Patrick Ryan

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 45 seconds. The amendments en bloc include a number of proposals by my colleagues. This is a bipartisan amendment. It includes funding to prioritize the removal of accessibility barriers on the Capitol complex, conduct a study on security risks and technical limitations of the Capitol switchboard system, and provides for a collaborative drafting program to help Members' offices work better with the House Office of Legislative Counsel. I urge my colleagues to support the important proposals contained in this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I encourage a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 567, I rise as the designee of the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro) to offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I have offered this en bloc for purposes of legislative efficiency. I strongly oppose it. This amendments en bloc makes severe and harmful changes to the bill under consideration. This amendment would strike language that will enable noncitizens who meet requirements under DACA to be employed by the United States Congress and to cut funding from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Let's address the first point around DACA. This is allowing Dreamers to work for the legislative branch. I can't figure out for the life of me why the minority would like to refuse the American Dream to people who came to the United States as children, for people who are, for all intents and purposes, Americans. I have met these recipients, these Dreamers, and they have personally told me their stories. I encourage each of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to talk with a Dreamer, to listen to their stories. It is absolutely heartbreaking. They have done absolutely nothing wrong. They were brought to this country by no choice of their own. Their parents brought them here. The United States is their home. They have built their lives here, whether that means getting an education, raising a family, or contributing to our economy. We are a generous and compassionate Nation always looking to form a more perfect Union, a country that has empathy for a struggling family in a new country, in a country that lifts up our younger generation so that they can have a better future. The vast majority of Americans overwhelmingly support allowing these young people to continue their relentless pursuit of the American Dream because they knew in their hearts that they are American. As Americans, there is no better place for them to continue to serve their country than here in the United States House of Representatives, the people's House. To deny them this opportunity is about the most un-American thing we could do here today. Madam Speaker, again, their parents brought them here, and they have been here for years and years and years. They should have an opportunity to give back to this country. Madam Speaker, I am opposed, on the second point, to decreasing funding for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion by $1.5 million. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce in the House of Representatives. Their mission is to assist in developing practices to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. I am proud of this year's bill. It provides $3 million for the office in fiscal year 2022 and increases their staff cap from 7 to 10. The $1.5 million in additional funding for 2022 and expanding staff cap would give them the needed funding to support ongoing operations while providing additional flexibility to expand their work. Additionally, this increase in funding will enable ODI to implement various other provisions that are included in the Legislative Branch bill, such as assisting the Chief Administrative Officer in the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights to establish a task force about the workforce in the House. As I mentioned in my opening remarks, this task force will develop a methodology for regularly serving the House workforce on pay and benefits issues and provide guidance to us on how we could create a centralized human resources hub to improve human resource management practices throughout the House. Finally, this increase in funds will allow the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to conduct a feasibility study on re-creating a centralized House internship program. We have citizens in this country, young students--White, Black, Brown--who can't afford to come here to work. They can't afford to get an internship here. They work hard, do everything right, try to climb the ladder. We want to provide opportunity. This money will help reach out to those people and bring them into the legislative branch to give them the experience they need, the contacts they need to develop, the education that they need to move forward. Madam Speaker, I am proud of what we have in this bill, and I will oppose this amendment. It is vital we prioritize initiatives to promote diversity and the opportunity for people from all over the country to come work in the legislative branch and intern in the legislative branch. Madam Speaker, I oppose this amendments en bloc, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.'' Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John D. Leonard Sr. of Girard, Ohio who passed away peacefully Monday, July 5, 2021 at the age of 80 surrounded by his loving family. John was born Oct. 13, 1940, in Niles, a son to Joseph and Kathryn McMenamy Leonard. He was a 1958 graduate of Niles McKinley High School. He worked as a skilled tradesman for both the union and then Packard Electric, retiring in 2008. John was a parishioner of St. Rose Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Girard. John was a pillar to his family. He was a selfless provider always ensuring the prosperity of his children and grandchildren. Just as he sang along to Louise's piano performances, uplifting her tunes, John would always uplift those around him, supporting friends and family unconditionally. His infectious smile and enthusiastic dancing reminds us how to live life. John's fundamental values of love, dedication, and community will forever guide his loved one's path towards happiness. We have lost a truly wonderful person who will forever be missed. He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Karla (Philip) Smith of Virginia, John D. (Suzana) Leonard Jr. of Shaker Heights and Bob (Danielle) Leonard of Rocky River; brothers, Joseph (MaryAnn), Thomas (Lucy), Paul (Charlotte), William (Mary Ann), Richard (Sandy) and Robert; sisters, Kathleen, Margaret Mary (David); close friend and companion, Nancy Foster; and his grandchildren, Audrey and Emma Smith, Daniel and Stefan Leonard, Andrew and Anna Leonard, Alex Sapp, Adam (Janice) and Hannah Smith. Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Leonard, whom he married Aug. 18, 1962, and who passed away Feb. 2, 2015; and a brother, Jerry. John was the uncle to my longtime District Director and childhood friend, Rick Leonard. John truly embodied the spirit of the Democratic Party through his lifetime of integrity and kindness and was all around a wonderful person to be around. My condolences go out to all whose lives he touched.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, let me just say we had a vote here yesterday to create a commission, a bipartisan commission, to go through all of these initiatives in a bipartisan way, and it was rejected by the vast majority of those on the other side. We are trying to do this in a bipartisan way. It is what the American people want. It is what the American people deserve. This bill here is largely based on the recommendations from General Honore, who went to great lengths with four or five or six other generals to analyze what happened on January 6 and provide us with recommendations. The time is now. We have to act. We hear about the rank-and-file police officers here who have 12-hour shifts, 16-hour shifts, don't have the equipment that they need, securing of the Capitol, the trauma that happened here. None of us are going to forget those events. But this is a narrowly tailored bill to provide long overdue support. Here we are, working ourselves into the end of May. This is support for direct costs incurred by the attack on the Capitol and to restore the faith that Members of Congress can safely carry out our constitutional duties. It demonstrates a strong commitment to continue to allow Americans from across the country to be able to come to the Capitol. We are not militarizing the Capitol. We are going to have a quick response force in case something happens similar to if there was a threat to the President, a threat to Washington, D.C., we start flying fighter jets overhead. This is the equivalent. We are not trying to militarize anything. There is critical support in here for the Capitol Police to maintain the current workforce until we can hire and recruit more officers, such as backfilling overtime, hazard pay, and tuition credits, so we don't lose more of the Capitol Police to other agencies. The bill includes $3.3 million for the Capitol Police's intelligence division, which was a huge part of the failures that occurred on January 6. So we want to invest and make sure that we have the intelligence capabilities that we need. We want to make sure that the Capitol Police have all the equipment that they need, as the gentlewoman from Connecticut just said, gas masks, tactical vests, body armor. I am proud of this bill, and I am proud this bill supports the emotional needs of Members of Congress, congressional employees, and the Capitol Police, with funding for both the Office of Employee Assistance and the Capitol Police wellness program. This emergency supplemental appropriation renames the Capitol Police wellness program the Howard C. ``Howie'' Liebengood Center for Wellness. The bill provides funding for six new Capitol Police mental health counselors and wellness resilience specialists. This is an extremely necessary investment in our workforce, and it will help them grow and heal from the events of January 6 and the sad day of Good Friday. I am also pleased that this bill establishes funds for future Capitol Grounds security.

Mr. RYAN. It also establishes funds for future Capitol Grounds security, including upgrades to windows, doors, security screening vestibules, and the installation of new cameras around the Capitol Building and House Office Buildings. It includes $350,000 for hazard pay to the custodial staff that were working on the campus on January 6 and helped in the aftermath to get things cleaned up so we could continue our business. The employees have received the Architect's Exceptional Service Award and are recognized as valuable members of the Capitol community. We have had many tough conversations with our colleagues, in looking at the Capitol security review and recommendations from General Honore. We also include $21 million to address Member security while traveling and in district offices. We are living in a new reality. To address providing a safe and healthy community, we have included funding to reimburse and further support our legislative branch agencies in response to the coronavirus: Telework, sanitizing, cleaning our Capitol complex and district offices. Madam Speaker, I am proud of the hard work of so many. I thank the gentlewoman from Connecticut for being a force to get this bill done. This supplemental needs to pass. We need to act.

Mr. RYAN. We have to act. If the American people can't see us acting in a bipartisan way when a group of people storm the Capitol, and we can't even pass a bill with Republican support to fix the doors and windows and provide more police officers, how are we going to do anything else? Madam Speaker, this is a good bill. Please vote ``yes.''

