Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to sound the alarm on an urgent situation that requires the Federal Government to deploy an emergency response.

A retired U.S. Navy vessel at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park is sinking. Without help, the USS The Sullivans, which was part of an elite class of World War II destroyers and is a national historic landmark, will be lost forever.

The visual of a partially submerged ship in Buffalo's harbor provides a vivid warning that irreplaceable military history is in jeopardy if we don't act.

This isn't the only vessel in need of support. Maritime heritage grants, national preservation programs, and the Department of Defense are potential

sources of funding to help these vessels.

Dedicated sailors operated these vessels to defend our Nation. It is our turn to protect their stories and the lessons they provide to future generations. We, as a Nation, cannot abandon them or these ships.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of the Council of Heritage and Arts of India (CHAI). CHAI is a local nonprofit organization that promotes Indian culture, arts, and heritage here in Western New York. Their annual dinner and dance brings together friends and family to celebrate the organization's cultural and community relations.

Formed in 2018, CHAI serves the Western New York Community by building bridges among Indian and non-Indian communities. Their work recognizes the important role that culture plays in nation-building and represents a set of shared values, goals, and practices.

CHAI helps the Western New York Indian American Community better understand its needs and provides access to critical government resources. Additionally, they have worked with Western New York's international community, in partnership with government officials, to assist with and resolve immigration issues.

CHAI puts an emphasis on their charity work. During the pandemic, they raised more than $7,000 toward PPE for hospitals and frontline workers in the Buffalo area. The practice of ``anna danna'', or ``offering of food'', is common within Indian society and continues to be an important aspect of their culture. In addition to PPE, CHAI also provided groceries for international students at the University of Buffalo who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

CHAI operates under the guidance of Executive Director Sibu Nair and a dedicated executive committee. The organization has tremendous community and government support, which allows them to complete major community projects in addition to their distinguished charitable work and community relations efforts.

CHAI recently installed a monument for Mahatma Gandhi in the Town of Amherst. The memorial is a gift to the town that symbolizes peace and friendship. It serves as a landmark for the Western New York Indian- American community and further connects the United States and Indian democracies. In 2022, CHAI will initiate the development of an Indian Heritage Center here in Western New York.

This year, CHAI is gathering to celebrate the Indian American community here in Western New York at their annual dinner and dance. Family and friends of CHAI will come together to showcase the organization's success in serving the community and helping to provide resources to those in need.

CHAI's mission to celebrate the diverse heritage of India has helped many people across the Western New York Community, because of their commitment to cultural beliefs and values. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing CHAI's work serving the community, connecting our cultures, and celebrating our democracies.

Mr. Speaker, restaurants have been hit particularly hard during the pandemic, taking on increasing costs while facing huge revenue losses.

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provided $28.6 billion for restaurants nationwide and delivered over $85 million to restaurants in my community.

Still, the demand was greater than the resources made available by Congress, with over 175,000 eligible restaurants that applied for grants through the program going entirely unfunded.

This week, we have the opportunity to fill that gap, support small businesses, and save jobs by passing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act. I am proud to support this bill and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

After a long, difficult period of isolation, people are coming together and going back to restaurants, but we need to make whole these restaurants that have lost money based on nothing that they have done.

Madam Speaker, over 34 million people in the United States have diabetes.

Nearly a quarter require insulin to stay alive, but the cost of insulin is bankrupting American families, and that must change.

According to research conducted by RAND, Americans pay an average of $99 for a unit of insulin while Canadians spend just $12.

This study looked at insulin prices in 32 other countries. It found that the cost of insulin was always higher, often 5 and 10 times more expensive for people living in the United States versus that of people living in other countries.

That is why I rise today in support of legislation that would cap the maximum cost of insulin at $35 a month.

Insulin is necessary and lifesaving. It shouldn't be costing families their life savings.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on National Vietnam War Veterans Day to honor U.S. Army Specialist Roger Dearmyer, a western New York native and Purple Heart recipient who passed in December 2021.

Roger deployed to Vietnam in 1966 with the Fourth Infantry Division of the United States Army. Spending much of his deployment in the jungles of Vietnam, he was injured in action in April 1967.

Roger returned home and served as an Erie County sheriff's deputy for 31 years.

