Jefferson Van Drew

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill. This is not about crime. It is about control. Once you can flag a purchase, any purchase, you can flag a person. Once you can flag a person, you can control what they buy, what banks they use, and even what they believe. It is wrong. It is un-American. This bill is not just about guns. It is about the precedent that was set. If we allow financial institutions to become the surveillance arm of one party's political agenda today, there will be no limit to what gets flagged tomorrow. Let me be clear: Buying a firearm is not extremism; buying a Bible is not extremism; reading the news you choose and want to read is not extremism; exercising a constitutional right is not extremism. The extreme position is using America's banks to build a permanent list to track who people worship, what they read, and what constitutional rights they happen to choose to exercise. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for privacy, freedom, and the Constitution of the United States of America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, let us be clear about what is happening right now. The United States is confronting a regime that has spent decades chanting ``Death to America;'' a regime whose proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, just to name a few, have been responsible for the deaths of hundreds and hundreds of American troops; a regime that is working relentlessly toward a nuclear weapon. A nuclear-armed Iran would not just threaten the Middle East. It would threaten the entire world and, yes, civilization as we know it. Now, at the very moment when decisive action is being taken to dismantle a threat, this resolution would tie the hands of the President of the United States. Congress should not allow this to happen. Congress cannot allow this to happen. Decisive action against the Iranian regime is about protecting America and about protecting Americans. It is about protecting our troops stationed across the Middle East. It is about protecting our citizens abroad and our allies in the region. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. For too long, the Iranian regime has acted with impunity as it murders its own people, tortures its own people, and destroys its own people. There is simply no justification for allowing this regime and its leaders to continue to exist. America will not wait to be hit first and will not gamble with American lives. America will not allow the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism to obtain the most dangerous weapon on the face of the Earth. For that reason, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this resolution.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, how is this even a serious debate? Think about what my colleagues on the other side are saying today. They are saying that American minorities are not capable of showing an ID to vote. It is an insult. It is abusive. In reality, 76 percent of Black Americans support voter ID in poll after poll, and 82 percent of Latino Americans support voter ID in poll after poll. What the left is saying is that they don't trust the American people to prove who they really are. Americans show an ID to board a plane. Americans show an ID to drive a car. Americans show an ID to open a bank account. Americans show an ID to enter Federal buildings and for a host of other reasons. Of course we should expect it for American elections. It doesn't silence voters. It empowers voters. It only ensures that Americans are voting in American elections. For God's sake, why would anybody be opposed to that? Think about it.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, today I want to talk about hypocrisy. Let me be clear. I was a cosponsor of this very bill from the beginning, from jump start, because we should never protect pedophiles. For months, my Democratic colleagues have done what they think is politically convenient through all the yelling, through all the tears, and through all the sadness. They say releasing the Epstein list is of grave concern to them. If that was true, where were they during the 4 years of the Biden Presidency? Why didn't they demand the release of these files from jump start in year one? Mr. Speaker, why didn't they ask for them in year two? If that wasn't good enough, why didn't they ask for them maybe in year three? They had control. They didn't even ask in his final year of office. Other than a single letter the ranking member wrote in 2019, a single letter, not one Democrat on the committee spoke out about Epstein or his victims of this very terrible tragedy, other than to say he didn't like the plea deal. Mr. Speaker, let me say this: When they stand here today, insisting how badly they want these files released, why didn't they do it? Yet they stayed silent for year after year after year under Joe Biden. It is impossible. Mr. Speaker, it is impossible to see that as genuine. What I see is a group more focused on scoring political points and drama than protecting abused children. Mr. Speaker, the record is clear. Under Republicans, far more information has been released in the last 6 months than was done during all 4 years of the previous Presidency under Joe Biden. We have actually been the party of transparency. We have released the information. We have told the truth. Unfortunately, and I am sad to say it, they have been the party of hypocrisy.