Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Robert Freeman on receiving the 30 Under 30 award presented by Business First of Buffalo to individuals who have impactful careers and accomplishments in their industry.

Mr. Freeman started his education at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, and continued his education there earning a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo's School of Law. During his time at the University at Buffalo, Mr. Freeman was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, and a recipient of the Milton Plesur History Honor Award.

Mr. Freeman is a partner at Nesper, Ferber, DiGiacomo, Johnson & Grimm, LLP, where he has been since Oct. 2019. There, he focuses his practice on commercial and residential real estate law. Some of his previous work experience includes internships with the New York State Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District, and the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

Outside of work, Mr. Freeman is actively involved with Saints Peter and Paul's Chapter of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is an on- ice volunteer with the SABAH program. Also, he is a member of the UB Law Alumni Association and sits on the Town of Amherst's Employee Suggestion Merit Award Board. He is a proud recipient of the Father Nelson Baker Service Award and is an Eagle Scout,

Today, I ask that we recognize and give thanks to leaders in the Western New York Community, such as Robert Freeman for his continued dedication and selfless service to his community.

Madam Speaker, May marks National Preservation Month. This year's theme is ``People Saving Places.''

This Congress can do that by supporting the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act. This bipartisan bill, which I introduced with Congressmen LaHood and Blumenauer, builds on the success and lasting benefits of the Federal historic tax program.

Over the last two decades, my western New York community has seen over $1.2 billion of investments in more than 250 rehab projects made possible thanks to historic tax credits.

Across the Nation, historic tax credits have driven $122 billion in private investment and supported millions of jobs.

By restoring and expanding the historic tax credit program through the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act, we give the country an opportunity to rebuild stronger and communities the tools to invest in the revitalization of their neighborhoods.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize today's guest chaplain, my friend, Pastor Craig Pridgen.

Pastor Pridgen serves as the senior servant at True Bethel Baptist Church in Niagara Falls.

Through his ministry and community service, he is an energetic and effective advocate for those who have none, who have been doubted, underappreciated, and forgotten.

Buffalo born and raised, Pastor Pridgen has led efforts to promote opportunity through a church-led workforce program, as well as understanding and equality through his position on the board of the National Federation of Just Communities.

He has also supported community-building and wellness initiatives as president of the Niagara Falls Ministerial Council and a senior adviser for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo.

We are grateful to have Pastor Craig Pridgen in the House Chamber for today's opening prayer, and so very fortunate to have him leading by example in all of western New York.

Mr. Speaker, today we recognize a hero in our community, Sergeant Earl ``Butchie'' Schuster, who valiantly served our country in Vietnam. Here at the pregame ceremony at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, thousands of Western New Yorkers will learn of Sergeant Schuster's fortitude and gain an appreciation of his commitment and service.

Born and raised in South Buffalo, Sergeant Schuster was born in 1948 and graduated from South Park High School. Butchie was drafted into the United States Army where he completed basic training. He then joined the 5th Infantry during the Vietnam War.

While serving in Vietnam, Butchie was involved in several battles, served as a ``Tunnel Rat,'' and was ultimately wounded by the enemy in April of 1969. He received medical treatment before returning to combat with his fellow soldiers. He received the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery and heroic service and the Purple Heart for the injuries he sustained in battle. He was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device.

Butchie was honorably discharged from active duty in 1970 and returned home where he began his 42-year career as a Local 6 Union Ironworker in Buffalo. Fittingly, in the mid-1980s, Butchie was one of the first ironworkers to begin construction on Sahlen Field--the location at which we honor him today.

Please join me in thanking Sergeant Schuster for his outstanding service to our country. He joined our military at a time of heightened tension in our nation, and as so many of his family and loved ones here today know, this type of appreciation is long overdue. I know his children, Brian and Wendy are watching today with love in their hearts. Butchie represents the very best of our Vietnam veterans, and it is my distinct honor to join our entire community in thanking him for his devotion to duty.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Robert Freeman on receiving the 30 Under 30 award presented by Forbes to individuals who have impactful careers and accomplishments in their industry.

