Elise Stefanik

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, for more than a year, America's workers have faced unprecedented challenges and unimaginable uncertainty. Today, nearly 9 million fewer Americans are working than before the COVID pandemic struck, robbing mothers, fathers, friends, and neighbors of the dignity, purpose, and security of work. As we help our Nation recover from the economic toll of COVID-19 and strive to restore the livelihoods of millions of America's workers, we have a responsibility to put forth solutions that strengthen the pathways to meaningful family-sustaining careers. The apprenticeship model of providing paid work experience, coupled with classroom instruction and on-the-job mentorship, is a proven approach to equipping workers with the skills they need for lifelong success. Individuals who complete high-quality apprenticeship programs enter into well-paying jobs and do so without the debt that so often saddles our younger generation of workers. Yet, less than 3 percent of the workforce participates in the registered apprenticeship system, and the vast majority of the programs are concentrated in only a handful of industries. This leaves our strongest workforce development strategies vastly underutilized and emphasizes a blunt truth: Doubling down on this decades-old system won't change the trajectory during this historic time of need. We must develop an apprenticeship system that is responsive to the demands of the 21st century workplace and accessible to job creators in emerging industry sectors. Unfortunately, the Democrats' bill doubles down on a one-size-fits- all approach that closes pathways into the workforce and stifles the employer-led innovation. For all the rhetoric about expanding apprenticeships, the most immediate impact of the underlying bill would be just the opposite, pulling the rug out from under new programs that are equipping healthcare workers to combat the pandemic. My substitute amendment makes improvements to modernize and reinvigorate the national apprenticeship system, changes that will increase opportunities for workers and help bolster the Nation's economic recovery. First, expanding apprenticeships to small businesses and new industries will require flexibilities for employers to design a program that fits their unique needs. Our amendment provides this flexibility by allowing small businesses to seek waivers to Federal requirements that don't match the nature of their business and would prevent them from ever developing an apprenticeship program. Second, engaging more Americans in apprenticeship opportunities will require a robust pipeline of workers with the base skills and workplace competencies to succeed. Our amendment will help grow youth and pre- apprenticeship programs, equipping them to prepare the next generation for a full range of workforce development opportunities and careers, not siloing them from the start. Third, in order to empower American innovation, we must allow new models of work-based learning to thrive and let workforce leaders across the country inject dynamism into the age-old system. Our amendment preserves the ability for innovation beyond the traditional registered system to ensure that apprenticeship offerings can develop and adapt as quickly as our job market demands. There is no clearer example of the promise of innovative models than the array of industry-recognized programs recently developed to educate nurses and healthcare professionals in the midst of the public health crisis we face. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to modernize the apprenticeship system and generate opportunities for American workers without the red tape and the roadblocks that remain in the underlying bill. I thank Ranking Member Foxx, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I yield 45 seconds to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, how much time is remaining?

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of this amendment. This is about getting millions of Americans back to work. This amendment supports small businesses. This amendment supports pre- apprenticeship programs. And most importantly, this amendment supports innovation. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise to support the objection.

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart. This has been a truly tragic day for America. We all join together in fully condemning the dangerous violence and destruction that occurred today in our Nation's Capitol. Americans will always have their freedom of speech and the constitutional right to protest, but violence in any form is absolutely unacceptable. It is anti-America, and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Thank you to the heroic United States Capitol Police. And thank you to the bipartisan professional staff of the United States Capitol for protecting the people's House and the American people. This hallowed temple of democracy is where generations of Americans have peacefully come together to face our Nation's greatest challenges, bridge our deepest fissures, and create a more perfect system of government. This is the appropriate place we stand to respectfully and peacefully give voice to the people we represent across our diverse country. The Representatives of the American people in this House are standing up for three fundamental American beliefs: The right to vote is sacred, that a Representative has a duty to represent his or her constituents, and that the rule of law is a hallmark of our Nation. And in the spirit of healing--those are not my words--those are the words of you, Madam Speaker, from this very Chamber, when some of my colleagues and friends across the aisle objected to the 2005 electoral college certification. In fact, there were objections on this floor to the certification of nearly every Republican President in my lifetime: In 1989, in 2001, in 2005, and in 2017. So history is our guide that the people's sacred House is the appropriate venue for a peaceful debate. And this peaceful debate serves as a powerful condemnation to the violence that perpetrated our Capitol grounds today. The violence that was truly un-American. Today's discussion is about the Constitution and it is about the American people, but it must also be