Jefferson Van Drew

Mr. VAN DREW

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

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, last month, I had the honor of meeting with Jack and Jill of America's Eastern Region teen representatives. For the past 80 years, the Eastern Region of Jack and Jill of America has been impacting the lives of children by making them civically engaged, charitable, and selfless leaders. The development of this club allowed children to come together in a close, social, and cultural relationship with one another. This organization provides a supportive community for mothers, children, fathers, and teens to assist in the positive transformation of not only the communities but the country. The Eastern Region is the largest in the country with 56 chapters, and it continues to provide innovative programming in the new millennium. Because of the dedication of these individuals working with the region, the Eastern chapters have provided over 500,000 meals to families in need in the year 2014 to 2015. It is a job well done by the Eastern Region of Jack and Jill of America. We thank them for their support, their help, and their commitment to America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to thank the American Legion Post 469 of Longport, south Jersey, for their work to honor our wounded veterans and their families with their annual Wounded Warrior Week in south Jersey. During the week, the Legion hosts a wounded warrior and their family with an all-expenses-paid vacation to south Jersey that includes a parade with a police escort and numerous preplanned outings that include: fishing trips, days at the beach, and nights on the famous Ocean City, New Jersey, boardwalk. All of this is a celebration that brings together the south Jersey community to honor our heroes in the military and to display the gratitude the citizens of the United States have for the many sacrifices of our soldiers and the many sacrifices that they make. I thank the American Legion Post 469 for their continuous efforts to uplift our heroes in the Armed Forces and for having a positive impact on the south Jersey community. I also thank Joseph Hahn for being a hero and thank the wonderful community that has hosted this year after year. And may God bless them and may God bless our heroes.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to draw attention to the Habitat for Humanity organization of Salem County in south Jersey. Habitat for Humanity in Salem County, south Jersey, has been active since its creation in 1982. As one of the oldest branches, they have built over 40 homes, with many more in progress. In addition, Habitat for Humanity in Salem County has a branch of ReStore, which promotes sustainability in home improvement by selling new and gently used materials and furniture. I want to acknowledge their dedication to our community and to the welfare of those around them. The Habitat for Humanity nonprofit organization has made great strides in our district by building and renovating homes so that more citizens can have access to affordable housing. We are all proud of them in south Jersey, proud of what they have done. They are truly stars and truly have made a difference in individuals' lives. May God bless them.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, today I want to show my appreciation for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post of Bridgeton in south Jersey. This community provides a space for veterans to come together and connect with others, and these are other folks who understand the hardships and the rewards of serving our Nation. The Veterans of Foreign Wars meet monthly to share their experiences and bond with one another in Bridgeton. They also organize special services for holidays, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, so the members can commemorate these days together. In addition, the VFW reaches out to the greater Bridgeton community by hosting barbecues, community dinners, and other festivals to connect with their neighbors and sometimes raise funds for important charitable causes. I would like to thank the brave veterans of the Bridgeton VFW. Their service to our Nation is tremendous. I am overjoyed that this community has given them a safe place to remember their service together. Madam Speaker, they are our best; they are our shining stars; and they are our heroes. May God bless them.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, in 1884, residents of Salem County, south Jersey gathered at the local library with the intent of protecting the history of the region. This group established the Salem County Historical Society and began regular meetings all the way back in 1885. Now the museum allows visitors to wander the exhibits and admire the historical artifacts. It was Albert Einstein who once said, ``learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.'' It has also been said that you cannot truly understand who you are and what you are about as a society if you don't know who you were and where you were in the past. It is because of the crucial role of the Salem County Historical Society that we are better able to learn from our past in south Jersey as we move towards a better tomorrow. Thank you for preserving the past of south Jersey and providing educational experiences for the members of our community. You truly are stars.