Jefferson Van Drew

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, February 9, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment in New Jersey. The 19th Amendment was introduced to Congress in 1878. The amendment reads: ``The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.'' It was not passed by Congress until the House of Representatives passed it in May of 1919 and the Senate passed it in June of 1919. It was then sent to the States for ratification, with New Jersey being the 29th of the 36 States. I would like to honor the tireless efforts of advocates over history, pioneer's like New Jersey's own, Dr. Alice Paul, who worked for years to get women the right to vote. Her persistence and the persistence of thousands of women before and after her is a true example of how the dedication of these women changed our country and the world for the better. They are true American heroes.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Chief Daniel Spiegel on his retirement from the Wildwood Fire Department. Daniel spent 28 faithful years with the fire department, where he had served as chief since 2016. Daniel has the distinct honor of holding every rank in the fire department. Daniel's father also served as fire chief in Wildwood, the second-ever father-son chief in the department's history. Daniel served in the New Jersey Task Force 1 Urban Research and Rescue and responded to the September 11 terrorist attacks, searching for survivors. He was the team leader for the Cape May County Regional Urban Search and Rescue Team, which serves all of Cape May County. Danny was always focused on training. He trained thousands of firefighters in our entire region. He is planning to spend more time with his wife, daughter, and two stepsons in retirement. I thank Daniel for his service; his community thanks him for his service; and his country thanks him for his service. Daniel, may God bless you. You are truly one of our heroes.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I would like to posthumously recognize the heroic efforts of Carlton Hand, of Rio Grande in south Jersey. Carlton Hand was a Technical Sergeant, Infantry, Cannon Company, 349th Infantry. Hand was recognized for his gallantry in combat. He stormed an entrenched German position in the face of heavy enemy sniper fire, grenades and mortar shells blasting all around them. With snipers shooting at them, Carlton Hand abandoned his radio, secured grenades from one of his comrades, and killed two attacking Germans. He then seized a rifle in the face of continuing mortar and sniper fire, and killed two, and wounded one more German. Germans then dropped grenades on his position, which he then proceeded to hurl back at the enemy. He then captured 20 prisoners in the seizure of the enemy position. Carlton Hand was awarded the Silver Star Medal for Valor for his heroic efforts. Carlton Hand is the definition of an American hero, and we owe our future to the brave actions of Carlton Hand and the men and women like him who have shaped this great United States of America. Our country was forged by the blood, sweat, and tears of brave men and women like Carlton Hand. May God bless them as they look down upon us.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I was not present for the only vote series on January 28, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 25, Previous Question on H. Res. 811; NAY on Roll Call No. 26, H. Res. 811; and YEA on Roll Call No. 27, H.R. 4331.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize Daniel Paolello from Mullica Hills in south Jersey on his attainment of an Eagle Scout rank. Eagle Scout is the highest rank obtainable from the Boy Scouts of America. Only a very small percentage of all Boy Scouts will ever make it to this prestigious recognition. Eagle Scouts continue to be more likely to dedicate their lives to service throughout their entire lives, becoming future leaders in military, business, or politics, and joining the ranks of other Eagle Scouts like Neil Armstrong, Steven Spielberg, and Gerald Ford, just to name a very few. I was proud to attend Daniel's Court of Honor ceremony earlier this month. Mr. Speaker, I extend congratulations to Daniel, and we look forward to big things from him in the future. We all look for heroes. We look to Washington. We look to celebrities. I know where my heroes are, and one of them, without a doubt, is Daniel. May God bless him.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize Evan Michael Holmes from Troop 95 in Upper Township on the attainment of his Eagle Scout rank. Eagle Scout is the highest rank obtainable from the Boy Scouts of America, and only 4 percent of all boys ever achieve this prestigious recognition. Eagle Scouts are more likely to dedicate their life to service, and his service is very special. He is planning to join the Navy in February 2020. I was proud of Evan's beautiful Court of Honor that was celebrated earlier this month, and I congratulate Evan. Mr. Speaker, we are proud of Evan and look forward to big things in the future from him. Some of us look for heroes in celebrities--God help us. Some look for heroes here in Washington--equally, God help us. But my heroes are individuals, young men like Evan, who do more, who work harder, and who know what it is to be a true American and a good person, who really care for and love their families and the people around them. Mr. Speaker, I wish Evan the very best, and may God bless him.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize John Walczak. He is retiring after an impressive 37 years and 2 months at the FAA. He started working at the FAA in 1982 as a student through Stockton State College now called Stockton University. He learned three computer languages: Ultra, JOVIAL, and Basic Assembly Language. He started working full-time in 1984 as a computer programmer and worked his way up the ranks over the years to become STARS DT&E Test Director, which eventually would become IDQT Test Director. He was also the application lead for requirements. John retired on January 3, 2020. I thank John, his community thanks him, and his country thanks him for his service. Our world is safer because of John and the work that he has done. We are so unbelievably proud of your accomplishments, John. Congratulations, and may God bless you.