Lee Zeldin

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment which I am proud to cosponsor with my colleagues, Mr. Roskam and Mr. Lamborn. When the U.S. entered into the JCPOA, we empowered Iran to advance its bad activities. Iran Air was sanctioned in 2011, for using commercial flights to transport missile and rocket components to Syria. The Syrian war is far from over. We cannot allow Iran to establish a permanent presence in Syria. This amendment would block taxpayer funds from supporting a regime that has killed too many people. I strongly support the passage of this amendment. I am concerned, as I hear opposition to this amendment where we are talking about the need to protect American jobs, where the connection is being made to those American jobs being used to support terrorism abroad. That is a stretch. I would encourage my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, if they are concerned about protecting American jobs, that we are pursuing American jobs to help our great country, not supporting the bad activities of a regime that is developing intercontinental ballistic missiles in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions; calling Israel the ``Little Satan'' and America the ``Great Satan;'' overthrowing foreign governments; financially awarding terror; the largest state sponsor of terrorism. I say that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle should be sharing our concern and supporting this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. Roskam for his leadership.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 3354 on behalf of the hardworking fishermen of Long Island and our entire region who are suffering more than ever under confusing and unfair regulations that are threatening to put them out of business. This amendment is nearly identical to one I offered to the DHS division of this bill that unanimously passed by voice vote last week that related to the Coast Guard. Today's amendment would bar the National Marine Fisheries Service from enforcing the ban on striped bass fishing in the Block Island Sound Transit Zone, a 15-mile stretch of water between Montauk Point, New York, and Block Island, Rhode Island. No other species of fish are subject to an arbitrary ban in this section of Block Island Sound, famous for fishing and recreational boating. The fact that the transit zone is considered a part of the EEZ means the ban on striped bass fishing extends into this local waterway. This means hardworking commercial fishermen, charter boat captains, and recreational anglers enjoying a day on the water with their family can suddenly go from fishing for striped bass legally to committing a Federal crime because they are drifted over the 3-mile line. This ban was meant for the high seas, not a local waterway, arbitrarily declared to be part of the EEZ due to a boundary drawn on a map by a bureaucrat in Washington, D.C. Every other species of fish popular in this area--scup; eel; squid; bluefish; even striped bass' cousin, black sea bass--are not subject to an unfair ban in this area. Just like they can legally with proper permits and allocations in adjacent State waters, local fishermen should be able to legally fish for striped bass in this area after State waters end and the transit zone begins. Mr. Chairman, on the East End of Long Island, the coastal economy is our economy. So when unfair regulations impact fishermen, it also hurts the other local businesses like tackle shops, restaurants, gas stations, and hotels. No one is more invested in protecting this important fishery to ensure it is there for the next season and the next generation than the hardworking men and women from my district who rely on fishing as a way of life. This amendment does not create open season on stripers or lift the need for quota allocations or permits. In addition to a nearly identical amendment passing on a voice vote last week, last Congress, my standalone bill to address this issue, H.R. 3070, the EEZ Clarification Act, passed the House with another unanimous voice vote. This amendment is supported by the Recreational Fishing Alliance, the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association, and the Montauk Boatmen and Captains Association. Mr. Chair, I urge adoption of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chair, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Culberson).

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chair, I wish to speak in favor of the amendment. How much time is remaining?

