Jefferson Van Drew

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oregon and chairman of the illustrious Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3409, the Coast Guard Authorization Act--bipartisan legislation that authorizes programs and funding of over $11 billion for the United States Coast Guard through fiscal year 2021. I am proud to represent New Jersey's Second Congressional District, home to the United States Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, Air Station Atlantic City, and thousands more of our brave men and brave women who protect our shores and our coastal communities. This comprehensive bill authorizes critical funding to upgrade and modernize our fleets and improve offshore navigation safety. It requires a report on the effects of climate change and the vulnerabilities of our Coast Guard installations, directs the use of drone technology for potential use to support missions and operations, and orders the Commandant of the Coast Guard to brief Congress on the conditions and need for Coast Guard housing. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves for bringing this important bill to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3409, the Coast Guard Authorization Act. These are our brave men and women who protect our seas.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, a few weeks ago, 28 young, impressive women shared their talents in the Miss New Jersey competition. The competition has been around for almost 100 years and since that time has evolved into a fantastic celebration of some of the best young individuals in south Jersey. The Miss New Jersey competition was the first to offer a talent category, and this past year the competition focused even more on aptitude and intellect over outward appearance. This year the candidates were able to emphasize their individual styles and their individual passions, and all of the young women spoke about different social impact initiatives that mattered greatly to them. One of my wonderful spring interns, Alyssa Rodriguez, placed in the top 11 with her platform of social media awareness. She made south Jersey so very proud. Miss Jade Glab of Belmar, New Jersey, was crowned Miss New Jersey with her platform of healthy children, strong America. We are proud of all the contestants and the intellect and the compassion they bring to all of their communities, and I am most proud of our contestants from south Jersey.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to talk about an exceptional young person from Mainland Regional High School in South Jersey. Bradley Ferguson of Mainland Regional High School was recently selected as a United States Presidential scholar. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was founded in 1964. Since 1964, it has honored over 7,500 graduating high school seniors for academic achievements and contributions to their communities. One hundred and twenty-one U.S. Presidential Scholars are honored annually for their academic excellence and their service. I am so excited that Bradley is representing South Jersey with his great achievement. All the young people being honored with this award are proof that education brings forth excellence. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Bradley for his accomplishment. I can't wait to see whatever his future is going to hold, but we all know that he is going to achieve greatness.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, 18 years ago, Isabelle Mosca's son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. At the time, she was struck by how little information and support was available for families affected by ASD, so Isabelle began a support group for a few parents to meet over coffee and talk. Eventually, Isabelle's meeting grew into a nonprofit organization called FACES 4 Autism, which helps over 750 families with five active and expanding support groups throughout South Jersey. In addition to these support groups, Isabelle created a program called Massi's Mission, which focuses on water safety and survival for those with ASD. Now that her son is close to 21 years old, Isabelle is exploring employment opportunities for him and all of the FACES' participants. They are aging out of their schools. She never stops thinking, planning, and creating opportunities to make our community of South Jersey be the best that it can be. Mr. Speaker, Isabelle's community thanks her every day for everything she does. South Jersey thanks her every day for all that she does. She is the best.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, a group of impressive young south Jersey people, aged 8 to 11, hosted their second annual dog show at a local park in Absecon, New Jersey. The event began in 2018 when Grace Marczyk watched a dog show and felt bad for the mixed breeds. They weren't allowed to compete. Grace talked to her friend Zoey. Together, they formed a committee of animal lovers, and they hosted a dog show that was inclusive to all members of the species. The competition is comprised of multiple categories, judged exclusively by the kids, and concludes with different prizes being awarded for the Best in Show. At their first show, the kids raised $650, all of which was donated to the Humane Society of Atlantic County. Their second show raised over $2,000 for the Humane Society and nearly doubled its participants and its sponsors. These innovative, enthusiastic young people and their inclusivity and love for animals is a truly great thing to see. We are lucky to have them as part of our community in south Jersey. It is said that a nation is judged by the way it treats its pets. If it is, Madam Speaker, these are going to be fine young Americans.