C. Ruppersberger

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I had to miss today's vote due to matters I had to attend to in the district. During that time, I was unable to make Roll Call Votes No. 436 through No. 439. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: YEA on Roll Call No. 436, H.R. 5717 on Motion to Recommit; NAY on Roll Call No. 437, H.R. 5717 on Passage; NAY on Roll Call No. 438, H.J. Res. 136 on Passage; and YEA on Roll Call No. 439, H.R. 9106 on Passage. personal explanation

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I had to miss yesterday's vote due to illness. During that time, I was unable to make Roll Call Votes No. 387 through No. 399. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: NO on Roll Call No. 387, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 388, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 389, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 390, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 391, H. Res. 1376 On Ordering the Previous Question; NO on Roll Call No. 392, H. Res. 1376 On Agreeing to the Resolution; YES on Roll Call No. 393, H. Res 1367 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, As Amended; NO on Roll Call No. 394, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 395, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 396, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 397, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 398, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; and NO on Roll Call No. 399, H.R. 8998 On Passage.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I had to miss yesterday's votes due to illness. During that time, I was unable to make Roll Call Votes No. 359 through No. 386. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: NO on Roll Call No. 359, H. Res. 1370 On Ordering the Previous Question; NO on Roll Call No. 360, H. Res. 1370 On Agreeing to the Resolution; YES on Roll Call No. 361, S. 3706 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass; YES on Roll Call No. 362, S 227 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass; NO on Roll Call No. 363, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 364, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 365, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 366, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 367, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 368, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 369, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 370, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 371, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 372, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 373, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 374, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 375, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 376, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 377, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 378, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 379, H.R. 8997 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 380, H.R. 7887 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended; NO on Roll Call No 381, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 382, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 383, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 384, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; NO on Roll Call No. 385, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment; and NO on Roll Call No. 386, H.R. 8998 On Agreeing to the Amendment.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I had to miss yesterday's vote due to illness. During that time, I was unable to make Roll Call votes No. 356, No. 357 and No. 358. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: YEA on Roll Call No. 356, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, S. 3249 to designate the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas, as the ``Captain Elwin Shopteese VA Clinic''; NO on Roll Call No. 357, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 1631 the Pro Codes Act; and YEA on Roll Call No. 358, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 8812 the Water Resources Development Act.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I had to miss yesterday's vote due to being stuck in traffic. During that time, I was unable to make Roll Call vote No. 219. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: YEA on Roll Call No. 219, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I had to miss yesterday's vote series due to having to attend matters in the district. During that time, I was unable to make Roll Call votes No. 196 and No. 197. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: YEA on Roll Call No. 196, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass the Recruit and Retain Act; and YEA on Roll Call No. 197, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended the Coast Guard Authorization Act.