Mr. Freeman started his education at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, and continued his education there earning a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo's School of Law. During his time at the University at Buffalo, Mr. Freeman was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, and a recipient of the Milton Plesur History Honor Award.

Mr. Freeman is a partner at Nesper, Ferber, DiGiacomo, Johnson & Grimm, LLP, where he has been since Oct. 2019. There, he focuses his practice on commercial and residential real estate law. Some of his previous work experience includes internships with the New York State Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District, and the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

Outside of work, Mr. Freeman is actively involved with Saints Peter and Paul's Chapter of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is an on- ice volunteer with the SABAH program. Also, he is a member of the UB Law Alumni Association and sits on the Town of Amherst's Employee Suggestion Merit Award Board. He is a proud recipient of the Father Nelson Baker Service Award and is an Eagle Scout.

Today, I ask that we recognize and give thanks to leaders in the Western New York Community, such as Robert Freeman for his continued dedication and selfless service to his community.

Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago, a racist, hateful individual traveled to my community of Buffalo, New York, to commit mass murder at a supermarket on Jefferson Avenue.

Armed with an AR-15 assault weapon, he shot 13 people, killing 10 of them in less than 2 minutes.

It is often said that the best way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. Retired Police Officer Aaron Salter, Jr., the security guard on duty that day, was a good guy with a gun, but he was outgunned by the bad guy with a bigger gun, and his weapon was no match for the military-grade body armor the shooter wore. Body armor designed for war zones has no place in our neighborhoods.

The Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act prohibits

civilians from buying and selling enhanced body armor. It protects communities as well as law enforcement answering the call when public safety is at risk.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this commonsense safety bill for the Buffalo community and for the many others who have forever been changed by mass shootings.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Anne Joynt on receiving the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award, presented by the University at Buffalo's Law Alumni Association for her contributions to the betterment of the Buffalo community.

Ms. Joynt started her education at the State University of New York College at Geneseo, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School. During her time at the University at Buffalo, Ms. Joynt was inducted into the Order of Barristers because of her moot court work and served as co- editor of the Human Rights Law Review.

Ms. Joynt is a partner at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC, where she has spent her entire legal career, having joined the firm directly out of law school in 2005. There, she focuses her practice on representing people who have suffered injuries due to exposure to asbestos, as well as those injured by childhood lead poisoning, motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, and defective products.

Outside of work, Ms. Joynt is actively involved with many different organizations, including the UB Alumni Association where she served on the Board of Directors from 2013 to 2021 holding many different positions including, President, Vice-President, Assistant Secretary, and Co-Chair of the Annual Dinner Committee. Also, Ms. Joynt has served as the Chair of the UB Law mentoring program and has been a law student mentor since 2008 until present. Additionally, she has served as a member to the minority Bar Association of Western New York Foundation, Inc., The National Federation for Just Communities of WNY, Inc., Girls on the Run Buffalo, SUNY Geneseo Regional Board of Directors, and the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York.

Today, I ask that we recognize and give thanks to leaders in the Western New York Community, such as Anne Joynt for her continued dedication and selfless service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Robert Freeman on receiving the 30 under 30 award presented by Forbes to individuals who have impactful careers and accomplishments in their industry.

Mr. Freeman started his education at the State University of New York College at Buffalo, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, and continued his education there earning a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo's School of Law. During his time at the University at Buffalo, Mr. Freeman was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, and a recipient of the Milton Plesur History Honor Award.

Mr. Freeman is a partner at Nesper, Ferber, DiGiacomo, Johnson & Grimm, LLP, where he has been since Oct. 2019. There, he focuses his practice on commercial and residential real estate law. Some of his previous work experience includes internships with the New York State Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District, and the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

Outside of work, Mr. Freeman is actively involved with Saints Peter and Paul's Chapter of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is an on- ice volunteer with the SABAH program. Also, he is a member of the UB Law Alumni Association and sits on the Town of Amherst's Employee Suggestion Merit Award Board. He is a proud recipient of the Father Nelson Baker Service Award and is an Eagle Scout.

