Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017, which passed the House with a bipartisan vote a few moments ago.

As the Representative of a district with a large number of law- abiding

firearm owners, I know many individuals who have concealed carry permits use their firearm for personal protection. This commonsense measure would also allow qualified law-abiding citizens who have obtained concealed carry permits to carry their firearms across State lines and in other States.

Since 1991, the number of concealed carry permits has increased dramatically, while the violent crime rates have dropped nearly 51 percent, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Additionally, the fix on the so-called NICS provision of the legislation would add an extra layer of accountability to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for individuals who are legally prohibited from obtaining a firearm.

As one of the leading advocates for Second Amendment rights in New York State, I was the first to introduce a full repeal of Governor Andrew Cuomo's gun-grabbing so-called SAFE Act. I firmly believe that our Second Amendment rights are God-given by the Constitution and something we need to defend each and every day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a former constituent and local legend, Bella, the white-tailed deer.

Bella's saga as Pulaski's mascot began in 2009, when her mother was tragically hit by oncoming traffic. Alone, with nowhere to turn, a local farmer was kind enough to extend his barn to the motherless fawn. He took her in, cared for her throughout the cold months of winter, and named her Bella.

Bella has spent her life happily wandering the streets of Pulaski, joining residents on walks with their dogs, meeting fishermen along the banks of the nearby Salmon River, and posing for selfies on the porches of residents throughout the village.

The Village of Pulaski embraced and cared for Bella for 9 years. She was often seen wearing a bright orange dog collar so hunters would know who she was. Bella even had her own Facebook page with over 4,000 likes that kept residents up to date on her adventures and whereabouts.

Sadly, Bella hasn't been seen for several months, and the consensus among residents and the local media is that Bella has passed on.

Bella has brought joy to this beautiful community in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains and the Tug Hill Plateau region and all who had the pleasure of meeting her. She was a village mascot and a symbol of the reciprocity of kindness shown by so many in our community.

One compassionate resident reached out to an orphaned Bella when she needed help the most, and Bella spent the rest of her life paying us all back with her cheerful greetings and the warm spirit which reflects the grateful Pulaski community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Michael McDermott of Homer, New York. Mike is a veteran of the United States Navy, having served from 1964 through 1967, including 13 months of service in Vietnam. When Mike returned home from the Navy and Vietnam, he became active in the Homer community serving as a village trustee for 6 years and mayor for 6 years.

Mike's true passion has been as an advocate for his fellow veterans through his service at the American Legion Post 465 in Homer where he has been a member for over 34 years. During his time with Post 465, Mike has served in many roles, including commander for 13 years. He also served as commander of the Cortland County American Legion.

Mike is also involved in State and national leadership for The American Legion. He serves on the National Security Council for The American Legion and with the National and New York American Legion Press Associations.

Most importantly, Mike continuously gives back to Cortland County's and Homer's veterans, hosting a veterans service fair and supporting veterans' causes throughout the village and county each and every year.

We are grateful to compassionate citizens like Michael McDermott throughout our communities, and we are grateful for their service and dedication to our Nation's veterans. Thank you to Michael McDermott from a giving and warm community. We appreciate his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Erin Hamlin, a hardworking and outstanding constituent of the 22nd Congressional District, who has just qualified for her fourth consecutive Winter Olympic Games.

Erin hails from a beautiful hamlet in Oneida County, known as Remsen, New York.

Erin started her career in luge in 2005. Her first major international victory was achieved in 2009, in Lake Placid, at the World Luge Championships, where Erin earned a remarkable gold medal.

At the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Erin became the first American ever--both male and female--to medal in a singles luge competition when she brought home the bronze for Team USA.

Next year, Erin will represent Team USA in South Korea by again competing in the singles luge competition.

Please join me in wishing the best of luck to our hometown rock star Erin Hamlin and all of Team USA in next year's Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Winfield Scott Jones, affectionately known as Bud, a respected constituent of the 22nd Congressional District, who dedicated his life to improving our community.

After graduating from Syracuse University in 1963, Bud Jones worked as a physical education teacher at Pulaski High School for 33 years. During his tenure, Bud also served as the track and field coach and the basketball coach. Bud was named New York State Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Central New York High School Basketball Hall of Fame.

Bud Jones was a shining example of the tremendous impact that one individual can have on an entire community. He was a gracious leader and a positive influence on the young men and women he taught and coached, always motivating them to strive for excellence.

Winfield Scott Jones, affectionately known by all of us as Bud, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2017. It is with sadness that we mourn his passing, and we extend our condolences to his beloved family.

We know that his spirit will live on in all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Our community is forever grateful for his service and profound impact on all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Ben Margolius and Mr. Al Eaton, founders of the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group.