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, when Joe Dietterick was told by his guidance counselor that he should join the Vineland High School crew team, the Fighting Clan, he wasn't interested at first. But Joe, a 16- year-old with cerebral palsy, isn't one to back down from a challenge. All he needed was one practice on the lake, pushing his boat through the water with his doubles partner, Jason Wheeler, to immediately fall in love with rowing. Joe and Jason went on to become Vineland High School's first adaptive boat to row in the Atlantic County rowing championships, and they also went on to compete in the Stotesbury Cup Regatta. Joe's perseverance and willingness to challenge himself is an inspiration to his teammates; to his coach, Paul Myers; and to all who gave him the Most Courageous award at their team's award banquet. Joe says that the comradery and friendship that he has found with his teammates is what means the most to him. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Dietterick for being an important part of our community. He is an inspiration and he is a hero.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, let me tell you about 17 remarkable people: Zachary Asselta, Robert Cuff, Alexandra Kukal, Ozlem Akilli, Justin Billman, Ashley Burkey, Kevin Sheppard, Lindsey Wettstein, Gabrielle Akiatan, Karen Chainey, Andrew Crain, San'aa Doss, Anthony Kukal, Megan Majewski, Genevieve Morgan, Jayme Sooy, and Joshua Whitaker. Who are they? A group of impressive young students from Millville, New Jersey, who have been recognized as Congressional Award winners. These young people worked hard to complete countless hours of volunteer work, as well as personal and physical activity and multiple day expeditions and explorations. Together, believe it or not, these 17 students have accomplished over 3,500 hours of volunteer work. I am so proud of the hard work and service these students have brought to south Jersey. They deserve to be Congressional Award winners.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, Angelic Health Hospice Care recently cut the ribbon for their new headquarters in Atlantic County, New Jersey. Their staff provides palliative, hospice, and transitional care services and wound management to patients in south Jersey. Although they have only been operating for a short time, Angelic Health already employs over 200 employees, and they provide great care to over 100 seniors. What makes Angelic Health special is that they go above and beyond for their patients. They don't make their patients come to their facilities. They go to them, whenever they can, to wherever they can that their patients call home. They don't only give care for their patients; they also provide professional support to the families. And they just don't treat physical ailments. Angelic Health gives the patients social, spiritual, and emotional support as well. I want to thank the staff and the volunteers of Angelic Health who have made our community a more loving place for our seniors and for their families. We are lucky to have them. They have truly impacted lives in south Jersey.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, recently, the Collings Lakes Fire Department held a parade celebrating 55 years of service and dedicated a new fire truck in honor of the late deputy chief, Edwin R. Jones, Jr. Ed took on many roles throughout his life, most of them involving him giving of himself and of his time without expecting anything but to see someone smile. Ed began his career as a volunteer firefighter, and when he moved to Collings Lakes in Atlantic County, he joined the fire department to serve as an engineer. Throughout his 40-year career with the fire department, Ed served in many roles, including treasurer, vice president, fire commissioner, and he was serving as the deputy chief when he passed away in 2017. Ed is remembered. He is remembered by his family, his coworkers, and his friends for being a selfless, caring presence in our community, and his loss is felt by many. Ed was a true American hero.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, all Americans, all people have the right to accessible and affordable healthcare. While I am proud that we have recently passed five bills that improve and strengthen healthcare accessibility, lower prescription prices, and protect access for those with preexisting conditions, we still have much more work to do. Healthcare is the people's issue. When polled, 75 percent of Americans listed it as the most important issue to them, and not just healthcare, but affordable, accessible healthcare. We must fight to improve our healthcare system. We must fight the opioid crisis. We must fight to lower prescription prices, and we must unite to make sure that Americans do not go into debt because they or a loved one has an emergency or are diagnosed with a terrible illness. The only way we are going to make real change, the only way we can protect people is if we work to come together to really form real solutions. My message should be clear: healthcare is truly a right.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my sponsorship in the Fairness to Pet Owners Act, H.R. 1607.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, Harry Yoa is a 101-year-old World War II veteran. He is living in Ocean City, New Jersey. He was only 23 years old when he enlisted in the Army in 1942, working as a truck driver and newly married to his wife, Valerie. In the 321st Bombardment Group in the 12th Air Force, Harry was stationed in the south of France, where he completed 63 missions as an aerial engineer and as a tail gunner. He now, unfortunately, suffers from dementia and doesn't remember much from the war, but he says he hasn't forgotten the intensity of his missions, where he was tasked with repairing the aircraft and defending the craft through the weapons in the rear of the plane. After the war, Harry was awarded multiple medals and three Bronze Stars for his service. In the wake of the 75th anniversary of D-day, we remember the sacrifices of many Americans and the many Americans who made them in World War II. Harry is truly one of the great ones, and God will bless him.