Mikie Sherrill

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Daniel Gill and congratulate him on his retirement after an incredible 53-year teaching career in the Montclair Public School District in New Jersey's Eleventh Congressional District. Mr. Gill has taught and inspired three generations of Montclair students. His dedication to our town is a testament to the many ways our educators go above and beyond for our communities. Mr. Gill was born and raised in New York City. After graduating from Iona College with a degree in psychology, Mr. Gill joined the VISTA program, where he counseled young people incarcerated at Rikers Island Prison. It was during this time that he began pursuing his master's degree from Columbia University in urban education and curriculum. Mr. Gill began his career as a Social Studies teacher in Montclair in 1970 and from early on, his impact went well beyond the classroom. He was an instrumental leader in desegregating the Montclair School District. He helped develop the magnet school plan that became a national model. Montclair's strength is its diversity and Mr. Gill has always worked to support our schools in living up to their potential. Mr. Gill brings history to life for his students and his ``No More Chairs'' lesson is just one notable example. As a child, Mr. Gill went to a birthday party with his friend Archie, who was told there was no seat for him and was turned away from the party because of the color of his skin. Mr. Gill shares this story each year and leaves an empty chair in his classroom to remind students that they all belong and have an important place in our community. In addition to his work with Montclair Schools, Mr. Gill has counseled high school students from East Orange, Newark, and Irvington for the past 40 years to help them into college through Seton Hall University's Upward Bound Program. Mr. Gill has been recognized for his work on numerous occasions, receiving the Robert Merrill Scholar Award from Cornell University, the Euphemia Lofton Haynes Award from the Montclair NAACP, and two Weston Awards for Excellence in Teaching. Beyond these awards, Mr. Gill's impact is clear from his students who continue to talk about the tremendous role he played in their lives and how he helped to foster their lifelong passion for learning. Parents and children alike bond over the impact Mr. Gill made in their lives. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Gill and his wife Michelle are the proud parents of three children and grandparents of six, who share his deep commitment to public service. Mr. Gill is a beloved member of our community and he has inspired countless students with the lessons they learned in his classroom. Whether his students are transforming their classroom into a museum, leading civics projects, or explaining to visitors to their classroom why the empty chair is there, Mr. Gill has always made learning engaging and current. Since the beginning of his career, Mr. Gill's passion for education, equality, and public service has shaped the Montclair Public Schools District. I am grateful for this opportunity to honor him today and wish him a very happy retirement.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize World NF Awareness Day. Each year, the Children's Tumor Foundation works to educate the public about this rare genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. One in every two thousand children are born with some type of NF and I am grateful for the opportunity to join in the critical effort to raise awareness of this disease. NF is a group of genetic conditions that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. The impacts of NF can lead to long term disabilities and other serious health complications, including blindness, deafness. disfigurement, chronic pain, and cancer. Public awareness is essential to promoting early diagnosis and treatment to mitigate further complications of NF. NF affects each individual differently and listening directly to NF patients paints a fuller picture of the disease and the continued need for awareness. Mr. Alwyn Dias lives in New Jersey's Eleventh Congressional District with his wife and two children and is a powerful advocate for NF awareness, research, and treatment. Mr. Dias was diagnosed with NF as a child after finding a marble sized tumor on his back. He shared the pain he felt growing up feeling that he needed to hide NF from his peers and the strength he found later in sharing his story. I am grateful for his vulnerability in discussing the impact NF can have on mental health and for his continued advocacy with the Children's Tumor Foundation. The Children's Tumor Foundation does essential work to support those living with NF. Whether by funding world-class medical research, improving patient experiences in treatment, or offering support groups to patients and their families, the Children's Tumor Foundation provides an invaluable service to our community. They live up to their mission to drive research, expand knowledge, and advance care for the NF community, while working to one day find the cure. I am grateful to join the Children's Tumor Foundation in recognizing World NF Awareness Day and to support their efforts to make NF visible.