Donald Norcross

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the Chancellor of Rutgers University Camden, Phoebe A. Haddon. Phoebe Haddon was born in Washington, D.C. and spent her childhood in Passaic, New Jersey. She later earned her bachelor's degree from Smith College in 1972, Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Duquesne University School of Law in 1977 and in 1985 she earned her Master of Laws from Yale Law School. She practiced law at Wilmer Cutler and Pickering in Washington, D.C. and has written extensively on issues including equal access to counsel for civil litigants and issues surrounding access to education. Prior to her time at Rutgers University Camden, she had tenured as a distinguished faculty member at Temple University Beasley School of Law for over 25 years. During her time at Temple she made it a priority of hers to fight against the racial and gender biases of the Pennsylvania bench and bar and she has served on numerous federal, state, city, and committee bodies. Chancellor Haddon stepped into the role as chancellor of Rutgers's University Camden in 2014 and as the executive administrator she has had the responsibility of overseeing the daily administration of over 1,300 employees at a campus that enrolls more than 7,000 students. In addition, as Chief Executive of Rutgers University--Camden she is a leader both on and off campus by expanding the role of the civic engagement program by working with community partners in the Camden and the Delaware Valley region. Additionally, under her leadership the college has greatly expanded its enrollment through exceptional initiatives such as launching the Bridging the Gap Program. Through the installation of this landmark program, in Fall 2017 Rutgers-Camden achieved the highest enrollment in the entire history of the campus. Chancellor Haddon earned numerous honors and is respected nationally as a constitutional scholar and leader in higher education. We honor Chancellor Haddon's commitment to Rutgers University--Camden and her dedication to diversity and equality in higher education. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the achievements of Chancellor Phoebe A. Haddon of Rutgers University Camden and thank her for all that she has done to advance Rutgers University Camden and the surrounding communities of South Jersey.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the importance of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and I am honored to stand with my colleagues here in Congress, and certainly with the Congressional Black Caucus, to combat the epidemic of racial injustice. As we know, this bill creates unprecedented reforms, needed reforms. But the first step is to admit we have a problem, and apparently we haven't done that as a Chamber in the whole. This is not a standalone issue. It is one that continues today. It is about ending racial profiling, transforming the culture of policing. It is not us versus them. It is we, together. My hometown of Camden, just 10 years ago, had the highest murder rate in North America, called the most dangerous town, but reinvented their police department--not alone, but together, changed their culture, now, working together, always reviewing what they are doing: How can we do this better? Sixty-three percent less murders, 73 percent drop in the crime rate. It can be done, but we have to do it together. The President and Senate Republicans, seriously short. They merely are suggestions, an insult to us in this House. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the Brigantine, New Jersey resident Chuck Newsom, Timber Creek High School Educator of the Year 2020. This year we honor Chuck Newsom, a dedicated educator at Timber Creek Regional High School, on his receipt of the 2020 Timber Creek Regional High School Educator of the Year award. In addition to his role as a special education teacher, he serves as football coach, basketball coach, head coach of the girls' volleyball team and is a role model for all his students. Prior to his career of being a special education teacher at Timber Creek Regional High School, Newsom pursued a degree in law and justice at Glassboro State College. He graduated in 1980 with career aspirations of going into law enforcement but changed course when he received a job offer as a Union Ironworker. After 10 years in the profession, Chuck decided to go back to school and earn a teaching certificate from Rowan University. He began his career as a special education teacher at Camden and Pennsauken High Schools, where he also served as Assistant Coach for a myriad of different sports teams. After teaching for 13 years for Camden and Pennsauken High Schools, he later moved to Timber Creek Regional High School where he continued to teach students for an additional 13 years. After more than a decade of inspiring, coaching, and shaping the lives of the students who attend Timber Creek Regional High School, Chuck is recognized as the Educator of the Year. He is beloved amongst his advisors, his pupils, and his teams. The connections he makes, along with his ability to inspire and engage, with all students allows him to excel in his position as a special education teacher. