Elise Stefanik

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon).

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Wenstrup).

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. First, I know the majority feels this is just a technical fix to an administrative error, but it raises an important issue, again, for us to discuss now on the House floor, and we should debate the merits of the underlying provision. First of all, the Secretary of Defense is already charged with compiling this information, and we have already put in place a full and transparent oversight framework with publicly available reporting. As we debated in committee, the DNI is not the place to conduct such a review and report. We need the intelligence community focused on gathering and analyzing intelligence that is vital to our national security. So, pulling our national-level intelligence staff and resources away from those important missions to conduct a review that is already taking place--done by the DOD--is a poor use of resources and is just bad policy. I can say this, as one of the few members on the Intel Committee and HASC: The place we should be debating this is the Intelligence Authorization Act, not the National Defense Authorization Act. So, there are jurisdictional issues here, which is one of the reasons why I am opposed to this amendment. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. STEFANIK. With the top-line of $735 billion, this bill would cut personnel accounts; limit programs that deter against great power competition, such as Russia and China; and severely regress all the efforts we have put in to recover readiness from the devastating blow of sequestration. While I support portions of this bill, and I supported this bill in committee, I am deeply concerned that it is moving in the wrong direction as this comes to the floor, that it fails to support the needs of our men and women in uniform, and that it does not reflect longstanding bipartisan tradition. Mr. Chair, I look forward to a full and fair debate on these issues, and I urge my colleagues to consider this lack of bipartisan support as they decide their vote on the final passage.

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chair, I thank the ranking member for yielding. First, I thank my colleague and counterpart, Chairman Jim Langevin, for his bipartisan work on this bill. As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities, I want to highlight some broad themes that I am supportive of in this bill. First, this bill is active in all areas of our subcommittee's jurisdiction. We continue our focus on emerging technologies, including manufacturing technologies that are fundamental to our advancements and scaling of hypersonic weapons and directed energy. We also include an emphasis on basic research and the important contributions provided by universities and Department of Defense labs. And we enhanced capabilities and support for our Special Operations Forces, including additional funds for the Preservation of the Force and Families program. The bill also extends the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, which is a provision I sponsored in section 1051 of last year's NDAA that created this Commission to advance the development of AI. The Commission's recommendations will help us maintain global leadership in AI research and prepare our citizens for an AI-enabled future. As a second broad theme, this bill continues the tradition of robust congressional oversight of sensitive military operations and activities, including cyber, counterterrorism, and intelligence. These are broad, bipartisan frameworks put in place several years ago by then-Chairman Mac Thornberry, as well as myself and subcommittee Chairman Jim Langevin. I am pleased that we continue to advance these frameworks. As we move forward to debate and consider this NDAA, we should remind ourselves of our role in national security as a legislative body. It is our principal responsibility to protect our homeland and provide our men and women in uniform the tools and training they need to safely execute their dangerous missions on our behalf. I am very concerned about where our colleagues in the majority are taking this bill and whether we are fulfilling that duty. Despite Ranking Member Thornberry's hard work in committee to restore funding to $750 billion, this bill remains $15 billion short of the recommendations from former Secretaries of Defense, current Acting Secretaries of Defense, and senior military commanders.

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chair, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Waltz).

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon).

