Chris Pappas

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Red Parka Pub celebrating 50 years of business in the Mount Washington Valley. This incredible milestone is a testament to the staff and ownership who have been serving up quality home cooked meals with a smile for half a century. Known for its live music acts, comfortable patio seating for hot New England summer days, and active involvement in the community, it's no wonder that the Red Parka Pub remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Dating back to the pub's opening on November 3, 1972, the ownership realized that the Red Parka could serve as more than a family-style restaurant and took an active role in the community by promoting numerous causes and hosting fundraisers meant to give back to the state of New Hampshire. Today, that spirit of service lives on in the Red Parka Pub Challenge Cup, considered to be one of the longest continuously running dual giant slalom races in the country. This race has raised more than $250,000 for the Eastern Slope Ski Club over its history, including a whopping $21,000 last year. The management team have taken an active leadership role in the hospitality industry as well, forming the Valley Originals as a coalition of independently owned restaurants. This coalition annually contributes $335,000 to the community, and the management team here at Red Parka still serve in the leadership of the coalition to this day. Under the leadership of General Manager Terry O'Brien and co-owner Jean Melczarek, the Red Parka Pub has established itself as a mainstay in the town of Glen, and I would like to commend them both for their incredible dedication to this storied pub. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate the Red Parka Pub on 50 years of service and wish them another successful 50 years.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today alongside my colleague Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster to honor Elliot Berry and his forty- seven years of service to New Hampshire Legal Assistance. Through his impactful career, Elliot embodied the highest values of service to our state's most vulnerable community members. Witnessing the systematic and legal challenges faced by the residents he served, Elliot dedicated his efforts to not only helping his clients navigate the system but making positive changes to our state's housing policies. New Hampshire residents enjoy more protective renter's rights and housing laws thanks to Elliot's work. These protections will continue to benefit hundreds of families across New Hampshire long after his retirement, making our state safer and more economically viable for the future. In 1975, Elliot began his journey with New Hampshire Legal Assistance after graduating from Boston College Law School and starting out as a VISTA volunteer. Throughout thousands of cases for individual clients, appeals, and class-action lawsuits, Elliot stayed resolute in his commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities. This spirit of service was exemplified in Elliot's challenges to a series of local zoning laws proposed in the 1990s that precluded the development of low-to-moderate income housing units. Elliot's advocacy extended past housing issues to include representing incarcerated men and women across New Hampshire, resulting in the construction of a new prison facility for women in Concord and improved access to mental health and drug counseling services for men and women. Elliot's belief in the right to safe and affordable housing distinguishes him as a true champion for low-income families, and the legacy of his service will continue to improve the lives of residents across the Granite State for years to come. On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First and Second Congressional Districts, we thank Elliot for his many years of service, and for being part of what makes the Granite State such a special place to live. We are honored to recognize and congratulate Elliot on his retirement and wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Red Ribbon Week. In 1988, the National Family Partnership dedicated the week of October 23-31 to raising awareness about the dangers of drug use and the harm that drug trafficking brings to our communities. For the past 34 years the NFP has continued their work, raising awareness for families and schools in neighborhoods across New Hampshire. For all too many New Hampshire families--including mine--the nation's drug crisis is deeply personal. Many of us have lost neighbors, friends, and loved ones to overdoses and the harmful effects of drug use in recent years. We have learned that the pain of addiction hurts not just one member of our community, but us all. As the representative for New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I remain firmly committed to improving the drug-detection capabilities of our law enforcement officials and will not stop calling for the resources to help those struggling with addiction to lead productive, healthy lifestyles. This is why I was proud to introduce the Dark Web Interdiction Act of 2022 as well as the National ACERT Grant Program Authorization Act. These bills work to strengthen our law enforcement's ability to go after those trafficking drugs on the dark web, as well as providing funding for law enforcement and service agencies to support children who have experienced a traumatic event, like witnessing a drug overdose by a loved one, to support their wellbeing and future success in life. The mission of Red Ribbon Week to bring these issues into the light and to educate our youth about the dangers of drugs is critical to begin healing our state and our country. I am honored to work with the many New Hampshire partners taking on this challenge, including our healthcare and recovery workers, Drug Free Communities, First Responders, and law enforcement from the local state and federal level including the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. Each partner carries on the mission to stop illicit substances from harming our communities, while never giving up hope for those in recovery. