Brad Schneider

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Melanie Antonio, Rafael Bonilla, Nyah Brown, Melissa Bueno, Armonie Collins, Cristian Diaz-Santos, Alejandro Garcia, Marlenny Gonzalez, Syed Hussaini, Donville James, Lizbeth Jaquez-Mena, Michelle Martinez, Valeria Mencia, Gabriel Murray, Natalia Ocampo, Pedro Ocampo, Noemi Padilla, Alex Palomar, Aliyah Plummer, Lori Ruiz, and Kaitlyn Torres for their admittance into the Waukegan to College (W2C) program. A year-round college readiness service, W2C launched in 2009 and seeks to advance local students' intellectual and emotional development, cultivating a strong commitment to community and a profound belief that they can build a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities. By establishing high academic expectations and counseling students and their families on the college application process, W2C helps students realize their full potential by making the dream of college a reality. All of these students will be the first in their families to attend college, and were selected for the W2C program due to both their impressive academic achievements as well as their contributions to their communities. As leaders inside and outside the classroom, these students show tremendous dedication and potential. Strengthening our communities requires rebuilding the ladders of opportunity so that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed and thrive. This begins with providing each and every child, regardless of zip code, access to a high quality, affordable education and continues by ensuring all families can afford to send their sons and daughters to college. When our nation's talented young people pursue their passions and follow their dreams, they accomplish far more than personal growth. They serve as role models in their communities and their achievements inspire and motivate other young people to equally strive and achieve. These students truly are Champions of Change. I wish them the very best of luck in their higher education and in all their future endeavors.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the outstanding work of the AbilityOne Program, which empowers Americans with disabilities and helps bring them into the workforce. The AbilityOne Program promotes exemplary public-private partnerships to employ Americans with significant disabilities, including veterans and the blind. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for Americans with disabilities is more than double the rate for those without disabilities. To address this disparity, the AbilityOne Program creates high-quality employment opportunities for disabled Americans and empowers them to fully participate in the workforce and their communities. AbilityOne helps employ more than 45,000 disabled Americans, helping them develop the skills and work experience they need to access public and private sector jobs, achieve greater independence, and lead productive, fulfilling lives. And the program helps the federal government support these individuals and empower them through employment. Last March, I had the opportunity to see the success of AbilityOne Program firsthand in my district when I visited TRI Industries in Vernon Hills, Illinois. TRI is a non-profit that remanufactures ink and toner cartridges for the federal government. TRI provides education, training, and jobs to individuals with disabilities in my district. Touring their facility and speaking with the staff, I saw the great opportunities AbilityOne provides and the impact this program can have on the lives of Americans with disabilities. On behalf of my constituents with disabilities, I rise to salute the significant contributions of the AbilityOne Program, and I support all persons committed to developing and advancing employment opportunities for the blind and Americans with other significant disabilities.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the motion to recommit offered by my Republican colleagues. I oppose the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, full stop. It is a movement that denies the Jewish people's connection to the land of Israel, refuses to accept the basic idea of a Jewish state, and seeks to delegitimize Israel in international forums, on college campuses, and in global commerce. Yesterday, this body voted overwhelmingly to condemn the global BDS movement. Mr. Speaker, 398 votes in favor--189 Republicans and 209 Democrats--united together to affirm the vital relationship between the United States and Israel, our most important ally and closest strategic partner in a difficult region in the world. We expressed our strong, bipartisan support for a negotiated two- state solution as the best way to justly resolve the Israeli- Palestinian conflict and ensure a future for two peoples living side by side in peace, security, and prosperity. As the lead sponsor of that resolution, I believe I speak with credibility when I say this motion to recommit, in the context both of last night's vote and today's critically important legislation, would not, in any way, help the fight against the global BDS movement or strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship. Yesterday's bipartisan vote sent a clear, united message. Today, my Republican colleagues are undercutting this achievement with a cynical, partisan gimmick, continuing a dangerous effort to make