Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, word coming out of the White House and House Republicans is that there is a new healthcare bill, and this bill would obliterate the patient protections for preexisting conditions and eviscerate essential benefits and cost controls.

Under the new healthcare scam, insurance companies could opt out of all consumer protections. In other words, insurance companies could write fake policies with big premiums and little or no coverage.

Mr. Speaker, under this plan, a parent of a kid who is struck with childhood cancer could still buy a policy, but the policy is worthless because the policy would not have to cover their children's cancer treatment.

This is how House Republicans and the insurance lobby plan to get out from under their obligation to cover preexisting conditions.

This means more power for the insurance companies and less protection for good people, the American people, who play by the rules. This plan should be rejected again. It is deceitful, cold, cruel, and wrong.

Mr. Speaker, in 2009, when gas prices were very high and our dependence on foreign oil was at its peak, the Environmental Protection Agency set standards to increase fuel efficiency of trucks and cars. This helped achieve three main goals: It lessened the burden on consumers faced with high gas prices, addressed the urgent national security priority relating to our addiction to Middle East oil, and sought to limit the admittance of harmful fumes into our atmosphere.

At the same time, we made unprecedented commitment to our auto industry, and in their most uncertain and darkest moment, facing collapse and bankruptcy, America bailed them out. We did this, and it came with political consequences, but we believe in their centrality to the future of the American economy, and we still do.

That is why it is so disappointing to see the eagerness the auto industry has with this administration's choice to cave--and cowardly-- on fuel efficiency standards. Gas prices may be low now, but they won't be forever. It would be a misguided decision to shelve these fuel- efficiency rules now.

Mr. Speaker, last week's healthcare disaster was instructive because, in the end, it was never really about health care at all.

Your plan was a thinly-veiled scheme to deliver a massive tax cut to health insurance executives and their cronies. UnitedHealthcare is one of America's largest, private healthcare insurance companies. UnitedHealthcare is under investigation for defrauding Medicare and the Federal Government out of billions of dollars. UnitedHealthcare's CEO made $66 million in 2014--one man, one salary, in 1 year--$66 million under investigation for defrauding the Medicare program; and your bill, on page 67, in seven simple words, would have rewarded this potentially criminal behavior with a massive tax cut.

Mr. Speaker, Americans, on average, will pay more than $10,000 per person for health care this year. Let's use the enormous leverage of the Federal Government to drive down those costs and to drive up quality for all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, on March 24, 2017, I was not present for the recorded vote on roll call no. 191. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on the motion to order the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act of 2017.

Mr. Speaker, this never needed to be an ideological fist fight. Democrats were always willing to take into account serious and constructive alternatives to the law that we have today that make it better, to make it affordable, more affordable for the American people.

But this bill is a blatant takeaway from the American people of money and protection. If you are 50 to 64 years old, you get clobbered. If you are 64 years old, you make $26,000 a year, according to the Republican-led Congressional Budget Office, your premiums go from $1,700 a year to $14,000 a year.

Fact: UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest private health insurers in America.

Fact: UnitedHealthcare will have $200 billion in revenues this year, and they paid their chief executive officer $66 million in compensation in 2014.

Fact: UnitedHealthcare is under investigation today by the Department of Justice for stealing billions of dollars from the Medicare program.

Fact: The Republican health bill, on page 67, in 7 words, gives UnitedHealthcare, their high-paid executives, and all of their cronies, a massive tax cut to continue to screw the American people.

Mr. Speaker, we can do much better. We are prepared to do much better. But this is a financial assault on good, hardworking Americans who want to do one thing at the end of the day, after paying too much money for health care throughout the year, and that is, when they need their health care, it is available to them and their family.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow House Republicans will perpetrate a careless financial assault on good, hardworking America in exchange for a massive payoff to greedy insurance executives and their cronies. Yes, this vote is rigged against the good.

If you are 50 to 64 years old, you and your family get clobbered. More doughnut holes, more premiums, and less health care.

UnitedHealthcare, one of America's largest private insurers, is today under investigation for defrauding the Medicare program of billions of dollars. Your bill, in 17 words on page 67, rewards UnitedHealthcare, their executives and cronies, with a massive tax cut. UnitedHealthcare made $83 billion last year, and their CEO was compensated with $66 million. They don't need a break. Hardworking America does.

