Elise Stefanik

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Mr. James Miller and to thank him for his long and exemplary career serving our constituents and servicemen. Jim's service to our troops began four decades ago while he was pursuing his second Master's Degree at Florida State University, after earning his first from Slippery Rock University. While pursuing his educational goals, he interned with the Mental Hygiene Clinic at the Erie County, Pennsylvania Veteran Affairs Hospital. This would prove to be a formative experience for Jim who, upon graduation in 1989, took a job at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. During his time at Fort Campbell, Jim served in a variety of roles including the Chief of Community Mental Health and the Chief of Discharge Planning. In these roles, Jim assumed responsibility for the well-being of countless troops and their family members. He flourished in Kentucky, but when Americans were called to serve during Operation Desert Storm, Jim followed the 101st Airborne-- the mighty Screaming Eagles--across the waves as the division's social work officer. While deployed, he went above and beyond, providing counseling services to the troops and even establishing a mental health clinic similar to the one in which he had once worked in. Jim stayed with the 101st until 1993, afterward continuing his service at various installations across the nation. Though his capacity differed at each station, the quality of service he delivered never diminished. His nine-year journey concluded in 2002 when he settled in with the North Country's own 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum. During the height of the global War on Terror, Jim provided the Division with the same essential, high-quality care that had defined his time with the 101st years prior. After serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, he returned to his roots at the very same Erie VA Hospital where his career had started. Eventually, Jim would return to the North Country, first as the chief of the Watertown Veterans Center and then as a clinical social worker with Fort Drum's Soldier Recovery Program. After a long career tending to our warfighters in their hours of need, Jim is ready for one last transition: on March 14th, he celebrated a richly deserved retirement after a lifetime of service. On behalf of New York's 21st District, it is my distinct honor to thank him for all he has done in service of the North Country, the 10th Mountain Division, and our Country.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional life and the dedicated service of Pasquale F. Cancilla. Pasquale Cancilla was born in Troy in 1921, after the end of the First World War. As he grew from a boy into a young man, he found our Nation in conflict with the start of the Second World War. Just six days after his Nation came under attack, Pasquale enlisted in the United States Navy. He was only 20 at the time. There, he did his duty with great distinction, earning a variety of medals for his impeccable conduct and his service around the world aboard the USS William Seiverling. The Navy took Pasquale to Hawaii, to the Philippines, to Iwo Jima, and to Okinawa. By war's end, he had risen to the rank of Yeoman, Third Class, in recognition of his efforts. After his honorable discharge in late 1945, Pasquale returned home to his wife Elizabeth and his family. However, his service to the United States was not yet at an end. In addition to a second tour in the Navy which ended in 1955, Pasquale served in the New York National Guard as a Staff Sergeant with the 105th Infantry Division. Pasquale also served his community when not wearing a uniform. A man of great faith, he filled numerous crucial roles at St. Patrick's Church of Troy. Proud of his naval background, Pasquale was active in his local chapter of the VFW, a longtime member of the Tibbitts Cadets, a volunteer aboard the USS Slater, and an advocate for the Destroyer Escort Historical Foundation. Pasquale, a father of six and a grandfather of twenty, found his work with children as a Boy Scout troop leader and a Babe Ruth baseball league manager to be especially rewarding. Pasquale lived a life full of service to those around him, whether that was his national community or his neighborhood one. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am pleased to recognize his extraordinary life.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Robert Nemer, who has been selected by the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce to receive the 35th Annual J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award. Robert embodies the philanthropic spirit of the award's namesake. Since moving to the North Country in 1970 to assist his father with the operations of his car dealership, he and his brother have transformed the enterprise into a successful business with several locations across Upstate New York. Robert's community is something he cherishes deeply, and throughout his life, he has gone above and beyond to give back. As a former teacher, the needs of young students are a matter of special concern for Robert. Alongside the Tri-County United Way and the Post Star, he founded the Kids with Packs program to ensure that students have the supplies they need to start each school year strong. In keeping with this devotion to education, Robert and his wife Francine have also helped to facilitate various youth enrichment programs run by the Hyde Collection. Equally remarkable is the commitment Robert has shown to the North Country hospitals and doctors. Through the Nemer Auto Group, he has granted considerable financial support to the Glenn Falls, Saint Peter's, and Saratoga hospitals while simultaneously serving on the board of the Hudson Headwaters Health Network. In his spare time, Robert may be found either volunteering with these very same institutions or working for another cause close to his heart: the preservation of his beloved Lake George. The Lake George Association simply would not look the same without Robert's efforts. Over the years, Robert Nemer has proven himself to be a consistent force for good in his adopted home state. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I thank Robert for his contributions to the life of our district and congratulate him on this richly deserved award.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the life and legacy of John Doldo, Jr., a pillar of the Watertown community. John was born at the height of the Great Depression to a large, first-generation Italian American family. Growing up with six siblings, John was instilled with the values of hard work, eventually rising to become a football star quarterback for Watertown High School as a proud member of the ``Gang of Eight.'' After graduating, John would go on to join the United States Army in 1951. For five years, he remained in his post until being honorably discharged in 1956. In the interval, John met and married the love of his life Patricia on a blind date whom he described as ``the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.'' They would have celebrated their 70th anniversary this year. After leaving the army, John found his calling in real estate--a field in which he was immensely talented. Working in this capacity, John facilitated numerous land deals and renewal projects in the North Country with great skill and dedication leading to a very successful career. Outside of work, John was a strong voice in Watertown's community. He served on the boards of numerous charitable and cultural organizations and was a member and judicial delegate for multiple Republican committees. For his firm commitment to those around him, he was granted the North Country Citation Award from Saint Lawrence University. What John was best known for, however, was being a family man. You could often find John hosting feasts for his family and singing with one of his many grandchildren. John hosted an annual Feast of the Seven Fishes which will be fondly remembered by those close to him along with his voice leading the children in singing ``Oh Come All Ye Faithful.'' John Doldo lived a full life that demonstrated his utmost dedication to his country, his community, and his family. His hard work allowed him to live a life full of charity and joy. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am deeply honored to share my gratitude with John's family and reflect on his lifetime of public service as we celebrate his life of service.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a native son of Herkimer County, Vincent Bono, and to wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his storied career. Mr. Bono was born in Ilion, and he never strayed too far from home. In 1985, he settled in Schuyler, which has been his home ever since. In 2002, Mr. Bono was elected to represent Herkimer's 11th district in the county legislature, where he quickly became a fixture. He immediately earned the nickname ``Mr. IDA'' for his support for the county's Industrial Development Agency, which he now chairs. Vincent has been a fighter for the economic betterment of his beloved county since day one. Under his leadership, business parks in Schuyler and Frankfort were built, bringing new jobs and residents with them. Vincent has also been a champion for students and young people. One would be hard-pressed to find a more vocal advocate for Herkimer Community College than Mr. Bono. He takes pride in the fact that he began the Children's Center initiative which will be carried on by his trusted colleagues and go on to have a positive impact on the community. Vincent's service has not been limited to elected leadership. He has also served his community as a volunteer firefighter, risking his life to protect others. He has also contributed greatly to the work of numerous organizations tackling issues close to his heart. Whenever there has been a need for a reliable voice in Herkimer, Vincent has readily provided that voice. Vincent Bono has proven himself to be a true statesman. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I thank him for all he has contributed to life in the North Country and wish him luck as he begins a new chapter of his public service.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the storied career and continuing service of Watertown's newly appointed City Manager, U.S. Army Retired Colonel Eric Wagenaar. Mr. Wagenaar is a native of Carthage, New York, and graduated from Canton's St. Lawrence University with a Sociology degree in 1983. Upon his graduation, Mr. Wagenaar joined the Army as an Infantry Officer working primarily in command, training, and operations positions. His time in command ended in 2002 in Baumholder, Germany. In 2009, after 26 years of patriotic service, Mr. Wagenaar retired at the rank of Colonel. Following his retirement, Mr. Wagenaar took on the role of Civilian Plans and Operations Officer for the 10th Mountain Division before being promoted to Fort Drum Garrison's Director of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security in 2012. In 2015, Mr. Wagenaar was promoted once again to Deputy to the Garrison Commander and performed admirably in this role for 9 years before being named Watertown City Manager. While serving in his role as Deputy to the Garrison Commander, Mr. Wagenaar's leadership was nothing short of exemplary. He was responsible for many duties on base that kept the day-to-day operations running smoothly and he performed each to the highest level. Whether helping to resolve installation problems, supporting training regimes, or guiding the direction of administrative programs, Mr. Wagenaar fulfilled his duties to the highest of standards. Throughout his career, Mr. Wagenaar's high quality of work has earned him several honors and awards including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters, and the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. Furthermore, his aptitude in the field has earned him the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Ranger Tab, the Expert Infantryman Badge, and U.S. Army and German Army Airborne Wings. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize U.S. Army Retired Colonel Eric Wagenaar for his decades of patriotic service. I look forward to witnessing his many future successes as Watertown's City Manager.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and celebrate the life of Major General Robert J. Kasulke, M.D. Robert was born on June 12, 1949 in Queens, New York to two proud parents, Francis and Florence Kasulke. He would grow up and graduate from Archbishop Molloy High School in Jamaica, New York before going on to attend Fordham University and graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1971. He continued his academic journey attending SUNY Upstate Medical University where he graduated in 1975 and went on to receive his master's degree in public administration from Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs the following year. Dr. Kasulke also attended the United States Army War College and graduated in 1999. On May 3, 1975, Robert married Catherine O'Connell, the love of his life, at Fordham University Chapel. The couple lived in the Bronx where Dr. Kasulke did his residency in general surgery at Montefiore Health and Hospital Center. After completing his residency, he and Mrs. Kasulke moved to Columbia, MO where he completed his fellowship in vascular surgery at Columbia Health and Science Center. He moved to Saranac Lake in 1983 and later to Watertown in 1989 where he practiced at the Good Samaritan and Mercy Hospital until 1991. He continued his academic journey attending SUNY Upstate as a medical professional in Upstate New York serving in a variety of different manners and was, at the time of his death, the Medical Director of Hospice of Jefferson County, the Medical Director of Jefferson County Public Health Service, and the Jefferson County Deputy Medical Examiner. In addition to his medical work, Dr. Kasulke also served in the Army Reserve from 1980 to 2012. Even after his retirement from the Reserve, Dr. Kasulke continued his staunch support for the Armed Forces, being appointed an Army Reserve Ambassador in 2013 and to the Chief of Staff Army Retiree Council in 2017. His hard work and perseverance led him to be a pivotal piece in arranging community activities, including leading many ``We Honor Veterans'' ceremonies honoring those who fought for our freedom. Furthermore, Dr. Kasulke was a member of Elks Lodge No. 496 and the Italian American Club showing his commitment to our community. In addition to serving his country and his community, Robert dedicated time to his family. He could often be seen at one of his three grandchildren's sporting or school events. He was known for his collection of antique soldiers and model trains as well as his enjoyment for woodworking. Robert lived a full life that demonstrated his utmost dedication to his country, his community, and his family. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize the life and service of Robert Kasulke.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Marine Corps veteran James Francis Plog. James Plog was born in Poughkeepsie, New York on October 10, 1926. He was raised in Schenectady where he attended school before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 6, 1944. James served in the Pacific Theater, participating in the occupation of Japan from September 22, 1945 to June 15, 1946. He remained at Camp Lejeune until his honorable discharge on August 19, 1946, at the rank of Private First Class. For his service, PFC Plog was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Honorable Discharge Button, and achieved the Rifle Marksman qualification. Returning to civilian life, James pursued an education, a career, and a family. He married his wife, Dorothy ``Dot'' Plog on October 25, 1947. Together, the couple had three children, James, Keith, and Paula. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, James began work as a herdsman and farm manager for the Vanderbilts' farm in Williamstown, Massachusetts, before returning to Cobleskill, New York to study agriculture for his own pursuits. He chartered two dairy farms of his own, a Jersey farm in East Greenwich and a Holstein farm in Easton. James eventually sold his herds and began working for General Electric Silicones in Waterford until his retirement in September 1990. When he was not working, James remained an avid hobbyist and a dedicated member of the veteran community. He enjoyed golfing, metal detecting, fishing, and learning new skills such as playing the piano and using computers. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Marine Corps League Detachment in Troy. He participated in local events and parades, including the Uncle Sam's Flag Day Parade. He loved spending time with his children, five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and his German Shepherd Helga. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize PFC James Plog.