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to recognize Councilwoman Patricia Andaloro for her many years of devoted service to the people of Buena Borough. She was recently celebrated at the Buena Boro Republican League dinner, a well-earned recognition of her dedication, integrity, and steadfast commitment to her community. Pat first served as the Borough Clerk, where she became the backbone of local government. In that role, she guided residents and colleagues alike with professionalism and care, ensuring that the daily functions of the borough ran smoothly. Her attention to detail and her deep knowledge of municipal operations earned her the respect and trust of everyone who worked alongside her. Today, as Councilwoman, Pat continues to bring that same spirit of service and leadership. She has shown an unwavering commitment to good governance, always keeping the needs of her neighbors at the forefront. The recognition she received at the Buena Boro Republican League dinner was not just a tribute to her past accomplishments, but a reminder of the lasting impact she continues to make. I congratulate Pat on a very well-deserved honor and I thank her for the great work she is doing in South Jersey. God bless Pat and God bless our United States of America. The greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate Alexander John Scalice of Galloway Township, whose hard work and dedication have earned him the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest distinction in the Boy Scouts of America. Throughout his Scouting journey, Alex earned an impressive 40 merit badges in areas ranging from science, citizenship and communications, as well as serving in elected leadership roles within his troop. For his Eagle project, Alex designed and built six oar carriers for the Cedar Creek High School Crew team, where he proudly rowed for four years. Recognizing the financial challenges faced by the program, he secured donations from local businesses and individual supporters, organized a team of volunteers, and led them in completing this project. His work not only solved a practical problem for his teammates but also provided equipment that will support the program for many seasons to come. His commitment to service extended beyond Scouting. Alex volunteered many hours with his church and community, earning two Catholic Scouting emblems, demonstrating his devotion to both faith and country. As he prepares to study Biology and Pre-Med in college, Alex stands a role model for young people across South Jersey and a source of pride for his family, his troop, and our community. I congratulate Alex on this outstanding achievement. God bless Alex and God bless our United States of America. The greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Sergeant Major Kevin Facemyer, a remarkable leader from South Jersey, who is retiring after 27 years of dedicated military service to our great Nation. From enlisting in the U.S. Army with a Ranger contract in 1996, to serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment, to deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Kevin exemplified courage and commitment in some of the most challenging missions of our time. He went on to lead with distinction in the Maryland Army National Guard, where he trained future leaders, prepared units for combat, and supported critical domestic operations. Over his career, he earned some of the Army's highest honors, including the Legion of Spirit Medal, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart, as well as recognition in the orders of Saint Maurice and Saint Michael. As Kevin retires with 27 years of combined service, we salute his extraordinary career, his devotion to his soldiers, and his steadfast defense of our country. God bless Kevin and God bless the United States of America. The greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Madeline Miller of Logan Township, who at just sixteen years old has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of Scouts nationwide. At such a young age, Madeline has already shown remarkable dedication, leadership, and service. For her Eagle project, she designed and built dog play equipment at the Triple Seven Animal Rescue in Elmer, South Jersey, creating a doghouse tunnel, hurdle, and even re-purposing a fire hydrant to provide a lasting space for the animals in their care. Madeline is currently a student at Padua Academy, an institution known for preparing young women through a strong Catholic education rooted in academic excellence and community service. She is a role model for her peers, and her Eagle rank reflects not only her perseverance but also her deep commitment to faith, service, and community. I congratulate Madeline on this spectacular accomplishment and I look forward to seeing what else she achieves. God bless Madeline and God bless our United States of America. The greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to welcome to Washington, D.C. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual head of the world's Orthodox Christians and one of the most respected peacemakers of our time. Patriarch Bartholomew has long been known as the ``Patriarch of Peace'' and the ``Bridge Builder.'' He joins a long line of true peacemakers in history--figures like Martin Luther King, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, and others who not only worked to reduce conflict, but also showed compassion even toward those who persecuted them. His All- Holiness has endured great trials, facing hostility and harassment from those who would try to silence his faith and his mission. Yet, instead of responding with bitterness, he has consistently answered with courage, with compassion, and with a steadfast commitment to peace. Despite persistent challenges, Patriarch Bartholomew has dedicated his life to building bridges between faiths, nations, and peoples. He has reached out across the Christian world, across East and West, and even across the divide between Christianity and Islam, showing by example that dialogue and mutual respect are the only true path to peace. His advocacy for religious freedom, for human dignity, and for the environment has earned him recognition across the globe. Indeed, he is a past recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and now the Templeton Prize, joining the ranks of luminaries such as Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama. I also want to express my deep gratitude to my Greek Orthodox constituents, especially those of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Atlantic City and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Egg Harbor Township, who carry forward the Patriarch's vision of faith, service, and community here in South Jersey. They enrich our communities and remind us of the enduring strength of their traditions and values. Ladies and gentlemen, the visit of His All-Holiness to our Nation's capital is an occasion of great significance. At a time when the world is too often divided, his voice calls us back to what is essential-- that we are all children of God, and that blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States and in honoring his extraordinary work for peace, justice, and reconciliation throughout the world. God bless Patriarch Bartholomew and God bless the United States of America. The greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the accomplishments of Michael L. Testa, Sr., a respected attorney and leader from South Jersey, who was recently awarded the CEO Group's Lifetime Achievement Award. Michael is a Managing Partner at Testa Heck Testa & White, P.A., and has spent more than five decades building a legacy of legal excellence and public service. A certified civil and criminal trial attorney, he has been named to the lists of New Jersey Super Lawyers and Top Ten Lawyers more than ten times each-- an extraordinary testament to his professional reputation and courtroom skill. But Michael's impact goes far beyond the courtroom. He has dedicated his life to serving the people of South Jersey through various municipal and educational roles, including as solicitor for Buena Municipal Authorities Association, Deerfield Township, and Rowan College of South Jersey. His service on the boards of the Rehabilitation Hospital of South Jersey, Sun National Bank, and the Landis Theatre Foundation reflects a deep commitment to strengthening local institutions and opportunities. Michael's legacy is not only defined by his distinguished legal career but also by his selfless dedication to civic leadership, education, and charitable causes throughout Cumberland County. I congratulate Michael on this well- earned Lifetime Achievement Award, and thank him for his decades of service and commitment to South Jersey. May God bless Michael Testa, Sr., and may God bless the United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Daniel McClave, whose extraordinary commitment and character have earned him the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagle Scout. Daniel began his Scouting journey twelve years ago, steadily advancing through the Cub Scout ranks, achieving the rank of Scout in 2019, before his resilience, dedication, and selfless service led to the achievement of Eagle Scout this past December. Throughout his time in Scouting, Daniel earned an impressive 41 merit badges and was awarded four Eagle Palms-- a clear reflection of his extraordinary determination to exceed expectations and lead by example. For his Eagle Scout project, Daniel transformed a storage room at Clayton High School into a fully functional and accessible food bank, ensuring that students and families in need had a reliable source of support and nourishment. Even after achieving the rank of Eagle, Daniel's service did not stop. He has continued to give back by serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Merit Badge Counselor, guiding and mentoring the next generation of Scouts with the same wisdom, integrity, and leadership that defined his own journey. I congratulate Daniel on this outstanding achievement. His leadership, generosity, and commitment to his community are inspiring. My district and the Boy Scouts of America are better because of young men like him. God bless Daniel and God bless our United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Noah Sarnoff, an exceptional student-athlete from my district who has been awarded the Olympiad Student Athlete by the Jewish War Veterans. Established in 1972, this award honors the memory of the 11 Israeli athletes tragically killed