Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the leading cause of death of kids in America is now gun violence.

Mr. Speaker, 110 Americans die every day in America because of gun violence.

Five weeks ago, ten people from my community of Buffalo, New York, were shot dead by a white supremacist who planned an attack, drove 300 miles to Buffalo and a Black community of our city.

There was a retired police officer by the name of Aaron Salter. A 30- year veteran of the Buffalo Police Department, he was working security that day.

Someone once said that the best way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. Officer Aaron Salter was a good guy with a gun, but he didn't stand a chance. He didn't stand a chance because he was outgunned and outequipped.

Our police officers in America, in Buffalo, and throughout the country are outgunned by the bad guys. They are outprotected by the bad guys.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the estimated 300,000 Americans living with Scleroderma, an autoimmune disease for which there is currently no cure, and we are unsure of its cause. The actions of individuals like Amy Gietzen and organizations such as the National Scleroderma Foundation have helped--and will continue to help--the community of individuals affected by Scleroderma spread awareness about this disease and work to advance research on a cure.

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue and the vascular system through the excess production of collagen. A localized version of the disease can cause thickening and scarring of connective tissue, or fibrosis, in small areas of the skin. Scleroderma can also be systemic and result in fibrosis in the internal organs. Scleroderma can affect almost anyone and results in issues with the skin, muscles, joints, blood vessels, and in some cases, the heart, lungs, and esophagus. The disease is progressive, presents differently in every individual, and, in many cases, can be terminal.

Amy Gietzen, born and raised in Buffalo, NY, was diagnosed with Scleroderma when she was just 19 years old and has been living with the diagnosis ever since. Today, Ms. Gietzen is on the Board of Directors for the Buffalo chapter of the National Scleroderma Foundation, and she serves as the Chair of the Patient Education and Support Committee.

In addition to her involvement with the National Scleroderma Foundation, Ms. Gietzen is a columnist for the online publication Scleroderma News. She also travels across the country to speak publicly about her experiences with Scleroderma and her personal medical journey. In her quest to raise awareness for the disease, Ms. Gietzen has made it a priority to share her personal story and support others who receive a Scleroderma diagnosis.

Organizations like the National Scleroderma Foundation are similarly working to support those living with the disease. The National Scleroderma Foundation was founded in 1998 to ``advance medical research, promote disease awareness, and provide support and education to people with scleroderma, their families, and support networks.'' The Foundation provides resources including research updates and support groups. The National Scleroderma Foundation is focused on building a sense of community and solidarity for those living with Scleroderma.

I am proud to join the National Scleroderma Foundation in recognizing June 2022 as National Scleroderma Awareness Month and celebrating National Scleroderma Awareness Day on June 29, 2022. Throughout this month, the National Scleroderma Foundation is promoting the ``#tealforscleroderma'' campaign. To show support for those living with Scleroderma and raise awareness about the disease, on June 29th, lights on the Peace Bridge, Niagara Falls, and The Electric Building in Buffalo will turn teal.

It is due to the efforts of individuals like Ms. Amy Gietzen that I speak on this matter today. I thank Ms. Gietzen for her perseverance in the face of this disease and her tireless work advocating for scientific advancements, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the courageous work of Ms. Amy Gietzen and the National Scleroderma Foundation and go #tealforscleroderma.

Madam Speaker, biomedical research can accelerate discoveries to alleviate human suffering due to illness if we allow it.

The speed with which the COVID-19 vaccines were developed using groundbreaking messenger RNA technology is one of the most important biomedical advancements in 100 years.

By establishing the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, otherwise known as ARPA-H, we can harness those lessons for new discoveries in many other diseases.

The potential for lifesaving treatments for devastating conditions like ALS, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and cancer is right in front of us. For millions of Americans suffering and the people who love them, this can't come soon enough.

Madam Speaker, 1 month ago today, my community of Buffalo was targeted by a racist mass shooter. The lasting toll and trauma of gun violence is evident and perhaps most compelling through the words of Buffalo students in Ms. O'Rourke's class.

Taniya wrote, ``I want to be able to go to school and earn my education without the fear of possibly not making it back home because of the color of my skin.''

NasZair describes feeling vulnerable because he is Black and worries, ``Will my family be safe when we go to the supermarkets?''

