Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of action in the fight against gun violence. Congress is finally acting.

Over the last decade, we have witnessed gun violence take the lives of innocent children in our schools, terrorize our neighborhoods, and harm our fellow colleagues in Congress.

Each event invoked a moment of silence. We can no longer remain silent.

This week we have the opportunity to vote on two pieces of legislation that close loopholes in the gun purchase background check process.

These aren't radical or partisan policies. Background checks are supported by 97 percent of Americans, including 97 percent of gun owners.

On behalf of the families who have lost someone to gun violence and those who we long to keep safe from future gun violence, I stand proudly in support of congressional action to protect our communities from gun violence and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Chair, I rise in strong support on passage of H.R. 840, the Veterans' Access to Child Care Act, to provide childcare assistance to our military families.

Nearly a decade ago, the Veterans Administration survey found that over 1 in 10 veterans have had to cancel their VA medical appointments due to the lack of childcare. In response, Congress created the VA childcare pilot program. The first in the Nation opened in my hometown of Buffalo, New York.

The program has been a tremendous success. Since its inception, it has served countless military families. Last year, more than 1,000 children visited the Kids Korner, located at the Buffalo VA Center, while their parents received much-needed care.

America's veterans placed their lives on the front lines for our freedoms. Many veterans returned to their families from combat with injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder that requires regular treatment at their VA.

Madam Chair, we need to remove barriers to care and give our veterans certainty. By passing this legislation, Congress will make childcare available to veterans who need it, while being cost effective in improving health outcomes.

In closing, I thank Congresswoman Brownley for her tireless work on behalf of our Nation's veterans, and I strongly urge my colleagues to vote on passage of this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I recently met with an extraordinary American by the name of Gertrude Sloan. Today, I rise to share her story and that of her late husband, Sol, both Holocaust survivors.

Sol and Gertrude were born in Romania into Jewish families, and both were taken by the Nazi regime and held in a camp in Auschwitz. In an oral history, Sol tells the horrors of the concentration camps: starvation, beatings, and family separations with fatal endings.

Of the 1.3 million people taken to Auschwitz, an estimated 1.1 million were killed. Sol and Gertrude made it out alive. They met at a displaced person's camp and were later sponsored by relatives to come to America. In 1955, they opened Sloan's Antiques on Buffalo's east side, which continues to be operated by their son Max today.

I share the Sloans' story as we prepare to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day. May it be a reminder of the unspeakable grief for the Holocaust and for the inspirational stories of those who survived.

Madam Speaker, we are entering the longest government shutdown in the Nation's history and, ironically, most of the Federal employees who are affected by the shutdown are the very Federal agents who we depend on to protect our borders.

To a national audience 2 days ago, the President repeatedly warned that terrorists are pouring into the United States from Mexico. This is the President's central argument for a 25 to $40 billion border wall. He is now threatening to declare a national emergency to go around Congress to get that wall.

The President's own counterterrorism officials and experts said there has never been a case of a known terrorist sneaking into the country through open areas of the southern border. The Department of Homeland Security's threat assessment rates the situation at the southern border as a minimal threat. Who are we to believe?

Mr. President, open the government and prove that you can manage the situation at the border as Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton did before you.

Mr. Speaker, the storied Shea's Seneca building on Seneca Street in South Buffalo reopens to the public after 18 months of extensive renovations made possible by Federal and State historic tax credits.

Built in 1929, the former movie theater was the anchor of the once- thriving Seneca Street business district, and it will reopen this Thursday. The use of Federal historic tax credits added more than $1 million to this historic preservation project.

There is new hope and optimism about the future of Seneca Street because of the vision of developer Jake Schneider and his wise use of the Federal Historic Tax Credit program that made the Shea's Seneca project a reality.

Mr. Speaker, this good and generous Nation has a long tradition of welcoming those seeking refuge and a better life in America.

America is, in fact, a nation of immigrants. For generations, immigrants and refugees--my ancestors included--have contributed to a diverse and strong Nation built on the foundation that, through hard work, anything is possible.

The State Department recently announced plans to cut the very programs to provide refugees with the tools toward economic independence, self-sufficiency, and success. It is a counterproductive move by the administration that cites the economy as a priority.

Refugees are helping to revitalize older communities like the Buffalo-Niagara region, increasing our population, contributing to a dedicated workforce, and bringing new quality of life and economic life back to neighborhoods like Buffalo's west side.

We are calling on Secretary Pompeo to immediately reverse any plans to cut resettlement agencies and reaffirm this Nation's commitment to the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, this Friday marks the sixth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

On December 14, 2012, from 9:30 to 9:40 a.m., a lone gunman armed with an assault weapon killed 27 people, including 20 kids between the ages of 6 and 7 years old. Five minutes, one shooter, 27 people dead. Many of the kids had several bullet wounds in their bodies when they were recovered.