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, today, I recognize Andrew Rock from south New Jersey on his attainment of the Eagle Scout rank. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable from the Boy Scouts of America. Only 4 percent of Boy Scouts ever achieve this prestigious recognition. Eagle Scouts are more likely to dedicate their life to service of all kinds, becoming future leaders in military, business, or politics. I was proud to attend Andrew's beautiful outdoor ceremony on the lake this past November. The ceremony also highlighted the beautiful traditions of the American Indian people. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Andrew. We look forward to big things from him in the future. I am proud of him; south Jersey is proud of him; and the United States of America is proud of him.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, today I want to acknowledge the Millville-based production company, Glasstown Productions in south Jersey. Glasstown Productions is an exemplary company that has excelled in telling their clients' stories through film. Their work has been recognized by the Dog Film Festival, CinemaFest, and the International Christian Film and Music Festival. Under the leadership of CEO Robert Penza and Creative Director Jason Penza, Glasstown has brought home multiple awards and recognitions to the State of New Jersey and, most proudly, to south Jersey. Last year Glasstown Productions was honored with a Gold Telly Award for its film, ``Ask Seek Knock: The Story of Brianna Wittman.'' Glasstown Productions is just one example of the opportunities to build something great in south Jersey. The coveted Gold Telly Award speaks to the quality of work being produced in our district, and I commend Glasstown Productions for their excellent accomplishments. We are truly, sincerely and extremely proud of them and what they have accomplished.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Chair, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 10. Amendment No. 13 Offered by Mr. Pappas

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize the various CASA branches throughout our region that have dedicated themselves to vulnerable children in southern New Jersey. CASA stands for a court-appointed special advocate. They are selfless volunteers who act as the child's voice during legal proceedings. These volunteers specialize in understanding the physical and emotional needs of the child and work tirelessly until finding them a permanent home, preferably with family members or with an adopted family. Because of organizations like CASA, abused or neglected children have present, trustworthy adults in their lives who sympathize with their struggles, who understand them, and who fight on their behalf. Therefore, I thank all the CASA branches in our district for protecting the youth of south Jersey and ensuring that every child has a caring home. I thank them for their good work, for their love, and for the difference that they make in people's lives.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, Northfield, New Jersey's Little League baseball team, a little while back, won their second straight District 16 Little League baseball title. Their pitcher, Finn Haines, who was selected to compete in the Little League Derby in Atlanta, pitched their final two innings to clinch the win. Brady Arena, their leadoff hitter, scored their winning run, ensuring that Northfield beat Ocean City 3-2. The District 16 baseball teams are made up of 11-and 12-year-olds in Atlantic and Cape May Counties in south Jersey, and winning this title means that Northfield advanced to the Section 4 tournament. When they won, the Northfield team ran a victory lap around the field holding the District 16 championship banner in pride, along with the United States flag. So to all players on the team: Congratulations on your win. You have exciting futures ahead of you. I am sure you have many, many more wins to come.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, today, I want to recognize a nonprofit organization in my district providing a home and a future for horses who have experienced abuse and neglect. Starfish Equine Rescue works to rehabilitate and ultimately adopt unwanted, abused, and neglected horses. Since 2012, this organization has been rescuing horses from the most deplorable conditions and giving them a second chance at life. Starfish Equine Rescue works hard to bring these horses back to health and identify caring and supportive homes in south Jersey and in surrounding states. In addition to rescuing horses from abuse and neglect, Starfish Equine rescues horses that were slated for slaughter and are saved. And this is a practice that I have joined with Representative Schakowsky and other House colleagues in opposing under H.R. 961, which I hope someday will be the law of the land. The volunteers at Starfish and the adoptive homes of these once vulnerable horses have provided a great service to south Jersey and into the future. We are proud of them. May God bless them.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, today I want to acknowledge the Mullica Township ACES program, a school district initiative in south Jersey. It is an initiative started by Barbara Rheault that provides academic aid and enrichment to students after school hours. The ACES program started in Mullica Township, south Jersey, 12 years ago thanks to grant funds for a 21st Century Community Learning Center from the New Jersey Department of Education. This after-school program is vital to south Jersey because it provides after-school care to students that balances academic opportunities and recreational activities. At ACES, students have time to complete their homework and participate in sports or other games and activities, which cultivates both their academic and social development. ACES also offers additional tutoring, counseling, and health-safety education so every student has access to whatever they need to achieve success. I thank the ACES program, Barbara Rheault, and the Mullica Township School District for providing this educational experience for our youth. I am proud of them.