Elise Stefanik

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Bolton Volunteer Fire Company on its 100th Anniversary. Since its incorporation in 1918, the Bolton Volunteer Fire Company has upheld its mission to provide fire protection and rescue services to the residents of Bolton, New York. Over the last 100 years, the fire company has made many improvements to its alerting methods, truck models, and training systems to respond to the community's evolving safety needs. Today, the company proactively engages the community through a variety of services, including a program to educate elementary school students on fire safety and smoke detector advocacy campaigns. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate the Bolton Volunteer Fire Company on its 100 years of exceptional volunteer service and thank the firefighters for their dedicated commitment to keeping the Bolton community safe.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of U.S. Navy War of 1812 veteran Julius Terry. Julius Terry was a free African-American who worked on a local farm near Sackets Harbor and belonged to Captain Elisha Camp's volunteer artillery company. He bravely served on the gun crew defending Sackets Harbor at the First Battle of Sackets Harbor in July of 1812, and later served on the crew of the armed schooner, Julia, on the St. Lawrence River to protect schooners trapped at Ogdensburg. Julius is remembered today for having served with remarkable courage, especially as part of the 25 percent African-Americans who made up the U.S. Navy during the war. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am proud to honor Julius Terry for his bravery and commitment to his country during the War of 1812. His service provides an excellent example of the important role that African-Americans played in wars throughout our nation's history.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 200th anniversary of the Village of Brushton. The Village of Brushton was first settled in 1818 by a small group of pioneers. In 1835, a landowner named Henry N. Brush purchased several mills that had developed on the Little Salmon River, which he then named Brush's Mills. The community's economy became distinctly agricultural, linked to the rest of the North Country's developing industry through its location on the Rutland Railroad. Brush's son, Henry Corbin Brush, proceeded to build upon his father's legacy and further develop the industrial attributes of the community. In 1877, the village was officially named Brushton and has continued to prosper ever since. Currently, the Village of Brushton is part of the Town of Moira in Franklin County. Although small in population, the people of Brushton are very proud of their village's rich heritage and tight-knit community. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate the Village of Brushton on its 200th anniversary. I wish all its residents the best as they celebrate this important milestone.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chris Mazdzer, who made history at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeong Chang. Hailing from our very own Saranac Lake, New York, Chris is an American Olympian sensation. Chris made his debut in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and then again in the 2014 Sochi games, where both times he finished 13th in men's singles luge. But it was not until 2018 that Chris made history and finished with an incredible silver medal win, Team USA's first ever medal in that event. Chris trained tirelessly at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, and I know he has inspired the next generation of athletes from across our region. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am proud to congratulate Chris Mazdzer for his well-earned silver medal, and honor him for showing the world just what the North Country has to offer.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mark Behan on receiving the Henry Crandall Award. For the past six years, the Crandall Public Library has presented the Henry Crandall Award to an individual active in the community who embodies the values of loyalty, perseverance, generosity, compassion, and civic pride. This year, the Library selected Mark Behan, a gentleman who is a staple of the Glens Falls community. Mark's dedication to improving his community and his commitment to the Crandall Public Library is admirable. A former board member of the Crandall Public Library, Mark holds a number of positions that qualify him for this award. He serves his community as the vice chairman of the Board of Governors of Glens Falls Hospital, co-vice chair of the Board of Trustees of The Hyde Collection, a member of the board of the Glens Falls Foundation, and a director of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. and Arrow Financial Corp. After a career in the newspaper industry, Mark founded Behan Communications, where for 30 years he has provided public relations advice to organizations in his community. His philanthropic spirit is contagious. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate Mark for this well-deserved award, and thank him for his tireless commitment to making his community a better place to live.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mooers Free Library on its 101st Anniversary. Since it first opened its doors to the public in 1917, the Mooers Free Library has worked to provide the community with free access to the world of information and ideas, and to enhance community life. The Mooers Free Library is part of the Clinton Essex Franklin Library System, which allows residents to request books from any library in the tri-county area, as well as links the library to a worldwide network of books. In order to meet the public's advancing intellectual and cultural needs, just last year the Mooers Free Library opened a brand new building with an updated book collection, new computers, and an afterschool program for children. As Mooers Free Library continues to prosper, the community grows along side it. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate Mooers Free Library on its 101st Anniversary and thank the dedicated people who work there for their tireless commitment to serving the community.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Louise Rourke and Bridget Simpson, who swam across Lake George to raise awareness and funds for polio. Hailing from Queensbury, New York, Louise Rourke is a 64-year-old polio survivor. Diagnosed at only 6 months old, she underwent multiple corrective surgeries and wore a metal leg brace as a child. Despite these challenges, Louise was committed to living an active and healthy lifestyle, and pursued her love of swimming during her youth at her family's vacation home in Lake George. Later in her life, Louise met Bridget Simpson, a long-distance swimmer who swam across Lake George solo in 2017. The two immediately became friends, both inspired by the other's story. Bridget began coaching Louise on her swimming techniques and encouraged her to pursue her own long-distance swim. The duo decided on a relay swim across Lake George, alternating swimming five to six miles at a time. Swimming in support of polio research, Louise and Bridget started in Lake George Village at 6:30 a.m. on June 30, 2018, and completed the 32-mile relay across the lake to Diane's Rock in Ticonderoga in under 24 hours. Through their inspiring story, Louise and Bridget raised $20,000 to help Rotary International's initiative to eliminate polio. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation matched these funds 2-to-1, totaling to a whopping $60,000 toward the eradication of polio. I am so proud of Louise's motivation and success in completing her goal, and of Bridget's dedicated mentorship. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to give Louise Rourke and Bridget Simpson my utmost praise and thanks for their dedication to eradicating polio.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Lehigh Northeast Cement Company on the 125th anniversary of its cement manufacturing plant in Glens Falls, New York. Near the end of the 19th century, a group of business leaders discovered that the limestone formations along the Great Bend of the Hudson River would be perfect for creating cement. On June 17th, 1893, the Portland Cement Company became officially incorporated to serve the manufacturing needs of our rapidly expanding nation. Now under the ownership of Lehigh Hanson, Inc., renamed the Lehigh Northeast Cement Company, the Glens Falls, NY, plant is the oldest operating Portland Cement Plant in North America. Today, the plant plays a major role in the U.S. construction industry. Since its purchase of the facility in 2006, the company significantly invested in the plant, and can now manufacture more than 500,000 tons of high-quality cement per year. The plant ships its cement under the IRON CLAD brand name throughout the Northeast for commercial, municipal, and residential construction projects. With its plant site located in Warren County and its limestone quarry located in Saratoga County, the company also contributes to the southern Adirondack region's economy. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate the Lehigh Northeast Cement Company on its facility's 125th anniversary, and thank its hard working leadership and employees for improving the quality of life in the Greater Glens Falls Region.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairwoman Foxx. Today, young Americans are burdened with more than $1.4 trillion in student debt. As the cost of college tuition continues to rise, we know that students who do not complete their degrees and graduate bear the heaviest burden when paying back loans. This is why we must ensure that borrowing is done wisely and that we provide students with information so they don't feel compelled to drop out because of a change in finances. Financial literacy is the foundation needed for students to make informed decisions, yet over 40 percent of students carrying high debt loads cannot remember ever receiving financial counseling. Many students work very hard to line up savings, scholarships, grants, and loans to pay for their education only to have something change in their personal life. This could be the death or an illness of a family member, the loss of a parent's or student's job, an investment that didn't work out, or any number of situations resulting in a significant change to the student's financial circumstances. When students are faced with these hardships, some rush into a loan that may not be in their best interest, and some may even decide to drop out of school. We should not accept either of those outcomes, especially when our Nation's schools are equipped with the dedicated support of financial aid officers. These individuals are able to help guide a student through the many complexities of financing higher education and are also ready and willing to guide students through unexpected financial turbulence. We know that students who do receive adequate financial guidance are positioned to have much stronger financial health than those who do not. One challenge to this goal of financial literacy is ensuring students know who to go to when finances become an issue. This problem is particularly harmful to first-generation college students who may not have any family members or friends who can help advise on this type of situation or may not know where to look for additional financial guidance. My amendment adds to the important work of this underlying bill by ensuring all students receive an explanation of how they can seek additional assistance from their financial aid office should they face a change in personal financial circumstances. Since students will not be required to take out the maximum loan that they are eligible for, my amendment also clarifies that the loan the borrower receives is the amount the borrower wants to take out. Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment and the underlying bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague and friend, the gentlewoman from Oregon, for her support. As she mentioned, this is a commonsense amendment. It particularly helps first-generation college students access the financial counseling they need. This improves the bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize SUNY Adirondack on officially opening Adirondack Hall. SUNY Adirondack is a regional leader in education. Since its founding in 1961, SUNY Adirondack has created opportunities for growth and excellence in the North Country. Through its community-oriented mission and emphasis on workforce development, the University paves the way for students to succeed while serving the unique needs of the Adirondack community. In support of this mission, SUNY Adirondack constructed Adirondack Hall, a new building complex that will provide modernized spaces for students to innovate and thrive as they work toward their goals for the future. Adirondack Hall will feature Business Central and the Center for Entrepreneurship, the Office of Continuing Education, the Northwest Bay Conference Center, and state-of-the-art classrooms and labs in support of science and health careers. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate SUNY Adirondack on opening its new facilities. We are grateful to SUNY Adirondack for its commitment to educating the North Country community, and look forward to seeing students and faculty benefit from this new expansion for many years to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Barbara Webber on receiving the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce Athena Award. Since 1991, the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce has presented its Athena Award annually to an accomplished female leader in the community. This year, the Chamber selected Barbara Webber for her embodiment of professional excellence, her commitment to the community through years of service, and for her encouragement of fellow women leaders as she guides and assists them in reaching their full potential. Barbara has an unprecedented number of qualifications that helped earn her this award. Moving to Jefferson County in 1968, she quickly became known in the community as a beloved teacher and a familiar face at public meetings and events. For her more than 30 years of service as an educator, Barbara was recognized by the Carthage Central School District as a Distinguished Contributor and was inducted into their Hall of Achievement. Barbara made history when she was elected to serve as the first African American woman on the Jefferson County Board of Legislators. She has been steadfast in her support of Fort Drum and our troops, and was named one of the original Women of the Mountain for her dedication. As a member of dozens of volunteer-based organizations in the North Country, Barbara continues to devote her life to serving others. Her commitment to advancing young women stood out through her role on the New York State Board of Directors for the Miss New York Scholarship Pageant, where she has inspired hundreds of young North Country women to strive for excellence. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate Barbara Webber on her well-deserved award, and thank her for her commitment to strengthening our North Country community. Barbara sets a powerful example for serving others, and I am proud to recognize her for a lifetime of achievements.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate completed renovations at the North Country Family Health Center (NCFHC). The North Country Family Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center that receives support from the federal government and provides healthcare to the underserved. NCFHC has a proud track record of welcoming all patients, whether they be privately covered, publicly covered, or uninsured, and providing those individuals all with patient-centered, personalized care. In May of 2016, NCFHC received a $1 million award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Infrastructure Investment Program. With these funds, NCFHC undertook a two-year renovation project, resulting in important improvements to its main location in Watertown, New York. This facility now has a new front lobby, a revamped WIC Program station, and new pediatric and medical exam rooms to improve the patient experience. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to thank the North Country Family Health Center for its dedication to providing its patients with high quality care. This award is well deserved, and I look forward to seeing patients benefit from these renovations for many years to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate SkyWest Airlines on beginning its round-trip service between Plattsburgh, New York, and Washington Dulles. On March 20, 2018, SkyWest won approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to become the new Essential Air Services Provider at Plattsburgh International Airport. SkyWest, branded as United Express, will offer 12 round-trip flights a week to and from Washington Dulles International Airport. This new connection between the Washington metropolitan area and the North Country will serve employers and institutions for business travel, foster tourism in the Adirondacks, and link Plattsburgh with the rest of the world through greater access to international flights. SkyWest will also proudly take over as the flight provider for the North Country Honor Flight to continue serving North Country veterans and their families. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I want to welcome SkyWest to Plattsburgh International Airport and to the North Country, and wish them the best of luck as they begin this important service to Northern New York. This connection presents a major opportunity for the community, and I look forward to seeing the economic development that it will bring to the region.