Patrick Ryan

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Florida for the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of my Hudson Valley community to honor the memories of the community members we lost on October 7 and to plead and to demand the safe return of all of the Hudson Valley families and friends still held hostage by Hamas. Judith and Gadi Haggai, who you can see behind me, are both dual American and Israeli citizens, Judith was born in the Hudson Valley in Goshen, New York, in Orange County. On October 7, Judith and Gadi were on their usual morning walk around Kibbutz Nir Oz when they were ambushed by Hamas, shot, and the last location of their phone was traced to Gaza. Judith and Gadi are not combatants or soldiers. They are a schoolteacher and a musician. They are peace-loving people whose only crime was being Jewish. Their niece, Ofri, took a one-way flight to the United States, came to my office, and made two powerful requests: Never allow our country to forget her aunt and her uncle and to fight with everything that we have to bring them back. I promised her I would do that, and I stand here today to honor that commitment. Mr. Speaker, I served 27 months in combat. Our rule was that we never leave a fallen sister or brother behind. I ask all to not forget Judith and Gadi, and I refuse, and I know my fellow Americans refuse to leave behind our Hudson Valley brothers and sisters. Tragically, the Haggais are not the only Hudson Valley family grieving. Maurice Shnaider of Kingston, New York, my hometown, lost his sister, Margit, and his brother-in-law, Yosi, in these barbaric attacks. While we honor their loss, it is impossible to mourn properly while the fate of their daughter, Shiri, and their grandsons, Ariel and Kfir, hang in the balance--Ariel, 4, Kfir, 10 months old. My children, my two boys, Theo and Cameron, are 4 and 1. I cannot think every night as I put my boys to bed of anything other than the faces of the Bibas family. These are not prisoners of war. These are children, babies ripped away from their home and taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. This is pure, unadulterated evil. To the Haggai family, the Bibas family, to their friends, to my whole community, to every Jewish person worried about their safety amidst the historic rise in anti-Semitism, know this: We are here for you, we see you, and we will not give up until every single hostage comes home safely.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 581. Amendment No. 91 Offered by Mr. Gosar

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in defense of the Hudson River in New York State. For too long, too many that have enough wealth and enough power have gotten away with dumping toxic materials into our river, putting their profits ahead of the health and safety of our families. Now those same forces are at it again, attempting an end around maneuver that would turn our precious Hudson River into a parking lot for dangerous barges carrying oil, asphalt, and other toxic materials. To be very clear, this presents a clear and present danger to our community, and we must and we will stop it. Mr. Speaker, that is why I demanded that the Coast Guard uphold the anchoring ban on the Hudson River and why I am calling on every single Hudson Valley resident to join me in this fight to protect our river. This is where my kids and your kids and grandkids play. It is where we get our drinking water for over 100,000 of our residents. It is the lifeblood of our community, not a parking lot for big corporations looking to make even more money. We owe it to our kids, our seniors, and our future generations to fight for our river with everything that we have.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Michael Benenati for his long and distinguished career in the field of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the Hudson Valley. Michael's career began in 1977 when he certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in New York State. While a full-time student at The Pennsylvania State University, he worked as a crew chief and medical receptionist for the University Ambulance Service, responding to emergencies on campus and in the surrounding community. In 1987, Michael received his certification as a paramedic in New York State. He has worked part-time in Mobile Life Support and as Emergency Dispatcher for Ulster County ever since. Michael has served as an important leader in EMS in the Hudson Valley. From 1998 to 2004, Michael worked as the Captain of New Paltz Rescue Squad. Since 2004, he has served as EMS Administrator for the LaGrange Fire District. Michael has also been a tenacious and effective advocate for needed improvements to EMS in the Hudson