Donald Norcross

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I come here today to speak in opposition to the amendment, one that would hurt the local economy, devalue workers' pay, and take a very important tool out of the toolbox for both Republicans, Democrats, and Americans. Almost 100 years ago, two Republican Congressmen, James Davis and Robert Bacon, realized there was a problem with Federal contracts. Those contracts were unfair to the local economies. So in 1931, Congress unanimously approved Davis-Bacon prevailing wage. It ensures that construction workers are paid the same as construction workers in that local community. The prevailing wage is based on surveys of local wages and benefits, not whether there is a union or not. It keeps the community vibrant, and it takes into account those things that happened in that local community. So when you hear the term ``if it ain't broke don't fix it,'' this is a classic example. They are trying to talk about surveys and methodologies. Quite frankly, this system has worked for over 80 years. They are talking about technicalities, but the fact of the matter is this is about cutting wages in your local community. Why would you ever want to go back and say, I want to hurt the people I represent? But apparently that seems to be what we are doing. So we want to make sure that local workers are paid a fair wage. The system has worked fine for so many years and makes sure that those men and women who work hard each and every day are properly compensated. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. McKinley).

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee).

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chairman, I want to just bring this back home. Why in the world would you ever want to cut the wages of the men and women you represent? This is about fairness, leveling the playing field. It works, and we want to continue it. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dorothy A. Burley, a woman of strength, character and commitment, on the occasion of her 75th birthday. Ms. Burley is a friend, mentor, educator and inspiration to many across New Jersey's First Congressional District and beyond. After receiving her Associate's Degree in Human Services at Camden County College and her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University), Ms. Burley taught for 16 years at various Camden City schools, shaping young minds. Ms. Burley's commitment to community continued beyond the classroom when, in 1993, she made history by taking the oath of office as the first African American female municipal clerk in the City of Camden. Ms. Burley would go on to hold other positions of distinction in the community, in both appointed and elected offices, including Commissioner for the Camden County Board of Elections, Chairperson of the Housing Authority of the City of Camden, Chairperson of the Alcohol Beverage Control Board, President of ``Girls on the Move'' Youth Foundation, and a member of the National and Camden Education Association. Ms. Burley would also serve as director of human resources at CAMcare Health Corporation until her well-deserved retirement. Separate from her professional commitments, Ms. Burley has selflessly dedicated her time and talents to organizations that enhance the lives of Southern New Jersey constituents. Though she's been honored and recognized for her many meaningful efforts, Ms. Burley is especially deserving of this special recognition, as she continues her mission to inspire everyone she encounters. Mr. Speaker, for that reason and so many others, I ask you to join me in wishing this devoted mother, grandmother, public servant, and mentor, Ms. Dorothy A. Burley, a very happy 75th birthday.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my granddaughter, Ms. Nattalie Norcross, on the occasion of her graduation from Cherry Hill High School West. Nattalie was born on September 7, 1999, and raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Nattalie received her high school diploma at the Cherry Hill High School West Commencement Ceremony on June 15, 2017, which was held at Temple University in Philadelphia. Nattalie has been actively involved in the South Jersey community. She has volunteered her time at the Camden Children's Garden in the City of Camden, Grace Episcopal Church in Haddonfield and at various nursing homes and senior centers across Southern Jersey. Nattalie is also proud to be a Girl Scout. The Girl Scouts of the United States of America is a premier youth organization that promotes compassion, courage, confidence, and leadership, all qualities that Nattalie possesses in great abundance. In the fall, Nattalie will matriculate to Rowan University in Glassboro, where she plans to pursue degrees in English and Education. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating Ms. Nattalie Norcross on the occasion of her high school graduation, and wishing her the best of luck as she begins a new chapter in her academic career.