Israel a wedge issue. It must stop. Mr. Speaker, the underlying legislation is too important for this political ploy. We have an opportunity to pass legislation addressing a national emergency, the multiemployer pension crisis that threatens the financial security of Americans across the Nation and leaves the taxpayers on the hook for more than $100 billion over the 10-year budget window. Let me remind my colleagues that these retirees did everything right. They planned for their retirement, people like those in the gallery today who chose, year after year, to contribute to their pensions instead of taking a wage increase. If you support these hardworking Americans, vote ``no'' on this motion. If you believe the rare effort in this House to achieve bipartisan progress is too important to undermine with cynical partisan games, vote ``no'' on this motion. If you believe it is critical that the United States-Israel relationship remains bipartisan to ensure Israel's long-term security and find a path to peace, vote ``no'' on this motion. Yesterday, we spoke in a united voice in support of our ally. Let's do it again today in support of these workers and vote down this motion. Mr. Speaker, I yield the remainder of my time to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Stevens).

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today in support of H. Res. 246, of which I am the sponsor. This resolution does four things. First, it affirms the vital relationship between the United States and Israel, our most important ally in a complicated region of the world. Second, it reiterates our unbreakable commitment to Israel's security. Third, it restates Congress' strong, bipartisan support for a negotiated two-state solution. Lastly, it makes clear that Congress opposes the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions, or BDS, movement that seeks to delegitimize Israel; opposes a two-state solution; and pushes the cause of peace for both Israelis and Palestinians further out of reach. It has been our country's long-held policy that the best path to ensuring Israel's long-term security as a democratic and Jewish state, and realizing the Palestinian people's aspirations for a state of their own, is through a negotiated two-state solution. The global BDS movement, on the other hand, denies the Jewish people's connection to the land of Israel; refuses to accept the basic idea of a Jewish state; and seeks to delegitimize Israel in international forums, on college campuses, and in global commerce. But don't take my word for it. The founder of the global BDS movement, Omar Barghouti, has said as much: ``We oppose a Jewish state in any part of Palestine. No Palestinian, rational Palestinian, not a sellout Palestinian, will ever accept a Jewish state in Palestine.'' When global BDS movement supporters chant, ``From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,'' these are not words of peace. This is a call for the destruction of the entire State of Israel and the elimination of the Jews from the land--all the land, not just Gaza and the West Bank. That is why it is so important that we take a stand today and vote to condemn the global BDS movement. Let me also be clear: This resolution explicitly recognizes that boycotts have a long tradition in this country, including the civil rights movement, efforts to end apartheid in South Africa, and other matters. However, not all boycotts seek just ends. Such is the case of the BDS movement against Israel and its fundamental aims: the delegitimization of Israel and the destruction of the Jewish state. I am proud that this resolution has gained 350 cosponsors, including more than three-quarters of the Members of both parties. I would like to thank the leadership of my Democratic colead Congressman Jerry Nadler as well as the efforts of our Republican coleads, Representatives Lee Zeldin and Ann Wagner. This strong, bipartisan support sends a clear, united message that this Congress not only supports the Jewish, democratic State of Israel and two states as the path to peace for both Israelis and Palestinians but that at the same time we condemn efforts to delegitimize and block the path to peace.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1837, the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act. Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East, and we work jointly in a number of strategic areas. This bill strengthens our partnership and expands important economic, scientific, and security cooperation between the United States and Israel. This bill also encourages the United States to designate a new coordinator of U.S.-Israel research and development and establishes a grant program on cybersecurity development. It authorizes R&D on issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, agriculture, and the development of health technologies, as well as vital security assistance in accordance with the 2016 MOU. It also provides an important fix that ensures a path to justice for American victims of terrorism and retains our ability to provide vital assistance that promotes security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians. I would like to thank my colleagues, Mr. Deutch and Mr. Wilson, for their leadership on this important bipartisan bill. I urge all my colleagues to vote on this bill.