[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 104 (Thursday, June 20, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H4926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING THOMAS J. HAAS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Huizenga) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of 
a friend, public servant, and caring educator: Grand Valley State 
University President Thomas J. Haas.
  As a retired U.S. Coast Guard captain who also holds a Ph.D., 
President Haas has devoted his life of service to our country and, most 
recently, to west Michigan and the students of Grand Valley State 
University.
  Having been appointed the university's fourth president in 2006, he 
successfully laid a foundation for a culture that nurtures innovation 
and excellence. Under his leadership, enrollment has soared to over 
25,000 students, while 46 undergraduate and graduate programs have also 
been added and the university expanded with 2.5 million square feet of 
new buildings.
  ``T. Haas,'' as he is affectionately called by students, and his 
wife, Marcia, will forever be cherished and adored by the Grand Valley 
community. Together, they have passionately dedicated themselves to 
putting students first.
  The now-famous selfie with T. Haas, as it is known, it is a clear 
example of the way they treated every student like their own.
  President Haas is the epitome of the phrase ``Laker for a Lifetime.'' 
It has been an honor to work with him in support of Grand Valley, its 
students, and all of west Michigan.
  While his time as president may be coming to an end, his legacy and 
impact will forever live on.
  Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Zeldin).


                        Recognizing Luis Alvarez

  Mr. ZELDIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lou Alvarez, an 
incredible patriot, Long Islander, and 9/11 first responder who 
inspired so many just last week in front of the House Judiciary 
Committee in support of the Never Forget the Heroes Act, which will 
reauthorize and fully fund the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.
  After his appearance in D.C., Lou rushed home for his 69th round of 
chemo. Let me repeat that: After coming all the way down to Washington 
to beg for the benefits that he and so many others were promised, Lou 
Alvarez had to rush home for his 69th round of chemo.
  Unfortunately, when he got home, things did not go as expected. This 
morning, I am sad to report, Lou is in hospice, watching us here on the 
House floor.
  Lou is one of the many first responders who raced to Ground Zero on 
September 11 without a second thought, who, in the weeks following, 
worked 12-hour shifts on the pile, aiding in the rescue and cleanup 
efforts.
  Lou, like so many of his fellow first responders, was diagnosed with 
one of the thousands of cancers attributed to the inhalation of toxic 
air and debris at Ground Zero.
  We have lost more 9/11 first responders since 9/11 than we lost 
people on 9/11 itself. We must fully fund and reauthorize the 9/11 
Victim Compensation Fund.
  Last Tuesday, like so many times before, Lou once again made the trip 
to Washington to testify in front of the committee, begging Congress to 
fully fund the compensation fund.
  It wasn't his first time to D.C., not by a long shot. It wasn't his 
second or third time. Unfortunately, it may have been his last.
  The wait has been a disgrace to these first responders, to their 
families, and to our Nation.
  This isn't just a New York issue, and I thank Bill Huizenga for 
staying around for Lou. This isn't a Democratic or Republican Party 
platform or a political football.
  This is a responsibility that we all shoulder as Americans, first and 
foremost. This is the spirit of our country. It is who we are as a 
people.
  Last Wednesday, following Lou's testimony, the Never Forget the 
Heroes Act passed committee unanimously. This floor and the Senate need 
to pass it to make this bill law right away.
  I would like to sign off today the way Lou signs off nearly 
everything he writes, the way he lives his life each and every day, 
until his very last. Lou Alvarez says, ``Still here, still breathing, 
still fighting.''

                          ____________________