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Broadalbin Town Justice William Jennings for his 50 years of valiant service to his local community. A lifelong resident of the Town of Broadalbin, Justice Jennings has been dedicated to serving his community in many capacities throughout his storied career. After graduating from Broadalbin High School in 1965, he began work at the John Hancock Life Insurance Company before answering the call to serve and joining the Army Reserves in 1968. Four years later, Justice Jennings returned to Broadalbin High School where he diligently served as the school's bus driver and groundskeeper for the next 46 years before retiring in 2018 and going to work part-time as a bus driver for Gloversville Transit. Justice Jennings was elected to the office of Broadalbin Town Justice in 1973 and has been a staple of the community, adjudicating the town's issues for more than a half-century. Known for both his wisdom and compassion, few individuals are held in such high regard in the Town of Broadalbin. Justice Jennings should be extremely proud of his illustrious career and the positive impact he has made along the way. Above all, Justice Jenning is a family man who enjoys spending quality time with his loved ones. Married to Candyce O. Weiss in 1968, the pair have three sons; James, Jeffrey, and Jonathan; seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. On a clear summer's day, Justice Jennings and his family can often be found driving up Broad Street in an automobile from his beloved classic car collection. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize Town Justice William Jennings for his exceptional leadership and his enduring contributions to his community.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Foxx for chairing last week's important hearing. There is a reason that last week's hearing with the university presidents of Harvard, Penn, and MIT made history as the most watched congressional testimony in history with over 1 billion views. That is because their testimony was the most morally bankrupt testimony in the history of the United States Congress. When asked the very specific question, ``Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate [your] code of conduct when it comes to bullying and harassment?'' the world watched and the world heard their answers in horror as the president of Harvard, the now-former president of Penn, and the president of MIT equivocated, dehumanized, and failed to answer yes. Anyone with a sliver of decency, humanity, and morality knows that the answer to that question is yes. President Kornbluth of MIT said that such depravity would only be considered harassment depending on the ``context.'' When pressed during her questioning, Penn's now-former President Magill's response was shocking to the extreme: ``If the speech becomes conduct, it can be harassment.'' Finally, Harvard President Gay's answer was the same: ``It depends on the context.'' It was pathetic, amoral, and inhumane, and by God, the world heard it. As I said in the hearing, it does not depend on the context. As attacks against Jewish students have skyrocketed on campuses across America, we clearly have tremendous work ahead of us, Mr. Speaker, to address this rot of anti-Semitism that is now rooted in our once-premier higher education institutions, and we will not be deterred by this important work. This is why I rise today in support of my bipartisan resolution condemning the rise of anti-Semitism on university campuses around the country and the morally bankrupt testimony of those university presidents.

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, it is only a first step, but it is an important step. I commend my colleagues, Congressman Moskowitz, Majority Leader Scalise, and Congressman Gottheimer, for joining to lead this historically important, bipartisan effort to stand for moral truth.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Richard L. Butterfield. Richard was born in Mansfield, Ohio on April 25, 1945. His family moved to New York in the following years, and he graduated from Averill Park High School in 1963. He enlisted in the United States Army the same year, attending the Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia and graduated to be commissioned as a second lieutenant in March 1965. He was subsequently deployed to Vietnam as a Pathfinder Team Leader, 11th Pathfinders, 1st Cav. Division. His team directed helicopter resupply, medical evacuations, and rescue missions. When Lt. Butterfield was wounded in action, he refused to leave until all other wounded servicemembers were removed from the battlefield. Lt. Butterfield returned to duty on his second tour in 1968 as Captain and Commander of E Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne, later serving as Team Commander with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Green Berets. He was honorably discharged in 1970; for his valiant service, he received dozens of medals and commendations including the Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and several Federal Badges, Vietnamese Medals, and New York State Medals. Richard continued to serve in the New York Army National Guard as a Commander until 1995. Upon his retirement, he was breveted to the rank of Brigadier General and given the Long and Faithful Service Award (25 Years). From 1970 to 2006, he was also a member of the New York State Police. He worked as a canine officer with his partner Frey, a firearms instructor, rifle sharpshooter, member of the underwater recovery team, delegate to the Police Benevolent Association, and as an undercover investigator with the Community Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. After retiring from the State Police, he joined the Warren County Sheriff's Office as Marine Patrol on Lake George. When not on duty, Richard was a family man. He had three children-- Lori, Hayden, and Eric--and seven grandchildren, and he married his wife Cathy on July 27, 2020. As an active participant in his community, Richard remained a lifelong member of the Castleton Boat Club and the Nassau Sportsman's Club, served as a board member for the Lebanon Valley Speedway, and rode with the Renegade Pigs Motorcycle Club. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to share the incredible story of Mr. Richard L. Butterfield, a patriot who dedicated his life to serving his country and his local community.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 611, I mistakenly voted Aye when I intended to vote Nay.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act. I take the time to thank our chairman, Bruce Westerman, and the ranking member for their support throughout this process both in committee but also in visiting with so many communities that understand the importance of preserving and protecting these most hallowed grounds. I introduced this bipartisan legislation with my Congressional Battlefield Caucus co-chair, Mr. Connolly of Virginia, to preserve and improve the American Battlefield Protection Program, one of the most successful land preservation programs managed by the National Park Service. Since its inception, the American Battlefield Protection Program has helped protect more than 100 battlefields in 42 States, including Fort Ann in my district in upstate New York. New York's 21st District is truly the cradle of the American Revolution, home to Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Ann, and the Bennington Battlefield. However, as people across upstate New York and the North Country will proudly tell you, Mr. Speaker, our deep military history extends beyond the American Revolution and incorporates many important battlefields from the French and Indian War through the War of 1812. I, myself, grew up going to these historic sites, and I consider them part of the classroom of my childhood education. For years, I have been proud to lead the charge to preserve these historic battlefields in the Congress as the co-chair of the Congressional Battlefield Caucus. It is critical that we preserve and honor the places Americans gave their last full measure of devotion in order to ensure future generations of Americans learn the lessons of those sacrifices on these very hallowed grounds. This bill also allows nonprofits and Tribes to apply to the program directly, instead of having to go through a government sponsor. Removing this burdensome hurdle cuts through bureaucracy allowing these entities to be more efficient and effective in preserving our endangered battlefields. This legislation also clarifies the eligibility of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites for battlefield land acquisition grants to ensure the program is used to preserve battlefield land, while also creating a process for the National Park Service to expand and update battlefield boundaries. With emerging archeological technologies, historical boundaries of various battlefields have shifted as we learn more. Without the program improvements in my bill, portions of battlefields with newly discovered historic importance stand to be lost. We must not allow this to happen and, instead, strive to ensure these critical pieces of our history-- our most hallowed history--are preserved for future generations. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of the bipartisan American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act to ensure these battlefields continue to be preserved for years and generations to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker pro tempore, Mr. Clerk, colleagues, on behalf of the House Republican Conference, I rise today to nominate the gentleman from Louisiana, Mike Johnson, as Speaker of the people's House. We convene this esteemed body today at a time of great crisis across America, a time of unprecedented challenges in this hallowed Chamber, and a time when the very existence of our most precious ally, Israel, is under attack from forces of evil. Yesterday, our dear colleague, our former Conference chair, the chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, nominated Mike Johnson in our Conference. She put it best when she said: ``Trust has been broken, and we have come to a standstill. How do we restore trust between Members, leadership, and ultimately between Congress and we the people?'' Mrs. McMorris Rodgers noted that there is a sense that it cannot be business as usual. She said: ``Above the Speaker's chair in the House Chamber is our Nation's motto, In God We Trust.'' She went on to say: ``The times in which we are living demand boldness, unity, and transformational leadership that begins with trust in God and each other. Trust is when the magic happens. In the story of King David, we are reminded that man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'' Today is the day that House Republicans will humbly look in our hearts and elect Mike Johnson as Speaker of the people's House. A man of deep faith, Mike epitomizes what it means to be a servant leader. A deeply respected constitutional lawyer, Mike has dedicated his life to preserving America's great principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Mike is a titan on the Judiciary Committee and a dedicated member of the House Armed Services Committee. As vice chair of our Conference, he has united all of our members to speak clearly and boldly on behalf of the American people. A friend to all and an enemy to none, Mike is strong, tough, and fair. Above all, Mike is kind. At this very moment, this Republican Conference knows that we live in perilous times and that the American people are hurting. Families are struggling under the pain of inflation caused by reckless, far-left spending, unable to afford groceries, heat, or gas. We have an inhumane open border, with millions illegally smuggled and trafficked and tens of thousands of children lost in the chasm of the incompetence and negligence of the Biden administration. Israel is under attack by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists committing atrocities, with Israelis suffering the bloodiest days in modern memory. Crime is skyrocketing on our streets, while there are