Dina Titus

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the floor and the rollcall votes for the Motions to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 6655 and S. 2051. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 105, H.R. 6655; and ``yea'' on rollcall 106, S. 2051.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the floor and a rollcall vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 89 on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question to H. Res. 1085.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the floor today and missed the roll call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 87, H.R. 4723 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 88, H. Res. 149.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act, as you heard, FASTA, was a bipartisan and bicameral effort led by the T & I Committee in the 114th Congress, with the goal of improving the disposal process for unneeded Federal real property. FASTA established the Public Buildings Reform Board, PBRB, an independent Federal agency, to review and recommend unused properties for the government to sell. Once the properties were identified, the PBRB was to work with the Office of Management and Budget and the General Services Administration to dispose of these properties via a new, temporary three-round process. Since its establishment, however, the PBRB has faced significant challenges. Although the legislation was passed in 2016, members were not appointed until May of 2019. Furthermore, the board was unable to conduct business for most of 2022 after two board members resigned, leaving the agency without a quorum until November 2022. As a result, they were unable to complete and submit to OMB their first round of recommendations. Overall, difficulties in doing research during the pandemic, lack of access to funding to help the agencies prepare for dispositions, delays in selling two particularly valuable properties in the high-value round, and disagreements with GSA and OMB on disposition strategies have all made the board's work challenging. Due to these challenges and delays, I join Chairman Perry in sponsoring the FASTA Reform Act, and I thank him for his leadership. It requires Federal agencies to share their real property data and consolidation plans with the board. It also enables the board to submit recommendations to OMB on a rolling basis. It gives the board control over the sales proceeds in the Asset Proceeds and Space Management Fund. It reduces the quorum requirement for meetings and activities from five board members to four. It permits agencies to prepare properties for disposition, and it extends the operation of the PBRB to December 2026. As agencies' post-pandemic space needs evolve, efficient and effective disposal of unneeded properties will become even more important. Allowing this demonstration program to complete its work will yield important information that can mitigate several longstanding disposal challenges and improve the size and efficiency of the Federal real property portfolio. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I think this is a good example of government efficiency, saving taxpayer dollars, and working across the aisle. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry) for his support. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H. Con. Res. 83 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 43rd annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition. As the ranking member, as you heard, of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, it is an honor to carry this resolution alongside subcommittee chair, Mr. Perry. The memorial service will be held on May 15. It will be coordinated with the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police, and it will honor law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty during 2023; that includes five from Nevada. First, Correctional Officer Victor Hunter served with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police for 4 years. During an altercation between two inmates, Officer Hunter rushed to the scene to calm the situation. In the aftermath, he began to feel ill and was sent home. On his way home, he was involved in a car accident directly resulting from complications of his illness, and he passed away on September 16, 2011. Trooper Clifford Fontaine served in the Nevada Highway Patrol for 15 years after previously working as an airline mechanic and as an advanced emergency medical technician. He is remembered for his kindness, his compassion, and for being a peacemaker in all facets of his life. Trooper Fontaine passed away on November 27, 2021, from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Officer Anthony Francone retired from law enforcement, but he still answered the call to serve with multiple agencies in Nevada, including the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Police Department. Nothing was more important to him and his family, including his two sons, and his daughter, who he dedicated every waking moment to as she battled a rare form of muscular dystrophy. During an attempt to stop a fleeing subject, Officer Francone put himself in harm's way to deploy spike strips and was tragically struck by the vehicle. He passed away on August 25, 2023. Sergeant Michael Abbate served in the Nevada Highway Patrol for nearly 11 years. A former race car driver himself, he utilized his passion for fast cars by teaching cadets about road safety and by running the emergency vehicle operations course for southern Nevada. Trooper Alberto Felix served in the Nevada Highway Patrol for 4 years. A United States Air Force veteran, his friends and family remember him for his selfless leadership, his sense of humor, and his love of helping people. He especially took pride in removing