In the years since that tragedy, we have seen high-powered assault weapon attacks on schools, synagogues, nightclubs, churches, concerts, and in our neighborhoods. With each horrific attack, Congress responds with a moment of silence. We have had 50 moments of silence since Sandy Hook.

Silence is not a response. We need rational voices, congressional hearings, and meaningful gun safety laws now.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise to acknowledge Bishop Bronner, Senior Pastor of Elim Christian Fellowship on his 25th Pastoral Anniversary in Western New York and the 19th Church Anniversary of Elim Christian Fellowship. In keeping with the theme of this celebration, ``And the Journey Continues'' we are all confident that Bishop Bronner will continue his visionary leadership in faith, his powerful sermons and his traditional and progressive ministerial approaches to producing spiritual growth and development. Just as Bishop Bronner did early on when he began his pastoral experience in 1992, his crusade to reach souls in regional prayer meetings and grow the church and its ministries continues.

Bishop Bronner purposefully builds churches. As an Undergraduate at Temple University, Bronner founded Bridge the Gap Christian Campus Ministry. Fresh out of the Colgate-Rochester Divinity School, Bishop Bronner was called to Calvary Baptist Church in Buffalo and the Church grew exponentially under his leadership. From there, Bishop Bronner founded Elim Christian Fellowship in 1999 and a second church in Rochester bearing the same name in 2002. Bishop Bronner ensures these churches maintain vision and purpose by creating a ministry network called, Turning the World Upside Down Covenant Fellowship, Inc. This all-encompassing ministry offers seminars, workshops, revival meetings and teaching materials that are spiritually relevant.

Elim, ``known as a place of refreshing'' offers ministries that speak to the human condition in ways that are sensitive to the needs of all individuals. It's no wonder that Elim Christian Fellowship and Bishop Bronner in particular, attract such a following. Bishop Bronner has made it his mission to embrace all people without regard for differences or stations in life. This evening, we see Bishop Bronner's vision come to life. Elim is a diverse community strongly supporting racial, gender, cultural and denominational reconciliation.

Mr. Speaker, I am humbled and honored to join the members of Elim Christian Fellowship as they commemorate their Church Anniversary and the 25th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Dr. T Anthony Bronner. May the church and its leadership continue its quest for renewal and growth in God's love and care.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise to acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of Dr. Liveleen M. Gill who is recognized by the Asian American Physician Association (AAPA) as the Physician of the Year. AAPA is a not-for-profit organization comprised of 100 doctors of Indian origin. Their efforts help to utilize their expertise as physicians to serve the community by holding free health fairs and enabling inner-city students the opportunity to experience the many medical advancements in today's practice.

Dr. Gill's passion for medicine started a world away in India where she excelled in biology-related coursework. She was a gold medalist on her Higher Secondary Exam and she went on to complete an M.B. B.S. curriculum at Delhi University. Prior to the start of an internship, Liveleen met Harbinder Singh Gill who was visiting India from the United States. History took its course and Liveleen joined Harbinger overseas in America.

Dr. Liveleen Gill represents the best of the Western New York community. Dr. Gill wasted no time in becoming a diligent practitioner of medicine, starting her residency in Internal Medicine at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle. Although a relatively unknown physician at the time, Dr. Gill's medical skills quickly won her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Dr. Gill went on to a rotation at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and because of her hard work and expertise, she earned a fellowship. Dr. Gill established herself in the community by creating her own practice starting in a series of part-time, rented office spaces and growing that into her private practice which contains several examination rooms, an infusion room, nursing, billing and administrative staff.

Dr. Gill is Board Certified in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine earning her New York State Medical License in 1982. She belongs to the AAPA and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Gill's practice thrived thanks to her impressive clinical skills, her conservative approach to treatment and the many wonderful relationships she developed in the field. On top of her tremendous professional success, Dr. Gill is also the proud mother of 2 grown children Jay and Sabrina.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me to take a few moments to recognize Dr. Liveleen M. Gill. Her story of success showcases the vibrant and talented immigrants we have here in Western New York who work tirelessly to support our diverse community. I am honored to recognize the many wonderful contributions that Dr. Liveleen Gill has made to the medical field and thank her for the great care she has shown so many fellow Western New Yorkers.

Mr. Speaker, since 2010, Congress has invested $2.5 billion to fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a program that has protected and restored the largest source of fresh water in the world.

A new study coordinated by the Great Lakes Commission and conducted by the University of Michigan has shown restoring our waterways is also restoring economic opportunity in the once struggling Great Lakes region. Every Federal dollar invested is producing three to four times that amount in regional economic growth and activity.

Thirty years ago, the Buffalo River was declared biologically dead and ecologically destroyed because of industrial dumping of toxic waste directly into the river. In Buffalo and western New York, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative investments in and around the Great Lakes and the Buffalo River have led to more than $100 million in private sector investments along the water's edge, new residential demand, increased tourism, and a waterfront rebirth.

