Chris Pappas

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, while the Paycheck Protection Program has provided a lifeline to small businesses, fundamental changes must be made to meet the ongoing needs of our Main Street economy. I am thankful to have heard from hundreds of local business leaders in my district who have helped identify critical shortcomings in the PPP. RoseAnn in Laconia tells us her restaurant's sales are down 90 percent, and she needs more time than 8 weeks to ramp up safely. David from Portsmouth says his overhead costs are much higher than the payroll at his new business, and he needs more flexibility in how he can spend down the loan. Hillary from Goffstown won't begin to make up for lost sales in her wedding business until next year. A longer term will give her a more stable financial footing. There are millions of stories like these across the country. I want to thank my colleagues for coming together on a bipartisan basis to understand the need that is out there and helping to meet it with this comprehensive bill that is going to provide a lifeline to our local businesses. The fixes in this Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act will allow our small businesses and their dedicated employees to continue to survive. Let's pass this bipartisan bill today for our workers, for our small businesses, and certainly for our future.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the HEROES Act today because our frontline workers, first responders, and community members are rising to the occasion, and so must Congress. We know we are living through an unprecedented crisis. If we fail to redouble our efforts, the public health threat will grow, more jobs will be permanently lost, additional small businesses will throw in the towel, and cities and towns will go bust. The conversations I have every day with mayors, hospital officials, small business owners, and essential workers underscore why bold action is immediately needed. I fought for a number of provisions in this bill that are important to my constituents, including aid to local government to sustain essential services; free coronavirus testing, treatment, and vaccines for low-income individuals; expanded tax credits for small businesses to keep workers on the job; and giving our veterans a reprieve from VA debt collection. No bill is perfect, but with bipartisan cooperation in the coming days, we can deliver meaningful results. We can meet this moment responsibly, ensure our communities are equipped to overcome this virus, and allow our economy to safely get back on its feet.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Kathy L. Seaver, who is being honored today for her retirement after 45 years of service to the Town of Farmington. She has served as tax collector since 1974 and became the joint town clerk and tax collector in 1979. Kathy has served the Town of Farmington with distinction and is revered by her peers for her expertise. Kathy L. Seaver was born and raised in Farmington, New Hampshire. She attended Farmington High School and what was then known as New Hampshire College. After graduating in 1971, she joined multiple generations of her family who worked for the Town of Farmington, including her great-grandfather, grandmother, and mother. In 1974, Kathy was appointed tax collector. In 1979, she was elected to the joint role of tax collector and town clerk. Since 1990, Kathy has also served as the school district clerk. Throughout her career, Kathy has been an incredibly important member of her professional community. She was the first vice president of the New Hampshire Tax Collectors' Association Executive Board in 1982. Kathy then served as president in 1983 and became director-at-large in 1984. Since 1985, she has served as the director of public relations. Since 1992, Kathy has served as the chairperson of the NHTCA/NHCTCA Joint Certification Program. She graduated in 2000 from the State of New Hampshire Certified Public Managers Program and was one of the first two town clerk-tax collectors to do so. Kathy has also been an active member of the New Hampshire City & Town Clerks' Association Executive Board, serving in multiple roles. As a dedicated public servant, Kathy has been awarded a multitude of honors. Kathy's hard work and dedication has been recognized by several New Hampshire public officials. Kathy has also received awards from many local organizations, including being named the 2018 Farmington Women's Club Woman of the Year. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Kathy for her decades of service to our community. I congratulate her again on her incredible career and this well-deserved honor, 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 rise today to address three issues of critical importance to my constituents. The first is the urgent need to prepare for the coronavirus. Mr. Speaker, public health officials are now reporting the first presumed positive test in my home State of New Hampshire. As Members of Congress, our foremost responsibility is to keep our communities safe. That is why, yesterday, I joined Governor Sununu and my colleagues in the New Hampshire congressional delegation to receive an update from public health officials on our State's ongoing efforts to combat this epidemic. The State of New Hampshire is currently ramping up testing capabilities, investigating potential cases, communicating with Federal partners, and working with