vicious calls from the left to defund our great men and women in blue. American energy production has been crushed by Joe Biden's radical, failed far-left Democrat policies, causing seniors, farmers, and families to pay more at the pump. Americans fundamentally understand that the Federal Government has been illegally weaponized against we the people, shredding the Constitution, targeting conservatives and parents. Yes, I will say it again: The Federal Government has been illegally weaponized against we the people, shredding the Constitution, targeting conservatives, parents, and even Joe Biden's top political opponents. The people are looking to this great Chamber to save America, and save America we will. As we embark on the path ahead, I am reminded of Galatians 6:9: ``And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.'' House Republicans and Speaker Mike Johnson will never give up. Today is the day we get this done. May God bless our next Speaker, Mike Johnson, and may God bless the United States of America.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor and remember the life of United States Army veteran Richard Edward Santspree. Richard was born in Troy, New York on July 28, 1950. After graduating from Cohoes High School, Richard enlisted with the United States Army in October 1967. He served in the Army for three years, rising to the rank of Specialist Fourth Class, before he was honorably discharged in October 1970. For his service, Richard was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and M16 Expert and M14 Sharpshooter badges. Richard remained with the Army Reserves until 1973. Returning to civilian life, Richard married the love of his life Christine Hogan Santspree in April 1971. They moved to Cohoes and started their family together, raising three children: Kimberly, Richard Jr., and Thomas. Richard spent his professional career with General Electric in Schenectady, working as a machinist for four decades before retiring in August 2010. Richard was a well-rounded member of the Cohoes and Troy communities, participating in his local church, veterans' organizations, and recreational activities. He was a member of the Cohoes Moose Club, the Cohoes-Waterford Elk's Lodge 1317, and the American Legion Ruane Post 476. Richard competed in a league at the Cohoes Bowling Arena, along with the Cohoes Rod and Gun Club's Dart and Horseshoe League. Richard assisted with St. Rita's Church's annual bazaar, as well as the Rod and Gun Club's kids' fishing contest at the Van Schaick Island pond. More than anything, he was a proud family man who enjoyed travelling and spending time with his wife, children, and four grandchildren. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize the life of Mr. Richard E. Santspree, defined by exemplary service to his community and his country.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor and remember the life of United States Army veteran Richard Edward Santspree. Richard was born in Troy, New York on July 28, 1950. After graduating from Cohoes High School, Richard enlisted with the United States Army in October 1967. He served in the Army for three years, rising to the rank of Specialist Fourth Class, before he was honorably discharged in October 1970. For his service, Richard was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and M16 Expert and M14 Sharpshooter badges. Richard remained with the Army Reserves until 1973. Returning to civilian life, Richard married the love of his life Christine Hogan Santspree in April 1971. They moved to Cohoes and started their family together, raising three children; Kimberly, Richard Jr., and Thomas. Richard spent his professional career with General Electric in Schenectady, working as a machinist for four decades before retiring in August 2010. Richard was a well-rounded member of the Cohoes and Troy communities, participating in his local church, veterans' organizations, and recreational activities. He was a member of the Cohoes Moose Club, the Cohoes-Waterford Elk's Lodge 1317, and the American Legion Ruane Post 476. Richard competed in a league at the Cohoes Bowling Arena, along with the Cohoes Rod and Gun Club's Dart and Horseshoe League. Richard assisted with St. Rita's Church's annual bazaar, as well as the Rod and Gun Club's kids' fishing contest at the Van Schaick Island pond. More than anything, he was a proud family man who enjoyed travelling and spending time with his wife, children, and three grandchildren. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize the life of Mr. Richard E. Santspree, defined by exemplary service to his community and his country.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker pro tempore, Mr. Clerk, colleagues, on behalf of the House Republican Conference, I rise today to nominate the gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Jim Jordan, as Speaker of the people's House. We are at a time of great crisis across America, a time of historic challenges in this very Chamber, and a time when heinous acts of terror and evil have been committed against our great ally, Israel. As this body convenes for the sacred responsibility to elect the next Speaker of the people's House, I am reminded of the Book of Esther: for such a time as this. Jim Jordan will be America's Speaker for such a time as this: A time when hardworking American families are struggling under the vice of inflation, not able to afford groceries, heat, or gas because of the trillions and trillions of dollars of reckless spending by failed far-left government; A time when millions are being illegally trafficked and smuggled across our southern and northern borders due to the catastrophic and inhumane wide-open borders of Joe Biden; A time when violent crime is skyrocketing across America, destroying our great cities, suburbs, and small towns, where