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, Cody Stashak grew up in Mays Landing in south Jersey. He graduated from Oakcrest High School in 2012 where he played baseball for the Falcons and went on to attend Cumberland County College for 2 years where he played baseball, as well. Cody moved on from our south Jersey district to St. John's University in New York where he continued to excel in his sport. Now Cody has moved to the major leagues. Cody was drafted to the Minnesota Twins in 2015 where he was mainly used as a relief pitcher. This year Cody made his major league debut in a recent game against the New York Yankees where he allowed only four hits and he struck out three. Cody, your talent and dedication are admirable, and we are so impressed with how far you have come. Cody might be in Minnesota now, but we know that he is south Jersey through and through and his south Jersey community is rooting for him. I am happy to say that I have known Cody's father and his grandfather through the years, and I know how proud they are and how proud south Jersey is of its star.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 860, the Social Security 2100 Act.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, Marilyn Miguel is 18 years old. She graduated from Vineland High School with a 4.0 this year, and she received a full-ride scholarship to Harvard University. She also has coordinated with Harvard for their new community outreach program, Service Starts with Summer, which encourages incoming freshmen to create service projects for their various communities. As a first-generation college student and a second-generation Mexican American, Marilyn knew the importance of implementing a college preparation course for incoming seniors at her high school. Her free program ran from August 13 to 15, and Marilyn made sure to create an accessible, comprehensive college prep course for the people of south Jersey. Marilyn says the goal of her program was to help people discover their own potential. Nothing could be more important. Programs like these are essential for the success of young people, and I commend Marilyn for bringing it to our community in south Jersey. I wish Marilyn the best of luck at Harvard and to have a wonderful year. You are truly a star, and south Jersey is proud of you.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to congratulate Nathan Mattias of Woolwich Township in south Jersey. He achieved the honor of being an Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Nathan built benches with an improved design to accommodate those in wheelchairs for easier access when gardening for the Sisters of St. Francis, a retirement facility for nuns in the Philadelphia area. Through this project, Nathan discovered his passion of engineering and plans on continuing his interest when he is in college. It is people like Nathan who enact change by listening to the needs of those in our local communities. Keep up the good work, Nathan. I thank him for all he does for south Jersey, and for the United States of America. He is truly our hero and we are truly proud of him.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, Laurie Zaleski is the owner and founder of Funny Farm Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in Hamilton Township in south Jersey. Currently, there are around 700 animals in Laurie's care. Even with all these animals to care for, Laurie still works full time for the FAA as a graphic designer and a pilot. Laurie also has cowritten two books and created a DVD about her farm and takes a few of her animals with her to local schools and to nursing homes to read her books. Laurie's farm, as well as her books and her videos, provides educational experiences for all ages. Laurie doesn't charge admission fees, as her farm sustains itself with dedicated volunteers and runs solely on donations, 100 percent of which are given only to the animals. I thank Laurie and all the volunteers for the love of animals that Funny Farm Annual Rescue fosters in our community in south Jersey. Laurie is truly a south Jersey star.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I am here today to bring attention to the American Workforce Empowerment Act which I worked on with my friend from Minnesota, Congressman Jim Hagedorn. This is a bipartisan solution--and I hope everybody heard the word bipartisan--to address the growing shortage of skilled workers to fill job openings in the technical and skilled trades. Small businesses are in need of machinists, welders, truck drivers, and an array of other qualified trades and labor-intensive professions. We should do everything we can to incentivize technical skills training and apprenticeships for those who like to work with their hands and see the product of their hard work. The bipartisan American Workforce Empowerment Act expands these programs eligible for payment by 529 savings plans, and by making registered apprenticeships eligible, we can more easily and readily close the wide gap of good-paying positions that have gone unfilled in our robust economy. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 4469. We need to expand our workforce, and this is a great way to do it.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, the William Hughes Technical Center in south Jersey is the FAA's national scientific test base for R&D, and the evaluation of transportation systems. It is the Nation's premier air transportation system laboratory. I was disappointed to see that the FAA, earlier this year, proposed funding cuts for critical research programs at the tech center that ultimately improve the safety of all Americans. That is why I am grateful to Chairman Price of the Transportation Subcommittee for working with me to restore funding for the tech center. I have also heard troubling rumors about a potential realignment at the tech center. For those who seek to eliminate, shift jobs, or reporting duties away from the tech center, I say this: You will have a fight on your hands, like a fight you have never seen before. I am proud to have this incredible facility in south Jersey, and I thank all of the hardworking men and women of the tech center for continuing to keep our skies safe.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 542.