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman for allotting me this time, and commend my colleagues, Mr. Gottheimer and Mr. Mast, for bringing this bill. I rise in support of H.R. 1850 and applaud the House for taking action to combat terrorist activity in the Middle East. This bill sanctions individuals and foreign governments that knowingly and materially assist Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad or an affiliate or successor entity. These groups have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the Department of State since 1997. There is no disputing that they have and continue to sow instability and terror, including by indiscriminately launching countless rockets and mortars at Israel, attacks from subterranean tunnels, and even the use of human shields. To achieve two states for two peoples living side by side in peace and security, we cannot let extremist voices control the narrative and we must always confront these terrorist activities. But let me be clear: This bill does not target the vast majority of Palestinian people who long for peace. Rather, it solely goes after Hamas and PIJ and those who assist their terrorist activities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, the President used racist, xenophobic tropes to divide the country and evoke fear and anger. These words were a deplorable, bigoted act that betrays the principles of our great Nation and demeans the memories of all those who sacrificed so much in our ongoing pursuit of a more perfect Union. Whether you were born here, arrived as an immigrant, or came as a refugee, every citizen, naturalized or otherwise is an American, every bit as much as our Founders. Our country is stronger because of our history as a people of diverse backgrounds with diverse experiences. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today, the grandson and great-grandson of immigrants who fled the persecution of Jews in Russia a century ago to build a better life in America for themselves and their future generations. We have seen from history what happens when good people stay silent. To quote the late Elie Wiesel: ``We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.'' I urge my colleagues: Do not remain silent. Speak out and defend the values we all share as Americans.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, though I am not opposed to it.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Chair, I rise in support of the Murphy-Schneider amendment that makes abundantly clear it is of the utmost importance to prevent Iran from establishing any enduring presence in Syria. The amendment also requires the Director of National Intelligence to report on Iran's efforts to establish a foothold in Syria on the threat this poses to the United States and our allies, in particular Israel. Madam Chair, I stood before Congress in the last Congress urging support for my amendment to require a report on Iran's support for proxy forces in Syria and Lebanon, and I am pleased that this report remains in this bill. Today we are building on this important effort with the Murphy-Schneider amendment. I thank my good friend from Florida, Stephanie Murphy, for her leadership on this issue. Iran is a bad actor that has spread its maligned influence and continued to engage in destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East region, as well as beyond. The Iranian regime has and continues to establish deep ties within Syria through military, political, economic, social, and cultural means. This is a dangerous behavior that must be checked. Iran must not be allowed to maintain a permanent foothold in Syria that threatens our allies and stability in the region. To stand up to Iran, we must first understand the full extent of Iran's activities in Syria, and that is what this amendment does. I look forward to seeing this report and engaging on how we can prevent Iran from maintaining a permanent presence in Syria. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this important amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague from Oklahoma for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment codifying the Boots to Business program and authorizing it for 5 years. The men and women who ably serve our Nation with honor deserve our support as they transition from military to civilian life. Many of our servicemembers have the temperament, drive, and skills to excel in small business. They excel as small-business owners and as entrepreneurs, but they oftentimes lack the industry-specific experience to turn their dreams into reality. The Boots to Business program helps bridge this gap by offering exiting servicemembers and military spouses a 2-day in-person course on business ownership, followed by more in-depth instruction through an 8- week online course. Since the program launched in 2013, more than 50,000 veterans have participated. Earlier this week, the House Small Business Committee held a hearing on veteran entrepreneurship. We had the chance to hear from veterans who turned their careers as small-business owners successfully after benefiting from the programming and training provided by the Boots to Business program. Codifying this important program is a bipartisan effort, and I urge my colleagues to join us in support of the Boots to Business program and more opportunities for our veterans.