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Major Victoria Maynard for her exemplary dedication to duty and service as an Army Congressional Fellow. Major Maynard will soon transition from the Army Congressional Budget Liaison Office to serve as a Deputy Legislative Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A native of Kentucky, Major Maynard was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Signal Corps from the Morehead State University ROTC program. She earned a bachelor's degree in Geography from Morehead State University and a master's degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. Major Maynard has served in a broad range of assignments during her 14 years as an Army officer, including Platoon Leader and Battalion S6 in the 214th Fires Brigade at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Company Commander and Battalion S6 in the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Knox, Kentucky; a joint planner for NATO in Brunssum, Netherlands; Communications OIC to the USFOR-A Commander; and a Battalion Operations Officer and Executive Officer in the 102nd Signal Battalion in Wiesbaden, Germany. She has also served two combat tours in Afghanistan and one humanitarian tour in Haiti. I had the privilege of working directly with Tori who served as a fellow in my Capitol Hill office in 2022 as well as an Army Liaison this past year. Her professionalism, performance, and commitment to the mission are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and made a lasting impression on both Members of the United States Congress and their staff. Throughout her career, Major Maynard has made a positive impact on soldiers, peers and superiors alike. On a personal level, I had the honor of meeting Major Maynard's husband, who, as with all American military families, shares her selfless commitment to our country. I want to thank her husband, Brian, for the sacrifices he has made in supporting Tori's service to our country as well as his own as an Army Officer. Mr. Speaker, it has been a genuine pleasure to have worked with Major Maynard during the second session of the 117th Congress. Our country has benefited from her extraordinary leadership, judgment and passion for the Army profession. It is with great appreciation that I recognize and commend Major Maynard for her service to our country and wish her all the best as she continues her service in the United States Army.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, the first thing I want to tell the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Mfume) is that I represented Sparrows Point and the Key Bridge for over 20 years. We just had redistricting, and all of a sudden, the gentleman is the new person. He jumped in with both feet, and I appreciate the gentleman's leadership in pulling people together. The funny thing is that the bridge is located in Baltimore City, but Baltimore County is right next to it. I grew up and went to school in the city, and the gentleman went to Turner Station, which is in Baltimore County. It is really, I think, unique that the gentleman is here now to move forward and do whatever he needs to do. He is doing a great job, and I thank him for his leadership and all that he is doing. Mr. Speaker, as I said before, I proudly represented the port for over 20 years until the recent redistricting, so I literally watched the port grow into one of Maryland's and our country's strongest economic engines. Today, the port supports more than 51,000 direct, induced, and indirect jobs and another 346,000 related jobs. These are jobs associated with the cargo moving through the port, companies that export and import cargo through the port, as well as the end-stage businesses like manufacturers and auto dealers. All of this activity generated $5 billion in personal wages and salaries for Marylanders last year alone and brought in $647 million in State and local tax revenues. In total, the economic value of the Port of Baltimore to the State of Maryland just in 2023 was more than $70 billion. Let me say that again: $70 billion. Now, with the development of Tradepoint Atlantic in nearby Sparrows Point at the foot of what was once the Key Bridge, the opportunities for even more employment and economic growth are exponential and unlimited. We are anticipating a tremendous surge in manufacturing jobs as well as jobs in retail and hospitality. That is why we have invested smartly and strategically in the port over the years at the local, State, and Federal levels. We added an impressive 50-foot berth and massive Neo-Panamax container cranes. We upgraded terminals. We are expanding the Howard Street Tunnel so it can handle double-stacked trains going to and from the port with cargo. Last year, the Federal Government awarded the port $47 million for a new roll-on, roll-off pad, an offshore wind project, and other upgrades for the Key Bridge and Port Baltimore. This, of course, was part of the massive investment that came out of the bipartisan infrastructure bill that this body wisely passed in 2021 to help us compete with ports around the world. These investments are paying off in dividends. In fact, last year, while ports nationwide were returning to their prepandemic baselines, the Port of Baltimore was the only U.S. port to see a container volume increase. We handled record cargo. Clearly, investing in our infrastructure is a safe return for our taxpayers. It is creating jobs, making our supply chains more resilient, and curbing inflation. Rebuilding the Key Bridge as quickly and safely as possible is a top priority for me, for our State, and for our country. It is a top priority for the Maryland delegation, and it should be a top priority for all of us. Our delegation will soon be introducing legislation to require the Federal Government to make good on the President's commitment. We thank the President for his commitment, 100 percent, to cover the cost of rebuilding the bridge. We are going to do it quickly, and we have a lot of individuals throughout the country working to do this for us. This is consistent with the catastrophic loss of other major infrastructure elsewhere in the country. There is no time for partisan politics or unreasonable