Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the celebration of the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center's 120th Anniversary. A time capsule will be buried on April 25, 2018 to commemorate this momentous occasion at Roswell Park's campus in Buffalo, New York. The capsule will remain sealed until the year 2118.

Included in this time capsule along with contributions from many others from the Western New York community will be a copy of this extension of remarks presented alongside a speech I delivered on the Floor of the House of Representatives last week calling for the continuation of Roswell Park's distinguished standing as a National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive cancer center.

Doctor Roswell Park gave the world cancer research when he opened as the first dedicated cancer center in 1898, and this esteemed facility has been contributing to our understanding of cancer and pioneering treatments ever since.

For 120 years Roswell Park has been recognized nationally for its groundbreaking work in the fight against cancer. That same confidence is felt by people here in Western New York who walk through those doors every day knowing that Roswell Park is the home of compassionate cancer experts who care for those afflicted with cancer.

Roswell Park gave the world the first preclinical chemotherapy program, the prostate-specific antigen test, and it is collaborating today with Cuba on a promising new lung cancer vaccine. New clinical trials to treat metastatic breast cancer and immunotherapy are occurring there today.

Today's discoveries provide great hope for the future of cancer prevention and treatment. While it is uncertain what cancer care will look like 100 years from now, it is certain that Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center will be leading the way.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me this time to recognize the great influence that Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has had not only in the great city of Buffalo, but throughout the nation. It is an honor to celebrate this anniversary today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we recognize April as National Volunteer Month to call special and deserved recognition to Gerard Place and its dedicated advocates.

Gerard Place opened its doors and its heart to a community in need in 2000, under the auspices of twelve Congregations of Women Religious in my hometown of Buffalo, New York. These Women of Faith brought a closed city corner back to life for homeless single parents and children through counseling, education, employment, housing and life skills training.

With its core values ingrained in the organization's building blocks of compassion, reverence, integrity and collaboration, Gerard Place's programs have been highly successful as more than 90 percent have transitioned to independent housing.

Statistics are a required reporting tool of course, but Gerard Place's real impact is found in the faces and heard in the stories of second chances given and opportunities seized by women now living productive, purposeful lives. With individualized, intensive support, families are strengthened, careers are pursued and a better future is within reach.

Understanding the work is never complete, Gerard Place is expanding its offerings with the rehabilitation of the Community Center to bring classroom space, job readiness training and quality childcare to the neighborhood.

As is the case in so many of our mission driven non-profits, the leadership and staff of Gerard Place will be the first to share that so much of what has been achieved and so much that is left to do is only possible thanks to the tireless dedication of its amazing volunteers.

It is a belief I share as a true example of how lives are changed by those inspiring people among us who give their time, talent and treasure back to their communities. Without the more than 100 volunteers devoting more than 6,000 hours annually in a multitude of roles including engagement with program participants, staff support, event organization and board membership, the goals of Gerard Place would be unattainable.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to acknowledge and add my thanks to the outstanding volunteers of Gerard Place for everyday of every month they give hope and help to those they selflessly serve in our community.

Mr. Speaker, 120 years ago, Dr. Roswell Park founded the first cancer center in America in Buffalo, New York. For the last century, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has been a leader in furthering our understanding of cancer and pioneering new patient treatments.

Roswell Park gave the world the first preclinical chemotherapy program, the prostate-specific antigen test, and it is collaborating today with Cuba on a promising new lung cancer vaccine. Herceptin, for metastatic breast cancer, was clinically trialed and tested at Roswell, and new immunotherapy clinical trials are occurring there today.

In addition to promising new treatments, Roswell is home to the compassionate cancer experts for those afflicted with cancer and for those who love the afflicted.

Today, we are urging the National Institutes of Health to renew Roswell Park's well-deserved designation as one of just 49 national cancer centers in the Nation.

New lifesaving and life-quality treatments are within reach at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the accomplishments of Henry and Gwendolyn Colon, upon the recognition of a lifetime together of faithful and courageous service in the U.S. Navy.

Henry and Gwen Colon had quite a journey together in the Navy. Henry joined the Navy in 1974. Gwen enlisted into the Navy in 1979 because she was inspired by her father William McKinley Hawkins who served in the Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1948. Gwen's father received several medals and awards for his service in World War II and his name is listed on the African American Veterans of Western New York exhibit located at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr Library on Jefferson Ave. in Buffalo, NY.