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, today, I would like to acknowledge the Puerto Rican Action Committee of southern New Jersey, an organization dedicated to supporting the Hispanic community in our area. PRAC was originally created in 1971 to promote economic opportunities for agricultural workers and has since expanded its vision to encourage social, cultural, and economic actions that better the lives of Hispanic individuals. The organization has several programs in place to celebrate the vibrant culture of these people and to provide educational opportunity for the surrounding communities. The PRAC of southern New Jersey has implemented Hispanic culture, arts, heritage, entertainment, and sporting initiatives to bring people together and to foster a sense of good community. Among all Hispanic individuals in south Jersey, community is so important. The group also offers cultural diversity training programs to local companies in order to encourage a diverse workforce and to open job opportunities for minorities across the entire region. PRAC has been fundamental in lifting up the Hispanic members of our community, and we thank them for the great work they do to make south Jersey an inclusive and prosperous place.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I would like to join the United States Coast Guard in welcoming the recently commissioned U.S. Coast Guard cutter Angela McShan. The ship is part of a new fleet of cutters that boasts short response times and larger vessels, which will help patrol the coast from south Jersey all the way down to the Caribbean. This cutter was named after the late Master Chief Angela McShan, who served the Coast Guard for over 20 years, and she was the first Black woman to earn the title of master chief petty officer. The cutter was commissioned with the help of McShan's seven brothers and sisters in boarding the cutter for the first time and raising the flag so the ship could set sail. I am excited to see the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May flourish with the upgrade of the new cutter, and I am honored to have a hero like Angela McShan watching over our officers from heaven. Madam Speaker, we are proud of Angela McShan. We are proud of the Coast Guard, both in the United States of America and in south Jersey.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to express my gratitude for the efforts of the NAACP Atlantic City branch to make south Jersey a place of inclusion, acceptance, and equality. In the past few years, this organization has worked to improve access to the polls for marginalized voters, to protect maternal and infant health with the Infant Mortality Task Force, and to provide scholarships for the education of our vulnerable youth. The NAACP of Atlantic City has also focused on tackling hatred in our community by organizing vigils to call out hateful and unacceptable actions against minorities and by addressing the environmental injustice disproportionately suffered by these groups. This group has worked tirelessly to support minority groups in south Jersey, and our region is safer, healthier, more inclusive, and happier because of it. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Atlantic City NAACP for their commitment and service to our community. South Jersey and the State of New Jersey appreciates all the work that they do.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Pallone for yielding time and for all of his work. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for the TRACED Act, a good anti-robocall bill that is badly needed given the robocall epidemic facing our United States of America. Robocall scams are at an all-time high, and they are getting worse. Data shows that New Jersey residents reported the most robocall complaints of any State in the Nation last year. Robocalls not only impede our quality of life as family dinners and important work meetings get interrupted, but they also effectuate scams, scams that take advantage of vulnerable populations such as our senior citizens, who need to be protected. This bipartisan legislation is a critical step toward ending the scourge of robocalls. I am pleased to see portions of my own robocall bill, the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act, incorporated in the TRACED Act. While there is more to be done, without a doubt, I am proud to be a part of this important effort to help protect consumers, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I am honored to be joined by my colleagues today on National Rural Health Day to express the importance of rural healthcare across America. Nearly 57 million Americans, or about one out of five, call their communities rural communities, and they call these places their home. That includes many residents of my district in south Jersey. The State of New Jersey Department of Health defines a rural community as an area within the State that has a population density of fewer than 500 persons per square mile. Most of these areas tend to not only have a lack of healthcare but more need for accessible, affordable care. The populations in rural communities tend to have more households with people over 65 years of age, many of whom live alone. Additionally, they have higher rates of suicide, cancer, diabetes, asthma, and obesity. Most do not have any health insurance at all. We must act on health legislation that not only supports the development of community health centers and their accessibility but also finds creative ways to support these rural communities. Ultimately, we will save their lives. It is important that we address these life-threatening rural health concerns and foster available and accessible health services for all of these rural Americans.