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, on the evening of July 9, 2019 I was on the House Floor participating in the evening vote series. I cast a YEA vote on Roll Call No. 433 but unfortunately, my voting card did not register the vote.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to honor Tribal Chief Beverly Cook, Sub-Chief Kenneth Jock, Chief Judge Carrie Garrow, and Traffic Court Judge Lois Terrance on the occasion of their swearing in ceremony. The Saint Regis Tribe originally settled in the area in the mid- 1750s. The settlement, named Akwesasne, sits on the United States and Canadian border along the Saint Lawrence River. I have been honored to work with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe during my time in Congress to advance causes of mutual interest. Whether it be honoring veterans of World War II or discussing investments in the Saint Regis community, the Tribe's leadership have been important partners. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to congratulate Chief Beverly Cook, Sub-Chief Kenneth Jock, Chief Judge Carrie Garrow, and Traffic Court Judge Lois Terrance on their successful elections. I look forward to our continued cooperation and their future achievements.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor James ``Jim'' Scordo for over three decades of service to the North Country as Executive Director of Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions. Jim Scordo has shepherded the community center through good and bad times since 1988 when he helped the center recover from a devastating fire. Jim sought help from his community and graciously raised over $175,000 dollars to rebuild. When the community center opened its substance abuse out-patient clinic, he was named its first Executive Director. Since then, countless North Country residents have found help overcoming addiction and there are many families in Jefferson County and beyond that are grateful to Jim, his staff, and volunteers for their loved one's health and wellbeing. The hands on, local efforts of Credo Community Center and similar centers throughout the country is crucial in the broader fight against the opioid epidemic. Communities need dedicated leadership to ensure that those services remain consistently available for those who need them most. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to thank Jim for his leadership and service to the North Country and wish him the best in the next chapter.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Charlotte Butz, the winner of the 2019 Congressional Art Competition for New York's 21st Congressional District. Charlotte graduates from Cambridge Central School this week and will be attending James Madison University in the fall to study Intelligence Analysis. Her proven ability to think creatively will be an asset through her studies and beyond. Charlotte's painting titled: Woman in Stripes, demonstrates a high degree of technical ability, using light and shadow to evoke emotion. I am proud knowing that my colleagues in Congress, members of the public, and leaders from around the world will see this beautiful drawing on display in the Capitol throughout the year. Charlotte's painting serves as a true testament to the artistic skill of our students and quality of arts education in the North Country. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to thank Charlotte for sharing her work with us and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Honorable Gerald A. Worth on his retirement as Justice of the Town of Wilton. Justice Worth comes from a strong tradition of service to the North Country with both of his parents serving as Justices of the Town of Wilton. His father, the Honorable Wesley Worth, served from 1945 until 1973, and his mother, the Honorable Lillian Worth, served from 1973 until 1976. Justice Worth took up that mantle in 1978 and has dutifully served his community since that day. Justice Worth has served his country and community in a variety of capacities over the course of his career. Prior to his tenure as Justice, he served the North Country as President of Saratoga County's Magistrates, spent time in the Department of Transportation, and served in the National Guard. After so many decades of service to our community and our country, Justice Worth deserves nothing less than our deepest gratitude. It is the honor of a lifetime and truly humbling to serve such incredible North Country residents here in Congress. After retirement, Justice Worth is looking forward to time with his family; including his three daughters, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to thank the Honorable Gerald A. Worth for his service to our community and wish him all the happiness in the world as he begins this next chapter.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize four North Country residents for their selfless dedication to their communities. Each of these individuals was awarded the Senior of the Year recognition by their respective Warren and Hamilton County Offices at their annual Office for the Aging Luncheon on June 7, 2019. Avis Warner of Hamilton County has been a tireless volunteer with the Wells Volunteer Ambulance Corps where she currently serves as its Captain. Additionally, she volunteers with the Wells Senior Club, the Wells Volunteer Fire Company, the Wells Improvement Club, the Wells Fish and Game Club, the Wells Snowmobile Club, The Wells Central School Board and The Wesleyan Church. Leon ``Lee'' Smith, also of Hamilton County, organized a redemption center to raise money for the Wells Volunteer Ambulance Corps (WVAC). Thanks to his vision, they were able to raise $60,000 which allowed the WVACto purchase a new ambulance. Mr. Smith also volunteered with the Town of Wells to create a directory for local events, businesses, and organizations. Finally, Mr. Smith