Jefferson Van Drew

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, last month, I had the pleasure of presenting Mark Faverzani his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Mark is a recent graduate of St Augustine Prep, and is now attending Villanova University. This past year, Mark earned the Congressional Gold Award for his distinguished achievements and contributions to the South Jersey community. Mark's Eagle project consisted of creating an outdoor rehearsal space for the Ocean City Theatre Company during the Covid-19 Pandemic, allowing them to have rehearsals and activities outdoors. This young man should be proud of his accomplishments and it was my honor to have the opportunity to recognize him for his service to the South Jersey community. God Bless Mark and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, ``Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.'' These words are not to be taken lightly, and they are certainly not exclusive to one class. That is the beauty of our nation--that all individuals are afforded the opportunity to better themselves and their place in society. Easterseals is an organization that adheres to that principle: independence. Easterseals, for generations, has given the most vulnerable and overlooked community a chance at independence through employment. The Easterseals organization has been an advocate for those with disabilities. It offers them the opportunity for success in areas of employment and in education. In a similar vein, Easterseals continues helping those individuals and families dealing with disabilities, helping them secure the same independence and freedom to pursue ``Life, liberty and Happiness.'' God Bless, Easterseals, and all those who participate in the program, and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, the rank of Eagle Scout is the highest, and most prestigious in the Boy Scouts of America. Anyone involved in the organization will understand the determination, persistence, and hard work it takes to obtain the rank. Joshua has not only demonstrated his commitment to his troop, but also his community, school, and himself. He exemplifies what it means to be, ``physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.'' Congratulations to Joshua on his extraordinary accomplishment. God Bless Joshua and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, Veterans Day is approaching and although we recognize these selfless individuals annually, one day surely is not enough. Every year we honor these individuals and their sacrifices, but we don't always get to hear their stories. Here, in South Jersey, we have an incredible community of active military and veterans, as well as their families. Today we honor three individuals: Jerry Callahan, Marco Polo Smigliani, and Ronald Rease. Their stories have been depicted in Veronica Dudo's, Emmy-nominated story, Freedom Isn't Free. These men put their lives on the line for our country in three wars. These men, all from South Jersey, are Purple Heart recipients after they were wounded in battle protecting our great Nation. As a district, and a Nation, we owe unconditional reverence to the three of them for their sacrifices to this country. I thank the gentlemen, it is an honor to be their Congressman.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, birthdays are a celebration of a life well-lived, which we share with family and friends. This is especially true for Gloria. We celebrate her 100 years of life, surrounded by family, friends, 9 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. She has spent 54 wonderful years in beautiful Brigantine with husband, Michael, where she raised her family, and where she has been an active member of the community. It is an honor to be her Representative, and it is my honor to wish her the happiest of birthdays, with many more to come. I hope Gloria enjoys her 100th birthday, and go Phillies. God Bless Gloria, and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, ascending to the rank of Eagle Scout is an accomplishment unlike any other. Those involved with the Boy Scouts of America devote their lives to the organization's foundational principles of ethics and morals. They embody what it means to be ``physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.'' However, their drive and motivation extend far beyond the organization's principles and into the classroom and community. What Christian has accomplished is a culmination of hard work and perseverance. He and his family should be incredibly proud. Make no mistake, his accomplishment serves as a testament to his grandfather's influence in his life. Congratulations on this stellar achievement. God Bless Christian and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, last month, I had the pleasure of presenting Chad Callahan his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Chad is a graduate of Ocean City High School and is currently studying physics at the University of South Carolina. Chad joined cub scouts in 2nd grade and has been active in the Scouts ever since. Chad's Eagle project was building benches for the local VFW to commemorate his grandfather along with all fallen soldiers. Not only did he commemorate our nation's greatest, but he also provided members a space to meet outside during the pandemic. This young man should be proud of his accomplishments and it was my honor to have the opportunity to recognize him for his service to the South Jersey community. God Bless Chad and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, ``thank you'' are two words that will never be enough to say to a man like Mayor Giberson and his devotion to public service. Mayor Gary Giberson exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. Mayor Giberson began as a volunteer firefighter in 1953; the Scout Master of Troop 61 until 1989, and Mayor of Port Republic from 1985 until April 2021. 