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, since its start in the 1940s, the Atlantic County 4-H program has encouraged young people from all communities and backgrounds to immerse themselves in areas of science, health, agriculture, and civic engagement. The Atlantic County 4-H program is one of the longest running programs in the country and teaches valuable life skills to youth in grades K-13. Through 4-H, these young people are engaged in a variety of hands-on projects from livestock to computer science, from gardening to expressive arts. These experiences, of course, could not be possible without the help of volunteers. We are honored to have over 40 volunteers in Hammonton, among many others, and I want to particularly thank a few members of the community who have dedicated many years of service and of their time and expertise to this program. Thank you to Kathleen Einwechter, who has been volunteering for 25 years. Thank you to Al Schollenberger, who has been volunteering for 45 years. And thank you to Dorothy Calimer, who has been giving her time and care to this program for 50 years. You and all of our community flourish, and I am excited to celebrate you today. I am excited about your work, about your volunteerism, and about the difference that you make.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, the Pennsville Veterans of Foreign Wars dedicate their time and their attention to their community through multiple acts of service. Comprised of veterans and those active in the military, the Pennsville VFW doesn't just talk about how they help others, but they actively engage in service projects that better the lives of their community. When local EMTs needed a battery-operated stretcher, the Pennsville VFW provided it; when the Pennsville Police Department needed bulletproof vests, they provided them as well; and when a disabled veteran needed a ramp to get into his home, they also provided that. In addition to these specific acts of service, the members of the VFW have offered annual events to bring their community together as a whole. Every year, the Pennsville VFW members organize a dinner and a pheasant hunt for disabled veterans, as well as an annual Memorial Day parade to honor those who have died for our great United States of America. We are immensely grateful to the services of all New Jersey organizations that help those who have served our country. Madam Speaker, I especially want to thank the Pennsville Veterans of Foreign Wars, whose countless acts of service make an incredible impact on our community as well as our country. We are proud of them, and we love them for what they have done.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, last Wednesday, the south Jersey Cumberland County College baseball team beat their rivals 11-7, winning the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 3 World Series championship. This achievement is the first national championship win in any sport in Cumberland County in south Jersey. The team's coach, Keith Gorman, attributed their success to their impressive pitching staff and tough defense. He also pointed to the importance of their values. Not only does the Cumberland County baseball team value toughness, but they also focus on selflessness. The diversity of Cumberland County has been represented in their team and has contributed to their success. Baseball is incredibly important to the community of Cumberland County, and its college team reflects the values that the south Jersey community holds: selflessness and togetherness. I am very proud of the hard work of these young men and wish them luck in the future.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, Joanne Reagan of Joanne Reagan Dance Studios in Cold Spring, New Jersey, celebrated her 50th year teaching dance over the weekend. She started training at only 8 years of age. Joanne Reagan Dance Studios is founded on belief in the philosophy and mission to build character, discipline, and responsibility through the creative and performing arts. They aim to give students the ammunition and the armor they need to pursue a professional career, if they desire to do so, or in whatever endeavor they choose to pursue in their lives. Students are encouraged to aspire towards their own personal goals in a manner which celebrates the individual and promotes self-esteem, and it also promotes a positive body image. I celebrate Joanne Reagan's service to our community and commend her for passing on these invaluable life skills to southern New Jersey's youth. Madam Speaker, we are really lucky to have her.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, the internet without net neutrality isn't really the internet. Net neutrality is the way the internet should always work. Net neutrality is essential to everything we need in our society and in our democracy, from educational and economic opportunities to political organizing and dissent. Keeping the internet free and open for all Americans is essential to the success of our Nation. Earlier this year, we passed the Save the Internet Act, which I voted for. I strongly believe in working in a bipartisan way to achieve and secure net neutrality to ensure Americans can thrive in the 21st century's information economy. We must continue to work together to ensure that every American has unencumbered access to the internet in a free way, in an open way, in an honest way, and in an American way.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, right now, we face a health crisis. Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia; 5.8 million Americans have this disease. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States of America, and it kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Nancy Reagan called the illness ``a truly long, long good-bye.'' There are organizations and people working tirelessly on the research being done to fight and prevent these statistics from increasing, but they face three major roadblocks: soaring prevalence, lack of effective treatment, and enormous costs. The United States and the world face this crisis, and we must continue to support the funding of research for this incredibly devastating disease. Someday, we will win. Someday, there will be a cure.