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 125th anniversary of the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department. The Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department is an integral part of New Jersey's Eleventh Congressional District. The Department has provided outstanding emergency services, fire safety education, and prevention programs to Chatham Borough and its surrounding towns for the past 125 years. When the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department was founded in 1898, it responded to emergencies with just 600 feet of hose, two hose carts, and a hand-drawn hook and ladder truck. In fact, the Department responded to 897 alarms in its first 50 years alone. And as the Department has grown and modernized throughout its extraordinary history, it is clear that the exceptional determination and bravery of the firefighters to protect the Chatham Borough community has always remained at the very core of the Department. Beyond emergency response services, the Department has led community programs that bring our residents together each year. The annual Fishing Derby, Santa's visit on the Christmas Eve ``North Pole Express,'' and the Fourth of July Parade, are just a few examples of the many ways the Chatham Borough Fire Department has gone above and beyond to provide lifelong traditions and memories for our community. Whether responding to major fires, car accidents, or by ensuring disaster preparedness, I am tremendously grateful for the deep tradition of public service that has driven this Department and its firefighters for over a century. I am proud to honor the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department and its members as their 125th anniversary approaches on May 7th.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, on March 22, 2023, I missed votes on the House Floor. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 144, To direct the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on implementation of the advanced capabilities pillar of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, H.R. 1093, and YEA on Roll Call No. 145, to Amend the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 to require periodic reviews and updated reports relating to the Department of State's Taiwan Guidelines, H.R. 1159.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 90th anniversary of Morristown National Historical Park as a unit of the National Park Service. Morristown National Historical Park is a treasured part of New Jersey's Eleventh Congressional District and an important part of our nation's history. During the coldest winter of the Revolutionary War-- from 1779 to 1780--George Washington and the Continental Army camped in Morristown, New Jersey. Centrally located between New York City and Philadelphia, Morristown was a strategic location for the Continental Army. Recognizing the important history of the park, the 65th Congress established Morristown National Historical Park. It was signed into law by President Herbert Hoover on his last day of office, March 2, 1933. As a member of the 118th Congress, I am grateful for the work of my predecessors in making Morristown National Historical Park the first national historical park in the United States, marking the start of a robust national historical park system that has educated and enriched the lives of generations of Americans in the years since. Today, whether walking, biking or joining guided tours, visitors to the park can experience our nation's history firsthand. Visitors can see where the troops built cabins for their encampment at Jockey Hollow or tour the Ford Mansion that served as George Washington's headquarters. Over its long history, the Morristown Historical Park has preserved the history of the Revolutionary War while providing countless memories for its visitors from NJ-11 and around the world. With the 250th Anniversary of our Nation right around the corner, I look forward to gathering with my family and my fellow Americans to mark this historic milestone at the crossroads of the American Revolution--Morristown National Historical Park.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the strength of the Ukrainian people after enduring 1 year of merciless attacks by Russian forces. The following is from a record entry on Friday that marked the 1-year anniversary: When Putin ordered his tanks and forces into regions like Mariupol and Kharkiv, he thought Ukraine would fall in a matter of days. Instead of an easy victory, Putin's war of aggression has been a dismal failure. The people of Ukraine refused to be forced into an authoritarian state where any opposition is met with jail, torture, or murder. They are prepared to pay the ultimate price for their freedom. NATO is now more unified than ever in providing military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to support Ukraine's right to sovereignty. Since the invasion, the United States has provided unprecedented support and coordination, which has helped the Ukrainian military make exponential gains. Picatinny Arsenal in my congressional district has been integral to Ukraine's military success. They have developed the primary cannon being used by the Ukrainian army and continue to be responsible for every piece of ammunition being sent by the United States to Ukraine. I remain committed to protecting the fundamental values of peace, prosperity, and stability across the globe and in Ukraine.