36 years as an elected official is certainly telling of a man's character, and even more, it's indicative of a respective constituency's pulse. Mayor Giberson truly did keep the Mayberry ``feel'' relevant, in the City of Port Republic. His tenure in office and the accolades that seemed to flow in naturally over the course of thirty-six, years, has not, and will never go unnoticed. I thank Mayor Giberson for his unwavering dedication and devotion to public service and to the City of Port Republic. God Bless Mayor Giberson, and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to most of the traditions that we South Jerseyans enjoy, but now we're back, we're on track, and we're moving forward. The Little Miss Ocean City Pageant was able to make its long-awaited comeback this summer, and in typical South Jersey fashion, history was made. Prior to the pandemic, Antonella Di Antonio was crowned Little Miss Ocean City, but this year, in perfect comeback fashion, Antonella had the privilege of crowing her successor, her younger sister, Arianna. This isn't the first time that sisters won the coveted Little Miss Ocean City title, however, this is the first time, in the history of the O.C pageant that one sister crowned the other. I want to congratulate both of them for making history, both in their community and in South Jersey as well. Congratulations to Arianna Di Antonio for being crowned this year's Little Miss Ocean City, a stellar accomplishment of which she should be proud. God Bless both of them and all the contestants of the Little Miss Ocean City Pageant, and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and fellow dentist for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is no surprise that Democrats, led by President Joe Biden, are abusing the budget reconciliation process to pass an extremely partisan, socialist spending spree that will fundamentally change our Nation forever. One of their many dangerous provisions is to provide amnesty to more than 8 million illegal immigrants. And for those that didn't quite hear me or didn't quite believe it, 8 million illegal immigrants. Even though the Senate Parliamentarian already ruled that to do so would violate the rules of the reconciliation process. Additionally, the majority party outright rejected offers from Republicans to bar gang members, sex offenders, and other violent criminals from receiving amnesty. As I have stated before, literally you have to believe that many Democrats are actively trying to destroy our great Nation. With record-breaking levels of migrant crossings, drug smuggling, and child trafficking, the majority is still somehow finding new ways to weaken and undermine our great America. Let me be clear to you. I love immigrants. America needs immigrants, and immigrants need America. But it must be done legally. We are a nation of laws, and those who enter America must go through our legal process. True story, just the other day, I received a call from one of my constituents who emigrated to the United States from Eastern Europe. With her husband, she went through America's legal immigration process because she loves our country and she respects our country. She called me, literally crying in utter disbelief with our current immigration situation and also the current state of affairs in the United States of America. She came to the United States, worked hard as a hotel employee, and eventually saved enough money by working double shifts to purchase her own business with her husband. That is the America that I know. That is the America that we all love; not this reckless concept of open borders with zero accountability. For how long are Democrats going to pursue these radical ideas. Is this really what America is becoming? A place where people can uncontrollably flow through our borders and do whatever they want? Dammit, that is wrong. Think about our communities. Think about our children. Think about our grandchildren, who are going to have to suffer the consequences of these radical Democratic policies. They have proven that not only do they not care about our institutions, but they do not care about our laws or protecting our great America. God help us.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Johnson, my always friend, for yielding. Madam Speaker, our country is experiencing an unbelievable crisis at our southern border. In August alone, the United States Customs and Border Protection encountered over 200,000 migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border which was a 317 percent increase from August of last year. Let me repeat that one more time: a 317 percent increase from just one single year ago. President Biden has prioritized reversing effective Trump-era border policies such as the Remain in Mexico Policy and most notably, the border wall. They were working. We literally have tons of building materials, all of which have been bought and paid for by the hardworking men and women American taxpayers, sitting in the desert collecting dust because President Biden cares more about trying to be politically stylish than he does implementing policies to protect and strengthen our America which we love so much. Is President Biden requiring these migrants to show proof of vaccination? The answer is no. Are they being tested for COVID-19? The answer is no. Are they being tested for other deadly viruses? The answer is no. Americans are still unable to return to their normal ways of life but hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants are allowed to breach and break through the border and infect our Nation. How does that make sense? How can any one individual American make any sense or understand that? Drug cartels are recruiting and using children as drug mules, they are sexually abusing women, and they are responsible for bringing enough fentanyl into America to kill every man, woman, and child, at least 10 times over, and we read it in the headlines. This is unlike anything we have ever seen before in our America, yet this administration continues to leave this border wide open. Again, how does it make sense? How can we understand it? How can we believe it? The Border Patrol is on track to encounter more migrants this year than it has in any year prior. In fiscal year 2021, roughly 10,000 migrants with criminal records were detained at the southern border. This is no joke. This is a real tragedy for America. The former Border Patrol chief has also stated that our Border Patrol is encountering known and suspected terrorists at ``a level that we have never seen before.'' This is no joke. This is the real world which we live in now in America. There are serious shortages among Border Patrol agents, and somehow congressional Democrats and the administration are making zero efforts to address them. They fail to recognize the severity of the issue or even admit that there is an issue to begin with. Again, it is no joke. These men and women are putting their lives in danger. Half the time they don't even have the backup that they should. I remember when I went to the border and saw them encountering all types of dangerous situations. Not a single backup sometimes. How can we do that to our American men and women in law enforcement? Make no mistake about it. I don't want anyone to think otherwise. Make no mistake--this is the worst border crisis that we have ever experienced in America. President Biden is actively destroying our country and our way of life by not taking this crisis seriously at all. But he should. I will say it again. This is no joke. It is the real thing. Madam Speaker, God help us all. We must save our country.