during the Munich Olympics and celebrates the academic and athletic excellence of remarkable high school students. Noah exemplifies those values. A proud representative of Vineland High School, he has consistently excelled both in the classroom and in athletics, balancing a demanding academic schedule with a standout athletic career. On the soccer field, Noah is a four-year varsity player and two-year team captain. He leads with talent, integrity, and a spirit of sportsmanship that sets him apart. He treats teammates and opponents with respect, leads by example, and represents his school and community with pride. His lasting impact comes not only from his performance, but from the way he uplifts and inspires those around him. Noah truly embodies the spirit and values that the Olympiad Award was created to honor. I congratulate Noah, and thank him for making South Jersey proud. God bless Noah and God bless our United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, one of the most commendable milestones a young man can reach is earning the rank of Eagle Scout. This past weekend, I had the distinct honor of congratulating Robert Corcoran on achieving this prestigious award. Robert's journey began in 2012 when he earned his first Cub Scout rank of Bobcat. Over the past decade, through dedication, perseverance, and strong character, he climbed the ranks and ultimately attained the highest honor of Eagle Scout. Along the way, Robert earned 34 merit badges, including the Light of Christ Award, a testament to his deep and abiding faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For his Eagle Scout project, Robert demonstrated compassion and creativity by upcycling 31 insulated coolers into feral cat shelters. These shelters were distributed through the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center, providing warmth and protection to South Jersey's stray cat population during the harsh winter months. I congratulate Robert on this remarkable achievement. With his unwavering faith, tireless work ethic, and heart for service, there is no doubt in my mind, he will thrive in all his future endeavors. God bless Robert and God bless our United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to proudly recognize Sydney Prince, a remarkable young leader who, after six years of steadfast effort, has achieved the distinguished honor of becoming an Eagle Scout. Sydney is the youngest member of a group of 10 girls who make up Troop 452, and since the troop's founding in 2019, she has played an instrumental role in building it into the strong community it is. Her passion for health sciences is evident in everything she does. Just this past summer, she interned with Galloway Emergency Medical Services, where she gained firsthand experience serving her community. It was through this experience that she came up with the idea for her Eagle Scout project, which was a relaxation spot for these local heroes after a long shift, or difficult incident. Sydney designed, planned, and oversaw the construction of a beautiful paver patio behind the Galloway EMS station she interned at. This new space offers first responders a place to relax and regroup after long shifts and challenging calls, a gift that honors their service and supports their well-being. Sydney graduates this month from the Atlantic County Institute of Technology, and she plans to pursue higher education and a career in health sciences. With her compassion, work ethic, and commitment to service, I have no doubt she will continue to be a tremendous asset to her community and to our country. God bless Sydney and God bless our United States of America, the greatest country on the planet.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Nicholas Bacsik, an outstanding young man whose hard work and character have earned him the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Nicky designed and built four standing workshop tables at Cloverdale Farms County Park in Barnegat, South Jersey. These tables now complete an outdoor teaching space where children will learn about environmental stewardship and conservation, a legacy that will benefit the community for the years to come. But Nicky's path to Eagle wasn't just about one project. It was about perseverance, leadership, and inner strength. In September of 2023, Nicky faced an unimaginable loss when his older brother, Danny, also an Eagle Scout, was tragically killed while riding his bike at the University of Delaware. The grief was overwhelming, and at one point, it wasn't clear if Nicky would continue his Scouting journey. But he did, and not just for himself. He pressed on with even greater determination, knowing that Danny would have wanted him to reach the milestone. That strength, that resilience, and that sense of purpose is what being an Eagle Scout is all about. I am proud of all that Nicky has accomplished, and even more proud of the man he is becoming. God bless Nicky, and God bless our United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of speaking about Major Steven Mares, and now I want to talk about the bravery of his youngest son, Specialist William Mares. William is a senior at Central Regional High School, where he serves with distinction as the Cadet Battalion Commander of the school's Junior ROTC program, the Golden Eagle Battalion. Recently, William