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the strength of the Ukrainian people after enduring one year of merciless attacks by Russian forces. February 24, 2023, marks one year since Vladimir Putin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people. When Putin ordered his tanks and forces into regions like Mariupol and Kharkiv, he thought Ukraine would fall in a matter of days. Instead of an easy victory, Putin's war of aggression has been a dismal failure. In the past year, l visited Ukraine right before the Russian invasion and again this past summer. There, l saw clear evidence of Putin's war crimes--atrocities against civilians and children, and attacks on the Ukrainian people's very existence as a nation. I walked around St. Andrew's Church in Bucha where 116 people were buried in a mass grave because the city morgue was completely occupied. But I also saw Ukrainians display remarkable resilience and bravery, even when Russian forces attacked basic services and critical civilian infrastructure. The people of Ukraine refuse to be forced into an authoritarian state where any opposition is met with jail, torture, or murder. They are prepared to pay the ultimate price for their freedom. Ukrainian armed forces and leadership, like President Zelensky, defend their homeland with skill, determination, and bravery. I have met with many NATO members over the past year and am proud to report that NATO is stronger than ever. We are more united than ever in providing military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to support Ukraine's right to sovereignty. The United States and our Western allies understand that Putin's invasion of Ukraine is not just a Ukraine problem, it's a battle between democracy and authoritarianism worldwide. We are delivering a strong and unequivocal answer: we will stand guard over freedom today, tomorrow, and forever. Since the invasion, the United States has provided unprecedented support and coordination, which has helped the Ukrainian military make exponential gains. During my last trip, I told President Zelensky about his deep support from the Ukrainian-American community here in the United States. I have met with Parliamentarians from Ukraine throughout the war, twice in the past two months alone, as well as the Mayor of Kyiv, and it is always important to me to share the deep support they have from Americans from across the country. Our area, which has one of the largest Ukrainian-American populations in the United States, has demonstrated remarkable generosity and determination to support the children, families, and servicemembers of Ukraine. The Ukrainian Cultural Center of NJ has shipped 18 containers to Ukraine with aid valued at over $4 million. Local families have opened their homes to Ukrainians seeking refuge from the conflict. Our local governments and law enforcement have sent supplies, including equipment like bullet-proof vests. Picatinny Arsenal in my congressional district has been integral to Ukraine's military success. They have developed the primary cannon being used by the Ukrainian army, and continue to be responsible for every piece of ammunition being sent by the United States to Ukraine. We are so proud of their work and dedication. The U.S. and our fellow democracies must continue to support Ukraine in 2023 to prevent a new era of authoritarianism. I remain committed to protecting the fundamental values of peace, prosperity, and stability across the globe.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it may be in order at any time today, for the Speaker to declare a recess, subject to the call of the Chair, for the purpose of receiving in joint meeting His Excellency Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for two important reasons; first, in support of the bipartisan Equal Pay for Team USA Act to ensure that female athletes on Team USA may finally receive the equal compensation and benefits they have long deserved. Earlier this year, we saw the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team successfully fight for equal pay between the men's and women's teams. It is now time for Congress to act and provide this same level of equality for all women competing on behalf of the United States globally. That is why my colleague and I, Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina, led a bipartisan group of Members sending a letter to House leadership urging them to bring this bill to the House floor for a vote before the end of the 117th Congress. I thank Senators Capito and Cantwell for introducing this important legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on Equal Pay for Team USA Act. It is truly appropriate that when talking about strong, impressive women, I stand here to deliver a tribute to a dear friend of mine, Congresswoman Elaine Luria. We entered Congress as the first two women from the United States Naval Academy to serve in the House, and she has been a constant and resolute champion of all things of the United States Navy. I have been proud to serve with her and will miss her in my time in Congress.