about clearly and resolutely condemning the violence that occurred today. I am honored each and every day to represent New York's 21st Congressional District, and I believe it is my solemn and sacred duty to serve as their voice and their vote in the people's House. Tens of millions of Americans are concerned that the 2020 election featured unconstitutional overreach by unelected State officials and judges ignoring State election laws. We can and we should peacefully and respectfully discuss these concerns. In Pennsylvania, the State supreme court and secretary of state unilaterally and unconstitutionally rewrote election law eliminating signature matching requirements. In Georgia, there was constitutional overreach when the secretary of state unilaterally and unconstitutionally gutted signature matching for absentee ballots and, in essence, eliminated voter verification required by State election law. In Wisconsin, officials issued illegal rules to circumvent a State law, passed by the legislature as the Constitution requires, but required absentee voters to provide further identification before obtaining a ballot. In Michigan, signed affidavits document numerous unconstitutional irregularities: Officials physically blocking the legal right of poll watchers to observe vote counts, the illegal counting of late ballots, and hand-stamping ballots with the previous day's date. My North Country constituents and the American people cherish the Constitution. They know, according to the Constitution, elected officials closest to the people in State legislatures have the power of the pen to write election law, not unelected bureaucrats, judges, Governors, or secretaries of state. To the tens of thousands of constituents who have reached out to me, thank you. Please know that I am listening and I hear you, both those who agree and those who disagree. Our Constitutional Republic will endure this tragic day because the Founding Fathers understood Congress and the American people would face unprecedented and historic challenges by debating them on this very floor. I believe that the most precious foundation and the covenant of our Republic is the right to vote, and the faith in the sanctity of our Nation's free and fair elections. We must work together in this House to rebuild that faith so that all our elections are free, fair, secure, safe and, most importantly, that they are according to the United States Constitution.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, on January 4, 2021, I missed the procedural vote Roll Call No. 5, the motion to table the motion to refer H. Res. 8, due to a Presidential Medal of Honor ceremony in the Oval Office. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 5.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Joseph A. Provoncha for his service and dedication to his community as the most senior County Clerk in New York State. Joseph first took office on January 1, 1992 as an Essex County Clerk and was elected to his eighth term in 2019. Joseph is now the most senior County Clerk in New York State. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of different positions in addition to his roles as County Clerk and Agent for the DMV Commissioner; these include Records Management Officer, Commissioner of Jurors, and Commissioner of Youth Services. He has been recognized many times throughout his prominent career being presented with the Liberty Bell Award by the Essex County BAR Association in 1997 and in 2014, the Lifetime Achievement Award by the New York State Association of County Clerks in 2001, and the William H. Kelley Annual Archives Award by the New York State Archives and the Archives Partnership Trust in 2018. He was named Clerk of Year in 1996. Additionally, he served as the Association President of the New York State Association of County Clerks in 2000 and has been serving as the Recording Secretary since 2006. Joseph's exemplary service is a testament to the character of our North Country neighbors. In his role, he has ensured anyone who walks into the Essex County Clerk's Office leaves with their questions answered and problems solved. His longtime dedication to his role as County Clerk has served the community very well as he has spent his career assisting others navigate the complexities of bureaucracy. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank Joseph for his dedication to serving his community, and I congratulate him for reaching this significant milestone.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Coral Eriksen, owner of Coral's Corner and Cones, for her exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and her dedication to community service. Coral's Corner and Cones is a greenhouse nursery, owned and operated by high school entrepreneur, Coral. I recently had the pleasure of touring Coral's Corner, where I witnessed the hard work that Coral puts into growing and selling her products while balancing her academic responsibilities. Through collection and recycling of gardening products, partnerships with other local vendors, and customer-appreciation events, Coral has established her business as a generous and compassionate figure in the community. Coral's Corner has been in business for just over a year and has expanded to an additional location in response to strong community interest. Businesses like Coral's Corner are vital to the economic livelihood of the North Country. Entrepreneurship drives job growth and sustainability and creates the opportunity for individuals to turn passions into careers. Coral's drive to pursue her passion from a young age makes her a tremendous role model for both her peers and adults. Her commitment to growing and selling quality products while also giving back to her community reflects exemplary professionalism and maturity. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank Coral for her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her community, and I congratulate Coral's Corner and Cones on a successful first year in business.