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Chuck Newsom, of Brigantine, New Jersey, a dedicated public-school educator who continues to inspire hundreds of students throughout all of South Jersey.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today at an unprecedented time. First, I want to thank those frontline and essential workers, those who are working each and every day on the retail lines, certainly those who are working to keep our lights on. But this HEROES Act will provide New Jersey the much-needed help it deserves and needs, second in the Nation. Almost 10,000 people have been impacted in a way that they will never forget. But we know for workers this will take care of OSHA so they have a safe workplace; for families so they have food and SNAP benefits increase; for small businesses, emergency grants. But most importantly, we, together, as a country, will get past this if we work together.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the life and legacy of the late Gloucester County, New Jersey resident Mrs. Lorraine Madden. Born in l933, in the mining town Shamokin, Pennsylvania. Lorraine Madden was the third born child of Clarence and Marie Greager. In the 1940's the family moved to South West Philadelphia where she attended catholic school and began working at the age of fifteen to contribute to her family. Mrs. Lorraine Madden married Fred Madden, Sr. and had two sons, Fred Jr. and Thomas. She worked at a local hospital, Bell Telephone, Harleco Company, A.E. Price Importers and lastly in human resources for Johns Manville. After retirement, Lorraine and Fred relocated to Surfside Beach, South Carolina for the next twenty years. After being many miles away from their family and friends they decided to move back to New Jersey. The residents of Gloucester County, New Jersey greatly adored and appreciated Mrs. Madden. Her passing is a great loss for our entire community. She is the beloved wife of Fred H. Madden, Sr., devoted mother of the Honorable Fred. H. Madden, Jr. (Patricia) and Thomas Madden, Sr. (Margaret). Loving grandmother of Patricia, Maureen, Thomas, Hillary, Tara, Frederick, III, Catherine and Margaret. Proud great-grandmother of Jace, Kaylee-Jo, Alyssa, Ava-Jo, Jeffrey, Declan, Everly and William. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the late Lorraine Madden, of Gloucester County, New Jersey, a loved wife, mother and grandmother.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the life and legacy of the late Camden, New Jersey resident the Honorable Martha F. Wilson. Born on March 2, 1953 in New Church, Virginia, the Honorable Martha Wilson's family relocated to Camden, New Jersey where she graduated from Camden High School in 1970. Mrs. Wilson attended Camden County College and Rutgers University-Camden and following graduation she married the Honorable Gilbert ``Whip'' Wilson, Sheriff of Camden County, New Jersey. The Honorable Martha Wilson was the first African American to work for the Campbell Soup Company where she served as a Medical Secretary in the Medical Department. Shortly thereafter she worked as an Accountant Receivables Clerk at the RCA Corporation located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Among her many accomplishments include receiving the Camden County Federation of Democratic Women as a Camden County Women of Honor award and the Gloucester County NAACP `Power Couple' distinction with her beloved husband Sheriff Wilson. Martha also honorably dedicated her life to serving her community in many roles such as President of the Camden City Board of Education, Representing Parent to the New Jersey School Board Association and also represented students in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as Executive Board Member of the National Coalition of Elementary and Secondary Education Association; National School Board Association; and Equality and Advocacy Institutes. The residents of Camden, New Jersey greatly adored and appreciated the dedication and humble service of Mrs. Wilson. Her passing is a great loss to Camden and our entire community, as well as a deeply personal loss for those who were pdvileged to call her a friend and mentor. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the late Martha Wilson, of Camden, New Jersey, a dedicated public servant who fought tirelessly for children, parents, her community and for the constituents of Camden, New Jersey.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in favor of this bill, but also to say thank you to my brothers and sisters who are on the front line, yes, those who work in the supermarkets, who are delivering the mail, who keep the lights on, who keep the water running. We are thanking them because they are making a sacrifice today. We have always been tough. Americans are special, and we will rise to this occasion. Fate calls us. We will answer. We say thank you to everyone here and to all those serving America.