[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING AND THANKING NATE SOULE

  (Mr. Lawler of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank someone 
whose impact on my office and on me personally cannot be overstated, my 
chief of staff, Nate Soule, as he concludes his service to New York's 
17th Congressional District.
  When I first ran for the New York State Assembly in 2020, before 
there was a congressional office or a seat in this Chamber, Nate took a 
leap of faith and helped build a campaign from the ground up. Together, 
we delivered a victory many said was impossible, defeating an incumbent 
in a district with a 2-1 Democratic enrollment advantage. That race was 
the foundation for everything that has followed.
  In Albany, Nate served as my chief of staff and helped lead one of 
the most active offices in the State assembly. Our team delivered real 
results for the Hudson Valley and built a reputation for being 
accessible, responsive, and relentless when it came to constituent 
services.
  When I was elected to Congress, Nate once again stepped up, first as 
deputy chief of staff and communications director and now as my chief 
of staff. Through every transition, he has brought discipline, sound 
judgment, and an unwavering commitment to the people we serve.
  Nate understands that public service is not about titles or 
headlines. It is about doing the work, telling the truth, and 
delivering for the people who sent us here. His counsel is steady and 
measured, his loyalty unwavering, and, above all, his friendship 
cherished.
  Through Nate's vision, his hard work, and his invaluable leadership, 
our office has not only been more effective but has set a standard for 
what public service can and should be. I have no doubt that he will 
bring the same integrity and dedication as he embarks on a new chapter. 
Doina and I wish Nate and his wife, Lauren, the very best.


            Honoring the Life of Anthony ``Tony'' DeFeciani

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Anthony 
``Tony'' DeFeciani, who passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025.
  Born and raised in Haverstraw, Tony was a proud New Yorker, attending 
Haverstraw High School and participating in the marching band, where he 
was voted the most musical in his senior year.
  Following graduation, Tony enlisted in the United States Navy and 
proudly served during the Korean war. He was awarded the Bronze Star 
after more than 30 years of service. Returning home, Tony worked at 
Bear Mountain, Lederle Laboratories, and New York Telephone/Verizon, 
retiring after 30 years of professional service.
  Tony also gave back to his community as a volunteer firefighter with 
the Haverstraw Fire Department Relief Hose Company No. 3 for 60 years, 
serving as fire chief.
  Tony was an avid gardener and fisherman, built his own boat, and ran 
Rainbow Gardens, known locally for its tomatoes.
  A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Tony 
shared 66 years of wonderful marriage with his beloved wife, Joan. 
Together, they raised six children. He cherished every moment with his 
family and community and will be deeply missed.


                   Honoring Life of Theodore Schultz

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Theodore 
``Ted the Great'' Schultz, who passed away peacefully on January 10, 
surrounded by his family.
  Born in Nyack, Ted was raised on his grandfather's farm in Pomona and 
attended Spring Valley High School, where he earned the rank of Eagle 
Scout. A talented athlete, he wrestled and played football, earning the 
nickname ``Tank,'' and went on to attend Illinois Wesleyan University, 
where he played football for 4 years and later earned his MBA from 
Washington University.
  It was at Illinois Wesleyan that Ted met his wife, Carol. They 
settled in Pearl River, New York, where they raised their children, 
Traci and Craig, before later moving to Stony Point.
  Ted built a remarkable career at Ted Schultz Auto Sales, relocating 
the dealership to Nanuet and growing it into a nationally ranked Ford 
dealership while earning numerous President's Awards.
  Beyond work, Ted enjoyed time with friends, boating on the Hudson 
River, and spending time with his grandchildren. His legacy lives on 
through the lessons he passed on to his family, his friends, and the 
many lives he touched. May he rest in peace.


                Recognizing S.W. Johnson Fire Department

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the S.W. Johnson 
Fire Department in Rockland County on an incredible milestone of 150 
years of dedicated service to our community.
  Since its formation in 1876, S.W. Johnson has been 100 percent 
volunteer, embodying selflessness, courage, and a commitment to 
protecting our neighbors.
  One of the department's most treasured pieces of history is its 
steamer, a Button manufactured in 1896 by the company that would become 
American LaFrance. This remarkable piece of equipment reflects the rich 
legacy and enduring dedication of S.W. Johnson and the fire service 
today.
  I say thank you on behalf of New York's 17th Congressional District 
to the many firefighters who have given their time and bravery to this 
firehouse over the years. Congratulations to S.W. Johnson on 150 years 
of dedicated service. Their commitment, bravery, and volunteer spirit 
are an inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________