impaired drivers, which undoubtedly saved countless lives in Nevada throughout his career. Both Sergeant Abbate and Trooper Felix passed away on November 30, 2023, after they were struck by a suspected drunk driver while they were going out of their way to check on the welfare of a driver asleep in his car. In recognition of their service and heroism, Sergeant Abbate and Trooper Felix were posthumously awarded the Nevada State Police Medal of Valor. We cannot bring back those we have lost, but the least we can do is honor the sacrifices they made to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities safe. I join my colleagues in expressing my condolences to the families, friends, and other colleagues of these public servants, and all of those who mourn the loss of the brave men and women whose duty and sacrifice will be commemorated at this year's memorial. Let me reiterate that we can't bring these heroes back, but we can acknowledge the work they did, the sacrifice they made, and the life they gave to help all of us live in safer communities and with safer families. Madam Speaker, I urge support of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As you heard, H.R. 6316 sets a 5-year expiration on resolutions approving GSA construction, alteration, repair, design, or acquisition projects. This means that if within 5 years of the passage of the resolution GSA has not executed the project, then the authorization is deemed expired. This has been a concern to Members on both sides of the aisle for years. Similar provisions were included in former T&I Chairman Shuster's Public Buildings Reform and Savings Act of 2016 and former Chairman Barletta's REAL Reform Act of 2018. Unfortunately, neither of these bills was signed into law. I hear from the many Federal agencies that I work with that it can be difficult to obtain information from GSA on the status of projects authorized by Congress, especially the construction of new courthouses. Once we authorize an activity, whether it is a leasing activity or construction of a new building, we currently have little access to how, when, and if the project has been executed. This lack of information became apparent after GSA submitted a prospectus to build a new courthouse in Los Angeles, California, in 2000 as part of its FY 2001 capital investment program. Even though there were already two courthouses in Los Angeles, the Judicial Conference insisted that the L.A. courthouse complex was so short of space for judges that it was the number one space emergency in the country. GSA submitted a prospectus to build a new courthouse totaling 712,102 gross square feet at a cost of $266 million, and the committee approved it. The design of the building, however, exceeded the congressionally authorized size by 13 courtrooms, 260,000 square feet, and $100 million, and the scope of the project changed so often that GSA eventually just canceled the project in 2006, despite saying it had been an emergency. Then, in 2011, the courts and GSA announced that they would move forward with a downsized project that would not exceed the size and cost originally authorized by Congress more than 10 years earlier, without providing any notification to Congress. Some members of the T&I Committee were so concerned about GSA's actions and lack of transparency on the Los Angeles courthouse project that they requested a GAO study of the courthouse construction program and held a series of hearings about GSA's construction of Federal courthouses. Although Chairmen Shuster and Barletta are no longer with us here in Congress, their concerns, as well as the longtime concerns of my colleague, Congresswoman Norton, are still relevant, and this legislation is more necessary than ever. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation so we can ensure GSA is being a good steward of taxpayer dollars. I thank Chairman Perry for his help in getting this to the floor, and I urge Members to vote in favor of it. Madam Speaker, I think this is a bill that is worth bragging about. It is not very sexy and probably won't get a lot of press, but it is one of those things that can really make a difference. It will encourage GSA to move forward with needed projects. It will shorten the amount of time it takes to get these projects on the ground. No doubt, it will also save taxpayer dollars. Madam Speaker, I urge support, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, today's disasters are more frequent, cause more damage, and have longer recovery times. Through my role as Ranking Member of the T&I Subcommittee that oversees FEMA and as a co-founder of the Disaster Equity and Building Resilience Caucus, we know that, unfortunately, in the aftermath of these events, individuals with disabilities find themselves at an increased risk of institutionalization, injury, and death. I am proud to have joined Rep. Molinaro in introducing the Think Differently About Emergencies Act which will help identify needed improvements to the emergency management landscape so we can ensure that no one gets left behind in the wake of a major disaster. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate R&R Partners for 50 years of promoting Las Vegas around the world. On January 18, 1974, Sig Rogich founded R&R Advertising. The firm quickly made a name for itself by landing casino accounts and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. A short nine years later, Sig Rogich hired Billy Vassiliadis, then a 26-year-old Chicagoan and fellow Greek American. I had the pleasure of teaching Billy at UNLV where he was a political science major and already engaged in local politics. Just as Southern Nevada grew from a population of 350,000 in 1974 to 2,300,000 in 2024, R&R Partners has grown from a small firm to an advertising and public affairs institution with hundreds of employees in offices around the country and in Mexico. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 1999, R&R Advertising changed its name to R&R Partners, emphasizing the full service that R&R provides to clients. In addition to advertising, the agency offers legislative advice and often works pro bono for good causes. In a 2004 profile, the New York Times declared Billy, ``The Pied Piper of Las Vegas'', saying that, ``Every dream needs a merchant, every myth a mythmaker. In Las Vegas, the job falls to Billy.'' I've always said that while other congressional districts make cigarettes or cars, in Las Vegas we make dreams come true. And Billy and R&R Partners have played a key role in spreading that message around the world. In 2003, R&R developed their most famous advertising campaign, one that has made Las Vegas the international tourism destination that it is today. ``What happens here, stays here'' is heard in movies, music, and even commercials for nonrelated products. This simple and suggestive slogan ushered in a new era of tourism for Las Vegas. The iconic tagline was honored on Madison Avenue's Advertising Walk of Fame and won R&R Partners and LVCVA Brandweek magazine's Grand Marketer of the Year Award. Billy and R&R have not only created winning campaigns for Las Vegas's casino and tourism industry, but also for causes like the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, and ``Flip the Script'', a state-wide anti-bullying campaign. R&R has also assisted various public entities like the Southern Nevada Water District in its compliance campaign, ``It's a desert out there. Be water small.'' Today, R&R remains at the forefront of advertising and public affairs in Las Vegas and around the world. Whether it is the 2020 remix of their famous slogan for LVCVA, ``What happens here only happens here''; campaigns for the Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas Grand Prix, and Super Bowl LVIII; or innovative work for Fortune 500 companies, and non- profits and government entities, R&R continues to deliver for its clients and for Southern Nevada. I am honored and pleased to call Billy Vassiliadis a longtime friend and am proud of the work R&R Partners has done for our community over the past 50 years. I cannot wait to see what the future holds. What happens at R&R, does not stay at R&R.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, considering this impeachment resolution is the fastest I have seen the House GOP move all session. That is because there has been no collection of evidence, only the manipulation of it. There has been no meaningful bipartisan engagement, only partisan political stunts. There has been no due process. Instead, it is a deliberate disregard for the basis of our legal system. It has no constitutional precedent or basis, no real backing by Senate GOP counterparts who are going to hold the trial, no meaningful engagement with policy, and no support from respected legal scholars, political pundits, nor former DHS directors. History will remember this for what it is, an appeasement of the most extreme members of the MAGA base, and put very simply, the brownnosing of a man with 91 indictments, several convictions, and two impeachments.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the floor and the roll call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``yea'' on rollcall No. 32, H.R. 2882--Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2023, as amended and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 33, H.R. 443--Enahncing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, as amended. personal explanation

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Larson, the ranking member of the Social Security Subcommittee for his leadership on this issue and for organizing this important Special Order to talk about the work that Democrats are doing to protect and expand Social Security and thank him for doing a telephone town hall with me for the people in District One so that they could ask questions about what is happening and how this measure would help. In my district there are 113,000 Nevadans--that is District One in Las Vegas in Henderson--who rely on Social Security just to make ends meet. It represents the U.S. Government at its very best. In fact, it is one of the most successful programs in our history, and it is vital that we protect it for future generations. Now, while we are here talking about what the Democrats want to do to protect and expand it, the Republicans, even as we speak, are continuing to threaten Social Security. Now, Mr. Johnson is new at his job of Speaker, but he is not new to this issue. As the former chair of the Republican Study Committee, he repeatedly called for Social Security benefits to be reduced. In fact, this year's Republican Study Committee budget would cut benefits by 13 percent and at the same time raise the retirement age to 69, providing seniors with fewer benefits for more work. Raising the retirement age would disproportionately harm low- and middle-income seniors who rely most heavily on Social Security, forcing them to delay their well-earned retirement often from backbreaking jobs. Furthermore, the Republicans' terrible Labor-HHS appropriations bill would cut Social Security funding by 30 percent, closing 240 offices around the country and extending wait times for service. We cannot let Republicans do this and play games with Social Security. That is why I am very proud to be an original cosponsor of Mr. Larson's bill. You have heard the ways that it protects and expands Social Security. We need to bring it up, we need to pass it, and I stand strongly in support of that.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the floor and the vote on the Motion to Adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 722, Motion to Adjourn.