Jefferson Van Drew

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two brave police officers in my district for their outstanding actions and bravery. Sergeant Matthew Christopher Webb and Corporal William Gianakopolous exemplify the best of our Nation. Webb and Gianakopolous responded to a house fire and an armed man following a woman during the very same shift. At 1 a.m. on July 6, Webb and Gianakopolous helped evacuate residents and a family pet from a fire where they bravely went into the burning structure several times. Then at 5 a.m. on the same day, they responded to a call of a man following a woman where the officers found him hiding with two knives in his possession. Mr. Speaker, Officers Webb and Gianakopolous, exemplify courage, commitment and honor that our Nation, State, and south Jersey deserve, and we thank them for their heroism. The virtue and integrity of the majority of our hard-working men and women in blue cannot go unnoticed, especially in these trying times. William and Matthew, thank you. May God bless you and God bless America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I recognize this year's graduating class of firefighters in Salem County, south Jersey. I was honored to attend and see this class in action at the Fire Academy FF1 recruit graduation earlier this month. They are not just a team; they are a family. This special class was hardened and unified in the midst of a nationwide coronavirus. I am so proud to be able to represent these men and women in Congress and to recognize them for their feat. They represent the resolve and the commitment that makes this great Nation even greater. Your Nation is proud of you. Your community is proud of you. We are all proud of you and the selfless work that you are all beginning. God bless you all. And God bless these United States of America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Augostina Mallous on her many accomplishments. Augostina is currently a freshman journalism major at Hofstra University with a 4.0 grade average. Augostina is a member of the competitive dance team and practices 50 hours a week. Augostina is the former Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen and is the current Miss Garden State. During this pandemic, Augostina has made a significant impact on our community. She not only organized a food drive for seniors to help deliver food to those in need, Augostina was also making masks for Cape Regional and Shore Medical Hospitals, along with several nursing homes. Madam Speaker, Augostina exemplifies the virtues of compassion, honor, integrity, dignity, and sincerity. Augostina's family, friends, and community are proud of her. Madam Speaker, I thank Augostina for her inspiration, and may God bless her.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Gail's Salad Company in Ocean City, south Jersey. Gail's Salad was founded by Tim Janicki, Ben Haberman, David Joslin, and Sean Collins, four young men with a lot of energy. Although the economy is struggling, and people have never been further apart and polarized in many ways, it is phenomenal to see the entrepreneurial spirit that south Jersey has and that they have, and that that entrepreneurial spirit is still alive and well, even during the most difficult of times. I enjoyed some of their delicious food this past weekend. I was proud to join Tim, Ben, Dave, and Sean for their grand opening. Their assortment of salads was a fantastic addition to a healthy diet. They have fresh ingredients, and they have their own handcrafted salad dressings. Madam Speaker, I wish them and Gail's Salad success for the future. Most of all, they are a tremendous example to all of us that if we persist and we work, we will still thrive, not only survive but thrive and do well. They are truly a model for all of us, and may God bless them.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 6666.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, the pain being felt in south Jersey and in this Nation is real. I have listened, and I have heard the stories. What we are doing today will soothe some of the pain, but it is just the beginning. America was founded and has thrived with the idea that we are an exceptional Nation. We are exceptional not because of our differences but because of what unites us in times of adversity. This legislation is a testament to our strength that we show in that unity. While we must maintain a physical distance from one another to slow the curve of our hidden enemy, we must remain closer than ever in our hearts and in our souls to one another. I stand with my colleagues ready to fight this disease, fight for our families, fight for their jobs, and fight to keep our Nation. May God bless America, and may God bless all of us as we go forward with our work.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, this past Saturday, I was proud to attend the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Thomas Scott Jefferson in Whitesboro, south Jersey. TJ is a member of Whitesboro Troop 104. TJ not only was an exemplary student, maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout high school, but he was also a committed volunteer at CCWI, a homework club, among other after-school activities. He is currently studying classical performance voice at William Paterson University. He has an avid love for the arts, performing and starring in numerous plays, operas, and choirs. TJ has become recognized for his singing voice, and he has continued to perform not only across the region but even training on Broadway in New York City. We are so proud of you, TJ. I look forward to big things from you. I am confident you will live up to the name ``Thomas Jefferson.'' Congratulations to you and to your family. Some people look to sports or movie stars or, heaven forbid, politicians as role models. But it is individuals like you that inspire me. You are one of my heroes. I know your future is bright, and may God bless you.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor the 10th annual Women Build event held by the Salem County Habitat for Humanity. The event and the building took place in Penns Grove, south Jersey. The three homes that were built in Penns Grove will be dedicated on March 30 of this year. Across the country and around the world, about 6,000 women will unite in more than 235 communities to build and improve 540 homes. The Women Build event also raises awareness about housing issues facing women and facing their families. Madam Speaker, I thank all of the volunteers who helped at the event. They are changing lives for the better and making our community thrive. I thank them for what they do. I would specifically like to recognize Stephanie Williams. Stephanie has put her tools to great use to help families in her community. It inspires me to see such great work happening in our own backyard, and I thank them for all of their dedicated service, their kind hearts, and their hard work in changing the lives of those who are very much in need.