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank the National Family Partnership and the Drug Enforcement Agency for your work on this issue and hope my fellow Granite Staters will join me in recognizing the 2022 National Red Ribbon Week.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my constituent, Matthew Boyon, and his family. Matthew is currently a student at Londonderry High School and has suffered from eczema his whole life. In honor of Matthew and the more than thirty-one million Americans with eczema, I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize October as National Eczema Awareness Month. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections. There are seven forms of eczema, including the most common and chronic form, atopic dermatitis, and no known cure. Adults and children with eczema are at risk for, and frequently also experience additional comorbid health conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, and bacterial, viral and fungal skin infections. Additionally, adolescents with atopic dermatitis are more likely to report suicidal ideation compared to their nonaffected counterparts and sleep disturbances reported in 67 percent of children with atopic dermatitis. Parents of children with atopic dermatitis are 4 to 8 times more likely to average fewer than 6 hours of sleep per night. The impacts of living with eczema go beyond just health concerns. More than 66 percent of children with atopic dermatitis report being absent from school more than one day per year as a result of their illness and nearly forty percent of school-aged children and teens diagnosed with atopic dermatitis have experienced bullying due to their disease. The economic impacts of eczema are also staggering. 5.9 million workdays are lost due to eczema annually and the annual economic burden of eczema, including direct medical costs, indirect costs from lost productivity, and quality of life impacts, is estimated at $5.3 billion. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank the Boyon family for bringing awareness to this condition and hope my fellow Americans will join me in recognizing National Eczema Awareness Month.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of William Tebo and his 78 years of service to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Since age 16, the WW2 veteran has dedicated his time to the historic shipyard, from his first job to his role as secretary, treasurer, vice executive director, executive director, and tour guide. In 1945, Bill enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and was assigned as a submariner to the USS Sea Owl, a ship he was familiar with as he had worked on the Sea Owl's construction in Portsmouth. Bill continued his service in Key West, Florida operating a recommissioned U-2513 German U-boat, an experience that made him one of the few members of the U.S. Navy qualified to operate both U.S. submarines and German U- boats. Bill's continued service to the oldest active shipyard in the Nation has ensured that it both functions as an effective repair station for our military's submarines as well as a historic landmark in Portsmouth. The shipyard's Heritage Center contains many pieces of naval history, including the launching cage used to christen the 1938 USS Squalus, a piece that Bill tracked down himself. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate Bill for 78 years of service and thank him for his outstanding contributions to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and our Nation.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of my bipartisan legislation, H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. It is a bill that improves policies and procedures to better protect VA whistleblowers. It also promotes independence and removes conflicts of interest at VA's Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection. Whistleblowers play a critical role in holding the Federal Government and its agencies accountable for waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. When employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs witness issues that put the health, safety, and well-being of veterans at risk, VA staff should feel encouraged to speak out without fear of retaliation. This would encourage corrective action to be taken and no harm to the whistleblower. In reality, however, too often the messenger is punished. The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations that I chair has done years of work on this issue. Alongside Ranking Member Tracey Mann, we have conducted multiple hearings looking into this problem. Our efforts have highlighted the individual stories of whistleblowers who have lost their jobs or faced other retaliatory actions as a result of their disclosures. Further, whistleblowers often wait years to be made whole after experiencing retaliation under current Department policies and procedures. The testimony from three previous VA employees disclosed VA whistleblowers are likely to face retaliation, including the loss of their position, and are forced to wait years for justice. This bipartisan bill will make major changes to how whistleblower claims are handled, strengthening accountability through the process. The bill ends VA's authority to investigate whistleblower retaliation complaints and, instead, relies on the independent U.S. Office of Special Counsel to ensure objectivity over the process. OSC is an independent Federal investigative agency that has high trust within the whistleblower community. They have the resources and autonomy needed to do this work. It will