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Washington, District of Columbia resident, Mr. Rick Engler, for his retirement from the Chemical Safety Board. In February of 2020, Mr. Rick Engler retired from his position on the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, a position he held since President Barack Obama nominated him in January of 2014 and was confirmed by the United States Senate in December 2014. Prior to his appointment to the United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, Mr. Engler spent more than four decades helping to prevent chemical hazards. Mr. Engler advocated for New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know and Toxic Catastrophe laws that increased government transparency and the public's ``right to know'' about potential chemical dangers they may have been exposed to on the job and in the community. Moreover, he advocated for national 1990 Clean Air Act amendments which enabled workers and management representatives to fully participate during Environmental Protection Agency and Chemical Safety Board investigations of facilities that use highly hazardous chemicals. He also advocated for several state and federal public policies that promote hazard communication, workforce development, chemical incident prevention, inherently safer processes, and whistleblower protection. Mr. Engler has consistently been a leader in collaborative labor- management-community initiatives to help investigate and prevent chemical incidents. Among Rick's accomplishments and contributions during his tenure include his role as the Director of the New Jersey Work Environment Council, his founding of the Philadelphia Area Project on Occupational Safety and Health, his service as an elected Vice President of the New Jersey Industrial Union Council, AFL-CIO, as well as his service on the New Jersey Department of Health Occupational Health Surveillance Advisory Committee. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Mr. Rick Engler, a dedicated public servant who has fought tirelessly for the safety of our communities and of all workers.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and honor the legacy of the Woodbury Heights, New Jersey resident Claire ``Nellie'' Poole. On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, family and friends gathered to celebrate the life and honor the legacy of Mrs. Claire Poole a resident of Woodbury Heights, New Jersey, and a loving and caring woman who dedicated her life to her family, workers and public service. Mrs. Claire Poole, ``Nellie'' as many called her, worked for the Camden County Board of Social Services as a Social Worker before her retirement. In addition to her service with the county, Mrs. Claire Poole was heavily involved with labor unions and worker's rights organizations and served as the President of Women of Labor, Chairperson of the Union Organization of Social Services, President of CWA Local 1084 Union, and served as the 2nd Vice President of Central Labor Union-AFL CIO. Community and public service were Mrs. Claire Poole's life-long passions. She was a member of Woodbury Heights Borough Council and was very involved with the Woodbury Heights Democratic Club. She even served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1984, 1988 and 2000. In addition to her public service and political life, she served on numerous United Way campaigns, was a former President of the Woodbury Heights Senior Club, and was a member of the Gloucester County Senior Club. In her religious life, Mrs. Poole was also involved in St. Margaret's Church where she was part of the bereavement committee. Mrs. Poole was the wife of the late Joseph F. Poole. She was a devoted mother to Valerie Dzindzio (Mark) of Clayton, Robert Clayton (Elizabeth) of Woodbury, Maureen Leo (Dominick) of Clayton, and step- mother of Joseph ``Michael'' Poole (the late Diane) of Deptford, James Poole of Woodbury and the late Frank Clayton, Jr., Russell Clayton (Theresa) and Kevin Clayton. She was the beloved sister of Edward Charlton (Theresa) of Collingswood and the late Frances Andrews, Teresa Logan and Hilda Minderjahn. Additionally, she was a loving grandmother of 14 and great- grandmother of 11. ``Nellie'' leaves behind many nieces and nephews and her cat, Tabitha. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Mrs. Claire Poole of Woodbury Heights, New Jersey.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the Mount Laurel, New Jersey resident Dennis Culnan, Sr. for his 75th Birthday. On Saturday February 22, 2020, family and friends will gather to celebrate and honor Mr. Dennis Culnan, Sr. on his 75th Birthday. Mr. Dennis Culnan, Sr. was born on February 14, 1945 and grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Throughout his childhood he often encountered challenging and adverse circumstances as his family struggled to make ends meet. However, life changed after he first saw the love of his life, Joan Plocharska. At the age of 14, Mr. Dennis Culnan, Sr. met Joan while attending Father Judge High School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Joan, as Dennis describes, was sweet, shy and as delicate as a snowflake. Dennis and Joan dated on and off for several years and eventually married in 1966. Following his graduation in 1964 Mr. Dennis