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chairman, my colleague on the other side speaking in opposition actually made a great argument for exactly why the amendment needs to be passed. I completely agree, we should not be micromanaging the local fishery. And the best way to ensure that we are not micromanaging the local fishery is to pass this amendment. The amendment is empowering the local regional council to be able to manage the striped bass fishery. If we don't pass the amendment, then we are micromanaging and we are taking away power from the local council managing the fishery. So by passing this amendment, we are encouraging that regional council to manage the striped bass fishery in that area. Without passing the amendment, then we are micromanaging and we are not allowing any striped bass fishing at all. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chairman, the hardworking fishermen of Long Island's East End, our entire region, and our entire country are struggling. The special interest groups, knowing nothing about the East End, may incorrectly disagree. Fish do not adhere to arbitrary man-made boundaries drawn by bureaucrats. This amendment, by no means, removes the management of this species, including the quotas or allocations meant to protect against overfishing. Now, more than ever, we should be taking commonsense steps to help our fishermen get back to work. This simply allows for local fishermen to not be treated like criminals when they drift across an arbitrary 3-mile line. Mr. Chair, I encourage support from my colleagues for this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chairman, my amendment to H.R. 3354 will provide needed regulatory relief to fishermen from the East End of Long Island and the entire region who are struggling under confusing and arbitrary Federal restrictions on striped bass fishing in Block Island Sound. The unique maritime geography of our region means that making the 15- mile journey by boat from Montauk Point, New York, to Block Island, Rhode Island, requires passing through a segment of waters considered to be part of the EEZ known as the Block Island Transit Zone. For recreational anglers, charter boat captains, and commercial fishermen, this shift in jurisdiction can mean the difference between a nice day on the water and committing a Federal offense. My amendment would bar the U.S. Coast Guard from enforcing this ban on striped bass fishing in these waters so that Coast Guard resources can be focused on their important national security and safety mission. No other species of fish besides striped bass are subject to this confusing ban which was meant to impact the high seas of the EEZ, not a small segment of local waters situated between two State boundaries. Fishermen should be able to legally fish for striped bass in this limited area just as they currently can in adjacent State waters. A recreational angler or boat captain on the water off of Montauk Point, New York, can easily go from fishing legally and responsibly in State waters to violating Federal law once they pass over the 3-mile limit where New York State waters end and the Transit Zone begins. Many of these individuals lack the expensive GPS technology to know if and when they have crossed the boundary, and there are no buoys to warn them. These are responsible men and women who have the greatest vested interest in preserving the striped bass fishery, but they also desperately need relief from confusing government regulations that are hurting their livelihoods and access to local fisheries. Last Congress, my stand-alone bill to address this issue, H.R. 3070, the EEZ Clarification Act, passed the House with a unanimous voice vote. This amendment is supported by the Recreational Fishing Alliance, the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association, and the Montauk Boatman & Captains Association. On behalf of the hardworking men and women of Long Island who rely on fishing as a way of life, I ask for your support on this commonsense amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chairman, this bill removes a burden from the Coast Guard. It doesn't micromanage any local council. It actually empowers the local council. It doesn't make any changes to stock assessments. You still are subject to the management of the local fisheries. You cannot fish for any more fish than you were previously. So actually, all the logic that was used by my colleague, you could actually very much more easily argue the opposite side. It should be further noted that my colleague from California, as she speaks about what is the right policy here on the east end of Long Island for our hardworking fishermen, voted in favor of H.R. 3070, which was unanimously passed by the last Congress. So it wouldn't make any sense to be arguing that this bill places a burden on the Coast Guard when it is lifting it, or that it is micromanaging a local council when it empowers it to control the fishery. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chairman, I think it is a great idea to empower the Atlantic Fishery Council by passing this amendment because if we don't pass this amendment, if we don't change the Federal law, they are not empowered. Federal law says you can't fish in the EEZ between Montauk Point and Block Island, Rhode Island. So if we do not pass this legislation, if H.R. 3070 became law in the last Congress, we wouldn't be here right now and the Council would be managing the local fishery. But Federal law prevents the regional management of the fishery. It actually just says, outright, you can't fish for striped bass at all. So all the arguments that are now being used for the first time against this particular argument, a proposal that was passed unanimously last Congress, which is now being opposed by a colleague from California, to be telling us what the right policy is on the east end of Long Island, saying that we should be managing this fishery is an argument I absolutely agree with, and that is exactly why it is so important to pass this legislation. My colleague, in opposing this proposal, is actually making the argument of exactly why it needs to pass. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote for it. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Madam Speaker, today I was absent in order to accompany the President of the United States on a visit to my district in Long Island, New York. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 436, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 437, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 438. personal explanation