He remained active in the veteran community as a member of the Fourth Infantry Division Association and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 187.

In 2019, we presented Roger with the medals he earned while serving, including a Purple Heart, a Vietnam Service Medal with a triple Bronze Star attachment, and a Combat Infantryman Badge.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Roger Dearmyer, a man who lived a life of service to his family, his community, and his country.

Mr. Speaker, this week, the House will consider a bill to provide both humanitarian and military aid to the people of Ukraine.

We must fortify President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people from an unprovoked attack on an independent country. We must also protect ourselves.

Putin has weaponized oil and natural gas export profits, profits that he stole from the Russian people, parking oil profits throughout the world in oligarchs.

Right now, the United States imports 22 million barrels of Russian oil every single month. This is 60 percent of the money that Putin used to leverage his invasion, and it must stop.

Our country needs long-term energy independence.

There are 211 lithium-ion battery plants in the world. Mr. Speaker, 156 are in China, and just 12 are here in the United States. We need to get tough on China, but we need to get tougher on ourselves about China.

Everyone will benefit from an America that is producing electric vehicles and one that is truly energy independent. It is time to get serious about this. American jobs and national security are on the line.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on the issue of access to effective therapies for Parkinson's disease for our veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 110,000 veterans have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. While the exact causes of Parkinson's are unknown, many veterans developed the disease after exposure to Agent Orange and other chemicals while serving our Nation.

PD is a lifelong and progressive disease for which there is no cure, and frustratingly little progress has been made in recent decades in the race to find new effective treatments for Parkinson's. The most powerful and common drug for Parkinson's, levodopa, was developed in the 1960s.

But one of the strongest tools we have to fight Parkinson's isn't a drug, it's exercise. Exercise can help manage, slow, or even prevent the progression of Parkinson's symptoms, and help PD patients stay active and avoid isolation in their communities. While many types of exercise have shown to be beneficial for PD patients, boxing has become an increasingly popular exercise for improving the physical, mental, and emotional health of those with PD, and more and more gyms are offering boxing programs specifically for those diagnosed with it. One such gym in my district, Parkinson's Boxing in Kenmore, New York, is dedicated solely to helping those with PD and similar disorders.

But for many veterans with PD, these kinds of programs remain financially out ofreach. We owe it to our veterans and active-duty service members to provide resources for them when dealing with the detrimental effects of toxic substances and degenerative diseases like PD. That is why I have introduced a bill, H.R. 6774, the Boxing Therapy for Parkinson's Access Act, 'that would require the VA to cover boxing exercise classes for veterans who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or similar movement disorders. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to highlight this issue and how we can better help our veterans access the therapies that we know can make a difference in their fight against Parkinson's disease.

Madam Speaker, last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifted many mask wearing mandates due to the positive trends in the fight against COVID-19. Effective today, Canada's Ontario Ministry of Health is removing capacity limits and vaccination requirements for all settings.

Increased vaccination rates in the United States, Canada, and around the world show that communities who have done the right thing and followed the science can return to a watchful sense of normalcy.

Today, I am calling on the United States and Canadian Governments to follow the science-based directives of their health agencies and to fully reopen the Canadian border to travelers without COVID restrictions.

Two years ago, the border between the United States and Canada closed with devastating consequences for both countries, economically and emotionally. Incredible progress has been made in the fight against COVID. It is time to move the remaining disjointed and prohibitive restrictions at the U.S. and Canadian borders.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2142, legislation designating the Central Park Post Office in Buffalo, New York, as the Indiana Hunt-Martin Post Office Building.

It is fitting that consideration of this bill celebrating the life and service of an American trailblazer take place today during Black History month and upon Women's History Month.

Born in 1922, Indiana Hunt-Martin moved to Niagara Falls as a child and graduated from Niagara Falls High School before joining the Women's Army Corps in 1944.

Following enlistment, she traveled by railroad to Fort Oglethorpe in Georgia, where she underwent training.

She recalled encounters with segregation as she traveled south: a train stop in Washington, D.C., where passengers were separated into railcars based on race; separate restrooms and drinking fountains; and fellow military members getting in trouble for refusing to sit in the back of the bus.