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Leslie H. Gallagher, Jr. of the Borough of Pine Hill, Camden County, in New Jersey's First Congressional District, for his service to our nation and our community. Mr. Gallagher graduated from Overbrook Regional High School in 1976 and enlisted in the United States Air Force that same year. He would continue to serve in the Air Force until his retirement in 1997. During his years of service in the Air Force, Mr. Gallagher would hold many roles, including assignments in law enforcement, the financial office, and as load master for large military transport aircrafts. During his career, Mr. Gallagher served as a non-commissioned officer-in-charge of military pay operations at four different military bases, and as travel operations and deputy finance officer, where his work was instrumental in support of Operation Desert Storm. While stationed in Delaware and Oklahoma, Mr. Gallagher taught high school physical education to students and served as a high school basketball and track coach. After twenty one years of service to the Air Force, Mr. Gallagher would return to Pine Hill where he served as Vice Commander and ultimately as Adjutant of Pine Hill Post 286 of the American Legion. His commitment to his community continued in his roles as chairman of the Environmental Commission of Pine Hill, Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, and secretary of the Planning and Zoning Board. Mr. Gallagher's ongoing commitment to education is evidenced by his leadership positions on the Pine Hill Board of Education, as Pine Hill's representative to the Camden County School Boards Association, as a delegate to the New Jersey State Board of Education, and as a Sunday school teacher at his church. After his retirement from Local 322 as an HVAC technician, Mr. Gallagher's public service would continue through his employment with the Borough of Pine Hill, where he has become an invaluable resource to the community. Mr. Speaker, Technical Sergeant Leslie H. Gallagher, Jr. is a great American who exemplifies the true meaning of leader, community servant, and patriot. I ask you to join with me and the constituents of Southern New Jersey in honoring this exceptional man.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of the late Walter Frank Piper, United States Army Private First Class, of Williamstown in New Jersey's First Congressional District. Walter Piper, born April 6, 1930, was a proud resident of Williamstown and son of the late Charles and Alice Piper. Walter Piper graduated Glassboro High School in 1949. Walter Piper enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950, a year after graduating high school. He was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. PFC Piper was taken prisoner of war during the Korean Conflict on February 13, 1951. PFC Piper died June 18, 1951 while being held prisoner of war. PFC Piper's unidentified remains were recovered in 1990, returned to Hawaii on June 24, 1991, and positively identified April 18, 2017. Walter Piper's name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial. Private First Class Piper has been posthumously awarded the following: Purple Heart with Oak Leaf cluster, Prisoner of War Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. On June 17, 2017, PFC Walter Piper will return home to Williamstown for the first time in 67 years, where he will finally be laid to rest with the full military honors he rightly deserves, at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Speaker, PFC Walter Frank Piper is by all accounts an American hero who selflessly served his country and gave his life for his country. His service, sacrifice, and legacy must never be forgotten. I ask you to join me in honoring the memory of this great American and patriot.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Ed McBride, a United States Navy World War II veteran who proudly served our nation aboard the USS Martin and the USS Athene. After his service to our country, Mr. McBride became a self-employed contractor for 45 years and worked at the former New York Shipyard in Camden, New Jersey and Sun Shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. McBride's commitment to our nation and community continued long after his active duty service in the U.S. Navy. Mr. McBride was also a life member of the Berlin, New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of American Legion Post 311 in Atco, New Jersey. Mr. McBride served his community for 22 years as a member of the Camden County Fire Police, was a life member of the Tansboro Fire Company, held the post of civil defense director for the Township of Winslow, and was past president and member of the Berlin, New Jersey Lions Club. In addition to his volunteer endeavors, Ed McBride enjoyed a number of hobbies and activities including: cabinetry, camping, golfing and fishing. Mr. Speaker, Ed McBride was an exemplary citizen with a devotion to public service, commitment, and hard work. I invite you to join me in honoring the memory of this great man.