Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, a major western New York health insurance provider announced today that they are seeking an almost 50 percent increase in health insurance premiums next year. They cite rising medical and drug costs as reasons for seeking this increase.

Medicare is the most successful and popular healthcare system in America. With low administrative costs and high-quality outcomes, Americans ages 50 to 65 should be able to buy in, at their own expense, to Medicare. Under this plan, Medicare could add 10 million more Americans, using the leverage of 67 million Americans.

Mr. Speaker, this is real leverage to drive down healthcare costs and drive up the quality of that coverage. With real patient protections and full and affordable coverage for preexisting diseases like cancer and diabetes, Medicare should be an option for Americans 50 to 65 years old.

Mr. Speaker, on May 17, 2017, I was not present for the recorded votes on rollcall No. 261 and 262. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on the motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the chair and YEA on H.R. 1177, the Removing Outdated Restrictions to Allow for Job Growth Act.

Mr. Speaker, it was reported in The New York Times on Monday that UnitedHealthcare and four of the Nation's largest health insurance companies concocted a scheme to defraud the Medicare program and the American people out of tens of billions of dollars each year over the past decade.

The United States Department of Justice yesterday joined the lawsuit and is investigating these serious charges against UnitedHealthcare and the others. The Justice Department should conduct an investigation aggressively and thoroughly to get to the truth and to exact justice.

If these allegations are true, these actions would represent among the most egregious schemes of fraud perpetrated against the American people.

Shockingly, the House Republican health bill gave a $78 million tax cut to the executives of the very companies that are under investigation, including a $15.5 million tax cut to UnitedHealthcare and their chief executive officer.

This information can easily be found on page 67 in 3 lines of the Republican healthcare bill.

This is, Mr. Speaker, a blatant violation of the public trust that this Congress took an oath to protect and to uphold.

Mr. Speaker, last night we learned that President Trump may have tried to interfere with an ongoing investigation, asking the FBI Director to end an investigation into his former National Security Adviser's ties to Russia.

The Justice Department today should appoint an independent prosecutor to aggressively pursue the truth. There are a lot of informational dots. They either connect or they don't.

There is no dispute that Russia interfered with the United States' Presidential election. The question is: Did Russia interfere with the Presidential election in coordination with the Trump campaign?

It is deeply troubling that the Attorney General recused himself--a self-declared conflict--from the Russian investigation and then played a role in firing the man leading it.

The American people rightfully suspect the decision to fire the FBI Director is part of a coverup. Appoint a special prosecutor to pursue the truth.

Despots all over the world like Putin want to discredit American democracy to keep their own people from wanting it. We as Americans, Republicans and Democrats all, cannot allow this to happen, ever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Riviera Theatre, a historical landmark in North Tonawanda, New York. This past December, the Riviera celebrated 90 years of bringing a multitude of performing arts, including live concerts, theatre, dance shows, and movies to Western New York.

Originally known as the Twin Cities Rivera, the theatre was built during the year 1926, by the Yellen Family. The architects Leon H. Lempart and Son drew the plans, which were patterned after the Italian Renaissance. The theatre changed multiple times over the years but is currently owned and run by Riviera Theatre and Organ Preservation Society.

Opening night was December 30, 1926, a gala event, which featured the movies ``Upstage'' starring Norma Shearer, ``The Mona Lisa'', in Technicolor, a short comedy, and the newsreel. Organist Fred Meyer accompanied the films and soloed at the Mighty Wurlitzer organ.

Perhaps the Riviera is best known for housing a Wurlitzer Theatre organ, made nearby at the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company of North Tonawanda. In 2008, the organ was re-voiced and restored to nearly original condition, providing a new symphonic sound for concerts and events. The Riviera's Mighty Wurlitzer has provided more entertainment consistently in its original setting than most other theatre organs, nationwide. Many of the top name artists in the country have performed here in hundreds of concerts over the past 35 years.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Riviera Theatre is currently in the planning stages of an Expansion and Development Project (Set The Stage) that will add 23,000 square feet of new space including a black box theatre, a new lobby and new modern amenities for their patrons and performers. It is estimated when completed an additional 50,000 visitors will attend annually.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments today to recognize the heritage of the Riviera Theatre and to celebrate its 90th Anniversary. I wish them well in their continuing expansion as the Buffalo community is fortunate to have a building with such a historical background and which promotes performing arts.

Mr. Speaker, today I join the Amherst Women's Interclub Council in recognizing the accomplishments and tireless work of the Getzville Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. The Ladies Auxiliary has been serving their community for nearly 95 years through fundraising for many causes, and assisting those who were displaced due to factors beyond their control.

The Ladies Auxiliary was formed in September 5, 1922 at the request of then-President of the Getzville Fire Company Sam Heim and Mr. George Dettmer. During the early years of the Auxiliary, the ladies would hold fundraisers such as card parties, dances and dinners. The money raised would help the Fire Company buy new equipment. During the 1940's, the Ladies Auxiliary Group donated to the American Red Cross to assist them during World War II.