Culnan, Sr. honorably enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He quickly earned the rank of Lance corporal and proudly served his country before being medically discharged. Thereafter he returned home and established himself as an award- winning investigative reporter, political writer and columnist for the Courier-Post of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where he worked for nearly four decades. Furthermore, with his extensive experience in public relations and governmental affairs consulting, in 1993, Dennis founded the public affairs firm Phoenix Strategies, specializing in government relations, communications, lobbying and grassroots education. During his time with the firm, Mr. Dennis Culnan, Sr. served in many capacities, including as the director of marketing and communications strategy for Siemen's Transportation while AMTRAK was introducing high- speed rail from Washington, D.C. to Boston, Massachusetts. Recently he led New Jersey's consulting and marketing messaging for Spectra Energy's successful 1.2-billion-dollar energy infrastructure project and provided the marketing, media relations and communication needs for the South Jersey Port Corporation. Mr. Culnan's family are of the utmost importance to him. He is often known to refer to his wife Joan, his sister Tina and his mother Dorothy, as his ``Holy Trinity''. Although his beloved wife Joan, passed on in 2011, after 45 years of marriage her memory will always live on through their love and their family. Together, Dennis and Joan have two sons, Dennis Culnan, Jr. and Derek Culnan, two daughters-in- law Silvia and Genevieve, and two grandchildren Dillon and Kaitlin. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the life and career of Mr. Dennis Culnan, Sr. of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, on his 75th Birthday.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Barnegat, New Jersey resident Cliff Nolan, and to remember his life and legacy. On Friday February 14, 2020, family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Cliff Nolan at Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, Manahawkin, New Jersey and reflect on his many achievements and compassion. Born in Kearny, New Jersey, in 1957, Cliff Nolan attended and graduated from Kearny High School before enlisting and proudly serving in the United States Army. Following his return stateside, Cliff pursued a career with the International Brotherhood of the Teamsters. During his time with the union, Mr. Nolan served in several capacities with Teamsters, including as a Drive Representative based out of the Washington, D.C. headquarters. After years of traveling the country for the International Brotherhood of the Teamsters, Mr. Nolan went on to work for the union's Joint Council, Local 73 in New Jersey. Cliff then began to facilitate the union's local political organization efforts assisting campaigns in preparation for elections, while also lobbying elected leaders to support issues beneficial to his members. In his free time Mr. Nolan was actively involved in the community, generously donating his time to volunteering with charities, including the Heroes to Hearts Program which provides spiritual healing and peer support to military personal and veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Additionally, Mr. Nolan also volunteered with the Australian Challenge Program and was instrumental in setting up events for children with cancer to enjoy a ``Trip of a Lifetime'' during their time in the United States of America. Mr. Nolan's family, including his loyal parrot bird Gus who never left his side, friends and union brothers were very important to him. Cliff is remembered by those close to him as being laid-back, always happy and always looking to make those around him happy. Whenever his friends or family called on him to help, he was there without any thought or hesitation. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his mother Dolores, his sister Tracey and his adored nephew Joseph, his stepchildren Rick Roeder and Kasi Shepard and his four step grandchildren Blake Roeder, Preston Shephard, Hayden Shephard, and Bryna Shephard and his many cousins. Cliff Nolan was a great American and his service to our country will not be forgotten. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Cliff Nolan, of Barnegat, New Jersey, an honorable friend, veteran, a dedicated union leader who fought tirelessly for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and dedicated his life to serving his country, community and all union workers.