Henry and Gwen first met on June 9, 1980 at the Navy Exchange where their barracks were located. Days later they went on their first date and only four months later Gwen knew Henry would be the man she would marry. Henry and Gwen Colon's military service took them to several states including California, Virginia, Florida, and Mississippi. Gwen was also stationed in Naples, Italy and conducted inspections throughout the Mediterranean. While it was always a challenge living in two separate places throughout much of their time in the military they always found a way to be together. They were married in 1987, had a child together in 1989, and served together at the U.S. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico. In September of 1989 Hurricane Hugo hit Puerto Rico and Gwen brought her son back to Buffalo to her parents' house until it was safe to return to Puerto Rico.

Henry and Gwen Colon had 35 combined years of military service. Henry served from 1974 to 1993 and Gwen served from 1979 to 1995. While in the Navy they rose a combined 11 ranks. They received many medals and awards. Henry Colon received the Good Conduct Medal with two bronze stars, Navy Expeditionary Medal with one bronze star, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one bronze star, Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Ribbon with one bronze star, the Navy Sea Deployment Ribbon with one bronze star, and the United States Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation with Distinguished Device. Gwen was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal,

Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with one bronze star, United States Coast Guard Special Operation Service Ribbon, and the New York State Medal for Merit.

After many years of service Yeoman Second Class Gwen Colon was honorably discharged from the Navy and worked as a paralegal for a prominent attorney and Henry become Company Commander at the Recruit Training Center in Orlando, FL. Radioman First Class Henry Colon was honorably discharged in 1993. In 1999, Gwen returned to Buffalo where she worked at the Buffalo VA Medical Center. Unfortunately, Henry Colon passed away in 2002. Gwen retired from the Buffalo VA Medical Center in 2009 but never stopped advocating for veterans and their families. In 2015 Gwen started volunteering for the Patriot Guard Riders.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize Henry and Gwen Colon. It is an honor to recognize them as an example of veterans who were dedicated to serving in the military for the betterment of our nation. Henry and Gwen represent the strong resolve and determination of the people of Buffalo and their commitment to furthering their ambitions through hard work. They serve as inspiration to others by showing that our citizens can overcome challenges in their quest to serve our country.

Mr. Speaker, House Republicans recently voted to add $2.5 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. That is more debt in the shortest period of time by any one political party, the

Republican Party, in American history. Their debt will exceed the entire American economy in 10 years.

The moral horror of passing this debt on to your kids and grandkids now belongs to you. You own it and they owe it.

To now offer a balanced budget amendment is transparently cowardly and egregious. Congress does not need a constitutional amendment to do its job honorably. The Constitution already gives Congress that authority. What is missing is the intestinal fortitude to do that which the Constitution calls on you to do honorably.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of David M. Downing, a diligent worker, kind employer, devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. After a hard-fought battle with cancer, David passed away Sunday, April 8, 2018 at the age of 53.

David grew up in Orchard Park and graduated from Canisius High School. He continued to Princeton University where he earned his degree in History. While at Princeton, David played both golf and hockey for the University. After his time there, David returned to Buffalo to get his MBA from the University at Buffalo.

Eager to apply his skills, David started working outside of the family business at Procter & Gamble and Rich Products in sales and marketing. However, drawn towards the family profession, in 1994 he joined his brother Frank Downing, Jr. at Towne Automotive Group, the business started by their father, Frank Downing, Sr.

Together the two brothers worked side by side to grow their family business into one of the largest automobile dealers in the region. At one point, David even served as Vice President of the dealership, while Frank served as President. The brothers proved to be a good pair in business and worked together harmoniously. When Towne's longtime Chief Financial Officer Mike Smith retired, David assumed his role. In this position David managed the dealer group's relationships with banks and insurance companies, dealt with Towne's real estate and franchise agreements, and served as Frank's business partner.

David's life was not all work as he cherished his time with his family as well: his wife Karen; four sons Joseph, Stephen, David Jr. and Ethan; brothers Frank, Stephen and Matthew; and two sisters, Molly Regan and Gretchen Cappiello. In his spare time he volunteered with non-profits and spent time with his wide and varied network of friends. All appreciated David's positivity and resilience in his struggle with cancer, his ability to keep moving forward despite hardship.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor David Downing's life and legacy. His impact on his community, colleagues, and family is admirable, and I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, 8 weeks ago, a lone gunman entered the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and in just 6 minutes, killed 17 students and staff and injured 17 others: 1 shooter, 6 minutes, 17 dead, and 17 injured.

In the weeks since, I have stood alongside students at the March for Our Lives in Buffalo, New York, sat down and listened to students from schools across western New York, and participated in a town hall panel discussion by Students for Action.

These students are respectful of the Second Amendment and of those good, law-abiding citizens of gun ownership.

Congress can learn from the thoughtful, reasoned, respectful, and passionate approach demonstrated by each of the students I have encountered. They have come from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and different communities, rural, suburban and urban, but they are unified in their fight to get weapons of war off our streets and to end mass school shootings.