Your bill also allows UnitedHealthcare to charge five times more for older Americans, and imposes a 30 percent unemployment tax on the unemployed, all going to more profits for them and less health care for America.

Mr. Speaker, on March 17, 2017, I was unable to be present for the recorded votes on roll call no. 170, 171, and 172. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: AYE on Hanabusa Amendment No. 11, YEA on the final passage of H.R. 1367, and AYE on the journal vote.

Mr. Speaker, on March 15, 2017, I was unable to be present for the recorded votes on roll call no. 159, 160, and 161. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows:

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. Sam Scinta, a dedicated volunteer for the Democratic Party and resident of Tonawanda, New York. Sam's tireless service is recognized today by his friends on the City of Tonawanda Democratic Committee. Sam has committed countless hours to further Democratic causes in our community and is most deserving of the City of Tonawanda Democratic Committee's Man of the Year Award.

Sam was raised in Buffalo, New York where he attended Public School 76 and Hutchinson Central High School. In 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He is a Korean War Veteran and worked in aviation as a line captain and mechanic. He served in Kingsville, Texas, in a Patrol Squadron in San Diego, and in the Philippine Islands, until he was discharged in 1958.

In 1959, Sam began his career with the Erie Rail Road as a locomotive fireman and was promoted to locomotive engineer in 1966. When the Erie Rail Road merged with the Lackawanna Rail Road, he became active in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen as an organizer, rising to the rank of Vice President, then Local Chairman. Following a union merge he became Local Chairman of the United Transportation Union. In 1976, he went to work for Con Rail after the North East Railroads merged, where he served as a locomotive engineer until his retirement in 1999.

Sam moved to Tonawanda in 1998 and following his retirement became active in the City of Tonawanda Democratic Committee and has served as Vice Chairman of the Committee for over a decade. One example of his dedication is Sam's command of the Smoothie Booth for the City Committee's fundraiser during Canal Fest since 2003. He constructs the booth, does the scheduling, works in the booth and is there from open to closing all 8 days. Each year, Sam puts in a long day at the Committee's annual picnic in August. Sam is also the proud custodian of the Committee's banner.

As a volunteer on Hillary Clinton's successful campaign for Senator in 2000, and at Congresswoman Louise Slaughter's campaign headquarters in 2001, Sam worked tirelessly. In 2005 he hopped on board Legislator Michele Iannello's campaign. Following her victory, Sam went to work for Legislator Iannello in her district office for 2006 and 2007. In 2008, he went to work for the Erie County Board of Elections and retired again in June, 2016.

Sam is the loving father of Sam James Scinta and daughter-in-law Kerry, and a proud grandfather to Sam Jr. and Anthony. As a proud family man, while Sam's son was young, Sam coached and served as President of the Little League at Public School 81 in the 1970's.

Mr. Speaker, I honor Mr. Sam Scinta and his dedication to Democratic politics and our community. Sam's commitment and dependability are admirable and I am pleased to be able to recognize him today with the City of Tonawanda Democratic Committee as they present to him their Man of the Year Award.

Mr. Speaker, my hometown county Democratic committee gathered recently to honor the longtime chair of the City of Tonawanda Democratic committee, Gayle Syposs, to commemorate her service both to her community and to the Democratic Party.

A career public servant, Gayle has in the past served as an elected member of her hometown city council, as a civil servant and appointed public servant in county government, and at present once again serving her hometown as the Tonawanda City Clerk, where its elected leadership--be they Republican or Democratically affiliated--agree that her experience and institutional knowledge was critically important when the longtime incumbent city clerk retired in 2015.

But it is how Gayle came to public life that helps illustrate what is great about America, and about how committed people, working together, can be an effective voice for the communities they love.

In the 1970s, New York State government had plans to ``improve'' transportation in the city of Tonawanda--but the local community didn't think much of it. The state wanted to change Niagara Street into a four lane highway, which would have turned this main thoroughfare adjacent to the city's waterfront parks into a dangerous highway totally not in keeping with the needs and wants of city residents, destroying the city's character in the process.

This ill-conceived action midwifed the birth of a great civic and political activist in Gayle Syposs. After reading a newspaper article detailing the number of old-growth trees destined to be removed to build this highway, Gayle formed a citizens' committee that successfully fought the state's top-down plan, preserving Niagara Street and the character of her hometown the right way, in a grassroots, bottom-up fashion, energizing and educating neighbors to join the fight.