The Getzville Ladies Auxiliary continues to provide vital assistance to those in need and enhance the quality of life in their community to this day. Especially impressive is their willingness to help victims of disasters by giving them a safe place to stay and ensuring they are fed.

Trademarks of the Ladies Auxiliary that will long be remembered include their famous chili during their summer picnics, their fashion shows, mystery rides and dinners that celebrate their anniversary. In the grand scheme of things, they will mostly be remembered for their work in the community, their selfless volunteerism and their caring and compassion.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the work that the Getzville Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary has done as they approach their 95th Anniversary celebration on September 11, 2017. I wish them the best in all their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the accomplishments of Joan Weichmann for her tireless work in the community as she is honored by the Amherst Women's Interclub Council during their annual Kentucky Derby Luncheon. Her lifetime of community service is commendable and worthy of praise.

Mrs. Weichmann was born in Marilla, New York on a dairy farm where she and her family produced maple syrup. She later graduated from East Aurora High School, and Bryant and Stratton College where she majored in Accounting.

Throughout her life, Mrs. Weichmann has served in many positions, such as her leadership as the former President of both the Amherst Dance Club and the Victorian Dance Company. Additionally, she formerly served as Vice President of both the German-American Society and the Club Lorelei German Club. Mrs. Weichmann continues to dedicate her time to these organizations as a board member.

Currently, Mrs. Weichmann is President of the Buffalo Federation of Women's Club, a member of the Bell Ski Club Board, the Lederhosen Ski Club, Second Vice President of Shea's Spotlight, Friends of Amherst Symphony and longtime member of the American Wine Society--Chaine des Rotisseurs. Mrs. Weichmann's many hobbies include skiing, swimming, dancing, golfing, hiking, and learning. Mrs. Weichmann resides in the Village of Williamsville with her husband Ron and their three dogs, two Afghans and one Greyhound.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Joan Weichmann for her tireless, vital and wide-reaching work in our community. I wish her the best in all her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, for the third time in 90 days, Republicans are trying to take away patient protections for Americans with preexisting medical conditions. Fifty percent of all Americans and 86 percent of Americans ages 55 through 64 have preexisting conditions. There is a genetic influence in many people who have preexisting conditions, meaning that tens of millions of Americans are born into a predisposition for certain diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, and heart disease.

The Republican healthcare scam would obliterate protections for preexisting conditions. For example, if you have a dad with a kid who is stuck with childhood cancer, the dad could buy a policy, but that policy would not have to cover his kid's cancer treatments. That, Mr. Speaker, is a deliberate intent to deceive the American people.

Mr. Speaker, President Trump wanted to cut $1.2 billion from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute. Instead, Congress will exert its independence by rejecting the President's cut and will instead increase National Institutes of Health's funding by $2 billion.

My community of Buffalo, New York, is home to America's first cancer center, Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Roswell Park is a national leader in NIH-funded research for immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy uses drugs and vaccines to unleash the cancer-killing potential of the body's own immune system. Immunotherapy has the potential for longer remission and is an alternative to debilitating chemotherapy.

Because of this congressional action, Roswell Park Cancer Institute's clinical trials and immunotherapy will continue, and the potential for tens of millions more in NIH research funding over the next 5 years is a reality.

This is good for the good that it will do in advancing this promising research and is good for Buffalo and the continued growth of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Dr. Mark J. Crawford for his service to Western New York as an educator and public servant. He will be retiring from his position as Superintendent of the West Seneca Central School District, and I want to commemorate his hard work, dedication, and impact on our community.

Dr. Crawford began his educational career in Western New York, earning a bachelor's and a master's degree from Canisius College, and a doctorate from the University of Buffalo. In 1974, he began his career teaching at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. Throughout his 43-year career in education, Dr. Crawford took on many different roles. He taught Regents Social Studies, served as the Dean of Discipline, Headmaster, and Principal at a number of our local schools including, Nardin Academy, Casey Middle School, and Northwood Elementary. In addition, Dr. Crawford served as an adjunct professor of graduate education at D'Youville College, helping to educate the future teachers of Western New York. For the past 13 years, he was Superintendent at Dryden Central School District, Hamburg Central Schools, and most recently, West Seneca Central School District.

In addition to his dedication to education, Mark is actively involved in the local community and serves as a member of the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce, member emeritus of the West Seneca Rotary Club, and Trustee Emeritus of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation Board of Trustees.

Furthermore, Dr. Crawford has expanded his community involvement beyond Western New York to Rwanda. Eight years ago, he traveled with the directors of the Summer Institute for Human Rights and Genocide Studies, and ever since has actively supported the organization.

