Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, in March, the House passed and President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan. This bill expanded the child tax credit in an unprecedented way. Experts predict that this expansion will cut childhood poverty in this country by one half.

Thanks to the efforts of the American Rescue Plan and the Biden administration's rollout of the vaccine, we are finally starting to see light at the end of the tunnel for this pandemic. But vaccines alone will not be enough to end the economic crisis caused by this virus.

This pandemic exposed and worsened longstanding economic issues in our society, wages that are too low, childcare that is inaccessible, and a lack of paid leave to allow workers the ability to properly care for themselves and their families.

Policies like the expanded child tax credit are essential to our economic recovery to help working parents, especially mothers, reenter the workforce knowing their children are safe and cared for.

Mr. Speaker, it has been 395 days since the United States-Canadian border closed, and the closure was just extended another 30 days.

Families on both sides of the border have been torn apart. People who love each other, parents, and grandchildren are unable to see each other. Vaccinated citizens of both countries significantly lower the risk of getting COVID and wearing face masks significantly lowers the risk of giving COVID.

We need a plan to open the U.S.-Canadian border with vaccines, face masks, and good physical distancing. We can do so safely and successfully.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a legendary football coach Richard ``Sparky'' Adams, Sr. Mr. Adams was born March 24, to Lee and Josephine Adams. The three-sport athlete graduated from Silver Creek High School before majoring in physical education at Brockport State. After securing his college degree during

the Korean War, ``Sparky'' enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves and was assigned to the USS Randolph as a signalman.

Rising to the rank of Ensign 3rd Class, his fourteen months on the USS Randolph came to an end in the summer of 1954. On returning home, Richard Adams began teaching physical education and coaching football as well as basketball at Monroe High School. In 1956, he started teaching physical education for the Kenmore public schools, started at Kenmore East in 1959, totaling 30 years of teaching in the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District.

``Sparky'' and Jean Rathmann met in 1955, married in 1956, and spent the next sixty-four years together until her passing last year. Their three children, Richard Jr., Penny Jo, and Amy Leigh, as always, took solace in their father's weirds: ``if you get knocked down, pick yourself up and try to do better next time.''

``Sparky'' and Jean had connected immediately; not only did they marry after ten months, but she became a frequent confidant for his coaching schemes. With the assistance of his wife and the legend Jules Yakapovich, Coach Adams became a legend in his own right when he concluded his high school coaching in 1977 with four consecutive league championships.

His resume also includes hundreds of college athletes and college football coaching offers. In fact, he would go on to coach Buffalo, Canisius, and eventually Buffalo State, where he paired with head coach Jerry Boyes to end his college coaching tenure like his high school career; the Bengals went deep into the playoffs and ensured ``The Legend'' went into retirement with a bang. He retired at age 70 but continued his tour of local football teams as an assistant coach at Benjamin Franklin Middle School alongside his best friend and coach Lou Reuter.

Coach Adams may have sparked many of his athletes' and students' careers, but the soon-to-be nonagenarian also molded their morals with his mentorship. The sailor from Silver Creek made such a mark that his name is now emblazoned on Kenmore East's football field--Coach Dick ``Sparky'' Adams Field will remind future athletes of the coach who cared more for character and confidence than championships.

Richard Towne Adams, Sr. went by many names--Ensign to the Navy; teacher to his students; coach to his athletes; husband to Jean; and father to three. But perhaps there's just one name that can encapsulate what he meant to everyone he met and to those who didn't get the pleasure: Happy 90th to ``The Legend'' Sparky Adams.

Mr. Speaker, federally qualified health centers are located in neighborhoods, connecting to people where they live and where families today are struggling.

Health centers in my western New York community--Neighborhood Health Center, Community Health Center of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, Jericho Road Health Center, and Evergreen Health Services--are on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19 and the ongoing battle to end health disparities.

This week, I met with several of these health centers, hearing firsthand about the role that telehealth, primary care, outreach, education have in providing better health outcomes.

Today, I am pleased to announce over $3.5 million in resources to help Federal health centers in western New York continue to battle the pandemic and protect our neighborhoods. This funding, provided through the American Rescue Plan, will help support the health center workforce and deliver testing, treatment, and vaccines to help our communities and keep them safe.