Today, Niagara Street remains as it was, a low-speed thoroughfare adjacent to county and city parks, preserved, we hope, in perpetuity for the enjoyment of residents and families during each of Western New York's great four seasons. Gayle's activism spawned a career in public service and politics, leading her to 6 non-consecutive terms on the city council, and into greater governmental and political activism-- something from which so many Western New York Democrats have benefited.

Indeed, while I have known Gayle for the better part of thirty years, I have come to benefit most directly since her city was included into my congressional district in 2012. In addition to being a steadfast supporter, Gayle has been a friend and an important link for me and for my staff to her local community--a service she has been kind enough to provide to me and to the people I work to serve.

Gayle is, as I mentioned, currently the chair of the city of Tonawanda's Democratic Committee, but that is only one of many titles she has held. While she has served as chair as long as many of us can remember, she also serves as Chair of the Erie County Association of Town Chairs, as Treasurer of the county Democratic party, and as a member of the New York State Democratic Committee.

A few weeks ago, Gayle was honored by our Erie County Democratic Committee as the 2017 recipient of the Joseph F. Crangle Legacy Award. Named for our legendary former county and state chairman, this award is the gold standard for local Democrats; it rightfully raises Gayle's name among the great leaders of our party.

But no one should imagine that earning this award will mean that Gayle will slow down anytime soon. Gayle will likely read this speech, reflect upon it for a few moments, and quickly move on to a call she recently received about a broken sidewalk, or pass along the resume of a neighbor's college-aged grandson who is looking for an opportunity as he works his way through college. Gayle's dedication to her country, her community and, yes, her party, represent all that is great about Western New York, and I am thankful for the opportunity to honor her and to have the House take note of the many positive contributions she has made throughout our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the rich history of St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, a long standing community pillar that is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.

The Episcopal Cathedral was incorporated on February 10, 1817 in the city of Buffalo. This building was Buffalo's first permanent house of worship and was consecrated on February 25, 1821.

A major milestone in the Church's history was the consecration of a new edifice. This building was designed by renowned architect Richard Upjohn and began a second period of growth for the Church.

St Paul's Cathedral flourished in the city until May 22, 1888 when it was tragically destroyed by a fire. Through perseverance and a strong commitment to the community, the restored St Paul's Cathedral was inaugurated just two years later.

The Church committed to remaining in the downtown community of Buffalo. Even with the hardships of the twentieth century around the country and in Buffalo, St Paul's Cathedral took advantage of every opportunity to grow and serve the community.

St Paul's Cathedral is where The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, attended while he was going through Buffalo Public Schools.

Through different projects throughout the city of Buffalo, the people of St Paul's Cathedral have shown their commitment to social service and preserving their history.

Mr. Speaker, I honor a long standing institution in the city of Buffalo. I am proud to celebrate St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral's bicentennial and I wish the Church good fortune for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Review reported that the cost of then-candidate Trump's wall along the southern border will be up to $40 billion for every 1,000 miles of wall. With the potential of a 2,000-mile wall along the border, American taxpayers can expect to pay up to $80 billion for a wall at the southern border--$80 billion for a wall we were told Mexico would pay for, and Mexico said they will not pay for that wall.

Last year, a leading Republican Governor also suggested that we should explore building a wall along the northern border. The northern border wall would be 5,000 miles. A northern border wall would cost about $400 billion using the MIT report estimates. Obviously, Canada, like Mexico, will not pay for a silly wall.

Mr. Speaker, $480 billion to wall in the United States. What is it with Republicans and walls? What are they afraid of? What we need is a new infrastructure bill not to build walls, but to build bridges and roads and to build infrastructure to put Americans back to work and to grow the American economy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize three exceptional members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Shyasha Spencer, Taylor Graham and Jasmine Shirley. During their collegiate careers, these young women have proven to be talented and dedicated scholars and athletes. Their achievements on and off the court are worthy of praise and I congratulate them on the completion of their undergraduate degrees.

As members of the Buffalo State women's basketball team, these students are known as leaders among their peers and teammates. I commend these young women for their dedication to academics and athletics and congratulate them on the completion of their college careers.

Shyasha Spencer is from Geneva, New York and a graduate of Geneva High School. Shyasha is a Guard on the Buffalo State Bengals and will be earning a degree in Criminal Justice.

Taylor Graham is a senior on the Buffalo women's basketball team. The Guard leads the team in assists and steals. Taylor will receive her degree in Business Administration. She attended Maria Carrillo High School in Santa Rosa, CA.