individual communities on containment and mitigation. Here in Washington, we must ensure that the emergency coronavirus spending package is responsive to the urgent needs of State and local public health officials who are on the front lines of this situation. We can only succeed in containing the virus if States like New Hampshire can depend on the full support of the Federal Government for costs associated with the response effort. Mr. Speaker, if there were ever a moment for a renewed spirit of bipartisanship in Congress, this is it, as our country focuses on the deadly virus outbreak. We must communicate health information clearly. We must develop effective and affordable vaccines that are made available to all who need them. And we must ensure that State and local governments, as well as medical facilities, can sustain the arduous task of containing this outbreak in the weeks and months ahead. The American people are looking to us for levelheaded leadership that rises above politics, and we can't let them down. Let's pass a robust coronavirus package as soon as possible. Mr. Speaker, I continue to encourage all of my constituents to follow the CDC safety guidelines and to visit the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services website for updated health information. Progress Needed on Care for Veterans

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today in support of veterans who are seeking services in the community and the providers who care for them. For too long, hospitals and providers in New Hampshire have been owed millions of dollars in unpaid claims for the care they provide to veterans. The community care providers impacted include large hospital networks, home healthcare providers, massage therapists, and acupuncturists. I have personally met with these local providers to hear their stories, and I have convened meetings of affected stakeholders in New Hampshire and here in Washington. Here is the bottom line: Without real progress, the MISSION Act will never fulfill its promise, and care for our veterans will be compromised. Last week, at a hearing of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I received a promise from Secretary Wilkie that the VA will take immediate action to fix these persistent payment issues for community providers in New Hampshire and across the country. We have to hold the VA to this commitment. My office is bringing VA leaders, veterans, providers, and third- party administrators to the table to solve these problems once and for all. When our veterans return home, they shouldn't have to fight to receive the care that they have earned, and local providers shouldn't have to fight a stubborn bureaucracy just to get their bills paid, to keep their doors open, and to continue treating our veterans. We can and must do better on this front. Empowering Parents in New Hampshire

Mr. PAPPAS. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about empowering parents in New Hampshire to develop the skills they need to pursue the American Dream. No parent should have to choose between caring for a child and providing a better life for their families. That is why I am introducing the American Job Centers Family Accessibility Act, which will create a competitive grant program for job centers to provide access to childcare for individuals receiving services at their centers. In 2018, more than 5.4 million unemployed workers, including more than 500,000 veterans, took advantage of career services at job centers in their communities. But despite clear evidence that job centers are effective, barriers to access for jobseekers still remain. In New Hampshire, State officials tell me that the number one obstacle to job training is access to childcare. No one who works hard and wants to develop new skills should be denied that opportunity simply because they can't find quality, affordable childcare for their kids. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the American Job Centers Family Accessibility Act so that working mothers and fathers aren't unfairly denied the chance to earn a better job and a better life for their families.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th wedding anniversary of Leo and Evelyn Huppe, longtime residents of Rochester, New Hampshire. The Huppes have shared decades of life and love together, marrying on January 31, 1945. Since that date, their family has grown to include one daughter, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson, all while living in the same home in Rochester. Together they have enjoyed many adventures, celebrated great achievements, and persevered through life's challenges. Mr. Huppe answered his nation's call, serving in the Pacific during World War II, where his distinguished service earned him the Silver Star. And Mrs. Huppe recently celebrated her 100th birthday in May 2019. May your love and commitment continue to serve as an inspiration to us all. On behalf on my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to wish Mr. and Mrs. Huppe a very happy 75th anniversary. I hope they enjoy a wonderful celebration with their family.