Elise Stefanik

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the hard work and skill of the SUNY Plattsburgh Women's Hockey Team, who just ended their already impressive season by winning the NCAA Division III championship. Led by Coach Kevin Houle, the Cardinals are the first team in Division III history to win four consecutive national championships. Seniors Jordan Lipson, Katelyn Turk, Julia Duquette, Melissa Ames, Erin Brand and Camille Leonard close out their collegiate careers with an impressive four year record of 111-5-4. Additionally, Erin Brand was honored as the Most Outstanding Player at the NCAA Division III Championship with Camille Leonard and Melissa Sheeren also earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Leonard, the team's goaltender, ends her career with the most victories in NCAA Division III history, as well as the highest save percentage and the second most shutouts. In New York's 21st District, we are incredibly proud of these women and their incredible achievements. I would like to congratulate the SUNY Plattsburgh Cardinals on their victory and hope that their hard work and dedication serve as an inspiration for generations to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our resilient military families. These families endure countless relocations and deployments every couple of years, transitioning to new schools, new jobs, and fitting into new communities. Military spouses wear their own patches of service and share a true sense of duty to our country. They sacrifice a great deal of themselves amid strain and the unknown, while providing unyielding support to their spouse in uniform. Military spouses are often employed in professions which require new licensing that vary from State to State, with fees and wait times. To alleviate this burden and provide predictability in the lives of military spouses and their families, I have reintroduced the Lift the Relocation Burden from Military Spouses Act. Military spouses serve, too, and my bill will help alleviate unnecessary stress and expenses, help make job changes easier, and will give these spouses and their families some deserved predictability as they serve their Nation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, my district is the proud home to Adirondack Park, an environmental treasure. We understand in the north country that protecting our environment plays an important role in promoting economic growth and opportunity. Along with 16 of my colleagues, I am proud to introduce a resolution calling on the House of Representatives to commit to working on economically viable solutions that address the threat of climate change. Clean energy innovation is critical, and this resolution brings together the priority of addressing the risks of climate change with the importance of protecting and creating American jobs. This resolution calls on American ingenuity, innovation, and exceptionalism, also citing that it is a conservative principle to protect, conserve, and be good stewards of our environment. No matter what side of the aisle you are on, we all have a significant responsibility to protect our environment from avoidable damage. I ask my colleagues to join in this commitment and support this important resolution.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a time-honored tradition in New York's 21st district. Specialty crop products are a critical part of the North Country's economy, and maple holds a special and delicious place among them. Every year in late winter and early spring, the cultivation of maple tree sap gives residents a reason to celebrate. New York State is home to the largest resource of tappable maple trees within the United States. Every year, our farms produce thousands of gallons of sap, which will then be made into syrup and other maple products. These products are not only a staple in households across the region, they also encourage tourism and support our small and local businesses. The benefits of maple syrup production are a source of celebration for communities throughout the North Country. Throughout March, maple festivals are held across New York, with families and friends gathering to enjoy delicious products and attend tours of locally owned farms. In our district, the Toad Hill Maple Farm has been producing high quality maple products for over 30 years. Utilizing more than 100 acres of land and currently standing as the largest maple producer in Warren County, the system used at Toad Hill can turn 1,000 gallons of sap into 25 gallons of syrup per hour. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand on the House floor today to support our North Country maple farmers.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to serving New York's 21st District. Deborah Manning was born in Ticonderoga, New York, and served as Hague Town Clerk for 23 years. In the 21st District, we are proud of Deborah Manning's legacy of dedicated public service, and we honor the life she led with integrity and compassion. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her friends and family.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable man who dedicated his life to serving the 21st District of New York. Michael Ring was a loving father and a successful business owner, but he was also a man who believed in public service and the importance of participatory government. Michael worked as a broadcast engineer throughout New York's North Country. However, this is only a portion of his immense contribution to the community. Mr. Ring worked for the betterment of others during his time as an advisor to the Jefferson County Board of Cooperative Education Services as well as through his efforts as Co-Chair of the Watertown Area Emergency Alert System. His guidance and care could be seen in his time as a volunteer teacher, college student mentor and PTA member as well as through his participation in a multitude of groups that advocated for the importance of national security. I first met Mike when he was a fellow candidate for Congress in 2013. I was immediately struck by Mike's genuine kindness, generosity, warmth, and dedication to mentoring others. Mike made friends with people from around the globe and advocated on their behalf. He also was a self-published author of wonderful books. I will miss seeing Mike's smile at community events in Jefferson County. I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Michael Ring, especially his beloved wife Penny. Thank you for sharing him with us all.