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as a cosponsor of H. Res. 745.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 2975.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 100th birthday of Joseph Somma from North Cape May, south Jersey, on March 9. Joseph is a World War II combat veteran who served in the Coast Guard from 1942 to 1945. He was on the USS Charlottesville PF-25 in the Pacific theater. He was awarded numerous and prestigious service medals during his service. Joseph has stayed politically active his entire life and has voted in the last 18 Presidential elections. Every single day, Joseph proudly flies his American flag off of his deck. Joseph, you put the great in the Greatest Generation. You have lived a life of honor and distinction, and you and your family should be proud of all of the accomplishments in your amazing life. Some people look to actors, sports stars or--heaven forbid-- politicians as heroes. I look to folks like Joseph for inspiration as a true American hero. Thank you, and I hope your celebration with your family and friends brings you a tremendous amount of joy.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the John Wesley United Methodist Church in Cape May Courthouse in south Jersey on their 180th anniversary celebration this year. John Wesley United Methodist Church is the oldest African American church in all of Cape May County. John Wesley founded the church in 1840 after escaping slavery in North Carolina in 1823. The church also is home to a cemetery, where there are veterans from the Civil War all the way to the Vietnam war. I was proud to attend the celebration event on Saturday, February 29. In addition to the celebration, the congregation is planning to hold an African American cemetery tour in April of this year, which should be extremely enlightening and interesting. John Wesley's mission statement is that they will promote unity and diversity within our church and our community. I thank them for their commitment to this community. I thank them and congratulate them on 180 years. May God's blessing be upon them.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4104, the Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. In New Jersey's Second District we were home to the Bacharach Giants in Atlantic City. The team was a top contender in the league and won two pennants in 1926 and 1927. The Giants were lucky enough to host players such as John Henry ``Pop'' Lloyd, a player whom Babe Ruth himself once called the greatest ballplayer of all time, anywhere, ever. Pop Lloyd would end up retiring and coaching youth baseball in Atlantic City until the day he died, and he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. Players like Pop Lloyd would lay the foundation for future stars such as Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron, who would change the game forever. Yet, players like Lloyd, and the leagues they played in, are slowly becoming forgotten to the annals of history. We cannot let that happen. I thank the gentleman from Missouri for introducing this important legislation to commemorate and honor those players and the role they played in shaping America's very favorite pastime. May God bless him.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the first Legacy Recognition Award Luncheon at Abundant Life Worship Center Church with Bishop John R. Gandy. They honored five individuals and their families whose commitment to south Jersey is undeniable: the Fann family, Pastor Loretta Farmer, Suffragan Bishop Otis Grayson, the Waiters family, and Apostle Luke Witherspoon. Thank you for your amazing work. I would also like to recognize Bishop John R. Gandy for his commitment and his leadership at Abundant Life. Bishop Gandy with his wife, Patricia, have impacted so many lives in south Jersey and beyond. Abundant Life is a loving church and helps lives to be transformed through its threefold purpose to evangelize, edify, and equip the whole man, the whole person--spirit, soul, and body--to lead a joyous, abundant, and victorious Christian life. Thank you, Bishop Gandy, your family, and those who we recognized this past week. You truly are doing God's work in our community, and may God bless you.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I recognize Robert Wilson on his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. Robert is with Troop 4 in Millville in southern New Jersey. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. It is a prestigious honor bestowed upon only the most worthy and the most qualified individuals. Only 4 percent of all Boy Scouts ever achieve this prestigious recognition. Eagle Scouts are likely to dedicate their lives to service, becoming future leaders in industry, politics, the military. My office was proud to be at Robert's ceremony to celebrate his achievement earlier this week with his scout leader, Lou Charlesworth. I am proud of your accomplishments, Robert, and I am looking forward to big things in the future from you. Some people look for heroes with celebrities, God help them. Some look in Washington, God help them, too. My hero is Robert. God bless you and your family, Robert.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize William Ardis on his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. William is with Troop 4 in Millville in South Jersey. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. It is a prestigious honor bestowed upon only the most worthy and most qualified individuals. Only 4 percent of all Boys Scouts ever achieve this prestigious recognition. Eagle Scouts are much more likely to dedicate their lives to service, becoming future leaders in the military, in business, and in politics. My office was proud to be at William's ceremony to celebrate this achievement earlier this week. I could not be prouder of William's accomplishments, and I look forward to big and bold things from him in the future. As Americans we all look for heroes. We look to celebrities--God help us; we look to Washington--equally God help us--but I want to say: God bless you and your family, William.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, this week is National Public Schools Week. This is a week where we recognize all the schools, all the educators, all the students, and every educational professional's hard work that goes into a student's success. The strength of our Nation's public schools is a direct reflection of the strength of our Nation and a direct reflection on the strength of the future. I stand here in solidarity to recognize the great work these professionals commit themselves to. Educators and educational professionals dedicate their lives to all students, regardless of where they come from, and help them achieve in every single aspect of their lives. I am also proud to be a cosponsor of H. Res. 862, designating this week as National Public Schools Week. I thank all of the educators, educational professionals, and students whom those professionals will be shaping into the next generation of this great generation of America. May God bless them all.