Donald Norcross

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath).

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch).

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman from Florida an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Schneider).

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman from Illinois an additional 15 seconds.

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time remains on either side, please.

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Suozzi).

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Right up the road from where I live in New Jersey, there is a woman, Rosalie Simon, a Holocaust survivor, who settled there right after World War II. She returned this past week to Auschwitz for the first time since she was a prisoner there in 1945, when she was 12 years old. She said the following: I want to go back as a survivor and look back on what I went through. I want to go back as a human being, not as an inmate. We must honor Rosalie and many like her and all of the survivors and victims by supporting H.R. 943, the Never Again Education Act, to ensure the Holocaust is never forgotten and never repeated. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the life and legacy of the late Pennsauken, New Jersey resident, The Honorable Rick Taylor. The late Rick Taylor and his family lived in Pennsauken, New Jersey, where he served as Pennsauken Township's Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Township Committeeman for 25 years and served as a longtime educator at Pennsauken Public schools. Rick Taylor earned his master's degree in education administration from Glassboro State College and moved to Pennsauken in 1969. His lengthy career in the township's schools began when he was hired as a Pennsauken High School English teacher and held that position for eight years before advancing to the role of assistant principal, which he held for a decade. Rick then became principal of two Pennsauken elementary schools for nine years. He also served as an assistant football coach and head golf coach at Pennsauken High School and spent 15 years as director of personnel for the Pennsauken School District. Along with his dedication to students and education, Rick also served in positions of civic leadership. He served on the township committee for 25 years and served as Mayor for nine terms. He also served as a Lector at St. Stephen's and was on the board of the Diocese of Camden's Office of Black Catholic Ministry. Additionally, Mr. Taylor was a Commissioner on the Delaware River Port Authority Board and was reappointed to the Board by Governor Christie in 2017. Among his many accomplishments, Rick received Camden County's MLK Freedom Medal for his service to the community of Pennsauken for over 40 years and for his work as a tireless advocate for children, youth and families. The residents of Pennsauken, New Jersey greatly adored and appreciated Mr. Taylor. His passing is a great loss to Pennsauken and our entire community, as well as a deeply personal loss for those who were privileged to call him a friend and mentor. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the late Rick Taylor, of Pennsauken, New Jersey, a dedicated public servant who fought tirelessly for his students, fellow educators, his committee members and for the constituents of Pennsauken, New Jersey.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the Pennsauken, New Jersey resident Elias ``Louie'' Horiates, a Camden County Town Hall Honoree. Elias Horiates was born in Greece in 1933, he was the oldest of nine brothers and sisters. At the age of fourteen, his family immigrated to the land of opportunity, the United States of America, to start a new life in the Township of Pennsauken, New Jersey. In 1956, at the age of 23 he was drafted into the United States Army and defended our great nation overseas. Mr. Horiates completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and began his first two years of service overseas in Germany. After his return to the United States he continued his service at Fort Campbell and at the Armory on 42nd and Federal Street. During his service Mr. Horiates requested a special discharge to return home for temporary leave to elope with his childhood sweetheart, Hrisoula. Mr. Horiates was lucky enough to receive a generous 60-day leave to return home, one that was rarely granted. In 1962, Mr. Horiates completed his service in the United States Army as a sergeant after 6 years of valiant service. When he returned home from his military service, Mr. and Mrs. Horiates bought their first home in Pennsauken, New Jersey along the road of West River Drive where they would raise their family of three sons and one daughter. Back in his hometown, Mr. Horiates went on to work for Hutchinson Plumbing for 45 years. Mr. Horiates served two terms as the President of Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church and served as the President of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association of South Jersey. Mr. Horiates is a proud and patriotic American, he values the time he spent in the United States Army and cherishes his life and the opportunities he was given in our great country. In their retirement, Louie and Hrisoula have continued to live in their home in Pennsauken, New Jersey for fifty-five years as active members in their community and country. Their legacy continues with their four children, seven grandchildren and their four great-grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Mr. Elias ``Louie'' Horiates, of Pennsauken, New Jersey, a resident dedicated to his community and who served his country valiantly.