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New York and the other Republicans who are supporting this for their bipartisanship. To the other 90 percent of our friends on the other side of the aisle, holy cow. Incoherence. No idea what you are talking about. Benghazi, you guys chased the former Secretary of State all over the country, spent millions of dollars. We have people scaling the Capitol, hitting the Capitol Police with lead pipes across the head, and we can't get bipartisanship. What else has to happen in this country? This is a slap in the face to every rank-and-file cop in the United States. If we are going to take on China, if we are going to rebuild the country, if we are going to reverse climate change, we need two political parties in this country that are both living in reality, and you ain't one of them.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the Honorable Otto Beatty, Jr., of Columbus, Ohio, who passed away May 14, 2021 at the age of 81. Mr. Beatty, the husband to our distinguished colleague, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, was an attorney and former state lawmaker, a leading figure in the fight for racial equality in Ohio. The couple married in 1992. As a lawyer, Otto was able to successfully use his Columbus law firm to fight discrimination and fight for a more even playing field for Black and minority-owned businesses. A true public servant, Mr. Beatty was first elected to the Ohio House in 1979, spending the next 18 years advocating for the disadvantaged, as well as for health care access and tort reform, He also served as special counsel to the Ohio attorney general, counsel to what would become the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, and chair of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health. Mr. Beatty was born in Columbus and received bachelor's and master's degrees from Howard University and a law degree from the Ohio State University. His grandmother, Mayme Moore, was a civil-rights activist who stood alongside the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and helped found the Columbus NAACP. Otto and his family have been trailblazers and strong advocates in many ways--true inspirations to us all. Besides his wife and my friend, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Otto is survived by two children: daughter Laurel Beatty Blunt, a judge on the 10th District Court of Appeals, and son Otto III, a Columbus attorney. There is no doubt that Mr. Beatty was an absolute giant, a man deep with integrity and great business and political skills. I will remember him for his wonderful sense of humor and how much he adored Joyce. I was very sad to hear of his passing and my prayers go out to the gentlelady, Mrs. Beatty, and to all of Otto's family and friends. He has left behind a tremendous legacy in Central Ohio and for the entire state.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, we are at a crossroads coming out of this pandemic. We are either going to decide, as a country, whether we are going to move forward together, or we are going to double down on the past and the bad economy. In the rescue package, 2.3 million Ohioan children will get $3,000 or $3,600 to stabilize themselves, to pull them out of poverty. And the Republicans said no. We had pension reform in that. Forty-thousand Ohioans will now be made whole instead of losing half their pension. Republicans said no. We want to do infrastructure. Republicans said no. We want money for State and local governments for hazard pay. Republicans say no. Mr. Speaker, if we removed the word ``no'' from the vocabulary of the people of the United States, the Republicans would be speechless.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dominic Zurella, of Canfield, Ohio, to thank him for his service to our country and to wish him a very happy 100th birthday. Mr. Zurella was a Technical Sergeant and radio operator during World War II in the U.S. Air Force. During the war, he participated in 26 missions with the 91st Bomb Group, ``The Ragged Irregulars,'' and the 324th Bomb Squadron from November 26, 1943 to March 26, 1944. Dominic will be 100 years old on May 23, 2021 and I salute him on this tremendous milestone. Madam Speaker, I ask you and all our colleagues to please join me in wishing Mr. Zurella a happy birthday and thank him for his heroic service to our country

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Socrates J. Space, who passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021 at the age of 90. A child of the Great Depression, Soc was born on September 4, 1930, in Dover, Ohio. His parents, Zacharias ``Jack'' and Despina (Pardos) Space immigrated to America in the early 20th century from the magical Greek island of Ikaria. While growing up in poverty, Soc was blessed with a loving and close-knit family that endured and overcame hardships common to immigrant families during this period. He shined shoes and set up bowling pins to help put bread on the family's table, starting at a very young age. He overcame adversity, eventually earning three varsity letters as a 145-pound defensive lineman for the Dover Tornadoes football team and was elected by his classmates as Senior Class President of the Dover High Class of 1949. After graduation, Soc went to work at Reeves Mill, where he became a card-carrying member of the