming. He was later tested and received a high proficiency rating. On May 20, 1968, Mr. Donahue was separated from active duty at Fort Dix New Jersey, placed on inactive reserves, and received an Honorable Discharge on May 31, 1971. Mr. Donahue returned to Philadelphia to marry his childhood sweetheart on September 6, 1969. He and his wife moved to Deptford in 1970 and have been here ever since. They now have 3 sons, 10 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Edward `Bud' Donahue is an exceptional member of the community. I ask you to join me in honoring the service of Mr. Edward Donahue.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Marine Corps Combat veteran, Mr. John T. Margie of Deptford Township in New Jersey's First Congressional District. Mr. Margie was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In September 1948, he trained for three months at the MCRD, Parris Island, South Carolina. After completing his training, he then entered an infantry exercise on the USS Worcester in the Mediterranean Sea. In June of 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea, Mr. Margie, along with his fellow soldiers, shipped abroad to the Suez Canal, South China Sea, Japan and Korea; contributing to the decisive battle of the Korean War, the ``Battle of Chosin Reservoir''. After serving overseas, Corporal Margie became a Marine Recruiter in Defiance, Ohio, receiving the title of ``Outstanding Recruiter of the Year''. While transporting new recruits to Parris Island, he contracted Polio; however, with support from the U.S. Navy doctors, nurses and his family, he remarkably regained the ability to move. Upon retirement, Mr. Margie received numerous awards including, the Legion of Honor, the New Jersey Volunteer of the Year Award, National Shipmate of the Year, Fleet Reserve Association award, the Human Goals award, the Commanders Naval Sea System Command award, and the Deptford Citizen of the Year award. Following his formal service to the United States Armed Forces, Mr. Margie's contributions continued. He served as Co-Founder of the Semper Fidelis Detachment, Marine Corps League, Wenonah American Legion, VFW, Disabled American Veterans, the Fleet Reserve Association, and the Chosin Few; an organizations former for survivors of the Chosin Reservoir Battle of 1950. Mr. John T. Margie is an honorable American, having served our great nation in a time of war, and merits our collective appreciation. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saluting John T. Margie for his heroism, his sacrifice in the Korean War, and his service to the United States of America.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to welcome our guest chaplain, Rabbi Aaron Krupnick of Congregation Beth El in Voorhees, New Jersey. The congregation has been part of our South Jersey community since 1920, when it was originally founded in Camden City. Now it offers a spiritual home for hundreds of Jewish families in South Jersey. Rabbi Krupnick came to our community in 1994 from Montgomery, Alabama. There, he helped lead interfaith services with leaders like Martin Luther King, III, and Rosa Parks. As you heard in his prayer, he often discusses patience, understanding, kindness, compassion. In a world where religion too often creates so much conflict, Rabbi Krupnick focuses on togetherness. He knows there is more that connects us than divides us. I have been fortunate enough to attend services and seder at Beth El. I have witnessed firsthand how the community is welcoming, loving, and supportive of all. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to welcome Rabbi Krupnick to the House of Representatives and I thank him for his offering of this morning's prayer. His compassion, his teachings, his strong leadership have helped foster a vibrant Jewish community in our region, and I know it will stay that way for years to come.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of the late Ambassador Faith Whittlesey, a distinguished public servant and a native of New Jersey. I have also been asked to express the condolences of my colleagues Congressmen Don Beyer, Joaquin Castro, Charlie Crist, Bill Huizenga and Alex Mooney as well as Senator Barrasso, whose lives have all been touched by the work of Ambassador Whittlesey. Ambassador Whittlesey was the U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland for nearly five years during both 1981-1983 and 1985-1988, and during the Reagan Administration she served as the Director of the Office of Public Liaison. Her many roles in public life included time as the Chairwoman and President of the American Swiss Foundation in New York, and her service as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. During her influential career, Ambassador Whittlesey was a pivotal figure in building and developing Swiss and American relations, both domestically and abroad. Ambassador Whittlesey was a graduate of Wells College and received her Law Degree from the University of Pennsylvania, earned a Ford Foundation Grant to attend the Academy of International Law in The Hague, The Netherlands. During her career, she received honors such as the Reagan Revolution Medal of Honor, the Congress of Racial Equality Public Service Award, the Christian Freedom International Freedom Award, the Stratton Prize, and the William Tell Award. A book written by Thomas Carty centered on her career, entitled ``Backwards, in High Heels: Faith Whittlesey, Ronald Reagan's `Madam Ambassador' in Switzerland and the West Wing''. Lastly, the Ambassador had the ``Faith Whittlesey rose'' named in her legacy. These awards are a mere testament to Ambassador Whittlesey's commendable dedication and leadership on behalf of our nation and the Swiss-United States relationship. Mr. Speaker, we have lost an extraordinary, devoted person in Ambassador Faith Whittlesey. I invite you to join me in thanking her for many contributions to our country.