demands. We must pass this quickly together. We also cannot lose sight of the human toll of this unimaginable tragedy. It is not only the port workers who will be unemployed or underemployed but the six construction workers who lost their lives. Our hearts go out to them and their loved ones. They were doing dangerous, gritty work, filling potholes in the middle of the night to support their families and serve their community. They deserve our respect and gratitude. Finally, I thank our Governor for stepping up on the State level, and our local government, our mayor and our Baltimore County Executive, John Olszewski. We really have come together as a team. My hope is that in rebuilding better, we can prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again and prevent other families from experiencing the same grief that families are experiencing right now. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support us in the effort. Mr. Speaker, I have been here for a while. This is my last term. I am not happy with where this Congress is now on both sides of the aisle. They are not working together to get things done. I hope that this negative experience will turn into a positive experience, where Republicans and Democrats will work together for the benefit of the United States of America and for my home of Baltimore.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I had to miss yesterday's vote series due to my attendance at an unscheduled meeting. During that time, I was unable to make roll call votes No. 707, No. 708 and No. 709. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: YEA on Roll Call No. 707, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 3224--Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Extension Act of 2023; YEA on Roll Call No. 708, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 5378--Lower Costs, More Transparency Act; and YEA on Roll Call No. 709, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 6503--Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2023, Part II.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I missed yesterday's vote series due to a family obligation. During that time, I was unable to make Roll Call votes No. 514 and No. 515. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: YEA on Roll Call No. 514--H.R. 2379, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass: To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 616 East Main Street in St. Charles, Illinois, as the ``Veterans of the Vietnam War Memorial Post Office''; and YEA on Roll Call No. 515--H.R. 4502, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended: Modernizing the Acquisition of Cybersecurity Experts Act.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Chair, during today's vote series, I had briefly step outside of the House Chamber. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 155 and ``no'' on rollcall No. 156. Amendment No. 17 Offered by Mr. McCormick

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to celebrate Ms. Mary Gatanas as she reaches a significant milestone in her life-- her 80th birthday. Ms. Gatanas has lived an impressive life up to this juncture. A strong and loving mother to Andrew and Adrienne, grandmother to Tristan, Markella and Tatum, and a devoted military spouse to Major General Harry Gatanas, Mary's selflessness and generosity are a hallmark of every relationship she has forged. As an Army Officer's spouse through 29 years of service, Ms. Gatanas endeavored to leave her mark on every place she and Major General Gatanas were posted--a tall task considering their 24 separate moves. Nonetheless, everywhere she went, she always went above and beyond for the Army families around her. In Germany, as a young spouse, she observed the struggles that other Army families faced finding adequate childcare amidst hectic lives as new parents in a new place. Rather than accepting the status quo, Mary put others first, creating a childcare center on base to minimize at least one stressor for these families willing to uproot their lives to serve our country. Further down the line, on station in New Mexico on the White Sands Missile Range, now the wife of the commanding officer, she once again pushed for improvements on base. Finding that elements of a nutritious diet were hard to come by in this remote location, Ms. Gatanas fought to ensure that fresh produce and dairy products would be available to families in the commissary. Ms. Gatanas was also an activist for military families off-base. She worked diligently to advocate for legislation that would ensure military spouses would be treated equitably in divorce proceedings when it came to accessing military retirement pay. In 1982, her efforts paid off as the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act passed through Congress. Amidst these impressive accomplishments, Mary never wavered on her number one priority--the up-bringing of her son Andrew and daughter Adrienne. This devotion to her loved ones has continued unfettered, as she now relishes the opportunity to shower her grandchildren, Tristan, Markella and Tatum with that same love. Mr. Speaker, it is evident that wherever Ms. Gatanas lived, she became a catalyst for change, working tirelessly to improve the lives of all those around her. She is well-deserving of our praise on this day. I wish Ms. Gatanas a very happy 80th birthday.