Jefferson Van Drew

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I would like to express my strong support for H.R. 1276, the VA VACCINE Act of 2021.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on rollcall No. 74.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I am not so sure about that, but I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1. We were warned for years about the rise of socialism. Well, here it is, served on a platter, using your money to pay for politicians campaigns. Do you like those robocalls during campaign season? How about the negative TV ads and the mailers? Or how about all of the political stuff that just comes out? Well, your tax dollars are paying for them. And, yes, this is taxpayer dollars, no matter how they tell you otherwise. Madam Speaker, this bill puts Washington, D.C., in charge of our States' elections and how those elections are run. It would keep the status quo, like we saw this past November, with voter rolls that are not up to date and live ballots being mailed to voters who have died, moved, or even multiple ballots to the same voter. Madam Speaker, elections do have consequences. And when leaders said the goal was to change America, they were telling the truth; and here we are.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I am here to speak about a wonderful cause, Dream Like Drew, that promotes awareness of a rare genetic disorder, cri du chat. Dream Like Drew is a weeklong event starting on May 3 where students can show their support by wearing unique socks, one high and one low. Cri du chat is caused by the deletion of genetic material on the fifth chromosome that can cause delays in motor functions. Dream Like Drew was started by Kasey Eykyn, a teacher in south Jersey, in honor of her son, Drew Eykyn. Drew is an 8-year-old little boy who was diagnosed with cri du chat shortly after he was born. He lives life with a positive outlook and mindset that will allow him to achieve his dreams always. Drew is an inspiration to all, and Dream Like Drew is an amazing cause that encourages a discussion on how important acceptance and inclusion is for those with disabilities. God bless him forever.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, we have been here before. We have done this before. This has failed before. We fractured our Nation using the same process before. Congress must be the glue that starts unifying everyone. By the time this process would conclude, the man they want out of office will no longer even be the President. If we want unity, this is not the way. America was and is the leading light in the world. This proceeding has continued to cloak our Nation in darkness. Nearly half the country supports our current President. This takes their voice away. We must be bigger and better than the most base of instincts that have been driving our political discourse. It is destroying us. Let's link arms with one another and begin to heal. Let's stop this impeachment.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, before I start, something I didn't plan on saying. This is a debate. It is a discussion. Everybody has a right to an opinion. That is American. Because someone doesn't agree with your view or your ideas does not mean that they are liars. It means they have a different view, a different opinion. And I think, for God's sake, as people watch this or see it or hear it, they expect more from us than that. We can disagree at a certain level. There is nothing worse than moral pomposity. You know, today was an amazing and terrible day. But one thing that we do know is that our law enforcement protected lives, and they protected and preserved our democracy. I watched firsthand, as I always have, just as I do back home in south Jersey, these brave men and women put their lives on the line to defend all of us. May God bless the woman who lost her life today, and may God bless what will always be the greatest Nation in the history of the world: the United States of America. At the core of our country's greatness is our democratic system of government. Without faith in the integrity of our elections, Americans will not have faith in our democracy. The United States of America is the international embodiment of freedom and opportunity, the shining city on a hill. Free and fair elections have always been a hallmark of America's greatness. After this past Presidential election, approximately 60 million Americans have serious doubts about the outcome. That is a number that we cannot ignore.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Coho Brewing Company in Cape May Court House in south Jersey. Coho was founded by Karen Buckingham in January 2019, inspired by her passion for craft beer. The brewery's interior design is inspired by all our law enforcement and first responders. Karen hosted fundraisers and cornhole tournaments to raise money for the State police and K-9 units. Each of Coho's beer cans has a blue line in honor of our first responders. She has also turned part of her tasting room into a brew-tique, which gives clothes and goods to those in need. Madam Speaker, I thank Karen for all she does for the south Jersey community and for our first responders, God bless Karen, God bless America, and God bless our first responders.