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Donovan for his support. I rise today in support of H.R. 2182, to prevent the sale of Plum Island by the Federal Government to the highest bidder. Situated at the gateway of the Long Island Sound, I personally had the pleasure of visiting this treasured island. In addition to being a critical resource for research, approximately 90 percent of the land on Plum Island has been sheltered from development, offering Long Island a diverse wildlife and ecosystem and critical habitat for migratory birds, marine mammals, and rare plants. Plum Island is also an essential cultural and historical resource as well, with recorded history dating back to the 1700s. The island held the U.S. military's Fort Terry, a coastal defense fortification, which was used through the end of World War II. Since then, Plum Island has been utilized as a research laboratory and has since grown to become what is known today as the Plum Island Animal Disease Center. In 2005, the Department of Homeland Security, which currently has jurisdiction over the island, announced that the Animal Disease Center research would be moved to a new Federal facility, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, NBAF, in Kansas. To offset the cost of this relocation, a law was enacted that called for the private sale of Plum Island by the Federal Government to the highest bidder. However, because of the costs associated with the cleanup and closure of Plum Island, and because of local zoning restrictions, the Federal Government would receive little compensation for the sale of Plum Island. Also, in the 12 years since the move to Kansas was approved, the new facility in Kansas is already fully paid for by a combination of Federal appropriations and State and private funds. Allowing for continued research, public access, and permanent preservation of the island, H.R. 2182 will suspend the laws passed in 2008 and 2011 that mandated the public sale of Plum Island. This bill will commission the Government Accountability Office, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, which currently owns the island, to formulate a comprehensive plan for the future of the island. It requires the plan focus on conservation, education, and research and include alternative uses for the island, including a transfer of ownership to another Federal agency, the State or local government, a nonprofit, or a combination thereof. In the 114th Congress, this bill passed the House unanimously with bipartisan support as H.R. 1887. My amendment to the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2017, H.R. 5485, which would have prohibited any of the funding within the appropriations bill to market or sell Plum Island, also passed the House as well. I would like to thank the other Members of Congress who have cosponsored this legislation and lent their support to this cause, especially my colleagues from Connecticut, Congressman Joe Courtney and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. I would also like to thank House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy for bringing this bill to the floor, House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul, and all of the local elected officials, groups, and concerned residents on Long Island who have taken an issue on this important issue. This bill is endorsed by the Preserve Plum Island Coalition, an alliance of over 65 community and environmental groups in New York and Connecticut, focused on the conservation of this island. I am proud to work alongside all of these great individuals and groups as we strive to save Plum Island. Since taking office in 2015, one of my highest local priorities has been to protect Plum Island. Preserving this island's natural beauty, while maintaining a research mission, will continue to provide important economic and environmental benefits for Long Island. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote in support of this critical bill, as well as for the Senate to pass this legislation, so it may be signed into law this year.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 103rd Rescue Squadron, a unit of the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard. Commanded by Colonel Michael Bank, the 106th Rescue Wing is based out of Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach, located in my home district, and has a long and distinguished history of service. In October 1991, during the storm that was depicted in the major motion picture ``The Perfect Storm,'' an HH-60 and tanker from the 106th Rescue Wing flew to an endangered sailboat about 250 miles south of its base. After survival gear was dropped onto the vessel, they began their return to base. However, braving incredibly severe weather conditions, the HH-60 was forced to ditch 60 miles south of base in the Atlantic Ocean. All but one member of the crew was rescued by the United States Coast Guard cutter Tamaroa. In addition, in 1998, the 106th Rescue Wing carried out the longest overwater rescue mission in an HH-60. Members of their wing were also on scene at Ground Zero during the 9/11 terror attacks. Then, most recently, this past April, the heroic members of this squadron saved several lives when an explosion occurred on a Slovenian cargo ship. These brave airmen took immediate action when called upon to offer desperately needed medical assistance. On April 24, the cargo ship Tamar was rocked by an explosion in the forward bulkhead, which resulted in the immediate death of one individual and severe burns for three other crew members, one who, sadly, perished prior to the team's arrival. 