Steve Israel: “As a new Member of this body, let me extend my condolences to the majority leader on the loss that he has suffered.…”

“As a new Member of this body, let me extend my condolences to the majority leader on the loss that he has suffered. Madam Speaker, during the August recess, I joined the United States Coast Guard Fire Island Station for a tour of erosion areas on the south shore of my district. As we returned to the station, the Coast Guard received a report of a swimmer in distress. Coast Guard personnel risked their lives that day, despite turbulent waters and an incoming storm to save another life. Imagine my surprise, Madam Speaker, to learn that many of those same courageous men and women are forced to take part-time jobs because their rate of pay is too low and the cost of housing and health care on Long Island is too high. Some of those people go from saving lives and property during the day to serving pizza and waiting on tables at night. Madam Speaker, it is not sufficient merely to pay tribute to the men and women of the Coast Guard. We have to pay them living wages for protecting our shores and saving our lives. As a new Member of the House Coast Guard Caucus, I am honored to join my colleagues in our efforts to keep our promises to those who protect our lives and our shores with fair pay, decent housing, and affordable health care.”