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I invite all of my colleagues to join me and the members of the Nevada delegation in honoring the three precious lives that were lost to a heinous act of gun violence on December 6, 2023, at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where I taught in the political science department for 35 years. Patricia Navarro Velez, an assistant professor of accounting at the university and a mother of four, devoted her career to educating the next generation of business professionals, particularly among underserved populations and minorities. She is remembered for her infectious smile and her larger-than-life personality. Cha Jan ``Jerry'' Chang, a professor of management information systems and devoted UNLV colleague for more than 20 years, was known for his even-keeled, positive, and unwavering presence. He is survived by his wife and two children. Naoko Takemaru was an associate professor of Japanese studies and a noted author, academic, and award-winning educator. In her 20th year at UNLV, Ms. Takemaru's colleagues remembered her as lionhearted in kindness. Today, I stand here in solidarity with my colleagues from Nevada with a heavy heart for the victims, their families, and all of the UNLV students, faculty, and staff who experienced this horrific event. Mr. Speaker, we honor the lives we lost and uplift the UNLV community during this trying time. I ask that we not only use this time to commemorate the important and selfless contributions of each of these individuals who were part of the UNLV community and also to remember the heroic actions of our law enforcement, but also to reflect on the pressing need to enact commonsense legislation to protect our communities from the epidemic of gun violence. I ask all of my colleagues to consider signing on to a resolution to this effect, which I will be introducing tonight. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House observe a moment of silence to honor the three lives lost and to uplift the UNLV community.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Chair, due to the tragic shooting at UNLV, I have been working with law enforcement and the public to address the situation, and I was absent from the floor and the vote on the Molinaro Amendment No. 5 to H.R. 5933. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 698, Agreeing to the Molinaro Amendment to H.R. 5933. Amendment No. 6 Offered by Mr. Ogles

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I was absent from the floor and votes on the Motion to Table H. Res. 829, Adoption of H. Res. 559, Final Passage of H. Res. 340, Motion to Recommit H.R. 4364, Final Passage of H.R. 4364, and Adoption of H. Res. 773. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 559, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 560, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 561, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 562, ``no'' on rollcall No. 563, and ``no'' on rollcall No. 564. personal explanation

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate the Las Vegas Aces on winning the 2023 Women's National Basketball Association Finals. On October 18, 2023, the Las Vegas Aces defeated the New York Liberty, 70-69, in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. The Aces won the championship three games to one and became the first professional team in Nevada to win two championships. They won despite two of their starters being out with injuries, star guard Chelsea Gray and center Kiah Stokes. They also became the first WNBA team in 21 years to win consecutive championships. Hall of Fame head coach Becky Hammon led the team to victory and became the third coach in either the NBA or WNBA to win two championships in her first two seasons. Even before the playoffs, the Aces had an incredible season, clinching first seed in the playoffs after dominating the regular season with a record of 34-6. They set a new league record for wins and led the league in points per game and field goal percentage. At home, the Aces went 19-1 in the regular season and undefeated in the postseason, setting attendance records and even hosting the All- Star Game. Owner Mark Davis and Team President Nikki Fargas proved once again that investing in women's sports is investing in success, thereby setting an example for others to follow. In the championship-clinching game, Finals Most Valuable Player A'ja Wilson led the way with 24 points and 16 rebounds, while Jackie Young added 16 points and seven assists. And Kelsey Plum delivered a well- rounded performance of eight rebounds, five assists, and seven points. The Aces never trailed in the fourth quarter. The Aces certainly raised the stakes when securing another championship for Vegas, firmly establishing District One as the Sports Capital of the World. All of Southern Nevada is very proud and I can't wait to cheer the team on next year as they go for three in a row.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge, congratulate, and celebrate the victory of the Las Vegas Aces, who won the 2023 Women's National Basketball Association championship. On October 18, 2023, the Aces defeated the New York Liberty 70-69 in game four of the WNBA Finals. They won despite two of their starters being out with injuries, star guard Chelsea Gray and center Kiah Stokes. They won and have had an amazing two-cycle victory as champions under the leadership of Hall of Fame Head Coach Becky Hammon. Owner Mark Davis and team president Nikki Fargas have proven once again that investing in women's sports is investing in success. In the championship game, the Finals Most Valuable Player, A'ja Wilson, led the way with 24 points and 16 rebounds; Jackie Young added 16 points; and Kelsey Plum--Plum Dawg, they call her--delivered a well- rounded performance of rebounds, assists, and points. The Aces certainly raised the stakes when securing another championship for Vegas, firmly establishing District One as the sports capital of the world. All of southern Nevada is very proud, and I can't wait to cheer the team on next year as they go for three in a row.