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate my friend and long-time staff member, Ms. Lynn Yates, on her well-deserved retirement after 20 years of exceptional service to the constituents of Maryland's Second District. Ms. Yates began her career in public service nearly 50 years ago--in 1976--as a scheduler and executive assistant to multiple Baltimore County Executives, including myself, before joining me in Congress in 2003. A Towson, Maryland, native, Ms. Yates graduated from Towson High School, where she was renowned for throwing a ``no hitter'' as the star pitcher for the softball team. She earned a business degree Magna Cum Laude from Towson University, while minoring in art. She later received her Master's in Public Administration from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. In addition to many athletic pursuits--she was once one of Baltimore County's premier female dirt track racers--Ms. Yates has cultivated a lifelong passion for the outdoors. An avid hiker, skier, camper and kayaker, Ms. Yates has visited nearly every National Park in the country. She is a dedicated conservationist and does her part to reduce waste, while inspiring others to as well, so that future generations may experience the same joy she has found in the great outdoors. Beyond her academic and athletic endeavors, Ms. Yates is one of the most knowledgeable and compassionate Congressional caseworkers who has ever worked with our team. Throughout her long and distinguished career, Ms. Yates has helped thousands of Second District constituents, many of which are among the most vulnerable members of our community, including seniors, disabled individuals and the recently-widowed. Her grasp of the extremely-complicated Social Security and Medicare systems have made her a go-to resource amongst her peers. Simply put, I believe she is the best in the country when it comes to helping constituents understand and access the assistance to which they are entitled. Mr. Speaker, there is no way to quantify the numbers of letters, calls and messages I have received over the years from grateful constituents who have received successful outcomes thanks to Ms. Yates' dedication and skill. Maryland's Second District will truly miss Lynn's expertise and empathy as she transitions to a well-earned retirement. On behalf of myself, Ms. Yates' coworkers and the entire Second District of Maryland, I thank her for a job well done. I will be forever grateful for her service and, most importantly, her friendship. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor the career of Ms. Lynn Yates and her commitment to public service.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Major Cody Rush for his exemplary dedication to duty and service as an Army Congressional Fellow and the Army House Liaison Division. Major Rush is transitioning to the Army Reserves, where he will serve as a Legislative Liaison in the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserves. Hailing from Christiansburg, Virginia, Major Rush was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant from the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets as an Armor Officer. He later transitioned to the Signal Corps. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Virginia Tech, a Master's Degree in Information Technology Management from Webster University, and a Master's Degree in Legislative Affairs from The George Washington University. Major Rush has served in wide-ranging assignments during his 11 years as an Army officer including Tank and Scout Platoon Leader and Battalion S6 in the lst Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, Battalion S6 and Company Commander in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Legislative Liaison in Washington, D.C. He served one combat deployment to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division and served in the first Regionally Aligned Combined Arms Battalion in the Korean. Peninsula. I had the privilege of working directly with Major Rush, who first served as a fellow in my office during the challenging year of 2020 and during his succeeding assignment as an Army Liaison until 2022. His professionalism, performance and commitment to the mission, as both a fellow and liaison, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and made a lasting impression with Members and staff of the United States Congress. Throughout his career, Major Rush has positively impacted soldiers, peers and superiors alike. Our country has benefited from his leadership,judgment and passion for the Army profession. The foundation of Cody's success is his family. His wife, Tiffany, his daughter, Abigail, and son, Jackson, are the lights of his life. I thank Tiffany, Abigail and Jackson for their sacrifices in supporting Major Rush's service to our country. Madam Speaker, it has been a genuine pleasure to have worked with Major Rush since the second session of the 116th Congress. It is with great appreciation that I recognize and commend Major Rush for his service to our country and wish him all the best as he continues his service in the United States Army.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, due to my attendance at an unscheduled meeting, I was unable to make Roll Call vote No. 328. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on Roll Call No. 328, H.R. 7900, On Agreeing to the Amendment.