Today, I ask that we recognize and give thanks to leaders in the Western New York Community, such as Robert Freeman for his continued dedication and selfless service to his community.

Mr. Speaker, after 3 long years of COVID restrictions, on May 12, the United States' northern border finally reopens fully to our Canadian neighbors. This is a turning point in rebuilding the relationships and economies along the U.S.-Canadian border.

In 2019, prior to the pandemic, domestic and international travel spending reached $3.1 billion in my western New York district alone.

As we emerge from a global health crisis and celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, let's seek out opportunities to encourage and ease travel in the United States. This includes adequately funding Federal agencies to support travel, investing in infrastructure, and modernizing NEXUS and passports to improve the travel experience.

Together, we can highlight U.S. destinations ready to be explored and grow the economy.

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to recognize The Amherst Police Club for their continued dedication to community service and safety. This is a model organization that serves as much- needed support to the heroes in our community.

In 1819, Timothy S. Hopkins was elected the first supervisor for the Town of Amherst. He appointed two Constables, Joseph Hershey and Palmer Cleveland. These two men patrolled the present boundaries of Amherst (as well as portions of Cheektowaga). By 1883, the number of Town Constables had been increased to five. In 1924, the Town of Amherst Police and the Village of Williamsville Police merged, and by 1938, the department had grown to thirteen men. Since that time, the Town of Amherst Police has only continued to grow and meet the needs of their citizens in large part due to the help and representation of the Amherst Police Club.

The Amherst Police Club, Inc., is a non-profit organization that represents the sworn police officers of the Town of Amherst. They give back to the community and sponsor numerous charitable causes, events, youth sports teams and youth activities that have a positive impact and touch the lives of those they serve and protect. They also host annual events for the community to benefit the Amherst Police Benevolent Association. The representation of our sworn police officers requires a deep understanding and appreciation of dedication to service, and for that, Amherst Police Club fits the bill.

I ask that you join me in recognizing and giving thanks to outstanding organizations in the Western New York area, especially to the Amherst Police Club as they are honored today for their continued dedication and selfless service to their community.

Mr. Speaker, today the Amherst community recognizes Town Justice Geoffrey Klein and his wife, Robin Klein, for their dedication to community service. Both lifelong residents of Amherst, they have been married for 48 years and have been continuously dedicated to bettering the lives of those around them. The foundation of any American community is the man or woman that selflessly gives their time to volunteer for others, and today Geoffrey and Robin receive some long overdue gratitude for that exact type of devotion.

Justice Klein graduated from Williamsville High School in 1968 before enlisting in the

United States Marine Corps, where he served in Vietnam, Okinawa, South Korea, the Philippines, and State-side. He was honorably discharged in June 1971 with the rank of Lance Corporal. Shortly after, Justice Klein went on to join the New York State Police Academy and graduated in 1974. He then served as a New York State Trooper from January 1974 through June 1994. During that time, he enrolled in a B.A. program at the State University of New York at Buffalo, later earning a degree in Political Science in May of 1981. Further continuing his education at SUNY Buffalo's School of Law and Jurisprudence, he earned his J.D. in May of 1985. From there he has served as a practicing attorney and was appointed Amherst Town Justice in January 2000, a position he still holds today. Justice Klein presides over criminal, drug, veterans, vehicle and traffic, domestic violence, and property management courts. This is in addition to his instruction as a Criminal Justice Professor at Erie County Community College from 2000 through 2010.

Justice Klein's entire career has been service-oriented. On top of his professional accomplishments, he has continued his community service in his free time, including, membership with the Jolly Boys of Williamsville, Scholarship Committee Chairman, and Chair of the Ride Committee. He is also currently on the Amherst Youth and Community Coalition. In the past, he was a little league baseball, football, and softball coach for over a decade. Justice Klein also served on the Amherst Senior Center Advisory Board, Amherst Museum Advisory Board, and Amherst Youth Court from 2000 through 2014.