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, the Pell Grant Program is the backbone of all Federal student aid. These grants provide access and opportunity to thousands of students across the country. When I speak with North Country students and teachers in my district, I hear about the positive impacts of Pell grants. In my district, an average of 52 percent of students attending SUNY institutions are offered Pell grants. Today's learners are different than previous generations, and their advancement toward completion is stifled by a Federal aid system built upon traditional spring and fall semesters. To support our students, I have introduced the Flexible Pell Grants for 21st Century Students Act, important legislation to expand access to Pell grants year-round. This change will allow students to accelerate toward completion and achieve their goals with less debt. We must do more to bring flexibility to higher education, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support this important bill.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 50th Anniversary of Herkimer Community College in Herkimer, New York. The college opened its doors in 1967 for over 200 enrolled students, becoming the 29th community college in New York State. Since then, Herkimer Community College has provided over 20,000 alumni with an opportunity to succeed, while also offering immense economic and social benefits to the community it has called home for half a century. By incentivizing academic, athletic and extra-curricular achievement, Herkimer Community College has helped its students to pursue their goals in exciting and varied careers. The school's success is a testament to its hardworking staff and to the importance of an accessible education. Congratulations to Herkimer Community College as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary. I want to thank its staff for their vital work and wish them continued success in the future.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 200th Anniversary of Fort Covington, New York. Situated directly on the Canadian border, the town of Fort Covington serves as a proud reminder of the North Country's deep history and strong character. Before Fort Covington was formally signed into existence on February 28, 1817, men from the area had already fought for liberty in the American Revolution. It was not until the War of 1812 that the town gained its namesake by witnessing the death of General Leonard Covington, who had been fatally wounded in a nearby battle. The role that Fort Covington played in the Underground Railroad is also worthy of note, with the town harboring slaves along the last leg of their journey to freedom. These stories have been brought forward by the newly-created Fort Covington Historical Society, which has made an effort to gather, store, and display the town's proud history. By encouraging historical exploration, the Fort Covington Historical Society has helped foster a community-wide celebration of the town's past, while also ensuring a bright and informed future. Congratulations to Fort Covington as it celebrates its 200th Anniversary. I would like to wish its residents all the best as they celebrate this momentous occasion.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mr. Barry S. Gale from Gouverneur, New York. This month, Mr. Gale will be celebrating 50 years as a volunteer firefighter at the Gouverneur Fire Department. He joined the Department in 1967 as a dedicated citizen and volunteer. Mr. Gale was assigned to Hose Company Number 1 and served in the position for eight years. His remarkable service gave him the opportunity to advance within the Fire Department, serving as 2nd Assistant Chief from 1975 to 1977. He then rose to 1st Assistant Chief and served in the position until 1979. From there, Mr. Gale served as Chief Engineer until 1981. Mr. Gale has earned numerous awards for his devotion to the Fire Department. He received the Department's ``Chiefs Award'' in 2006 and then again in 2009. In 2011, he was named the Department's ``Firefighter of the Year.'' These awards and Mr. Gale's years of dedicated service are a testament to his character and the community he has called home. On this day, I want to take a moment to thank Mr. Barry Gale for his many years of public service to our district, especially to the town of Gouverneur. Congratulations on celebrating 50 years of volunteer service at the Gouverneur Fire Department.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Win and Polly Belanger of Willsboro, New York, for their consistent and enduring dedication to community service. After retiring from the United States Air Force in 1988, Win Belanger moved to Willsboro, New York, with his wife Polly, where they have worked for the betterment of their community by lending both their ears and their voice. By urging individuals in Essex County to become more involved in their government and enter into public service, the Belangers have helped to encourage authentic and sincere representation. Additionally, Win has shown a steadfast commitment to the wellbeing of his peers through his work on the Willsboro Central School budget committee, the town zoning board and as a founding member and officer of the Willsboro Community Housing Assistance Task Force. On behalf of Essex County, I would like to thank Win and Polly for their service, their patriotism and their friendship, while also wishing them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6431, the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act. First I want to take a moment to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Kuster, for all of her efforts on this important bill. As you can see, the need for preclearance and this bill stretches across party lines and across our great Nation. In my district and communities in northern New York, Canada is more than just a bordering nation. They are our neighbors, our friends, and our largest trading partner. Plattsburgh, a city in my district, has even branded itself as Montreal's U.S. suburb, home to more than 100 U.S. subsidiaries of Canadian companies with 15 percent of our area workforce working for a Canadian or border-related employer. That is why I helped lead the efforts to craft H.R. 6431, the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act--a necessary step to solidify the preclearance agreement between the U.S. and Canada, which was reached over a year ago. This significant, bipartisan legislation is great news for U.S.