The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“IN RECOGNITION OF COLONEL PETER NEZAMIS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H1250 on Jan. 29, 2019.
The Department provides billions in unemployment insurance, which peaked around 2011 though spending had declined before the pandemic. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, claimed the Department funds "ineffective and duplicative services" and overregulates the workplace.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF COLONEL PETER NEZAMIS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost) for 5 minutes.
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Peter Nezamis of Belleville.
It was recently announced that Colonel Nezamis will be promoted to brigadier general and will lead the Illinois Air National Guard, where he will lead over 3,000 personnel.
He commanded the Air National Guard's 126th Air Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base, which received the Outstanding Unit Award, under his guidance.
Colonel Nezamis has commanded numerous expeditionary operations and flew over 275 combat and combat support hours. He first joined the Air National Guard in 1986 and has served our State and Nation over 30 years.
Colonel Nezamis, we know you will serve the State and Nation to the best of your ability, and congratulations in your new role.
Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I also rise to bring awareness about a coming crisis in our Nation's agricultural workforce.
According to USDA, the average age for a farmer is now 58 and has been on the rise for over 30 years. Our Nation faces a shortfall of 700,000 agricultural workers over the next 20 years.
How can we reverse this trend? According to the Department of Labor, 45 percent of armed servicemembers are from rural America. Many of our returning heroes struggle to find employment after serving our Nation.
Agriculture is a sensible solution to fill the economic gap our veterans face. That is why I joined with my friend and colleague on the House Agriculture Committee, Al Lawson of Florida, to introduce the Vets to Ag Act. Our bill streamlines the process for veterans getting apprenticeships in the agricultural industry.
Despite dysfunction in Washington, we are still fighting for bipartisan, commonsense solutions to help our farmers and our veterans. I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan effort.
Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today in recognition of Human Trafficking and Prevention Month.
Human trafficking cases are on the rise nationwide. As the grandfather of 11 grandchildren, I am angry about that. My appreciation goes out to members of law enforcement who are on the front lines combating these crimes and making our communities safer.
Programs like the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign help combat human trafficking. The program works to make sure, if trafficking victims are taken over the border, they are rescued or have a resource that they can turn to for help.
These are important steps, but there is still so much more work remaining. Both parties must work together to do our part in wiping out this evil before it does any more harm.
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