Mr. Speaker, we can come together to save lives.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the historic Red Blazer Men's Chorus, as they celebrate their 70th anniversary during the 2018 Red Blazer Varieties. Over the past seven decades, the nearly 400 members of this group have touched the lives of many in our community and beyond with their talents.

In 1948, the Red Blazer Men's Chorus, formerly known as the Amherst Glee Club, was founded as part of the Amherst Adult School community education program in conjunction

with Amherst High School. By 1980 the group became incorporated as an independent not-for-profit organization. The group currently consists of 45 members from all over the Western New York area. With a varied repertoire of music, the Red Blazer Men's Chorus can perform anything from Barbershop to Broadway, and have sung nearly 800 pieces in total over their illustrious history.

For a number of years the Red Blazer Men's Chorus served as an active member of the Associated Male Choruses of America, including when they hosted the AMCA International Big Sing, that brought 42 choruses and their 900 members to Buffalo in 1998. Recently, the group has crossed the border to work with the Association of Male Choruses of Ontario.

The Red Blazer Men's Chorus has performed in 28 cities across the United States and Canada. Their current lineup of regular events includes the annual spring Red Blazer Variety Series, an annual concert honoring veterans and active servicemembers, and holiday-themed shows. They continue to find new ways to connect with different audiences. In 2016 they launched a new Senior Citizen Concert Series, in which they perform for individuals in assisted living facilities who may not be able to go out on their own. Along with that they have worked with a multitude of groups including the from Lockport Male Chorus, Amherst Symphony Orchestra, and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 70th anniversary of the Red Blazer Men's Chorus during the 2018 Red Blazer Varieties. I commend their talents, longevity, and contributions to the music and art of Western New York. May they experience continued success in all their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible life and career of Eric Martin. Eric, a longtime Buffalo native, will celebrate his retirement from Grand Slam Productions where he worked diligently as an MC and promoter for over 40 years.

Eric Martin's life was centered around family. As the youngest child of five siblings, he had a close relationship with his mother, Shirley Martin. Her saying ``let your actions match your looks'' was instrumental in forming his outlook on life.

His journey in the music industry started at the young age of 16 first working with ``The Exoutics'' a well-known soul group in the Western New York area. In a continuation of his passion for music Eric worked under the direction of Freedom Train and when he was 18 started spinning records at Sylvester's Night Club on Fillmore Avenue. Some notable events from Eric's early career include MC'ing a Maze and Beverly Concert, a Phyllis Hyman show at Shea's Performing Arts Center, and a Juneteenth festival concert. In addition, Eric has worked with artists such as S.O.S Band, Atlantic Starr, and Loose Ends.

However, Eric's career did not come without its challenges. In his commitment to his passion for music Eric served the city in a variety of other jobs in order to continue his work as a promoter. His hard work has been seen in 22 years with the Buffalo Board of Education, 20 years at Dunlop Tires, 6 years with BFNC and 4 years with Big Brother Big Sister. Eric discusses the challenges posed by minority promoters within Buffalo saying that ``Buffalo's a very tough market, a lot of establishments aren't open to black promoters.'' This has made it even more difficult to gain a foothold in Buffalo's event and nightlife scene.

Despite these challenges Eric Martin retires from a dynamic career in the music industry with renewed hopes of bringing his love of music to a new generation through his wife Tracy and their three children Erica, Eric, and Aaron. His dream being that Buffalo will one day be able to establish a major music festival.

Mr. Speaker, I am inspired by Eric Martin's remarkable commitment to pursue his passion for music. I'm honored to celebrate his retirement and hope that he continues to be a driving force in the great city of Buffalo.

Mr. Speaker, Louise McIntosh Slaughter served the people of Rochester in Monroe County, as well as the city of Buffalo, in the United States Congress from 1987 until her untimely death last week.

Louise Slaughter was a champion of progressive causes and a liberal lioness in the United States Congress. She knew who she was fighting for, and she knew how to fight.

For the homeless, the hopeless, and the voiceless, Louise Slaughter championed all their causes because her political ethos was forever to defend the dignity of every citizen. She never deviated from that cause and reinforced it each and every day on the floor of this Congress, the institution that she loved.

She served as chair and ranking member of the Rules Committee and championed the first $500 million earmark for breast cancer research to the National Institutes of Health and the Violence Against Women Act. These are among a long list of impressive accomplishments that were championed by Louise Slaughter.

Her friends and her family will miss her, but her accomplishments will forever be enshrined on this institution representing the people that she loved in Rochester and Monroe County.

Madam Speaker, this weekend, Irish Americans will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with parades and parties of every level of exuberance, including in my hometown of Buffalo, New York.