Robin Klein graduated from Williamsville North High School in 1972. She has spent her life contributing to those around her in the Western New York region. Robin has extensive community service memberships and accolades, including, President of the Women's Auxiliary Board of John R. Oishei Children's Hospital. She has been a Republican Committeewoman since 1985, and she is currently a board member (and past president) of the Amherst Republican Women. Robin has taken part in many other organizations including Habitat for Humanity, where she took part in painting rooms and planting trees. In 2008, she was recognized with the Amherst Youth Board's Service to Youth Award. Additionally, Robin was a past member and president of the Parent-Teacher Association of Williamsville School District for 17 years, and a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. On top of the positions and memberships she has held, Robin also generously donates her time and energy (along with Justice Klein) to pickup day-old baked goods from Tops Markets and deliver them to food pantries and the Friends of Night People, which she has been doing once a month for the last ten years.

Geoffrey and Robin have two children, Rebecca and Matthew, and are blessed with two grandsons, Carter and Cameron. Today, I ask that we recognize and give thanks to leaders in the Western New York volunteer community, especially today as Geoffrey and Robin Klein are honored for their continued dedication and selfless service to their community.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor one of western New York's greatest athletes, Randy Smith.

A natural competitor, he came to Buffalo to play basketball, soccer, and track and field at Buffalo State before he was drafted into the National Basketball Association by the Buffalo Braves in the third round.

An underdog from the very start, Randy Smith became the heart and soul of the Braves, holding records and becoming the most valuable player in the 1978 NBA All-Star Game.

Randy Smith embodied western New York's hardworking spirit and community pride. He often spent time playing basketball in local parks and visiting city schools, serving as an inspiration and mentor to kids across the community.

Randy Smith passed away at the age of 60 in 2009. During a time when our community is still healing from heartbreak and loss, we must continue to keep his legacy alive.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Buffalo Braves all-star Randy Smith and his commitment to becoming the good neighbor to the City of Good Neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to

Mr. Speaker, day in and day out, our dedicated letter carriers and postal workers deliver to America for America, but processing and delivering the mail should never leave these workers stranded, threatened, or at risk of losing their lives.

However, that is what appears to have happened during a massive winter storm that hit Buffalo and western New York in December. After numerous personal accounts of unsafe conditions for postal employees, we are calling on the Office of Inspector General in coordination with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to investigate.

Weather emergencies happen, especially in Buffalo in the wintertime. We need a clear process to protect America's postal workers when they do.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the impact and celebrate the life of the late Quinton Roseboro Smith. Affectionately known by his loved ones as ``Smitty,'' this native son of South Carolina made the City of Buffalo his home at an early age. Through the many years that followed his move north, Quinton was able to leave his mark in our community--whether it was at church, the hair salon, or through the lens of his camera, Smitty's lovable spirit followed him everywhere.

A student at Buffalo Public Schools 31, 75, and 87, Quinton would later become a student at Burgard High School. It was there that he was given the chance to study aviation mechanics and pursue a career with the United States Air Force. Upon Smitty's discharge from the military, he worked for decades at the General Motors Tonawanda Engine Plant. However, it was his passion for cutting hair and the beauty industry that was clearly evident throughout his other ventures.

He started cutting hair at age 13 with his cousin, Israel ``June'' Blackmon. He cut hair while stationed in Alaska with the Air Force, and he eventually took night classes at Culver Beauty College while working at GM. So, after gaining his license, it was not long before he opened Studio 322. This hair salon was not only an instant success, but it was something that he shared with the love of his life, Mary.

Smitty was a devout Christian and irreplaceable member of St. Paul's A.M.E. Zion Church. Quinton's commitment to Buffalo could be tangibly felt by countless people, not just those who frequented Studio 322. His actions toward others created a legacy that will long outlive him. Survived by his 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild, there is no shortage of loved ones to recount their fond memories of Smitty. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Quinton for his commitment to the Western New York area and for the warmth he provided to so many. He will be dearly missed.