Journey says, ``I am 13 years old. It is unfair for a middle schooler to regularly think about these things.'' She asks, ``What will you do and the government do to stop these attacks?''

Brianna pleads, ``I want someone to do something. I want the government to do their job. Too many mass shootings happened in such a small amount of time.''

For students and families in Buffalo and other communities forever changed by mass shootings, now is the time for Congress to do its job and take action to end gun violence.

Madam Speaker, on June 8, 2022, I was unable to be present for the recorded vote on Roll Call No. 235. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question (H. Res. 1153).

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the sacrifices of Walter J. Kowalczyk, a U.S. Army Private who earned a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and a Presidential Unit Citation while serving in the battles following the Invasion of Normandy.

Walter Kowalczyk was born in Niagara Falls in 1916 to Franciszek Kowalczyk and Sophie Smiech, Polish immigrants who had moved to the United States just a few years prior. Walter enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 23, 1941 as part of the Third Battalion, 334th Regiment, of the 84th Infantry Division, more commonly known as the ``Railsplitter'' division. He served in the European Theater of Operations from December 8, 1944 until September 26, 1945, during which his unit supported troops in Normandy in the aftermath of D-Day.

While serving as a paratrooper in Europe, Private Kowalczyk participated in the battles of Ardennes, Central Europe, and Rhineland. The campaign in Ardennes, otherwise referred to as the ``Battle of the Bulge'', was carried out from December 16, 1944 to January 25, 1945, and was the last German offensive which resulted in tremendous loss of life.

Later, Private Kowalczyk's unit was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism, gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps under unusually difficult and hazardous conditions during the Battle of Rhineland where he was wounded in action. The citation notes that the unit was assigned to the mission spearheading the advance between the Roer and Rhine rivers. The battalion encountered and defeated considerable enemy resistance, but advanced 42 miles along the banks of the Rhine River in 12 days. During the advance they captured and defended a strategically important German town, as well as several other cities, towns, and villages. Despite little rest and aggressive attacks from the enemy, the Third Battalion, 334th Infantry's conspicuous bravery and dauntless determination played a critical role in the Allied Forces advancement deep into Germany.

Private Kowalczyk was honorably discharged from the military on October 10, 1945 after more than four years of service. After serving, he returned to Niagara County and worked for Tam Ceramics before retiring in 1981. In Western New York he was a member of United Steel Workers, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Lewiston Fire Company No. 1, Power City Lodge, Italian Daughters and Sons of America, and St. Peter's Church. An avid sportsman, he participated in the 3F Sportsmen's Club and became a charter member of the North American Fishing Club. Additionally, he was an active member of the local veteran community, joining Portage Post 146 of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Polish Legion of American Veterans.

Private Kowalczyk married Sophie Saleski with whom he had three children: Carol, Chester, and Paul. They also had four grandchildren: Sarah, Michael, Teresa, and Jacquelyn as well as greatgrandchildren: Geffory, Maylianna, and Antonio. Walter sadly passed away on November 12, 1993 with the shrapnel that resulted from enemy fire during the Battle of Rhineland still in his body. His legacy continued, however, as his son Chester and grandchildren Sarah and Michael all served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Madam Speaker, I take this moment to recognize the bravery of World War II Army Private Walter J. Kowalczyk.

Madam Speaker, in the House Oversight and Reform Committee this morning, we heard compelling testimony from individuals that had been directly affected by gun violence.

The Buffalo Police Commissioner, Joseph Gramaglia, and also Zeneta Everhart provided testimony that is clear and compelling.

The Buffalo shooting that took place, the shooting started at 2:30 in the afternoon and ended 2 minutes and 3 seconds later; one shooter, one weapon of mass destruction, 13 people shot, 10 people dead.

We need sensible gun safety legislation in this country. When you look at the need for background checks, that doesn't violate anybody's constitutional rights; but it affirms the right of people to live freely, to live safely, to live in a prosperous way in our neighborhoods and throughout the country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule for the House to consider commonsense measures to protect our communities and our kids from massacres caused by weapons of mass destruction.

In Buffalo, on May 14, the shooting started at 2:30 in the afternoon. In 2 minutes and 3 seconds it was over: 10 people were killed, 3 injured, 11 African Americans, 1 shooter with a weapon of mass destruction.