Mr. Speaker, today, the House will vote to approve the American Rescue Plan for poor and middle America.

The false choice of Wall Street or Main Street is no more. This plan helps the neighborhood streets and the homes where real people live and struggle every day.

This plan is supported by 75 percent of the American people. It will help the cities of Niagara Falls and Buffalo, the county of Erie; will return the American economy to full employment; and will grow that economy by 6 percent, a rate not seen in many, many decades. This is a good plan that provides direct assistance to the people of this country who need it.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this plan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2021.

The pandemic has made clear that we need to strengthen worker rights and expand union participation.

Across this Nation, frontline and essential workers have had to work in unsafe conditions with insufficient pay because of their inability to negotiate with their employers.

The economic fallout from the pandemic has laid bare the costs of severe income inequality in America, where corporations and the wealthiest individuals are able to thrive at the expense of everybody else.

Labor is the backbone of middle America and the key to addressing income inequality.

Protecting the right to organize and to collectively bargain ensures access to better wages, more robust benefits, and safer working conditions for hardworking Americans.

When workers are able to stand together and demand their fair share, we will all be better off.

I strongly support passage of the PRO Act and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of a trailblazer in the Western New York legal community, Judge Hugh B. Scott. Judge Scott possessed a great legal mind and he will be sorely missed by all those who loved and respected him.

Judge Hugh B. Scott defied societal attitudes meant to restrict him and other African Americans to become the first Black federal judge in Western New York history. After he graduated as one of just three Black members of the Sweet Home High School class of 1967, Judge Scott attended Niagara University and the University at Buffalo law school, once again as one of the few Black graduates, to make local legal history.

Judge Scott made history as the first African American federal prosecutor and head of the state attorney general's office in Buffalo. He served as a City Court judge for a decade before becoming the first Black federal judge in Western New York history in 1994.

In an interview with the Buffalo News following his appointment, Judge Scott humbly remarked of his accomplishments, ``I try not to talk of it in those terms. But yes, there have been a number of firsts in my life, and yes, I'm proud of it.'' Judge Scott didn't like to dwell on his accomplishments; he was always looking to contribute to more than his resume. Though he often downplayed his own role in breaking down barriers and deflected credit for helping others do the same, that only added to Judge Scott's authenticity, which was as noticeable in his courtroom as his gavel.

Outside of the courtroom, Judge Scott's presence was felt in the talks he gave to Buffalo kids who would benefit not just from his words but from the ceilings he broke through for the betterment of himself and for others. In addition to his informal community involvement, he also served as a board member on the National Conference for Community and Justice and the Buffalo Urban League. The life member of the NAACP was connected to the fight for justice in his hometown, where he met his wife Trudy and raised two sons, while also committing to the same struggle in education and the legal profession.

Madam Speaker, thank you for this time to honor the trailblazing legacy of Judge Hugh Scott. He embodied the passion, energy, and commitment to cause that makes Buffalo unique. We will forever be grateful for his outstanding service and leadership. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, Trudy and his two sons and the many friends and family. I offer my thanks to Judge Scott for his incredible contributions to the fabric of our community and offer my condolences to his family for the passing of a man known to the legal system as a judge but known to people as a husband, father, trailblazer, and role model.

Mr. Speaker, the American Rescue Plan is bold action needed to meet this defining moment.

Seventy-six percent of Americans are rooting for its passage: direct payments to Americans; help for teachers and students, to return both of them to the classroom; help for neighborhood restaurants to reopen and to recover; help for local and State governments; and billions for vaccine making and distribution.

Wall Street or Main Street has always been a false choice. This is about the neighborhood streets and the homes where real families live and struggle every day to give their kids a fighting chance.

Mr. Speaker, give their kids a fighting chance. Let the recovery begin.

Madam Speaker, James Moll lived as the Preamble to the American Legion Constitution begins, ``for God and country.'' Mr. Moll embodied each of the Legion's value principles. A Veteran is a Veteran that obliges the Legion to help current and former members of the military transition into their community. How better to do this than by becoming Niagara County and Legion Post 264 Commander?