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 2022 National Championship winning University of Maryland Men's Lacrosse Team. This past season, Coach Tillman led the Terrapins to an undefeated 18-0 record. As a former University of Maryland lacrosse player, myself, I am proud to recognize this most outstanding achievement. I include in the Record a poem, penned by another former Terp, 1975 National Champion Bert Caswell. To Be the Best: All in Perfection's Quest (By Bert Caswell) In every sport, on every team on fields of green . . . The Greatest Wish as seen ``The need for speed'' Top Gun . . . to be the best top gun, to become the slayer on fields of green to greatness run! ``Watch it'' 21 Pilots In ``The Danger Zone . . . the need for speed'' Top Gun . . . you own. The dream you dream on fields of green, like a lion defending their lair ``Ba ba bad to the bone'' George Thorogood In the heat of battle with your warrior's heart terminating all on the scene ``We don't deal with outsiders very well, they say they have a certain smell . . . watch it'' 21 Pilots The only thing that counts, National champions above all the rest Upon, that Altar of Greatness few will crest Holding that Trophy high, with tear's of joy in eyes no greater quest Watch it! 21 Pilots Awards pale in comparison not even second best A bond between A Band of Brothers which ever rests Throughout a lifetime this love story grow's for all who've passed that test. ``Team'' is really what it's takes to be the best. ``Watch it'' 21 Pilots From preseason to Championship game, working your gluts off to fulfill that dream Fighting through thick and thin, throughout injuries as naysayer's try to get under your skin, In ``your need for speed'' Top Gun and NCAA gold popped the clutch Led by a Great Coach and staff turning boys to men, In The Game of Life teaching them what means so much Dream time, this true Native American sport, from the Haudenosaunee all heart's so touch To challenge every Woman and Man to greatness stand In harms way in this game of power, speed, skill, grit, and might, such courage demands. Where, you run like the wind to find out if you're a Woman's Woman, or a Man's Man to greatness clutch To rein hell fire down on your opponents, and carry that crosse like in days of yore as such. Terp's ``in your need for speed'' Top Gun, toward greatness sped creating your own folklore GOLD RUSH Undefeated Fast breaking To sweet perfection, ``Scheduled for termination'' . . . Arnold Schwarzenegger Facing off against history as you decleated to greatness rush. ``Watch it!'' 21 Pilots ``Maximus . . . what you do echoes in eternity'' Gladiator, As The Lacrosse World live's in fear. ``Fear the turtle'' at least be concerned ``Crystal? Clear!'' A Few Good Men We'll see you next year. ``We don't deal with outsiders very well, they say they have a certain smell'' ``Watch it'' 21 Pilots.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, due to my attendance at an Appropriations hearing, I was unable to make rollcall vote No. 280. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress Allred (Takano) Bonamici (Manning) Bourdeaux (Correa) Bush (Takano) Carter (LA) (Williams (GA)) Carter (TX) (Weber (TX)) Cohen (Beyer) Connolly (Beyer) Costa (Correa) Crist (Wasserman Schultz) Davis, Danny K. (Gomez) DeSaulnier (Beyer)

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the fruitful United States-Egypt partnership. The year 2022 marks 100 years of diplomatic relations between our two nations. As co-chair of the U.S. House of Representatives' Friends of Egypt Caucus, I believe it is of paramount importance that we commemorate this partnership rooted in shared commitments to peace, stability and prosperity. As such, I include in the Record this Newsweek article, entitled ``Let's Continue to Strengthen the Egypt-U.S. Partnership'' published on April 18, 2022, and penned by Ambassador of Egypt to the United States, Mr. Motaz Zahran. In this piece, Ambassador Zahran details how cooperation between the U.S. and Egypt has bolstered multilateral support for Ukraine, strengthened counterterrorism efforts in the Middle East and enabled COVID-19 care to reach vulnerable populations. As President Joe Biden and leaders on Capitol Hill manage the geopolitical crisis in Ukraine, the Egypt-U.S. national security partnership recently came into the national spotlight. In the U.S. Congress, an overwhelming majority of U.S. decision makers once again recognized the importance of strategic allies such as Egypt and approved the sale of aircrafts and military hardware that will allow Egypt and the U.S. to undertake missions in the interests of both countries, working toward achieving stability in the Middle East and North Africa. This latest sale debated in Congress specifically concentrated on C-130 military transport airplanes. Egypt already possesses a fleet of those airframes previously obtained from the U.S. However, like all military hardware, those airplanes have a shelf life and need constant refurbishment and replacement. It is therefore logical to be looking at our partners in the U.S. for that, especially given the central role the C-130 plays in our common interests. Egyptian C-130s carried 35,000 Egyptian troops to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with American troops liberating Kuwait during the 1990s. In 2003, the same fleet carried an Egyptian field hospital to Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, providing medical services to both the alliance personnel as well as Afghan people. The fleet of C-130 have carried Egyptian peacekeepers deployed to some of the most dangerous hotspots in the world at a great danger to themselves, and unfortunately with several causalities including most recently in Mali a few short weeks ago. The C-130s have also allowed us to provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance to disaster zones in Sudan, Somalia and deliver masks and personal protection gears to the U.S. medical community during the worse days of the outbreak of COVID-19. We hope to do more as we replenish our fleet. But those aircrafts are