Valley and across the country. As leader of the New York State EMS Council Sustainability Technical Advisory Group, he spearheaded a review of challenges faced by EMS and potential solutions. The group's recommendations were compiled in the NYS 2023 Evidence Based EMS Agenda for the Future, a nationally recognized blueprint for the future of EMS. Michael has been lauded for his important contributions to the field of EMS. He has been recognized time and again by the State of New York, Ulster County, New York State EMS Council, Hudson Valley Regional EMS Councils, New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association, and the EMS Councils of both Ulster and Dutchess Counties, among others. Most recently, Michael received the Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award from the New York State EMS Council in honor of his decades-long career serving Hudson Valley communities and advocating for fellow EMS workers. Michael is a true public servant who exemplifies the very best of our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Michael Benenati. It is my privilege to rise in recognition of his extraordinary career.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Sky Top tower on the Mohonk Preserve in Ulster County, New York. For over a century, Sky Top has been a testament to our region's natural beauty and a symbol of home for many in the New Paltz area. In 1870, the twins Albert and Alfred Smiley constructed the original Sky Top tower on the grounds of the Mohonk Mountain House resort. Although severe weather and fires destroyed the original tower, it was rebuilt three times. The fourth and current iteration of Sky Top, built in 1923 as a memorial to Albert Smiley, celebrates its 100th birthday this year. Located on a high point of land overlooking Lake Mohonk, Sky Top provides a view of nearby states New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Over the years, the tower has been a beacon for hikers and nature lovers from New York and all over the country. Today, Sky Top stands as a symbol of the collaboration and determination of our community. Sky Top owes its continued existence to the commitment and hard work of countless individuals who have contributed to the project over the decades. Among them are the Smiley brothers, stonemasons John and Frank Lawrence, architect Francis Allen, and Charles Miller, who led the committee to construct the current tower. Their efforts embody our shared history and our commitment to preserving our community's abundant natural wonders. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring this enduring landmark and the hard work of the community that sustains it.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Raymond Lopez on being named ``Knight of the Year'' by the Knights of Columbus Council No. 444. Raymond was born in New York City on September 18, 1941. After graduating from Harren High School, he worked in the city's Garment District. In 1960, Ray enlisted in the Army and served his country honorably for four years, one of which he served in Vietnam. Upon returning home, Ray married the love of his life, Gloria, on June 27, 1964. He went on to work as a parking lot supervisor for the Museum of Natural History and LaGuardia Airport. Ray then began the position of railroad clerk for the New York City Transit Authority, before receiving a promotion to collecting agent on the money train. Ray retired from the Transit Authority after 22 years of service in 1990. Ray then began working in the Hudson Valley at New York Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, New York. Ray joined the Monsignor Henry O'Carroll Council No. 444 of the Knights of Columbus in Newburgh, N.Y. Council No. 444 was established on September 5, 1899, and currently has over 150 members. Ray quickly moved up the ranks and became a third-degree knight and served Council No. 444 as Grand Knight from 2020 to 2022. This year, Council No. 444 is honoring Ray for his service to the Knights of Columbus by recognizing him as ``Knight of the Year.'' The Knights of Columbus Council No. 444 have worked tirelessly to support food pantries, disaster relief, assistance to the homeless in the community, vocations development, the Special Olympics, and many more worthy nonprofits. I am honored to recognize Raymond Lopez's many contributions he has made to the Council and our community. In addition to his work at the Knight of Columbus, Ray is a dedicated husband to his wife, Gloria, and loving father to his 2 children, Annette and Raymond Jr. He is also the proud grandfather of 6 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Raymond Lopez. It is my privilege to rise in recognition of his service to our country and our community.

