[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 17, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2449-H2450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORO VALLEY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the town of Oro 
Valley's 50th anniversary.
  On April 15, 1974, Oro Valley started as a small town with only 1,200 
people. Today, it has grown into a booming community with a population 
of over 48,000 Arizonans.
  The town recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with community 
performances from local bands, fireworks, and parades. This celebration 
was a testament to the sense of community and strong neighborly values 
my family and I have been fortunate enough to experience ourselves over 
the years.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Mayor Winfield and Vice Mayor Barrett for their 
leadership of the community.
  I am so proud to represent Oro Valley and so many other wonderful 
communities like this in our district.


      Remembering the Life of Lead Police Officer Adam R. Buckner

  Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Lead 
Police Officer Adam R. Buckner, one of Arizona's brave law enforcement 
officers who tragically passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
  At just 31 years old, Adam lost his life while serving our community 
so bravely in Tucson.
  Officer Buckner started his law enforcement career with the New 
Orleans Police Department in 2017 and then joined the Tucson Police 
Department in November 2021.
  Officer Buckner recently won the Midtown Division's Officer of the 
Month award for his dedication to the community. His commitment to 
community service shined bright during his time as a lead police 
officer at the Tucson Police Department.
  Officer Buckner was committed to helping others in times of need and 
truly loved the Tucson community. He is remembered as a loyal, kind, 
and selfless friend and remains a true hero in the hearts of our Tucson 
community.
  Officer Buckner is survived by his wife, mother, sister, and three 
brothers. We will never forget Officer Buckner's sacrifice or the 
ultimate sacrifice of any first responder. His death is a reminder that 
our police, fire, and medical personnel and all first responders risk 
their lives every time they put on the uniform. We extend our gratitude 
for his dedicated service and are eternally grateful for his 
contributions.


             U.S.-Israel Friendship More Crucial Than Ever

  Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, this past week, Iran has launched a 
direct, aggressive, unprovoked attack on our ally, Israel.
  I was on the ground in Israel less than 2 weeks ago with a group of 
18 of my colleagues to hear from Israeli police, soldiers, and 
officials about the importance of the United States' partnership.
  As Israel defends itself in their war against Hamas, Iran, and other 
proxy terrorists, the U.S.-Israel friendship is more crucial than ever. 
I met with families of hostages and visited sites of the October 7 
attacks, one of the most impactful parts of my visit.

[[Page H2450]]

  We have seen the names, numbers, and footage, but when you meet the 
families who lost loved ones or visit with them like we did this week, 
it is even more gut-wrenching.
  We also met with several Israeli officials, including Prime Minister 
Netanyahu and President Herzog.
  Mr. Speaker, 193 days is how long the Israeli hostages have been held 
by Hamas terrorists. In Israel, I spoke with the families of the 
hostages. For months, these families have agonized over not knowing the 
status of their loved ones. As a parent myself, it is an unimaginable 
pain. We must stand in solidarity with Israel and bring every hostage 
home now.
  It was a somber but incredibly impactful visit and only reinforced my 
support for our friends in Israel.
  Then, 6 days after I returned, Iran launched an attack on our ally, 
Israel. Over the weekend, Iran launched an attack on Israel that 
included the use of 185 drones, 110 surface-to-surface missiles, and 36 
cruise missiles. Despite the scale, this attack was rendered 
unsuccessful due to Israel's multilayered air defense and its 
partnership with the United States.
  I am now more than ever going to continue to protect the U.S.-Israel 
relationship. I am a proud cosponsor of the Israel Security 
Supplemental Appropriations Act.
  This body must act now. We need to come together to support our ally. 
Time is of the essence.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stand united on this issue 
immediately.

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