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today at a time of grave concern for all Americans. This past weekend, I joined a bipartisan delegation traveling to Belgium and Luxembourg for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, a battle in which over 19,000 Americans gave their lives. Today, we are called to preserve that democracy that they so bravely defended. Over 2 years ago, I was one of the first Members of Congress to vote to advance the inquiry. Since then, I have withheld final judgment as I reviewed the facts and heard the testimony. I believe there is overwhelming evidence well beyond a reasonable doubt that President Donald Trump is guilty in both Articles of Impeachment, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Therefore, I will uphold my oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States in favor of impeachment. It is our solemn responsibility to honor all those who have fought and given their lives to uphold the truth. In America, no one is above the law.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding, for his leadership through this tough conference, and for bringing this bill to the floor. Madam Speaker, this bill continues the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee's long tradition of bipartisan work to make America's land and air forces the best in the world. I also thank our subcommittee ranking member, Mrs. Hartzler, for her commitment and contributions to this process and upholding that tradition of bipartisan work. Our cooperation has kept us focused on what is truly important. We have delivered a defense bill that addresses the modernization and readiness requirement of our Nation's air and land forces. At the same time, this bill includes bipartisan provisions that allow for aggressive oversight of the Department's largest and most complex, expensive, and risky programs to protect the taxpayer and support our military. This bill also manages risk in our American defense industrial base by providing additional funds for the Army Chinook helicopter, armored vehicles, and trucks. This bill includes long-overdue changes that improve the quality of life for our men and women in uniform, the workforce that supports them, and the families who serve right beside them. This bill provides 12 weeks paid parental leave for those workers across the Federal Government and includes a 3.1 percent pay increase for our military servicemembers. Additionally, the bill provides health protections for military families and retirees from exposure to the potentially cancer-causing contaminate PFAS. This also includes ensuring that blood tests are conducted for our firefighters on military bases who might have been exposed. I am proud of the hard work that this committee has done to serve America's national security interests, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Cherry Hill Township Mayor Chuck Cahn, and to honor and commend his service and dedication to the residents of the community. The Honorable Chuck Cahn has served as Cherry Hill's Mayor since January 2, 2012. During his tenure as Mayor of Cherry Hill Township, the town and residents have experienced economic success, reduced long- term debts, and renewed use of underutilized properties allowing many new businesses to join the community. Raised in the Haddontowne section of the town, Mayor Cahn is a life- long Cherry Hill Township native and growing up he attended the local public schools. After high school, the Mayor went on to earn a dual degree in Economics and Business from Rutgers College. Following graduation, he became President and CEO of his family's business, Stewart Business Systems and expanded the business from a small office equipment company into a successful technology company, employing more than 250 people in eight offices in three states. On January 2, 2012, Chuck Cahn became Mayor of Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey. During his term, Mayor Cahn fought for a fiscally responsible and transparent government. He implemented policies to help attract hundreds of new businesses to Cherry Hill and established a Business Council to serve as a forum for local business leaders to voice their ideas and solutions to local issues. Mayor Cahn also focused on preserving a family friendly, close-knit community by making a Citizens Cabinet, allowing government to be more accessible for everyone. Throughout his career, Mayor Cahn served on countless business, community service and charitable leadership boards and for his boundless dedication to serve his community, he has received many achievement awards. He and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for almost forty years and are the proud parents of three children; David (Remy), Matthew and Elizabeth. He is also the proud grandfather of Jamie and Asher. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Mayor Chuck Cahn, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a dedicated public servant who, for the eight years and over the course of his life, has fought tirelessly for the prosperity of the residents of Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the importance of the Protecting the Right to Organize, or as we know it, the PRO Act. We heard several of my colleagues talk about the pros of what literally is taking place and how difficult it is. As many people know, and as we have heard here, there are 218 lawyers in Congress, but there is only one electrician and one electrician who spent his career not only doing the electrical work but representing workers. I have spent 37 years in the IBEW, literally having to retire from that as I came here and took my oath of office to represent the people of the First District. When we look at what is happening today in this country, it is the end of a long line of abuses, those things that have happened over the course of the last three decades in particular, the decline of union membership. Many of those on the other side of the aisle like to say that it is because people don't want it. This couldn't be any further than the truth. Today, close to 80 percent of employees would vote for a union if they could--80 percent. This is quite a different figure than the 6 percent that you heard representing private employers, Mr. Speaker. That is because it has been rigged. I can say that because I am one of the few Members who speak on this floor who have been to the National Labor Relations Board and who has conducted elections. I have done it repeatedly. I see the cheating that takes place. That is why we have the PRO Act. Earlier this year, we voted on something that I thought would have been unanimous, the Raise the Wage Act. The minimum wage in this country hasn't been raised in over 11 years--11 years--$7.25 an hour. Tell me out there, can you live on $7.25 an hour? We change that. Predictably, over the next 7\1/2\ years, that would raise to $15 an hour. But our colleagues on the other side of the aisle say: They don't need a raise. That is how unbelievable some of this is. Tell me, can you live on that? The PRO Act is simply listening to the people whom we work with who want a voice and who want to be able to grow the business that they are working for so that they can share in those wages. That is where the PRO Act comes in. I mentioned I was an electrician, and I still am. I am not doing much work the way I used to, but as I told my kids, I am an electrician with a tie now. But I saw firsthand people who would say: I want the chance to do better. I want the chance for us collectively to bargain. They would come to see us and say: Can you help me? We said: Sure we can. We gathered together, and we speak with one voice, go to the NLRB, which is the labor relations board that makes the rules, and say: Here is a bargaining group of 8 to 10 men and women who want to become part of the IBEW, or speak collectively as we call it. Then the fight begins. Occasionally, Mr. Speaker, you would have a contractor who says: Do you know what? After talking to them, I think this is a good way of working together to try to grow my business and to take care of my employees. Unfortunately, for those who want to cheat the system, they start to say: Well, he is an independent contractor. He just started here. He is an apprentice. They try to break up the groups. When they talk about bargaining groups as my colleague, Mr. Levin, talked about, it is about breaking that apart. All this does is level the playing field and make it fair so those workers who want to vote to collectively bargain can do it in a fair and open way so the elections aren't rigged. Fair and open, we hear that so much today. The PRO Act protects workers because the other thing that the employer will do is fire the one who spoke up: We will take care of the one who is causing the trouble. I am trying to do better for my family, and I talked to my employer about a raise, and he doesn't want to do it, so I call up the union and say: Can you help me? And I get fired for that. There is no recourse for bad actors. The PRO Act would change that and level the playing field so there are penalties when you break the law. It is like having speed limits with no police on the road. That is what it is like now. They are free to do whatever they want. The PRO Act restores the fairness of the economy against those workers who are rigged. Workers win, but just as important, business wins. They grow together. It is just not a one size fits all. We understand working together is what this does. We see so often the tragedies of what happened from the same crew who won't vote to raise the minimum wage in 11 years and who are the same ones fighting this. Together, we can do better. Raise the level of fairness so that all employees will have a voice at their workplace. Again, I thank the gentleman for bringing us together. I look at my colleagues out here who understand this on a gut level. To the Representatives who are listening tonight, go home and talk to the average guy on the street and say: Do you want to make it better, to raise your family, to have a decent wage? Then you will hear yes. I recommend voting ``yes'' for the PRO Act.