people no longer feel safe in their homes or in their communities; A time when American energy production has been crushed by Joe Biden's radical, failed, far-left policies, causing seniors, farmers, and families to pay more at the pump and struggle with skyrocketing utility bills; A time when the Federal Government is weaponized against we the people, who they are supposed to serve, stripping us of our God-given constitutional rights and wrongfully targeting conservatives, Catholics, and even parents at school board meetings; A time when the people of our closest and most precious ally, Israel, suffered the bloodiest day since the Holocaust, with acts of inhumane evil committed by Hamas terrorists backed by Iran, grotesque atrocities, the beheadings of babies, rapes, kidnappings, and slaughter of women, children, and the elderly, and Israelis and Americans taken hostage. We are here in this very Chamber for such a time as this. Jim Jordan will be we the people's Speaker for such a time as this. Our friend and colleague Jim Jordan is a patriot. He is an America First warrior who wins the toughest of fights, going after corruption and delivering accountability at the highest levels of government on behalf of we the people. Jim is the voice of the American people who have felt voiceless for far too long. Whether as Judiciary chair, conservative leader, or Representative for his constituents in west central Ohio, whether on the wrestling mat or in the committee room, Jim Jordan is strategic, scrappy, tough, and principled. He is a mentor, a worker, and above all, he is a fighter. We know that Jim Jordan is a winner on behalf of the American people. Almost 10 years ago, many of us sat with our colleague Jim Jordan in this very Chamber when Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered his historic joint address--which some of our colleagues across the aisle shamefully boycotted. Bibi pointed out that in this very Chamber, we serve under the watchful gaze of Moses. He said, ``Overlooking all of us in this Chamber is the image of Moses. . . . And before the people of Israel entered the land of Israel, Moses gave us a message that has steeled our resolve for thousands of years. . . . Be strong and resolute, neither fear nor dread them.'' He went on to say: ``My friends, may Israel and America always stand together, strong and resolute. May we neither fear nor dread the challenges ahead. May we face the future with confidence, strength, and hope.'' On behalf of the American people, let's face the future with confidence, strength, and hope. Let's elect Jim Jordan, our Speaker of the people's House, for such a time as this.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, anyone and everyone who knows Kevin McCarthy, whether they are a friend or foe, knows that Kevin McCarthy is a happy warrior. He is tireless. He has that uniquely American grit. Under Kevin's speakership, that lasted 15 rounds of him never giving up, this Republican majority have exceeded all expectations: We reopened the people's House. We passed the strongest border security bill in our Nation's history. We passed an energy plan to unleash American energy dominance. We passed Defense bills to support our troops. Under Kevin's leadership, he has brought hundreds and hundreds of bipartisan Members of Congress to Israel, our greatest ally. He elected the most diverse class of Republicans ever, with the largest number of Republican women ever in American history. This boy from Bakersfield, he cares deeply about his constituents, his country, and the American people, and that includes each and every one of his colleagues. He has been to our districts, toasted at our weddings, celebrated the birth of our children, mourned the loss of our loved ones, and has cheered us when we haven't believed in ourselves, which is why the Republicans strongly support Speaker McCarthy and are proud he is our Speaker. Now more than ever, the Republicans must unify. The stakes are too high. We need to save our country, which is why this Conference is proud to strongly support Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stanley ``Stan'' Ransom, an esteemed musician and historian. Stan was born in Winsted, Connecticut on January 24, 1928. After graduating from high school in 1945, he attended Yale University on a full scholarship. Stan enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946, achieving the rank of Corporal while serving in Japan. After his military service, Stan returned to Yale to complete his BA in Intellectual History, English, and Sociology. Stan earned his Masters Degree in Library Services from Columbia University in 1953 and worked for the New York Public Research Library. In 1956, Stan began working for the Huntington Public Library, first as Assistant Director and later as Director. In 1974, he was named Director of the Clinton-Essex-Library System in Plattsburgh, a position he held for seventeen years. Stan retired briefly before serving as the Director of the Plattsburgh Public Library from 2007 to 2012, for which he secured grant funding to upgrade computers and created a program to teach computer skills to local residents. Stan has nurtured a love of professional folk singing and storytelling. Developing his talents as a folk singer, known as ``The Connecticut Peddler,'' he recorded twelve albums of folk music from around New York State. Stan has performed at public libraries, children's centers, local nursing homes, and assisted living facilities across the North Country. Stan's historical research uncovered the works of an obscure slave and poet named Jupiter Hammon, who wrote poems in the 1700's in the Huntington area. Stan published a book of Hammon's poetry in 1970, earning him an Award of Commendation from the American Association for State and Local History. Stan established October 17th, Hammon's birthday, as ``Black Poetry Day'' in 1970, a holiday officially recognized by New York State in 2022. Stan is an active member of the Plattsburgh Rotary Club, Sons of the American Revolution, Toastmasters Club, and serves as the Secretary of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. He and his wife Chris have been integral members of the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration Committee since 2000, providing 19th-century children's games for the annual Commemoration. Stan also performs music from the early 19th century throughout the Celebration weekend. Stan has received countless awards recognizing his contributions to brotherhood, libraries, history, intellectual freedom, and folklore. In July 2019, he was honored by the Clinton County Senior Center in their ``Six Over Seventy'' Award series. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I wish to recognize Stanley Ransom for his lifetime of service to this Nation, to the preservation of history, and to the arts.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Village of Champlain in Clinton County, New York. Champlain Township was one of the first municipalities in Clinton County when the county was created by the New York State Legislature on March 7, 1788. The Town's earliest settlers were veterans of the Revolutionary War who had been granted tracts of land for their service to New York and the fledgling United States, a majority of them French- Canadian families who had been denationalized for joining the War on the side of the colonists. The Village of Champlain was officially incorporated on September 23, 1873, followed by an additional election reaffirming the incorporation in 1875. Early industries in the Village included a paper mill, brickyards, woodworking and manufacturing, and multiple iron foundries, establishing the Village as a commercial center. Restaurants, parks, and fairgrounds created an early sense of community and local spirit, as did circulars such as The Herald of Freedom, an abolitionist publication and the first independent newspaper in the area. Sitting on the banks of the Great Chazy River, the scenic beauty of this historic Village makes it a fixture of Upstate New York. It continues to be a destination within the North Country hosting many small businesses and a growing commercial sector. Visitors to the region will find the Champlain History Center, located on Elm Street, a valuable resource for understanding the unique history and culture of the Village and the surrounding area. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize and celebrate the 150-year legacy of the Village of Champlain, New York.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Credo Community Center for Treatment and Addictions and to honor their integral service to the health and wellbeing of New York residents. Started in 1973 by Reverend Raymond J. Wertman and Ms. Edith Marsala, a member of his church, Credo Community Services was formed to approach and mitigate drug use in northern New York. Credo was founded with a simple, singular philosophy: anyone faced with a substance abuse problem that wanted assistance deserved to receive it. Credo's initial services included peer-to-peer treatment, coupling current and recovering drug users with mentors for strength and stability during the recovery and rehabilitation process. In the early stages, Credo was not a breakthrough success, inhibited by social stigmas and adversity to treatment programs and worsened by a dearth of funding. Until New York State began supplying Credo with funding in 1978, staff hosted public fundraisers such as bake sales and telethons to maintain operations. In the decades since, Executive Directors James P. Scordo (1988-2019) and John Wilson (2019-) have overcome these obstacles and grown the Credo treatment network substantially. Today, Credo operates outpatient centers in Watertown and Lowville, residence homes for men and women in Watertown, and a renowned rehabilitation program in Pamelia known as The Farm, a diversion site for youths faced with juvenile detention to recover. Their range of services includes individual and group counseling, Medication-Assisted Treatment, life-saving Narcan kits, and connecting patients with detox programs and residential sites outside of their network. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize the lifechanging services that the Credo Community Center has provided to the people of New York State for 50 years, and I applaud their continued efforts to expand these critical treatment practices.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a momentous occasion in the history of New York State, the Town of Schuyler Falls' 175th anniversary. In the early 19th century, a group of visionaries established a settlement bordered on the north and east by the Saranac River. Through their determination and perseverance, these settlers laid foundations for what would become the prosperous town of Schuyler Falls, formally erected from the Town of Plattsburgh on April 4, 1848. Residents have preserved its unique heritage, embraced progress, and fostered a vibrant spirit of unity that continues to this day. Schuyler Falls has beautiful rolling hills, accessible agriculture, timber, and waterpower, all of which provided early residents with key resources in the Town's founding industries. The initial successes of the Town's founders paved a way for a stalwart, close-knit community that values hard work and dedication. Today, Schuyler Falls continues to flourish with a plethora of local farms, small businesses, and a growing commercial businesses sector. On behalf of New York's 21st District, it is my honor to recognize and celebrate the 175th anniversary of Schuyler Falls, a hallmark of the North Country.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.