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize AtlantiCare, a major health system in south Jersey for over one century. The group started with one hospital in 1898 and has now expanded to over 100 different locations across the region to fulfill the medical needs of our community. AtlantiCare improves the health and happiness of the people of south Jersey by providing high-quality medical care, which has recently been celebrated with the Critical Care Gold Beacon Award, the Emergency Nurses Association's Lantern Award, and many more. Beyond health services, AtlantiCare has been a staple to south Jersey because of their focus on community outreach programs, which are so very important. They have tackled a variety of issues facing our area. AtlantiCare has installed programs to supply healthy school lunches to children, to bring fresh produce to those struggling with food insecurity, and to provide residency opportunities for local medical school students so that they stay in the area. In south Jersey we are very lucky to have AtlantiCare's accessible medical services and outreach programs to better our region. I thank AtlantiCare and all the staff and all the volunteers for caring about our community in south Jersey.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I want to highlight three exceptional young ladies who reside in my district in south Jersey. They are pageant titleholders who work for the greater good of our community. Madison Stiles is a Salem County native, who uses her title to promote mental health awareness. She is an avid volunteer through her community and is a fantastic advocate for the important subject of mental health. Miss Vineland 2019, Marissa Marchese, who resides in Vineland, New Jersey, created a platform called ``Homeless Has a Face'' that allows her to educate individuals on the harsh realities of being displaced and share the stories of those who are not fortunate enough to have a roof over their heads. Lastly, but certainly not least, Jaslene Candelaria, at the young age of 11, created a platform that collects stuffed animals, blankets, and inspirational cards for cancer patients of all ages. Her goal is to bring joy and smiles to patients, and she visits various hospitals throughout her community to make sure to do so. Mr. Speaker, I thank them all for their selfless and benevolent work throughout their communities. Our future is in wonderful hands with them. They are our heroes, and may God bless them.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, the NAACP has been at the forefront in the fight for equal educational, social, economic, and legal rights for African American communities. The Mainland-Pleasantville NAACP branch, led by President Olivia Caldwell, has continuously fought for those things, and they recently held their annual Freedom Fund Awards Luncheon. The luncheon honored the people who fought alongside the NAACP and their efforts for equal rights. President of Atlantic Cape Community College, Dr. Barbara Gaba, received the education award for furthering educational fulfillment in the African American community. I would like to thank Dr. Gaba, President Caldwell, and the NAACP for their resilience in the fight for equality that not only impacts the people of south Jersey, but all Americans everywhere. We all have the same blood flowing through our veins. May God bless them.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to send my congratulations to an extraordinary south Jersey native, who represented our Nation at the international Henley's Royal Regatta this past summer. Matthew Catanoso is a rising sophomore on the crew team at the United States Naval Academy, which was chosen to participate in the King's Cup competition in July. This race commemorated the historic Henley's Royal Regatta in 1919 that was originally held to celebrate the end of World War I. For the centennial anniversary of the tournament, eight countries were invited to send a team to compete for the cup over the summer. Matthew, the former coxswain of Ocean City High School, participated with the rest of the Naval Academy and he took home the King's Cup after narrowly beating Germany in the final race. I congratulate Matthew on his big win at the Henley Royal Regatta, and I thank him for representing our Nation and south Jersey at this historic event and wish him the very best as he continues his education at the Naval Academy. We are proud of him and we are proud of what he has done. Congratulations.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, today, I would like to commend William McLees of south Jersey on achieving the admirable rank of Eagle Scout. William led his fellow boy scouts of Troop 79 in his Eagle Scout project to install an information kiosk at Somers Mansion. This information booth will educate visitors about the past of this old historic building, which is one of the oldest buildings in the region, dating back to 1725. McLees carefully outfitted the kiosk with solar panels for lighting and a waterproof exterior so the structure will now be as long-lasting as Somers Mansion itself. Madam Speaker, I applaud William's craftsmanship and his leadership in coordinating this project, and I thank him for this informative addition to our entire south Jersey community. I congratulate him on his high title of Eagle Scout, and I wish him the very best. Americans look for heroes all over the world. Our hero is William McLees. He truly deserves our praise.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, today I want to acknowledge the Salem Medical Center, as they recently celebrated 100 years of service to the south Jersey community. The medical center has been a staple of the area since its creation and has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of Salem County. Salem Medical Center offers cutting-edge hospital services and a wide array of outpatient programs to ensure the people of south Jersey have access to the healthcare they need. The center has also been expanding in recent years, thus providing patients with more advanced technology and higher quality care. I want to thank the Salem Medical Center for their reliable service to south Jersey for the past 100 years and hope they continue to flourish in Salem County for 100 more. Their nurses, their doctors, their technicians, all of their employees are our heroes. May God bless them.