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1437, the ``Providing Research and Estimates of Changes in Precipitation,'' or ``PRECIP Act.'' I am the proud author of the PRECIP Act, a bipartisan measure to address flooding--the most common and widely experienced natural hazard both in the nation and in my northern New Jersey district. My commitment to this bill is grounded in the painful experiences of my New Jersey constituents devastated by flooding who, sadly, know the life-and-death impact of lacking precise and accurate forecasts ahead of flooding caused by extreme rainfall. Flooding is pernicious throughout this country, not just in coastal areas, and for that reason, the practical tools enabled by this bill benefit all Americans, and the bill has enjoyed bipartisan support. Flooding can occur from major multi-state events--like Tropical Storm Ida, which swept away a woman in Woodland Park in my district and took the lives of 27 New Jerseyans--or smaller localized rainfall that causes flash flooding, like five inches of sudden rainfall that swept through Parsippany, New Jersey, in just hours last October. The PRECIP Act improves local forecasting of these events by requiring NOAA to update outdated rainfall data that has hampered the accuracy of forecasting. It also ensures this data is updated more frequently going forward, accounts for future impacts due to climate change, and requires development of best practices to estimate maximum precipitation amounts. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle of the Science Committee, Chairwoman Johnson, and Senators Booker and Wicker for their support of the PRECIP Act. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the passage of this bill.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 558, the ``Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act,'' or ``FLOODS Act.'' I am the proud sponsor of H.R. 1438, the House companion to the ``FLOODS Act'' being considered today. In New Jersey, we are all too familiar with the devastation of flooding both from historic weather events like Hurricane Irene, Superstorm Sandy, and most recently Tropical Storm Ida, as well as more localized high-intensity rainfall events that don't get headlines, like the five inches of sudden rainfall that caused flash flooding in Parsippany, New Jersey, last October. Protecting our communities from these events, both large and small, means giving our forecasters, local planners, and first responders up-to-date data on where to expect precipitation and flooding and in what amounts. Sadly, my constituents know the life-and-death impact of not having precise and accurate information ahead of flooding. When we experienced horrendous flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Ida, we tragically lost 27 lives across New Jersey. In Woodland Park in my district, a woman was swept away by the flooding--brave residents at the scene tried to rescue her, but the current was too strong and they themselves had to be rescued. In another part of my district, I heard from a mother who, along with her young children, had to be rescued from her home late at night during Ida after she had been told only hours earlier that the storm would pass well to the west of her home. Knowing the precise location of precipitation and likely flooding makes all the difference. As Chairwoman of the Science Committee's Subcommittee on Environment, I have examined how to prevent flooding from occurring and how to be resilient to flooding that does occur. However, while mitigation and resiliency solutions such as nature-based infrastructure can help address these issues, they cannot fix the root issue of flood prevention without the data necessary to map and estimate the location and nature of the flooding threat. This bill provides vital data and tools to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and ultimately to local stakeholders. The FLOODS Act establishes a National Integrated Flood Information System that improves the coordination and integration of flood research at NOAA, designates a service coordination hydrologist at each National Weather Service River Forecast Center, and leverages existing work across NOAA to improve timely decision making related to flooding events. Further, it improves observations and modeling for total water prediction--a crucial component to understanding mechanisms that cause flooding--through partnerships with other federal agencies and academia. This bill continues to develop the nations' STEM workforce by creating a fellowship for graduate students in hydrologic fields to work at federal agencies. Additionally. this bill takes steps to improve coordination and communication for hurricane forecasts, tornado warnings. and other extreme weather events. But one of the most important things needed to improve resilience to flooding is accurate estimation of precipitation. This bill directs NOAA to update its precipitation frequency estimates, known as Atlas 14. Atlas 14 estimates are essential for protecting lives and taxpayer dollars, as they directly assist emergency planning. Atlas 14 estimates are often based on precipitation data records that are in many cases decades old. We worked closely with our colleagues on the Senate Commerce Committee to reconcile the Atlas 14 language in this bill and another bill I led this Congress, H.R. 1437, the PRECIP Act. The importance of making updates to Atlas 14--and subsequently keeping those estimates up-to-date--has become more apparent. even since we first introduced this bill. We encourage NOAA to update the Atlas 14 estimates as frequently as practicable, more often than the 10-year minimum requirement in this bill. And as the impacts of climate change on extreme precipitation become impossible to ignore, we further encourage the agency to consider assumptions of non-stationarity when developing Atlas 14 estimates, in line with the language in my PRECIP Act as introduced. It is important, now more than ever, to have authoritative data and a coordinated response to flooding events as the climate crisis worsens for New Jerseyans, and the entire nation. The measures in this legislation are essential to protect our homes and families from flooding risks. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this bill so we can send it to the President's desk.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, during rollcall Vote Number 515 on Mr. Roy's motion to adjourn, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``yea'' when I should have voted ``nay.'' Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Beatty (Neguse) Brooks (Fleischmann) Doyle, Michael F. (Pallone) Gibbs (Smucker) Gohmert (Weber (TX)) Gonzales, Tony (Gimenez) Gosar (Weber (TX)) Hayes (Neguse) Herrera Beutler (Stewart) Huffman (Levin (CA)) Jacobs (NY) (Sempolinski) Johnson (LA) (Graves (LA)) Johnson (OH) (Fulcher) Johnson (TX) (Pallone) Kahele (Correa) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Lawrence (Garcia (TX)) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Long (Fleischmann) Meeks (Meng) Napolitano (Correa) Nehls (Mace) Newman (Correa) Palazzo (Fleischmann) Pascrell (Pallone) Payne (Pallone) Peltola (Correa) Pressley (Neguse) Ruppersberger (Sarbanes) Simpson (Fulcher) Sires (Pallone) Swalwell (Correa) Titus (Pallone) Welch (Pallone) Williams (GA) (McBath)

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael A. Coppola, Jr. for his years of service to our Nation and to the North New Jersey community. Mr. Coppola served in the Navy as a Water Tender Second Class. He fought in World War II from 1943 to 1946. Remarkably, he answered his country's call to duty a second time during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. During his years of honorable service, he was awarded with the American Theatre Medal, Victory Medal, European Theatre Medal, and the Sea Bee Insignia. After his military service, he moved to Verona, New Jersey in 1954. He worked as a Power House Chief Engineer for Otis Elevator for 31 years then went to work for Westinghouse for 10 years in a similar role. He was President of the Essex Chapter of the National Association of Power Engineers and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Cedar Grove. In addition, he was a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and was a Cubmaster for Boy Scout Pack Five in Verona. For twenty years, he walked as the oldest marching veteran from World War II in Verona's Memorial Day Parade. Over these years, he became a beloved staple of the event. Regrettably, Michael A. Coppola Jr. died on July 1st at the NJ Veterans Home in Paramus at the age of 97. I am proud to honor his long service in the Navy. He will be a missed fixture of our community.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Gerald Charles Gemian and wish him a very happy 100th birthday on August 25, 2022. Mr. Gemian is a veteran and a longtime resident of Montville, New Jersey. I want to thank him for his service in the United States Army Signal Corps during the Second World War. Mr. Gemian served from 1942 to 1945 as an Army Staff Sergeant combat radio operator in the Central Pacific Theater. There, he supported assault groups during the Island Hopping Campaign, which was an integral part of the Allies' military strategy against Japan. This mission involved taking over an island and establishing a military base on it, which would in turn be used as a launching point for the assault and takeover of another island. As a radio operator, Mr. Gemian's job was crucial to the success of the Allied efforts in battle. His unit landed on shore and secured the island in order to set up a communications base. They used a grid system to determine locations for the artillery to bombard, and then radioed the coordinates over to the fleet and the field artillery. He and his unit remained in combat until the island was fully secured, and once one island was secured, they traveled to the next target. Mr. Gemian went from island to island in the Pacific until the end of the war. Mr. Gemian fought in actions across the Pacific theater; including in the Kwajalein and Eniwetok campaigns in the Marshall Islands; in the Mariana Islands and Palau. His unit encountered difficult conditions during the campaigns. They were often short on supplies including water, food, and ammunition. The islands were hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. Mr. Gemian and his unit also had to worry about hidden snipers and booby traps that littered the islands. He survived numerous enemy attacks and battles and he was never wounded. After serving in the military, Mr. Gemian became an engineer and moved to Montville in 1977. There, he became an active life-member of Montville VFW Memorial Post 5481. Mr. Gemian was married to his wife, Elizabeth, for 74 years until she passed away in 2021. He has a son, 3 granddaughters, and 3 great- grandchildren. Mr. Gemian is a true American hero, and we are indebted to him for his great service to our Nation. It was a pleasure to sit down with Mr. Gemian at Montville's Memorial Day Ceremony around the 75th anniversary of D-Day to talk about his experiences from World War II. I am proud to honor him today, and I hope he has a wonderful 100th birthday.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 3952, the NOAA Chief Scientist Act. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the premier federal agency in oceanic and atmospheric research. From climate modeling to aquatic habitat preservation, NOAA conducts scientific research that improves the lives of all Americans, especially in my home state of New Jersey. The agency's Chief Scientist performs an integral and extensive role in facilitating the coordination of research efforts across each of NOAA's six unique line offices and with other federal agencies. Previous Chief Scientists come from decorated and distinguished backgrounds, including scientists from preeminent roles in oceanography and atmospheric science. Dr. Sarah Kapnick, an executive with 18 years of experience at the intersection of climate science and economics, has been most recently named to this role. The Chief Scientist also plays a critical role in ensuring that NOAA can accurately predict future weather events, an essential service to help Americans prepare for severe weather. In New Jersey, the forecast residents received in advance of Hurricane Ida did not adequately prepare them for the storm, which killed 25 people across the state and cost the United States $65 billion. As weather events become more frequent and severe due to climate change, accurate weather forecasting from the agency will save lives and money. This bipartisan bill clarifies the role that the Chief Scientist has in advising NOAA on scientific technology policies and strategies. The Chief Scientist's role requires an established and experienced background in producing sound scientific work as well as respect from the scientific community to facilitate connections towards cutting edge research that does not merely reflect partisan interests. It is important that NOAA's Chief Scientist is insulated from political interference and maintain scientific integrity. That is why this bill requires the Chief Scientist to both adhere to, and uphold, scientific integrity policies. This bill directs the NOAA Administrator to give due consideration to recommendations that are submitted by reputable and diverse scientific and academic organizations within the U.S. This includes scientific organizations such as the National Academies and NOAA's Science Advisory Board, which have extensive experience with scientists of this caliber. It also requires the Chief Scientist to be knowledgeable in the scientific disciplines associated with the work at NOAA--a reasonable requirement given the complexities of NOAA's work. This bill further establishes an Office of the Chief Scientist, to be staffed by Federal employees of NOAA which will be detailed into the office on a rotating basis. Detailing employees from all line offices ensures that each will remain represented in overseeing the research at NOAA. The new role of Deputy Chief Scientist, designated by the NOAA Administrator, will further support the functions of the Chief Scientist, and will perform the role of Acting Chief Scientist in the event of a vacancy in the position. These steps will provide crucial support to the Chief Scientist to further the mission of NOAA. Finally, this bill requires that the Chief Scientist produce a yearly, public report which describes the accomplishments and implementation of NOAA's scientific and technological strategies. This report will also detail any challenges faced by the agency and provide a transparent summary of all research funded by NOAA. This will include a breakdown of the percentage of research funded and carried out by the private sector, cooperative institutes, academia, nongovernmental organizations, and other institutions. This yearly report will further ensure that the research mission of NOAA is transparent and forward- thinking. I want to thank my colleague from the Science Committee, Representative Feenstra of Iowa, for working with me to introduce this bill. This bill has also been endorsed by the American Meteorological Society and the Union of Concerned Scientists. Scientific research is at its best when it is approached collaboratively and includes a variety of perspectives and skillsets. This bill outlines the responsibilities and requirements for a NOAA Chief Scientist to ensure that a qualified individual can help the agency advance its cross-cutting mission of science and service. This will support NOAA's efforts to provide world-class research to serve communities through future research endeavors.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of Chairman McGovern's amendment to increasing funding for the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program. Like many, I recognize the original intent for the AIR Commission. The VA's infrastructure is aging, and we need to ensure its facilities optimize care for veterans. I know that the chairman shares my determination to ensure our vets receive the best possible care. Unfortunately, the AIR process was flawed from the beginning. In a report issued earlier this year, the GAO found that the data AIR recommendations relied on was outdated and riddled with gaps. The moment the AIR recommendations were released, I received calls from veterans and VSOs in my district concerned about proposals to close the CBOC in Paterson, New Jersey. Veterans in my community are already asked to travel too far and wait too long for care. Closing a central CBOC would only exacerbate this. So while we must improve our VA facilities, the AIR's recommendations are the wrong way to go about this. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. This law gives States the support they need to act when a mom worries that her child is contemplating suicide. It is why everyone from the American Society of Pediatrics to the Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed this bipartisan bill. It is time for my Republican colleagues to put our Nation's kids ahead of the gun lobby.

Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, today has been a tough day as we watch an extremist and politicized Supreme Court roll back protections Americans have relied on for decades. But there is good news coming out of Congress. We have come together to pass the most comprehensive gun safety package in almost three decades. In New Jersey, we have already passed a large number of these proposals, including extreme risk protections, assault weapons safeguards, and high-capacity magazine prohibitions, and we have seen the results. New Jersey has made major progress in combating gun violence. As of 2020, my State has the third lowest level of firearm mortality, according to the CDC. Think about that. The most densely populated State in the Nation has one of the lowest levels of gun violence in the Nation. As the rate of gun deaths has increased by 33 percent nationwide, in New Jersey, it actually fell by 10 percent. Of course, as a mother, I am focused on keeping our kids safe. This law would have prevented the shooter in Uvalde from getting a firearm without an enhanced background check.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, like so many parents across the Nation, when I sent my four kids off to school this past week, I worried that they wouldn't be coming home, like so many children across the country. I got a bit hopeful when I heard that my colleagues are speaking for women across the country, and I expected to hear then that they were going to talk about passing universal background checks because we know that 88 percent of the country wants to see universal background checks passed. I am sorry, I must have missed that in their conversation. When I heard how devastated my colleagues are for the little children that have been dying, like I am, I thought, well, great, maybe we will hear something about passing a law that restricts people 21 and under from purchasing guns, like Mitch McConnell said he is willing to consider. I must have missed that, too. I have to tell you, we know these gun safety legislation pieces work because in New Jersey, we have passed most of them, and we have made major progress. In fact, while the rest of the country has seen gun rate deaths increase by 33 percent, in New Jersey they fell by 10 percent. Again, I am hoping, as we speak for mothers and women and children and families across New Jersey, we start to hear about how we are going to pass this great legislation.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Assistant Administrator Craig McLean on his retirement after forty years of distinguished service in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This son of New Jersey grew up on the Passaic River and turned a childhood passion for ocean diving and exploration into a forty-year career that started as a commissioned NOAA Corps deck officer charting the ocean floor and culminated as a preeminent champion of NOAA's mission to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, ocean, and coasts. Craig started working on diving boats as a teenager. As a college student at Rutgers University, where he earned his B.A. in Zoology in 1979, he investigated barges dumping toxic sludge into waterways. While serving as a NOAA Corps officer and, later as a senior executive of NOAA, Craig was instrumental to founding NOAA's Ocean Exploration and Research Program and its mapping of U.S. waters to advance oceanographic scientific knowledge and discover deep ocean secrets including new species, historical shipwrecks, and undersea mountains. With Craig's leadership, NOAA mapped two million square kilometers of the ocean floor, collected ocean data in the waters of sixteen countries and the high seas, and contributed to key conservation decisions for vital marine habitats such as establishment of new marine national monuments and deep sea protection areas. Craig served as Assistant Administrator for NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research for over six years. He expertly led an enterprise of ten federal laboratories across the country and six major programs. Under his tenure, NOAA Research achieved vital advancements for the benefit of the Nation, including improved forecasting of weather extremes such as hurricanes, winter storms, and excesses and deficits of precipitation, enabling society to be better prepared to reduce the severe impacts of these events on life and destruction of property. These advancements greatly increased our understanding of the earth's climate system, improved modeling of the weather and climate seamlessly across timescales, and strengthened the scientific basis for investigating climate change. On the international stage, Craig helped broker a consensus on the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO for global biogeochemical Argo sensors that enabled a $53 million commitment to expand deployments to improve ocean health and climate forecasting. He championed a global framework under the U.N. Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development initiative to ensure ocean science can support countries and achieve the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Craig boldly stepped forward as a complainant when NOAA experienced high-level, public political interference, putting himself at risk to uphold NOAA's scientific integrity and reputation. Afterward, he worked with other federal agencies on the National Science and Technology Council's effort to restore public trust in government through scientific integrity in policymaking. On behalf of the Committee on Science, Space and Technology, I thank Craig for his forty years of service. His leadership and personal commitment to scientific integrity and the public good exemplify the highest ideals of public service. I wish Craig a long and joyful retirement.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I would like to engage in a colloquy with Chair DeLauro regarding the Strategic Long-Range Cannon. I ask my friend from Connecticut, is it the intent of the committee that a portion of the funds provided under the Technology Maturation Initiatives line be used to invest in the development of the SLRC program, should the program supply a spend plan?

