Richard E. Neal

To reauthorize funding for programs to prevent, investigate, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and for other purposes.

in committee

Automatic IRA Act of 2025

in committee

To add Ireland to the E3 nonimmigrant visa program.

in committee

“Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional milestone for an institution in Massachusetts' 1st Congressional District: the 175th anniversary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. For generations, MassMutual has played a vital role in the financial security of millions of Americans and the economic strength of western and central Massachusetts. Founded on May 15, 1851, in Springfield, Massachusetts, where it remains headquartered today, MassMutual has stood for nearly two centuries as a pillar of stability and integrity, maintaining a steadfast and deep commitment to the communities it serves. From its earliest days, the company has embraced an enduring mission: to help people secure their future and protect the ones they love. For 175 years, MassMutual has been a consistent source of strength in moments of change, challenge, and celebration. They have supported American families through defining periods such as the Great Depression and the COVID-19 pandemic, helping communities endure and recover. Beyond its core business, MassMutual has demonstrated a strong commitment to community investment and civic responsibility. Through initiatives such as the MassMutual Foundation, the company has supported education, workforce development, and nonprofit organizations across the Commonwealth and throughout the country. Institutions like MassMutual remind us of the enduring value of trust, responsibility, and service. Their legacy is measured not only in years, but in the lives strengthened through financial security and opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating MassMutual on 175 years of excellence and recognizing its continued contributions to our communities and our economy. I wish the company and its employees continued success in the years ahead. ____________________”

2026-05-15 · Economy

“Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate a remarkable milestone in western Massachusetts broadcasting and educational history: the 65th anniversary season of As Schools Match Wits, an award-winning high school academic quiz show produced by New England Public Media and Westfield State University. To the best of our knowledge, As Schools Match Wits, known affectionately throughout the region as ASMW, is the longest-running, continually broadcast television program in Massachusetts, and quite possibly in all of New England. Founded in 1961 by Leonard J. Collamore and first aired on WWLP-TV, ASMW quickly became a treasured institution in western Massachusetts. For 46 seasons, it provided a platform for students to showcase their academic talents and brought communities together around a shared celebration of learning. When rising production costs threatened the program's future in 2006, the people of western Massachusetts made their voices heard. Their outpouring of support inspired Russell Peotter of WGBY-TV and Dr. Elizabeth Preston of Westfield State University to join forces and save the show, ensuring that this beloved tradition would continue for future generations. In an extraordinary collaborative effort, WGBY and the Westfield State University Department of Communication assembled a dedicated team of producers, faculty, and technical staff who worked tirelessly to rebuild the set, reconnect with participating schools, develop new production schedules, and train students. Their commitment ensured that the program never missed a season. Since 2007, ASMW has aired every Saturday evening from January through June on NEPM/WGBY-TV, welcoming schools from across western Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut to compete in a spirited test of academic excellence. What sets ASMW apart is its deep educational mission. The questions are aligned with Massachusetts and Connecticut high school curriculum standards and vetted by Westfield State University faculty. Undergraduate students from the University's Department of Communication serve as the production crew, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in broadcast television under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Many of these students have gone on to successful careers in media, working at major outlets including the NFL Network, NBC Boston, WBZ-TV, CBS News Texas, the Dan Patrick Show, and WGGB-TV. At the heart of ASMW's longevity is a core group of dedicated professionals who have shepherded the program for nearly two decades. Executive Producers Mark St. Jean of Westfield State University and Tony Dunne of NEPM/WGBY have been with the show since its transition in 2006, as has Director Eric Jones, who began working on the program as a freshman at WSU and now returns each year despite his national-level career. Host Beth Ward, an award-winning journalist, has brought her talent and warmth to the program since 2009. Production Manager Alex Simisky, a former student crew member himself, now oversees the University's TV studios and ensures the smooth operation of each season. Despite the evolution of media and the challenges facing traditional broadcast television, ASMW remains a beloved and enduring institution. It is now a generational program, with parents and grandparents proudly watching their children and grandchildren compete on the same stage where they once stood. Each year, the championship match becomes a regional event, covered by local media and celebrated in communities across western Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, As Schools Match Wits is more than a television show. It is a celebration of learning, a training ground for future media professionals, and a cherished tradition that has strengthened the fabric of western Massachusetts for more than six decades. I extend my deepest congratulations to New England Public Media, Westfield State University, and the countless educators, students, producers, and supporters who have sustained this remarkable program. May ASMW continue to inspire and uplift students for many years to come. ____________________”

2026-01-23 · Education

“Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished service and extraordinary career of Colonel David L. ``Moon'' Halasi- Kun, who has honorably served our Nation for more than twenty-five years and most recently as the Wing Commander of the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts. Colonel Halasi-Kun's career is a testament to dedication, leadership, and excellence in service. Commissioned from the United States Air Force Academy in 1998, he went on to graduate from the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program in 2000. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated more than 3,150 flight hours in the F-15 Eagle and other aircraft, and has participated in combat and support missions in Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, and ATLANTIC RESOLVE. After a decade of active duty, Colonel Halasi-Kun joined the Massachusetts Air National Guard in 2008, where he has served with distinction for the past fifteen years. Rising through the ranks, he has held numerous leadership positions, including Vice Commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, before assuming command in 2022. In this role, he was responsible for ensuring that more than 1,000 military and civilian personnel were mission-ready to defend our homeland and support expeditionary deployments around the globe. Most notably, Colonel Halasi-Kun has upheld the stellar reputation that has become associated with Barnes, positioning the base to be selected as the preferred location to host a new fleet of F-35A aircraft. This decision solidified Barnes' place in the western Massachusetts community for decades to come. Colonel Halasi-Kun's service has been recognized with some of the military's highest honors, including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and the Aerial Achievement Medal. His professional achievements are matched by his academic accomplishments, having earned advanced degrees in Military Operational Art and Science as well as National Resource Strategy. On September 30, 2025, Colonel Halasi-Kun completed his final flight in the F-15C Eagle, marking both the end of his own flying career and the conclusion of the F-15 mission at Barnes Air National Guard Base. In a fitting tribute, he led a four-ship formation on a two-hour mission over the Atlantic, a ``Lunar Flight'' named in honor of his call sign, ``Moon.'' Upon his return, he was greeted by family, friends, and fellow airmen who celebrated his remarkable career and enduring legacy. Mr. Speaker, Colonel Halasi-Kun embodies the very best of our armed forces: courage, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to duty. His leadership has left an indelible mark on the 104th Fighter Wing, and his service has brought great pride to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to our Nation. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Colonel David ``Moon'' Halasi-Kun for his decades of service and sacrifice. We extend our deepest gratitude to him, his wife Gretchen, and his son Luke for their steadfast support throughout his career. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of airmen as the 104th transitions to its next chapter with the arrival of the F-35s. ____________________”

2026-01-08 · Defense