Chris Pappas

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment to require the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to conduct a study on the number of job applicants impacted by age discrimination and issue recommendations on addressing age discrimination in the job application process. Nearly half of older job applicants report being asked for age- related information when applying for a job, and three-quarters of workers over the age of 45 lack confidence in their ability to find a new job due to age discrimination. This poses a significant challenge for workers in my home State of New Hampshire. As a State with an aging workforce, New Hampshire businesses are concerned about both how to attract talent and how to ensure that the institutional knowledge and experience of workers reaching retirement age is passed down. When workers are pushed out of our labor force by age discrimination or by the concern that they may face discrimination, our businesses and communities lose the benefit of their knowledge and experience. Strengthening age discrimination laws is the right thing to do because it will both protect workers and also serve to help keep them in our labor force at a time when businesses are already struggling to attract talent. In our changing economy, we need to ensure that older workers continue to have opportunities available to them. We must pass the Protect Older Job Applicants Act to clarify that job applicants can challenge discriminatory hiring practices under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment and help us gain a better understanding of the issues that older job applicants face when applying for jobs and the solutions that are needed to stop discriminatory practices. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record two letters in support of the underlying legislation, one from the American Federation of Government Employees and one from the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations. American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, Washington, DC, September 28, 2021. Dear Representative: On behalf of the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE), which represents more than 700,000 federal and District of Columbia employees, I urge you to vote for H.R. 3992, the ``Protect Older Job Applicants (POJA) Act of 2021.'' Under existing law, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) only applies to currently employed people seeking recourse in the face of employment discrimination based on age. The ADEA does not cover job applicants who experience age discrimination in hiring, including applicants for federal government positions. H.R. 3992 extends the protections of the ADEA to external job applicants in addition to employees. Specifically, this legislation would allow job applicants to be able to bring disparate impact discrimination claims under the ADEA. The bill would protect older Americans against employment discrimination that prevent them from even getting a foot in the door. Considering the heightened long-term unemployment struggles older Americans have experienced during the COVID- 19 pandemic, this bill is critically important. Building on our support for H.R. 1230, the ``Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act,'' AFGE is proud to be a leader in the fight against all forms of employment discrimination including those affecting older Americans. Please support H.R. 3992, the ``Protect Older Job Applicants (POJA) Act of 2021.'' Sincerely, Julie N. Tippens, Director, Legislative Department.

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I will correct the record again on the fact that the committee did hold a hearing on this subject on March 18, 2021. At that hearing, Laurie McCann, a senior attorney at AARP Foundation, testified about the erosion of protections for older workers in judicial decisions under the ADEA, including specific mention in her testimony of the Seventh Circuit's Kleber decision and its harmful impact on applicants. So, that is well-documented. This particular amendment seeks to give us additional information going forward that would be valuable in understanding the plight of older job applicants. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Newman).

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Garcia), the cosponsor of the underlying legislation.

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Sara Casassa on being named New Hampshire's 2022 Teacher of the Year. Serving her community as a teacher for the past three decades, Sara has made a lasting impact on the lives of students and families across the New Hampshire public school system. Sara arrived at Barnard School in 2009 as a language arts teacher while also having knowledge as a webmaster and technology integrator. Sara's compassion and selflessness have given her the ability to cultivate an effective learning environment both virtually and in the classroom. It is without doubt that Sara has been an asset for students inside and outside the classroom. Moreover, her easy-going personality and sense of humor has made her beloved amongst the South Hampton community. As the proud product of Manchester public schools, I know firsthand that access to a high-quality education is the cornerstone of our democracy, our economy, and our future. Sara's dedication to her profession, to providing a robust and engaging education experience to her students will no doubt lead to countless open doors for her students down the road. Sara is an example of what an exceptional educator and leader looks like. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate Sara for her achievement and thank her for her decades of service to our community. Sara has demonstrated a deep dedication to teaching and inspiring our future leaders. This is a well-deserved honor.