David Trone

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of CEO & President of The Bender JCC of Greater Washington, who is stepping down this month. For nearly 15 years, Michael Feinstein has served as the CEO & President of the Bender JCC of Greater Washington. On Oct 30, 2020, Michael is stepping down as the CEO & President of the Bender JCC of Greater Washington. Michael's success was grounded in his unwavering dedication and exceptional skill. Prior to becoming the CEO, he served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Center for three years. However, Michael's life of service did not begin with the Bender JCC. Michael has over 25 years of experience as both a consultant to and leader of entrepreneurial businesses and nonprofit organizations. As an executive coach he has helped leaders manage change and create a new, more successful future for themselves and their organizations. He has owned and managed businesses in the manufacturing, service, and high-tech industries, and served in a variety of lay leadership roles in community and nonprofit organizations before becoming a Jewish communal professional. Throughout his career, Michael has led by example as a friendly but resolute face on the Bender JCC rounds and beyond. Time and time again, Michael has established himself as a pivotal figure within the community. His ability and commitment showed every single day through his presence at the corridors of the preschool, the Fitness Center, the indoor and outdoor pools, through his personal attention to the campers and their families, the special attention to the inclusion campers, members, through the multiple fundraising events, and the enormous amount Board Meetings and Committee meetings. Please join me in thanking Mr. Michael Feinstein for his incredible service to the Bender JCC of Greater Washington and to the Community at large.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Chung K. Pak, who was recently appointed Chief Administrative Law Judge of the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings. On June 10, 2020, Judge Pak made Maryland State history by becoming the third Chief Administrative Law Judge of the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings, and the first ever minority Chief Administrative Law Judge. As Chief Administrative Law Judge, he leads the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) and its Administrative Law judges, who are responsible for conducting fair and impartial hearings to resolve a variety of disputes stemming from actions of Maryland's many executive agencies. Prior to this appointment, Judge Pak served as an Administrative Patent Judge at the United States Patent Trial and Appeal Board for over 23 years, where he adjudicated over 6,000 patent cases involving emerging technologies and complex legal issues and wrote over 2000 opinions eligible for appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Judge Pak also served as a corporate intellectual property counsel at Union Carbide Corporation and Praxair, Inc. While there, he provided legal advice and counsel on a wide range of intellectual property issues, including domestic and foreign patent procurement, litigation, trade secrets, antitrust, licensing, and technology transfer issues. Although Judge Pak is a proud and longtime Marylander, he grew up in Alabama after he and his family immigrated to the United States from South Korea over 49 years ago. Like many immigrants, Judge Pak and his family faced difficulties due to limited economic resources and language and cultural barriers. However, due to their resolve, hard work, faith, and neighbors' help and friendship, Judge Pak and his family were able to overcome these obstacles. In the years that followed, Judge Pak worked his way through school and graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He later graduated from the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America with a Juris Doctor degree while working as a U.S. Patent Examiner at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Judge Pak then was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Maryland Bar, Virginia Bar, D.C. Bar and Patent Bar. Judge Pak's dedication to public service and making a difference in our country and community is also evident in his activism. Justice Pak is a highly venerated civic activist and leader in Montgomery County and Maryland. Over the years, he has served on the boards of and in leadership positions on a number of nonprofit community organizations. In particular, he has served as Commissioner of Maryland Higher Education Commission, the Maryland Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, and Montgomery County License Commission; Co- Chairman of the Montgomery County NAACP Multicultural Partnership; Board Member of Progressive Maryland, Montgomery County Branch