Jim offered his selfless service to the world and his country in the Army, and his American values and patriotism were always on display in his enlistment in the Army and subsequent membership in Chapter 77 of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

``Jimmy's'' engagement with family and community shined in his devotion to his late wife and in his co-founding and board membership of the North Tonawanda Botanical Gardens. His three-decades-long career with the North Tonawanda Board of Education demonstrated his commitment to advancing the vision for new generations of Americans. Mr. Moll honored those who came before with his 45-year commitment to the Legion and lifelong devotion to God.

His service protected citizens, his leadership helped veterans, his work served students, and his appreciation for natural beauty preserved it for others. Truly, James Moll was a Veteran who strengthened America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible life

and service of Paul Woods who celebrated his 98th birthday on February 20, 2021. Along with defying the average lifespan and despite segregation, Paul Woods fought for our democracy in the Pacific Theater of World War II. As we celebrate Black History Month, I think there's no better example of American courage than Buffalo's own Paul Woods.

Paul Woods was born in Alabama on February 20, 1923 in an era of racial oppression and segregation. When his father died, he and siblings were split at the gravesite among relatives. Paul Woods promised that he would raise his brother Sherman, and for the rest of his life ``Daddy'' has been taking care of people.

Paul Woods joined the segregated U.S. Army in 1941 when he was just 17 years old. He often says that ``A bullet knows no race, rank, or status. We were all brothers on the battlefield.'' The bravery of Black units overseas belied their second-class status at home and helped lead to the abolition of racial segregation in the military in 1948 as well as the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

In 2012, Paul and 30 other World War II vets were flown to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Five years later, Wish of a Lifetime sponsored a trip to Australia where he visited the exact location of his service during World War II and was thanked by the U.S. Consul General. Today he is the World War II Coordinator for the Jesse Clipper American Legion Post 430.

After helping to protect the Philippines, Paul Woods moved to the Buffalo region where he worked 16-hour days at Bethlehem Steel to feed his growing family. From Alabama to Australia, teenage recruit to war hero, and segregated soldier to seeing the first Black president, Paul Woods' life has spanned continents, a world war, and the fight for racial equality. The father of 15 turned 98 on February 20, 2021 having seen multiple children and grandchildren serve in the same military his bravery helped to desegregate.

Madam Speaker, I am thankful for the chance to honor Paul Woods, a longtime Western New York resident who helped free the Philippines despite enduring injustice at home. A proud member of Prince of Peace Church of God in Christ in Buffalo and husband to the late Mary T. Woods, Paul Woods' 6' 4" stature is dwarfed only by his impact on his family, community, and country.

Mr. Speaker, the past year has tested America's resolve and steeled our character. We enter a new year optimistic with still much work before us.

The pandemic has taken much from us, but it has also shown us the best of our country: Americans helping one another through acts of charity and kindness; health workers going nonstop to treat, test, trace, and vaccinate; teachers, firefighters, police, and sanitation workers serving the public at great risk to their own health.

Vaccines are being distributed and administered. Hope is in sight. But many Americans are still in peril, and Congress must act.

President Biden's American Rescue Plan is the bold initiative which meets this critical moment. Now is the time to go big, to guarantee every family has food and shelter over their heads; to safely get our children back into the classrooms; to protect our small businesses, restaurants, and workers who braved this pandemic; and to invest in

our State and local communities that have fought this virus on the front lines.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support this budget resolution. Only through bold action can we crush this virus, return to normal, and build a stronger Nation.

Mr. Speaker, this week, for the first time in a decade, the House will vote to increase the Federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. This legislation is long overdue.

Most economists believe that our country is suffering from a crisis of income inequality. It is virtually impossible for a working family to get by, let alone get ahead, working a--or several minimum wage jobs.

Instead of actually increasing wages, this President and our Republican colleagues have showered the wealthiest with trillions in tax cuts that will never have a meaningful impact on economic growth and opportunity.

This Congress needs to promote the dignity of work, and that starts with increasing the value of that work and paying Americans a fair wage. And the economic security that a fair wage will provide gives families the opportunity to participate in the economy and not struggle in its shadows.