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the late Cherry Hill, New Jersey resident, Congressman John H. Adler at the John H. Adler Memorial Park Dedication. The late Congressman John Adler grew up in Haddonfield, New Jersey where his father owned a small dry-cleaning store, attended Haddonfield public schools and graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High School. He went on to attend Harvard University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Government, and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. John met his wife Shelley in law school and after they graduated, they returned to South Jersey and settled down in Cherry Hill. In 1988 Adler began serving on the Cherry Hill Township Council where he passed the Township's ethics ordinance, was committed to strengthening Cherry Hill schools and improving health care. In 1991, Adler ran for a seat in the New Jersey Senate, representing New Jersey's Sixth Legislative District and won the election. He served as a New Jersey State Senator from 1992 to 2009. During his time in the New Jersey Senate, Adler served on the Judiciary Committee as Chair, the Environment Committee, and sponsored vital legislation designed to address key environmental and health related issues, including the Smoke-Free Air Act that banned smoking in most public places. He also championed major ethics reforms, support for children and adults with disabilities and laws that made our state and communities safer. In 2008, Adler ran for the State of New Jersey's Third Congressional District seat and won the election. This was the first time a Democrat held that seat in over one hundred years. He was sworn into office in January 2009 and served on the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Veteran's Affairs. During his tenure he spearheaded legislation to support our veterans and seniors, protect women's healthcare, help working families, protect consumers, and end the Great Recession. In 2011 Adler suddenly passed away. He is survived by his wife Shelley, and their four sons, Jeffrey, Alex, Andrew, and Oliver. In 2011, Shelley Adler started the John H. Adler Memorial Fund for Veterans' Affairs at Harvard University, which supports interdisciplinary research and programs intended to promote effective governmental policy as it relates to veterans. On November 2, 2019 the Camden County Board of Freeholders will dedicate the John H. Adler Memorial Park at Challenge Grove to commemorate Adler's life and dedication to public service. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the late Congressman John Adler, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a dedicated public servant who fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey for more than two decades.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Gibbsboro, New Jersey resident Marty Seroter, Camden County Town Hall Veteran Honoree. After graduating from High School, in the late 1960s, Mr. Marty Seroter proudly enlisted and served in the United States Army. During his time of service, Mr. Seroter was stationed in Germany where he earned the rank of Specialist E-4 and as a musician, gladly served in the United States Army Band. Following his return stateside, Mr. Seroter continued to serve his community through his career with Camden County as a Clerk Driver and Messenger for more than two decades. Through his distinguished career and lifetime of public service, and as an American Legion Post Bugler, Mr. Seroter actively participates in countless events performing Taps for formal County ceremonies, such as the Pearl Harbor Day services held annually on the Battleship New Jersey in the City of Camden and the County Memorial Day ceremony held to honor veterans and those interred at Potter's Field. As a dedicated public servant, today and for the past 30 years, Mr. Seroter continues his service as an active member of the American Legion Post 371 Honor Guard. Serving his community and fellow veterans at the American Legion Post, Mr. Seroter presently oversees the Legion Hall rentals and manages the canteen and continues to participate in the Presentation of the Colors and Taps at formal ceremonies as the Post Bugler. In recognition of his valiant and distinguished service to our nation, Mr. Seroter was awarded and has humbly received the National Defense Service Medal for his honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Mr. Marty Seroter of Gibbsboro, New Jersey who is a constant reminder of the sacrifices that our men and women of the Armed Forces make to protect and defend the liberty and freedom of all Americans.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Col. Nelson L. Mellitz, a resident of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. In 1970, Nelson enlisted in the United States Air Force where his first career field was as a Civil Engineer, Site Development Specialist and obtained the rank of Master Sgt (E-7). Throughout his 32-year military career, he supported U.S. war and peace-time operations from Vietnam through Afghanistan. He was a direct commission as a 2nd Lt in 1980 into the Acquisition and Contracting career field and after approximately 18 years he was promoted to Colonel (O-6). During Col. Mellitz's military career, he had assignments in Europe and 15 other locations in the United States, including the Pentagon (SAF/AQC). While he was assigned to Defense Contract Management Command (DCMA) in the Brigadier General Reservist slot, he managed over 3,000 Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine joint service staff and billions of dollars in supplies and services. Immediately after September 11, 2001, Col. Mellitz was assigned as the manager of the DCMA Headquarters Command Incident Mobilization Center and deployed troops and equipment in support of operations in Southwest Asia and