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority on its 80th anniversary. On August 18, 1938, President Franklin Roosevelt and Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King officially opened the Thousand Islands Bridge System, marking a key connection between the North Country and Ontario. Made using 30,000 barrels of cement, 6,550 tons of steel, and 575,000 Canadian and American man hours, the system of five bridges covers 8.4 miles and serves over 2,000,000 vehicles annually in the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. For 80 years, the Thousand Islands Bridge System has not only served as a key economic route for American and Canadian businesses and tourists, but has also fostered the sharing of knowledge and culture between the United States and its important ally. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to commemorate the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority and its 80 years of service to the North Country and Ontario.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Lake George Land Conservancy's 30th Anniversary. Since its founding in 1988, the Lake George Land Conservancy has been integral to conservation efforts in the Lake George region. A not-for- profit land trust, LGLC works with landowners and many community partners to preserve natural resources and protect the water quality and beauty of Lake George. As true stewards of the land, LGLC also works to restore local ecology, combat invasive species, control erosion around the lake, and maintain over 35 miles of trails. Without the hard work and dedication of LGLC's members, the public could not take advantage of the many opportunities that Lake George offers today. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to thank the Lake George Land Conservancy for 30 years of hard work and dedication to improving the Lake George community. I look forward to watching them continue to succeed for many years to come

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Spc. Claudia Brodeur as she deploys to Africa as a member of the United States Army Reserves. Spc. Brodeur, well-known by her community as a cheerful manager at the Pearl Street Pub in Watertown, New York, is off to Africa for her deployment as a proud member of the U.S. Army Reserves. A true patriot dedicated to both her local community and to her country, Spc. Brodeur will join the Combined Joint Task Force--Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). Under the CJTF-HOA, the United States works with its African partner nations to counter violent extremist organizations in East Africa, as well as build defense capability among its East African partners. Spc. Brodeur will support this important mission as a member of an attachment to the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion in support of the Combined Task Force's mobilization and deployment efforts. On behalf of New York's 21st district, I want to join Spc. Brodeur's family and friends in wishing her well in Africa, and extend my thanks for her dedicated service to the United States.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Michael Cherubini, who passed away on July 4, 2018. Mike lived a life of dedication to his country and community. A Vietnam War veteran from the U.S. Army, Mike committed his civilian life to helping others as a life-time volunteer firefighter. Mike served in the Hackensack, New Jersey, and South Hackensack, New Jersey, Ambulance and Fire Departments before joining the Hague Volunteer Fire Department in New York, totaling over 50 years of service. Throughout his career, he held the roles of both captain and chief in various departments. Mike suffered an honorable death while in the line of duty. He was an exemplary member of his community and his memory will be forever cherished in the hearts of the many people he touched throughout his life. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Mike's family and friends, especially his wife, five sons, and eight grandchildren, by whom he will be greatly missed

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the opening of Habitat for Humanity's new Thousand Islands Area ReStore. Habitat for Humanity has a long history of serving Jefferson and Lewis counties by providing affordable housing to those in need. In order to continue its mission, Habitat for Humanity is expanding its services to a new ReStore in Watertown, New York. At this location, Habitat for Humanity will sell furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more for an affordable price. Habitat for Humanity's ability to offer these goods and services at the ReStore is made possible by the hard work of volunteers and donors throughout the community. By working on behalf of their neighbors, the volunteers of Habitat for Humanity continue to enrich the North Country community. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to thank Habitat for Humanity and its volunteers for providing an invaluable service to the North Country. We are grateful for Habitat for Humanity's commitment to this region, and look forward to the benefits that the ReStore will provide for years to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the Fulton Chain of Lakes Association on its 50th anniversary. Upon discovering pollution in the waters of the Adirondack Mountains, a group of lakefront property owners organized a network of dedicated volunteers to form the Fulton Chain of Lakes Association in 1968. Since then, the FCLA has worked tirelessly to protect the natural beauty of the North Country's waterways. With the help of over 600 members, the organization works to maintain water quality and promote boating safety in the chain of eight lakes connected throughout Herkimer and Hamilton counties. The FCLA's members have been excellent stewards of this unique area, allowing residents and visitors to continue enjoying all the water has to offer and ensuring that these magnificent lakes will endure for generations to come. On behalf of New York's 21st district, I would like to thank the Fulton Chain of Lakes Association for 50 years of service to the North Country, and I wish them all the best in their next 50 years.