NAACP, Committee for Montgomery, Maryland Attorney General's Advisory Council, Montgomery County Executive's Asian American Advisory Board, Montgomery County State's Attorney's Asian American Advisory Board, and Montgomery Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board; Chairman and President of League of Korean Americans of Maryland; Montgomery County Asian American Police Advisory Committee, Taskforce to reduce racial tension in John F. Kennedy High School, Comptroller Peter Franchot's Transition Team, and County Executive Ike Leggett's Transition Team. Known as a consensus and bridge builder, Judge Pak has worked closely with Latino, African American, Asian Pacific American, labor, women, religious, and civil rights groups on issues of common concern. His extraordinary life story and significant contributions to the community have been featured in the Gazette's ``One of Forty Who Cared,'' and in other newspaper articles. For his outstanding service and contributions, he was inducted into Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame. He also received International Leadership Award; The President's Volunteer Service Award; Maryland Governor's Volunteer Service Award; Progressive Maryland's Progressive Leader Award; Montgomery County Executive's Office of Community Partnership's Trailblazer Award, MCDCC's Kelsey Cook Volunteer of Year Award; Census Department's Census Outstanding Volunteer Service Award; Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Community Leader Award, Federal Asian Pacific American Council Outstanding Leader Award, Maryland Coalition of 100 Organizations for Recognition of Asian Lunar New Year's STAR of Maryland Asian Pacific American Community Award; League of Korean Americans of Maryland Outstanding Service and Presidential Awards; Korean American Senior Citizens' Advocate Award; Montgomery County Branch NAACP Certificate of Appreciation; USPTO Asian Pacific American Network Leadership Award; and many other awards. As Senator Barbara Mikulski once said, ``Judge Pak has spent a lifetime fighting injustice and inequality. His story is truly an embodiment of the American dream and an example of leadership with compassion and commitment to public service.''

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to show my support for the millions of families struggling to help their loved ones suffering through addiction. My family fought to get help for my nephew, Ian, that he needed before he lost his life to an overdose in 2016. It was hard for us to do, even with the resources we had at our disposal. For most families, it is nearly impossible to navigate our behavioral health system in its current form. It is a confusing system that leaves families like mine with no clue what treatment option is right for their loved one. Now more than ever, families are on the front lines of this fight. Overdoses are on the rise across America, and COVID-19 is making matters much worse. Every single county in my district saw an increase in overdose deaths last quarter--some as much as 50 percent. And last year, more Americans died of drug overdoses than ever before--more than 70,000. Madam Speaker, that is why I introduced the Family Support Services for Addiction Act with Congressman Dan Meuser. This bipartisan bill provides for nonprofits working with families struggling with addiction. The bill will provide grants to reach more families, create more tailored treatments, and save more lives. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Meuser, Chairman Pallone, Chairwoman Eshoo, and Ranking Member Walden for this much-needed bill. We have got to get this done. Lives are depending on it. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of U.S. Capitol Police Sergeant Juan Cardenas, badge No. 3793, who is retiring this month after thirty-two years of service. For nearly twelve years, Cardenas has served as a Sergeant in the First Responders Unit. During this time, he has managed the mountain bike and First Responders' training programs that serve to protect Members of Congress during normal and emergency situations and acted as a supervisor in charge of motorcade operations for the President, Vice President, and Heads of State arriving at the Capitol. Sergeant Cardenas worked on projects of the utmost importance, including the State of the Union and the last three Presidential Inaugurations. Sergeant Cardenas's success was grounded in his unwavering dedication and exceptional skill. From 2000 to 2008, Sergeant Cardenas was a supervisor in charge of the Patrol Mobile Response Division, and before that, Police Officer First Class in Communications Section 3. However, Sergeant Cardenas's life of service did not begin with the U.S. Capitol Police: Sergeant Cardenas first served his country in the United States Air Force, where he was selected for Special Air