1,300 miles off the coast of Cape Cod at the time of the explosion and holding a crew of over 20 men, the situation looked dire for the injured members of this crew. Boston Rescue Coordination Center was initially contacted for help, who reached out to two Canadian vessels in the area. However, these ships were 12 to 24 hours away, at the very least, and did not possess the necessary medical capability. It was then that the 106th Rescue Wing was called into immediate action to save those lives aboard the vessel. Less than 2 hours after the request was made by the Coast Guard, this seven-member crew, led by Major Sean Boughal, boarded a C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 102nd Rescue Squadron, also a part of the 106th Rescue Wing, to begin the search and rescue. Following a 5-hour flight and superb airmanship by the C-130 crew, the seven-man PJ team executed a complex night parachute insertion of equipment and personnel into the water and then made their way to the stricken vessel. After making it onboard, the 103rd Rescue Squadron PJ team provided advanced medical care for the next 2 days until a Portuguese rescue helicopter could hoist the team off and airlift the injured seamen to a higher level of medical care. If not for the brave actions of this rescue wing, there could very well have been a greater loss of life upon that vessel. Mr. Speaker, these pararescuemen risked life and limb to save these crew members and have more than earned our respect and admiration. Today I would like to honor Major Edward Boughal, Technical Sergeant Jordan St. Clair, Major Marty Viera, Senior Master Sergeant Erik Blom, Master Sergeant Jed Smith, Staff Sergeant Bryan Dalere, and Senior Airman Michael Hartman for their lifesaving efforts on April 24. Not only today, but every day, men and women, like those in the 106th Rescue Wing, put themselves on the line to protect us, our families, and our communities. It is so important that we continue to give our support to our Nation's defenders and provide every needed resource for these heroes. All Americans should be very proud of the 106th Rescue Wing and their continued legacy of remarkably answering the call to duty.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Harold Chapman, a resident of New York's First Congressional District and the 73rd AMVETS National Commander. Commander Chapman's unyielding work for both his country and fellow veterans exemplifies public service, and should be appropriately revered and respected. In light of his years of distinguished service to the United States and her people, I am proud to offer this statement in honor of Commander Harold Chapman. Commander Chapman is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Air Force, with his Vietnam War-era service including 18 months in the Pacific Theater, as well as postings at air bases in California and Texas. Following his honorable discharge, Commander Chapman began his service at the AMVETS Department of New York, taking command of AMVETS New York Post 18 in 1995. Remarkably, Commander Chapman went on to hold each chair in sequence at the AMVETS Department of New York before taking command of the entire department and its more than 70 posts in 2002. Following his two terms as New York's representative to AMVETS' National Executive Committee, in 2008, Commander Chapman became the head of AMVETS District I. This impressive next step saw Commander Chapman oversee all AMVET members and Posts in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. While in command of District I, Commander Chapman's admirable efforts to grow AMVETS membership throughout hi s district merited him an award from AMVETS National Headquarters, in addition to previously being recognized as the Department of New York's AMVET of the Year. Today, Commander Chapman travels the nation to hear directly from AMVETS members on a variety of issues and deliver their important concerns directly to the White House, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Congressional leaders in both the Senate and House of Representatives. As an essential voice in Washington for veterans across the United States, Commander Chapman insists that aiding and protecting our veterans should always be one of our top priorities. Mr. Speaker, Commander Harold Chapman's dedication to public service and commitment to helping our nation's veterans must be commemorated. Commander Chapman has always put his country before himself, and it is both an honor and privilege to serve as his Representative in Congress.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss my resolution, H. Con. Res 30. In July of 1999, three brothers--Ylli, 25 years old; Agron, 23 years old; and Mehmet Bytyqi, 21 years old--who were born in the United States and resided in Hampton Bays, New York, went overseas towards the end of the Kosovo war to fight mass war crimes aimed to eradicate the civilian Albanian population from Kosovo. These three men left the comfort and safety of their homes in the U.S. to embark on a civilian humanitarian mission. They were trying to stop abroad those horrific crimes against humanity. During that civilian humanitarian mission, they were arrested after accidentally crossing into Serbian-controlled territory. Two weeks later, they were given a judicial order of release. Instead, the brutal execution of these men followed shortly after, and it was not until 2001, 2 years later, that their remains were found in a mass grave. While Serbian authorities have investigated the deaths of the brothers, there have been no charges brought against those responsible for those murders. Moreover, the main suspect remains a prominent member