Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, on June 10, 2019, I was not present for the recorded vote on roll call no. 242, roll call no. 243 and roll call no. 244. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 542, H.R. 2539, and H.R. 2590.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Buffalo Vet Center, which, for the last forty years, has helped the veterans of Western New Y ark readjust to life as civilians after returning home from a combat zone. The Vet Center provides our brave servicemen and women with much needed services outside of the traditional VA network.

Established by Congress in 1979, Vet Centers aimed to provide counseling and other health services to military veterans who returned home from Vietnam who were reluctant to access VA services. Readjustment counseling, a non-medical, community-based approach, was included in the official services offered to combat veterans. The centers immediately broke down barriers that exist in traditional healthcare by hiring other veterans as counselors to build a bond over shared experiences.

Following the high utilization of Vet Centers around the country, Congress acted to establish permanent centers in 1983 and made readjustment counseling a lifetime entitlement for combat veterans who qualify. Eligibility and services provided have continually expanded since the 1990s and the constant military involvement in the Middle East created a new generation of veterans who needed and continue to depend on the services provided by the Vet Center.

In 2003, Vet Centers were authorized to provide bereavement counseling services to spouses, children, parents, and siblings of service members who died while on active duty. Today, there are over 300 permanent Vet Centers, 80 mobile Vet Centers, a 24/7 Vet Center call line, and more than 2,000 on staff who help veterans, active duty, and family members of those in the armed forces.

I thank the Buffalo Vet Center for its 40 years of serving the veterans of WNY and I hope they continue to provide exceptional service to the Veterans in WNY far into the future.

Madam Speaker, June is Pride Month, marking 50 years since the uprising at the Stonewall in New York City to protest discrimination against LGBT Americans.

The month is marked by celebrations in communities all over the country. Last week, in western New York, we raised the pride flags in both Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

The House this year passed the historic Equality Act to extend the legal protections of Federal civil rights laws to LGBT Americans, prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment, and medical treatment.

Passing the Equality Act into law couldn't be more urgent. This administration has taken steps to roll back rules across Federal agencies, reversing years of progress and invoking fears in communities throughout this Nation.

As a member of the Equality Caucus, I am proud to recognize Pride Month. I am committed to fighting these discriminatory actions and will keep working toward full equality for each and every American.

Madam Speaker, I proudly rise to acknowledge the JROTC Memorial Day Recognition Assembly and the portrait dedication of former President William McKinley, who was assassinated only blocks away from McKinley High School here in Buffalo in 1901. The portrait was created by McKinley High School teacher assistant and Army Veteran, Reverend William C. Cobb, Jr., who generously donated his drawing to the school for this Memorial Day assembly honoring our fallen service members.

Rev. Cobb was born in Orlando, Florida and joined the United States Army in 1962. During his service, he was recognized as ``Soldier of the Year'' in 1963. He received an honorable discharge and began pursuing a career in entertainment in Harlem, New York.

In 1977, he relocated to Buffalo, New York to answer his call to the Christian Ministry. To prepare for his call to Christian Discipleship, he joined the Christian family of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Rev. Cobb is an exhibiting member of the Buffalo Society of Artists, as well as a member of the Buffalo Arts Council and the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society. He's depicted countless famous people, nationally and locally, throughout his career including: Oprah Winfrey, Former Assemblyman the Honorable Arthur O. Eve, Sr., Former Buffalo Mayor James Griffin, Al Sharpton, and Former City Councilman David Collins.

The New York City Ministerial Alliance of the African Methodist Episcopal Church commissioned Rev. Cobb to Paint the founder and First Bishop of their church, Bishop Richard Allen. Bishop Allen's portrait is among the archives and permanent collection of The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture of the New York Public Library in Harlem.