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Alan R. Cote and Stephen P. Carkhuff, two outstanding New Hampshire residents who have been awarded the Carnegie Medal. Cote and Carkhuff have been presented with this prestigious award for their heroic actions on October 23, 2019, when they risked their lives to help rescue the lives of two others from a burning vehicle in Auburn, New Hampshire. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission was founded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1904 to recognize and support everyday civilians who risk their own lives to save others in extraordinary acts of courage. Carnegie was inspired to create the Fund after a January 1904 mine disaster that took 181 lives. Among those who died in the accident were an engineer and miner who selflessly rushed into the mine in the midst of the disaster in an effort to rescue others. More than 100 years later, Alan Cote and Stephen Carkhuff perfectly encapsulate this spirit of impulsive heroism. After hearing the late- night crash, Cohen and Carkhuff raced toward the already burning vehicle without concern for their own safety and assisted in removing both unconscious passengers from the car. Their quick response helped ensure the safety of both passengers, both of whom survived. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank and congratulate these selfless and courageous men. Let their courage and heroism serve as an example for us all.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Memorial Elementary School on its designation as a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School. Principal Philip Schappler, teachers, board members, and staff at this school have made a lasting impact on the lives of students and families from the Bedford community. Each year, the Department of Education recognizes the academic excellence of a select few elementary, middle, and high schools across the nation through the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. In order to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School, schools must demonstrate that their institution leads students of all backgrounds to master meaningful and challenging material. The Blue Ribbon designation process is highly selective, with only two schools across the State of New Hampshire receiving a 2021 Blue Ribbon designation. Receiving its first Blue Ribbon award in 2012, Memorial Elementary School has shown a consistent dedication to each student's learning and wellbeing that has not gone unrecognized. Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is no small feat, and I am proud to serve and represent a school district with such a strong commitment to academic excellence. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate and thank everyone who has helped make Memorial Elementary School the exemplary institution that it is today.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, for 48 years the right to choose has been the law of the land, and it is time that Congress protects that right and access to the full range of reproductive care. States are passing dangerous bans on abortion that harm patients and criminalize doctors, and anti-choice legislators are erecting barriers that are ever more onerous for women. This has even happened in my home State of New Hampshire where the legislature passed an abortion ban and forced ultrasounds for women seeking an abortion. If the Supreme Court won't protect Roe v. Wade, then Congress must pass the Women's Health Protection Act.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding and for his leadership on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and for his longstanding commitment to fighting for those who have served all of us. So today does mark the 10th anniversary of the end of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. It was a deeply flawed, deeply prejudiced policy of our government that prohibited LGBTQ individuals from serving openly in the Armed Forces. The policy told LGBTQ individuals that they were not welcome to serve their country, that their government viewed them as second-class citizens. It also forced many who swore an oath to give everything for their country, up to and including their lives, to hide who they were and to live in secret or to face the loss of a job, a life's calling, financial security, health, and happiness. Americans who were ready, willing, and eager to serve their country were forced to leave the armed services for good, many receiving less- than-honorable discharges. It is estimated that over 13,000 servicemembers were discharged in the 17 years that Don't Ask, Don't Tell was enforced. A decade after its repeal, Don't Ask, Don't Tell still casts a long, dark, and disgraceful shadow and haunts those who were targeted. We have much more work to do to correct this tremendous injustice endured by those who served and were discharged during Don't Ask, Don't Tell. That is why I was proud to introduce the Securing the Rights our Veterans Earned Act, or SERVE Act, to help correct these injustices and guaranteeing VA benefits for LGBTQ-plus veterans forced out of service for being themselves. This includes veterans who were discharged under Don't Ask, Don't Tell, those issued so-called blue discharges during World War II, as well as those forced out under the Trump's administration discriminatory policy on transgender servicemembers. I want to highlight one story of a courageous veteran, Landon Marchant. Landon Marchant is a transgender veteran of the Air Force who enlisted to serve their country and for the promise of a better life. But after just 22 months, they were dishonorably discharged. As Landon writes: ``The impact of Don't Ask, Don't Tell did not end when I received my discharge paperwork, and it did not end when the ban was finally repealed. It has impacted my post-military life. I was discharged less than 2 months before reaching the 2-year minimum for full GI Bill eligibility, and I have had to fight for my disability benefits while having inconsistent employment.'' So it took nearly 10 years after their discharge to be awarded the VA benefits that Landon had earned, and still, this fight continues. Stories like Landon's are heartbreaking. I thank them for having the courage to stand up and to speak out about this personal experience. Don't Ask, Don't Tell isn't just about a policy on paper. It is about living, breathing people, like Landon and thousands more who lived with the stigma, the trauma, and the adverse effects. I applaud the Department of Veterans Affairs for announcing that it will work to correct injustices like Landon's. And I urge my colleagues in this Chamber to support these efforts and others that will provide all LGBTQ-plus servicemembers and veterans with the full measure of equality, of care, and of respect that they have earned through their service.