elsewhere. In 2005, he volunteered to be recalled to active duty and was assigned to the United States State Department as a Senior Executive Service leader with the Iraqi Reconstruction Management Office in Baghdad, Iraq for 2005/2006. In addition to his military service, Nelson Mellitz is a retired federal employee with his last assignment at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service as Northeast Area Chief Procurement Officer. Col. Mellitz has also obtained an Associate's Degree in Architecture and Building Construction Technology and a Bachelors of Business Administration in Organization and Personnel Management from Temple University, a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting from Point Park University, a Masters of Management in Acquisition from American Graduate University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration with a concentration in leadership from Walden University. In recognition of his valiant service to our nation, Col. Mellitz humbly received numerous medals and citations including: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award w/1 OLC, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, recipient of the U.S. Ambassador to Iraqi, Meritorious Service Award and among many other medals and citations. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Col. Nelson L. Mellitz of Cherry Hill, New Jersey who is a constant reminder of the sacrifices that our men and women of the military made so that we can enjoy the liberties we do today.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army National Guard Veteran, Command Sergeant Major Joseph Kent Brennan of Woodbury in Gloucester County located in New Jersey's First Congressional District. Command Sergeant Major Joseph Brennan was born on April 1, 1962 in Woodbury, NJ and graduated from Gloucester High School. On October 9, 1979, CSM Brennan enlisted in the United States Army National Guard and after four decades of service to the nation, on October 31, 2019 he will retire. Command Sergeant Major Brennan is a combat Veteran who fought for our great nation during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. Over the years he has served in various leadership capacities with the U.S. Army, most recently as a Maintenance Assistance and Instruction Team Noncommissioned Officer in Charge. To honor his courage, valor and bravery through his service to America, Command Sergeant Major Brennan's decorations, awards and citations include the Bronze Star OIF, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Humanitarian Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NCO Professional Development, Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Order of St. Barbara and the Ordinance of Samuel Sharp. The Command Sergeant Major Brennan is very proud of his ongoing association with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 7 chartered to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church where he has served as Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Chairman, Member and, was also Cubmaster of BSA Pack 7. He is a certified member of the American Legion Post 133, VFW Post 303, 114th Regimental Association, 112 FA Association, EANGUS, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and the NJ Enlisted Association. Commander Sergeant Major Brennan and his wife Maryanne have three children Joseph, Pat and Katie. He is a certified Master Truck Mechanic, was employed at Cornell & Co. and currently is employed at Borelli Steel Fabricators in Vineland, NJ. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Command Sergeant Major Joseph Kent Brennan's valiant service to our country.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States National Guard and Army Veteran, Private First Class William Robert Rickenbach of Audubon Park in New Jersey's First Congressional District. PFC Rickenbach was born in 1932 to Olga Keller and Warren Rickenbach. He has seven siblings, Rick, Ed, Butch, Jane, Linda, Flossie, and Rea. He is known as ``Bumpsy'' to his family members and friends. From 1951 to 1954, PFC Rickenbach served his country in the National Guard and later went on to further serve as a member of the United States Army from March 9, 1954 to February 20, 1956 in the 39th Infantry in Germany during the Korean War. For his noble service and dedication to our great nation, PFC Rickenbach earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Occupation Medal in recognition of the service he performed in Germany. From 1956 to 1958, PFC Rickenbach worked as a meat cutter at William Bryant, then went to work at the New York Shipyard as a shipfitter from 1958 to 1967. Afterwards, he went to work at Big W and A&P, which led him to working at Acme Markets from 1972 to 1995. On November 12, 1960, PFC Rickenbach married Joanne Carr. He went on to have 4 daughters, 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Over the past six decades, PFC Rickenbach raised his family and has been a resident of Audubon Park, New Jersey. In Private First Class William Robert Rickenbach's spare time, he enjoys hunting, which led to his dedication to become an avid deer hunter for 61 years along with Uncle Lew, Brother Ed & nephew Lewis and good friend Steve Snyder. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in celebrating Private First Class William Robert Rickenbach's valiant service to his country.