also require VA's Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection to strengthen accountability over settlement agreements for VA employees who suffered retaliation which provide financial restitution and guarantees of reemployment. Further, the bill will reaffirm OAWP's responsibility to provide resources to VA employees on whistleblower rights, including training. These reforms will ensure whistleblowers feel safe reporting issues within the Department. We can't continue to allow whistleblowers to be punished for speaking out, and we have to make sure we are doing all we can to protect VA whistleblowers. It is not only the law; it is also the right thing to do to protect whistleblowers from retaliation. My colleague and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Congressman Tracey Mann, co-led this bill with me to promote independence and strengthen the mission of VA's whistleblowers office. I thank Congressman Mann and his staff for their dedication and hard work on this issue. I thank all the members of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for their support of this bill last week, and I appreciate the support from the whistleblower advocacy groups, including the Project on Government Oversight, the Whistleblowers of America, and the Government Accountability Project, as well as VA's labor union, AFGE. So once this is enacted, this bill will ensure that the protections are on the books at the Department of Veterans Affairs that will strengthen independence and the mission of VA's whistleblower office. Madam Speaker, I urge the full House to support passage.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery on its 25th Anniversary. This incredible milestone is a testament to the impact of the cemetery on the state, and the vital role that it plays in the lives of veterans, their families, and our community. The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery is a source of pride to veterans, their families, and New Hampshire. It expresses the state's gratitude for veterans' service to the country by providing and maintaining a dignified final-resting place to honor all veterans and eligible dependents. It gives families the comfort to connect with their lost loved ones and conveys the importance and the value of the veterans' service to our community. Honoring our veterans is not a duty reserved for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or the 4th of July--it's an ongoing appreciation. This site allows us to honor, remember, and pay our respects. As Granite Staters seek comfort and guidance, and learn how to best help their neighbors, the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery remains an important resource here in New Hampshire. The cemetery's Memorial Brick Walkway, 20 Points of History, and Veterans Heritage Learning Center provides insights into the role our local heroes played in New Hampshire, American, and global history. The grounds are a living memorial educating and allowing New Hampshire residents to make personal connections to those who have served. I would like to thank The New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery Association for its dedication to our heroes and congratulate them on 25 years as a symbol of our appreciation for our veterans' service. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery for its outstanding contributions to the state and wish them continued success.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 50 years of operation of the Dover Adult Learning Center (DALC), one of my state's leaders in providing high quality education. For the past 50 years, DALC has supported community members to reach their full personal, educational, and career potentials. Their efforts are ensuring our current and next generation grows up with the support and mentorship needed to live fulfilling lives. Since 1968, they have strengthened New Hampshire's workforce and economy. Today, their multiple locations serve as one of the largest adult literacy populations in the state. DALC's commitment to a respectful and responsive environment fosters life-long relationships that lasts years after students graduate. They have proved an important reminder on the power of community in helping those overcome educational and civic participation barriers. Through education, training, and employment, DALC has become a respected leader in the learning space throughout the First District. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the dedicated staff at the Dover Adult Learning Center for Youth for their 50 years of dedication to this important educational work.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the South Hampton Baptist Church on its 250th Anniversary. This incredible milestone is a testament to the impact of the church on the town of South Hampton, and the vital role that faith plays in the community. The town of South Hampton and the church have undergone tremendous change since 1772, but the values and faith of the towns' founders can still be seen in the community today. As one of the oldest churches in New Hampshire, South Hampton Baptist continues to involve itself in the town through volunteerism and community get-togethers to celebrate the history and legacy of this house of worship. As Granite Staters come out of the pandemic looking for comfort, guidance, and how to best help their neighbors, the South Hampton Baptist Church remains an important resource and a partner for many families here on the Seacoast. The history and insights into early American life found in this church give congregants a glimpse into the past, while the volunteerism and public service they perform allows them to look toward the future of South Hampton. I would like to thank Pastor Jeremy J. Pataro for his dedication to the town of South Hampton and congratulate him on maintaining 250 years of tradition. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate the South Hampton Baptist Church for its outstanding contributions to the state and wish them another 250 years of success.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, New Hampshire. As one of the most popular diners on the East Coast, the Red Arrow Diner enjoys a special place in the folklore of our state and remains a popular destination for locals, celebrities, politicians, and tourists alike. Dating back to the diner's opening in October of 1922, the Red Arrow cemented its legacy in downtown Manchester as a quaint, family-friendly locale with a knack for home-cooked meals guaranteed to please even the most skeptical palate. This tiny little diner on Lowell Street flourished into a major chain that today employs one hundred and seventy-five people and has expanded operations to Concord, Londonderry, and Nashua. Despite this massive growth, the Red Arrow remains committed to the values of its founders: serving customers with a smile and delivering consistent, quality home cooked meals. The Red Arrow Diner's success can be attributed in large part to the efforts of Carol Lawrence, her father George Lawrence, and Amanda Wihby. Their vision for this diner has made the Red Arrow a must-visit destination for visitors from out of state, and their dedication to the state of New Hampshire will ensure that the Red Arrow remains a vital part of our state culture for another 100 years. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I thank the Red Arrow Diner and its management for 100 years of outstanding contributions to our state.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Bost for getting these bills to the floor, including this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan legislation, H.R. 8260, the Faster Payments to Veterans' Survivors Act. It is a bipartisan bill that ensures that VA quickly identifies, locates, and pays surviving family members the life insurance benefits they are owed. VA's insurance service already has some tools in place to identify, locate, and pay hard-to-find beneficiaries, but more can be done to prevent these survivors from needlessly waiting during what is likely a difficult time, both emotionally and financially. My bipartisan bill, the Faster Payments to Veterans' Survivors Act, will make much needed reforms to allow VA to better identify and locate surviving family members of recently deceased veterans. By making these reforms, we will make sure they receive the payments and benefits they were owed in a timely manner. According to the VA, the Department owed more than $155 million to 15,000 individuals at the end of September 2020. For a widow or widower who is struggling to make ends meet, a life insurance payment of $10,000 makes a world of difference. Alfred, a constituent of mine in Rochester, New Hampshire, and a Korean war veteran, shared how much this bill will mean to his family. His father-in-law, a veteran of World War II, passed away last year. Alfred's spouse waited for months to receive the survivors benefits owed to her by VA. He contacted our office for help remedying the issue. We were able to help them, but no family should have to jump through hoops for months following the loss of a loved one. This bill directs the Department to improve and better publicize an online tool that families of veterans can use to search for past due benefits. It expands access to internal and external data sources that will help VA track down veterans' survivors. It makes sure the Department is adequately staffed to perform these searches. The bill also shortens the unnecessarily long timeframe in which VA is authorized to designate and pay alternate beneficiaries and ensures that procedures for paying alternate beneficiaries are consistent across several different life insurance programs. All of these steps will lead to faster payments to veterans' survivors. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina for co-leading this bipartisan bill. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support from my colleagues and from veterans service organizations, including the VFW, American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Modern Military Association of America, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Once enacted, the Faster Payments to Veterans' Survivors Act will have a real and positive impact on the financial well-being of thousands of veterans' families. Our veterans serve our country and sacrifice so much, and their family members contribute and sacrifice right alongside them. It is of utmost importance that we honor those commitments and support their family members. The bill passed the Veterans' Affairs Committee unanimously in July, and I urge the full House to support its passage today.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sylvio Dupuis and his life-long service to the city of Manchester, where he was born and raised. A proud alumnus of Manchester schools and Saint Anselm College, Syl became an optometrist and built a successful private practice while also serving in the Air National Guard. This spirit of service was best embodied by Syl's two terms as Mayor of Manchester and his emphasis on finding community-based solutions for the Queen City's most pressing issues. Syl's steadfast leadership and expertise led to a major revitalization effort in Central Manchester, which saw funding secured from HUD used to purchase the former Sacred Heart Hospital. Today, this facility is home to ninety-five subsidized rental apartments operated by the Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Syl's involvement in the community extended well past his two terms as Mayor, including his roles as a founding President of Catholic Medical Center, Commissioner of Health and Human Services, and later Commissioner of Insurance. Syl's leadership on housing issues also benefited NeighborWorks in their formative years, resulting in the organization converting the Straw Mansion at the former Notre Dame College into affordable rental apartments for Manchester's workforce. It is both fitting and proper that Syl's service to the community be recognized with the David P. Goodwin Outstanding Neighbor Award, and I can think of no one more deserving of the title ``outstanding neighbor.'' Syl's vision for a safer, cleaner Manchester has made the Queen City one of the largest metropolitan centers in New Hampshire, and we owe him and his wife, Cecile, a debt of gratitude for their dedication to our state. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate Sylvio Dupuis for his tireless commitment to Manchester and thank him for his outstanding contributions to the community.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Chase, a World War II veteran who passed away in early July at the age of 95. Born in 1926 in Lynn, Massachusetts and later residing in Rollinsford, Robert was a veteran, active member of his community, and a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. As a young patriot, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18 to fight in World War II, where he bravely fought with the 102nd Infantry Division in Europe. Robert was awarded a bronze star for bravery early in his career. He continued to serve his country in the years after the war as an officer and combat engineer in the 101st Engineers Division and as an officer in the Air Defense Command. Following the conclusion of his service in 1969, Robert worked diligently in business for different companies before he founded the NH Clinic for Hypnosis in 1980. There he helped the people of New Hampshire with a variety of treatments, including helping Granite Staters quit smoking. He especially loved performing his hypnosis for local schools. He was also an avid woodworker, restored antiques, and loved hosting his annual yard sale for his entire neighborhood. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I wish to share my condolences with Bob's family, including his late wife Dorothy, their three sons and daughter-in-laws, two daughters and son-in-laws, eight grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. As we recognize Mr. Chase, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring his rich life and legacy.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100 Anniversary Reunion of Waukeela Camp for Girls, located in Eaton, New Hampshire. Established in 1922, Waukeela Camp for Girls has been a home away from home for campers and staff alike for over 100 years. Waukeela has enshrined its sense of community with treasured traditions and open arms to all, which has built a life-long community that endures even years after leaving camp. It is no easy feat to keep a small business running for 100 years, and I congratulate Waukeela's current and former owners and staff on this accomplishment. Waukeela is also remarkable for the ways in which they give back to our larger Mount Washington Valley community, and we are grateful for their work. I also wish to extend my condolences to the entire Waukeela community for the losses of Edith ``Edie'' Middleton, Ralph Mead, Kendall Chun, Louise Stevenson Thomas, and Nancy Evans Burns, the latter two of whom were better known around camp as ``Stevie Ma'am'' and ``Nan EB'' respectively. This centennial celebration is not complete without their presence, and I hope this weekend brought you a chance to honor their memory and share stories of the good times you enjoyed with them. Finally, I recognize the `Mid Pines Foundation for organizing this reunion celebration, and for the work they do to provide for those who could not otherwise afford to attend Waukeela Camp for Girls. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, congratulations once again to the entire Waukeela Camp for Girls community on this incredible milestone.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Joel Sherburne and his 65 years of service to Calef's Famous Country Store. Since age 17, Joel has served the Town of Barrington as Calef's ``Cheese Man,'' sharing advice on how to care for your cheese and secret recipes using Calef's famous ``Snappy Cheddar.'' He has devoted himself to the safety, community and connectedness of his neighbors. Joel has been instrumental over the last six decades in bringing the people of Barrington together. Joel's dedication to New Hampshire spans beyond his cheese expertise. He has taken on an active role in serving his community, designing the town sign and serving as Fair Ambassador to the Rochester Fair. Joel founded the Barrington Ambulance Service and taught EMT classes, which has saved countless lives and ensured that his neighbors have help should they need it. Joel even helped restore the nearby Rochester Opera House, inviting music and art into the lives of his neighbors. Joel's commitment to Granite Staters was commemorated in 2017 with a United States Postal Service postmark. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate Joel for 65 years of service and thank him for his outstanding contributions to the community of Barrington.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Philip Bryce of the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation who is retiring after 25 years of service to the community. Prior to his most recent service as the Director of the Division of Parks and Recreation for the past 11 years, Philip served his community as the Director of the Division of Forest and Lands. Philip has dedicated his distinguished career to preserving our state's public lands. His love of nature began when he spent summers with his grandparents in Ontario and continued to grow as he studied forestry at the University of Maine. During his tenure as Director of the Division of Parks and Recreation Philip managed nearly 100 parks, including lakes, beaches, trails, and forests, and oversaw a $30 million operating budget that is entirely self-funded. New Hampshire's state parks provide Granite Staters with outstanding educational and inspirational experiences. They provide vital services in the conservation of our natural lands and are special places of cultural and natural significance. Philip's leadership and dedication has been integral to the continued success of these parks. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Philip for his continued dedication to the Granite State. I congratulate him again on his incredible career and wish him the best in retirement.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 20 years of operation of the Raymond Coalition for Youth (RCFY), one of my state's leaders in youth substance use prevention. Since 2002, RCFY has promoted positive youth development to reduce the risk of substance abuse and other risky behaviors. For the past 20 years, they have increased available substance use prevention resources and created impactful partnerships from the federal level on down. Today RCFY continues to address the urgent needs impacting the wellbeing for our children in the Granite State. By educating and nurturing our youth, they are ensuring our next generation grows up with the support and mentorship needed to live healthy fulfilling lives. The Raymond Coalition for Youth was founded in response to the higher-than-state-average levels of substance misuse in the Town of Raymond. The University of New Hampshire kickstarted the data collection, community planning, and information sharing that culminated in this non-profit's eventual formation. Now, for the first time in 20 years, the Town of Raymond reported lower substance misuse than the State of New Hampshire average. In response to New Hampshire's addiction crisis, RCFY has proved an adamant reminder on the power of community in mitigating the harms of substance abuse and empowering our youth to lead healthy lives. Through student engagement, education, and advocacy RCFY has become a respected leader in the prevention space. The Raymond Coalition for Youth is representative of the community's multi-pronged approach that must encompass all levels of government in keeping our neighborhoods safe. I am honored to issue sincere congratulations for the efforts of the dedicated staff and students involved in this prevention work. I am proud to represent the Raymond Coalition for Youth as today's changemakers in New Hampshire's First Congressional District.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief William Hart of the Londonderry Police Department. He is retiring after three decades of service to the community to become a United States Marshal for New Hampshire. Chief Hart served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining the Londonderry community in 1992. Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Hart has served as Londonderry's prosecutor, Rockingham County's attorney, a Captain with the Londonderry Police Department, acting town manager, and most recently as the Chief of Police since 2009. Chief Hart has dedicated his life to his community and guided the Londonderry Police Department through tremendous growth. He led the department through a new station and building transition, and grew the department to 68 sworn police officers. Bill exemplifies the department's way of building trust: to treat people with kindness, dignity, and respect, no matter what. As Chief of Police Bill has continuously shown dedication to bettering the community and the Granite State. He has always gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of the people in Londonderry, and all Granite Staters. I have no doubt that his commitment and leadership will continue as he joins the oldest law enforcement agency. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate Chief Hart on his accomplished law enforcement career. I thank him and his family for their decades of dedication to our community and wish him all the best as he embarks on his new journey as a U.S. Marshal.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Raymond Town Fair. As the summer months heat up and the nights grow later, town fairs and festivals take on special importance not only as opportunities to gather with friends but meet new members of the community and celebrate the history of this town. Raymond encapsulates some of the Granite State's best qualities, and tonight's celebration serves as a shining example of what this town has to offer the state of New Hampshire. From the fireman's parade and morning pancake breakfast to the annual pageants that kick off the fair, Raymond has enshrined its sense of community with timeless traditions and open arms to all who are joining for the first time. For decades, this fair served as an opportunity for local businesses and craftspeople to establish themselves in Raymond. Now in the present day, vendors from across New England are bringing their goods and services to Raymond because of its reputation for friendliness and community-building. This legacy of excellence will only continue into the future, and I can't wait to see the success of this fair in the years to come. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Town of Raymond for hosting such an excellent fair. I also want to give my special thanks to Phil Merrill, his wife Tracy, and the Raymond Town Fair Committee for their work making this year's fair possible. I look forward to a continued partnership with Raymond and its residents who I am proud to represent in Congress.