Rev. Cobb is a gifted man endowed with many talents. As a fine artist, he's drawn for more than sixty years and painted for approximately fifty years using various mediums and striving for perfection in realism. As a substitute teacher in the Buffalo Public School System, he shares his talents and guidance with the youth of our community.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I acknowledge the JROTC Memorial Day Assembly, former president William McKinley and Reverend William C. Cobb, Jr. Rev. Cobb's devotion to the arts and our community is an inspiration to us all. I also want to commemorate the service members of the United States military who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

Madam Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day, we are reminded of the brave servicemen and -women who have given their lives to defend our country.

The families of those who died in conflict, known as the Gold Star families, can never forget these sacrifices. Our country is indebted to these selfless Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice.

No amount of financial support can ease the pain of losing a loved one, but veterans' benefits to surviving spouses and children provide an important lifeline during these times of need.

The 2017 tax law brought many unintended consequences that Congress is now trying to fix, including a significant increase in tax rates on benefits for children of these fallen servicemembers. This is completely unacceptable. Congress must pass legislation to fix this now so families that have already given so much are not asked to give even more.

Madam Speaker, I proudly rise to recognize the impressive record of achievement of Leadership Niagara, the longest running leadership development organization in New York State. Headquartered in Niagara Falls, a city I proudly represent and home to one of the Wonders of the World, this binational program provides individuals of all ages the skills necessary to forge a better and more productive future for themselves, their companies and the communities of Western New York and Southern Ontario.

For more than 35 years, Leadership Niagara has served as a premier leadership resource to those who demonstrate the passion, desire and willingness to work to effect positive change in all aspects of their lives, including the companies and communities they represent.

Leadership Niagara's mission to strengthen regional leadership is reflected in their time-honored tradition of the Annual Leader of the Year Awards Ceremony. Now in its 29th year, this program delivers a powerful message that builds on the example, motivation and success of those being recognized for their transformational leadership in a variety of fields.

This year, Leadership Niagara has selected five individuals and one organization that exemplify collaboration, innovation and leadership. They include Kenneth Sass, Lifetime Achievement Award, Father James J. Maher, Leader of the Year; The Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club, Organization of the Year; Bonnie Kane Ph.D., Distinguished Alumni; Alicia Laible-Kenyon, Emerging Leader and Ethan Menges, Youth Leader. These honorees are most deserving for the strides they have made in the promotion of positive change and strong leadership regardless of title, age, education, industry or boundaries.

Kenneth Sass served a community in need with determination and kindness as the longtime president of Pinnacle Community Services, formerly Family and Children's Services of Niagara. Before retiring in December of 2018, Mr. Sass worked for Pinnacle Community Services for 25 years, the past 21 as president and CEO. It was during his tenure that he spearheaded two capital campaigns, totaling $3.3 million, to build the agency's first new headquarters in 100 years and the Niagara Family Center, a multi-service collaboration between seven nonprofit agencies. Programs were also expanded and developed to better address serious issues including mental health, domestic violence, child abuse and chronic medical illnesses. His dedication to those he served epitomize what it means to be a compassionate leader.

Father James J. Maher's selection as Leadership Niagara's Leader of the Year is an inspired choice. A member of the Vincentian community, he was appointed the 26th president of Niagara University in 2013. Since becoming president, Father Maher has focused on advancing the academic reputation of the university, building an international and diverse campus community and shaping the university's commitment to the revitalization of Niagara Falls and Western New York. His deep commitment to the Vincentian mission of service is reflected in his actions and words that included his belief that ``Niagara University should function as a bridge to people in everyday distress, isolation and poverty.'' Father Maher is that bridge.

The Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club is Leadership Niagara's organization of the year for their commitment to serving the community and creating healthy youth and families. For more than 80 years, they have focused on academic success, career and leadership development. With an annual membership of over 1400 young people, ranging from five to twenty-one years old, the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club lives its mission to provide appropriate and diversified programs and activities that teach skills needed to build positive lives, attitudes & behaviors. An invaluable community asset, their dedication to education, healthy living and leadership provides a model to follow for other Western New York organizations.