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend longtime Bellmawr, New Jersey resident Private First Class Frank Latorre, Camden County Town Hall Veteran Honoree. After graduating from Philadelphia Central High School in 1942, Frank volunteered for the Army Air Forces, and although he was initially turned down, shortly thereafter he received a draft notice accepting him into the United States Army. In 1943, Frank boarded the RMS Aquitania for England and two days later he was on a truck to a town called Bridgewater and in April 1944 he participated in Exercise Tiger a D-Day practice run, and after a battle with the Germans at Slapton Beach, Frank departed England for the D-Day invasion. They departed for Normandy, France and arrived at Utah Beach where Frank jumped into the gun turret of his half-track and took down a German fighter strafing the landing troops, and after the D-Day invasion, Frank and his unit later helped push back the German counteroffensive at the Battle of the Bulge and briefly occupied Berlin after the German surrender. Shortly after the bombs dropped at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he received his military discharge as a Private First Class and went on to work for Pepsi-Cola, married in 1947, had two daughters, and retired in 1987. Today Frank enjoys golfing, the camaraderie of fellow veterans and is an active member of the Bellmawr Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9563. In recognition of his valiant service to our nation, Frank humbly received numerous medals and citations including the Bronze Star, American Theater Service Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Private First Class Frank Latorre of Bellmawr, New Jersey who is a constant reminder of the sacrifices that our men and women of the military made so that we can enjoy the liberties we do today.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, first of all, I want to thank Chairman Neal and Chairman Scott for bringing this bill to the floor, and my colleague, Debbie Dingell, and Dr. Roe who sat on the supercommittee last time to address this. The Butch Lewis Act is a bill that makes sure that those Americans receive the wages that they earned. This is not a handout. These are deferred dreams, deferred wages that they said they will put aside during their active career so that they can live out the American Dream; those golden years, those pension years. They are deferred wages. I know firsthand. Over 3 years ago, my very first speech on the House floor was right here talking about pensions. For 37 years, I have been a member of a multiemployer plan, as a rank-and-file worker, and as a negotiator. I understand how they work. But the cost of doing nothing to the taxpayers is far greater than the loans we are giving out now. We bailed out the banks, gave them billions of dollars, but the people who earn these, who did nothing wrong, you are saying no to. We cannot screw the people who earned the wages. It is important for us to pass this because they did nothing wrong. They played by the rules. That is what we do in America. This is not a grand conspiracy. This is about doing the right thing for the right people, for America.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Scott for making sure that we finally, after 11 years, will have a vote to raise the minimum wage. This is America. You play by the rules, you work hard, you are supposed to be able to make it, but that is not the way it is. Less than 2 years ago, our colleagues on the other side of the aisle made sure that the top 1 percent got their raise, as they are stepping on the American worker. Today is the day that we set the record straight and give opportunities to those who need it the most. Henry Ford said it: Make sure you pay your employees enough money so they can buy your product and services. That is the true case of what is going on here today. You give a raise to the people who need it the most to survive, not to invest overseas or in a shore home. They will spend it right in their neighborhood going to the supermarket and drugstore. They shouldn't have to make the decision whether or not to put clothes on their kids' backs or to feed them, but that is what is going on today. Those in the top 1 percent got their raise. It is time that those who work hard and have the dignity of a job get their raise. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the United Steel Workers. United Steelworkers, Pittsburgh, PA, July 15, 2019. Re United Steelworkers support H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: On behalf of the 850,000 members of the United Steelworkers (USW), I urge you to stand with workers and support the Raise the Wage Act (H.R. 582). In the 10 years since Congress last took action, the federal minimum wage has remained stagnant, eroding the earnings and purchasing power for millions of American wage workers and their families. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the current federal minimum wage is worth 17 percent less than it was 10 years ago, down a staggering 31 percent from its peak value in 1968. It is clear that this stagnation has resulted in a cut in real wages for those workers who can least afford it. While 29 states and the District of Columbia have taken action to raise their wage floors, the failure of federal action on the minimum wage means roughly 40 percent of Americans and their communities have seen continued wage stagnation. It is past time for America to address the growing needs of low-wage workers and low-income families and raise the federal minimum wage. Under the Raise the Wage Act (H.R. 582), the value of the federal minimum wage would be restored by incrementally raising the nation's wage floor to $15.00 an hour by 2024 and indexing it to inflation. The legislation would also eliminate the subminimum wages currently in effect for tipped workers and workers with disabilities, ensuring that all groups have access to consistent wages. Everyone benefits when the floor is raised. According to the Congressional Budget Office, raising the wage to $15.00 an hour would boost the earnings of 27 million workers and their families, lifting some of America's neediest families out of poverty. Through this wage increase, the Raise the Wage Act (H.R. 582) will not only help low-wage workers to meet their basic needs, but it will increase workers' purchasing power, helping to stimulate and grow America's economy. All workers deserve to make a livable wage. Combined with critically needed labor law reforms, this legislation will serve as an important step to empowering workers. USW urges you to give America's lowest paid workers a raise and enact the Raise the Wage Act (H.R. 582). Sincerely, Thomas M. Conway, International President.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Navy Veteran, Hospital Corpsman Marcus Allen Kennedy of Clementon in Camden County located in New Jersey's First Congressional District. On February 22, 2011, Corpsman Kennedy began basic training at Great Lakes, Chicago. He then traveled to San Antonio, Texas where he trained and served as a medical assistant and EMT. Afterwards, he trained for an additional three months at Camp Johnson, North Carolina. His first station took place at Fort Smith Navy Hospital in Virginia where he worked in the medical and surgery ward where he assisted nurses, administered medicine, and transported patients. After his station in Virginia, Corpsman Kennedy was nominated to sail on the USS George H.W. Bush. In 2013, he was transferred to Camp Pendleton in California where he provided the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine regime with medical care. Corpsman Kennedy was deployed on the 11th Marine Expedition Unit and was on call for the Western Pacific. During his sailing he furthered his training in the military in Malaysia and Kuwait. Following his deployment, Corpsman Kennedy returned to California for his certification in phlebotomy and medical assistance. In 2016, he moved to Pennsylvania to work for the American Red Cross, followed by Cooper Hospital. He went on to enroll in school at Camden County College where he graduated with an Associate's Degree in Human Services and Addiction Counseling. Currently, Corpsman Kennedy works for the Center for Family Services as a recovery specialist and will be attending Rutgers University- Camden in the fall where he will study social work. Corpsman Kennedy has been awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, 1st Navy Good Conduct Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Corpsman Marcus Allen Kennedy's valiant service to his country.

Mr. NORCROSS

Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding and certainly for the work that we have all done, particularly under his leadership, to bring this to the floor. Mr. Chair, this bill continues that long tradition of transparent and bipartisan work by the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee to support the development and delivery of capabilities that make America's land forces the best in the world. Mr. Chair, I would like to thank our subcommittee ranking member, Mrs. Hartzler, for her collaboration and contribution to the bill. Both she and her staff have been helpful during this entire process. It is certainly what works well here in Congress. And I appreciate her commitment to the bipartisan tradition we proudly uphold on our subcommittee. The subcommittee mark was adopted by unanimous voice vote, which is indicative of how important it was to both Democrats and Republicans, but most importantly, Americans. This cooperation helped us focus on what is important: that we deliver a defense authorization act that meets the modernization and readiness requirements of our Nation's air and land forces. The committee used the $733 billion as a top line based on sworn testimony from military officials, and the $733 billion is the amount that would give our forces a competitive advantage, based on the capabilities of Russia and China, by 2025. In fact, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dunford, said that $733 billion: Is completely informed by the analysis conducted by the military, for the path of capability development. This goes to the heart of the conversation that we are having here: Are we doing what is right? Certainly the military spelled that out in the number that they provided for the research, development, and acquisition of modern defense systems recommended by our military leaders. At the same time, this bill includes bipartisan provisions that increase our oversight of the Department's largest, most complex, and expensive programs to protect the taxpayers, support our troops, and boost American industry. Overall, this is a thoughtful, carefully constructed bill that emphasizes aggressive, effective oversight for the development of our country.