Mr RYAN

Mr RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. Jerome ``Jerry'' A. Vandemark of Huguenot, N.Y., a devoted husband; beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle; dedicated public servant; and cherished friend, who passed away at home with his family by his side on July 24, 2023. Jerome Vandemark was born on May 12, 1954, in Middletown, N.Y. to the late Joseph T. Vandemark and the late Eleanor Simon Vandemark. He married the love of his life, Louise Burch, 48 years ago on November 16, 1974, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Jerry worked as a Transportation Supervisor for the New York State Department of Transportation in Middletown, N.Y. He also worked in the rubble during the September 11 recovery efforts. He was passionate about his community, serving as a past Chairman of the Deerpark Recreational Committee, New York State Democratic Committee Person, and a member of the Town of Deerpark Democratic Committee. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Steven Burch. He is survived by his wife Louise; children Michael and Stephanie; grandchildren Alexandra, Sophia, Theona, Mikaela and Jacob; brother John and his wife Nancy; sisters JoAnn, Ruth, and Jodie and her husband Dominick; brothers-in-law Joseph Burch and his wife Kanda, and Andrew; sister-in-law JoAnn; good friends Susan Burch and Michael Witt, who was like a son. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the life and legacy of Mr. Jerome A. Vandemark. It is my privilege to rise in recognition of his accomplishments and to honor his memory.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment, which increases Army construction funding by $103 million to address extensive flood damage at the United States Military Academy at West Point. A few weeks ago on July 9, New York's Hudson Valley, along with other parts of the Northeast, was devastated by a once-in-a-millennium flood that saw nearly 10 inches of torrential rainfall arrive on the Hudson Valley in just a few hours, washing away homes of our military families, devastating roads, businesses in the surrounding community, and tragically costing the life of a young woman in the surrounding community just outside West Point. My alma mater, the United States Military Academy at West Point, was hit particularly hard. I have been on the ground multiple times seeing the damage firsthand, along with colleagues from both sides of the aisle, to assess the extent of the damage. We have decimated roads, collapsed cliffside routes, compromising damage to barracks, bridges, and facilities critical to carrying out the vital mission of the United States Military Academy at West Point. In particular, I draw attention to the fact that all of the enlisted soldier barracks, serving hundreds of enlisted soldiers at the garrison have been completely destroyed. There is nowhere for these soldiers on post to live, causing a cascading effect and a real housing crunch across the post. As of this moment, the cost estimates to rebuild are increasing each day, presently topping out at over $100 million. As we know, West Point serves a mission-critical role in our Nation's national security--the world's premier leadership institute, creating leaders and shaping the future of our Nation's Army. This institution made myself, many of my colleagues across the aisle, and many others of our Nation, into leaders. We cannot stand by during this time of need for such a critical national security resource. Allowing West Point to be hamstrung by such significant damage imperils our military readiness, and we must ensure the institution has the resources it needs to urgently repair and rebuild and get back to their mission. Mr. Chair, I urge the support of my colleagues throughout the Congress, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, I thank my colleagues for the bipartisan support of this critical amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Lance Corporal (ret.) John E. DeVoll, Sr., of New Paltz, N.Y., a devoted partner; beloved father, grandfather, and uncle; proud U.S. Marine and Vietnam War Era veteran; and cherished friend, who passed away in Poughkeepsie, New York, on December 5, 2022. John DeVoll was born on November 30, 1944, in Staten Island, N.Y., to the late John ``Jack'' and Agnes (Bennett) DeVoll. He worked in security for Iron Mountain. Previously he worked as a night manager at Shoprite and manager at the International Pancake House, and worked with his parents in their family restaurants, Cherri's I and II, in High Falls, N.Y. Lance Corporal DeVoll was a U.S. Marine who served his country with the 1st Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division, 5th Marine Division (Fleet Marine Force) during the Vietnam War. For his service, he received awards including two Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge (M-14 Rifle). LCPL DeVoll was a selfless and faithful patriot. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Margaret Brandow, Barbara Hasbrouck, and Jacqueline Santowski, former wife Dorothy DeVoll, longtime companion Katherine Wagner, and stepson Billy Jo. He is survived by his children John Jr., Melissa Jennifer and her husband Rasheed Sr., and Michael; stepchildren Coleen and her husband Joseph Sr., and Kathy; grandchildren Anthony, Nicholas, Ava, Rasheed Jr., Ramya, Joe Jr., Damyn, Kaitlyn, Kaylona, Jerome, Christopher, Brittany Johnathan and Miranda. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the accomplishments and legacy of Lance Corporal (ret.) John E. DeVoll. It is my privilege to rise in recognition of his service and to honor his memory.