Coming from Bronx, New York, Jasmine Shirley attended Lehman High School. She is majoring in Health and Wellness and is a Guard on the team.

Balancing the responsibilities demanded of student athletes is a true challenge, and each of these students handled the test with dignity and grace. As an alumnus of Buffalo State, I will be proud to call them fellow alumni.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing my colleagues to join me in recognizing these extraordinary Buffalo State Bengals and in congratulating them as they obtain their undergraduate degrees. Their dedication and drive will propel them to success, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five exceptional members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Nico McLean, Jordan Glover, Leon Moise, Jordan Chateau and Lovell Smith. During their collegiate careers, these young men have proven to be talented and dedicated scholars and athletes. Their achievements on and off the court are worthy of praise and I congratulate them on the completion of their undergraduate degrees.

As members of the Buffalo State men's basketball team, these students are known as leaders among their peers and teammates. I commend these young men for their dedication to academics and athletics and congratulate them as their college careers come to a close.

Buffalo native and graduate from Amherst High School, Nico McLean plays Guard for Buffalo State. The senior currently majors in Computer Information's Systems.

Jordan Glover, a Buffalo native and graduate of St. Josephs Collegiate Institute majors in Communications. The senior plays Guard for Buffalo State and leads the team in steals.

Leon Moise, a Brooklyn native and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School plays Forward at Buffalo State. The senior is currently studying Biology.

Bayside, New York native and graduate of Lowell High School, senior Jordan Chateau plays either Forward or Center for Buffalo State. Outside of basketball, he is majoring in Criminal Justice.

Lovell Smith, a senior Guard from Buffalo, New York, leads the team in games started. A graduate of McKinley High School, Smith is studying electrical engineering.

Balancing the responsibilities demanded of student athletes is a true challenge, and each of these students handled the test with dignity and grace. As an alumnus of Buffalo State, I will be proud to call them fellow alumni.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing my colleagues to join me in recognizing these extraordinary Buffalo State Bengals and in congratulating them as they obtain their undergraduate degrees. Their dedication and drive will propel them to success, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate and honor Mr. Hal D. Payne who is retiring from Buffalo State College after 27 years of service. He will be missed by all at Buffalo State and his years of work will not be forgotten, nor will his tireless commitment to broadening and enhancing the educational opportunities of Western New York.

Mr. Payne joined Buffalo State College in 1990 when he began to work as the assistant Vice President of Student Affairs. After a year he was promoted to Vice President. Under Mr. Payne's leadership, Buffalo State College has upgraded many of their student facilities such as the Frank C. Moore Apartment Complex, the Student Apartment Complex, Cassety Halls, and the Towers as well as the renovation of Houston Gymnasium.

In the summer of 2000, Mr. Payne completed the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' Millennium Leadership Initiative, this program provides leadership development and allows individuals the chance to develop skills and build an advanced network. This program has aided Mr. Payne's work of advancing Buffalo State's connections within and outside of the state of New York.

Before coming to Buffalo State, Mr. Payne served as Senior Associate for the Council for opportunity in Education in Washington, D.C. and as the Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Louis Stokes of Ohio. He currently acts as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education, expanding his range of work to support education across America. His commitment to his work was recognized in 2010 by Governor David A. Patterson to the New York State Council on the Arts. Hal Payne's education at Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, and at the Institution for Educational Management at Harvard University, has edified his knowledge and passion for advancing education.

Mr. Payne is the recipient of numerous awards which attest to the fact that his work has not gone unappreciated or unnoticed. Hal Payne earned the Oberlin Medal, which is the highest individual honor that is awarded by Oberlin College. In addition to the Oberlin Medal, Mr. Payne received the Walter O. Mason Jr. Award from the Council for Opportunity in Education. This national award is presented to those who exhibit distinguished service and leadership.

Outside of his work at Buffalo State College, Mr. Hal Payne has done a great deal of work for the greater Buffalo area. He currently participates in many organizations including the Buffalo Club, the leadership Buffalo Class of 1995, and is an active member of the Board of the Arts Services Initiative of Western New York. His passionate work within Western New York will be remembered for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me the chance to honor and recognize the legacy of Hal D. Payne's years of invaluable work. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Payne on an accomplished career and to commend him for his 27 years of committed work at Buffalo State College.