Mission and provided security to the Presidential aircraft for then-Vice President George H.W. Bush. Throughout his career, Sergeant Cardenas has led by example as a friendly but resolute face on the Capitol grounds and beyond. Time and time again, Sergeant Cardenas has established himself as an expert, particularly due to his role in helping the U.S. Capitol Police establish a well-executed and safe motorcade operation. His ability and commitment showed every single day, whether he was managing a motorcade, searching for a lost child, apprehending a suspect, or delivering a hot meal or new shoes to a homeless veteran. Sergeant Cardenas has proven himself to be a man his colleagues and our country can rely on. Over the years, Sergeant Cardenas has been showered with awards and commendation, including a Blue Badge Medal, one of the Department's top five honors. In 2004, Sergeant Cardenas received accolades for creating a child safety seat program and, in 1998, he received the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials telecommunicator of the year award for his role as a dispatcher during the shooting of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Jacob Chestnut and Detective John Gibson. While he is clearly reluctant to retire, it should be noted that Sergeant Cardenas has given a great deal to the Force, suffering serious injuries in a 1992 motorcycle accident as a Private on Patrol Division. Please join me in thanking Sergeant Juan Cardenas for his incredible service to the U.S. Capitol Police, the Congress of the United States, and to our Nation.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, one in seven people will experience addiction in their lifetime. Last year, over 70,000 people died from a drug overdose. Over the last 3 years, it is over 200,000 people. Addiction is a national crisis for which we will not find a vaccine. Last week, I spoke with patients in recovery across western Maryland. The reality of COVID-19 is making recovery much harder. Today, we are coming together in Congress as Team America for a day of action we are calling Congress Goes Purple. Together, we are wearing purple to show our support for those in recovery. Together, we are raising awareness to combat the stigma around addiction. And together, we will do everything we can to support those in recovery. Madam Speaker, to those in recovery, never be afraid to speak up and ask for help.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Turkish American National Steering Committee (TASC), which is lead by Potomac resident Gunay Evinch, and the Turkish Exporters Assembly, which is lead by Mr. Ismail Gulle, for their humanitarianism and generosity in donating critical personal protective equipment (PPE) to the State of Maryland. On July 20, these two organizations delivered more than 100,000 surgical masks and 1,000 surgical suits to the Maryland Office of the Secretary of State. Along with other residents of Maryland's Sixth District, I am grateful for the generosity of Turkish Americans and their gracious support to our fellow Marylanders. These PPE deliveries complement shipments made by the Turkish Republic, which sent two military cargo plane loads of PPE to the United States, including surgical masks, surgical suits, disinfectant, goggles, N-95 masks, and face shields. Our frontline healthcare workforce has been heroic throughout this pandemic, and I am heartened to see contributions like those made by the Turkish American community. As TASC says, ``Be Negative on COVID, Stay Positive on Life.''

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, had I been present for roll call vote 172 to approve H.R. 7327, the Child Care for Economic Recovery Act, I would have voted YEA.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2. For too long, western Marylanders have been left behind with little to no high-speed internet access. Without broadband, Americans can't access telework, telemedicine, tele-education. It is time to take bold action. As Whip Clyburn said, just like we put down electricity in every home across the country 100 years ago, it is time we put broadband in every home across America today. This bill does just that by investing $100 billion for broadband development. I also want to mention the Appalachian Development Highway System. Congresswoman Napolitano offered an amendment to strike a bipartisan bill that the committee had adopted unanimously last week. She is my friend, but we disagree. This bipartisan commonsense bill will speed completion of the Appalachian Development Highway System, which is critical to Maryland and Appalachia. This program was first established under Lyndon Johnson's administration. Five decades later it is still not done. I ask my colleagues to oppose the Napolitano amendment and help us develop a bipartisan solution to complete the system.

Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, and an amendment that I drafted to address the addiction epidemic. But first, I would like to thank and call out Chairman DeFazio and the wonderful leadership that he has exhibited in thinking long term about our children and about the next generation. That is seldom seen here, and I really appreciate that. I also asked him to help us look at redistributing the hundreds of millions of dollars that have been over- appropriated--over-appropriated, not spent--to States that need it in the Appalachian Development Highway System. Like COVID-19, every community in America has been hit by the opioid crisis, and we cannot afford to slow down our efforts to combat it. My amendment in this package would create a pilot program to help communities better understand the emerging drug threats in real time by implementing wastewater testing. By understanding these threats, we can design public health interventions that match a community and their specific problems. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this amendment.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, healthcare is a human right. The Affordable Care Act helped us live up to that value by giving over 20 million American people healthcare coverage, including millions with preexisting conditions. But still, too many Americans don't have access to good, affordable healthcare, and drug prices are through the roof. One of those Americans is Suzette from Germantown, Maryland. Suzette told me that her insulin prices have skyrocketed over the last year, making it hard to afford a drug that she needs to survive. As Elijah Cummings said: We are better than that. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act will cut premiums in half; allow negotiations for drug prices; and expand Medicaid, a lifeline for many who need support for mental health and addiction treatment services. During a global pandemic, we should be acting with compassion for the most vulnerable in our country. This bill does just that. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, our Nation has never seen anything like the coronavirus outbreak. At a time when our American businesses are forced to close and American families face fear and uncertainty, we do what Americans do best: We come together and support one another. My background is business. I have run a small business and a large organization. This bill puts workers first. It is good for American business. It puts workers first with an additional $600 a week in unemployment insurance. It puts families first, funneling $1,200 directly into the pockets of Americans. It supports small business with a $377 billion infusion for fast relief through grants and loans. This bill is what the American people and the American economy need. It is time to come together as one Nation, united against this outbreak. I urge support for this bill.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of Frederick Police Chief Ed Hargis, who just recently retired after 4\1/ 2\ years of service as the top law enforcement officer in Frederick, Maryland. Chief Hargis arrived in Frederick in 2015 with over 33 years of law enforcement experience from around the country. During his tenure as police chief, he worked with city leaders and citizens to ensure Frederick was a safe, welcoming community for everyone. Chief Hargis showed tremendous leadership in Frederick, and we would like to commend him for his 37 years of public service to our communities. Honoring Ruby Rubens, Education and Housing Advocate in Montgomery County Who Recently Passed Away

Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ruby Rubens, a champion for human rights and education in Montgomery County, who passed away at the end of February at the age of 86. Ruby Rubens was a force in her community. She was a founding member of the Montgomery County Coalition for Equitable Representation in Government and worked extensively on housing rights with the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission, the U.S. Civil Service Commission, and the Social Security Administration. She was greatly involved in the education community as a longtime volunteer in Montgomery County Public Schools. People were inspired to follow in her footsteps, including her son, Joe Rubens, who is the principal of John F. Kennedy High School. For her work, she was a recipient of the Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award and was inducted into the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame. Ruby was known throughout her community for being a constant advocate for those without a voice. Today, I would like to honor her life and contributions on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the all-women team of scientists from the Novavax Vaccine Lab in Gaithersburg, Maryland, who are working to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus. Nita Patel, the director for vaccine development and antibody discovery at Novavax, is leading the team of scientists who have been working on a vaccine since January 10. While they still need to be tested, the team has already developed three potential vaccines. Women's History Month is the perfect time to highlight how women have contributed in our past and continue to contribute to the world now and into the future. Today we recognize this group of scientists and emphasize the importance of having women across all industries and leadership positions around the world. 50th Anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta

Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for all of the work they have done for the community over their rich, 50-year history. The Montgomery County Chapter was founded in March of 1970 by 28 women under past National President Lillian P. Benbow. The organization was founded to help promote the quality of life for both African Americans and the community at large in Montgomery County. I, myself, am lucky enough to have a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in my office serving the people of Maryland's Sixth District. Today, as a part of Women's History Month, we recognize the Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for their 50 years of service and the positive impact they have had on the Montgomery County community. Recognizing Ed Hargis, Retiring Frederick City Police Chief

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bill Gaertner for receiving the distinguished St. Dismas Award for his work through the Gatekeepers Re-Entry Program in Hagerstown, Maryland. Gatekeepers is a program that addresses one of the top needs in our criminal justice system: support for returning citizens. Today, 90 percent of incarcerated people get released into their own communities, but many struggle to find the resources and support to thrive. A returning citizen himself, Bill was 70 years old when he was released from prison. He started the Gatekeepers organization when he realized the challenges those released from prison face as they reenter society. Gatekeepers aims to provide a connection to resources so folks could be successful as they transition back into their communities. We should all be working toward a more just criminal justice system. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Bill Gaertner on this much-deserved award for his work to support justice-impacted communities.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 1075, a bill originally introduced by Representative Cummings of Maryland, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Today, we remember one of the darkest chapters in our history, the Shoah, when 6 million Jews were brutally murdered in a genocide that left an indelible mark on humanity. This year marks 75 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz- Birkenau Nazi death camp. There alone, 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were killed. Today, we remember them, and we say again: ``Never again.'' International Holocaust Remembrance Day serves as a reminder of what depravity humans are capable of when we don't make it a priority to end hate and intolerance. We must remember the victims now and always, and that includes making Holocaust education a priority in our schools. I am thankful that today my colleagues and I passed legislation to do just that. There is no place for anti-Semitism, racism, hate, or intolerance in 2020. I join with my colleagues today in saying: ``Never again.''