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the Honorable Edward Forte, former Mayor of the Borough of Haddon Heights, Camden County, in New Jersey's First Congressional District, on the occasion of his retirement as supervisor from Public Service Enterprise Group (PSE&G). Mr. Forte is a long-time constituent and resident of Haddon Heights, where he distinguished himself with a commitment to public service as a member of Borough Council, Borough Council President, Mayor, Director of Public Safety for the Borough, a member of the Borough's Zoning Board, and volunteer firefighter and assistant fire chief for the Borough's fire department. In 1980, Mr. Forte joined PSE&G, where he would ascend through the ranks to become distribution supervisor at the utility company. During his employment at PSE&G and his simultaneous tenure as Mayor of the Borough of Haddon Heights, Mr. Forte would work to achieve an important personal milestone, earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Thomas Edison State College. Mr. Forte's determination both inspired those across South Jersey, and provided him with the educational tools to serve him in the execution of his professional and public service duties. During his tenure as Mayor of Haddon Heights, Mr. Forte launched wellness initiatives, including the ``Walk! Heights'' campaign, in which he walked through his Borough, engaging constituents and encouraged them to join him promoting healthy living and an active lifestyle. Mr. Forte's service also extended to the New Jersey Order Sons of Italy Foundation. Mr. Speaker, Edward Forte is a model of community and public service, and an example for others who may wish to serve. I invite you to join me in thanking him for his many contributions to the community. And, I respectfully ask you to join me in congratulating Mr. Forte on the occasion of his retirement.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Clarence B. Jones, a towering civil rights figure and advocate for equality and justice. On June 6, 2017, family, friends and community members will gather for the renaming of the Palmyra High School Library and dedication of the newly created Dr. Clarence B. Jones Institute for Social Advocacy as a tribute to Dr. Jones. Dr. Jones was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 8, 1931. He attended Palmyra High School in Palmyra, situated in New Jersey's First Congressional District, where he graduated valedictorian of his class in 1949. Dr. Jones' valedictorian speech, entitled ``Tomorrow a Better World,'' called for breaking down racial barriers and marked the beginning of a life that would involve civil rights activism. After high school, Dr. Jones attended Columbia University, served the United States military during the Korean Conflict, and graduated from Boston University's School of Law. In 1960, after practicing law for a few years, Dr. Jones became the attorney and trusted advisor to iconic civil rights leader, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1963, Dr. Jones played a vital role organizing and planning the historic March on Washington, D.C. alongside Dr. King. Dr. Jones also co-authored the ``I Have a Dream'' speech, regarded as the most notable civil rights address in U.S. history. Dr. Jones broke racial barriers in corporate America, becoming the first African American partner at a Wall Street banking investment firm. Dr. Clarence Jones is an honorable American, who has dedicated his life, voice, and actions to civil rights, and has inspired many to stand up for justice. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saluting Dr. Jones for his service to our nation, his devotion to the civil rights movement and for his ongoing fight for equality in our great nation.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William ``Bill'' C. Packer III who passed away April 16, 2017. He was a husband, father, community leader and dedicated public servant. Raised in Brooklawn, New Jersey, Bill was the oldest of six children. He graduated from Gloucester City High School and continued his education at Camden County Vocational and Technical School in Industrial Chemistry, as well as Rutgers University where he studied Advanced Wastewater Treatment. He later earned numerous licenses for water and sewer system operations. Bill's extensive career started in 1964, as the Superintendent of the Water and Sewer Department for the bough of Brooklawn. He moved to several boroughs in the surrounding areas including; City of Gloucester, Borough of Buena, Borough of National Park and the Borough of Wenonah. Bill also was an instructor at Camden County Technical School and taught at Rutgers University. Bill Packer is also an American hero, having served in the New Jersey National Guard from 1965 through 1967. Bill would continue to serve his community in various positions--as Mayor of Westville from 1997 to 2006, as councilman from 2011 to 2014, as Assistant Fire Chief, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners for the Westville Fire District, President of Region VI of the New Jersey Public Works Association, member of the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Water Association, president and member of the Westville Lions Club, the Gloucester County Mayor's Association, and the Gloucester County College Board of Trustees. Mr. Packer alongside his wife of fifty years raised a family of six children. He enjoyed playing the xylophone for the Broomall String Band, serving as umpire and coach for his children's baseball and soccer leagues. His ultimate joy was creating memories with his family. Mr. Speaker, Mr. William ``Bill'' C. Packer exemplified exceptional dedication to public service and volunteerism. I ask you to join me in honoring the memory of this great American.