Dr. Crawford has been serving the youth of Western New York for over four decades, and his commitment and dedication as an educator and public servant has had an immeasurable impact on our community.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor Dr. Mark J. Crawford and recognize all that he has done for the City of West Seneca and the entire Western New York community. I know that you'll join me, and all of our colleagues, in wishing Mark, his wife, and their entire family the very best of good health and happiness in the months and years to come.

Mr. Speaker, the new Republican healthcare scam, again, slams good hardworking Americans with higher costs and less healthcare coverage. Fewer people will have healthcare coverage, and insurance companies will increase their already record profits.

And what would a Republican healthcare bill plan be without a massive tax cut for high-paid insurance executives?

UnitedHealthcare is one of America's largest insurers and is under investigation by the Department of Justice for defrauding Medicare and the American people out of billions of dollars over the past decade.

On page 67, in seven words, this Republican bill gives their chief executive officer, who made $66 million in 2014, a massive tax cut.

Mr. Speaker, this is disgusting and morally reprehensible.

Mr. Speaker, while the President continues to drone on about his southern border wall, a wall that he told America Mexico would pay for--which, of course, they will not--a wall that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology reports will cost Americans $40 billion, there is no discussion of a promised $1 trillion infrastructure bill.

This week, a Reuters report named my hometown of Buffalo, New York, as among the most dangerous lead hotspots in America. The lead waterlines in places like Buffalo, New York, and Flint, Michigan, are more than 100 years old, and they need to be replaced. Forty percent of kids in lead hotspots could suffer from cognitive delays and other neurological problems.

Mr. Speaker, the President needs to stop talking about an expensive and ineffective wall and start taking action on removing the toxic levels of lead from our Nation's drinking water systems, particularly in places like Buffalo, New York, and Flint, Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the career of a dedicated public servant, Superintendent Dr. James Newton, who is being honored by the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns, also known as the Newman Club, with an award.

Dr. Newton spent 31 years working in public education; 19 of those were in the City of Tonawanda. He began his career as junior high principal in 1998. He was an integral part in passing the largest capital project in the history of the district. The project was over 25 million dollars in improvements to fund a new library media center and gymnasium, among other upgrades.

In 2009, he was appointed to middle/high school principal and in 2013 became the superintendent. Dr. Newton has dedicated his career in public education to creating a positive school environment, increasing the graduation rate, and allowing students to excel.

Dr. Newton serves his community outside of his job with a membership in the Exchange Club, Kiwanis Club, and as a Board member for the Northtowns Boys and Girls Club. He is also a dedicated husband to his wife Lisa, with whom he has a beloved daughter.

Mr. Speaker, I honor the distinguished career of Dr. Newton as he retires from his position as superintendent. It is with great pride that I stand to recognize the leadership and accomplishments of Dr. James Newton and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the career and accomplishments of a distinguished public servant, Richard Oates, as he is recognized by the City of Tonawanda Common Council. Officer Oates is a fire police officer and Associate Chaplain of the Tonawanda Fire Department, as well as the Exchange Club Fire Fighter of the Year Recipient of 2017.

Officer Oates entered the Volunteer Division of the Tonawanda Fire Department in 2007 and received his New York State Peace Officer status. He has also been an integral member of the Chaplain Corps, made up of lay chaplains who serve as both first responders and chaplains. This position shows Officer Oates' commitment to helping people of his community.

Officer Oates has been critically helpful in many emergency situations, not just as a responder but as a community asset to those affected by the emergency. There are countless stories of Officer Oates going beyond the call of duty to serve. One such story is when Officer Oates comforted the daughter of a victim receiving CPR by first responders.

An extremely devoted citizen, Officer Oates is dedicated to giving back to his community past his volunteer service. Oates leads the organization of regular Red Cross Blood Drives at the fire hall, even starting the bi-monthly free meals for donors to incentivize community members to give. Recently, he has organized two very successful blood drives in memory of Jed Woomer, a local cancer victim.

Beyond his service, Oates is a very dedicated husband, father, and son. He is married to Rhoda Oates and they have seven children together: Annabeth, Christa Mae, Rebecca, Charlotte, Jenna, Andrew, and the newest addition, Louie. He is also very committed to his faith and lives his life in a devoted manner through his work.

Mr. Speaker, I honor a hard-working, tireless public servant who has spent his life helping the people of Tonawanda. The Tonawanda community and I are thankful for Officer Oates' many years of service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, from the North Atlantic to the North Pacific, to the Baltic Seas, the Russian people are standing up to Vladimir Putin and his decades of egregious corruption. The protests in Moscow are punctuated with chants that Putin is a thief. And, of course, the anticorruption protest leaders have been jailed. And our President, the United States President, the leader of the free world, says that he admires Putin's strongman ways.

Here is the rub that every American of every political persuasion should be concerned with, and that every American family, millions of whom have lost a soldier in defense of our democracy, should be concerned with: Putin is trying to discredit the exact democracy that millions of our brothers and sisters have died for. Putin is a thug and a street punk. His attempt to hijack our democracy needs an aggressive and honest, independent investigation.