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the valiant service of Magnolia, New Jersey resident Sergeant Michael DelViscio, Camden County Town Hall Honoree. Sergeant Michael DelViscio was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1949 and two years later he and his family relocated to Barrington, New Jersey. In 1964 the DelViscios moved to Stratford, New Jersey and in 1967 Sergeant DelViscio graduated from Sterling High School. Following his graduation at the age of 19, Mr. DelViscio enlisted in the United States Army. As a third-generation member of the United States Army, Sergeant DelViscio proudly followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and namesake Mike DelViscio who served in World War I, and his father Frank DelViscio who served in World War II. Sergeant Michael DelViscio honorably enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed during the height of the Vietnam War to South Vietnam on September 1, 1969. He served with the 361st Signal Battalion located in Phu Bai. Upon returning from his one-year tour of duty, in 1970 Mr. DelViscio married his wife Fran and was reassigned to Fort Huachuca, Arizona. There he served out the remainder of his three-year enlistment in Arizona and was discharged on November 3, 1971 with the rank of Sergeant E-5. He received the Army Commendation Medal for his consistent acts of meritorious service during his time in the United States Army. Thereafter, Michael began his Police career with the Borough of Magnolia in March 1973 and was promoted to Sergeant in 1976. In 1991 Michael and two other officers were awarded the Departmental Gallantry Star ribbon and a citation for apprehending an armed suspect that committed a robbery at a local service station. After more than two decades of service to his community on July 1, 2001 Michael retired from his distinguished career with the Magnolia Police Department. On September 19, 2020 Michael and Fran will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They are proud parents of three daughters: Andrea, Karen, and Chrisy, who have all graduated from Sterling High School. He and his wife are the proud grandparents of Mandy, Johnny, Danny, Joey, Jacob, Ryan, Conner, Tyler, Katie, Michael, Ethan, and Sarah. Johnny is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps and has just completed his first year of active duty. Katie, Jacob, and Danny are volunteers at the Magnolia Fire Department. Madam Speaker, Sergeant DelViscio is a great American who exemplifies the true meaning of a patriot. I ask you to join me in honoring the truly exceptional service of Mr. Michael DelViscio, of Magnolia, New Jersey.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Gloucester Township, New Jersey, First Place in the Nation--2019 National Night Out. Gloucester Township is a community in the heart of Camden County, home to nearly 70,000 residents. In 2016, Gloucester Township won eighth nationally for National Night Out and in 2018 the town won seventh place in the nation. Each year the town's National Night Out event continues to grow more popular. This year, for the thirty seventh annual National Night Out, Gloucester Township won first place in the nation for their community event for a town with 50,000 to 100,000 residents. National Night Out is an event focused on crime and drug prevention in coordination with building stronger police-community relations. Through strengthening community spirit and developing stronger programs like crime watch, Gloucester Township is being recognized on both a state and national scale for their safe and caring environment. Gloucester Township is protected by the dedicated Gloucester Township Police Department which responds to nearly 60,000 calls for service each year, with an average of 5,000 calls per month. The department consists of over 133 full-time sworn law enforcement officers, 35 special law enforcement officers, 17 telecommunicators, and 16 civilian employees and we extend the sincerest appreciation for Gloucester Township Police Department and all law enforcement. In rediscovering our own communities, it is no surprise that we see more people moving to Gloucester Township and ``joining the excitement.'' During Mayor David Mayer's administration, the township has substantially expanded economically and grown as a community. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and congratulating Gloucester Township, as well as the Gloucester Township Police Department, on their achievement of earning first place in the United States of America for their 2019 National Night Out community celebration.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, yesterday, I was inadvertently detained during the vote on expressing disapproval of the Trump Administration's harmful actions towards Medicaid. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 51.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chair, I rise today on an issue very personal to me and to American workers: the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, or the PRO Act. I am a member of the IBEW for over 40 years and a lifelong labor leader, a proud labor leader. I can attest to the importance of giving workers a voice by protecting them from unfair labor practices. I saw, firsthand, as workers were unjustly fired, lost their wages, their job, because they dared to speak up about unionization; workers with families back home, living paycheck to paycheck, who couldn't afford to be out of work, but they understood how important this was. Companies have the money. They hire the $1,000-an-hour lawyers. They delay, they delay, they delay. They would make an example out of one person, as unjust as that is. They put the life of that worker on hold. Currently, the NLRA has no penalties for employers that do this, that violate the law. If workers are fired, there is no current recourse. I would just ask that we support the PRO Act. Mr. Chair, I enter into the Record letters of support from the IBEW, the International Union of Operating Engineers, and the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Washington, DC, February 3, 2020. To: All Members of the United States House of Representatives. Re Protecting the Right to Organize Act. Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of the 775,000 active members and retirees of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), I urge you to vote in support of H.R. 2474, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, when it is considered by the full U.S. House of Representatives this week and to oppose weakening amendments and any Motion to Recommit. The PRO Act would restore the original intent of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to protect workers' right to organize a union and negotiate higher wages and better benefits. The right to organize and collectively bargain is a fundamental right of all Americans and the bedrock of a capitalist society that allows the benefits of a growing economy to be shared broadly between workers and employers. These fundamental rights, however, have been steadily undermined in recent decades. As a result, union membership has dropped precipitously from over 20 percent in 1983 to just 10 percent in 2018. During the same period, incomes for the bottom half of income earners in the United States have grown by just one percent between 1980 and 2014, while income for the top one percent increased by 205 percent. Today, income inequality has reached levels that predate the Great Depression. The reason membership in labor unions is declining is not due to eroding interest in family-sustaining wages and benefits--it is because employers have the upper hand. Workers attempting to unionize often face a hostile legal environment and are commonly intimidated by aggressive anti- union employers. Outdated labor laws have failed to provide Americans with protection from this anti-worker onslaught against collective bargaining. The Economic Policy Institute published a report in December 2019 that found 41.5 percent of all employers in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) sponsored election were charged with violating federal labor law. The PRO Act would help even this vastly tilted playing field by invoking stronger remedies for violating the law. Currently, there are no penalties on employers who illegally fire or retaliate against workers attempting to form a union. This legislation establishes compensatory damages for workers and penalties against employers when they fire or retaliate against workers. In addition, the PRO Act streamlines the NLRB process so workers can petition to form a union and get a timely vote without their employer interfering or delaying the vote. It would also prohibit companies from forcing workers to attend mandatory captive audience meetings as a condition of continued employment. Even if workers do vote for union representation, more than half do not have a collective bargaining agreement a year later. The PRO Act would establish a process for reaching a first agreement when workers organize. Employers often misclassify workers as supervisors or independent contractors to deprive them of their rights under the NLRA while allowing management to skirt minimum wage, Social Security and workers' compensation laws. The PRO Act tightens the definitions of independent contractor and supervisor to crack down on misclassification and extend NLRA protections to more eligible workers. Unions provide skills training and continuing education to their membership, as well as a more stable and safer workforce. A worker covered by a union contract earns more than 13 percent more in wages than a peer with similar education, occupation and experience in a non-union workplace in the same sector. Where unions are strong, wages are higher for typical workers--union and nonunion members alike. Research shows that workers want unions, evidenced by the large gap between the share of workers with union representation--about 12 percent--and the share of workers that would like to have a voice on the job--48 percent. The PRO Act would take a major step forward toward closing that gap. There is no better path to the middle class than a union job with the security it provides in salary, health benefits and retirement income. Family sustaining middle class jobs are the route to economic security, providing the crucial financial cushion that protect so many families on the edge of economic disaster once a job loss or a medical emergency hits a family. Unions provide economic independence and self- sufficiency, and an expanding middle class is good for the economy and the country. The IBEW urges all members of the United States House of Representatives to stand with working Americans in every state and community and vote in favor of the PRO Act. Sincerely yours, Lonnie R. Stephenson, International President.