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, February is National Children's Dental Health Month. This month is a time when healthcare professionals, providers, and educators help promote good oral health practices to children, families, and many others. Tooth decay is still the number one chronic infectious disease among children in the United States. Throughout my career as a dentist, I can attest to the benefits of proper oral health and how important it is to focus on children from a very young age. Preventive measures like brushing, flossing, and rinsing correctly are important life lessons that should be learned from a young age. I would also like to recognize the American Dental Association for their strenuous work in this area. They have implemented the Give Kids A Smile program. It provides hundreds of thousands of underserved kids with free oral health education, screenings, and preventive and/or restorative services throughout the entire year. It is a very much needed program, and I am personally very proud of the American Dental Association for the work that they do in this area.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the Egg Harbor Township High School's mock trial team from south Jersey. Egg Harbor Township High School unseated reigning Atlantic County trial champion Mainland Regional in the county final. Led by coaches Michael Martirone, Trevor Zompa, and Dara Quattrone, the Egg Harbor mock trial team won for the first time in 9 years. Students take on roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, and jurors before New Jersey judges and attorneys at the New Jersey Law Center. Egg Harbor's team will now compete in the semifinals, with the final competition being in March. I am going to mention all of their names: Raza Abbas, Tyler Weller, Madeline Coyle, Annette Diaz, Michael Donchey, Gabriela Garcia, Malini Gulati, Tasmiah Haque, Megan Herbin, Jason Hill, David Lee, Matthew Levine, Nicholas Seppy, Ethan Saul, Carina Sharra, Danielle Sharra, Evan Shuttleworth, Isabella Spena, and finally Skyler Szilagyi. Congratulations, and good luck. We look forward to big things from all of you. We are so unbelievably proud of you.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I recognize Cannon Lodge 104, which, on February 26, will be celebrating 150 years as a chartered Masonic lodge. Cannon Lodge had its first outreach on October 27, 1869, from Henry Cannon, whom the lodge is named after. On February 26, 1870, a Masonic charter was granted, and Cannon Lodge 104 came into existence. In January 1960, through the generosity of Brother Elmer Smith, the present location of the lodge was donated and dedicated to his father, Captain Charles S. Smith. In 1995, Sea Isle City Lodge No. 280 was merged with Cannon; and, in 1999, Arbutus Lodge No. 170 of Cape May Court House did the very same thing. I am a proud member of Cannon Lodge 104, and we live by the motto: ``Making Good Men Better.'' These men around me there have made me a better man. We are dedicated to the betterment of ourselves, our community, and giving to charity. Madam Speaker, I look forward to the continued work we will do in the community, and I thank them all for the work my fellow brothers do. They are truly heroes in south Jersey.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1980, the Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act. On March 31, 1776, future First Lady Abigail Adams wrote to her husband, John Adams, urging him and the other members of the Continental Congress to ``remember the ladies'' when fighting for America's independence from Great Britain and drafting a new form of government. Unfortunately, despite this nation's great history, we were slow to take Abigail Adams' advice to heart. It took 144 years to grant women the right to vote, an historic event I talked about a week ago in a floor speech commemorating the 100th anniversary of New Jersey's ratification of the 19th Amendment. Even this Congress has downplayed the contributions of women in history as evidenced by the treatment of Portrait Monument, the statue in the Capitol of the three greatest leaders of the suffrage movement, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. The Portrait Monument was unveiled with great fanfare in 1921 shortly after the ratification of the 19th Amendment, but for decades it was relegated to an isolated area of the Crypt without a plaque explaining the contributions of the three women or a description of the female artist who sculpted it. For decades, Congress cited the cost of moving the statue as reason enough for keeping it in the Crypt. In the 1990s, the sponsor of today's bill, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of New York, led an effort to raise the funds to move the statue upstairs to the Rotunda. It was not until 1997 that the statue was moved to its current place of honor. That date is significant for our purposes today. Susan Whiting, the chairman of the board for the National Women's History Museum organization has stated that ``[The statue] was the beginning of the entire process of eventually building a museum,'' It's been a long road since 1997 to build a Women's History Museum but passing this bill today will be one giant step closer to our goal.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 51.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I honor Richard Palombo for an amazing 20 years of service as mayor of Upper Township in South Jersey. Rich exemplifies leadership in his personal and his professional life. His gentle leadership is welcome at a time, unfortunately, when we have bitter partisanship. I know firsthand of his ability after working with him for years in his capacity as mayor. Rich listens to every side and makes informed decisions which are driven by his desire to have the best community possible, whether Republican or Democrat. At any given time of year, 1,500 to 2,000 student-age children will be participating in sporting events at the area's sports complexes, this is thanks to the leadership of Rich Palombo. I know how proud he is, and should be, of this accomplishment. Mayor Palombo has kept taxes and crime low without sacrificing services, and I know his community always thanks him for that. Congratulations, Rich. I look forward to our continuing relationship. And thank you for all that you do for our great community and the communities around you. May God always bless you, and the best of luck for the future.