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dover native Jessica Parratto on winning a silver medal in the women's synchronized 10-meter platform diving competition at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. It was an honor welcoming her home to Dover and seeing firsthand the pride her hometown feels for her. All the way from her days at the Seacoast Swimming Association to her time at the University of Indiana and, of course, in Tokyo, Jessica's hard work and dedication have inspired so many others. I am deeply impressed by the skill, teamwork, and perseverance that she demonstrated alongside her teammate Delaney Schnell. Especially after the hardships of the past year, it is uplifting and inspiring for all Granite Staters to see Jessica make history as part of the first American pair to win an Olympic medal in women's synchronized 10-meter platform diving. On behalf of my constituents across New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I would like to thank Jessica for representing our nation with true athletic excellence on the Olympic stage in Tokyo. We were proud to recently welcome her home to Dover and extend our sincerest congratulations on her historic silver medal-winning performance. I hope she enjoys a well-deserved celebration of her achievements and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the primary sponsor of H.R. 1744, a bill originally introduced by Representative Hastings of Florida, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding and for his leadership on this legislation. I rise in support of the PFAS Action Act, a landmark bill that will protect millions of Americans from these toxic forever chemicals. We know PFAS persists in the environment and the human body, and it is making our constituents sick. This legislation addresses legacy contamination and its associated health effects. Importantly, this bill will also go to the source, and halt active contamination and work to hold polluters accountable. That is exactly what my provision is designed to do. This legislation includes my bill, the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act, which addresses toxic PFAS discharges and invests in local infrastructure. No polluter should be able to dump PFAS unchecked into our waterways and into our wastewater systems. PFAS should be handled like other toxic substances that have been regulated through the Clean Water Act. We must also support wastewater systems to make necessary infrastructure upgrades that will stop PFAS from poisoning our environment and our water. This bill would authorize $200 million a year for these grants. Madam Speaker, this is a bipartisan issue, and it is an issue that literally affects every State and every district across this country. Just yesterday I joined a round table of concerned leaders in my district whose message was crystal clear: Pass this bill and protect the health and well-being of our communities and our families. I heard from the town manager in Bedford, New Hampshire, who spoke to me about residents receiving bottled water for the past 3 years because their wells are contaminated. Families and businesses in several neighboring communities face the same situation. How many more years are we going to let these people wait for clean water? A constituent of mine named Lisa, from the Seacoast region of New Hampshire, has two kids who drank PFAS-laced water for a number of years when they were growing up. They faced a number of unimaginable health impacts as a result of that. How many more households like Lisa's will there be in this particular situation if we allow more PFAS out into the environment? Far too many Americans are drinking from contaminated systems and wells. Far too many Americans are at the mercy of industrial polluters and have brought this problem to our doorstep. I urge passage of this bill.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rayann Dionne, who is the 2021 recipient of the NH Coastal Adaption Workgroup's Climate Champion Award. The CAW Climate Champion Award is given to members of the Seacoast community who are powerful advocates for climate-related research and adaptation work. For 12 years, Rayann served as the Conservation Coordinator for the Town of Hampton where she championed climate adaptation efforts. In addition, Rayann also serves as Vice President and Treasurer of the Seabrook-Hampton Estuary Alliance. Rayann has been an invaluable part of the Hampton community, overseeing complex issues including conservation efforts, stormwater management, and floodplain management. Hampton has several miles of coastline and an ecologically critical estuary, and Rayann was critical in working with FEMA to enroll the town of Hampton in FEMA's Community Rating System. She has been able to engage all members of the community in her efforts including by working with local students on projects to maintain the health of the Hampton-Seabrook Estuary, as well as coordinating an auction of rain barrels painted by local middle school and high school students. Throughout her career, Rayann has been a fierce advocate for climate resilience. A leader on environmental issues, she has overseen both the designing and running of workshops and community events for Hampton residents. From beach clean-ups to snowshoe tours and the installation of a rain garden at the local library, Rayann has dedicated herself to improving the Seacoast community by always bringing others into her work. Rayann Dionne has made an immeasurable impact on her local community and the state of New Hampshire not only through her concrete actions but also through the energy and positivity she brings to all her endeavors. Foregrounding the importance of climate action, Rayann has served her community in a way that warrants our recognition. Her continued involvement in her work puts her community, and the entire state of New Hampshire, on a pathway towards a more climate-resilient future. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I thank Rayann for her decades of enthusiastic dedication to our state. The Granite State is a better place because of the public service of Rayann Dionne.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anna Thomas as the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. Anna has worked in the Manchester Health Department since 1994 and currently serves as its Director. During her time at the Health Department, Anna has been a model public servant working on behalf of the residents of New Hampshire's largest city. Public health known no boundaries, and Anna has worked hard to build partnerships with a diverse group of stakeholders to address the needs of her city. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Anna has served her community as the co-leader of the Manchester Emergency Operations Center, which coordinates municipal first responder agencies and resources. Equipped with a background in emergency response and health promotion, Anna took swift action when the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the health and well-being of Manchester and its surrounding communities. Alongside the dedicated public servants at the Manchester Health Department, which is only one of two standalone health departments in our state, Anna and her many partners have done a remarkable job managing the most severe public health crisis of our time. Now, as the Granite State continues its crucial vaccination effort, Anna has been an outspoken advocate for equity and expanding access to reach our most vulnerable residents. In addition to aiding public health efforts, Anna is also a proud veteran and active community member involved in a host of local organizations, including Veterans Count, Granite United Way, Mary Gale Foundation, and Bean Foundation. Anna works tirelessly to realize a brighter, healthier future for the greater Manchester area. During an unprecedented year of loss, Anna has embodied smart, compassionate leadership benefitting our entire community. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate Anna Thomas for being named Citizen of the Year by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and thank her again for her lifetime of public service.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the incredible efforts of the staff at the Manchester, New Hampshire, VA Medical Center, who worked long hours to resolve a massive backlog of unpaid medical claims for community care. In a district where veterans travel long distances to get to a VA facility, community care has been a game-changer for vets to receive the services they need closer to home. But in the early years of the Choice Act, and now the Mission Act, provider payment delays and bureaucratic errors threatened the stability of community care networks and, ultimately, the access to critical lifesaving care for veterans. One of the first providers who contacted our office was an acupuncturist who provides care to veterans experiencing PTS and debilitating pain. The acupuncturist was passionate about caring for those who served, but the chronic billing delays were creating severe uncertainty and financial hardship for her office. She introduced me to a group of veterans that she cares for in her office to learn a little bit more about their experience. They all had a remarkable story about how their quality of life had improved since accessing these services through VA community care. But they understood that payment delays could disrupt that. Countless other providers, including large hospital systems and small care organizations, were also caught up in this claims backlog. The VA was making it difficult, if not impossible, for many of these providers to continue serving veterans. The issue of unpaid claims was compounded in the Northeast region by VA's multiple transitions between third-party administrators over the last few years. It created confusion and frustration in both the provider and the veteran communities. I knew we couldn't let our veterans down, and that is why I am so thankful for the efforts of the community care team at the Manchester VA for working with our office, with providers, as well as the third- party billers to thoroughly address this issue. Our office worked closely with the leadership at the Manchester VA Medical Center and the New Hampshire Hospital Association and its members. A plan was developed to painstakingly delve into the minutiae of the claims backlog, line by line, so that providers could be paid for legacy claims and receive timely payments for future services. The Manchester VA Medical Center's Office of Community Care steadily plowed through the backlog, giving specialized attention to each provider. After more than 15 months of their hard work, I am proud these diligent efforts have resulted in tens of millions of dollars of paid claims to New Hampshire's VA Community Care providers. They were so successful in this work that their internal process is now being shared nationally across the VA system as a model. Mr. Speaker, I would like to personally thank the team members at the VA in Manchester who put in so many hours to address this backlog, including: Michelle Mercer, who spent considerable