followed in his father's footsteps by enlisting in the U.S. Armed Forces. He will soon begin basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the very same base where his father trained. After that, he will be stationed in Arizona, the place he was born when his father was based there, a powerful full-circle moment that speaks to the deep military tradition within the Mares family. William has also been accepted to begin advanced individual training at the Defense Language Institute, where he will spend 18 months studying Arabic. Upon completing his training, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in linguistics and continue his journey in the U.S. Army, proudly walking the same path of service and excellence his father has traveled. William's ambition, discipline, and devotion to his country are truly inspiring, and I have no doubt that his future is bright and filled with purpose. May God bless William and God bless our United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the planet.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to highlight the remarkable accomplishments of Emily Kukal, a standout student-athlete from my district and recipient of the Olympiad Student Athlete Award. Emily has been a shining example of excellence at Millville High School--both in the classroom and in competition. With a remarkable 4.8 GPA, she ranks second in a class of over 400 students, having completed eight Advanced Placement courses and earned numerous academic honors. She is also a proud member of the National Honor Society. On the athletic field, Emily has been just as impressive, earning eight varsity letters across three sports: soccer, swimming, and golf. Her ability to balance such high-level academics with outstanding athletic achievement speaks to her dedication, discipline, and character. Emily is not only an accomplished student and athlete--she is a future leader. Her talents and strong work ethic will no doubt continue to shine as she begins the next chapter of her journey at the United States Coast Guard Academy this fall. I thank Emily, for choosing a path of service to our Nation, and I have every confidence she will make an extraordinary officer and continue to make South Jersey proud. I congratulate Emily, and thank her for representing Millville and my entire district, with such great pride. God bless Emily and God bless our United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Adelina Wilks, an outstanding student-athlete from my district and a recipient of the Olympiad Student Athlete Award. For seven years, Adelina has competed for Bridgeton High School with excellence and distinction--beginning with interscholastic middle school sports and continuing into a celebrated high school career filled with accolades and honors. But Adelina's achievements extend far beyond the athletic arena. She has maintained a GPA above 3.7 throughout her high school years, reflecting a strong commitment to academic excellence alongside her competitive spirit. Adelina brings a rare and powerful combination to every endeavor--a kind and friendly demeanor, a sharp wit, and an unwavering drive to succeed. She has consistently represented her school, her community, and above all, her family, with pride and honor. Supported by a strong foundation at home and guided by her own inner discipline, Adelina has become a role model for young athletes in South Jersey. I congratulate Adelina, on receiving the Olympiad Award, and thank her for inspiring those around her through her dedication and character. God bless Adelina Wilks, and God bless the United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to proudly commend and congratulate Britton's Gourmet Bakery on its 60th anniversary, a remarkable milestone for a beloved small business that began its journey in 1965. Founded by Marie and Ray Britton in Stone Harbor, South Jersey, the bakery relocated to Wildwood Crest in 1992, where it continues to proudly operate today as a cherished, family-owned institution. Now in its third generation, my friend, Christa Linnington and her team, have remained committed to delivering the highest quality recipes, time- honored traditions, and exceptional service that have made it a cornerstone of the South Jersey community. For six decades, Britton's has delighted customers with freshly baked goods, including their famous cinnamon buns, gourmet donuts, Danishes, muffins, and French pastries so iconic, in fact, that President Ronald Reagan once requested a sample and later wrote back to say how much he enjoyed their fritters. The hardworking team at Britton's Bakery begins each day before sunrise, ensuring that their customers enjoy pastries that are not only fresh, but often still warm from the oven. I congratulate Britton's Gourmet Bakery on 60 years of excellence. May their legacy of quality, community, and service continue for generations to come. God bless Britton's Bakery, and God bless the United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 481) condemning the rise in ideologically motivated attacks on Jewish individuals in the United States, including the recent violent assault in Boulder, Colorado, and reaffirming the House of Representatives commitment to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence.

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 481.