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Chair, I join my colleagues in support of this vital amendment to avert more widespread harm to civilians in areas contaminated by unexploded ordnance. We should ban these cluster bombs and the transfer of them to other countries. Thousands of communities across Southeast Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe face lingering dangers from landmines and explosive remnants of war dating back to World War II, the Vietnam war, and the Indochina wars. Many Pacific island nations are still contaminated by unexploded ordnance following World War II battles between Japan and the Allied forces. Cluster munitions have continued to be lethal decades after they were originally deployed. Laos, the most heavily bombed country per capita in history, has suffered an estimated 50,000 civilian casualties from explosive remnants of war since 1964. Cambodia and Vietnam have seen over 64,000 and 105,000 casualties since 1975, respectively. If you have visited these countries, you may have encountered little musical groups on the streets of the victims of these cluster bombs. As you heard, what is really tragic is about two-thirds of those who are injured or killed are children. The land in Ukraine that has been contaminated by explosive ordnance has increased tenfold and now takes up 30 percent of the country, representing an area the size of Florida or twice the size of the entire country of Portugal. There is a reason why a vast majority of the international community, our allies, have banned cluster bombs. It is time for the U.S. to follow suit. Mr. Chair, I am pleased to support this amendment, and I thank my colleagues for bringing it.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize September as Responsible Gaming Education Month. Twenty-five years ago. the American Gaming Association established Responsible Gaming Education Week to promote responsible gaming nationwide and to educate employees and customers on the subject. This effort was expanded to Responsible Gaming Education Month in 2022. I am proud to represent Las Vegas which sets the gold standard when it comes to gaming and gaming regulation. Casino gaming is legal in 44 states and sports betting is legal and operational in 35 states, providing jobs to 1.8 million individuals around the country. Last year, consumers spent a record $60 billion at commercial casinos. This translated to $13.5 billion in direct gaming taxes to state and local governments, exclusive of the billions of dollars in income and sales tax that casinos contribute to communities. All this revenue supports a range of needed public services like hospitals, schools, transportation, and public safety. Responsible gaming is a central tenant of the gaming industry which goes to great lengths to make sure employees are trained in best practices for recognizing and dealing with problem gaming and patrons are aware of options for help if they need it. Last year, states earmarked $104 million for problem gaming research and the promotion of responsible gaming resources. Many operators go above and beyond the minimum, partnering with organizations to educate consumers and employees and adhering to voluntary responsible gaming and marketing codes. This includes deploying responsible gaming tools like limits on deposits, wagers, and play time. This year, Responsible Gaming Education Month has four themes: Empowering Customers to Play Responsibly; Legal, Regulated Gaming Protects Players; Building a Responsible Gaming Culture Within; and Advancing Responsible Gaming Research. I commend operators around the country for their work on these important issues and for ensuring that the customer is always put first. I thank the many employees of the gaming industry in my district and around the country for their efforts to educate patrons about responsible gaming.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Saturday, October 7th, as Ageism Awareness Day. Ageism Awareness Day provides us all with an opportunity to recognize the existence and impact of ageism in our country. We are fortunate to live in a time in which medicine and technology can allow individuals to live long and full lives. As society begins to grow older, however, too many individuals experience ageism, or stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination based on age. Ageism is the most widespread and socially accepted form of prejudice. It can be found throughout society, from our workplaces to our health systems to stereotypes broadcast in the media. Not only is ageism harmful in and of itself, but it also exacerbates many of the other ``isms'', including racism, sexism, and ableism, which compound and worsen mental and physical health outcomes for affected individuals. I am proud to represent Southern Nevada, a place that has long been a welcoming home to nearly 375,000 seniors. They enrich our community tremendously, and their value should not be diminished by undue prejudice and discrimination. Organizations such as Nevada Senior Services provide essential services to individuals across Southern Nevada as they age and ensure that aging is not viewed with fear or hostility. Nevada Senior Services not only operates the Adult Day Care Centers of Las Vegas and Henderson, but also Caregiver Support Programs, Respite and Personal Care, RAMP Home Modifications, Hospital 2 Home Assistance, and the Care Partner Institute. I applaud and support the goals and ideals of Ageism Awareness Day which sheds light on the plight of many individuals and brings the Nation together to promote acceptance and appreciation of the gifts of aging persons. I thank all the family members, professionals, and volunteers who assist aging individuals every day and help fight the stigma of ageism.