time dealing with each member's hospital billing department; Patricia Patterson, who also spent considerable time dealing with each member's billing department; Tracy Allaire, who worked closely with Tri-West on claims on behalf of hospitals on the back end; Charlene Eaton, who supervised and provided oversight to the VA Office of Community Care staff; Dr. Brain Phemester, who worked and provided leadership and served as a conduit between VA Central Office and the New Hampshire Hospital Association and its members; And Daniel Wilson, who initially spearheaded the billing resolution effort within the VA Central Office, and worked with our district office and the Hospital Association. These Manchester VA Medical Center employees went above and beyond the call of duty for our veterans and the providers, as well as the future of community care. I couldn't be more proud to be able to recognize them for their efforts here today.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of Paul Plotkin. Born on June 19, 1921, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Mr. Plotkin is a veteran and a resident of Derry, New Hampshire. During World War II, he answered the call of his nation and joined the U.S. Army, serving with the 66th Infantry Division in Europe. Mr. Plotkin endured great hardship during his military service. He was among the more than 2,000 American soldiers being transported from Southampton, England, to Cherbourg, France, aboard the troopship SS Leopoldville when the ship was struck by a torpedo from a German submarine on the evening of December 24, 1944. 763 American soldiers tragically lost their lives in the initial blast and the resulting sinking of the ship in the frigid waters of the English Channel, but Mr. Plotkin survived and made it to France. Although discussion of the Leopoldville disaster was censored in the aftermath of the tragedy, Mr. Plotkin preserved the memory of what he experienced and carried it on to today. Now, as a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1617, Mr. Plotkin continues to honor the memory of his comrades and their sacrifice by supporting fellow veterans and speaking out about his experiences during the war. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to wish Mr. Plotkin a happy 100th birthday and thank him for his service to our nation. I hope that he has a wonderful celebration with his loved ones and fellow veterans. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Susan Huard, who is being honored today for her retirement from the Community College System of New Hampshire. She has served as the interim chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire since 2020. Throughout her time as chancellor for CCSNH, Susan guided her team through a global pandemic, helping students and staff to adapt to new challenges posed by the public health crisis. Prior to serving as chancellor, Susan served as president of Manchester Community College for nine years, retiring in 2019. Her leadership and commitment to supporting the next generation has touched numerous lives and has played a vital role in building a brighter future for our community. Throughout her tenure, she has served with dedication and adapted to challenges with grace. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Susan for her years of service to our community. I congratulate her again on her incredible career, and I thank her for all that she has done to make our state such a wonderful place to learn, live, and grow.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Bost for their work in putting together this comprehensive group of bills today to support our veterans, including this bill, and I appreciate their support for it. I rise in support of this legislation, the Improving VA Accountability to Prevent Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Act, a bill that I introduced, along with Representative Hinson. This bipartisan, bicameral bill will take critical steps to combat sexual harassment by updating VA's antiquated policies and structure, in addition to creating stronger reporting requirements. We know that at least 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men who have served in the military are survivors of sexual assault, harassment, or abuse. At the VA, we know that at least 1 in 4 women veterans and 1 in 4 women employees experience sexual harassment in healthcare settings. It is simply unacceptable that someone who has proudly served our Nation is subjected to sexual harassment in the institution whose charge it is to serve them. It is long past time for us to make systemic change at the VA that will honor the service of our veterans and healthcare providers and keep people safe. This is commonsense legislation that came out of an Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee hearing that we held last July. We heard from the GAO and the VA on this issue. While important steps have been made by the VA in the recent past, this is important legislation that is going to continue to improve this situation and make the kind of long-lasting change that is long overdue. I urge my colleagues to pass this commonsense bill.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Ranking Member Bost, for introducing this legislation. I was proud to support it alongside my colleague, Tracey Mann, from the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. It is the VA Transparency & Trust Act of 2021. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis turned our world upside down, and it hit our veteran community especially hard. The issues our veterans faced before the pandemic have only been exacerbated by COVID-19, and they contend with a new host of health and financial hardships. That is why I joined with many in this Chamber to strongly urge for support to our veterans in COVID-19 relief packages, including the American Rescue Plan. That plan provided a much-needed investment in the VA, but we must all work together to ensure that this funding is used effectively to support our veterans and to increase the quality care that they receive. As chair of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, and ensuring veterans get the care they have earned is a top priority. This legislation would require the VA to report to Congress on the emergency funding that it has already received. It will provide the enhanced oversight that is warranted to ensure funds are being used efficiently and in ways that are truly meeting the needs of those who have served us all. Mr. Speaker, I urge swift passage of this legislation.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the veterans of our military who, following their service, are housing insecure. Although we have made significant strides in combating veteran homelessness, the fact remains that more than 37,000 veterans are homeless right now, and many more are worried about keeping a roof over their heads. That is why the Affordable Housing for Homeless Veterans Act is needed. I introduced this bill with Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Ranking Member Mann, and it is included as part of H.R. 2878 today. This legislation will allow the VA to continue to acquire homes through foreclosure, and then sell or lease these homes to veterans in need of housing. This much we know: A veteran who has sworn to give everything for the United States, up to and including their life, should not be without a roof over their head and a safe place to sleep when their service is over. As President Kennedy said of those who have served: ``As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.'' Let's show our veterans our gratitude by addressing housing insecurity and passing this legislation today, as well as the underlying bill sponsored by Representative Gallego.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate my constituent, Raude Rayche, for becoming a citizen of the United States of America on January 29, 2021. Raychel has established herself as a pillar of her Somersworth community, and committed her life to bringing together her neighbors in Somersworth and her Indonesian culture. It is with great excitement I celebrate her citizenship to the country we love. Raychel's dedication to the U.S. and to New Hampshire started long before becoming a citizen of this country. As the President of the Somersworth, NH nonprofit Indonesian Community Connect (ICC), Raychel designed programs to educate and engage community members in the traditions of her culture. Her caring nature and desire to grow her community has improved the lives of those living in the tri-city area and beyond. However, Raychel did not stop there. With the help of her many partners Raychel led the efforts on the Little Indonesia project. Under her leadership, Somersworth will be home to the world's first Little Indonesia--a cultural attraction that will expand educational and economic opportunities, and which aims to benefit all in my state. New Hampshire is proud to call Raychel a resident, and we all benefit from her ingenuity and her commitment to her community. I want to recognize Raychel for not just saying the oath of allegiance to her new country, but for embodying the very meaning of being a citizen. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I welcome Raychel as an American Citizen and celebrate the work she does for the people of the Granite State. I thank her for her many contributions and continued efforts to improving the lives of all in our state.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the opening of the Little Indonesia in Somersworth, New Hampshire. After years of diligent planning, Indonesian Community Connect Inc. has made international history by unveiling this new cultural landmark and opening the first Little Indonesia in the United States. My state is home to a vibrant and welcoming Indonesian community seeking to contribute to their home as proud Granite Staters. ICC has built strong ties within the community and created lasting connections by hosting cultural events and offering educational opportunities for all to attend. The opening of Little Indonesia aims to expand on this spirit of togetherness, and I am proud to see this project come together. As this region emerges from the pandemic, Little Indonesia will serve as a cultural and community gathering spaces for all to enjoy for years to come. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Indonesian Community Connect Inc., the City of Somersworth, and the members of the community who have made the Little Indonesia project come to life. Let us celebrate this new hub of cultural exchange, economic opportunity, and community engagement that will elevate New Hampshire's status on the global stage.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Align Credit Union on opening their new location in Seabrook, their first in New Hampshire. Every day brings unique challenges to our entrepreneurs here in the Granite State--even more so during these unprecedented times--but as someone who has owned and operated a family restaurant, I know that it's institutions like Align Credit Union that help drive our economy and form the fabric of our communities. Since its founding in 1922, Align has built strong bonds within New England communities, and maintained its focus on members, regardless of circumstance. Community financial institutions like Align have long served an essential purpose in expanding financial literacy and strengthening local economies. Now, their work is more important than ever, as Americans turn to credit unions to disburse essential relief funds and rely on their support of Main Street businesses. Align's cooperative model and ``people helping people'' approach has been essential to its members during this crisis. We welcome Align to the Seacoast of New Hampshire. Once again, I want to congratulate Align Credit Union on this great achievement, and them for all those who have been involved in making this possible.