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Senior Chief Petty Officer Sean Hays of the United States Coast Guard on the occasion of his retirement from active duty. Senior Chief Petty Officer Hays was born and raised in Ocean City, New Jersey, and in 1997, enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. Following the completion of his U.S. Coast Guard training, Sean Hays served the U.S. Coast Guard with distinction, earning promotions, honors and greater responsibilities. Sean Hays would serve as Petty Officer First Class/Second Class, in which his teams coordinated search and rescue missions, conducted narcotics detection, enforced immigration laws, managed fisheries, and enforced federal boating laws on waterways. The U.S. Coast Guard would promote Sean Hays to the rank of Chief Petty Officer/Petty Officer First Class and ultimately, Senior Chief Petty Officer, the rank he'd earned before and until the time of his retirement. In his role as Senior Chief Petty Officer, Sean Hays served as officer-in-charge and in command of U.S. Coast Guard Station Philadelphia, managing personnel and resources relative to maritime law enforcement for the Greater Philadelphia Port region. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in thanking Senior Chief Petty Officer Sean Hays for decades of commitment to serving and protecting the United States of America and its interests, and in wishing him well in his retirement.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a staunch supporter of U.S. efforts during the Second World War, Ms. Mae Krier of Levittown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, across the river from my Congressional District in Southern New Jersey. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, when American men were forced to leave their jobs for the battlefield, Mae Krier, who was 17 years old at the time, courageously left home herself, and joined other women to work in factories that supported the U.S. military during time of conflict. Mae, her sister, and a friend worked at a Boeing plant in Seattle, where 17,000 B-17s and B-29s were built between 1942 and 1945. Mae is quoted as saying about her service to the U.S., ``Hitler thought American women were soft and that we could not produce because we were more concerned about shopping and keeping the house. We showed him what American women are really made of.'' Since the 1980s, Mae Krier has stood as a symbol of women's strength and resolve, dispelling notions that strength and bravery are traits exclusive to men. I ask you to join me in saluting and thanking Mae Krier for her contributions to our country during the Second World War and her selflessness to provide for our country in a time of need.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fire Captain Alfred C. Ashley III on the occasion of his retirement from the Camden Fire Department in New Jersey's First Congressional District. Captain Ashley was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey. In 1984, he graduated from Camden Catholic High School. In 1987, he joined the Camden Fire Department. Following the completion of his training at the fire academy, he had many assignments. Arguably, his favorite assignment was Engine 7 on Kaighn Avenue in the City of Camden. After years of hard work and dedication, he earned the promotion of Fire Captain in April 2001. Captain Ashley was also a vital part of the Camden Fire Officers Union--IAFF Local 2578. In 2009 he was elected Union President, during which he supported negotiations to fair contracts and maintaining workplace safety for members of the Camden Fire Officers Union. Captain Ashley's last assignment before his retirement was Ladder Company 2-2 Platoon. After 29 years of service, Captain Ashley retired from the Camden Fire Department on December 31, 2016. He has one daughter, Zakia, who is his pride and joy. He looks forward to spending more time with her, riding motorcycles and cooking for family and friends. I ask you to join me in thanking Captain Alfred C. Ashley III for his service to the City of Camden's Fire Department and for his dedication to the people he helped each and every day at work and throughout his career.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army and New Jersey National Guard veteran, Mr. Jose Bracero of Camden in New Jersey's First Congressional District. Mr. Bracero was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Camden. In 1999 he graduated from Camden County Technical School. He then joined the U.S. Army in 2001 and was stationed at Fort Drum, 10th Mountain Division, assigned to 1/32 Infantry Regiment Unit. Jose Bracero's assignments included a six month peace keeping mission in Kosovo from 2001 to 2002, and a one year deployment to Iraq from 2003 to 2004. After he was honorably discharged from the Army, Jose Bracero served four years in the New Jersey National Guard. Even after his formal service to the United States military ended, Mr. Bracero's contributions to our country continue. In 2010, Jose Bracero started working on behalf work as an outreach coordinator with New Jersey's homeless veteran population as a mission to serve veterans continued in his case manager for Projects for Assistance in Transition. In 2012, Jose Bracero's Soldier On, a private non-profit organization committed to ending veteran homelessness. Additionally, Mr. Bracero serves as a liaison to multiple non- profits, faith-based organizations, and local police departments to improve the quality of life for Southern New Jersey veterans with housing needs. He can often be found at train stations, airports, soup kitchens and shelters, working to connect veterans to housing opportunities. Jose Bracero is an honorable American, having served our great nation in a time of war, and merits our collective appreciation. I ask you to join me in saluting and thanking Jose Bracero for his service to our country and his ongoing commitment to our nation's veterans.