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the 50th anniversary of the Pell Grant Program. Programs like Pell help break down longstanding, often systemic barriers to education so that everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. In my district, over 65,000 students are receiving over $165 million to pursue their higher education goals at our local colleges. The Pell grant is further leveraged by the University of New Hampshire Granite Guarantee program, which allows students who are Pell-eligible to attend UNH, Keene State, or Plymouth State tuition-free by leveraging Pell, Federal aid, and institutional support to ensure access to high- quality public education in New Hampshire. Putting higher education within reach for more people has been a strong priority of mine since taking office, and we have worked to increase funding for Pell grants and provide the kind of resources that our students deserve. The education these students receive will help them fulfill their dreams and develop their greatest abilities. I look forward to Congress continuing to support access to college through the Pell grant for another 50 years.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Cicilline for organizing this Special Order hour. I rise to mark Pride Month. Pride is an important opportunity for all of us, regardless of our orientation, to come together and celebrate our Nation's diversity and to keep striving to perfect this Union, to make sure that there is truly freedom and equality for all. As a gay person growing up in New Hampshire, it wasn't always easy for me to see a path forward and to know that there would be a place for me in my community. But I am really fortunate that my family and my community welcomed me for who I am. I couldn't be more proud today to be able to serve them in Congress and to continue this fight for equality. All people deserve to live their lives as their true selves, without fear of harassment, discrimination, violence, or imprisonment. But we know many LGBTQ+ Americans don't have the same legal protections that are guaranteed to others. No one should be a second-class citizen in this country, and they shouldn't be a second-class citizen anywhere in the world just for being LGBTQ+. Unfortunately, we know that far too many people face violence and persecution just for being who they are. In Afghanistan today, LGBTQ+ people have been harassed, attacked, and sexually assaulted due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. I called for the State Department to allow LGBTQ+ Afghans to access the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program to help them ensure that they could find safety because of Taliban rule, which we know now threatens LGBTQ+ individuals with the prospect of a violent death. Russia, which has banned same-sex marriage, recently shutdown the country's main LGBTQ+ organization, and there are reports that Russia plans to target the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine during its invasion. As we speak, we know Brittney Griner, who is an openly gay WNBA player, remains wrongfully detained by Russian authorities. It should concern us all that an American has been wrongfully detained abroad in any circumstance, but that is made even more troubling by the fact that Russia's laws don't accommodate and protect the community. We have seen a recent uptick in vigilante violence against LGBTQ+ individuals in that country. In our own country, we still haven't yet banned the use of the so- called ``gay panic'' or ``trans panic'' defenses in Federal court that can be used to actually blame victims of violence for the violence that is committed against them. I have introduced legislation in Congress to ban these so-called defenses, and it is time to get it done. They legitimize homophobia and transphobia that leads to violence against LGBTQ+ people, and we must end their use. We see too much homophobia and transphobia that has no place in America today. Last year, in my home State of New Hampshire, a man was punched in the face in downtown Manchester just for holding hands with his boyfriend walking downtown. His assailant later told investigators that he didn't approve of homosexuality. This happened in my community in 2021. Just last year, we saw transphobic attacks in the neighboring town of Derry that caused a community event to have to be moved to a different venue for safety reasons. This is just not the New Hampshire way, it is not the American way, and it shows that we have work to do at all levels to combat this. I hope that people out there who fear for their safety know that there are LGBTQ+ individuals who are fighting for them in the U.S. House of Representatives and lots of policymakers who are allies working to ensure that you can live your lives free of harassment, discrimination, and violence. We have got to pass the Equality Act to ensure that all Americans can live free from discrimination and to send the unequivocal message that every LGBTQ+ American and their families matter. Doing so will give full legal protection to all Americans, regardless of who they are or whom they love. This legislation is crucial, and it is especially crucial as we see what the Supreme Court is poised to do, on the verge of overturning landmark precedent, and rolling back the fundamental right to privacy in this country. I know these challenges can seem daunting. We do feel that there is an uneven march toward progress, where sometimes we take a couple steps forward and then we see a step backward. I remember my first speech on the floor of the New Hampshire House of Representatives in my early twenties. We were fighting against a bill that would have prevented New Hampshire from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in Massachusetts. We were fighting against that legislation. We lost the fight. We came up short. But in just a matter of a few years, we saw civil unions and then same-sex marriage approved legislatively, signed by our Governor into law in New Hampshire, because those elected officials were reflecting the will of the people and recognizing that the country is changing and moving forward and that our laws need to catch up. So Pride Month is a time to rededicate ourselves to a fight that we still need to win. We move forward by promoting equality because it is important to lift each other up. It is important to ensure that everyone can live openly as their true self. To everyone out there, no matter your sexual orientation, your gender identity, your profession, or where you call home, you should be proud of who you are. This is how we are going to continue to change this country for the better and move forward and ensure that everyone is included.