Jefferson Van Drew

Agent Orange Service Medal Act

in committee

STOP RGGI Act

in committee

IDA Act of 2026

in committee

“Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Madeline Miller of Logan Township, who at just sixteen years old has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of Scouts nationwide. At such a young age, Madeline has already shown remarkable dedication, leadership, and service. For her Eagle project, she designed and built dog play [[Page E829]] equipment at the Triple Seven Animal Rescue in Elmer, South Jersey, creating a doghouse tunnel, hurdle, and even re-purposing a fire hydrant to provide a lasting space for the animals in their care. Madeline is currently a student at Padua Academy, an institution known for preparing young women through a strong Catholic education rooted in academic excellence and community service. She is a role model for her peers, and her Eagle rank reflects not only her perseverance but also her deep commitment to faith, service, and community. I congratulate Madeline on this spectacular accomplishment and I look forward to seeing what else she achieves. God bless Madeline and God bless our United States of America. The greatest country on the face of the Earth. ____________________”

2025-09-09 · Government Reform

“Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to welcome to Washington, D.C. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual head of the world's Orthodox Christians and one of the most respected peacemakers of our time. Patriarch Bartholomew has long been known as the ``Patriarch of Peace'' and the ``Bridge Builder.'' He joins a long line of true peacemakers in history--figures like Martin Luther King, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, and others who not only worked to reduce conflict, but also showed compassion even toward those who persecuted them. His All- Holiness has endured great trials, facing hostility and harassment from those who would try to silence his faith and his mission. Yet, instead of responding with bitterness, he has consistently answered with courage, with compassion, and with a steadfast commitment to peace. Despite persistent challenges, Patriarch Bartholomew has dedicated his life to building bridges between faiths, nations, and peoples. He has reached out across the Christian world, across East and West, and even across the divide between Christianity and Islam, showing by example that dialogue and mutual respect are the only true path to peace. His advocacy for religious freedom, for human dignity, and for the environment has earned him recognition across the globe. Indeed, he is a past recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and now the Templeton Prize, joining the ranks of luminaries such as Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama. I also want to express my deep gratitude to my Greek Orthodox constituents, especially those of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Atlantic City and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Egg Harbor Township, who carry forward the Patriarch's vision of faith, service, and community here in South Jersey. They enrich our communities and remind us of the enduring strength of their traditions and values. Ladies and gentlemen, the visit of His All-Holiness to our Nation's capital is an occasion of great significance. At a time when the world is too often divided, his voice calls us back to what is essential-- that we are all children of God, and that blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States and in honoring his extraordinary work for peace, justice, and reconciliation throughout the world. God bless Patriarch Bartholomew and God bless the United States of America. The greatest country on the face of the Earth. ____________________”

2025-09-09 · Foreign Policy

“Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize Sergeant Major Kevin Facemyer, a remarkable leader from South Jersey, who is retiring after 27 years of dedicated military service to our great Nation. From enlisting in the U.S. Army with a Ranger contract in 1996, to serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment, to deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Kevin exemplified courage and commitment in some of the most challenging missions of our time. He went on to lead with distinction in the Maryland Army National Guard, where he trained future leaders, prepared units for combat, and supported critical domestic operations. Over his career, he earned some of the Army's highest honors, including the Legion of Spirit Medal, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart, as well as recognition in the orders of Saint Maurice and Saint Michael. As Kevin retires with 27 years of combined service, we salute his extraordinary career, his devotion to his soldiers, and his steadfast defense of our country. God bless Kevin and God bless the United States of America. The greatest country on the face of the Earth. ____________________”

2025-09-09 · Veterans