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor forty-six high school seniors in Camden County for their commendable decision to enlist in the United Sates Armed Forces. Of these forty-six, eight have joined the Navy: Joshua Fitzgerald, Samuel Keppel, Niemai Smith, Ryan Hutchinson, Preston Solla, Nicholas Yourkonis, Noah Berrios, and Nasir Crews. Nineteen have joined the Marine Corps: Giovanni Pasquarelli, Jesse Harryman, William Jamieson, Ethan Moncrief, William Sayers, Jack Percak, Brian Romerogranadeno, Anthony Vitkunas, Trshaun Kelly, Delious Bullock, Luke Hurey, Jeserica Santos, Marvin Sewell, Remy Martinez, Andre Castro, Adrian Vargas, Cristian Reyes-Nunez, Kenneth Cortez, and Jeffery Nolasco. Two have joined the Air Force: Alexis Tapia, and Dominique Perez. Eight have joined the New Jersey Army National Guard: Kianna Smith, Savannah Janiszewski, Christopher Berrios, Chanese Gibson, Kiaziah Walker, Alesi Villeda-Gomes, Breinna Edwards, and Aleksey Kilvington. And nine have joined the New Jersey Air National Guard: Jose Sanchez, Jamilette Cotts-Martinez, Nyree Scott, Paul Brown, Alex Frazier, Angel Burgos, Emma Super, Mason Nicini, Michael Rinehart. All forty-six were recognized on May 15th at ``Our Community Salutes of South Jersey.'' Later this month, these young men and women will join their classmates in celebration of graduation. At a time when many of their peers are looking forward to pursuing vocational training or college degrees, they instead have chosen to dedicate themselves to military service in defense of our country. They should rest assured that the full support and resources of this chamber, and of the American people, are with them in whatever challenges may lie ahead. It is thanks to the dedication of untold numbers of patriots like these forty-six that we are able to meet here today, in the House of Representatives, and openly debate the best solutions to the many and diverse problems that confront our country. It is thanks to their sacrifices that the United States of America remains a beacon of hope and freedom in a fractious world. Mr. Speaker, their decision to serve our country will not go unrecognized. I want to personally thank these forty-six graduating seniors for the selflessness and courage that they have shown by volunteering to risk their lives in defense of others. We owe them, along with all those who serve our country, a deep debt of gratitude.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Helene Reed of Williamstown, Gloucester County, located in the First Congressional District of the Great State of New Jersey, for her decades of public service to local and county government. At the time of her passing on April 28, 2018, Helene Reed was serving as the Gloucester County Surrogate, a position to which she was first elected in 2008, becoming the first woman to ever hold that title. Prior to the role of Gloucester County Surrogate, Helene Reed served as Gloucester County Freeholder for nine years, and as the first female Monroe Township Councilmember, holding that post for nine years, with some of her tenure including service as Council President. Preceding her public service, Helene Reed attended Rutgers University where she was certified in Hospital Access Manager, which led to a career as Director of Admissions at Kennedy Hospital, Washington Township Division, now known as Jefferson Hospital. In the community she both loved and called home, Helene Reed served with distinction on: the Rowan University Board of Trustees, President of the New Jersey Association of Counties & the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey, chairperson of the Monroe Township Welfare Board, member of the: Monroe Township Planning Board, Monroe Township Zoning Board, Monroe Township Administrative Committee, and as commissioner to the Tri-County Joint Insurance Fund. Helene Reed was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, trailblazer, pioneer, role model, and exceptional public servant who was a tireless advocate for others, and will be deeply missed. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join with me in mourning the loss and honoring the legacy of the late Helene Reed.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 3395, a bill originally introduced by Representative Meehan of Pennsylvania, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Sandra Love, a constituent of New Jersey's First Congressional District and distinguished public servant. Mrs. Love served as a New Jersey General Assemblywoman, representing the State's Fourth Legislative District. Prior to ``Sandi's'' tenure in the Legislature, she was the long time mayor of Gloucester Township, New Jersey, serving three terms from 1994 to 2006. Among Mrs. Love's Mayoral accomplishments: the establishment of an Economic Development Advisory Committee, forming the Gloucester Township Human Relations Committee, creating a welfare-to-work program, developing the Gloucester Township Ministerial, and assisting in an effort that raised a substantial amount of relief funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In addition, Sandi Love was a board member for the Council on Affordable Housing, served on the Gloucester Township Housing Authority, was a member of the Gloucester Township Scholarship Committee, and was a trustee for Camden County Health Services. Despite her many public constituents and busy schedule, Sandi Love actively volunteered in the community she loved, contributing her time to the Special Olympics and serving as a trustee for the Mainstage Center for the Performing Arts. For her dedicated civic engagement and commitment to help others in her advocacy, Mrs. Love was honored with the Women Who Make a Difference Award, a Blackwood Rotary Club Paul Harris fellowship, the Camden County Martin Luther King, Jr. award, and a YWCA Award. Mrs. Love was the wife of Al, mother to Jason (Sara) and Jeffrey (Jen), and grandmother to Cordelia, Sophia, Ian, and August. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, neighbors, community members, and colleagues in public service. Mr. Speaker, Sandi Love was an exceptional community leader. Mrs. Love's service, sacrifice, and compassion will forever endure in South Jersey. I ask you to join me in honoring the memory of The Honorable Sandra Love.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William R. Hosey, a constituent of Haddon Heights, Camden County, located in New Jersey's First Congressional District, on the occasion of his retirement as assistant business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local Union 351. Mr. Hosey has been a member of IBEW for 37 years, serving as president, business agent, and assistant business manager. In his roles and responsibilities, Mr. Hosey has represented more than 2,300 IBEW members and distinguished himself as an influential labor advocate for fair, equal, and safe working conditions for the hardworking men and women of Southern New Jersey. Brother Hosey is a 1978 graduate of Lenape High School in Medford, New Jersey, and graduated in 1986 from an electrical apprenticeship. Throughout his career, Brother Hosey has been a valued member of IBEW Local 351 & 439's Pension, Annuity and Health and Welfare Funds. Mr. Hosey has also served on the Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee, Camden County Planning Board, Camden Economic Recovery Board, Union Building Trades Credit Union Advisory Board, and as Chairman of the Camden County Improvement Authority. Mr. Hosey will continue his passionate advocacy for the hardworking men and women of the region, in his capacity as President of IBEW Local Union 351. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in celebrating William R. Hosey for his devotion to the South Jersey International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the primary sponsor of H.R. 138, a bill originally introduced by Representative Conyers of Michigan, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.