I don't want anybody's guns, but we should at least be able to be supportive of background checks to ensure that people that shouldn't have a gun possess a gun. That uplifts the integrity of gun ownership by taking a responsible position and does nothing relative to constitutional rights, and represents a collective responsibility.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Thomas Willett, a Buffalo native who barely survived when the ship he was serving on hit an enemy mine while he was serving our great nation as a Seaman First Class in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Mr. Willett was born in Buffalo, New York in 1926 where he attended high school before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1943 at the age of 17. He spent most of his service in the Asiatic Pacific Theater during World War II. He was stationed on the USS LSM-169 where he participated in numerous battles including the Battle of Corregidor, Luzon and Manila Bay-Bicol Operations where he achieved the rank of Seaman First Class.

On February 15, 1945 the USS LSM-169 struck a mine off the coast of the Mariveles Harbor in the Philippines. A massive explosion caused fires on the ship but Seaman First Class Willett was on the other side of the ship and miraculously survived. The USS LCS-48 and the USS PC- 1133 came to the rescue and saved as many service members as possible. Unfortunately, some service members lost their lives. Although he survived, after being pulled from the water and helping to rescue others, Seaman First Class Willett suffered shrapnel wounds and hearing loss due to the explosion but continued his service until he was honorably discharged from the Navy on April 14, 1946.

Upon returning home and graduating high school, John worked at Buffalo's grain elevators while attending college at night on the GI bill and got married. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves on February 9, 1951 and spent the next few months training at Camp Pendleton in California during the Korean conflict. He officially was discharged from military service on September 1st of the same year he returned home to Buffalo to be with his wife and four children. He is still married to his wife of 73 years, Mildred and his family eventually grew to 12 children, 31 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He worked in the Aerospace industry for almost 40 years, retiring from MOOG to pursue woodworking, athletics and volunteer work including Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, to name just a few.

I am proud to recognize the bravery of World War II Veteran John Thomas Willett.

Madam Speaker, this past weekend, my community of Buffalo, New York, was ravaged by an act of domestic terror.

A white supremacist used a weapon of mass destruction to brutally murder 10 Black people who were just going about their business at the Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue. Three others were wounded.

The victims were ages 32 through 86. They were mothers and grandmothers. They were fathers and grandfathers. They were young adults. They were good people of faith, a retired teacher, and a retired police officer.

This premeditated act was planned to be broadcast to the world on social media showcasing this massacre as the playing out of a vile racist fantasy.

I rise today with my colleagues to honor those who have been lost. To honor them and to help heal our broken community, I urge all of my colleagues to think about what we can do to fight hate.

We have the power, through our words and our votes, to promote civility, tolerance, and kindness. And we have the choice to do better and to work together to fight the evil that exists around us and throughout the world.

Today, we bow our heads in silence, but tomorrow--tomorrow--we raise our voices loudly against hate.

Mr. Speaker, the National Transportation Safety Board found that pilot error was a major factor in the 2009 fatal crash of Flight 3407.

In the months following the tragedy, the families of Flight 3407 fought for safety standards and improvements, which were signed into law and have saved lives.

Now an application is before the Federal Aviation Administration to cut the minimum standard for pilot training in half.

We are calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to categorically reject this request and any attempt to circumvent pilot training requirements.

Families in my western New York community will never have their loved ones back, but we can ensure that every family moving forward is stepping onto an airplane with a fully trained pilot.

Madam Speaker, today it is our honor to recognize the contributions and service of the Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post No. 1928 as they celebrate their first annual dinner this April.

American Legion Post No. 1928 was chartered in 1986 and for the last 36 years has honored the American Legion's foundational pillars of programs and activities that support Americanism, National Security, Children & Youth, and Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation.

Just a few months after the Post was founded by Hispanic American veterans in Western New York, the Legion was renamed the Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post No. 1928, in honor of their fallen Vietnam War veteran, friend and brother affectionately known as Gabe.

As a member of the United States Army's 25th Infantry Division, Gabriel Rodriguez spent over a year in the Qui Nhon region of the Republic of Vietnam. But his service didn't stop there. Upon his return home he joined the New York National Guard where he would serve from 1971 to 1977.