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jan Israel Charman, a constituent of Illinois's Tenth District, who celebrated his 95th birthday on March 10th. Mr. Charman was born in Wodzislaw, Poland. In 1947, he wedded his wife Estelle, the beginning of a loving marriage that would span more than half a century. Shortly after their marriage, the family immigrated to New York with their new daughter in 1949. He continued to move around the country, learning English and repairing clothes to make a living. Mr. Charman eventually settled in the Chicago suburbs. He found a deep interest in business and worked many years at Manny Berger Shoes where he became a General Manager and Buyer. Eventually, the Charmans and their three children, moved to Buffalo Grove. In Buffalo Grove, Mr. Charman has become a leader at his synagogue, Congregation Beth Judea, where his zest for life, love of family and friends, and dedication to his Jewish faith is an inspiration for all that surround him. Mr. Charman still enjoys pursuing his many interests including travelling and spending time with his eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. As he celebrates his 95th birthday, it is my great honor and privilege to recognize the inspiring life of Jan Israel Charman and celebrate his continued contributions to the Tenth District community.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 3055. Ethylene oxide--also known as ETO--is an industrial chemical used to sterilize medical equipment and manufacture products like anti- freeze. We have known for decades that ETO is dangerous, and in 2016, EPA listed it as a known carcinogen. Dozens of facilities around the country--including two in my district in--use and emit ETO into the surrounding communities. My constituents in Waukegan and Gurnee are rightly concerned about the local levels of ETO and any possible health consequences. When our neighbors in Willowbrook, Illinois faced similar questions about ETO, the EPA's community engagement provided vital data to inform residents about the public health risk they face, and the steps they were taking to mitigate the threat. But the EPA has left dozens of communities around the country, including my constituents, in the dark. These are localities that we know face high ETO levels, yet the EPA refuses to hold public forums to answer our community's urgent questions. Every American should have confidence in the safety of the air that they and their families breathe. The EPA needs to do its job and engage with communities where that assurance is under threat. This amendment would set aside $25,000 for EPA public engagement on ethylene oxide to communities identified in the National Air Toxic Assessment to face dangerous emissions levels of this known carcinogen. This is a small sum, but one that would have a big effect on the families living in these communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this amendment.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Chair, I rise in support of the amendment offered with my colleague from New Hampshire, Congresswoman Annie Kuster. Department of Defense leadership is needed to develop lead-free electronics to solve a pressing defense industrial base supply chain issue. Throughout the world, the commercial electronics industry converted to lead-free component technology years ago. However, the defense electronics industry here at home remains reliant on lead-based assembly technology. That's because Defense electronics in a fighter jet have different performance requirements than commercial electronics such as in an iPhone. These defense platforms require a much longer lifespan and the ability to perform in extreme environments. Our amendment seeks to address the difficulty and cost DOD has experienced in trying to source lead-free electronic technologies, which will only increase as time goes on. Additionally, without research and investment, our defense industrial base will continue to face challenges incorporating newly developed technologies, ultimately adversely affecting our military readiness. I urge my colleagues to back our amendment to bolster U.S. efforts to develop lead-free defense electronics and look forward to working with Rep. Kuster and the defense subcommittee on this issue.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the amendment offered by my colleague Congresswoman Spanberger and my fellow members of the New Democrat Coalition National Security Task Force, Congressmen Boyle and Brown. Our foreign policy rests on three interconnected pillars of defense, diplomacy, and development. All three elements are critical and work in concert to promote American leadership in global affairs. We cannot shortchange one without harming our overall foreign policy. As former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis put it succinctly: ``If you don't fully fund the State Department, then I need to buy more ammunition.'' That is but one reason I am so deeply concerned by the many critical foreign service positions that remain unfilled in the Trump Administration. These empty posts include the assistant secretaries overseeing the Middle East, East Asia, South Asia and Political- Military Affairs, as well as key ambassadorships around the world. Our amendment would encourage the State Department to implement recommendations from a recent GAO study that found foreign service vacancies are undermining our foreign policy objectives. In addition, the amendment encourages GAO to expand its study to include the impact of vacancies in senior leadership and politically appointed positions at the Department of State on the United States' ability to meet its foreign policy, diplomacy, aid, and national security priorities and objectives. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to ensure all three pillars of our foreign policy are working together at their best to promote our interests abroad and ensure our national security.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary initiative and leadership of Molly Pinta, a 13-year-old resident of Buffalo Grove, Illinois who organized her town's first ever LGBTQ Pride Parade on June 2nd. More than 5,000 people came together to celebrate the LGBTQ community with Molly at a boisterous, family-friendly event on June 2. The parade was the culmination of months of planning by Molly. With support from her parents, she raised more than $40,000 for the event and related foundation, the Pinta Pride Project which aims to empower the LGBTQ community in Buffalo Grove. Because of her achievements in Buffalo Grove work, Molly was named the Youth Grand Marshal for the Chicago Pride Parade on June 30. ``Molly is the result and a shining example of the hard work and sacrifices made by those generations of activists who for 50 years have toiled before, and leading up to Stonewall,'' said Richard Pfeiffer, one of the Chicago Pride Parade organizers, in a statement to the press. Molly's vision united her community and inspired others, especially young people, to be proud of who they are. Our nation's rapid march toward equality for the LGBTQ community-- from the end of Don't Ask, Don't Tell to nationwide marriage equality-- is a story of undeniable progress. While much work remains unfinished to achieve the goal of full equality, I take heart witnessing the support and acceptance of our young people--Molly's generation--for their peers. They give me hope that our future is in good hands. It is my privilege to recognize Molly Pinta for her bravery and passion in her community. She has already made a positive mark in her first 13 years, and I look forward to seeing what she will do in years to come.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, in Illinois, the spring rains have meant that less than one-half of the normal amount of corn had been planted this year. We are seeing catastrophic floods, record-setting tornadoes, and longer and more devastating fire seasons. Climate change is not a future threat; it is a threat now, and we need to take urgent action. The decisions we make today will determine the future we leave to our children. We also need to prepare for the consequences of climate change, which are already affecting our environment, our infrastructure, our economy, and, yes, even our health. More frequent and intense heat waves are leading to higher rates of heat stroke. Warmer temperatures are also directly affecting vector-, food-, and waterborne diseases and causing longer allergy seasons. We need to understand and prepare for these changes. That is why I led a letter to the House Appropriations Committee urging support for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Climate and Health Program to help our city and State health departments address and prepare for the effects of climate change. I am pleased that funding for their important work has increased to $15 million in this year's bill. I urge my colleagues to support this provision to help vulnerable communities adapt to the health threats of climate change.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today regarding votes I missed on June 3, 2019, due to health reasons. Had I been present for Roll Call Vote 232, on the disaster supplemental appropriations package, I would have voted yea. The federal government plays a critical role in helping communities across the country respond to and rebuild from natural disasters. But aid to these communities has been long delayed and I think it is unacceptable that these communities are being needlessly denied the assistance they needed. I was honored to vote previously for this aid relief and would have certainly done so again. The overwhelming margin by which this legislation passed is testament to the long-held agreement on the federal government's role in responding to these disasters. As climate change continues to exacerbate these sorts of weather events--from drought-stoked wildfires to climate-exacerbated flooding-- we need to make sure the federal government is not only responding to these events but working to mitigate their damage before they strike. As we invest in infrastructure, climate resilience must be a top priority so that these sorts of weather events don't continually cost more in response funding each year. Additionally, had I been present for Roll Call Vote 233 on H.R. 2940, which extends authorization for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program through the end of the fiscal year, I would have voted yea. TANF is a crucial resource for thousands of families throughout Illinois--and throughout the Tenth District. While I look forward to a more thorough policy discussion on how we can improve and expand TANF in the coming years, I believe it was essential that Congress provide certainty to families and communities that rely on these programs. I was encouraged that Illinois saw a benefit increase for the first time in over a decade, but Congress must have a more robust discussion on how we can expand these benefits in the future while ensuring the long-term sustainability of this program.