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of the establishment of the Town of Hooksett, New Hampshire. First known as ``Chester Woods'' and ``Rowe's Corner'' upon its founding in 1822, the name was later changed to Hooksett. This town's long and rich history has culminated in the vibrant and caring community we see today. With a population of just 880, the earliest residents of Hooksett lived in the Martin's Ferry Settlement near what is now Southern New Hampshire University. From the beautiful Head's Pond Trail to the iconic Robie's Country Store, the Town of Hooksett encapsulates the best of New Hampshire. In 2005, Hooksett was honored as a Preserve America Community, the first community in New Hampshire to receive this prestigious recognition. Hooksett has been at the forefront of the White House's initiative to preserve America's cultural and natural heritage. If the past two centuries are any indication of the future, the Town of Hooksett will remain a wonderful and important part of New Hampshire for generations to come. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Town of Hooksett on this incredible milestone. I look forward to a continued partnership with Hooksett and its residents who I am proud to represent in Congress.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sage Ladieu, who is being honored for his retirement from the military. Sage first answered the call to service in 1992, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an aviation firefighter in California. Over the next 29 years, he moved up the ranks and most recently served as Command Sergeant Major for the 54th troop Command Brigade, providing guidance on the training, development, standards, traditions, discipline and welfare of the enlisted soldiers. Throughout his various roles in New Hampshire, across the country, and overseas, Sage had a profound impact on the lives of countless others. Prior to his work as Command Sergeant Major for the 54th troop, Sage served as a Senior Enlisted Leader for both the 195th Regiment and the New Hampshire Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion. His responsibilities included supervising and mentoring staff, instructors, and recruiters in the implementation of focused and effective programs. Despite being deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1993 and Iraq in 2004, Sage never wavered in his commitment to bettering Granite State communities. He worked to connect with younger generations as a Noncommissioned Recruiting Officer and a Professor of Military Science at the University of New Hampshire ROTC. He has continuously served as a supervisor, recruiter, mentor, and friend to so many in the community. Sage has worked tirelessly for his state and country and has rightfully earned numerous service medals and commendations., On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Sage for his dedication and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement. I congratulate him again on his incredible career, and I thank him for all that he has done to keep our country safe.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to David LeBlanc of Nottingham, New Hampshire, who passed away on this day 6 years ago. A lifelong New Hampshire resident, David was born and raised in Manchester and worked in the line department at Public Service of New Hampshire for over 30 years. He was an avid runner, whose legacy lives on through the Greater Manchester Running Club, which he founded with his wife, Cheryl, in 1980. David honorably served the State and his country as a member of the New Hampshire Army National Guard. Today, he will be reinterred at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, something that is only possible because we changed the law this year. I was proud to sponsor this legislation that ensures all of our veterans, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, can be laid to rest in State veterans cemeteries. The National Guard and Reserves are a critical component of our military and sacrifice so much to keep us safe. As we honor the memory of David LeBlanc, let us honor the service of all of our veterans and ensure they are not forgotten.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Nancy Cassidy, who is being honored for her retirement from the Department of Safety after more than twenty-two years of service. Throughout her time as a government employee, Nancy has worked in a wide range of departments and roles. Nancy has served the state of New Hampshire with distinction and is revered by her peers for her expertise. Prior to her time in the Commissioner's Office, Nancy worked in the Bureau of Financial Responsibility with the Division of Motor Vehicles. She quickly moved up in the ranks and was promoted to Executive Secretary in the Forensic Lab for the Division of State Police, where she worked closely with state agencies, local officials, and the Attorney General's Office for nearly seven years. After being further promoted to the Commissioner's Office, Nancy continued to work tirelessly for her community. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire, I want to thank Nancy for her continued dedication to the Granite State. I congratulate her again on her incredible career and wish her the best in retirement.