Ms. SHERRILL. I yield to the gentlewoman from Connecticut.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. I rise to recognize the Honorable Barbara Curran, a lifelong public servant from New Jersey who broke many glass ceilings. Barbara was an accomplished scholar, even earning her law degree in the evenings as a single mom. Entering the world of politics as a woman in the 1970s, she was a force. Barbara was the first woman to serve in all three branches of the New Jersey government--as assemblywoman, as a member of the Governor's cabinet, and as a superior court judge. She was referred to as the ``blue elephant'' for her commitment to bipartisanship. Barbara cherished time with family and never missed an opportunity to send encouraging handwritten notes. At times, she was even called off the bench to take a call from her daughter. I am grateful for the role model Barbara was to me and to so many who saw a path forward in politics through her example, and a glimpse at how to balance being a parent with the demands of public service. In January, Barbara Curran passed away peacefully. My heart is with her daughter, Katie; her son-in-law, Patrick; and her grandchildren, Duke, Marrin, Lilah, and Moira. I was honored to know Barbara, and she will be dearly missed.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sewa Diwali for their work supporting communities in need in NJ-11 and across the country. Their mission is to bring people together, foster commitment to selfless giving, and embody the spirit of Diwali. They do this through organizing food collections and other donation drives. In my district, New Jersey-11, I have joined Sewa for multiple food drives and community events. Sewa donated 1,700 pounds of food to the Morris Plains food pantry and 2,400 pounds to Parsippany food pantry in 2021 alone. The enthusiasm toward doing good and giving back to the community Sewa brings to our towns is truly heartwarming. Nationally in 2021, they collected 590,000 pounds of food which provided an estimated 491,000 meals throughout 31 States and 200 townships. I want to thank every volunteer who has aided Sewa in helping so many of our neighbors, friends, and families. I look forward to seeing and being a part of the good they will do in 2022.

Ms. SHERRILL

Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Floyd Nesse for his lifelong service to individuals with disabilities in NJ-11 and beyond. Mr. Nesse organized efforts throughout New Jersey to reduce barriers and broaden protections for people with disabilities. He was particularly committed to expanding access to fulfilling and accommodating employment opportunities. He brought the concerns of the disability community to the attention of the federal government, traveling down here to our nation's capital to advocate for legislation to improve the quality of life for those with disabilities. Mr. Nesse was deeply admired by his peers and was known for working both empathetically and effectively. He was recognized for his service in 2019 and was awarded the Unsung Hero Award from Inroads to Opportunities and the Larry Barker Spirit of State Use Award from the State Use Programs Association. Over the course of his career, Mr. Nesse served as the Executive Director of the Edison Sheltered Workshop, the President and CEO of the Center for Vocational Rehabilitation, and most recently as the Vice President of Government Affairs for ACCSES New Jersey. Beyond his advocacy, Mr. Nesse was a caring husband, father, and grandfather, finding great joy in spending time with his family. He was also a man of deep faith, and on Sundays, you could find him with a guitar in hand leading the worship team at his local congregation. Floyd Nesse passed away on October 19, 2021. His legacy will live on in his family and in the lives of all he served. I am grateful for all Mr. Nesse did to ensure we live in more inclusive communities. He will be dearly missed.