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, for decades, Americans have been exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals and there are not sufficient protections in place to safeguard our communities, our drinking water, and our environment. Americans are getting sick from these forever chemicals that are known to cause cancer, immune disorders, and thyroid problems, among other serious health conditions. I represent so many tireless advocates and concerned citizens in New Hampshire who have identified this threat in their own communities and raised our collective consciousness about the dangers of PFAS. I have heard about PFAS from too many servicemembers and their families who were exposed to high concentrations in drinking water on a base. I have heard about it from residents who have had their private wells contaminated by a manufacturing plant. I have heard about it from families who live near a landfill where PFAS-laden waste was dumped, an area that also has some of the Nation's highest cancer rates. We must recognize that we are only having this conversation today because of advocates like them across the country who have sounded the alarm. It is about time we implement policies that address the widespread contamination that exists in every one of our districts. We would be negligent if we fail to do so. I am offering an important, bipartisan amendment to this legislation that is based on a bill that I have filed, the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act. If we want to truly protect the public from PFAS, we must stop pollution which continues today. We must prevent industry and other polluters from dumping PFAS into rivers, streams, and other bodies of water, and further contaminating the environment. This amendment calls on the EPA to set and enforce proactive limits for PFAS discharge. It also requires EPA to issue pretreatment standards for polluters who discharge PFAS directly to water treatment facilities. This amendment also creates a grant program to provide assistance to treatment facilities, ensuring that municipalities have the resources to meet these requirements that will help keep our communities safe. My constituents deserve clean water. There is nothing more important than the health and safety of our communities, and we must work together to stop PFAS from getting into the environment and poisoning our drinking water. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this amendment. And I want to thank all of those who have stepped forward to address this issue, including the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force as well as the coleads of this particular amendment, Representatives Rouda, Delgado, Fitzpatrick, Kuster, Cisneros, and Kildee. I really appreciate the discussion here today. It is about time that we go beyond action plans and actually implement some policies that are going to affect people's lives in a positive manner back home. I urge adoption of this amendment and the underlying bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Daughters of Penelope, in honor of the upcoming 90th anniversary of the organization. The Daughters of Penelope promotes the ideals and traditions of Hellenism in America, focusing on service to one's community. For nearly a century, they have remained steadfast in promoting the rich traditions of Hellenism, civic responsibility, and family through their philanthropic and educational efforts. The Daughters of Penelope have not only maintained these traditions within the Greek community, but also shared them with our larger communities and without a doubt made them a better place for everyone to work and live. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank the Daughters of Penelope for the decades of commitment to our shared ideals. I hope they all enjoy celebrating this exciting milestone.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, yesterday I missed a roll call vote, and I wish to state how I would have voted had I been present: Roll Call No. 671--Yes.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, when I travel around New Hampshire asking constituents what is on their minds, there is no topic more urgent or more personal than combatting the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. I have heard from a senior who is unable to retire because his life is dependent on drugs that cost $3,000 out-of-pocket. I have heard from a mother who shares a painful chronic condition with her daughter and has to decide every month whose prescription to fill because she can't fill both on her fixed income. Americans can no longer afford Big Pharma's runaway costs. That is why I am proud to support H.R. 3, which makes historic reforms to drive down the cost of prescription drugs while expanding and strengthening Medicare. This package also includes my Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs Act, which makes prescription drugs more accessible for seniors. My provision assists low-income seniors by automatically enrolling them in Medicare Part D's subsidy program, ensuring they receive this benefit without jumping through bureaucratic hoops. It is time to deliver transformational change and pass H.R. 3 to ensure the health and well-being of the American people.