of the governing political party. Today we remember Ylli, Agron, and Mehmet, who were senselessly and brutally murdered 18 years ago. Since taking office over 2 years ago, I have been committed to helping the Bytyqi family receive the justice they have long deserved. I have been in contact with the family as we work to resolve this. In the last Congress, I introduced H. Con. Res. 51, calling for justice to be served in these horrible murders, and imploring the Serbian Government to make it a priority that this must be properly investigated and that those suspects be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I am proud to have reintroduced this legislation in the 115th Congress as H. Con. Res. 20. It is absolutely reprehensible that, despite many promises by Serbian officials to resolve this case, no individual has ever been found guilty of this horrible crime, nor of any crimes associated with the deaths of these innocent Americans. It is the responsibility of the Serbian Government to resolve this case, and my resolution notes that progress into this investigation should remain a significant factor which determines the further development of U.S.-Serbian relations. Their inaction on finding and prosecuting those responsible is an insult not only to the memory of Ylli, Agron, Mehmet, and the Bytyqi family, but to every American. The Bytyqi brothers gave their lives to fight injustice. It is now upon us to return this favor and deliver justice for their family. Those responsible for these unspeakable acts against our citizens must face the law. It is vital that the Serbian Government steps up and does what is right. Eighteen years later, it is time we put an end to this sad story.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1871, the Property Tax Reduction Act, which is essential legislation to give our counties and taxpayers desperately needed fiscal relief and to help bring New York's Medicaid costs under control. Under current federal law, states are allowed to impose a portion of their state Medicaid funding responsibility onto local municipalities. My state, New York, chose to take advantage of this in an extreme sense. In 2015, for example, New York transferred more than $7.2 billion of its non-federal Medicaid burden to counties. The burden New York has placed on its counties is greater than any other state in our country. The other 49 states combined only burden their counties with about $2.3 billion in Medicaid costs. This means that New York counties pay three times more for Medicaid than all other counties in the country combined. My home county, Suffolk, pays, on average, approximately a quarter billion dollars per year to the state for Medicaid, with $243,470,248, for example, being spent in 2015. Protecting our most vulnerable population is essential, and ensuring adequate funding for Medicaid programs is vital; however, New York's program has dangerously exploded. Our county governments around New York are in dire need of the fiscal relief provided through this legislation. There is no reason New York State cannot identify and achieve the $2.3 billion amount of efficiency necessary and available in the state Medicaid system, while at the same time making it clear that this can be achieved without harming any low income residents in need of coverage. If the state needs any advice on how to accomplish this, I am here to help. The state's conversion to Managed Long Term Care, gross overbilling of Medicaid into the hundreds of millions of dollars by some entities, eight and nine figure at a time handouts to 1199 SEIU to curry political favor, and many other issues result in a major problem that must be immediately confronted head on. Not only does New York State spend more money on Medicaid than Illinois, Texas and Florida combined, but it spends just about the same amount on Medicaid costs that Florida spends on its entire state budget despite having an almost identical sized population. H.R. 1871 would single handedly flip Suffolk County's recurring massive nine-figure budget deficits into budget surpluses. For residents of my district, this is a dream scenario that lifts our county out of a very dire annual budget crisis. If this bill became law, you could eliminate Suffolk's $50 million annual property tax levy completely, eliminate Suffolk's $150 million structural deficit, and have $50 million left over for combating the heroin and opioid epidemic, improving infrastructure, public works programs, environmental preservation and coastal erosion programs, upgraded and improved sewering or for some other purpose that county residents deems necessary. Passage of this bill is critical to providing necessary relief not only for Suffolk County, but many counties across New York. I urge all my colleagues to support this important measure, I thank Congressmen Chris Collins and John Faso for this proposal, and I look forward to getting this bill across the finish line.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to St. Mary's Episcopal Church as the congregation celebrates its 150th Anniversary. The church's endurance throughout time matches the ceaseless devotion of its patrons, and is an achievement that must be appropriately recognized and praised. Constructed shortly after the Civil War, St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Ronkonkoma, New York has stood as a testament to its patrons' religious fervor and tenacity. For a short time following the conclusion of the Civil War, Episcopalians in the area worshipped in a school house until the congregation eagerly decided in June of 1867 to build a church. The church was completed six short months later, and its first service was held on Christmas Eve of 1867. The property for the church, and a sizeable portion of the funds used to construct it, were donated by Welsh Colonel John Henry Puleston, a knight and distinguished Member of Parliament. Unfortunately, the parish fell on hard times around 1880, when the number