United Steel Workers before being drafted into the Marine Corps. As a Marine, Soc fought bravely for his country during the Korean War. Upon his return, the GI Bill enabled him to enlist at The Ohio State University, where he graduated with a degree in Political Science. He went on to earn his juris doctorate degree from Ohio State before returning to Dover, embarking on a successful legal career in Tuscarawas County that would span five decades. In addition to his private legal practice, Soc served as Judge of the Tuscarawas County Court Southern Division and worked for many years as an attorney for the State of Ohio Department of Transportation. He also served as Special Counsel to three Ohio Attorney Generals. He developed exceptional oratory skills that, combined with his personable nature, wooed juries on behalf of his many clients over the years. His rich voice and gift for public speaking helped him excel in Toastmasters; and served as a foundation for his important work in politics. He was very active in the Tuscarawas County Democratic Party, serving two separate stints as County Chairman, and he provided guidance and support for countless politicians at the local, statewide, and national levels. He was a proud delegate at the 1988 Democratic Convention for the Presidential campaign of fellow Greek-American, Michael Dukakis, Soc's crowning political achievement involved helping elect his son, Zack, to Congress in 2006. Soc's charming intellect and fierce loyalty won him the adoration of countless friends, clients, politicians, and even political and legal adversaries. Soc was a multidimensional man of many talents. His artistic flair was manifested in beautiful pottery and sculptures, and helped inspire his daughter Stephanie's devotion to the arts. His love for politics and knack for the law continue with Zack. Upon his retirement from the practice of law in 2008, Soc remained active, particularly in politics. In 2018, he accompanied Zack on a statewide campaign for Ohio Auditor that saw him log over 100,000 miles, visiting counties, cities and villages across Ohio, serving a vital role in an exhausting political endeavor. Soc, who turned 89 that year, never once tired from the demands of that campaign despite suffering from a debilitating medical condition. He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Space (Tom Johnson); his son, former Congressman Zack Space; his special friend and caregiver, Erin Noviski; his sister and Matriarch of the Space family, Mary Smith; his grandchildren, Gina (Tyler Tompkins) and Nick Space, and Socrates, Alex (Kadi) and Leo Incarnato; and his great-granddaughters, Violet Incarnato and Stella Tompkins. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Denise Hollister, Zack (Jean) Space, Athena (Ron) Hooker, Pat Johnson, Chris (Bobbi) Smith, and Tony (Nancy) Smith; and many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his ``neighborhood son,'' Dave Johns; his former daughter-in-law, Judge Mary Space; his former wife, Vicki Space; and stepchildren, Wendy Busby, Terri (Eric) Smith, and Shannon Croley; and step-grandchildren, Travis (Erika) Smith, Sam Smith, Casey (Joseph) Emery, Ben and Bryan Croley; and great step-grandson, Holton Smith. Soc is preceded in death by his beloved daughter Gina, with whom he has been reunited. Soc was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jim, George, and Pete Space, and sisters-in-law Bessie and Mary Ann Space, brother-in-law Bill Smith, nephews Jimmy Space, Phil Johnson, and Bob Hollister, and his former wife Sandy Space. I am proud to have known Socrates as a father to my dear friend, former Congressman Zack Space. My deepest condolences go out to Soc's entire family and to all whose lives he touched.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Patricia Ann Pipino of Warren, Ohio, who passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at the age of 83. Patricia was born May 8, 1937, the daughter of Theodore and Helen Lansing Gabig. She graduated from St. Mary's High School in Warren and attended Kent State University. Patricia worked at Copperweld Steel until her marriage to James S. ``Doc'' Pipino on July 11, 1959. Together they enjoyed 58 years of marriage and family life. She will be deeply missed by her sons, Attorney James D. (Mary Jeanine), Theodore S. and Attorney Samuel M. (Kimberly Kirtland); her daughter, Mary F. ``Mimi,'' Ph.D.; grandchildren, James A. (Lynsey) Pipino, Elena Dean (Michael), Marisa Bell (Michael), Dana, Matthew, Daniel, Camille and Lorenzo Pipino and Cailin Jaspers; her great- grandchildren, Amelia and Clara Dean and Charlotte Pipino; her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Theodore and Dr. Cheryl Smith Gabig and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to holding her favorite jobs, ``Mom and ``Nana'' she also volunteered with St. Joseph's Hospital Women's Auxiliary, Trumbull Mobile Meals, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Niles Festival, OLMC Home and School and John F. Kennedy Moms' Eagles football boosters. Patricia also enjoyed golf, tennis, skiing, reading and playing bridge. She was staunch supporter of the Browns, Indians and Cavs. Mrs. Pipino was a member of the Lake Club, Trumbull Country Club and Blessed Sacrament Parish. She was an owner of Niles Restaurant Business, Inc. I'm proud to have known Patricia for many, as I grew up just down the street from her and her family. Her son, Jimmy, was my football coach and early supporter. Patricia had a strong involvement in the church and touched the lives of many. My deepest condolences go out to Patricia's family and friends.