Gabe suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of his wartime experiences which led to his passing in 1981. To honor his legacy, the Gabriel A. Rodriguez Post serves as a place of comfort and community for all veterans including those experiencing PTSD today.

The Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post members' commitment to serving veterans and the community is impactful and unwavering. They helped lead the national push to award the Borinqueneers the Congressional Gold Medal, organized food distribution events during the pandemic, and regularly reach out to help fellow veterans receive the benefits and medals they've earned.

Madam Speaker, for the members of the Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post No. 1928, a commitment to service didn't end following their honorable discharge from duty. It continues today and our community and country are better thanks to their ongoing care and efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jean Hamil for her position as National President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States Auxiliary. Jean Hamil has had a rewarding career in serving the Auxiliary in a plethora of capacities and her work has impacted veterans across the United States, including those veterans who are a part of our very own community in Buffalo.

Jean Hamil's father, George W. Nunnery, is a Korean War Veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1973. Her father's service allowed her to become a Life Member of the East Seminole County Auxiliary 10139.

In addition to working as the Auxiliary, District and Department President, Jean Hamil has worked on the national level, serving as a National District Council Member and the National Director of the Membership Program. She is also a life Member of the VFW National Home for Children and a member of the Military Order of the Cooties Auxiliary, which works to serve struggling families.

In addition to being National President of the VFW Auxiliary, Jean Hamil is employed by the Food Safety & Environmental Compliance for A. Duda & Sons, Incorporation as a Manager.

By combining her lifelong passion of supporting our veterans, with her hobby and love of quilting, Jean Hamil formed a small group called the ``Quilting Angels.'' The group creates quilts for veterans at the Orlando VA Healthcare Center, Quilts of Valor-Orange and Seminole counties, as well as for children who are located at the Safe House center and seniors in Seminole County.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the hard work of Jean Hamil. Her hard work and dedication to our veterans throughout her rich career is something to truly admire, and something to continue to be grateful for as she continues her service as the National President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States Auxiliary.

Madam Speaker, today we recognize the exceptional members of the Military Medical Team completing a mission at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC).

During their time in Buffalo, New York, this team of dedicated and talented physicians, nurses, respiratory technicians, and support members have extended great compassion, risked their own health, and provided life-saving care to our friends, family, and neighbors.

Western New York was one of several deployments made by this unit through a Department of Defense effort providing assistance to civilian hospitals in over 100 cities across the nation since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Time and again, members of the United States military answer the call when our country and our people are in need.

Frontline healthcare workers here at ECMC and throughout the nation have made great sacrifices throughout the pandemic.

We are deeply grateful to these members of the United States Navy for the expertise and support they provided during this national health emergency.

Our community and country are healthier, safer and stronger thanks to their service.

Madam Speaker, today we honor the tremendous legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted. April 26, 2022, marks the 200th anniversary of his birth, a day to celebrate and reflect on the great impact he had in my home community of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York and across the country.

When we visit and admire our national parks, we owe a great gratitude to Frederick Law Olmsted, as he was one of the first individuals to promote the idea of national parks in his 1865 Yosemite Report. He is remembered as the premier landscape architect in the United States during the 19th century and is considered to be the founder of landscape architecture in the United States.

His work and designs included a plethora of different types of landscapes. He worked to develop parks and parkways, college campuses, planned communities, estates, cemeteries, and recreation areas.

In our very own community, we see his impact reflected in the Buffalo Olmsted Park System; the first of its kind in this country which today is recognized on the National Register for Historic Places, and in his design of the State Reservation at Niagara, the first and oldest State Park in the United States which preserved public access to the mighty and splendid Niagara Falls.

It was not just the landscapes themselves that were impressive, but Olmsted's philosophy behind his work and designs which were visionary and have stood the test of time. He believed that landscape designs should promote community, advance democracy, provide recreational opportunities in urban environments, nurture and invigorate public health, and encourage the development of livable communities.

This philosophy was carried out well into the 20th century by Olmsted's associates, sons, and successor firms, leaving a tremendous legacy of historic landscapes that continues to benefit all Americans and visitors.

Madam Speaker, Olmsted's landscape designs are inclusive, enduring, and embrace the restorative value of parks which continue to play a valuable role in society today.