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 333.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, I thank my colleague for his service. Mr. Chair, I rise as a proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a representative of the academy today. Whether my colleagues want to recognize it or not, particularly those on the far right, we have an increasingly growing diverse force. As Mr. Kim said, unit cohesion, we can all agree, is essential and critical, both in the heat of battle and in training and preparation. This amendment would unequivocally, as you heard from retired military officers across the world, weaken unit cohesion. Even the considerably--to be generous--conservative Supreme Court has recognized the distinct interests of these service academies in the Court's recent decision that came down just a few weeks ago. We have made great strides at the academies with a focus and bipartisan commitment for decades. West Point has gone from 20 percent to 36 percent cadets of minority backgrounds, and the Naval Academy from 19 percent to 37 percent, but we still have work to do to achieve unit cohesion.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, there are a lot of buzz words, complicated sub- working groups and weaponization and all of this sort of language that may hide what is happening here, but I want to be crystal clear about what this amendment does. As someone who served in uniform proudly in two combat deployments, this weakens our military. It weakens our national security because it essentially tries to sweep back under the rug what is a growing, more dramatic problem of extremism of many kinds within our Department of Defense, something that has had bipartisan agreement. Rather than keeping that bipartisan, sober tenor to the debate, this amendment hypocritically, in my opinion, actually politicizes it by referring it to, unfortunately, a subcommittee that is, I think, broadly known to operate in that way. Let's be clear about what is happening in our Department of Defense. Bias, discrimination, hate, and extremism threaten the safety of all communities and institutions, and our military is no exception. I think we can all agree that one extremist in the ranks is one too many. The U.S. intelligence community's annual threat assessment once again concluded transnational racially and ethnically motivated violent extremists continue to pose the most lethal threat to U.S. persons and interests and a significant threat to a number of U.S. allies and partners. The Countering Extremism Working Group has functioned exactly as intended. It should continue its work to ensure that extremism has no place in our military. They are doing good, necessary work. We must continue to, as Members of Congress and Americans, hold the principle that this work should be nonpartisan. It should not be under the sort of heated politicized rhetoric that I fear this amendment would put it under. I stand in strong opposition and encourage my colleagues to vote against this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, this is not a Democrat or Republican thing. This is about the American people having pride in and sending the message to all members, the millions of members in the Department of Defense, that we are proud of them, we support them, we support the work that our Department of Defense is doing, and we are not intending to politicize it in the way that this amendment does. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, what is clear when you see how this weaponization of the Federal Government subcommittee has operated, sadly, to me as someone who loves our country, it has become a deeply partisan body. With all due respect to my colleague, I don't agree with her characterization in any way. The other piece here that is not being spoken about, anti-Semitism and violent White nationalism are on the rise in the Department of Defense, and this working group is directly focused on countering that. Politicizing that work undercuts that important work, puts our troops at risk, and puts our national security at risk. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, I am prepared to close and wrap this up.

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, in brief, while I understand the spirit of what my colleague is saying, there has to be reasonable lines at which we cannot say there is unlimited resources to dedicate to unlimited oversight of every conspiracy theory that may be out there. I would reassert in closing, dealing with extremism cannot be about political or ideological litmus tests but practical threats to the operations and values of our military. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks), the ranking member of our Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington State (Mr. Larsen).

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, with respect to my colleague and alum of a United States military academy, I respectfully disagree. I think at this moment when our allies and our entire alliance is engaged in direct hot war is a moment where we have to have our allies' backs, where we have to lead by assuming some risk and hoping and pushing and nudging our allies to follow. I do respect the spirit of what my colleague is saying, but in the heat of battle is not the time to question our allies or to back away from our allies. In fact, as my colleagues have said, it is the moment to lean in and strengthen our alliance, bolster our alliance, bolster innovation, and bring to bear the resources of the DIANA effort. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.