Bonnie Kane, Ph.D., has been a Leadership Niagara member since 2017 and is being recognized as this year's Distinguished Alumni. Since receiving her M.A. in School Psychology from the University of Buffalo and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy from Niagara University, this principled and purposeful dynamo has worked in the Niagara Falls City School District as a school psychologist and as co-department chair for special education. Her commitment to lifting the lives of others is evidenced by her ability to listen, learn and guide students on career paths while promoting the importance of education and mentorship. Dr. Kane is a treasured resource whose belief in the dignity and rights of all people makes our community a better place to live.

This year's Emerging Leader is Alicia Laible-Kenyon, Executive Director of Elderwood Health Plan (Niagara Advantage). Responsible for the outcomes of this managed long-term care plan, Alicia has led this effort to provide access to affordable and quality health care for individuals with chronic health issues and older adults. Her efforts enable many others to remain healthy, independent and able to reside in their own homes. Unafraid of a challenge, her commitment to ensuring a healthier community makes her a worthy recipient.

Leadership Niagara understands age is no barrier to leadership and has recognized this potential in Ethan Menges of Lockport High School as this year's Youth Leader. As a student athlete, he leads by example on and off the field. Through his years at Lockport High School, he has been an active participant in career, education and life skills development programs through internships and community events. He understands that he and his classmates must be prepared and ready to be a part of positive and constructive interaction in today's world and is a model example of what it means to be a leader.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate Leadership Niagara for its significant contributions to the Western New York Community as they gather together on May 17 to honor this year's most worthy recipients at the Leader of the Year Awards Ceremony.

Mr. Speaker, last week, 44 attorneys general filed a lawsuit in Federal court against 20 generic drugmakers, alleging market manipulation and price-fixing.

The American people's tax dollars are invested in unprofitable basic research that is essential to bringing highly profitable drugs to market. The United States Government is also a huge purchaser of these generic drugs.

In some cases, it is alleged that one company sets the price of a drug and the others follow, without the cost-cutting influence of competition. All of this resulted in billions of dollars in harm to patients and the U.S. economy.

Congress must stop this price-fixing scheme and will vote this week to approve legislation to end this price-fixing and market manipulation perpetuated by these generic drugmakers.

Mr. Speaker, before the Affordable Care Act, Americans suffering with cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease could be denied health insurance coverage due to a preexisting condition, a genetic predisposition millions of Americans are born into. But insurance companies can't do that anymore because it is against the law because of the Affordable Care Act.

The Trump administration wants to take away that protection and has asked a Texas Court of Appeals to fully repeal the Affordable Care Act and preexisting conditions protections.

This week, the House will vote to approve the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act. In my western New York community alone, nearly 300,000 people need the protection for preexisting conditions that the Affordable Care Act provides.

Americans deserve quality healthcare insurance that is accessible and affordable.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and accomplishments of Shirley Monacelli as she is honored by the Amherst Women's Interclub Council for her lifetime of service to her community.

As a dedicated educator, Shirley began her career teaching grades Nursery through 3rd Grade in the Niagara Falls School System, as well as evening classes in English for adults seeking U.S. Citizenship or their GED. Additionally, she served as an adjunct professor at Niagara County Community College where she designed and taught her own Early Childhood Education Curriculum.

In 1980, Shirley started her lifetime of community service by volunteering as an usher and in the gift shop at Art Park. She continued in that volunteer role for 30 years , picking up numerous other volunteer roles along the way which she continues to participate in to this day.

Shirley has touched the lives of so many individuals as a leader, educator, and neighbor in her community. Her roles stretch from a Chairwoman of the New York State Council for Children State Conference, to working the Information Office at the Amherst Senior Center, to teaching Religious Education at St. Gregory the Great.

Dedicated community leaders such as Shirley, who are committed to serving the Western New York Community and to making life enjoyable and fulfilling for all our neighbors, are part of what makes Western New York such a special place to live.

Madam Speaker, I recognize Shirley Monacelli as she is honored by the Amherst Women's Interclub Council for her lifetime of service to her community. Her devotion to enriching the lives of others through community service and volunteer work is an inspiration to everyone who seeks to better the world in which we live.