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of New York State Senator Betty Little, an extraordinarily dedicated and effective public servant for the north country, to congratulate her on her upcoming retirement. Betty has dedicated decades of her life to representing the hardworking families of upstate New York, both during her time in the New York State Assembly and the State Senate. Senator Little first began her career in public service at the local level, and served in many capacities while also working as a teacher before her election to the New York State Assembly in 1995. She was later elected to the State Senate in 2002. Betty has accomplished countless legislative results over the years, expanding benefits for military families, saving hardworking taxpayer dollars, protecting jobs in the Adirondacks, and always standing up for the people of the north country. While petite in stature, Betty is truly a giant among public servants. Senator Little sought election to public office as a working mother, a time when this was a lot harder and less in vogue. She quietly shattered innumerable glass ceilings and paved the way for generations of women to come. I am proud to call Betty Little a legislative partner, a role model, and a dear friend. I offer Betty my most sincere congratulations and gratitude, and I wish her and her family all the best in this next chapter. It is my privilege to highlight her accomplishments in the Congressional Record.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bipartisan bill. As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities, I am I proud of our oversight and legislative activities this year, which have included recharging our science and technology enterprise, strengthening our Nation's cybersecurity, expanding the resources and authorities for irregular warfare activities across the globe, and bolstering our biological threat and pandemic preparedness efforts. Two years ago, I introduced legislation in the NDAA that created the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence with the purpose of accelerating and advancing the development of AI across the Federal Government. I applaud the commission for their work on this important issue, and I am pleased that this conference report includes 17 of those recommendations, including elevating the role of the Joint AI Center; modernizing how the DOD attracts and retains AI talent; and ensuring our AI research ecosystem maintains its competitive advantage over China. Second, this bill extends and expands the opportunities for our Special Operations Forces to partner with foreign forces, build critical relationships, and more effectively counter the malign influences of Russia and China. This bill also ensures that all of our Special Operations Forces--active duty, reserve, National Guard and their families are provided the care and support that they deserve. Third, this bill takes concrete steps to protect critical defense technologies, strengthen cybersecurity cooperation with the defense industrial base, and rebuild our domestic manufacturing capabilities for sensitive microelectronics and semiconductor components. This bill brings transparency to Federally funded research while at the same time restricting foreign influence on our university campuses. As the chief advocate for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, I am proud to deliver results for the Army's most deployed division since 9/11. This year's NDAA addresses our homeland missile defense, as Fort Drum is named as the preferred East Coast missile defense site. I am also proud to include provisions that require plans for renovating child development centers and review of IT infrastructure enhancements at Army mission training complexes. These provisions are critical to enhance readiness and ensure the 10th Mountain Division can conduct safe and secure operations. I recognize my partner, my colleague, Congressman Jim Langevin of Rhode Island. And lastly, I thank Ranking Member Thornberry for his extraordinary leadership and guidance, not only this year, but in many years of his truly exemplary service. He is a giant in the people's House, and he will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill and vote ``yes.''

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Foxx. Mr. Speaker, as our Nation recovers from the economic toll of the COVID pandemic and strives to restore the livelihood of America's workers, we must take every opportunity to strengthen the pathways to meaningful, family-sustaining careers. The apprenticeship model of providing paid work experience, coupled with classroom instruction and on-the-job mentorship, is a proven approach to equip workers with the skills they need for lifelong success. Individuals who complete high-quality apprenticeship programs immediately enter into well-paying jobs and do so without the debt that often saddles our younger generation of workers. Despite this track record of success, apprenticeships remain the pathway to opportunity for far too few. Less than 3 percent of the workforce comes up through the apprenticeship system, and the vast majority of registered apprenticeship programs are concentrated in just a handful of industries. This stark reality leaves one of the strongest workforce development strategies vastly underutilized in developing talent for the modern economy. In order to achieve our common goal of expanding apprenticeships to a more expansive set of occupations, we must develop a system that is responsive to the demands of the 21st century workplace and accessible to employers in emerging industry sectors. Mr. Speaker, my amendment offers a simple step in the right direction: removing a barrier for employers who seek more freedom to design a program that fits their unique needs. For the nontraditional occupations and sectors, the mandated minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning may not fit the nature of the job and thus prevent interested employers from ever developing an apprenticeship program. While H.R. 8294 provides a process for these employers to pursue an alternative time-based model that fits their industry, the legislation requires approval from both the State registration agency and the Secretary of Labor. A State apprenticeship agency seeking to foster the growth of apprenticeships in their State could grant approval to an innovative model only to have these efforts stifled by Department officials in Washington. The bureaucratic nature of this process may discourage employers from even attempting to use this