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

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chair, I rise to offer a simple amendment to protect the efficiency of the union representation election process by ensuring that preelection hearings before the NLRB are conducted on a day-to-day basis. The PRO Act strengthens workers' rights to a free and fair union representation election. It does so by preventing unnecessary delays, which allow employers to engage more time against antiunion campaigns that are designed to erode support for the union. In 2014, the NLRB updated its union election procedures by enacting reasonable deadlines and preventing employers from stalling elections through frivolous litigation. The PRO Act codifies many of these requirements, including the timeliness for pre- and post-election hearings. One important change in the 2014 election rule was to require that, whenever the NLRB conducts a preelection hearing, the hearing must be held from day to day. Prior to 2014, hearings could either be held day to day or adjourned to a later date. Requiring these hearings to be held day to day provides more certainty in the preelection hearing process that codifies this best practice. In those cases where the NLRB decides a pre-election hearing is necessary; this amendment ensures efficiency in the NLRB pre-election process and prevents employers from seizing upon unnecessary delays. Unnecessary delays leading up to a representation election enables employers to have more time to campaign against the union, through lawful, or many times unlawful means. Once the NLRB receives a petition for the union election, it must process the election expeditiously in order for the rights of the workers to be upheld. Mr. Chairman, I urge this amendment be voted on in the affirmative, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Back on December 18, the Trump NLRB issued a dramatic rewrite of the union election procedures, thus undermining the streamlining efficiency of the original 2014 election rule. However, even in the NLRB by Trump, the new rule left this requirement for elections to proceed day by day. They believe in efficiency. They believe in doing things the correct way. This just codifies it. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Fake news. Don't believe it. Just ask the people what they want to do. Close to 80 percent of those in the workplace would vote today to join a union, if they were allowed to under a fair process. That doesn't happen. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 943) to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible entities to carry out educational programs about the Holocaust, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials on H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act.

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today on International Holocaust Remembrance Day in support of H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act, introduced by my colleague, Carolyn Maloney, chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. The Never Again Education Act will help ensure the atrocities of the Holocaust are never repeated. It will authorize $10 million over 5 years for a new program to help teach the Holocaust in schools. The program will be run by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which will develop curricula, train teachers, and partner with local organizations to promote Holocaust education. The Holocaust was the systematic and state-sponsored persecution and murder of 6 million Jews and an additional 5 million others who the Nazis deemed inferior. Yet, while it might seem hard for the older generations to believe, many younger Americans today do not know the basic facts about the Holocaust. A new study from the Pew Research Center found that half of Americans know that 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust. The research found that education and trips to Holocaust museums directly impact respondents' knowledge. The figures highlight the need for greater Holocaust education in America. Today, anti-Semitism is on the rise. I hosted an event last week with leaders of the Jewish community and law enforcement. They talked about their security concerns, and they made a pledge to stand up for others by challenging bigotry in any form. We must speak out against hate and educate one another to prevent and stop the rise of anti-Semitism. Soon, younger generations will not be able to hear from Holocaust survivors, as we have firsthand. They will depend on their schools and their teachers to learn the facts. We were recently in Belgium on a trip led by Speaker Pelosi to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, where over 19,000 Americans were killed in that battle, joining with the Allies to fight against hate and evil. We won, and after World War II, we said, ``Never again.'' But we realize this struggle continues, and it is very real today. On the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, I urge my fellow Members to support the Never Again Education Act and keep the lessons of the Holocaust alive. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), the chairman of the Education and Labor Committee.

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the Speaker of the House.

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney), the lead sponsor of the bill.