- Canadian relations. It maintains a positive working relationship with border officials, especially in rural regions like ours in the north country, and it allows for facility sharing along the border. This bill also expands U.S. preclearance operations to help provide expedited screening for Amtrak passengers prior to traveling. This process will allow for an easier and accelerated trip while ensuring necessary protections for our national security. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this vital legislation to maintain a secure northern border and facilitate travel and commerce between the U.S. and Canada. I urge the Senate to act quickly to send this measure to the President.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for the FY17 NDAA conference report. I want to first thank Chairman Thornberry for his dedication and continuous support for our troops and for his leadership during the conference committee process. I am proud to support this critical bill that truly hits home for my district and for our brave men and women in uniform across our great Nation. My district is the proud home of Fort Drum, and this bill provides for the ongoing combat operations where troops from the 10th Mountain Division continue to selflessly serve. It also fully supports our Navy's nuclear community, from operational capabilities, to nuclear training sites at Ballston Spa, New York. One of the most important provisions is a full 2.1 percent pay raise for our troops--to our Nation's dedicated and brave servicemembers who risk it all to provide us with protection and security--and to their loved ones who are anxiously awaiting their return. This bill also prevents a possible readiness crisis by investing in our military personnel and preserving their expertise. In order for our military to continue its superiority in any battlefield and through countless combat deployments, this bill ends the misguided drawdown of troops. It ensures we have the land forces end strength to face the world's challenges and protect our Nation. Every day I am grateful and humbled to represent so many brave men and women in uniform and their resilient loved ones. I encourage all of my House colleagues to vote in support of this vital bill.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and to recognize Jefferson Community College as it celebrates a 30 year partnership with Fort Drum, during which, it has provided the Fort Drum community with access to important college programing. Located in Watertown, New York, the college first began offering courses to members of the Fort Drum community and their families in 1986, developing a strong partnership that has continued to grow over the years. It is imperative that we not only support our military members, but that we support their families as well, and one way we can do this is by providing the resources and community backing they need and rightly deserve. This partnership between Jefferson Community College and Fort Drum shows the dedication our region has to the Fort Drum community, as well as our commitment to growth through educational opportunities. This partnership has a proven record of success in enabling our military personnel and their families to achieve their long and short term goals, and serves as an important example for similar communities across the country. Congratulations to Jefferson Community College for continuing your commitment to education and to our military members and their families. I want to wish the staff, faculty, and students of Jefferson Community College continued success in the future.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Assemblywoman Janet Duprey who represents New York's 115th Assembly district who will retire at the end of this year following a distinguished 40 year career in public service. In 1976, she was the first woman elected to the Clinton County legislature, where she served for 10 years, including 2 years as chairperson. She was elected Clinton County Treasurer in 1986 and held that position until her election to the New York State Assembly in 2006, where she serves today. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for the North Country with a sincere dedication to improving her community and the lives of her constituents. In addition to her duties as Assemblywoman, Ms. Duprey holds positions on several boards of directors, including the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Medical Center, Hospice, the North Country Chapter of the Red Cross, Pine Harbour Assisted Living and Memory Care Center, and both the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and Clinton Community College. She is also a member of the League of Women Voters, Business & Professional Women, and an Honorary Member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Psi Chapter. Ms. Duprey is also a strong advocate for children and adults with autism in her community. Each year on her grandson's birthday, she sponsors a resolution honoring Asperger's Syndrome Day in the State Assembly. In the State Assembly, Ms. Duprey is Conference Secretary of the minority leadership, and serves on both the Rules and Ways and Means Committees. The Assemblywoman also serves on the Correction, Ethics and Guidance, and Higher Education Committees, all of which are important to her district. Ms. Duprey has earned numerous awards and distinctions for her service and accomplishments, such as the Advocacy and Resource Center Wall of Fame, the Behavioral Health Services North Community Service Award, the Girl Scout Woman of Distinction, the New York State County Finance Official of the Year, and the Clinton County Business and Professional Woman of the Year award. On this day, I want to take a moment to thank Assemblywoman Janet Duprey for her many years of public service to our district. Janet, congratulations on your retirement, you are a true leader and the North Country thanks you for your commitment to improving our community. Your humility and tireless service will be missed by many.