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the Adirondack 46ers on celebrating their 100th anniversary. One hundred years ago, Robert and George Marshall and Herbert Clark climbed to the top of Whiteface Mountain. Seven years later, they finished climbing 46 High Peaks in the Adirondacks, and a club was born. Formally established in 1937, the Adirondack 46ers have attracted hikers from near and far to the High Peaks, turning desolate mountain tops into destinations for the more than 10,000 people who have joined the organization since 1918. The Adirondack 46ers pride themselves on their community-oriented nature, and have turned their love for hiking into service. Due to the volume of visitors in the Adirondack high peaks, the organization started a trailhead stewardship program, pledging thousands of dollars to management of the beautiful mountains as well as putting in thousands of hours of volunteer trail work. Since 2001, the 46ers have given back $460,000 to the Adirondacks, including assistance after Tropical Storm Irene and youth scholarships. On behalf of New York's 21st district, I want to congratulate the Adirondack 46ers on 100 years of accomplishment, camaraderie, and service. I know their impressive achievements will inspire future generations of hikers to continue their remarkable tradition.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bipartisan bill and the accompanying conference report for the FY19 National Defense Authorization Act. As the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, I am proud of our oversight and legislative initiatives this year, which have included: Strengthening our cyber warfare capabilities and policies. Energizing our science and technology enterprise. Enabling our special operations forces around the globe. Providing resources and authorities to counterterrorism and unconventional warfare threats. And advancing programs and activities that counter the spread of weapons of mass destruction. The bill before the House incorporates three broad subcommittee themes: First, this bill takes seriously the cyber threats from our adversaries towards this Nation, which is why the bill strengthens our whole-of-government cybersecurity posture by improving coordination and partnering between the DOD and DHS to prevent and respond to cyberattacks against our critical infrastructure. It also affirms and clarifies cyberspace, cyber warfare, and cyber deterrence policy to combat malicious cyber activities from adversaries like China, Russia, and North Korea, who are targeting the United States. We also require the DOD to provide congressional notification of cybersecurity breaches and the loss of controlled information from cleared defense contractors. Second, we build upon previous NDAAs by advancing prototyping and testing of directed-energy weapons and hypersonic vehicles and by accelerating these technologies by authorizing an additional $285 million. Third, the bill places emphasis on policy and programs to advance AI, machine learning, quantum sciences, and other critical national security technologies. We also establish a National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence to conduct a thorough review of the wide- ranging military applications of this decisive technology. Additionally, this bill authorizes the largest pay raise for our troops in 9 years. It helps improve employment opportunities for military spouses and increases transparency in the military healthcare system. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill and vote ``yes.''

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the St. Lawrence Centre Shopping and Entertainment Mall on the grand opening of its new Sports Complex. The St. Lawrence Centre is a mall in Massena, New York, that has experienced impressive business growth since it was built in 1990. To continue serving the residents of St. Lawrence County, the St. Lawrence Centre is opening a brand new Sports Complex attached to the mall. The Complex features a 1,300 person-capacity field turf that can host activities year-round ranging from professional sports to children's birthday parties. The opening of this complex, along with the addition of new stores to the mall, will bring together members of the community and help stimulate the local economy. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate the St. Lawrence Centre on the grand opening of its new Sports Complex. Efforts to expand the mall exemplify successful business growth in Northern New York, and I look forward to seeing the St. Lawrence Centre continue to flourish.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Elizabeth Wende Breast Care on the grand opening of a new site in Carthage, New York. Elizabeth Wende Breast Care leads the field in breast imaging and breast cancer diagnosis, and is well known for its state-of-the-art 3D mammography technology. In its fight against breast cancer, Elizabeth Wende Breast Care has partnered with Carthage Area Hospital to bring its high-quality treatment within the reach of thousands of North Country residents by opening a new site in Carthage, New York. Residents will benefit from having Elizabeth Wende Breast Care's services right in their neighborhood. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate Elizabeth Wende Breast Care on the opening of its new location in Carthage, New York. I look forward to hearing about the assistance they will provide to North Country residents, and I wish them the best of luck in the years to come.