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army Veteran, Mr. Alex Horanzy of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, just across the Delaware River from my Congressional District in Southern New Jersey. Mr. Horanzy was born April 22, 1922. He grew up with six other siblings in the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia. On July 13, 1939, at age 17 and with his father's permission, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After completing basic training with the 66th Infantry Fort Meade, Maryland, Private Horanzy requested to be shipped overseas; he would be stationed in Oahu, Hawaii where he was assigned to the 19th Infantry at Schofield Barracks, later known as the 24th Infantry Division. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Mr. Horanzy was jolted awake by the attack on Pearl Harbor. Mr. Horanzy not only survived the Pearl Harbor attack, but his unit courageously fought back and protected our nation in time of conflict. Mr. Horanzy is one of only 88 survivors of Pearl Harbor and the only survivor from the Greater Philadelphia region. Mr. Horanzy's military service would take him to Australia for intensive training in jungle fighting, and to New Guinea, where he contracted malaria. Mr. Horanzy was honorably discharged from the U.S. military in 1945. After his military service, Mr. Horanzy attended commercial art school, worked for the Department of the Army, passed his GED test, entered a 4-year apprenticeship for machinists and toolmakers, and worked his way up to a qualified assurance specialist for the Defense Department before his retirement. He married and had three children. Alex Horanzy is an honorable American, having served our great nation in a time of war, and merits our collective appreciation. Alex Horanzy is the living embodiment of the Greatest Generation. I ask you to join me in saluting and thanking Alex Horanzy for his service to our country.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Illinois for yielding me the time. Certainly, we are in the House today and sending a very clear message that career and technical skills matter, and I rise in support of this bill. For a 4-year college, that pathway is certainly great for some, but not all. Technical training helped shape my life from community college to the construction site and, yes, here to Congress. Career and technical education, or CTE, is often overlooked, and it shouldn't be. We need electricians and computer programmers just as much as we need doctors and engineers. In my State of New Jersey, 9 out of 10 of the fastest growing occupations don't require a 4-year degree, but they do require a certificate or on-the-job training. This is an important reauthorization bill that will go a long way to providing students with opportunities to build skills that they need for those fast-growing, high-paying jobs. I want to thank the sponsors for including my provision that will allow high schools to give more information on that career path in technical education. Don Borden, who is the president of Camden County College in my State, says that we have an ``understanding of the types of educational programs we need to provide for our students,'' and that ``will lead to meaningful employment.'' This is about employment and careers, to train the students on available curriculum, on available jobs. I urge support of this jobs bill.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that kind introduction. It was a remarkable time sitting at the airport right there on the Delaware River and understanding how much we depend on safe, secure travel in those airports around the country. But to both Marc and Brendan, thank you for the Blue Collar Caucus and bringing to light many of the issues that at times we as a nation might have forgotten, quite frankly, those who work with their hands, those who are getting up each and every morning and going to work, having a job, taking care of their family, and I think focusing on that is so important. I am myself involved with the Building Trades Caucus, and we are talking about something that is near and dear to everybody's heart, and it is called infrastructure. In this day and age when people are wondering about what is going on in the country, I want to talk about the ``t'' word. No, it is not Donald Trump; it is a trillion dollars, and that is the number that people have been talking about that we need for infrastructure. Infrastructure means many things to many different people. If you are in Flint, Michigan, it is about having clean water. The pipes need to be replaced. We have a growing infrastructure that is many years old. When we think back about one of the major components of infrastructure in this country, during the Eisenhower administration, it was