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Bucket Brigade Brewing in Cape May Courthouse in south Jersey. They actually were founded by two identical twin brothers, Kurt and Karl Hughes. The brothers are also firefighters from Cape May County. The Hughes family has a long, storied history in this great Nation, even having a relative who signed the Declaration of Independence. His name was Thomas McKean. The Bucket Brigade taproom was inspired by the rich history of Cape May County's small businesses. I was lucky enough to swing by and visit with them recently. I want to thank them for their commitment to south Jersey and to first responders and partnering with the National Fallen Firefighters Association to assist those who are in real need. Mr. Speaker, if you happen to be in the area, make sure to grab a nice cold beer. I thank Kurt and Karl for all they do for their community. God bless you, and God bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Cape Assist, a substance misuse prevention and treatment agency which serves Cape May County in south Jersey. From prevention and education programs for our community to recovery services for those in need, the services that they offer are invaluable. They are invaluable to our community and to the lives that they literally help save. During this pandemic, people have, unfortunately, turned to more drugs and more alcohol and more substance abuse. Cape Assist helps individuals who are struggling with these addictions to turn the corner of their addictions and help them to get better. I thank the staff of Cape Assist for the diligent and lifesaving work they do to ensure our community is educated in these issues and that those in need have the support to get through the most difficult times of their lives. Keep up the great work, Cape Assist. God bless you and God bless the work that you do.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two senior airmen, brothers from south Jersey whose commitment to this country and their family embody all that makes America so amazing. Thomas ``Jeff'' Dahl, Jr., and Charles Dahl are the sons of Lieutenant Colonel Tom and Jennifer Dahl. Jeff joined the New Jersey Air Force National Guard in January 2018 as a fuel systems apprentice and currently attends Rutgers University in New Jersey. Charles Dahl joined the National Guard in May 2019 as a munitions assistant apprentice. Both men are avid and well-known outdoorsmen, and they are committed to their community and south Jersey. These young men are in the pool to deploy with the 177th Fighter Wing in 2021. This carries on a family legacy of combat deployments going back to their grandfather, who deployed to Korea, and their father, who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Men, you inspire all of us with your lives and the future that I know will be an inspiration for many others. I was happy to crash your party that day and get to know you just a little bit better. God bless you, God bless what you do, God bless your bravery, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Oakcrest High School in south Jersey for engaging all of us to be involved in what this Nation is built upon: representative government. Voting is a right that we must all engage in to see the country that we want to live in. I am proud of them. I am proud of all of you and your belief in America. America is an exceptional Nation, and we can never forget that. Our predecessors built this Nation with mechanisms in place to ensure that, even though there are problems at times, that we can self-correct and we can heal the wrongs. I ran for reelection because I believe in a strong America, which makes a strong south Jersey. I believe that what made America great keeps America great. I believe in a strong economy, strong borders, and a strong military, anchored by strong energy, American-made and American-supplied goods and services, all while protecting our environment, our families, and core American values. To me, this isn't about politics. A strong nation is built upon a strong economy, built on American-made goods. We must bring American manufacturing jobs back home where they belong. A strong nation does not let foreign governments take advantage of us, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that doesn't happen. I want to thank all of the professionals at Oakcrest High School, and I thank them for their work through this pandemic, and all of the students for the work that they have done. May God bless them all.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize a well-known and beloved family in south Jersey, the Bottos. The Botto family embodies the American Dream. Under the vision of Robert Sr.--the Sausage King, or Big Bob--the Bottos followed their meat market with the Botto's Italian Line restaurant, a supermarket, catering and banquet hall. I can attest, the Bottos' family sausage, meatballs, and meats are absolutely delicious. I had the pleasure of touring some of the facilities last month with Dominic and Enrico Botto. Your family is a testament to the fact that hard work and passion will get you far in life. And in the minds of everyone who has ever had the pleasure of enjoying a meal or spending time with you, this is the true American Dream, a family who worked hard, who reached for the brass ring, who did more, and never gave up. God bless you and your family for your commitment to the community, and I look forward to plenty of full stomachs in the future.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, this is an amazing story. I hope everybody will follow it. Madam Speaker, I recognize Wounded Warrior Week, sponsored by the American Legion Post 469, and Sergeant First Class Richard Stayskal, United States Army. In 2001, Richard joined the United States Marines. In 2004, in the Anbar province of Iraq, Richard was critically wounded by a bullet that passed through his arm and pierced his lung. After surgeries, PTSD, and rehab, he was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps. But he was not done serving his Nation yet. Richard reenlisted in 2006 with the U.S. Army and became an elite Green Beret. He was both in the Marines and in the Army in his lifetime. Richard was recently diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and is now in the fight of his life. Richard, you have led a life to be emulated. You make me proud to be an American. I know you will fight this fight, give it hell, and you are going to win. God bless you. Thank you, Richard. And thank you American Legion Post 469 for honoring this American hero.