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of communities across the Nation that have been contaminated with PFAS. PFAS represents a clear and present danger to families in my district, and I am disappointed that certain provisions to protect public health and our environment were abandoned by negotiators of the National Defense Authorization Act. I am encouraged that several PFAS-related provisions were included, like the one I introduced which creates a clearinghouse of information for affected servicemembers and their families and one that phases out the use of PFAS in firefighting foam by 2024. But Congress should have seized the opportunity to go much further in protecting people from these toxic-forever chemicals. Losing provisions for drinking water standards, environmental protections, and cleanup was a shameful missed opportunity. People are getting sick from PFAS contamination, families are scared, and they are looking to us for answers. They need action now, and we must continue to fight for health information, stricter regulations, and mitigation so we can protect families, communities, and the environment from PFAS. This fight is just beginning, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in both parties to pass additional legislation.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, we gathered around the country to honor our veterans to whom we owe a tremendous debt. But sentiments expressed at parades and ceremonies ring hollow if we don't follow our good words with meaningful deeds for those who have served and sacrificed so much. Although the VA has countless care providers and employees who have dedicated their careers to veterans, they work in a system that has serious problems that must be addressed quickly. It is unacceptable that the health network for more than 9 million veterans has remained on the High-Risk List of Federal agencies prone to deficiencies and waste. That is why I introduced the Reducing High Risk to Veterans and Veterans Services Act with my colleague, General Bergman, to improve the management and care at the VA. It is also unacceptable that the VA has not met the needs of a growing number of women veterans. I introduced legislation with Congresswoman Stefanik that will ensure the VA is equipped to provide women veterans with life-changing prosthetics as part of the Deborah Sampson Act. We made a solemn promise to our veterans, and we should be working together every day to fulfill that promise. These pieces of legislation are an important step forward, and I thank my colleagues for supporting these bipartisan bills.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank Boudreau, who is retiring after 45 years of service to the citizens of New Hampshire. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Boudreau has served as a Program Planner for the Southern NH Services, a CETA Program Operations Director, a Member of the NH Job Training Council, SNHS NH Employment Program and, most recently, overseeing SNHS's workforce activities and services to TANF public assistance recipients. Mr. Boudreau has always distinguished himself as a person of the highest integrity and a champion of public service. He received a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Saint Anselm College and a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of New Hampshire. For the better part of the past five decades, Mr. Boudreau has helped support our communities through his critical work at SNHS. He has led programs which assist low income residents of New Hampshire in securing employment, attaining adequate education, and addressing critical needs such as access to quality health care and housing. Throughout his career, Mr. Boudreau's commitment to serving his community has left an indelible impact on countless Granite Staters. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Frank Boudreau for his decades of dedication to our community. I congratulate him on his accomplished public service career, and I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of all Granite Staters to recognize the life and legacy of Elias ``Skip'' Ashooh who passed away this week. He embodied the spirit of the Queen City and left this world too soon. As a lifelong Manchester resident and Saint Anselm College alum, Skip dedicated his career and life to bettering his community. He was a successful businessman, local leader, and philanthropist who never gave up on the potential of Manchester and all its residents. He was a community fixture who loved taking in the downtown area he helped revitalize. As chair of the Manchester Development Corporation, Skip was instrumental in making the civic center project a reality, one of the city's most consequential economic development projects since the industrial revolution. His immense impact was known by all, which is why he was named Citizen of the Year in 2000. I hope we can honor Skip Ashooh's legacy by continuing to work together to move Manchester and New Hampshire forward. I offer condolences to his wife, Gail, the Ashooh family, friends, and all who knew him. May Skip's memory be eternal.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Canterbury Shaker Village and honor the generosity of the Maxine and Richard Morse Endowment Fund for their commitment to both the Shaker Village and for the arts across New Hampshire. The Maxine and Richard Morse Endowment Fund has supported many philanthropic causes across New Hampshire for more than 60 years. Among their most notable efforts was to help support the establishment of the Canterbury Shaker Village. In 1969, the Morses worked with a group of Shaker sisters to provide funds and devise a plan to allow the sisters to remain in their home while also preserving the Shaker history, legacy, and lifestyle for generations to come. From then on, Canterbury Shaker Village Inc. was formed to hold the property, thus enabling the continued celebration and teaching of Shaker legacy, philosophy, and teachings for years to come. To this day, my dear friend, Maxine has spearheaded efforts to protect and preserve the Village as both a Corporator and Trustee. Today, the Canterbury Shaker Village, in addition to be listed as a National Historic Landmark for its architecture, serves as a critical site for teaching people of all generations about the lives and legacy of the Canterbury Shakers. On behalf of our constituents across New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate the Canterbury Shaker Village at the Currier Museum on its 50th anniversary. I thank everyone, especially Maxine and the late Dick Morse, who have been instrumental in its formation and continued flourishing.