flexibility in the first place. My amendment removes the Department of Labor from the process and leaves it solely at the discretion of States to approve alternative program models, empowering workforce leaders across the country to inject needed dynamism in the age-old system. Yet, this amendment alone cannot atone for the countless missed opportunities to incorporate additional Republican amendments, amendments that would have allowed innovation to thrive while still upholding the safety and accountability standards necessary to underpin the taxpayers' investment in apprenticeship programs. Revitalizing economic opportunity for America's workers and small businesses will require a robust pipeline of earn-and-learn models that can serve an ever more diverse group of job seekers, and I believe more work must be done before this legislation can truly fulfill that promise. Mr. Speaker, as we stand here in the final weeks of the 116th Congress and recognize that we will be back at this issue next year, I wholeheartedly believe that we can reestablish the bipartisan spirit that has been a hallmark of our efforts on workforce development. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) for her passion and commitment on this important issue and for her leadership on the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee as well as her leadership on the House Armed Services. I serve with Mrs. Davis on two committees. She will be deeply missed. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor William F. Miller Jr. for his unwavering service to our country during World War II as Radioman Petty Officer Second Class aboard the USS Oglethorpe in the Navy. William was born in Albany, New York on March 21, 1926. He was drafted into the Navy in July 1944 at the end of his junior year of high school, prior to receiving his diploma. William went on to serve in the Pacific theater and earned his Shellback after crossing the Equator on multiple occasions before he was honorably discharged in 1946. During his time in the Navy, he exemplified extreme courage and bravery as he valiantly protected our American values and our nation from enemies. As Lake George High School presents William with an honorary diploma on this Veterans Day, November 11, 2020, we reflect on his many lifetime achievements. William has been happily married to Marie Luther since 1949, and they are celebrating their 71st anniversary this year with their five children, eight grandchildren, and a great-grandchild due in February. For many years, William ran a successful small business as a general contractor. The family continues William's strong military tradition and commitment to our nation as both his son and grandson have served in the Navy. On behalf of New York's 21st district, I would like to thank William for his service to our country and congratulate him on officially receiving his diploma from Lake George High School. We owe our veterans a great deal of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy today. I wish him and his family continued health and happiness.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th anniversary of the founding of The Chronicle, a weekly newspaper in my district. The Chronicle was established by Mark Frost in 1980 in Glens Falls, New York. Through hard work and determination, Mark turned an initial investment of $1,700 into a successful newspaper and small business. He remains the publisher and editor today, alongside their team who have been with The Chronicle for decades. In that time, The Chronicle has established a loyal base of readers and advertisers, becoming truly a cornerstone of the community. The Chronicle has also hosted events to provide a forum for discussion and to bring Glens Falls residents together, especially through The Chronicle Book Fair. The fair is an opportunity to highlight and connect local authors and publishers and discover books of all genres. Annual events like this are important to strengthen and grow the fabric of our communities, and I know many who are looking forward to safely resuming them as soon as possible. On behalf of New York's 21st District and the United States Congress, I would like to thank Mark Frost, his family, and the entire Chronicle team for their contributions to the community and congratulate them on reaching this important 40-year milestone.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the tremendous commitment to service and duty that the men and women of the Duane Volunteer Fire Co. Inc. have shown to their community for the last 50 years. In September of 1970, a small group of Duane residents established the volunteer fire company as a private corporation on land that was donated in perpetuity to the Fire Department. Over the next two years, generous donations and fundraising helped the Duane Volunteer Fire Co. Inc. to become fully operational, constructing a firehouse and obtaining the necessary equipment. In 1972, the department entered into a longstanding contract with the Town of Duane to provide firematic operations, the scope of which have expanded greatly today to provide many additional services. The Duane Volunteer Fire Co. Inc. has highly trained and certified personnel up to the paramedic level that can assist in any emergency. The Duane Volunteer Fire Co. Inc. embodies the spirit of the North Country, cultivating a strong sense of community and lending a helping hand whenever needed. These volunteers not only aid their fellow neighbors when emergencies arise, but also provide a space to bring the community together. The firehouse serves as an ad-hoc community center, used for a wide variety of purposes such as hosting town board meetings and serving as the local election site as well as the area's food bank. The department truly is a cornerstone of the community. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank the brave men and women, past and present, of the Duane Volunteer Fire Co. Inc. for their longtime commitment to safeguarding the community. I congratulate them on their hard-earned achievements thus far and know they will continue to be a pillar of support to the town for many years to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Edward M. Bartholomew, Jr., for his life of service to the city of Glens Falls, Warren County, and the entire north country region. Ed served in many important roles over the course of his over-40-year career. He was elected mayor of the city of Glens Falls at the age of 28. He set to work revitalizing the community, making the civic center a success, building a modern baseball park, improving critical infrastructure, and establishing the Greater Glens Falls Transit System. He cemented his reputation as someone who can grasp all aspects of a challenge and accomplish his objectives despite daunting obstacles. In 2010, after spending time in the State senate, Ed returned to lead the Economic Development Corporation of Warren County, where he had been working tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Ed Bartholomew was an extraordinary leader for the Warren County community and beyond. He was an absolute joy and privilege to work with, and he will be sorely missed. I am honored to recognize his leadership in the Congressional Record on behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District. Our prayers go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the tremendous effort Troy and Tanner Baraby have put into revitalizing the rail yard in Plattsburgh, New York. In 2017, the Baraby brothers established South Junction Enterprises to provide local businesses the opportunity to ship inventory in and out of the area by rail. The company has facilitated local farmers in reaching a wide customer base as their cars ship products across the North Country, New England and Canada. This project has successfully repurposed an abandoned rail yard to a thriving business. In the first two years of operations, South Junction Enterprises has quadrupled its rail car capacity to greater fulfill the community needs. Local businesses are the backbone of the North Country economy and push innovation forward. Job creation and economic growth stemming from entrepreneurship are vital for long term sustainable development in our community. I applaud the entrepreneurial spirit that runs within the Baraby family and their commitment to serving our community that has continued over many generations. In addition to South Junction Enterprises, the brothers continue to operate Moore Recycling in Keeseville, New York which was founded by their grandfather, George Moore. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank the Baraby family and the entire South Junction Enterprises team for their dedication to the community and congratulate them on their hard-earned achievements thus far.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th anniversary of the founding of The Chronicle newspaper. The Chronicle was established by Mark Frost in 1980 in Glens Falls, New York. Through hard work and determination, Mark turned an initial investment of $1,700 into a successful and profitable newspaper. He remains the publisher and editor today, alongside staffers who have been with The Chronicle for decades. In that time, they have established a loyal base of readers and advertisers, becoming a cornerstone of the community. The Chronicle has long hosted events to provide a forum for discussion and to bring Glens Falls residents together, especially through Autumn Leaves: The Chronicle Book Fair. The fair is an opportunity to highlight and connect local authors and publishers, and discover books of all genres. Annual events like this are important to strengthen and grow the fabric of our communities, and I know many who are looking forward to safely resuming them as soon as possible. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank Mark and the entire Chronicle staff for their contributions to the community and congratulate them on reaching this important milestone.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the tremendous effort Troy and Tanner Baraby have put into revitalizing the rail yard in Plattsburgh, New York. In 2017, the Baraby brothers established South Junction Enterprises to provide local businesses the opportunity to ship inventory in and out of the area by rail. The company has facilitated local farmers in reaching a wide customer base as their cars ship products across the North Country, New England and Canada. This project has successfully repurposed an abandoned rail yard to a thriving business. In the first two years of operations, South Junction Enterprise has quadrupled its rail car capacity to greater fulfill the community needs. Local businesses are the backbone of the North Country economy and push innovation forward. Job creation and economic growth stemming from entrepreneurship are vital for long term sustainable development in our community. I applaud the entrepreneurial spirit that runs within the Baraby family and their commitment to serving our community that has continued over many generations. In addition to South Junction Enterprises, the brothers continue to operate Moore Recycling in Keeseville, New York which was founded by their grandfather, Louis Baraby. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank the Baraby family and the entire South Junction Enterprises team for their dedication to the community and congratulate them on their hard earned achievements thus far

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Johnstown Historical Society for the significant part the group has played in preserving the rich history of the North Country for future generations. As the birthplace of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who forever changed America through her advocacy for women's rights, Johnstown claims a pivotal role in the Women's Suffrage Movement. This year we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. While Stanton did not live to see the right to vote won by women, her legacy paved the way for women to be elected to Congress and other prominent offices across the country in the last 100 years. The Johnstown Historical Society imparts knowledge of not only Stanton's life through the museum's display of documents, portraits, and artifacts, like her piano, but many other historical events as well. Johnstown, New York, established in 1760, has seen numerous historical moments in the founding of our country like the Battle of Johnstown, one of the final battles of the American Revolution. It has welcomed pioneering thinkers like Daniel Cady, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr. With all of this awe-inspiring history in one place, the Johnstown Historical Society leaves a lasting impact on all who visit the museum and surrounding sites. Elizabeth Cady Stanton embodied the American Dream, fighting to better her way of life and the lives of women throughout these United States. May we all strive to have such a positive impact on the world around us as she did. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank the historians, curators, and staff at Johnstown Historical Society for their dedication to the community and to archiving the North Country's impressive history for generations to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mark Malchoff, a founding member of the Lake Champlain Sea Grant Institute, for his 21 years of service to the North Country community, protecting and preserving our lakes and native aquatic life. Founded in 1999, the Lake Champlain Sea Grant Institute aims to raise awareness to improve the environmental health of Lake Champlain, Lake George, and their respective watersheds, and encourage sustainable economic development. Throughout the 21-year partnership between State University of New York--Plattsburgh and the University of Vermont, grantees, like Mr. Malchoff, have espoused research excellence, public service, and a strong dedication to preserving the natural environment and resources these Lakes offer. Mr. Malchoff has been a vital part of the program's success from the very beginning. He has worked as an Aquatic Resource Specialist for 21 years based at SUNY--Plattsburgh and is one of two original staff members to still be with the Institute. He has authored or co-authored 26 research publications which are cataloged by the National Sea Grant Library and advanced our understanding of the natural eco-system in and around Lake Champlain. His expertise has shaped groundbreaking research on many pressing issues in the environment including the transport of crude oil and the prevention of aquatic invasive species spread. He has also spent some time as an adjunct professor at SUNY--Plattsburgh, passing on his knowledge to the next generation and inspiring students to follow in his footsteps. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank Mr. Malchoff for his contributions to the community and congratulate him on reaching this important milestone. I wish him well in this next chapter of his life.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the frontline employees of Glens Falls Hospital for their heroic work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Working in the healthcare industry comes with a number of risks, even in the best of times. The frontline healthcare workers at Glens Falls Hospital, who went to work each day throughout this pandemic, did so despite those risks to help their patients and the community. They have placed the health of strangers before thoughts of themselves time and time again, sacrificing time spent with their own families to care for others. This pandemic is truly an unprecedented event and each of these frontline workers have risen to the challenge, meeting the situation with great courage and tenacity. They deserve our utmost thanks and respect. Throughout these difficult months, ensuring that the hospital has the necessary funds and supplies to combat the pandemic has been of the utmost importance to me. The Glens Falls Hospital has received over $44 million in direct aid so that they can continue to serve the residents of the greater Glens Falls area, fully equipped to protect themselves and others. Their professionalism and expertise in handling this crisis is a model for others. The number of Coronavirus patients has been relatively low in the North Country, thanks in part to the quick response and extraordinary steps that hospital administration and staff have taken to limit the spread. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional district, I want to thank the frontline healthcare workers of Glens Falls Hospital for their courage and professionalism throughout this crisis. The entire community is indebted to them and I will continue to advocate for them as their Representative in Congress.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Edward M. Bartholomew Jr. for his lifetime of service to the City of Glens Falls, Warren County and the entire North Country region. Edward Bartholomew Jr. served in many important roles over the course of his over 40-year long career. Elected Mayor of the City of Glens Falls at the age of 28, Edward set to work revitalizing the community, making the Civic Center a success, building a modern baseball park, improving critical infrastructure and establishing the Greater Glens Falls Transit System. Over the course of his two terms in office, from 1978 to 1985, he cemented his reputation as someone who can grasp all the aspects of a challenge and accomplish his objectives despite daunting obstacles. In 2010, after spending time in the State Senate, Ed returned to lead the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Warren County. Over the next decade, he used his expertise, tireless work ethic and sterling reputation to accomplish many more important projects. As President of the EDC, he secured federal, state and local funding for major public works projects and businesses throughout Warren County. He recently succeeded in securing a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant for Glens Falls which is currently funding important redevelopment work on South Street. Edward had been working around the clock through the COVID-19 pandemic, helping local businesses that were suffering due to the shutdown, even creating a new loan program for struggling small businesses. Ed Bartholomew was an extraordinary leader for the Warren County community and beyond. He was tireless in his efforts focused on economic development and opportunity for every family in the region. He was a joy to work with and he understood the nexus of local, state, and federal government and how to deliver results for our region. He was also incredibly kind and will be greatly missed. I am honored to recognize his leadership in the Congressional Record on behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District.