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong condemnation of a sickness and disease that is growing stronger, more dangerous, and more violent in our own country of the United States of America. It is called anti- Semitism. On June 1, in Boulder, Colorado, a peaceful rally called Run for Their Lives, which was just held to raise awareness about hostages taken by Hamas, was violently attacked with Molotov cocktails and a homemade flamethrower. The suspect, who was shouting, ``Free Palestine,'' injured 15 people, and many of them were elderly. Think about this, Mr. Speaker: One of them was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor. This terrorist, who was here illegally on an expired visa, targeted Jews on purpose, on American soil--on American soil. Let everybody let that sink in. This was a terrorist attack in broad daylight, and it wasn't even an isolated event. On May 21, two Israeli Embassy staff, a beautiful couple, were gunned down outside of the Capital Jewish Museum right here in Washington, D.C., about 1\1/2\ blocks away from my apartment. On April 13, an arsonist lit the home of Governor Josh Shapiro on fire while he and his family celebrated Passover inside, hoping to kill them all. The suspect admitted he acted out of hatred for the Governor's support of Israel. Despite the barbarity of the October 7 Hamas attacks, anti-Semitism has, unfortunately, surged around the world and right here in our United States of America. According to the American Jewish Committee, 77 percent of American Jews say that they feel less safe in the United States because of October 7. More than half say that they changed their behavior in 2024 because of anti-Semitism. Mr. Speaker, I think of a young lady who we heard from in our Committee on the Judiciary. She was a smart college student, a beautiful young woman, who spoke about how her mother begged her to take off her Star of David when she went out in public. That is a sad day for America. These aren't just statistics. That is fear, fear to wear a yarmulke in public, fear of attending a local synagogue, fear of simply living openly as a Jew in this great country. There have been 9,300 documented anti-Semitic incidents last year alone. The FBI reported 1,989 hate crimes, almost 2,000 hate crimes, targeting Jewish Americans in 2023 alone. It is the highest number ever recorded. Nearly 7 out of every 10 religiously motivated hate crimes are crimes against Jews. This needs to be clear to all who are listening now and in the future: Jewish Americans make up just 2.4 percent of the United States' population but account for 68 percent of religious hate crimes. That isn't just a spike. That is a national crisis. After the Holocaust, the words collectively promised ``Never again,'' but never again is happening right now. It is happening in our streets. It is happening on our campuses. It is happening in our communities. We need to protect America from anti-Semitism with the same ferocity as we should protect the right of Americans' free speech because if Jewish Americans can't walk freely in Boulder, work safely in D.C., or celebrate Passover in their own homes without fear, then we, indeed, have failed as a nation. This resolution says what must be said: These are acts of terror, pure and simple, and this hate must be condemned regardless of how many times it takes--over and over again, it must be condemned--that the lives of Jewish Americans matter; and that their safety is nonnegotiable. Mr. Speaker, I urge every single Member of this body to support it loudly, proudly, and unambiguously because it is simply the right thing to do and because anti-Semitism has no home in the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Goldman) for his comments. Mr. Speaker, I will say that, of course, money matters. In difficult budget times--and we are having a challenging and difficult budget--let me say that it is important that we do have that money there. Perhaps, as we move forward with not spending money on sanctuary cities and sanctuary States; as we move forward and are not spending money on transportation for illegals, for housing illegals, for educating illegals, or for giving illegals debit cards; and as we move forward and stop wasting some of the money that has been wasted at so many levels and so many places in this great country, that those who deserve to get more money, whether it be folks who are dependent upon it for their healthcare or those who deserve to get more money because they need protection, are able to do so. That is the problem when you misplace your funding. When funding is not done correctly, as it has not been done over a number of years, then the money doesn't always go where it should. It has been a focus of this administration. Those hundreds of millions, a third of $1 billion, are there, and if something more is needed, I am sure we will respond to that, as well. Mr. Speaker, that being said, I am proud to have with me a good friend, a good man, the coach of our Republican baseball team--and if this wasn't such a solemn resolution, I would speak about that a little bit, but I won't. I won't say that we are going to win again, but we are. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams).

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado for his kindness and kind words, and yes, it was a pleasure to work with him. He has always consistently, even when we disagree profoundly at times, been a gentleman and always represents the values and attitude that I believe a Member of Congress should have. To my friend, the gentleman from New York, I will attribute that to him, as well. We sometimes differ even more profoundly on some of these issues. Let me say one thing in passing. The commitment of Republicans is unquestionable when it comes to Israel and Jewish Americans. I know to a degree, because of a fiscal note, the gentleman questions that. I am not going to go through the history of many events and many pieces of legislation that went through this House that didn't have all the support they needed, quite frankly, from the other side of the aisle. I am not going to go through that some folks from the other side of the aisle have said things that have been pretty blatantly anti-Israel and anti-Jewish. The problem here--if we have a problem, and we do have problems within the body--when it comes to the Jewish state and Israel, has not been the Republican Party. The Republican Party and the Members of Congress here and the majority at this time have been very supportive, whether it has been in armaments, whether it has been in words, whether it has been in deeds, have been supportive of the Jewish State of Israel and of Jewish Americans. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.