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise today in support of hundreds of thousands of students across the Nation who are victims of predatory for-profit colleges. Over 4,000 borrowers in Maryland and 227,000 nationally are paying the price because the department, led by Betsy DeVos, appears to have intentionally decided not to process the claims. Before coming to Congress, I led a business of over 7,000 employees. At the end of the day, the buck stopped with me to make sure we had the staff that we needed to serve our customers. Not only did Secretary DeVos not have the staff she needed to follow the law, but through the new rule, this administration is proposing she is making it harder for students to get the relief they deserve. This is not how we should treat America's students who are looking to make a better future for themselves. I urge my colleagues to stand with the students and reverse this Trump administration rule.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to an unnecessary war with Iran in support of this resolution. Today, the question before us is: Are the American people more safe or less safe after the killing of Qasem Soleimani? As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I have significant concerns about the administration's inability to answer this question and communicate a coherent strategy to avoid war and keep us safe. The American people have seen no evidence that killing Soleimani was a result of an imminent threat; no evidence of a discernible political plan for our policy toward Iran moving forward. Questions of war and peace are the most fundamental of the issues that come before this Congress. They require deliberate and thoughtful decisionmaking. This action by the administration was not that. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bill fulfills a promise that we made to the American people. We heard America when you told us drug costs were so high you sometimes had to choose between buying your medicine and paying your heating bill. We heard America when you spoke to us about skyrocketing drug costs compromising your quality of life. We heard America when you said you had to ration drugs because you couldn't afford your next prescription. No one should have to make those tradeoffs for themselves or their children. In the United States, we pay more for drugs than any other country. For insulin alone, Americans pay four times the average of other countries. In my district in Maryland, people with Medicare are paying 4.9 times what they would pay in Australia; 3.5 times what they would pay in the United Kingdom; and 2.6 times what they would pay in Canada for prescription drugs. Marylanders and Americans have been getting a bad deal, and it is time to change that. I come from the business world and in business you are successful when you negotiate a better price. Government should be able to do the same thing with pharmaceutical companies. H.R. 3 will allow us to do this. It will allow the U.S. Government to negotiate lower prices for Medicare and private insurance and put a $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drugs. It will also expand Medicare benefits to add coverage for dental, vision, and hearing for the first time ever. In total, this bill will save the Federal Government over $500 billion over the next 10 years. Not only will this save money in the pockets of the average American, but it will reinvest that money to help our children and our children's children. It will do this by investing $10 billion for biomedical research at NIH. NIH is the best investment in our future that we could ever make. Every dollar spurs $8 in return. Investing money in NIH just makes sense. It will also do this by investing $10 billion to fight our Nation's biggest problem: the opioid epidemic. Unscrupulous pharma companies fueled this opioid epidemic with irresponsible and illegal schemes to flood the market with prescription pain pills. We have paid dearly for those pills in lives lost. It is only right that the savings we create through lowering drug prices for Americans should go to fighting this epidemic. I am proud that the bipartisan bill I introduced with the Freshmen Working Group on Addiction, the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act, is included in H.R. 3 and will provide $7.5 billion over the next 5 years for consistent and predictable funding for the communities that are fighting the opioid epidemic on the front lines. Opioids have killed more than 400,000 Americans. It is time to act. Last month, I held a roundtable in Gaithersburg, Maryland, about the high cost of prescription drugs. At the roundtable, we had medical professionals and regular folks who wrote into my office about the incredibly high cost of prescription drugs. One of those people was Suzette Cumberland. Suzette has Type 1 diabetes, and over the summer the price for her medication shot up 300 percent without warning or explanation. This is not fair, and it is not right. I am standing on the floor of the House of Representatives today and say to Suzette: We all hear you. I hear you and the millions of people across the country who have to make decisions about whether to pay for food or the medication they need to survive. I urge my colleagues to vote for the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. It is time to stand up to the pharmaceutical companies and fight for those without a PAC or a lobbyist to represent them--the American people. Let's fight for them.