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Daniel Millar for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Daniel graduated from Ocean City High School and currently attends Rowan University majoring in electrical and computer engineering. While in high school, Daniel participated on his school's crew team all four years, and also was a member of the National Honor Society and Latin club. For his Eagle Scout project, Daniel put together a public book library exchange located at the entrance of Seaspray Beach in Ocean City. He worked with the local mayor's office and the Ocean City Public Library to help this come to fruition. Daniel thought of the idea because he worked as an Ocean City Patrol lifeguard and thought that people going to the beach would enjoy having the opportunity to read a book by the water. Daniel's innovation will help him go on to accomplish anything he sets his mind to. God Bless Daniel and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, on July 14, 2021, Teresa Callaway and her husband David, were traveling eastbound on the Atlantic City side of Route 30, and came across an overturned vehicle. The couple stopped to lend aid, but suddenly, as they were in the process of carrying her to safety, another car entered the path. Tragically, Teresa was struck and killed. Ms. Callaway's last act in this life was to put a stranger's life ahead of her own, and she truly died a Hero. Let us please remember the courage and humanity that Teresa Callaway demonstrated during the last few moments of her life, when no one was watching her actions. God Bless Teresa, David, and their family, and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, last month, I had the honor of attending Thomas McGowan's send-off party celebrating his acceptance to West Point. I nominated Thomas because of his strong commitment to his community and his academics. He graduated from Mainland Regional High School where he took a total of 13 advanced placement classes and was also a member of the National Honor Society. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and held positions in his troop as assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, senior patrol leader, instructor, and order of the arrow representative. In addition to Thomas' academic successes, he also played on his school's baseball team and also volunteered at numerous organizations. He was an American Legion volunteer since he was in 6th grade, and assisted his local veterans by participating in over 300 hours of giving back to those who served their country. His Eagle Scout project took over 40 hours to complete and he also did over 225 hours of other community service projects. I know Thomas will go on to achieve great things and will represent South Jersey with pride. God Bless Thomas and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, this summer, I had the honor of attending the Veterans Horse Show, hosted by NJ American Veterans (AMVETS). NJ AMVETS is a non-profit organization committed to assisting our Veterans. Their organization is currently in the process of establishing a place where Veterans can receive Equine Therapeutic Assistance. These men and women should be recognized for their efforts to better the lives of South Jersey veterans and veteran families. God Bless NJ AMVETS and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, last month, I had the pleasure of meeting Margaret Fauerbach who turned 100 years old on June 17th. Margret was raised in Portland with her five brothers. While two of her brothers were serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, Margaret met a sailor whom she married after a year of dating. Margaret and her husband, Rudy, had a son, Rudy Jr., and moved to Millville soon after. After Rudy was honorably discharged from the Navy, the two had their second son, Donald. Margaret was involved in cub scouts, serving as a cub scout leader, and she was also a Sunday School teacher, a Babe Ruth league volunteer, and served as a sorority leader. For years, Margaret and Rudy traveled in an RV to seashore campgrounds over the summer months. Margaret and Rudy were blessed with four grandchildren and five great grandchildren, who they could not be more proud of. They were married for 72 years before Rudy's passing, and she now enjoys cruises on the riverfront in her golf cart and taking care of her home. God Bless Margaret and her wonderful family and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, last month, I had the pleasure of attending Thomas van der Molen's Eagle Court of Honor. For his Eagle Scout Project, Thomas designed and installed a paved walk path to connect the entrance to the gazebo with the community gardens. The red bricks that compose the walk path were all hand laid and will be enjoyed for years to come. This new walk path will greatly impact the accessibility of the community gardens for those who have mobility impairments and our elderly. Thomas was able to complete this project with the help of his troop, sponsorships from Home Depot and Atlantic Masonry, and his family. Thomas' dedication to this project will give more people the ability to access the gardens and he should be proud of his accomplishments. God Bless Thomas and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize Liam Millar for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Liam graduated from Ocean City High School and has entered the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and is a Marine Engineering major. While Liam was in high school, he participated on his school's crew team and was also in the academic team club. For his Eagle Scout project, he put up a sign and shrubbery at his neighborhood playground, North Street playground. Before Liam stepped in to create this sign, there was no indication that the playground was there for people to enjoy. He worked directly with the mayor's office to put up the sign and shrubbery to add a scenic view of the playground. I am so proud of Liam's accomplishments and I wish him luck as he enters his sophomore year as a 3/C cadet. God Bless