Indiana Hunt-Martin was a member of the Six Triple Eight Central Postal Directory Battalion within the Women's Army Corps, the first Black female battalion and the only all-women battalion to be deployed overseas.

The unit sorted and redirected millions of backlogged letters and packages sent to soldiers, working around the clock to deliver approximately 65,000 pieces of mail each shift.

Indiana Hunt-Martin served this Nation selflessly and was honorably discharged from the United States Army on November 10, 1945.

After the war, she worked for the New York State Department of Labor for 41 years, retiring in 1987.

In addition to serving her country, she served her community through numerous veterans, church, and neighborhood organizations.

In 2014, we had the distinct privilege of presenting her with the medals she earned while serving in the United States Army, including the Women's Army Corps Service Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel award for her service during World War II.

The idea for this legislation was brought to us by Korean war veteran Sandi Williams, who serves as president and founder of the United Veterans of Buffalo.

The bill has the bipartisan support of the entire New York congressional delegation, the Bennett-Wells American Legion Auxiliary Post, the Johnetta R. Cole AMVETS Post, the Jesse Clipper American Legion Post, and many others.

From 1978 until her passing, Indiana Hunt-Martin frequented the post office on Manhattan Avenue in Buffalo weekly to purchase stamps, pick up mail, and send letters.

There are post offices named for Presidents and famous celebrities, but I might argue that there would be none more fitting than the one paying tribute to the legacy of Indiana Hunt-Martin and her service to our country.

I am proud to lead this effort, and I urge my colleagues to join me in approving this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Postal Service Reform Act. This legislation would finally eliminate the requirement for the Postal Service to prefund pension costs 75 years in advance. The mandate is punitive to the post office and to the people it serves. The unreasonable and unsustainable mandate risks the affordability of mail delivery for customers and it threatens the livelihood of hardworking Americans.

The Postal Service employs 630,000 workers nationwide, including 100,000 military veterans, and 6,100 Western New Yorkers. Each and every day these workers deliver for their communities. We have an opportunity today to secure the future of one of the most historic and trusted agencies in the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, for generations, Americans and Canadians have owned homes on either side of the border, making many of our citizens neighbors in every sense of the word.

The pandemic has hurt the connections between our two countries, often making it difficult for citizens to visit their properties.

Recently, the Canadian Government proposed a 1 percent tax on residential real estate owned by non-Canadians. We believe this tax is not just an unfair fine on good neighbors but a violation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and international tax law.

We are working with the Biden administration to advocate on behalf of Americans and urge Canada to reject this proposal. Its adoption could lead to a race to the bottom for both of our countries.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor World War II Navy Veteran, and a friend of Buffalo, the late Johnnie Hodges, Sr. Hodges who served as a light of inspiration to his local community, and I am proud to bring recognition to his life and legacy today.

Mr. Hodges was a trailblazer. He began his service with the United States Navy on January 8, 1944 and following training in Bainbridge, Maryland, was stationed aboard the USS General Harry Taylor. Hodges served as a Stewards Mate Third Class on the troop transport ship during World War II, taking part in missions across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans until his honorable discharge on June 17, 1946. His participation, along with many other African Americans in the Armed Forces, led to the desegregation of the military and planted the seeds for Civil Rights Movement in the United States. He was also the first ever African American Foreman at Bethlehem Steel, a mill which was once the second largest producer of iron in the United States. In addition to his work at Bethlel Steel for 35 years, his wife, Flora, and he were entrepreneurs, owning a successful delicatessen.

Johnnie was known for his kindness which never went unrecognized by those around him. When he came back from serving our great country during World War II, he raised 6 children with his wife Flora. Johnnie was known to always be helping others, from teaching teenagers how to fix their cars, to helping a young neighbor with his newspaper route. Johnnie also served his local community by working as a bus driver for Buffalo for 25 years. When he had fallen behind in mortgage payments as he was caring for his sick wife and was eventually evicted from his home, the local community rallied in support of Johnnie, and raised over 100,000 dollars in less than 24 hours to send Johnnie back to his home. This generosity by family, friends, and strangers, is a true testament to the kind of man Johnnie was, and his lifetime of kindness was quickly repaid when he was in a time of need. These actions also demonstrated why Buffalo is known as the ``City of Good Neighbors.''