volunteered with the Algonquin Snowblazers, the Cub Scouts, and the Wells Fish and Game Club. John Plantier of Warren County has served the Hadley Luzern Library for over two decades. He spent many of those years as the library's President and as a member of the board. As President, he exhibited a very hands-on management style that saw him performing tasks at all levels. He was just as often presiding over board meetings as he was helping with routine maintenance. He was always ready to literally go the extra mile; giving rides to doctors' appointments to those without transportation, and delivering books and meals to homebound residents. John is also a member ofthe Lions Cub and the Hadley Luzerne Historical Society. Patrice Cianci volunteers with the Bolton Health Committee to deliver meals to homebound seniors in the northern Lake George area. She also helps deliver gifts to these seniors during the holiday season. Patrice has made herself a crucial asset to the team at the Warren County Office for the Aging that helps ensure seniors around the Lake George area can comfortably remain in their homes. These four individuals have made a lasting impact on their communities and have positively impacted the lives of many North Country residents. I am proud to serve such amazing and generous people in Congress and I hope to live up to their example every day. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to thank Patrice, John, Lee, and Avis for their service to the North Country and congratulate them on this well-deserved award.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Austin Glickman and the Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) Weekend team for their service to their fellow officers and their families. LEO Weekend has been a project of Officer Glickman since he was a recruit in 2014. The inspiration for this event came when NYPD Police Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos were assassinated in Brooklyn just days before Officer Glickman's graduation. He was moved to organize a retreat for the officers and families who have sacrificed so much for the protection of our communities. LEO Weekend has hosted hundreds of officers from across the country at Lake George for a ``Weekend Getaway with Their Blood & Blue Families of Active & Retired Law Enforcement Officers''. This amazing organization fully covers the cost of the retreat for the families who have been affected by a line of duty death or serious injury. Officer Glickman has created a positive environment to help officers and their families cope with the physical and emotional injuries that too often accompany a career in law enforcement. We depend on the selfless service of these officers to conduct our daily lives and this weekend away is a much-deserved respite. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to thank Officer Austin Glickman for his services to the North Country and to his fellow officers. His message rings true throughout the country and I look forward to seeing LEO Weekend continue to thrive and support those who keep our communities safe.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. In 2016, there were 4.1 million referrals to child protective services. Far too many children experience some form of abuse or neglect in their lifetime, a sad reality that deserves our utmost attention. The Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act strengthens the original law in order to further protect our children. The bill provides for evidence-based support for the victims of abuse, establishes national reporting requirements to more accurately track child abuse trends, expands research into child welfare, and improves the grant funding process. As Representatives in Congress, protecting our children and most vulnerable members of society is an obligation we each take very seriously. This issue rises above party lines and, as an original cosponsor of the bill, I am grateful for my colleagues coming together to support this important legislation. I am also proud that this bill includes an amendment that I introduced with my colleague across the aisle, Mrs. McBath, to establish a National Abuse Hotline. This amendment offers grant funding to nonprofit entities to establish and maintain a 24-hour, national, toll-free, abuse hotline that gives at risk individuals the opportunity to report instances of abuse and receive immediate assistance without fear of retribution. I thank my colleagues for the unanimous support of this amendment, and I encourage all of my colleagues today to support this lifesaving bill.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor The Department of New York of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War as they gather for their 136th annual encampment. The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War is a fraternal organization founded nationally in 1881. Their mission is to preserve the history and legacy of those who fought and worked and died to preserve the Union. Its members are all descendants of soldiers, sailors, marines and revenue cutter service members who served honorably during the war. The New York Department was founded two years after the national organization in 1883. Since that time, they have met annually in an encampment to conduct business, plan future volunteer activities and elect leaders. This historic organization has been dedicated to preserving the memory and legacy of those who bravely served for generations. They have volunteered their time at historical cemeteries ensuring that the monuments and headstones of civil war veterans do not fall into disrepair and are maintained for future generations to see and reflect on. They also maintain an impressive collection of U.S. flags used by the military as far back as the War of 1812. The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War do us all a great service by preserving the memory and physical reminders of our history for future generations. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to thank them for 136 years of dedicated public service.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the residents of Watertown, New York as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the city's incorporation. In 1796, surveyor Benjamin Wright arrived in the Black River area and plotted out the boundaries of what would later become Watertown. 73 years later, on May 8, 1869, the City of Watertown was incorporated. Those pioneering settlers had the foresight to see that the area was ideal for industry and commerce. Located centrally in Jefferson County, the Black River runs through the heart of the city. This enabled the rapid expansion of manufacturing and trading and created the perfect environment for inventors and entrepreneurs. To this day, Watertown remains a vibrant and beautiful community that exemplifies the best qualities of The North Country and the Nation as a whole. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to congratulate the residents of Watertown on this momentous occasion. It has been an honor to represent this community, and I know that the future looks bright for Watertown.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a lifetime of dedicated service. Major General Walter Piatt will be assuming his new role as Director of Army Staff at the Pentagon after serving as Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum for the past two years. Major General Piatt's military career has spanned nearly 40 years and taken him all over the globe. He has previously served at the Pentagon as the Director of Army Operations, Readiness, and Mobilization and then as the Director of Operations, Army Rapid Capabilities Office. Through all that, his roots in the North Country remained strong. Major General Piatt served in the 10th Mountain Division twice, from 1999 to 2003 and from 2012 to 2013. During his tenure commanding Fort Drum, Major General Piatt led efforts to strengthen ties to the local community on the premise that a ready post and division depends heavily on the strength of the surrounding communities. His leadership has not only been beneficial to those stationed at Fort Drum but everyone in the surrounding communities as well. While we are sad to see him leave the North Country, I know I speak for everyone in New York's 21st Congressional District when I wish Major General Piatt great success in his new role and thank him for his service.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Andrew Weibrecht on his induction into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. Andrew was a valuable and successful member of the U.S. Ski Team for 16 years. His foray onto the world stage began in 2006 at the Junior World Ski Championships where he earned a bronze medal. He then went on to the World Cup where he was on the podium twice and placed in the top-ten eleven times. Andrew captured his first Olympic medal, a bronze at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and followed-up with a silver in the 2014 games. He won second place in the 2016 World Cup and soon thereafter announced his retirement. While participating in global competitions, Andrew would proudly wear the Lake Placid brand on his helmet as an official ambassador, demonstrating his pride in the North Country for the world to see. Andrew Weibrecht's long and successful career is certainly deserving of recognition. He has always been a hometown hero to the residents of the Tri-Lakes region and certainly makes the North Country proud. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to congratulate Andrew on his induction and wish him the best moving forward.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a lifetime of dedicated service as James Premo celebrates his 60th year with the Westville Volunteer Fire Department. James Premo first joined the department in April of 1958, and quickly proved an invaluable asset, serving in a variety of leadership roles including Fire Chief on three separate occasions and as the department's treasurer. He has also proudly served in a number of roles outside of the department such as Franklin County Deputy Coordinator and Fire Investigator, as a member of the board of the New York Association of Fire Chiefs, and on the New York State Firemen's Loan Board. James Premo has not only bravely served the department and his community as a volunteer firefighter, but also the entirety of New York State in his elected and appointed positions. He has undoubtedly helped foster future generations of firefighters that protect our lives and livelihood, and has left an indelible impact on his community. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to thank James Premo for his many contributions to the North Country and congratulate him on his 60th year with the Westville Volunteer Fire Department.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the SUNY Plattsburgh Women's Hockey Team for winning their Seventh NCAA Division III National Championship. Having previously held the record for Division III Women's Hockey championship titles, on March 16th, 2019, the Cardinals broke their own record, securing their seventh title in program history after winning a shut-out victory against Hamline University. As if that were not enough, they also finished the season on an eighteen-game winning streak, tying the program record for most wins in a single season with a near perfect 29-2 overall record. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to congratulate every member of the team, their families and the coaching staff on this impressive accomplishment. The Cardinals make the North Country very proud.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.