Liam and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize Matthew Paulson who recently passed his Eagle Board of Review to become an Eagle Scout. Matthew graduated from Cumberland Christian School in Vineland, South Jersey where he was a four-sport starting senior for basketball, baseball, soccer, and track. He was also a National Honor Society member and plans to attend Rowan University in the business management program. He is also very involved in his church where he volunteers as the leader of the church's technology crew. For Matthew's Eagle Scout project, he completed a playground restoration for Cumberland Christian School. He recruited and supervised 34 workers for over 265 hours to complete the project. Students at the school have had the opportunity to enjoy the playground renovation because of Matthew's willingness to make a difference for his community. Matthew is a born leader, as he served as his troop's patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, chaplain's aide, quartermaster, and troop guide. God Bless Matthew and all he has done for his community and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I am honored to be able to recognize Isabella Freund who was announced Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen. A South Jersey native, Isabella will go on to represent our state in the national competition this summer. She attended Ocean City High School and held multiple leadership positions and was heavily involved in community service. She raised over $25,000 for Make-A-Wish and raised over $2,000 for Children's Miracle Network hospitals. Isabella was inspired to give back to her community because of her brother, Antonio. Antonio was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, and qualified to receive a wish from Make-a-Wish. After Isabella witnessed what Make-a- Wish did for her brother, she wanted to become a volunteer and actively fundraise to help other children like Antonio. Isabella says that our voices have the power to change the world, and she is absolutely right. Our young generation will be our future leaders, and I am honored to be able to recognize Isabella for all of her accomplishments. God Bless Isabella and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, in December of 2019, Anthony Jimenez earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He attends Rowan University in the music education program and just completed his first year. Anthony participated in the marching band and was awarded the rookie of the year award and has earned a leadership award every year after that. For Anthony's Eagle Scout project, he started a music program at Daniel's Den Community Center in Vineland, South Jersey. He donated and collected over 20 musical instruments needed for the project and put in 130 hours of work dedicated to the launching of the music program. Over the course of Anthony's time as a scout, he earned 26 merit badges, and held positions as troop bugler, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, and senior patrol leader. In addition to all his successes, he is currently teaching eight merit badges to younger boy scouts online. Anthony is an inspiration to his peers and is looked up to by his fellow scouts and I know he will go on to achieve great things. God Bless Anthony and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this shameful legislation. This single vote encompasses seven unrelated spending bills. This is a broken legislative process. The bill includes poison pills that make it impossible for me and for my colleagues to support this in good conscience. This is exactly as the majority intended. Today's vote is simply an attempt to strategically inflict political pain. Our country is tired, tired of political gamesmanship, tired of partisan maneuvering, tired of this selfish dysfunction. On behalf of the American people, I ask the majority to stop. I must ask the majority to stop. There is an ability to work together. This is not it. If this were an earnest attempt at legislating, I could lend my support where appropriate. Unfortunately, I must oppose this rule and this legislation.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, this past May, I had the pleasure of presenting Benjamin Taylor and Zachary Asselta their Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Both Benjamin and Zachary graduated from Millville High School last year. They completed their scout projects prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and were unable to receive their Court of Honor until this year. Benjamin's project consisted of painting the outdoor stage at Corson Park in Millville, South Jersey. Zachary's project was to put up street signs in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Millville, South Jersey. These young men should be proud of their accomplishments, and it was my honor to have the opportunity to recognize them for their service to the South Jersey community. God Bless Benjamin and Zachary and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize Riley Quirk who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Riley's Eagle Scout project was the replacement of a 140' long timber bridge path through a swampy area located on Camp Edge. Riley was in charge of coordinating donations, design, materials, tools, work crew, and food. Riley is also a young farmer who manages a flock of 100 sheep, 300 laying hens, broiler chickens, and a small market garden. Riley has aspirations to attend college and go on to expand his agriculture enterprises on his family farm. It is amazing to see our young people in South Jersey serving their community and I know Riley will achieve great things. God Bless Riley and God Bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I am here today to speak about a wonderful non-profit, the Islamic Academy of South Jersey. The Islamic Academy of South Jersey first opened in 2014 and is the first and only full-time Islamic school in southern New Jersey. Their goal is to mold students into future leaders through the practice of good manners and the understanding of leadership. The Academy constantly updates their academic curriculum and ensures that the students receive quality education. The Islamic Academy of South Jersey's vision is to teach students to be constructive, helpful, and beneficial in every aspect of their lives so it can be passed along to future generations. I wish the Islamic Academy of South Jersey nothing but success and it is my pleasure to be able to recognize them for their accomplishments.