Madam Speaker, please join me to bring recognition to such a significant member of the Buffalo community. It is an honor to be able to recognize Johnnie Hodges, Sr. today. He helped to make our world a better place with his participation in World War II which strengthened our democracy and freedom, and our community a better place by being a true pillar of service and sacrifice. All those who were lucky enough to have known him will greatly miss his generous spirit and forever remember his lasting legacy of kindness.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the remarkable life of Anna Mae Jones, a military veteran, teacher, dedicated community leader, and devoted wife and mother. Anna Mae led a long, exemplary life committed to service for her community and country. Her sacrifice and dedication to our American values made Anna Mae the truest embodiment of a patriot. Anna Mae was born in Saratoga Springs, New York on September 6, 1916. Raised in Tonawanda, she attended D'Youville College, earning her teaching degree in 1938.

When the United States entered World War II, Anna Mae put her teaching career aside to enlist in the war. She strongly believed it was her civic duty, and a true honor, to be able to serve her country. Anna Mae joined the Women's Army Auxiliary and served in New Guinea from 1943 to 1945. Specializing as the chief clerk to the Provost Marshal, Anna Mae was able to utilize her organizational skills as a teacher to help the war effort. Her commendable service record is evident through the numerous awards, medals, and honors Anna Mae was given. As a Second Lieutenant, Anna Mae was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Women's Army Corps Service Medal, and two Overseas Service Bars.

It was during her time serving that Anna Mae met the love of her life, Lieutenant John Joseph Jones II. The two were wed in 1946 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Tonawanda. Anna Mae and John began their wonderful life together in dutiful service to our nation, assigned to bases in the United States and Europe. Together, they raised three beautiful children.

Anna Mae and her family returned to settle in Tonawanda in 1955. Anna Mae began her work as a special-education teacher at Central School in Tonawanda. Anna Mae dedicated her career to enhancing the learning experience for her students, ensuring they got the upmost out of their education. She frequently took her students on camping trips to teach them about nature and even started a summer school program for students in the special education department. Anna Mae was a true pioneer in the special education field, and the students of Tonawanda are forever grateful for her and her work.

After her retirement in 1981, Anna Mae's devotion to service remained steadfast, further immersing herself into the community and civic organizations around her. She sought to make a lasting, meaningful impact in the community she cared so deeply for, and so she did. Anna Mae was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, the Ladies of Charity, the Women's Army Corps, and the Tonawanda Women's Democratic Club. Additionally, she served as Chaplain of the American Legion Post No. 264 in Tonawanda for 27 years, earning the Legion of Honor Award. Furthermore, Anna Mae was an active member in the Legislative Branch of the AARP, served as a board member of the Waterfront Revitalization Committee, and was an active member of the Historical Society of the Tonawandas for 50 years. Three years prior to her passing at the age of 103, Anna Mae was honored at the Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Anna Mae and her exemplary work in serving our country. We cannot afford to forget the powerful example citizens like Ms. Jones set for us. Let the memory of her lifelong service to something larger than herself summon our better angels to do our part as well.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Vietnam Veteran Captain Jack Walter. Jack was born and raised to serve his country, community, and family. He grew up on the East Side of Buffalo and was the 8th of the 9 children of Joseph and Frances Walter. His father was a bricklayer, so he always knew what it meant to work hard in life and never give up. He graduated from St. Matthew's Grammar School in 1960, Canisius High School in 1964, and Gannon University in 1969. While in college he was a member of the Army ROTC Advanced Corps. With this solid foundation, Jack was ready to put his leadership skills to the test. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Field Artillery. He went to Vietnam and served with the 1st Cavalry Division, 1st/21st Artillery. He was an Artillery Forward Observer with an Infantry Company, an Artillery Liaison Officer for an Infantry Battalion, and an Assistant Executive Officer for his Firing Battery. While in Vietnam he served in part of the incursion into Cambodia in May and June of 1970 and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in Cambodia.