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, a time for extra reflection on the immeasurable cost of lives lost and destroyed in senseless shootings. And it is another chance to demand that Congress act to stop the bloodshed. Once more, last Friday, a gunman attacked a local government building in Virginia Beach, killing 12 and wounding many more. This was the 150th mass shooting in America since the start of the year, on the 151st day of the year. Let that sink in: 150 days, 151 mass shootings. Enough is enough. But it is not just mass shootings. This past weekend, in Chicago alone, at least 52 people were shot, and eight people died. Enough is enough. It is long past time for the Congress to take concrete action to reduce gun violence. As a House, we did that this year, passing H.R. 8, a bipartisan universal background check bill, but it has been more than 100 days since we sent that legislation to the Senate and, still, no vote. How many more shootings, how many more lives lost, before Leader McConnell ends the obstruction and allows a vote on this commonsense bill? Congress is not powerless. Congress has the ability to save lives. Let's act now.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, the American people sent a clear message that they want action to lower the cost and improve the quality of healthcare. I am pleased that, over the past month, this House has done exactly that. It is a stark contrast to the 8 years under the previous majority with one attempt after another to repeal the Affordable Care Act and deny coverage to Americans with preexisting conditions. Last week, we passed legislation to help address the rising cost of prescription drugs by increasing the availability of generic drugs. This bill also curbs the Trump administration's expansion of junk insurance plans and funds programs to help more Americans enroll in coverage. Earlier, we voted to reverse the Trump administration's dangerous effort to allow States to waive lifesaving protections for people with preexisting conditions. I urge the Senate to take up these bills that will have immediate, positive effects on our Nation's healthcare, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make even more, further progress.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the SECURE Act. A secure and dignified retirement is a critical part of the American Dream, but for too many seniors, this aspiration is falling increasingly out of reach. I am pleased that this House is taking action today in response. Our bill will help more Americans save for retirement by allowing workers to participate in 401(k) plans. Additionally, the legislation makes it easier for small businesses to offer retirement plans to their employees and help small businesses set up automatic enrollment programs. It replaces antiquated barriers slowing the adoption of multiemployer plans and improves the quality of service providers. The AARP estimates that these changes will lead to more than 700,000 new retirement accounts. Finally, as we approach Memorial Day and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by fallen servicemembers and their families, I am pleased this legislation fixes a provision in the 2017 Republican tax law that increased taxes on survivor benefits paid by families. Our Gold Star families already deal with the unimaginable loss of a loved one; they should not also be facing a tax increase. Madam Speaker, I am so proud this legislation was a bipartisan effort in the Ways and Means Committee, and I urge my colleagues to support this important bill to improve retirement security.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer appreciation to the incredible first responders in my congressional district. Twice in as many weeks, our firefighters, police, and paramedics have been called to respond to serious emergencies in Lake County. On Thursday, April 25, a massive spill of anhydrous ammonia outside of Beach Park sent 37 individuals to the hospital, including 11 firefighters who sustained injuries from the toxic fumes while containing the site. In particular, the quick action of two Lake County sheriff deputies-- Sergeant Kyle Brown and Deputy Marcus Bernardy--and four Beach Park firefighters--Lieutenant Thomas Stahl and firefighter paramedics Pablo Ramirez, Matthew Baran, and Ben Newman--helped save the lives of five individuals trapped at the site and struggling to breathe. Just days later, on Friday, May 3, a catastrophic explosion erupted at a silicone plant in Waukegan, tragically claiming three lives. A search continues for one missing individual. I offer my condolences to the loved ones of Jeff Cummings, Byron Biehn, and Allen Stevens. While we are still gathering details, it is clear the prompt response of emergency professionals helped save others and extinguish the fires. In both situations, local responders rushed selflessly into danger to save others. These events exemplify the incredible professionalism and bravery of our first responders who put their lives on the line day in and day out to protect our communities. We are all incredibly grateful for their service.