Buffalo's St. Patrick's Day celebration is one of the most spirited in America.

This year is a special celebration as it marks the 20-year anniversary of peace in Northern Ireland. The 1998 Good Friday Agreement brought peace to Catholics and Protestants after 700 years of armed conflict.

This peace belongs to the people of Northern Ireland and to the world.

Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and the late Martin McGuinness, along with the Democratic Unionist Party's Reverend Ian Paisley took a courageous step no one believed was possible 20 years ago. They denounced violence and committed themselves to a peaceful power-sharing and reconciliation to live in peace together.

Madam Speaker, let this St. Patrick's Day and the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement stand as a shining light of hope for a gentler America and a more peaceful world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Thomas H. McCarthy, who has been selected to serve as Honorary Chairman of the 47th Annual Civic Luncheon to benefit the Buffalo Irish Center. A proud Buffalonian, born and raised, Tom is a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas School, Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School, Canisius College, and Simmons School of Mortuary Science.

One year after graduating from Simmons, he founded the Thomas H. McCarthy Funeral Home. Through his funeral home business, he has provided care and compassion to neighborhood families during difficult times.

Tom is a dedicated community servant. He served in the Buffalo Fire Department for 37 years, retiring as a Lieutenant. Additionally, he is a member of the Knights of Columbus, an organization of nearly two million Catholic men. Tom embodies their principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

Organizations that benefit from Tom's stewardship include his alma mater, Bishop Timon, where he raises funds for student scholarships with the Hillery Foundation. For almost 60 years, he has been a member of the Blackthorn Club, a group which encourages the camaraderie and connection of its members with Irish ancestry through social events. At one point, he served as President of the Club.

Married for 63 years, Tom and his wife Mary Ellen have raised six children together. They now have twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Alongside his wonderful family, Tom has been an active participator in this Luncheon since the beginning.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. Thomas H. McCarthy here today, to recognize his countless contributions to the Irish community in Buffalo, and the Western New York community as a whole. His time and talents have made a difference in the lives of so many, and he is deserving of our most sincere gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, 9 years ago, Continental Flight 3407 crashed in western New York, killing all aboard and one on the ground.

The National Transportation Safety Board found that the cause of the crash was pilot error and poor training.

Prior to the enactment of flight safety laws, there were two levels of safety: one more stringent for the commercial carriers that we are all familiar with, and one considerably less stringent for the ones that we are less aware of. There were two levels of safety.

Now there is only one because of the courageous work of the families of the survivors who came to Congress and helped Congress enact very strict safety regulations. We have not had a commercial crash that ended up in fatalities since that time.

It is important that we not roll back these safety standards, as they are based on the National Transportation Safety Board's findings and the work of this Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the exemplary life and career of Thomas J. Moran, Chief of the ``A'' District of the Buffalo Police Department, who passed away on March 1st of this year. Chief Moran was 49 years old.

Chief Moran first joined the Buffalo Police Department on February 4, 1994 at age 25, a recent graduate of the State University of New York at Brockport.

In May of 2006, he received the Edward H. Butler Award for Heroism for having successfully disrupted an armed robbery of a retail store in the Ferry-Fillmore district where he had been stationed.

After performing admirably in various roles as a Police Officer for eighteen years, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in April of 2012, and again promoted to Chief in June of 2013.

As Chief of the ``A'' District covering South Buffalo and the adjacent neighborhoods, he was known for his responsiveness and engagement with community stakeholders, for his clear leadership and helpful mentorship of the officers under his command, and for his dedication and commitment to the citizens of the City of Buffalo, to the Buffalo Police Department, and to the principles of law and order.

Like so many in my community, I am grateful to have known Chief Moran and to have called him a friend. I shall remain grateful for his leadership, and his work to serve and protect the people of South Buffalo and the entire City of Buffalo.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me and with Members of the House to express our deepest condolences to his wife, Kelly, to his daughters Ava and Lila, and to the entire family of the late Chief Tom Moran, and join me in recognizing his many years of dedicated public service.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday we unveiled plans for a new, state-of-the-art land port of entry at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, New York.

Deploying the most advanced detection technology, the Gateway at Buffalo will improve national security and

public safety. It will cut wait times for both passenger and commercial vehicles in half. It will greatly improve air quality in the neighboring community. It will improve aesthetics with new L.E.D. lighting, landscaping, and public art.

This plan will improve our region's growing economic relationship with Canada, leveraging $30 billion in commerce and over $200 billion in economic activity, supporting over 1 million jobs. This plan is long overdue. It is a plan that our community deserves and a gateway that is worthy of the promise and potential of our future in Buffalo and western New York and our relationship economically and otherwise with the great country of Canada.