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Carol Harter, the first female and longest serving president in the history of the University of Las Vegas. I was fortunate to teach at UNLV during her tenure, where I witnessed firsthand her dedication to higher education, her student-centered leadership style, and her passion for research and learning. She was a recognized scholar, an able administrator, and one tough lady. Carol served as president from 1995 to 2006 during one of the university's most productive stages: creating 100 new programs, overseeing construction of 17 new buildings, and cofounding the internationally recognized Black Mountain Institute. It is in large part thanks to her that UNLV is a leading institution today. My condolences to Carol's family and the entire UNLV community. We will remember her through the inimitable footprint she left on campus and beyond. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record an article titled, ``Let Her Record Prove Them Wrong.'' Let Her Record Prove Them Wrong President Emerita Carol C. Harter, who broke down barriers while building up UNLV's status as a research institution, passed away at age 82.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Chairman, as a member of the Aviation Subcommittee and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus, I support the FAA reauthorization bill that passed unanimously out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee just weeks ago. It includes provisions that will benefit all the airports in Nevada's First District, and it will remove regulatory hurdles for drones so they can be used commercially, for search and rescue, and for fire detection and suppression. Furthermore, my district, which is one of the world's top travel destinations, welcomes visitors from all backgrounds and abilities. I am proud to say that this bill includes provisions from the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act. This was an act previously introduced by my good friend, former Representative Jim Langevin. It will protect the rights of disabled passengers by establishing aircraft accessibility standards and setting a timeline for DOT to investigate and respond to disability-related complaints. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Cohen, and Chairman Graves for their hard work and cooperation on this bill, as well as Chairman Van Drew, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the airlines for their collaboration on the disability provisions. Mr. Chair, I urge passage of this bill.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40 brave Nevada Bureau of Land Management wildland firefighters who have selflessly offered their support to battle the raging fires in Canada. Mr. Speaker, I include their names in the Record. Anderson, Truett, Southern Nevada District; Arroyo, Omar, Carson City District Office; Atwater, Trevor, Carson City District Office; Brunjes, Bailey C, Southern Nevada District; Chatham, William A, Carson City District Office; Daniels, Aaron Lee, Carson City District Office; De Raedt, Nick Peter, Carson City District Office; Drake, Lauryn Emily, Carson City District Office; Duenas, Kevin Gerardo, Carson City District Office; Engdahl, Alyssa Grace, Carson City District Office; Esh, Heidi, Carson City District Office. Evers, Tommy, Carson City District Office; Fonseca, Alex, Southern Nevada District; Giordano, John M, Carson City District Office; Henderson, Theodore A, Carson City District Office; Hucks, Roman B, Carson City District Office; Kalb, Jonathan Matthew, Carson City District Office; Kavle, Henry James, Winnemucca District; Kelly, Kevin, Carson City District Office; Koski, Christine Marie, Carson City District Office; Kracaw, Will A, Winnemucca District. Li, Ren X, Carson City District Office; Livie, Nathan David, Carson City District Office; May, Wyndham F, Carson City District Office; McGovern, Nicholas B, Southern Nevada District; Mini, Daniel Raymond, Carson City District Office; Monson, Victor Charles, Carson City District Office; Mortimore, Jennifer Lee, Carson City District Office; Murphy, Ayden Patrick, Carson City District Office; Quenga, Kevin, Carson City District Office; Richmond, Levi Robert, South Nevada District. Rodriguez, Roberto, Carson City District Office; Satterfield, Nathan Robert, Carson City District Office; Shoemaker, Don, Carson City District Office; St Cyr, Andrew T, Carson City District Office; Stephenson, Karl Joseph, Battle Mountain District; Tartaglia, Vincenzio Cesidio, Carson City District Office; Wadsworth, Justin Allen, Carson City District Office; Wagner, Lane Nicholas, Carson City District Office; Williams, Joshua David, Carson City District Office; Whipple, Tyler Jeffrey, Southern Nevada District.

Ms. TITUS. When smoke covered Washington, D.C., and New York for hundreds of miles recently, people across the East Coast witnessed the impact of the devastating wildfires Canada is currently experiencing. To date, the United States has deployed more than 600 firefighters and support personnel to respond to these wildfires in Canada, including our Silver State Interagency Hotshot Crew. Nearly every major wildfire in the U.S. relies on response from Federal wildland firefighters and the services their specialized crews provide, but right now they are paid significantly less than their counterparts at State and local agencies. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the Nevada Federal firefighters, the Hotshots, who are on the front lines. I urge support for a needed increase in their base salaries. It is the least we can do for their service and sacrifice.