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the re-opening of the Rex Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire. After 30 years of inactivity, the Rex will re-open its doors to Manchester and the rest of the Granite State. Opened in 1940, the Rex Theatre served as a performance venue until it closed in 1989. In early 2019, after 30 years, the Manchester Development Corporation and Palace Theatre Trust, in collaboration with the City of Manchester, embarked on the tall task of renovating the original location of the Rex with the goal of re-opening in the fall. Only nine months after groundbreaking, the Rex is now re-opening on time and on budget. The re-opening of the Rex will continue Manchester's recent growth as a center for innovation and creativity. As a lifelong Manchester resident, I am excited to see the return ofthis historic Theatre. Venues like the Rex Theatre help us showcase the many creative, passionate, and talented people who call New Hampshire home. I am proud to see investment in our local economy and in the arts in the Granite State through projects such as the revival of the Rex. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Manchester Development Corporation and the Palace Theatre Trust on a successful renovation of the Rex Theatre. Let us celebrate the revival of this historic theater and those who work hard every day to make New Hampshire such a wonderful place to live, learn, and enjoy the arts.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for his words. As well, I thank Mr. Cline for his words in support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 693, the National POW/MIA Flag Act. In May, I had the privilege of visiting America's longest running POW/MIA vigil, in my district, in Meredith, New Hampshire. There, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, participants have been gathering every Thursday evening for more than 30 years to honor and remember servicemembers listed as prisoners of war, missing in action, or otherwise unaccounted for. It doesn't matter if it is a night in the depths of a frigid winter or a sweltering summer, every vigil brings out a strong community of veterans, family members, and supporters who call on all of us to remember these heroes. Vigils like these happen all across this great country to ensure no servicemember's sacrifice is forgotten. Flying over these vigils with the Stars and Stripes is the POW/MIA flag. This flag was conceived in the early 1970s during the Vietnam war by family members who awaited the return of their loved ones. It was adopted by Congress ``as the symbol of our Nation's concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing, and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation.'' It has become an enduring national symbol of POW/MIAs from conflicts throughout our history. That is why I was proud to introduce this bipartisan companion legislation in the House, along with my colleague, Representative Bergman, which would display the POW/MIA flag alongside the American flag at all Federal buildings, memorials, and all national cemeteries throughout the year. Under current law, the POW/MIA flag is required to be displayed by the Federal Government only 6 days per year. This flag is representative of profound courage and sacrifice, and it is only right that those who served their country honorably but never returned home, are remembered appropriately at our Federal buildings, cemeteries, and memorials. This bipartisan legislation passed the Senate unanimously, and it is endorsed by Rolling Thunder; the National League of POW/MIA Families; the Veterans of Foreign Wars; the American Legion; the National Alliance of Families for the Return of America's Missing Servicemen; and American Ex-Prisoners of War. It is fitting that this bill has garnered such a strong show of support. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation, to continue working with a sense of common purpose when it comes to supporting our servicemembers, military families, and veterans. Members of Congress display this flag in front of our Washington and district offices because we believe we must honor the more than 81,000 servicemembers our government says are missing or unaccounted for since World War II. Let's ensure these displays happen across Federal properties throughout the year. Let's ensure the words emblazoned on the POW/MIA flag continue to communicate our support and commitment for our Nation's heroes and their families. You are not forgotten.