So as a matter of basic fairness and dignity, I urge my colleagues to support the Raise the Wage Act.

Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, as millions of Americans watched in horror, our country was attacked. Thousands of people courageously stepped up, left their homes and families, and answered the call to respond to a nation in need.

Among them were dozens of western New Yorkers, including John Asklar of the Niagara Falls Fire Department who injured his leg in the rubble and continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder; Jennifer Czarnecki, who is reminded every day of her five assignments to Ground Zero with the New York State Police following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2015; and my friend Dave State, who bravely faced cancer last year as a result of his 9/11 service with the New York State National Guard.

For them and others, the pain and consequences of this attack are as real today as they were 18 years ago. We must act urgently to make the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund permanent. These men, women, and families were there for our country in our time of need. Now, we must be there for them in their time of need.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th Anniversary of the valiant heroism and sacrifice of Private First- Class Charles Neilans DeGlopper during World War II.

Charles N. DeGlopper was born in Grand Island, New York on November 30, 1921. He entered the United States Army in 1942, serving in deployments to North Africa, Sicily, Italy and France.

With his C Company 1st Battalion under attack, Private First Class DeGlopper volunteered to distract enemy troops so the C Company could establish the first Allied bridgehead across the Mederet River at La Fiere, France. He continued to fight in full view of the German troops to defend his comrades, despite being wounded several times. PFC DeGlopper's gallant and self-sacrificing actions were an integral part of an important tactical victory during the Battle of Normandy.

Private First Class DeGlopper was killed in action on June 9th, 1944 at just 22 years of age. In 1946 he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroically sacrificing his life during the infamous Battle of Normandy. The official citation recognizes PFC DeGlopper's ``gallant sacrifice and unflinching heroism while facing unsurmountable odds.''

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against enemy forces presented to United States military personnel. PFC DeGlopper was the only soldier from the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment and the only member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army in the Normandy Campaign to be awarded the Medal of Honor. For his service, he was also awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

PFC DeGlopper has become the hallmark of bravery and sacrifice in the Western New York community and beyond. The U.S. Army Reserve Center in Tonawada is named in PFC DeGlopper's honor and the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9249 in Grand Island honors the service of DeGlopper through its work supporting today's veterans.

Madam Speaker, I proudly recognize a hometown hero and true patriot, Private First Class Charles DeGlopper. We, as a grateful nation, are forever indebted for his valiant service and incredible bravery 75 years ago.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and accomplishments of Robert A. Ganley, a local leader in the private sector who has played an influential role in the revitalization of the Buffalo-Niagara region, upon the occasion of his retirement.

For nearly 30 years, Robert Ganley has served as the President of lvoclar Vivadent, a Buffalo-Niagara based dental technology business with global reach. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of lvoclar Vivadent AG, a Liechtenstein based company with subsidiaries in 25 countries, and employs about 3,500 people worldwide.

Under the excellent leadership of Mr. Ganley, the company has had an immense economic impact on Western New York, growing from roughly 20 employees in 1990 to about 230 today. Mr. Ganley has also overseen tremendous growth in the company's sales, transforming it from a struggling company in the 1980s into a successful business with over 300 million dollars in sales today.

During his tenure at lvoclar Vivadent, Mr. Ganley has sponsored numerous special initiatives to promote community outreach and mission, including Give Kids a Smile Day and the Wisdom Tooth Project. His main priority as the company's president has always been giving back to the community and providing essential services to patients in need in Western New York and around the world.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Ganley has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership and expertise in the field of dental technology. In 2013, he was inducted as an Honorary Fellow into the International College of Dentists, and he received the Visionary Award from the American College of Prosthodontics in 2018.

In March of this year, Business First awarded Mr. Ganley with the Excellence in Healthcare Award for his visionary leadership of lvoclar Vivadent and his steadfast commitment to providing underserved populations with access to oral healthcare. This April, Mr. Ganley also received the Lifetime Achievement Evy Award from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Madam Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize Robert A. Ganley, a leader in the healthcare industry who has devoted his entire career to contributing to the growth and development of the Buffalo-Niagara region.