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Black Poetry Day which is celebrated on October 17th. Jupiter Hammon, a slave and poet who was born in my home state of New York on this day in 1711, was the first African American writer whose work was published in the United States. First recognized in 1985, we celebrate Black Poetry Day to honor past and present poets such as Langston Hughes, Phillis Wheatley, Frank X. Walker and Maya Angelou. The works of these and many more authors provide our students insight into both poetry and United States history. While not officially recognized as a holiday, SUNY Plattsburgh recognizes Black Poetry Day each year with a ceremony and a guest speaker. This event gives credence to the hard work and dedication of African Americans who have overcome adversity to express themselves through poetry. Thank you to SUNY Plattsburgh for your commitment to honoring this day by hosting events in celebration year after year. I want to wish you great success at this year's event.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 25th Anniversary of the Stillwater Area Community Center in Stillwater, New York. The Community Center's mission is to improve the quality of life in the Stillwater community. The Community Center offers programs and activities for children and adults of all ages, which include recreational and physical activities in their popular and well-used gym. Through their before and after school programs, summer swim lessons and transportation options, the Center provides a safe place for all to gather, even during disasters, when it serves as an emergency shelter. The Center is also utilized as a location for public forums, enabling Stillwater residents to be active and informed citizens. To celebrate their years of service to the community, the Center's 25th Anniversary Open House will be an opportunity for Stillwater residents to participate in a wide range of activities. Since the Center is home to the village and town historians, residents will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Stillwater and the growth of the Community Center over the past 25 years. Congratulations to the Stillwater Area Community Center as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. I want to wish the Center and the Village of Stillwater continued success in the future.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, do you like apples? Because I rise today to speak about that great time of year when days grow crisp and leaves start to change, apple season. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy in the North Country, and New York State is the second largest-producing State in the country where we export our delicious products across the globe. For most families, a trip apple picking is a great annual tradition this time of year. I have had the pleasure of touring apple orchards across my district, from Applejacks Orchards in Plattsburgh, to Forrence and Everett Orchards in Peru, to Kaneb Orchards in Massena.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Ogdensburg International Airport located in St. Lawrence County, New York. The airport is owned by the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority and has undergone a major expansion project. The sizeable expansion of the Ogdensburg International Airport is impressive in its scope and the time within which the project was completed. The runway of the airport has been extended to accommodate larger planes, and the terminal and parking lot have been modernized and expanded for increased use and traffic. These additions and improvements have allowed the Ogdensburg International Airport to partner with new airlines and offer additional flights, and will strengthen both the direct and indirect economic impact of the facility on the community. This expansion project will enable airlines partnering with the Ogdensburg International Airport to offer low cost airfare, making travel to the North Country easier and more convenient. It is my hope that this airport will act as a signal to investors, both in and out of the area, that Ogdensburg can support growing industries and expanding businesses. These improvements will provide returns on investments for the future, and will help establish a North Country presence beyond upstate New York. Congratulations to St. Lawrence County, the City of Ogdensburg, the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, and the Ogdensburg International Airport. I wish you all the best for continued success in the future.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable man from my district who dedicated his life to serving our country. Charles Evans Hughes was born in Glens Falls, New York, where his first home still stands on Center Street. Mr. Hughes began his storied career in public service when he was elected Governor of New York in 1906. He was later appointed to the Supreme Court by President William Howard Taft, where he served 6 years, before resigning in 1916 to run for President. While his run for President would be unsuccessful, Mr. Hughes continued his life of public service by serving as Secretary of State for Presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. Later, Charles Evans Hughes was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by President Herbert Hoover. In Glens Falls, we are proud of his amazing legacy of public service, and we will gather on October 15 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of his run for President.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Johnstown's 50 Plus Club in Johnstown, New York. Established in 1966 at the Shirley J. Luck Senior Citizens Center, the mission of the club is to promote healthy and active lifestyles to its members while giving them a safe place to congregate and socialize. The staff at the Center is always looking for new ways to engage the members by providing activities and programs that interest them. Members of the club gather for their weekly meetings, meals, day and weekend trips and weekly walks. In addition to social programs, the Center offers informational programs to ensure that seniors know and understand the different options available to them in today's ever changing world. Congratulations to the town of Johnstown and the Shirley J. Luck Senior Citizens Center on establishing this group and continuing to provide activities to our senior citizens over the past fifty years. I want to wish the staff of the Shirley J. Luck Senior Center and the members of the 50 Plus Club continued success in the future.