of communicants dropped significantly due to a dearth of year- round Protestants in the area. While there were talks about shuttering the church, Reverend Rodney M. Edwards believed the religiosity and love expressed by his parishioners was so resolute that he could not imagine deserting them. Accordingly, the church's ardor attracted more communicants, and the parish began to once again thrive a decade later. Then, in 1920, benefactors joined together to revive and repair the Church in the image of its founders' intentions. The current St. Mary's Episcopal Church, which was admitted into union with the diocese in 1972, was built with the essence of its predecessor, but with more space to house a growing number of patrons. Today, the rector of the parish is the experienced Reverend Beth O'Callaghan, who leads a congregation of over 200 communicants. This year, the parish remarkably celebrates its 150th anniversary, an apt representation of St. Mary's Episcopal Church's unyielding zeal and devotion. Mr. Speaker, St. Mary's Episcopal Church's 150th Anniversary is an achievement that serves as a testament to the devotion of the congregation. Their religious zeal cannot be underscored or admired enough, and it is my distinct honor and privilege to represent the church in the First Congressional District of New York.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday evening June 6 I was not present for votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 287, and YEA on Roll Call No. 286.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the CHOICE Act, and I thank Chairman Hensarling for his strong leadership. Imposing regulations meant for large, transnational firms on community banks and credit unions may make sense to bureaucrats in Washington, but to hardworking families on Long Island, it means you can't buy that first home or you can't get that small-business loan. Today we have the opportunity to remove the barriers to job creation and prosperity that have given us the weakest economic recovery in American history. The CHOICE Act will end taxpayer-funded bailouts, restore accountability, and jumpstart innovation and job creation. I strongly support this legislation, and I urge its adoption.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Lubin Walter Hunter on his 100th birthday, and to thank him for his years of dedicated service to our community, state and nation. Lubin Walter Hunter, the oldest living member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and oldest living veteran in the Town of Southampton, was born and raised on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation in Southampton, NY. Mr. Hunter proudly served our country during World War II as a B17 Navigator Gunner with the Army's Air Forces in the Pacific Arena. Just prior to enlisting in a cadet program, Mr. Hunter was employed as a ``shipper and corker'' on both the USS Iowa and Missouri battleships in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. After the war, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Brooklyn College while working as a social worker. In his retirement, Mr. Hunter returned to serve his tribal community by becoming an Elder at the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church, serving as Director of the Senior Nutrition Program. Mr. Hunter was also elected as a member of the Shinnecock Tribal Council, and served as a Health Committee Advisory Board member of the Shinnecock Family Preservation Center. Additionally, Mr. Hunter was a founder of the Shinnecock Golfers Association. Today, I would like to wish Mr. Hunter happy birthday, and thank him for his service to our nation and the Shinnecock people.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1005, a bill which would provide no-cost medical model adult day healthcare at State Veterans Homes to veterans who are 70 percent or more service-connected disabled. This bill is an extension to the Veterans Benefits, Healthcare, and Information Technology Act of 2006, which currently provides no-cost nursing home care at any State Veterans Home to veterans who are 70 percent or more service-connected disabled. Medical model adult day healthcare provides comprehensive medical, nursing, and personal care services combined with engaging social activities for physically or cognitively impaired adults. Medical model adult day healthcare offers a complete array of rehabilitative therapies, including physical, occupational, and speech therapies, hospice and palliative care, social work, spiritual, nutritional counseling, and therapeutic recreation. The program is designed to promote socialization and stimulation and maximize the participant's independence while enhancing their quality of life. The program is staffed by a team of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals who evaluate each participant and customize an individualized plan of care specific to their health and social needs. Adult day healthcare is an alternative care setting that can allow some veterans who require long-term care services to remain in their homes rather than be institutionalized in a nursing home. Such veterans typically require support for some, but not all, activities of daily living--ADLs--such as bathing, dressing, or feeding. In many cases, a spouse or other family member may provide the veteran with much of their care, but they require additional support for some of the veteran's ADLs. By filling these gaps, adult day healthcare can allow these veterans to remain in their homes and communities for additional months or even years and thereby lower the financial cost of caring for these heroes. Adult day healthcare also provides family caregivers support and relief. Adult day healthcare programs can help caregivers to meet their other professional and family obligations or provide a well-deserved respite while their loved ones are participating in the program. I would like to thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for their leadership and support on this issue. Also, I would like to thank the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and the great staff for recognizing the need for this critical legislation. Mr. Speaker, this is a piece of legislation I would encourage all of our colleagues to support.