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, Harrison Township, New Jersey, recently celebrated its 175th anniversary. This town has been a staple of south Jersey for many years. Harrison Township was built on farming, as its local economy and its access to Philadelphia and New York continued its prosperity. After the railroad opened in 1889, the station became a major shipping point. Postwar Harrison Township saw an era of change and growth with new regional highway construction that made the area much more accessible to all. Harrison Township in the 21st century continues to grow with staples like wineries, antique stores, continued agriculture, and farming. But what is most noticeable about Harrison Township is their residents, their people, those who are new, and those who have been here for generations, like Vince Gangemi, Sr., who for so many years has given back to their wonderful town. They love their town. South Jersey is proud to consider this historical place a part of our community.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, today, over 68 million women participate in elections. This would not be possible without the brave and brilliant suffragettes who never gave up the fight for equal rights. Tomorrow, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of House passage of an Amendment to the United States Constitution guaranteeing women the right to vote. This historic centennial offers an unparalleled opportunity to commemorate this victorious milestone of the women's suffrage movement. A vibrant democracy requires that all voices are heard, and when all voices are heard, we have a stronger and better America. These women fought to be heard and to make our Nation a better place, and, for that, we are forever grateful.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate being allowed to speak to the Members of the House. On May 8, 2015, Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Paul Zukunft proclaimed Cape May County a Coast Guard Community, an honor claimed by only 18 cities and only one other county in the entire Nation. The designation, which is confirmed by the United States Coast Guard and the United States Congress, is in recognition of a strong and special relationship between the people of Cape May County and the local Coast Guard personnel, making Coast Guard men and women and their families feel a sense of community in their home away from home. It is an invaluable contribution to morale and service excellence. South Jersey is honored to have Cape May and the Coast Guard as part of its community. Most of all, we should remember all that they went through during the recent shutdown. Our Coast Guard should never have to suffer through that set of circumstances ever again. That is why we have sponsored legislation to protect our Coast Guard in the future.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, right now, we are in the season where folks are deciding where to go to college. A big factor in that decision is their financial aid package. The skyrocketing cost of college is saddling many with outrageous student loan debt. The crippling debt of student loans is reaching $1.56 trillion among 45 million borrowers. It is causing people to delay homeownership, raising a family, and moving comfortably into the middle class. I have introduced the Understanding the True Cost of College Act. It is to help students and families make informed decisions about financing their education and their future by requiring the standardization of communications and the definitions of financial aid terms. It is in the best interest of our country to start addressing this issue in a bipartisan way.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, from the moment of their founding in 1882, the Knights of Columbus have made charity their first principle. Their Liberty Council 1910, based at the parish of the Holy Cross in Bridgeton, New Jersey, is made up of a diverse group of men of the Catholic faith who are guided by the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, but particularly, by charity. A short list of the good works they do includes: blood drives, planning and implementing youth activities, painting the parking lines in their churches, helping the homeless, advocating for the most vulnerable in our society, leading a diaper drive for new mothers in need of assistance, and helping with various fundraisers in the parish. The Knights are committed to serving their parish, their community, and their country, and they do it without fanfare and without expecting thanks. I want to thank the men of Liberty Council 1910 and all the local councils for their service to South Jersey, and the National Organization for its service to our great country, the United States of America.

Mr. VAN DREW

Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to the Members of the House. As a dentist, I have a firsthand understanding of the American healthcare system and the need to make it both accessible and affordable. I have seen the high costs of healthcare and how they can be devastating to those who suffer a health emergency. Additionally, those with preexisting conditions should not feel under the constant threat of losing or not being able to obtain coverage. We must protect our families and our small businesses, including those with preexisting conditions, and work to lower the high cost of healthcare and prescription drugs. Individuals and families lose their homes and their vehicles--literally, their entire way of life--due to the high cost of healthcare and prescription drugs. This week, we voted to lower prescription prices and to protect those with preexisting conditions. We must continue to work together right here in the House in a bipartisan way to do what is right and to make healthcare more accessible for all of the American people.

Mr. VAN DREW

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