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this week, May 9 to May 15, is National Police Week. I stand today to join with my colleagues in carrying forth a tradition that started 59 years ago. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed, and Congress ratified, May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which that date falls is National Police Week. During this time, we pause to recognize those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Those of us here in Congress know well the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers, for we saw it firsthand on January 6 when they protected this citadel of democracy and the public servants who were discharging their duty. Some of those brave souls paid with their lives, such as Officer Brian Sicknick. We also lost Officer Howard Liebengood and Officer Jeffrey Smith, who died by suicide in the immediate aftermath of that tragic day. Many more police officers who were on duty that day are still hurting. Of course, all across our Nation, and in Ohio particularly, our police officers and their families have sacrificed themselves for their communities. I have done ride-alongs with these officers and watched them deal with the overdose issues and the opiate epidemic in Ohio. We watch them risk their lives. We pray for their families who worry every time they put on their boots and go to work. In short, Mr. Speaker, they show up. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund compiles the names of those officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty in this past year and all those who have died in previous years but whose stories of sacrifice have been lost to history until now. This year, nearly 400 new names were added to this list. I stand today to honor all those lives that were lost, including the following five officers from Ohio. We honor James Michael Skernivitz from Cleveland, Adam McMillan from Hamilton County, Kaia Lafay Grant from Springdale, Anthony Hussein Dia from Toledo, and, finally, Rex Faux from Summit County, who died in 1933 but whose name had not previously been added to this list of fallen officers. We also honor all the men and women in law enforcement who show up for all of us every day.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Joseph ``Joe'' R. Merlo, who passed away on December 22, 2020. Joe was born on June 8, 1945 and was beloved by many people in my community. He was a husband, father, uncle, great uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, cousin, and friend. Like many who grew up in Niles, Ohio, Joe was a legend. If you didn't get your haircut by Joe at some point in your life, then you weren't really a resident of Niles. I will always remember Joe for providing me with sage advice early in my political career. Anyone that knew Joe knew he was always fun to be around and was a true Northeast Ohioan. My deepest sympathies go out to Joe's family and to all whose lives he touched.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James L. Newbrough, Sr., of Niles, Ohio, who passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at the age of 83. Mr. Newbrough was born February 17, 1938 in Brownsville, Pennsylvania the son of Lester and Mabel Clemmer Newbrough. He was a 1956 graduate of Centerville High School and was employed as a field engineer and tool repairman at Republic Steel in Warren for 30 years, retiring in 1986. Jim was a member of First United Methodist Church in Niles, ITAM No. 39 in Girard, Sincerity Masonic Lodge in Niles, and member and past president of the Niles Men's Democratic Club. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler fan, enjoyed golfing, bowling, bocce, working on his lawn, spending time with his grandchildren, and was a United States Army Veteran. Mr. Newbrough will be deeply missed by his wife Jenny Crockett Newbrough whom he married June 14, 1958, four sons, James L. Newbrough Jr. and his wife Becky of Niles, Mark A. Newbrough of Mineral Ridge, Gary E. Newbrough of Niles, and Attorney Kelly Stuart Newbrough and his wife Teresa of Niles, seven grandchildren, James L. Newbrough Ill and his wife Kristin, Eric Newbrough and his wife Erin, Kevin Kompanik (Roxy), Alex Newbrough, Hannah Newbrough (Jason Ray), Jacob ``Jack'' Newbrough, Olivia Newbrough, and five great-grandchildren, Ella, Evan, Lexington, Mariah, and Kora. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Gary E. ``Duke'' Newbrough II, a granddaughter Sarah Lynn Newbrough, three brothers, John, Steve, and Richard Newbrough, and two sisters, Julie Myers and Mary Jane Henck. I was very proud to call James a great friend and supporter. My deepest condolences go out to Jim's entire family and to all whose lives he touched.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Friday, March 26, 2021 as International Social Emotional Leaming Day. On the last Friday of this month, partners from around the world will come together to showcase Social Emotional Leaming, or SEL, and promote the practice in support of their schools, organizations, and communities. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. SEL advances educational equity and excellence through authentic school-family-community partnerships to establish learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing evaluation. SEL can help address various forms of inequity and empower young people and adults to co-create thriving schools and contribute to safe, healthy, and just communities. The competencies of SEL develop throughout our lives and are essential to success in our schools, workplaces, homes, and communities and allow individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. SEL can be taught and developed throughout childhood, adolescence, and beyond. Supporting SEL is a wise use of public resources, because there can be Iong-term social and economic benefits to society from the implementation of evidence-based SEL. I have seen first-hand the benefits of this practice on students in my Congressional District with the Warren City Schools. I'd also like to recognize SEL40H for their great work on this issue in Ohio. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Friday, March 26th as International SEL Day.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Raymond J. Kapper, who passed away at his Florida home on March 14, 2021 at the age of 84. Ray Kapper dedicated his professional career to serving his community. Whether serving the citizens of the City of Akron as an elected official or young men and women as a coach and administrator, he put the greater-good above his own aspirations. He began his professional career as the athletic director for the Catholic Youth Organization and as head football coach at St. Mary's High School before moving on to the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company where he served as employee activities director. Mr. Kapper was elected to serve the City of Akron first as a ward councilman and then as councilman at-large. He ultimately was elected by his peers to serve as the president of the council. In 1984, Ray was appointed to serve as service director. In that position he oversaw the City of Akron's Engineering Bureau, the Public Works Bureau, the Sewer Bureau, and the Water Bureau. Mr. Kapper retired from the City of Akron in 1992. In retirement, Ray continued to work in the community and support the causes that were most important to him. He was especially proud of his work with The First Tee of Akron, a youth mentoring program that provides educational programs that build character and instill life- enhancing values through the game of golf. He most enjoyed time spent with family and friends and cheering on his beloved New York Yankees. Mr. Kapper is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Barbara; his children, David (Jennifer) Kapper, Deborah (Kelly) Dodson, Jon (Nancy) Kapper, and Christopher (Collen) Kapper; grandchildren, Abbie, Alex, Charlie, Hannah, Ben, Frances, Nicole, and Kevin; great grandchild Violet; and brothers Dick, Tom, and Glenn. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Marcine, and his grandson, Andrew. I cannot thank Ray enough for his dedicated service to the City of Akron and Summit County. It is a great honor to represent the people of Akron in this chamber, and Mr. Kapper deeply exemplified the spirit of the city. My deepest condolences go out to his family and to all whose lives were touched by Ray.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Joan F. Arp, of Liberty Township, Ohio, who passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the age of 78. Joan was born on February 28, 1943 in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of Louis and Katherine (Popovich) Kunovich. Joan was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Girard and a member of the church's care team, bereavement committee, and taught Sunday School when her children were younger. Mrs. Arp was a homemaker and stayed home to raise her children. She enjoyed playing bingo, needlepoint and was so proud of her collection of Santa Clauses. Joan loved to participate in the many fun activities and outings that were offered at Liberty Arms Assisted Living. Joan will miss all of her cherished friendships, especially those she resided with. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Mark (Mary) Arp, of Hermitage, PA., and her daughter Kelly Hontula, of Liberty Township; sister Maureen Perrico, of Las Vegas, Nevada and grandson, Nicholas Arp. Besides her parents, Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth J. Arp, whom she married October 9, 1965 and died May 5, 2014, and her brother, James Kunovich. I am proud to be friends with Joan's daughter, Kelly, and thank her for her long-standing support. My deepest condolences go out to Kelly, the entire family, and to all whose lives were touched by Joan.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, one of the earlier speakers said: ``This is the most dramatic change in labor law in 80 years.'' And I say: ``Thank God.'' In the late seventies, a CEO's earnings were 35 times that of the worker. Today, it is 3 to 400 times what the worker makes. And our friends on the other side are running around with their hair on fire. Heaven forbid we pass something that is going to help the damn workers in the United States of America. Heaven forbid we tilt the balance that has been going in the wrong direction for 50 years. We talk about pensions. You complain. We talk about the minimum wage increase. You complain. We talk about giving them the right to organize. You complain. But if we were passing a tax cut here, you would all be getting in line to vote ``yes'' for it. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in support of the PRO Act. International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, March 9, 2021. Dear Representative, On behalf of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, I strongly urge you to support the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act introduced by Representative Bobby Scott. In a functioning and recovering economy, working families and middle-class Americans cannot be left behind. The PRO Act is a crucially bold piece of legislation that modernizes federal laws and expands workers' collective bargaining rights and closes loopholes that corporations use to exploit workers. The bill also establishes a process for mediation and arbitration to help the parties achieve a first contract. It protects workers' right to organize a union and bargain for higher wages and better benefits. However, the right to freely form a union without the threat of company intimidation or interference is denied to workers today. The PRO Act strengthens protections for employees that engage in collective action and levels the playing field by prohibiting employers from requiring their employees to attend ``captive audience'' meetings whose sole purpose is to convince workers to vote against the union. In addition to imposing financial penalties on employers and individual corporate offices who violate the law, the bill would give workers the option of bringing their case to federal court. Finally, the PRO Act would override state ``right to work'' laws. These laws are simply designed to give more power to corporations at the expense of workers, and have had the effect of lowering wages and eroding pensions and health care coverage in states where they have been adopted. For all the above these reasons, I respectfully urge you to support the PRO Act and vote ``YES'' on this long overdue legislation. Thank you, Robert Martinez, Jr., International President.

Mr. RYAN. You need to stop talking about Dr. Seuss and start working with us on behalf of the American workers.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Emilia Maria Placanica, of Warren, Ohio, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at the age of 83. Emilia was born on May 8, 1937 in Caulonia, Regio Calabria, Italy, daughter of Ilario and Rosa. Emilia married the love of her life, Francesco Carmelo ``Frank'' Placanica on October 13, 1957. They shared 52 years of marriage together until Frank's passing in 2010. Prior to coming to the United States in 1960, Emilia graduated and held a degree as a tailor for men and women's garments. She retired after a 30-plus year career working in various department stores. Mrs. Placanica enjoyed sewing, cooking, knitting, crocheting, making ceramics, reading, being with friends and family, however, she most enjoyed and loved babysitting her grandchildren. Emilia was a God- fearing woman and greatly enjoyed reading prayers in Italian. Emilia will be dearly missed by her children, Anna Maria Placanica of Washington, D.C., Sandra ``Sandy'' Placanica--Frazeskos of Warren, Renee Placanica of Warren, and Antonio F ``Tony' Placanica of Liberty, and grandchildren, Francesca, Isabella and Georgio Frazeskos, Francesco McElrath, Adrianna, Olivia and triplets, Antonio, Francesco and Dominico Placanica. In New York, Emilia leaves her niece, Rosa Placanica, along with her children (great-niece/nephew) Angelica Blazina-Mantovani and family and Fabio Blazina. Additionally, Emilia leaves many family members abroad to include sister-in-law Rosa (Australia), as well many nieces, nephews, great-niece and nephews, cousins in Italy and Australia. Emilia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank; daughter, Angelina Placanica; two brothers and three sisters. My family and I are proud to be friends with Emilia's daughter, Sandy, and her grandson, Georgio. My deepest condolences go out to the Placanica Family and to all whose lives Emilia touched.

Mr. RYAN

Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Bonnie L. Pittman, of Ravenna, Ohio, who passed away on February 16, 2021 at the age of 82. Bonnie was born January 2, 1939, in Gassville, Arkansas, to parents Floyd and Florence (McFarlan) Chambers. She married the love of her life, John, on February 15, 1958. Mrs. Pittman managed Tucaway Lake Campground with John, where she touched many lives and hearts. Bonnie was a member of the First Christian Church and enjoyed traveling. Most of all, she was a people person who loved her family and friends. Bonnie is survived by her husband, John, as well as her children Sue (Patrick) Pittman, Laurie J. Pittman, Jamie (Keith) Fletcher, John (Vicki) Pittman Jr., Roger (Gail) Pittman, her five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, her sisters Blanche Hart and Betty Bell, her sister-in-law Jill Chambers, along with many nieces, nephews, and countless friends who she considered family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Floyd ``Butch'' Chambers, Jr. I am proud to be friends with Bonnie's daughter, Judge Laurie Pittman. My deepest condolences go out to Judge Pittman, Bonnie's entire family, and to all whose lives she touched.