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside my colleague Mr. Suozzi to recognize the dedication of Route 25A on Long Island's North Shore as the Washington Spy Trail and to pay special tribute to the brave men and women of the Culper Spy Ring, considered the first organized espionage ring in the United States. We thank these dedicated patriots for their loyalty and bravery. During the American Revolution, Long Island's North Country Road (now State Route 25A) was the road traveled by George Washington in 1790 to thank patriots for helping him win the American Revolution. It is also the road that Culper Spy Austin Roe traveled to cross enemy lines to pick up and deliver secret messages to other brave men and women serving in the Continental Army's military intelligence and espionage units in New York City. Today, a special dedication ceremony will take place at the Brewster House (built in 1665) in Setauket, NY, where three historical markers will be unveiled across this route to commemorate the unsung sacrifice of the Culper Spy Ring and the critical role they played in our nation's struggle for independence. The Culper Ring, also known as the Setauket Spy Ring, was a group of operatives whose purpose was to make General George Washington aware of the movements of the British in New York City and on Long Island. The Long Island Culper Spy Ring was a band of dedicated and brave patriots who served valiantly at a time when getting caught as a spy could mean certain death by hanging or rotting to death on a British prison ship. The Culper Spy Ring's strategic location on Long Island's North Shore, situated between patriot New England and British occupied New York City, had a tremendous impact on the outcome of the war. The ring was of great military importance and contributed to many of the decisive victories of the Continental Army, including those at Trenton, Saratoga, and Yorktown. The critical intelligence gathered by the Culper Spies also uncovered the betrayal of Benedict Arnold and his treasonous plan to surrender West Point to the British. The brave work of the Culper Spies was also critical in thwarting a planned British assault on newly arrived French allied forces that landed at Rhode Island in 1780 to help turn the tide of the war. Mr. Speaker, many of these brave men and women, through the nature of their clandestine service to the American Revolution, never had their names recorded in history. For the names that we do know, I ask my colleagues to honor their bravery and service, and I include their names in the Record. Benjamin Tallmadge: (Code Name: John Bolton.) He reported directly to General George Washington, and was his director of military intelligence. He created the patriot spy ring operating out of New York City and headed the Culper Ring out of the village of Setauket on Long Island. Robert Townsend: The Chief informant of the Culper Spy Ring and Benjamin Tallmadge's right hand man. He posed as a Tory merchant and befriended many British soldiers in New York City to gather intelligence. Because of his society connections, he was widely known in British circles. He was a resident of Oyster Bay, NY. Austin Roe: He served as the messenger for Robert Townsend. He owned a store and tavern in Setauket and rode fifty-five miles back and forth to New York City several times per week through British held areas to deliver and pick up coded messages written in invisible ink. Abraham Woodhull: (Code Name: Samuel Culper Sr.) He was an intricate part of the circuitous way the ring shared critical intelligence. Woodhull's farm in Setauket was his base of operation and it was there that he allowed Austin Roe to pasture his cows so they had a place to hide messages in a secret box. Caleb Brewster: As a member of the ring, he was the intermediary between Abraham Woodhull's farm in Setauket and Major Tallmadge's headquarters in Connecticut. Brewster was a seafarer from Setauket and used his whaleboats to cross the Long Island Sound to Connecticut. He was also responsible for capturing many British supply ships that were carrying messages. Anna Smith Strong: Setauket native Anna Smith Strong's assignment in the Culper Ring was to signal Brewster's arrival to Abraham Woodhull. She did this by hanging laundry on her clothesline in pre-arranged configurations, a system that fooled everyone by the wisdom of its simplicity. If she hung up a black petticoat, it meant that Brewster was in town to share critical intelligence. These brave patriots will be recognized today, May 18, 2017, at the dedication of the Washington Spy Trail. Mr. Speaker, we should be extremely grateful as both a people and a nation to each and everyone of these individuals. To honor their memory, we must continue to uphold the values of the American Revolution that these brave men and women were willing to give up their lives and freedom for: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, many Americans, when faced with that split- second decision to act in a crisis with selfless valor, or to flee, answer the call of duty in service to their fellow man. In June 2016, NYPD Officers Peter Cybulski and Hameed Armani, both of whom I had the privilege to meet last month, were on patrol in Times Square when a suspected bomb was thrown into their vehicle. Rather than vacating their vehicle in place, these officers selflessly drove their car one-and-a-half blocks away from the public in a crowded Times Square. In that moment, when others might have simply fled the scene to save their own lives, Officers Cybulski and Armani were prepared to sacrifice everything to save the people they were sworn to protect. This selfless act of