not the only fruits of cooperation between our two militaries. The Egyptian military is also actively involved in supporting the safe passage of U.S. naval vessels through the Suez Canal. One of our core responsibilities is to safeguard navigation in the Suez Canal--through which 12 percent of global trade flows. Our commitment to providing maritime security extends to the Mediterranean and Red Seas, where we actively work with partners to safeguard the flow of commerce. The depth of the Egypt-U.S. military partnership is exemplified by Exercise Bright Star, which witnesses hundreds of U.S. military personnel join their Egyptian counterparts in what is regarded as the most significant biennial military exercise in the Middle East and Mediterranean region. Egypt, the U.S. and our allies are ready to respond swiftly to crises in the region together because of these exercises. Egypt has committed itself to being a secure and stable country despite the turmoil in nearby states. The Egyptian military has been successful in fighting terrorist offshoots of ISIS and acts as a deterrent force against would-be aggressors. Civil conflict has plagued Yemen, Syria and Libya while Egypt remains a stable and prosperous country. Moreover, our stability and security has enabled us to play a leading role in pushing for elections in Libya and calling for the expulsion of foreign mercenaries who only cause chaos and suffering. The Egyptian government has taken substantial strides to advance and promote human rights. In the past few months, Egypt launched its first ever National Strategy for Human Rights, a blueprint that puts forward a comprehensive approach to advance human rights. Laws advancing women's rights and providing opportunities for their equal participation in civic society have been introduced--we are moving forward and setting an example for the region. The State of Emergency, which was necessary to quell terrorism in the country, has been suspended. This is in large part due to the successful cooperation between Egypt and the U.S. in disrupting terrorist networks on our borders. New laws that facilitate the work of local and foreign NGOs operating in Egypt, as well as moves to promote religious freedom, will build a pluralistic civil society that is secure and stable for all Egyptians. Egypt's rock-solid commitment to its people resonates and reverberates at each crossroad. In an era of great power competition, instability in Eastern Europe, tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and proliferation concerns in the Middle East, we welcome the bipartisan support of the U.S. Congress as work to replenish our aging military equipment.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the exemplary service of Lieutenant Colonel Courtney Kiluk as an Army Congressional Fellow and Army Legislative Liaison. Lieutenant Colonel Kiluk is transitioning from her current assignment to taking command of the Army Aviation Battalion-Japan. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Lieutenant Colonel Kiluk was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in Aviation from the Purdue University ROTC program. She also earned a Master's Degree in Organizational Business and Security Management from Webster University, and a Master's Degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. Lieutenant Colonel Kiluk has served in a broad range of assignments during her 18 years as an Army officer, including Platoon Leader at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia; Company Commander at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Korea and Hickam Army Airfield, Hawaii; Brigade Executive Officer at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and Legislative Liaison in Washington, D.C. She also has served two combat deployments in Iraq and one combat tour in Afghanistan. I have had the privilege of working directly with Lieutenant Colonel Kiluk, first as a fellow in my Capitol Hill office from 2017 until 2018. Her professionalism, performance and commitment to the mission, as both a fellow and liaison, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and made a lasting impression to both Members and staff of the United States Congress. Throughout her career, Lieutenant Colonel Kiluk has positively impacted soldiers, peers and superiors alike. On a personal level, I have had the honor of also meeting Lieutenant Colonel Kiluk's family, who, as with all American military families, share her selfless commitment to our country. I thank her husband, Josh, as well as her children, Andrew and Luke, for their sacrifices made in supporting her service to our country, Madam Speaker, it has been a genuine pleasure to have worked with Lieutenant Colonel Kiluk since the second session of the 113th Congress. Our country has benefited from her extraordinary leadership, judgment and passion for the Army profession. It is with great appreciation that I recognize and commend Lieutenant Colonel Kiluk for her service to our country and wish her all the best as she continues her service in the United States Army.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the exemplary service of Lieutenant Colonel Anthony William's as a Department of Defense legislative fellow. LTC Williams is transitioning from his current assignment in my office to serve as an Army Legislative Liaison for Intelligence in the Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison, Programs Division. Born in Seoul, Republic of Korea, LTC Williams was commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer from Louisiana State University in 2004. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering from Louisiana State University, his Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Rhode Island and is currently attaining his Master of Professional Studies in Legislative Affairs at George Washington University. LTC Williams served in a broad range of assignments within the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, mostly with the 75th Ranger Regiment. He served seven total combat deployments in Iraq, Turkey-and Afghanistan. He most recently served as the Senior Intelligence Officer for the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Syria in Turkey, assisting partnered forces and conducting counterterrorist missions. While too numerous to mention in their entirety, LTC Williarnss military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. I have had the privilege of working directly with LTC Williams as a fellow in my Capitol Hill office over the last year, LTC Williams' professionalism, performance and commitment to his work in my office were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and made a lasting impression on both myself and his Capitol Hill coworkers. We will all miss him tremendously. I have also had the pleasure of meeting LTC Williamss family, who shares his selfless commitment to our country. I thank his wife, Tanya, as well as his two children, Liam and Leona, for their sacrifices made in supporting his service. Madam Speaker, throughout his career, LTC Williams has positively impacted soidiers, peers and his superiors. He is a model Army Officer and our country has benefited from his extraordinary leadership and passion for our Armed Forces. It is with great appreciation that I recognize and commend LTC Williams for his commitment to our country and wish him all the best as he continues his Army service.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of All American Lacrosse Player from The University of Maryland's National Championship teams Mid-fielder, Roger Tuck, who passed away recently. I ask that this poem penned in his honor by fellow teammate Albert ``Bert'' Carey Caswell be included in the Record. Roger That, He Was Born to Run (By Albert ``Bert'' Carey Caswell) ``be a simple kind of man, oh be someone you love and understand'' Lynyrd Skynyrd A gentle giant, Roger Tuck was ``Born To Run'' . . . Bruce Springsteen, on fields of green his Mother's son As a Father, Husband, Grandfather, Teammate, and Son such a loving man this one ``And you're not going to catch me no, not going to catch me The Midnight Rider'' . . . Marshall Tucker In Dundalk, him and his best friend The Dynamic Duo Dale Rothe were High School Lax stars the world had stunned Built for power and speed, this Maryland Mid-fielder carried a big cannon a gun While, his opponents were ``Hiding On The Backstreets''. . . Bruce Springsteen, staying away from this one The year was 1975, and The Maryland Terrapins were barely ``Staying Alive'' Bee Gees as it all begun Armed with such fire power and ``Beef'' that year, their opponents thought another championship would be won Beset by injuries living on ``The Dark Side Of The Moon'' Pink Floyd, some thought we were done When, Easy Ed who had led the attack, with a knee injury wasn't coming back, we were down one Coach Beardmore said no fear, ``going take freight train, climb the highest mountain'' Marshall Tucker ``can't you see'' ``can't you see, whoa can't you see, Marshall Tucker, National Champ's Rog with your help we'll be ``doing the deed'' . . . Tulls With his buddies Radebaugh, Urso, and Tuck,

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I was unable to make Roll Call vote No. 277 as I was required to preside over a subcommittee hearing. Had I been present, I would have voted YES to Roll Call No. 277, Mfume of Maryland Part C Amendment No. 26.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor the first Minister of Finance for the Republic of Kosovo and former Kosovo Ambassador to Japan, Mr. Ahmet Shala, on earning his Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Leadership from James Madison University. Mr. Shala was one of the first entrepreneurs to establish his own business in Kosovo, where he founded The Cambridge School, which is considered one of the leading institutions for English Language Teaching in Kosovo. Mr. Shala began his career in public service when he was named the Deputy Managing Director at the Kosovo Trust Agency, where he was responsible for directing and managing the privatization of Kosovo's socially-owned enterprises. He later became the co-head of the Department of Trade and Industry, where he developed strategies and procedures for commercialization, again helping to transform Kosovo's socially-owned enterprises into private-sector development. After being named the first Minister of Economy and Finance for the Republic of Kosovo in 2008, Mr. Shala laid the building blocks of the country's current economic system and successfully coordinated Kosovo's membership to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in 2009. Mr. Shala ran the Ministry of Finance until 2012, when he was appointed Kosovo's Ambassador to Japan. After serving as Ambassador, Mr. Shala continued his service to the international community as a lecturer and professor in European and American educational institutions such as the London School of Economics, James Madison University and Harvard University. Since losing family and friends to the horrific war crimes committed during the Kosovo War, he has been an avid human rights advocate and works to provide a voice for those facing oppression by expanding access to doctoral and master's program opportunities. At James Madison University, Mr. Shala has worked to ease tensions in the Balkan region by improving the quality of education in Kosovo and by partnering Kosovar students with high-impact graduate programs in the United States. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Former Ambassador Shala for his academic accomplishments along with his distinguished service to Kosovo, the United States and the global community.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Mr. Will Baker as he retires after more than 40 years as director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), the nation's premier nonprofit Bay watchdog. Guided by its mission to ``Save the Bay,'' the CBF strives to ensure that future generations may have the privilege of enjoying this national treasure. Mr. Baker began his career at the CBF as an intern in 1976, shortly after graduating from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Just five years later, in 1981, he was appointed as the organization's next president. Under his leadership, the foundation has grown from a small organization with three staffers to the nation's largest independent conservation organization dedicated solely to saving the Chesapeake Bay. The CBF now boasts 300,000 members and 200 employees in offices located in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. CBF oversees 16 separate environmental education centers throughout the region that host an award-winning program that has provided meaningful watershed experiences to more than 1 million students. With Mr. Baker at the helm, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has received well-deserved recognition for its outstanding work. Most notably, the CBF received the 1992 Presidential Medal for Environmental Excellence, the nation's most prestigious environmental accolade. Mr. Baker has been recognized by organizations too numerous to mention in their entirety. He has received honorary degrees from the University of Baltimore, Washington College and St. Mary's College. He was presented the Circle of Excellence Award by The Daily Record, named to Baltimore Magazine's Power 50, and received the Speaker's Medallion from the Maryland House of Delegates. Outside of his work for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Mr. Baker has contributed his time and talents as a member of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Executive Committee, as a trustee to the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance and as a member of the Board of Visitors to the University of Maryland Baltimore County. On a personal note, I have deeply enjoyed getting to know and working with Mr. Baker over the years. He is not just a passionate and effective steward of one of our nation's most precious resources, he is a kind and decent person. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me today to honor the career of Mr. Will Baker. His commitment to the betterment of his community and to the Chesapeake Bay should serve as an example to us all.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize the Honorable Jane Hannan on the occasion of her retirement from her role as President and CEO of the Wilson Center after nearly a decade in leadership. The Wilson Center is the nation's leading non- partisan policy forum tackling global issues through independent research and open dialogue. As the Wilson Center's first female Director, President and CEO, Ms. Hannan leveraged her deep connections across the political spectrum-- including lawmakers, global leaders and foreign dignitaries--to ensure the Wilson Center is poised for continued success and growth. Under her leadership, the Wilson Center was named the ``number one'' regional studies think tank in the world. Ms. Harman created the Global Women's Leadership Initiative, which works to accelerate global progress towards equal participation in policy and political leadership among women. She revamped the Center and successfully oversaw the transition of the Wilson Quarterly from a print-only publication to an all-digital, award-winning interactive publication reaching thousands of listeners and viewers during the Coronavirus Pandemic. A native of Los Angeles and a product of local public schools, Ms. Harman graduated from Smith College and began her long and remarkable career in public service as a staffer for U.S. Senator John V. Tunney until she transitioned to President Jimmy Carter's Administration as Special Counsel to the Department of Defense and as Deputy Secretary of the Cabinet. In 1992, Ms. Harman was elected to represent the constituents of California's 36th Congressional District as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives where she became a pillar of bipartisanship and an internationally recognized authority on U.S. and global security issues. She served on all major security committees, including six years on the Armed Services Committee and eight years on both the House Intelligence Committee and the House Committee on Homeland Security. I became good friends with Ms. Harman when she was the ranking member of the Intelligence Committee and experienced first-hand her excellent leadership and mentorship as we traveled to some of the world's most dangerous places. Representative Hannan received awards and accolades too numerous to mention in their entirety. I am honored to call Ms. Harman a personal friend and proud of what the Wilson Center has accomplished under her leadership. On behalf of my constituents and all American citizens, I thank her for her service to our nation and I wish her the best of luck in all future endeavors.