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend and colleague, Senator Maggie Hassan, for receiving the 2019 New Englander of the Year award from the New England Council. This award recognizes New Englanders who make our region such a wonderful place to live, learn, and grow. Senator Hassan epitomizes all that we should strive for as public servants. Her call to public service is deeply rooted in her belief that everyone, no matter their ability or background, should be able to fully participate in their communities. Senator Hassan knows that when we lift up and empower all members of our community, we can collectively rise higher. First as a New Hampshire State Senator, then as Governor, and now as a United States Senator, Senator Hassan has been a committed public servant and champion in making our communities stronger. During her tenure as governor, I was honored to work under her leadership to expand access to health care and deliver additional resources for treatment and recovery. Now in Washington, I am proud to work with her to address the opioid crisis, foster a more inclusive future, and build a New Hampshire economy that works for everyone. Senator Hassan's steadfast advocacy for our state and region may only be surpassed by one other thing--her passion for our great New England sports team. I could not think of a better recipient of such an award than my colleague, Senator Maggie Hassan. On behalf of our constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate Senator Hassan on this well-deserved honor.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of individuals across New Hampshire and the country who are struggling to afford the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. Across my district, I hear from individuals each and every day about the significant burden and anxiety caused by the exorbitant costs of these prescriptions. That is why I introduced H.R. 4661, the Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs Act, along with Representative Tonko. This is an important addition to H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019, to expand seniors' access to prescription drugs under Medicare part D. This legislation will automatically enroll individuals in part D's subsidy program, known as Extra Help, when they have aged out of Medicaid Expansion. We must continue to ensure that seniors receive access to this earned benefit without having to navigate what can be a complicated process. When seniors arrive at the pharmacy counter, they shouldn't have to worry whether they can afford the medications they need to live with health and with dignity. This legislation is a step toward addressing this injustice, and I urge my colleagues to continue to support efforts to reduce the cost of prescription drugs in a bipartisan fashion and pass this legislation.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Director Donald L. Vittum, who is retiring after nearly 50 years of service to the citizens of New Hampshire. Throughout his distinguished career, Director Vittum has served as a Durham Police Officer, NH State Trooper, Chief of Police for Lebanon and Rochester, and, most recently, as the Director of the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council since 2006. Director Vittum has always distinguished himself as a person of the highest integrity and a champion of law enforcement training. He has received numerous awards, including the 2018 New Hampshire Congressional Law Enforcement Award for Career Service. A graduate of the 139th FBI National Academy, Director Vittum has not only helped keep our communities safe but he has also shared his expertise with the next generation of aspiring community servants by serving as an adjunct professor of criminal justice. Law enforcement today looks very different than when Director Vittum began his career. But Director Vittum's high integrity and commitment to serving his communities have helped him adapt to the changing landscape and remain effective in every position he has held. This commitment has left a lasting impact on the law enforcement community-- in nearly every police department across our state, one can find officers and officials who count Director Vittum as both a mentor and friend. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Director Vittum and his family for their decades of dedication to our community. I congratulate him on his accomplished law enforcement career, and I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of all New Hampshire residents and Americans in support of the Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Act. Christa McAuliffe was a dedicated high school social studies teacher who understood how history is defined by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Christa dared to touch the future as a teacher and as an astronaut. Selected from more than 11,000 applicants for NASA's Teacher in Space Program, she inspired the world and furthered our Nation's commitment to exploration inside and outside the classroom. I remember watching the shuttle launch as a kindergarten student on January 28, 1986, feeling the pride that a New Hampshire teacher from just up the road in Concord was making history. Although Christa McAuliffe and six other souls were tragically lost in the Challenger explosion, her legacy endures. The creation of the commemorative coin is one way we can honor her and all of our educators for opening doors of opportunity and challenging students to succeed. The proceeds from these coins will support FIRST Robotics, a program that is building the next generation of creators, leaders, and dreamers. I urge my colleagues to pass this bipartisan legislation today.