bravery is just one of so many acts of heroism by our police officers every single day. This week is National Police Week, where we honor our members of law enforcement and remember the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The brave men and women protecting our communities deserve recognition for their selfless acts of courage and commitment to serving our Union. This special week began in 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Every year, the week on which that date falls is designated as National Police Week. Since then, thousands of our officers and their families from all across our great Nation come to Washington, D.C., during this week to be recognized for their selfless duty and to honor those who have fallen in service to their community. I have always believed that our Nation has a perennial obligation to provide our police officers with every ounce of support that we have to offer. These heroes deserve to know that the people of this Nation, for whom they have given so much, are forever grateful. It really is the least that we can do for these brave men and women. As a Member of Congress, I have committed myself to ensuring law enforcement is given all of the support necessary, and more, to carry out their selfless mission. Last year, around this time, we passed five key pieces of legislation which both honor our police and ensure those still serving possess the tools and equipment needed to carry out this responsibility. Some of these bills included the Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2016, the Federal Law Enforcement Self-Defense and Protection Act, and the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program and Reauthorization Act. And again this year, this week, we are doing the same: passing legislation to protect our law enforcement who sacrifice so much to protect us. In recent years, our Nation has become fractured, and our police have been subject to acts of violence and hatred. It is more important now than ever before that law enforcement receives our unwavering appreciation, support, and respect. Courage, leadership, and a commitment to service, these are the qualities embedded within our members of law enforcement, the traits by which they uphold deeply with dignity and honor. This week, and every week, it is so important to honor those who have put themselves into harm's way to protect us, our families, and our communities. Their sacrifices will, and should, be revered for generations to come.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to 42 exemplary young men and women from the First Congressional District of New York who have chosen to serve our country in various branches of the Armed Forces of the United States. These courageous individuals will be dedicating at least their immediate future to the security and welfare of their fellow citizens. I admire their strong sense of patriotism and desire to protect our values and make certain we remain the great nation we are today. Each of the following students has my deepest appreciation for their service to this country and I ask my colleagues to join me in personally recognizing: US Army, Liam Clifton, Bellport High School; US Army, Alejandro Freire, William Floyd High School; US Army, Marcus Glenn, Longwood High School; US Army, Francisco Hernandez, Bellport High School; US Army, Brandon Lech, Bellport High School; US Army, Bailey Meyer, Eastport South Manor High School; US Army, Robert Napadano, William Floyd High School; US Army, Julio Robles, Longwood High School; US Army, Bryan Staker, Longwood High School; US Army, Nicholas Vallejos, Bellport High School; US Army, Jenna Vaughn, Bellport High School; US Army, Aaron Vogel, Eastport South Manor High School; US Army, James Welsh, Patchogue-Medford High School. US Marines, Chris Ballas, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Thomas Callaghan, Longwood High School; US Marines, Tyler Cerce, Longwood High School; US Marines, Shane Hobel, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Freddy Kaucky, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Matt Lovett, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Bryan Lucero, Patchogue-Medford High School; US Marines, Brandon Maher, Patchogue-Medford High School; US Marines, Kevin Mardjani, Center Moriches High School; US Marines, Joselino Molina, Center Moriches High School; US Marines, Shaun Muller, Patchogue-Medford High School; US Marines, Andrew Passaro, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Gerardo Perez, Longwood High School; US Marines, Steven Rice, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Vinny Roxburgh, William Floyd High School; US Marines, Joseph Slawinski, Center Moriches High School; US Marines, Gareth Walsh, Center Moriches High School; US Marines, Carlie Wegley, William Floyd High School. US Navy, Samantha Braband, Patchogue-Medford High School; US Navy, Tyler Classic, Longwood High School; US Navy, Matthew Fields, Patchogue-Medford High School; US Navy, Noah Giron, Bellport High School; US Navy, Saniya Joyner, William Floyd High School; US Navy, Quincy Morgenstond, William Floyd High School; US Navy, Darrion Negron, Bellport High School; US Navy, Matthew Pfisterer, Bellport High School; US Navy, Gabriel Schrage, Center Moriches High School. US Air Force, Isaiah Tavarez, Longwood High School. Air National Guard, Mike Insogna, Eastport South Manor High School. These enlistees will be recognized on May 18, 2017 during the third annual ``Our Community Salutes Brookhaven Town Enlistee Ceremony'' at Sunset Harbor in Patchogue, NY. Mr. Speaker, we should be extremely grateful as both a people and nation to each and every one of these individuals. Their call to duty cannot be underscored or admired enough and it is my distinct honor and privilege to represent them and their families in the First Congressional District of New York. I wish them the best of luck in their respective branches and in all of their future endeavors.