building the interstate system, from north to south, from east to west, connecting coasts, connecting cities, connecting States. And that is something that has been so important to us. But apparently not important enough to keep and maintain. I am very familiar with the systems that we have. I went to the other 4-year school; it was called an apprenticeship program, an electrical apprenticeship that I spent 4 years in. After graduating, I worked up and down the Delaware River at refineries, on bridges, and on our infrastructure. We know how important it is. But in Congress, because of the Blue Collar Caucus and many others, we need to remember that the dignity of a job is so important. We have 211 attorneys here in Congress, but there is only one electrician. There is only one carpenter. There is only one ironworker, and there is only one painter. Diversity comes in many shapes and sizes, and our Founding Fathers understood how important that was. They were farmers, printers, attorneys, doctors, all coming together and bringing those experiences into this very House, this very floor, to remember why we are here. Anybody who drove on a road to get here today understands what infrastructure means. But somehow we haven't paid attention. We had the American Society of Civil Engineers brief us a few weeks ago to the Building Trades Caucus on the report card that they give each and every year: aviation, a D; bridges, a C-plus; ports, a C-plus; energy, a D; transit, a D. The overall report card was a D. If I had come home with a D on my report card, I know what my parents would have done to us. But somehow having the D on the report card for the very infrastructure here in the United States has been acceptable. Well, it is not. We are deferring this problem to the next generation when we owe them a responsibility of turning over our world to them in a little bit better shape, not worse shape. So when we look at that investment in roads, rails, ports, airports, it does something more than just to fix the very problems that we look at each and every day. It is about a job. What better way to put America back to work than fixing our own infrastructure. Nobody does it better than the building trades who have the training programs second to none and does not use one dime of public investment. All funded privately. Fifteen different trades coming together to fix our infrastructure. In addition to that, they do something that is really special. We all know the figure when it comes to those who put the uniform on to help protect our country is less than 1 percent. We have so many of those men and women who are coming home today, and there is a program that the Building Trades Caucus have put together called Helmets to Hardhats. Taking those who want to come home and start a career, took their helmet off and go right into an apprenticeship program, put the hardhat on. What better way to say to those veterans they are welcome home than to give them a job? But not just a job, a career. So as we continue to have the discussions day-to-day, the ``t'' word is about trillion dollars. It is about putting back into our country the investment that it is due. Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank my colleagues for coming here today to make sure that we remember those men and women who don't necessarily put on a suit and tie but have the dignity of going to work each day as blue-collar workers, and we are damn proud of it.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, a month ago I was ready to speak right here on the floor when this bill was abruptly removed. Apparently, it wasn't bad enough that day, it wasn't harmful enough. But now it is back worse than ever. So bad, it might actually pass. I don't have a lot of time to explain, but let me tell you two groups that are really going to say thank you: it is the billionaires and it is the undertakers. This bill will make health care more unaffordable and cause preventable deaths. Meanwhile, it gives $600 billion--excuse me--$800 billion to the wealthy, to the billionaires. TrumpCare brings us higher costs, less coverage, guts the benefits, has a crushing age tax, and steals from Medicare. In my district alone, 43,000 people will lose coverage. 9,000 of those are children. The elderly, Medicaid will be lost, close to 2,000. There is a reason they are trying to jam this down our throats. There is no CBO score because they don't want to hear a score. Mr. Speaker, let me make it plain. Let's put this bill in a coffin, not Americans. Let's kill and bury this bill.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Siler for his service in the U.S. Air Force and Army, his leadership with the Gloucester Township Council and as a community leader in many other areas. Sam Siler passed away a week ago at the age of 84. He will be remembered by not only his wife Joyce, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren but also by many people across this country. From Southern New Jersey to the Pentagon and beyond, Sam made a profound impression on the lives of many. Lt. Col. Siler joined the armed forces and served with distinction in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He served with the United States Air Force for three years and with the United States Army for seventeen more. Sam retired from the armed services in 1974 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and his honorable services with the armed forces earned him many medals, achievements and accolades that are a testament to the pride taken in him by his nation. An active member of his community, Sam served on the Gloucester Township Council for over a decade including a year as President of Council. Never forgetting his fellow veterans, Lt. Col. Siler never stopped volunteering for and leading efforts to support those less fortunate than himself. Additionally, the Blackwood Rotary Club benefited from years of his volunteering and fundraising efforts. Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Siler, was a great American whose dedication to serving our country and our community is an inspiration to us all. I join with his family, friends, and a grateful nation in honoring the selfless service of this extraordinary man.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Brendan--Representative Boyle--and Marc for putting together a Blue Collar Caucus just to remind ourselves what we should be doing here is focusing on jobs. Jobs, which is the best social program I have ever been with. I entered my professional life as an electrician, as an electrical apprentice. I went through the other 4 years of school. It was called an apprenticeship. I worked on bridges, refineries, pipelines throughout the Delaware Valley. I understood how tough it is sometimes for people to make it. When work got slow, we got laid off. We collected unemployment. Those are the struggles that men and women in our great country are going through each and every day. If anything, this last election cycle reminded us of that, that sometimes the dignity of being able to take care of your family, send your kids to school, and retire with dignity is the most important thing we can do. I have seen firsthand what happens with minimum wage. They tend to think it is all a bunch of kids flipping hamburgers. Well, it is much more than that. It is a woman I spoke to, who had a child 8 years old, who had to work two jobs just to make sure that in the winter, when her daughter needed a coat for winter, that she could take care of her. And she recalled to us how badly she felt that her daughter's teacher for PTA wanted her to come in and help. She had to decide whether or not to keep food on her table or participate in her child's school. That is a tough decision when we both want to help. When we look at what we have done as a country, as compared to elsewhere in the world, it is very different when we look at the blue collar, particularly in the building trades where I came from. Throughout Europe, particularly in Switzerland and Germany, they look at working with your hands with just the same dignity as going through college. This country doesn't always do that. Guidance counselors tend to push them into college as the only measurement. College isn't for everybody. I have three brothers. They went the traditional college route. I decided I really enjoyed working with my hands. I went and became an electrician. Those jobs, we are on over 20 years ago, I still talk to my kids about it today--the dignity of working with your hands. This country is starting to change, particularly when you need an electrician. When Mr. Boyle's lights in his house go out, who does he call? That electrician is worth his weight in gold, isn't he? And I know Mr. Boyle's story. His parents came over here as first generation and are living the American Dream. They have to be so proud of him. And in Mr. Veasey's district, those refineries are important for jobs, as they are in mine. I think we absolutely have to keep the focus on making sure that we have renewables, that we have clean energy. But we also understand with each of those decisions comes whether or not somebody is going to be able to go home and say: Honey, I lost my job today. Today was a remarkable day--the first withdrawal of a nominee for the Department of Labor. And I guess this is where, during the election cycle, I see the difference. It is very clear that the President wanted to talk about jobs, good jobs, putting America back to work. And then we have the secretary nominee put up--who talks about minimum wage is a bad thing, talks about robots are things you don't have argument with. He wants to outsource. That is not the way to rebuild the economy. Mr. Boyle talked about the discrepancy between those who work for a living, the average worker on the line, and those who are the CEOs. When I grew up, there was an implied partnership with so many of those companies. Those who went to work in a first-generation company, that CEO knew every employee's name. But time after time, when that company gets sold, that disconnect comes in. They forget about that. And that is where those relationships, that partnership that is so important, starts to break down. We had a conversation in our Education and the Workforce Committee the other day about the NLRB, which is the group from the Department of Labor that judges whether or not elections with unions are done fairly. There was a suggestion somehow that they are not being treated fairly. It couldn't be any further from the truth. If workers want to have a voice, they should have that voice and choose whether or not they want to join with the union. That is the American way--that democracy. Yet, the nominee for Labor wanted to do away with the NLRB. In fact, when we look at the total case history, it is like putting the fox in charge of the henhouse, unless, of course, you own the henhouse, and then it is okay. I want to finish up by saying to Mr. Veasey and Mr. Boyle how appreciative I am of keeping this focus on the forefront of what we do here in Congress. I created a Building Trades Caucus, along with a colleague, Mr. McKinley, out of West Virginia. We could try to move this forward, create an infrastructure package that puts America back to work and keeps our roads, our bridges, and our grid safe. Let's remember one thing: a fair day's pay for a fair day's work and the dignity of a job. I appreciate what you have done.