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, on June 22, Barbara Kim-Hagemann became the first woman--the very first woman--to be installed as State commander for New Jersey's Veterans of Foreign Wars. Barbara is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during Desert Shield and during Desert Storm. When she returned to America, she joined a VFW, and the VFW post was in Jackson, New Jersey. There, she became the first female post commander in Ocean County and then the first female district commander, where she served for two terms. Now, as VFW State commander, Barbara's project for this year focuses on veteran suicide prevention and mental health awareness, a subject that is so important and needs so much work. She also works on strengthening networks of support, communication, and care for veterans across New Jersey's communities. We are incredibly lucky to have Barbara. I thank her for her service abroad and the continued service she brings to our south Jersey community. Her State is proud of her, south Jersey is proud of her, and the United States of America is proud of her. May God bless Barbara Kim-Hagemann.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, the Atlantic City High School track and field team is comprised of some incredibly driven athletes. Claudine Smith and Isaiah Whaley, both graduating seniors, were especially impressive contributors to their team's success. During her time on the team, Claudine won three State, seven south Jersey, six Cape-Atlantic League, and six Atlantic County championships. It is unbelievable. With these accomplishments closing out her high school career, it is no wonder she was named the Press Girls Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year. Isaiah, too, surpassed many records during his time. He broke his school's 26-year-old record in the 400-meter dash and ranked number five in the State of New Jersey for the event. These students are incredibly talented, and their head coaches, Roy Wesley, Jr., and Jonathan P. Parker, undoubtedly helped them develop and grow in their sport. To all the members of the Atlantic County track and field team, we are immensely proud of your hard work and determination, and we can't wait to see what you all achieve in the future. We are proud of you in Atlantic County. We are proud of you in south Jersey. We are proud of you in New Jersey. And we are proud of you in the United States of America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, Stephanie Timoteo, a resident of Bridgeton in South Jersey, turned 100 years old on August 25. Stephanie has always been an incredibly active person in her community. She values faith, family, and heritage as the most important aspects of her life. She was born into a family of Polish immigrants, and in her midtwenties, she became a seamstress and she made uniforms for soldiers during World War II. After the war, Stephanie spent most of her time with her children, but she continued to work at home as a seamstress and a dressmaker. Over the years, Stephanie has given her time as a den mother, a Girl Scout leader, a Christ Child volunteer, a coordinator for the Polish American Club, and many, many, many other roles. They are actually countless. Now she loves to crochet, read, and spend time with her seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Happy birthday to Stephanie. We are incredibly lucky to have her. May God bless her. South Jersey is proud of her; New Jersey is proud of her; and America is proud of her.

Mr. VAN DREW

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

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing me to honor a remarkable young man of South Jersey. Recently, Scout Sean Duffy of Egg Harbor Township in South Jersey earned the outstanding honor of becoming an Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Sean decided to beautify the nature reserve in Egg Harbor Township. Sean led his fellow scouts in the construction of the gazebo and oversaw the project from the very beginning to the very end. Because of this exceptional young man, the community of Egg Harbor Township can enjoy a new place of recreation and gathering at the nature reserve for many years to come. At times, we must all take initiative and assume a role of leadership. We continue to be inspired by brave and passionate young people like Sean Duffy who step forward and guide their peers in order to better their own community. We are proud of him. He is a true leader. Congratulations, Sean. We wish you the best going forward and thank you for your contribution to our community. South Jersey, New Jersey, and the United States of America are proud of the work that you have done. Good luck.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, Elks Lodge 2839, in greater Cape May, South Jersey, recently won first place in the Division IV ENF Chairman's Challenge at the National Convention. It was also named number one in the entire State of New Jersey. Anne Krause, the lodge's ENF chairperson, is truly a dedicated member whose leadership has helped make this Elks Lodge the very best of its kind. Elks Lodges help our community by offering programs to keep children healthy and to keep them drug-free. They also meet the needs of veterans and help improve the quality of their life, work that is so much needed in today's times. In addition to these services, Elks Lodges have a generous charitable foundation that gives millions of dollars in scholarships each year to help shape the future of the community of our children. I feel very lucky to have such a well-run community center as a place for people to come to gather, to grow closer in our beautiful district. To all the members and staff of Elks Lodge 2839: Congratulations on your awards, and thank you for all you bring to our community. South Jersey is proud of you; New Jersey is proud of you; and the United States of America is proud of you. God bless you.