Time and again, I have stood on this floor and fought to maintain the Great Lakes restoration funding, and this is why: the investments made are bringing our waterways and our cities back to life.

Mr. Speaker, the White House's proposed list of new tariffs includes headwear, hats, and headgear. If a 25 percent tariff on these products were imposed, New Era Cap, the largest headwear company in the United States and based in my district, would be hurt.

Based in Buffalo, New Era employs 800 people in 19 States. New Era supplies official headwear for the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball.

Mr. President, you can't tariff your way to economic growth. A tariff is a tax levied by a government on imported goods by placing taxes on foreign component parts. These products become more expensive for American consumers. The imposition of these tariffs are a race to the bottom and will result in higher product costs for all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life of Arthur Myles who celebrated his 89th birthday on August 14, 2018.

Arthur Myles was born on August 14, 1929 in the state of Alabama. Arthur is the youngest son of twenty-five children born to President Myles Sr. and Mary Rena Williams-Myles. Arthur attended primary school in Uniontown Alabama, which he walked nine miles to attend. Shortly after relocating to Niagara Falls Arthur attended adult education classes at Center Avenue School and completed his education at Laborers Local 91.

Throughout Arthur's life he had various jobs during his career working at companies such as the City of Niagara Falls Street Department, New York State Power Authority, McClendon Blacktop, and J. Myles & Sons, before launching his own business. Arthur launched A. Myles Paving, and most recently started A. Myles & Sons. After sixty- six years of employment, Arthur retired in 2016.

Family is very important to Arthur as he is the father of ten children, twenty-one grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren, and ten great-great grandchildren. Arthur has always actively sought to help others in ways too numerous to mention. He is consistently willing to lend a helping hand, and volunteering his services for the good of aiding others. Arthur still enjoys dancing, storytelling, being the life of the party and traveling.

Arthur's community is very important to him and he is an active member in his church, a member of the Niagara Community Center, NAACP, and is a current member of Laborers Local 91 for fifty-eight years. Arthur is believed to be the longest ``African-American Member'' in good standings.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize Arthur Myles. His love and devotion to his family is truly inspiring. I wish many fortunes to him and his family in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, on September 3, first responders were called to a fire at Tonawanda Coke in western New York. As they approached the blaze, the company blocked them from entering the plant.

This obstruction of firefighters from the blaze threatened the health and safety of first responders, plant employees, and the surrounding neighborhood.

Tonawanda Coke has a long history of this kind of erratic corporate behavior and is in violation of Federal and State environmental laws, including dozens of provisions of the Clean Air Act.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation needs to put an end to Tonawanda Coke's reckless actions.

Tonawanda Coke needs to be made to comply with the letter of any and all environmental law, or they should be shut down.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of a committee in western New York dedicated to constructing the only monument in the Nation honoring African Americans who served in the United States military during times of war. This long-overdue tribute acknowledges the selfless sacrifice of our veterans, many of whom served our Nation while being denied equal rights at home.

The African American Veterans Monument, to be located in the Buffalo and Erie County Military Park, will feature 12 illuminated black pillars, representing U.S. military conflicts, and is designed to give visitors an experience that is reflective, educational, and inspirational.

The monument is being designed by a local, young, talented artist, Jonathan Casey. I have asked the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to collaborate with local project leaders on this first-in-the-Nation African American Veterans Memorial.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the veterans, the artist, and New York State

Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes, who have dedicated themselves to making this monument a reality. It is a long-overdue recognition of those who served proudly and courageously.

Mr. Speaker, health savings accounts, while they may help people manage their healthcare costs marginally, the sad truth is this legislation will do nothing--nothing--to lower healthcare costs and to improve healthcare quality.

The legislation also does nothing--nothing--to protect people with preexisting conditions, and 40 percent of Americans between the ages of 50 and 64\1/2\ have preexisting conditions.

The legislation before us will increase the deficit by tens of billions of dollars and will threaten the long-term viability of Medicare and Social Security.

Mr. Speaker, because of recent actions by the Trump Justice Department and House Republicans, millions of Americans between the ages of 50 and 64\1/2\ who buy their health insurance on the individual market are about to get clobbered with double-digit multiyear health insurance premium increases, and this Congress is doing nothing-- nothing--to help. This population needs the protection of Medicare now.

Medicare at 50 would allow people to buy Medicare as their health insurance. Medicare is Affordable Care Act compliant, with essential benefits, has high patient satisfaction ratings, has full access to primary care and physician specialists, and always, always covers preexisting conditions. Medicare at 50 also is thousands of dollars cheaper when compared with the gold plan on the individual market.

Mr. Speaker, Medicare is the best public option that already exists, and the best public option that already exists should be available to millions of Americans ages 50 to 64\1/2\.