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Liz Thomas, a smart and savvy businessperson, a wonderful friend and someone who always supports organizations and causes near and dear to her heart. On Saturday, February 11, 2017, Liz's friends, family and colleagues will gather together to celebrate at the Hearts of Gold Samaritan Gala and to honor her as she receives the Samaritan Healthcare and Hospice Circle of Excellence Award. Ms. Thomas began her communications career in the press office of New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean. Then, she moved on to serve as Deputy Director of the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism. In 1989, she opened her first public relations firm and she has been working hard in that field ever since. In her professional capacity as co-founder and CEO of Thomas/Boyd, Ms. Thomas is frequently called upon to use her extensive knowledge of communications, government relations and event management to ensure that businesses, non-profit organizations, professional societies and service companies have successful events and communication campaigns throughout the area. Ms. Thomas has received numerous honors and recognitions throughout her professional career. She was named a Person to Watch by SJ Magazine and was a member of NJBiz's inaugural class of Best 50 Women in Business. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Thomas is proud to lend her name, time and talents to a variety of organizations throughout the area and is the Vice Chair of New Jersey Public Media, the Chair of the Samaritan Healthcare and Hospice's Board of Trustees, and Vice Chair of the New Jersey Governor's Women's Conference. She is also a member of many great organizations, such as the Salvation Army Kroc Community Center Capital Campaign and the New Jersey Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. It is all altogether fitting that we congratulate Liz Thomas on receiving the Samaritan Healthcare and Hospice Circle of Excellence Award and thank her for her contributions to the State of New Jersey and the many organizations that she devotes so much of her time and talent. Ms. Thomas continues to give back to her community both personally and professionally and I wish her continued success in all her endeavors.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Monsignor Michael J. Doyle on the occasion of the City of Camden, New Jersey naming a street in his honor on Monday, February 6, 2017. This street is in proximity to Sacred Heart Church, which Father Doyle has shepherded since 1974. Monsignor Doyle is a man of conviction who was born in Ireland in 1934 and came to the United States of America by boat. He chose the Catholic Diocese of Camden for his priestly vocation in the late 1950s and started serving the City of Camden in 1967. Before taking the helm at Sacred Heart, he taught students in Diocesan schools. Always willing to fight for what he believed was right, Monsignor Doyle helped plant crosses memorializing Camden City's murder victims in front of Camden City Hall when he felt more could be done to stem rampant violence. In the 1970s, he was a staunch opponent of the Vietnam War. He's known to those in his parish as someone who is not afraid to fight for peace. Monsignor Doyle is also known for his service to the poor, as well as his poetry. Actor Martin Sheen narrated a documentary entitled ``Poet of Poverty'' which focused on Monsignor Doyle's poetry and letters to his congregation. While the City of Camden has its challenges, Monsignor Doyle chooses to focus on the beauty of the community he calls home. His congregation consists of people from the City, but also a large number of individuals visit Sacred Heart from surrounding suburbs. Monsignor Doyle has been a champion of the arts and community gardens. He has been a longtime advocate for improved housing, better medical care, community beautification and better educational opportunities for his neighborhood. He believes his two greatest achievements are keeping his parish school open, and opening a community gym called the Doyle Fieldhouse, where all are welcome. For these reasons and countless more, it is fitting that we honor this man for his great works and contributions. His dedication to God, the City of Camden, his parishioners and his community are unrivaled. I am fortunate to know him. And as a resident of the City of Camden, I can say our City is grateful to have him as a faithful steward. Thank you, Monsignor Doyle for what you continue to do for us all