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the outstanding career, life, and accomplishments of Roberto Clemente. Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Roberto was a talented athlete from a young age and an Olympic hopeful in track and field. Roberto excelled in baseball from a young age and worked his way into the Hall of Fame. He had a wonderful professional career, including 12 Gold Glove Awards, among his many other achievements. His off-the-field accomplishments were also something to be in awe of, spending much of his free time on charity work or serving with the United States Marine Corps. His number, 21, was retired by the Pittsburgh Pirates after his untimely death. His accomplishments on the field and off the field deserve to have his number retired by Major League Baseball. Rest in peace, Mr. Clemente. May God bless you, and we all consider you our hero.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the life of James Bennett. James was a loved, trusted, compassionate, and hardworking young man. I had the pleasure and honor of knowing him his entire life. James was as gifted athletically as he was academically, a wrestler who notched 95 wins in high school and was also selected into the prestigious National Honor Society and graduated from Rowan University in south Jersey. The positivity and the energy that he brought to this world will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of ever knowing him. I know that I personally miss him very much. We all wish we had more time on this Earth with you, James, but know we know that you are looking down on your mom and your dad, your entire family, and your friends, and you are in Heaven right now. Rest in peace, my friend, and God bless you.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for H.R. 7574, the Strengthening America's Strategic National Stockpile Act of 2020. This bipartisan legislation will play a crucial role in strengthening state's and the federal government's PPE reserves to ensure our great nation is even better equipped to eradicate future health crises. Americans, especially those in South Jersey, have been harshly impacted by PPE shortages that have increased contraction and death rates and put our frontline health workers at great risk. Under this legislation, not only will America be better prepared for health emergencies, but we will do so by increasing American manufacturing of PPE and other essential supplies through an innovative pilot program. I am proud to support this crucial bipartisan legislation.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I have no other speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 3659, Danny's Law, bipartisan legislation that would establish an antibullying roundtable to examine bullying in elementary and secondary schools in the United States. One-third of the world's youth are bullied. This is a saddening statistic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students who are bullied are more likely to experience low self-esteem and isolation, perform poorly in school, have fewer friends, have a negative view of academics, and experience physical symptoms and mental health issues. We all agree that no child should be bullied in any school, and as elected representatives, we are in a position to coordinate on our efforts to support our schools in preventing such mistreatments. The legislation before us today is named in honor of Daniel Fitzpatrick, a 13-year-old boy who tragically died by suicide in August 2016 after being bullied by his peers. Before taking his own life, Daniel wrote a note to his family detailing the struggles he faced with bullying and the lack of response by his teachers. This is heartbreaking, and it is unacceptable. Unfortunately, devastating stories like Daniel's are becoming far too common throughout our country and have lasting impacts on American families and our communities. Today, we are here to act. Under Danny's Law, Members of Congress and the Secretary of Education will appoint 15 individuals representing a variety of community members with insight into bullying and its effects on children. These parents, school leaders, teachers, school security, and psychologists will serve on an antibullying roundtable to consult with State and local educational agencies regarding the growing issue of bullying and to discuss prevention measures to reduce its increasing toll on our Nation's youth. By addressing the mistreatment and harassment of school-age children, we can help create a safe learning environment for students. They are our future. We have a vested interest in giving families, schools, and communities the tools they need to shape young Americans to be successful leaders. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for taking action to combat bullying in our Nation's elementary and secondary schools, and I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 3659 for children like Danny and millions of others who face bullying every single day. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Today, we are here for one reason, and that is to take action to ensure that children like Danny never feel as if they have nowhere to turn. No child should be subject to cruel treatment from his or her peers under any circumstances, especially in the classroom. H.R. 3659, Danny's Law, is a unified effort to combat bullying and to ensure students have a safe and healthy environment to learn and to grow. I would like to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for taking a stand against bullying for our Nation's children. I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 3659 so we can move this bill swiftly through the legislative process and to President Trump's desk for signature. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Madam Speaker, working parents across the country are currently grappling with the challenge of finding affordable childcare as COVID- 19-related school closures force many students to stay home. Parents are eager to return to work, but without reliable, affordable childcare options, students, workers, and the economy will be impacted significantly. H.R. 8162, the bipartisan 21st Century Community Learning Centers Coronavirus Relief Act, supports the Department of Education's efforts to extend a commonsense solution that will help parents return to the workforce by increasing access to safe, supportive environments for students. By giving 21st CCLCs greater flexibility to provide normal programming during school hours and in-person care to students during the regular school day, parents can return to work with peace of mind, knowing that their children are in good hands and not falling behind academically. Again, Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Wild for introducing this legislation. I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 8162, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8162, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Coronavirus Relief Act, bipartisan legislation that expresses Congress' support for actions the Department of Education is taking to expand access to in-person care and academic support for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020-2021 school year looks very different for parents, teachers, and students. Schools are operating on varying schedules of in-person, remote, and hybrid instruction to ensure that students remain safe while not falling behind academically. Most students will be saddled with the challenges of beginning a new year of school while making up for lost learning caused by the disruptions from COVID-19. Working parents of school-aged children face unique challenges during the pandemic. Finding childcare when in-person instruction is not offered has become a burdensome task for many families, especially low- income families. If these hardworking families aren't able to return to work, our Nation's economic recovery will be severely impeded. Today, we are here to address this growing problem by passing the bipartisan 21st Century Community Learning Centers Coronavirus Relief Act. The 21st Century Community Learning Center, CCLC, program, is a federally funded after-school program. The grantees are locally operated, often by school districts and community-based organizations, and primarily serve students attending schools with high concentrations of low-income families. Students at 21st CCLCs participate in academic and enrichment programs, receive support services such as tutoring and mentoring, and their families are encouraged to actively participate in their children's studies. Since after-school program staff have established relationships with students and have experience providing supportive services, they are uniquely qualified to assist students during the 2020-2021 school year. Under current law, 21st CCLCs must operate during ``non-school hours,'' such as before and after school or during summer breaks. The Department of Education announced plans to address this by offering waivers to States to allow 21st CCLCs to expand their hours of operation during the 2020-2021 school year. The legislation under consideration today expresses Congress' support for the Department of Education to grant flexibility for 21st CCLCs to operate outside of this year's constraint for the upcoming school year. With these new flexibilities, 21st CCLCs will be able to provide programming during regular school hours and offer in-person care to students who cannot be in school throughout the regular day. Further, 21st CCLCs will be able to serve students in person or virtually in order to better accommodate the various needs of the families during the year. I thank Representative Wild for leading this important legislation, and I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 8162. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the special education staff at Mainland Regional High School in Linwood in South Jersey. After being given approval by the State and the health department, students went back to school this summer after being gone since March 13 because of coronavirus. The students received instruction in English, math, social-emotional skills, and physical education and health. The education and instruction that these students received was much- needed and was greatly appreciated by the students and the educators alike. Students were able to receive face-to-face instruction, which for some students is the key to their success. Thank you to the educators, assistants, and administrators for being so engaged and involved in the success of our students. It is appreciated. It is very much appreciated. You are appreciated. You are very much appreciated. Thank you for all that you do and what you continue to do for our community. May God bless you and God bless all those students.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Caleb Schumacher on the enormous feat of making Eagle Scout. I was proud to join Caleb and his family this past weekend in Ocean City. Caleb's Eagle Scout project was a flag drop box so that flags can be disposed of properly. Caleb's grandfather, who served as a sergeant in the Army in the Korean war, was the inspiration for this project. Caleb plans to become a computer engineer, and I know his intelligence and his drive will push him to accomplish anything he puts to his mind. Mr. Speaker, I am so very proud of Caleb. I know his mom, dad, and sisters are proud of him as well. His leadership skills and work ethic will serve him well, and I know he is destined for great things in life. Some folks look to movie stars or, heaven forbid, politicians as their idols. I always look to people like Caleb. He inspires me. Caleb, God bless you and your family, and God bless America.