Jack used his skills to save the lives of others on the battlefield. He was awarded a Silver Star, the third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. He received the Silver Star for ``Gallantry in Action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile enemy force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Walter distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on June 22, 1970 in the Kingdom of Cambodia. During an intense ground battle involving a well-entrenched enemy force, First Lieutenant Walter, serving as Artillery Liaison, repeatedly came upon heavy enemy fire as he diverted devastating aerial and field artillery on enemy positions. With complete disregard for his own safety, First Lieutenant Walter performed in a courageous and professional manner as he effectively directed artillery while braving the intense hostile fire.''

Jack was also awarded a Bronze Star with an oak leaf cluster representing two Bronze Star Awards. He received a Bronze Star Award with Valor, the fourth highest award for military combat bravery during combat actions against an enemy force. The Bronze Star Award with Valor was ``for heroism in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Walter also distinguished himself by valorous actions on February 27, 1970 in Binh Long Province, part of the Republic of Vietnam. When his Platoon encountered small arms and automatic weapons fire from an enemy bunker complex, he immediately called in artillery and air strikes. His pinpoint accuracy forced the aggressors to flee their fortified positions.'' He was awarded a second Bronze Star award for Meritorious Achievement in ground operations against hostile forces during the period from October 1969 to October 1970 in the Republic of Vietnam. In addition, Jack received an Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters representing 5 Air Medals in total, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, and several other awards for his service in Vietnam. When he returned home from the warzone, he continued his military service by joining the U.S. Army Reserve. He was promoted to Captain in 1973. In 1974, when his military career ended, he spent the next 36 years in the aerospace and defense industry.

When Jack came back from Vietnam, he did whatever he could to use his leadership skills to help his family and his community. He was active in the Amherst Girls Softball League where he spent 11 years as a coach, Vice-President, Treasurer and Registrar and where he received the Amherst Girls Softball League Hall of Fame Award in 1991. He was the coach for Christ the King girls' basketball team for 8 years and then went on to be the assistant head coach for the Nardin Academy Varsity Basketball team for 5 years. He is active in Christ the King Church, having served as a member of the Parish Council for 12 years and president of the Parish Council for 2 years. He was also Chairman of the Finance Committee at Christ the King Church for 5 years.

Jack couldn't have been so successful in his life without the support of his family which includes his wife Janice, his three daughters which include Dr. Jacquelyn Dougherty who is an optometrist at the VA Western New York Healthcare System, Judith Dehn who is an athletic trainer at Excelsior Orthopaedics, Mary Colpoys who is a science teacher at Grand Island High School, and his 10 grandchildren. Jack's friend and fellow Vietnam Veteran Tom Bubar was instrumental in securing this special recognition for Jack. Jack's dedication to his troops in Vietnam, his family, and his community is an example of the selfless sacrifices that we should all make to ensure that our world and community is a better place to live.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Sydney Cole as he celebrates his 107th birthday. A decorated World War II veteran and lifelong resident of Buffalo, Mr. Cole is a beloved fixture of his community. Mr. Cole is a true inspiration to all those around him.

Mr. Cole grew up in Buffalo, New York, and attended City Honors High School, where he was later inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Before the United States entered World War II, Mr. Cole enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1943, Mr. Cole joined the United States Army to continue to support the Allies. Then, First Lieutenant Cole recalls flying the artillery observation plane for the 776th Field Artillery Battalion and being involved in the Battle of Rhineland and the Battle of Bulge. Mr. Cole will never forget what happened in the early morning hours of January 2, 1945, when his plane was shot down. Mr. Cole heroically saved his copilot, risking his life and becoming a prisoner of war. Captain Cole then went on to serve at a POW camp before discharging from the Army on December 27, 1945.

The immense bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice of Mr. Cole does not go unrecognized. Mr. Cole's exemplary service to our country is honored through his numerous medals and awards, including the Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and POW Medal.

Mr. Cole returned to Buffalo to marry the love of his life, Sybil, and raise their son Richard together. From 1978 to retirement, he was the owner of Cole Motors and worked as the manager of the Buffalo Athletic Club. Mr. Cole is highly cherished and admired in the community for his extraordinary lifetime of accomplishments.

I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Captain Cole a very happy 107th birthday. I look forward to celebrating many more milestones in the coming years and wish to extend my greatest gratitude to Captain Cole for his service and dedication to our country.