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Chair, I rise today because I wholeheartedly support the Coastal and Marine Economy Protection Act, authored by my good friend, Congressman Cunningham. This bill does what seems obvious to almost everyone. It bans offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. It is an issue that brings together business groups, environmental groups, sportsmen groups, and many, many others. It is an issue that transcends party lines. In my district, we had a press conference in support of this legislation and banning, and we had Republicans, Democrats, Independents, businesspeople, as well as environmentalists all together. In south Jersey, our coast is our lifeblood. It is everything. It is our economy, it is our culture, and it is our way of life. Our fisheries and tourism industry are worth nearly $50 billion a year, supporting well over half a million jobs statewide. If an oil spill would occur on our coastline, our beaches, natural resources, and coastal properties would be wiped out in a heartbeat. Our fishermen, casino workers, hospitality industry, restaurants, and small businesses would all, each and every one, suffer. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1941.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, south Jersey, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. For half a century, the Wetlands Institute has been providing south Jersey and its community with programs that work toward conserving our wetlands and our coastal systems. This institute was founded on the belief that those living in coastal communities should be educated about how to keep themselves and their environments protected, and they have been fulfilling that goal for the last 50 years. Our oceans and our coasts are changing, and places like the Wetlands Institute are vital in teaching us how to protect the wildlife affected by these changes. I thank all those who work at the institute for all they have done for the past 50 years. They are teaching the scientists and the environmentalists of the future, and I know they will continue to enhance our community and all of our communities into the future. New Jersey, south Jersey, and the United States of America is proud of them. They have always been on the cutting edge, and I know they will continue to be.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, the New Jersey Fringe Festival is hosted by the local Eagle Theater in Hammonton in southern New Jersey. The festival is a driver in the cultural boom taking place in this town. The Eagle Theater is south Jersey's only year-round professional Equity theater and is dedicated to redefining regional theater through innovation, enlightened production techniques, and the development of eclectic theatrics. The Eagle Theater originally opened its doors in 1914 as a silent movie theater and was a playhouse from 1914 until 1944. Since then, the theater has built itself to be an award-winning, culturally diverse epicenter boasting state-of-the-art technical equipment and hosting a core of theming artists dedicated to experimental storytelling through medium-advancing technology. It enriches south Jersey culturally and creatively, and I commend them for what they do. South Jersey is proud of them; New Jersey is proud of them; and the United States of America is proud of them. Congratulations.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, Cape May County's 4-H Foundation and Fairgrounds recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. After many years of moving from place to place, the 4-H Fair opened on July 24, 1969, at its current fairgrounds in Cape May County in South Jersey. Many of the traditions established back then are still carried on today, such as a chicken BBQ, pet parade, and talent show for the young people who participate in the 4-H program. Through clubs that specialize in things like fishing, small animals, reptiles, horses, sewing, robotics, the program enriches many aspects of learning. Research has shown that young people in 4-H are almost four times as likely to engage in STEM programs during the school year, thanks to what they explore and learn during their time in the program. The four H's stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, and it is clear that Cape May County 4-H has been deepening these young people's skills in all of these areas. To all the participants, workers, volunteers, and especially Linda Horner of Cape May County's 4-H Foundation and Fairgrounds, congratulations on 50 years, for sure. You are helping youth become confident, mature adults ready to take on the world. And you are making South Jersey proud.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, Evan Doliszny of Ocean City, in South Jersey, recently received the Congressional Award Gold Medal, along with the STEM Star award for his work in mathematics. Evan is one of only 538 students in the Nation and 20 in New Jersey to achieve this honor, which was established in 1979 to recognize and celebrate ``Initiative, Achievement, Service'' in our young people. Evan is truly living out those ideals. He participated in over 611 hours of volunteer service for his community, over 1,148 hours developing his academic comprehension skills, and over 1,040 hours with his team sport of crew. Evan is passionate about Middle Eastern traditions, culture, and history, and his goal is to work in international finance. Evan, your service and dedication to South Jersey is wonderful, and your accomplishments make clear that you have a bright, a very bright, future ahead of you. Congratulations on your achievement. We are very proud of you in South Jersey. Evan, keep on going.