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, today I rise to praise the House for unanimously passing the Dignity in Aging Act. This act includes two bipartisan bills that I led to respond to challenges facing a growing aging American population: social isolation and younger onset Alzheimer's. As I heard from seniors and their families in my district at my seniors workshop, we need to do more to support caregivers, improve economic opportunities for older individuals, and ensure Americans can age with dignity, security, and quality of life. This act does that. This week Democrats and Republicans worked together in Washington to pass the Dignity in Aging Act. That is a win for Congress, a win for seniors, and a win for the American people.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the College Affordability Act, a comprehensive overhaul of our higher education system that will lower the cost of college and improve higher education for students of all backgrounds, because right now students are paying increasingly more for an education that is giving them less. I know that because I have heard it. I have heard from constituents in my district that we need to do better when it comes to the rising cost of tuition and the overall quality of higher education. That is why I am taking action. Since coming to Congress, I have worked closely with my colleagues on the Education and Labor Committee to lead four pieces of legislation that will be included in this act. The legislation will expand educational opportunities for all individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, dedicate more resources for prevention and treatment of alcohol and substance abuse on college campuses, strengthen grants for teachers and school leaders around recruitment and retention, and establish a commission to study mental health issues facing college students. These measures as well as others are what make the College Affordability Act a down payment on our higher education system that just makes sense. I urge swift passage for my colleagues in the committee today, and I hope we can move this bill to the floor and the President's desk even faster. As my good friend, Chairman Elijah Cummings, said: Our children are messengers we send to the future we will never see. It is time to invest in their future and give all Americans the good, quality higher education that they deserve.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember my great friend and hero, Elijah Cummings. The enormity of the loss felt with the passing of Elijah has reverberated throughout Maryland and this entire country. He was the voice of the powerless in the Halls of power. He had a giant heart and acted as the conscience of America when we needed it most. Baltimore had no greater champion. Elijah and I shared a special concern for those impacted by the opioid epidemic and the criminal justice system. I will continue to work on those issues while drawing on Elijah's legacy for inspiration. My wife, June, and I extend our condolences to Maya and his three children, and we take comfort in knowing that our friend and hero is dancing with the angels.

Mr. TRONE

Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to include in the Record a statement from Faces and Voices of Recovery in recognition of National Recovery Month. Faces and Voices of Recovery For 30 years, National Recovery Month has provided an opportunity for communities nationwide to celebrate the fact that recovery from addiction is not only possible, but it is a reality for over 23 million Americans and their families. Faces & Voices of Recovery, representing the organized recovery advocacy movement in the U.S., extends our sincere gratitude to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for sponsoring National Recovery Month and to members of Congress who work tirelessly to listen to the real stories of individuals and families impacted by addiction and those who have found long-term recovery. Together we can find solutions and continue to build on the foundation of Congressional support in recent years to make recovery possible for even more Americans.