Mr. Speaker, a $50 million Federal investment to create a parkway opened access to Buffalo's outer harbor waterfront 10 years ago. That parkway was the catalyst for new development that started with Gallagher Beach; a new State park, Wilkeson Pointe; and new parkland on the former NFTA property from terminal A and B to the Seaway Pier and beyond.

This Thursday, the Canal Corporation will announce more than $100 million in new investments to open up 180 acres and improve access to the outer harbor lakefront of Buffalo. More Buffalo waterfront development is coming, development to move Buffalo forward with a new, exciting waterfront of possibilities.

Madam Speaker, this week, the House will pass major legislation to reassert America's leadership on climate change.

America's leadership on this issue cannot be more urgent and needed. The current administration has ignored the consensus of scientists and the need to act in a responsible manner.

Nearly 50 years ago on the first Earth Day, tens of millions of Americans demanded change from their government. Later that year, seven major pieces of legislation were signed into law--the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act--with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Last week was Earth Day, and I saw firsthand that my community of western New York continues to lead to confront this challenge. With students finding ways to reduce the carbon footprint, Re-Tree Western New York celebrated 30,000 new tree plantings, and the Western New York Land Conservancy is preserving green space for generations to come.

Now Congress needs to follow this example and restore America's leadership role on the environment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and career of a great American patriot, husband, father, union leader and favorite son of Baldwin, New York, Mickey O'Connell.

Mr. O'Connell began his career as an apprentice carpenter in 1978 with local three of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and retires today as a master Electrician after more than forty years of exemplary service.

Mr. O'Connell's love of country and family manifested itself through his many acts of courageous service to the United States Intelligence community throughout the world and after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Mr. O'Connell's wife Heidi is a dedicated professor at Nassau Community College and their son Edward is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, their son Andrew is a former Army Ranger and current ATF agent and their youngest son Joe is an electrician with local three following in his dad's proud IBEW tradition of service.

Madam Speaker on this day, April 29, 2019, the United States House of Representatives rises to pay tribute to Mickey O'Connell on the occasion of his retirement and extends to him and his family the nation's gratitude for his tireless community involvement, strong work ethic and profound love of family and country.

Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 128.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Maria Antonia Ojeda who passed away in Buffalo, New York surrounded by her loved ones on March 10, 2019 at the age of 82.

Born in Puerto Rico, Maria, lovingly referred to as Tonia, enjoyed expressing her creativity through her cooking, entertaining, and gardening. She was well known for opening the doors to her home to help those in need and was well-respected in the communities in which she lived and served. Her greatest pride was her family, whom she loved dearly, and her happiest moments were always when she was surrounded by them. No amount of words could wholly describe her, but she was best known and revered for her determination, perseverance, beauty, charity, wisdom and courage.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by her husband of over 55 years, Francisco Ojeda, as well as by her eight children: Conception, David, Jose Antonio, James, Eva, William, Christine, and Margie. She will also be remembered well by her sisters Maria Isabel, Abigailee, Ramona, Margie, Clara, and Rosa, and her brothers Gilberto, Luis, and Ramon, as well as her 20 grandchildren, 29 great- grandchildren, and her many loved nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Madam Speaker, I honor the life of Maria Antonia Ojeda, and I ask my colleagues to join

me in extending our deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of Congressman Tom Reed's bill, H.R. 1138, which authorizes funding for the cleanup of the West Valley demonstration project, the nuclear waste remediation site in western New York.

Mr. Speaker, advocates are in Washington this week to remind Congress of the importance of the Great Lakes as a source of clean water for millions of Americans. The long-term cleanup at West Valley, which sits 30 miles from Lake Erie and at the foot of a tributary stream, will prevent harmful contamination to the region.

The Department of Energy has an obligation to ensure that 600,000 gallons of high-level radioactive waste are solidified and disposed of safely and expeditiously. The funding in this bill will allow us to do just that.

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