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 50th anniversary of the State University of New York at Plattsburgh's Upward Bound Program. Upward Bound prepares high school students for success in college and professional careers. Since its founding in 1966, nearly 1500 students in the Plattsburgh area have completed the program. Through Upward Bound, high school students are afforded the opportunity to attend career fairs, shadow jobs, and complete internships. Each year, participants of the SUNY Plattsburgh Upward Bound Program provide over 6,000 hours of community outreach in Plattsburgh. This specific Upward Bound Program gives students the incredibly unique opportunity to take part in leadership experiences such as ocean classroom sailing, Adirondack wilderness trips, and participation in the National Leadership Congress. SUNY Plattsburgh's Upward Bound is one of the oldest Upward Bound Programs in the country. In the past fifty years, over eighty percent of Upward Bound Alumni across the United States have pursued secondary education immediately after high school graduation and more than fifty percent of those students have been able to complete their post- secondary education. Upward Bound Plattsburgh offers programming throughout the school year and during the summer as well, encouraging students to participate with their families. During the school year, the program offers college visits and bi-weekly counseling sessions, while in the summer, more than 45 classes are offered daily, covering every subject from math to history, foreign languages and the sciences. In addition to these classes, cultural experiences and leadership opportunities are offered every week. The SUNY Plattsburgh Upward Bound Program has done a tremendous job of empowering and uplifting high school students since its founding in 1966. I want to wish its teachers, administrators, students, and alumni continued success in the future.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Center for the Study of Canada and the Canadian Studies Program at SUNY Plattsburgh. The Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive scholarly professional development programs on Canada for residents of the United States. The Canadian Studies Program as SUNY Plattsburgh was founded in 1966. Nine years later the Center for the Study of Canada was established in 1975 and was recognized as a Title VI National Resource Center by the United States Department of Education in 1983. The Center offers the most comprehensive Canadian Studies undergraduate program in the United States, and spearheaded the CONNECT program, which works to promote Canadian Studies in American academic institutions. The Center's Canadian Studies Program gives students the opportunity to learn about Canada's rich multiculturalism and its vital role as one of the largest trading partners with the United States. The Center offers students multiple outreach programs, such as the Distinguished Canadian Address, K-12 Initiatives, and Teaching Canada. These programs, as well as opportunities to study abroad in Canada, enable the Center's students to learn more about our northern neighbor. Congratulations to the Center for the Study of Canada and the Canadian Studies Program at SUNY Plattsburgh on the 50th anniversary of its formation. I want to wish the Center and its students and faculty continued success in the future.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 100th anniversary of the Chazy Central Rural School District in Chazy, New York. The Chazy Central Rural School District was the first centralized rural school district in the United States. Since its founding in 1916, through the consolidation of eleven rural schools, Chazy Central has given children in the community the educational advantages they would receive living in a large city. The new school opened its doors on November 14, 1916, and was soon recognized throughout the world as an extraordinary school for a town of 800 residents. The building itself stood five stories tall and supported a bell tower that was seventy-one feet higher than the fifth floor roof. The school consisted of forty-four rooms, and boasted an English room modeled in the Tudor style, an auditorium capable of seating 1100 people, and two gymnasiums and swimming pools. There was also a fully equipped nursing office and a dentist on staff to ensure that the students had access to the best healthcare. At the time of its founding, Chazy Central had special departments in agriculture, industrial arts, household arts, library, music, and physical education. The student body consisted of eight grades and a four year high school program. Today, the Chazy Central Rural School District consists of an elementary school and a junior-senior high school, and the school district remains committed to providing students with an excellent education and the resources they need to become successful adults. Beginning in elementary school, students have access to computer labs and music and art classes, and as they grow, are afforded opportunities like travelling to Model United Nations Conferences and participating in different sports programs. As the first rural school district in the United States, Chazy Central School District has successfully educated students for 100 years. Congratulations to the Chazy Central Rural School District. I want to wish its teachers, administrators, students, and alumni all the best in the future.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, first, I want to thank my HASC colleague and friend, Jackie Walorski, for all of her efforts to prevent the transfer of terrorists from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and introducing H.R. 5351, of which I am a proud cosponsor. I stand here today as the Representative of the Army's 10th Mountain Division, resilient warriors who have been an integral force in the war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq since 9/11. As we all know, GTMO is comprised of some of the world's most heinous terrorists, and we have lost many servicemembers' lives in their pursuit. As the 10th Mountain Division and others continue to serve in harm's way, it is our duty to provide oversight and ensure the administration is held accountable before any American dies at the hands of a released detainee. Releasing these terrorists and closing GTMO is a true national security concern at home; therefore, I urge my colleagues to stand with our brave men and women in uniform and show them that their sacrifices have not gone to waste and vote today in support of H.R. 5351.