Ben is a veteran of the Army, serving as the chief of joint operations for the U.S. Transportation Command and holding leadership positions at USCENTCOM, USEUCOM, and USTRANSCOM.

Al is a veteran of the Navy and, like my son, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, having served as a naval flight officer on P-3 Orions, performing antisubmarine warfare and surface surveillance missions.

After their military service, Ben and Al saw a great need to provide help to veterans where other agencies could not. This started informally, with Ben and Al getting donations and support where they could, until the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group was formed officially in August of 2011.

Today, Ben and Al's work has brought over 70 community partners together to assist veterans and their families, with 425 veterans receiving $65,000 in assistance since 2016.

Thank you, Ben and Al, for your service and for all that your organization has done to help our veterans.

Go Navy.

Go Army.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Joe Fraccola of New Hartford, New York, my hometown.

Joe was drafted into the United States Army in 1968, serving in the Vietnam war. On June 7, 1969, Joe was injured during an enemy rocket attack, earning the Purple Heart medal.

After returning home from Vietnam, Joe worked for the United States Postal Service and became active in veterans advocacy in central New York, serving as the commander of Central New York Chapter 490 Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Under Joe's leadership, the chapter has visited wounded soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines at Walter Reed; supported military honors at funerals and events; assisted in honor flights to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and helped to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam.

Joe is also active in the Vietnam Veterans of America and supports our local Gold Star Mothers.

Our community owes Joe our gratitude for his service and sacrifice for this country and for all he has done to support veterans and their families after his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Richard Synek, a veteran of the United States Navy and founder of Feed Our Vets.

Rich served in the Navy during the 1980s and was serving aboard the USS Peterson during combat operations against Libya in 1986.

After his military service, Rich worked for the United States Postal Service, serving as postmaster for several local post offices. During his time as postmaster of the Vernon Center Post Office, Rich encountered a World War II veteran who could only afford to buy one stamp and food for half the month.

After befriending this veteran, Rich bought him groceries so he and his wife could eat. Shortly after, Feed Our Veterans was formed.

Since 2008, Feed Our Veterans has served over 20,000 veterans and their families, providing over 445,000 pounds of food for those in need.

Our community is grateful to Rich for his service in the Navy, but especially for his continued compassionate service to our fellow veterans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Frank Doolittle of Bainbridge, New York. At 104 years old, Frank will be awarded the Nation's highest honor for a civilian, the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the Civil Air Patrol.

At a pivotal time in our Nation's history, Frank dedicated himself to service here at home. In 1944, in the midst of World War II, Frank volunteered to join the Civil Air Patrol squadron in Sidney, New York. His unit was active and often tasked with finding C-47s that went down in the Northeast.

In addition to being on call 24 hours a day, Frank taught classes ranging from navigation to meteorology 3 nights a week. During World War II, members patrolled the country's coastline from Maine to Mexico, watching for enemy submarines and potential saboteurs while conducting search and rescue missions.

On Saturday, November 11, Veterans Day, I will have the distinct honor of presenting Mr. Doolittle with the Congressional Gold Medal. Since 1776, only 300 of these medals have been awarded. I ask everyone to join me today in thanking Frank Doolittle and all serving the Civil Air Patrol for their service and dedication to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rachel Champney, a markswoman who was recently awarded the 2017 Rimfire World Championship title in the ladies limited division.

A 15-year-old sophomore at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School, Rachel began shooting only 2 years ago but has developed a deep love and respect for the sport. She learned how to shoot through local marksmanship programs before being encouraged to compete nationally by members of the Trenton Fish and Game Club. Now, Rachel can fire through six targets with deadeye accuracy in under 3 seconds.

With Rachel's success has also come a passion to share her advocacy for gun safety. Rachel spends her free time teaching new shooters, including her family and friends, proper firearm safety measures. As Rachel grows as a markswoman, she continues to grow as a community leader.

Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment, Rachel, and I hope to have the honor of shooting with you in the near future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Bottini, a generous and dedicated constituent of the 22nd Congressional District of New York.

In 2010, after a fruitful 29-year career, Mary retired and began to volunteer her time at the Oneida County Historical Society, where she was recently named Volunteer of the Year for 2017.

Mary is an active member of our community, a grandmother of three, and a passionate purveyor of our history. Her commitment and civic engagement are the impetus for this well-deserved award.

Oneida County has a rich history, and it is through the efforts and hard work of volunteers like Mary that its heritage and collective memory is preserved. Mary serves as a shining example of what it means to give back.

Please join me today in thanking Mary for her commitment to our community and her years of exceptional service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Miller, superintendent of the Herkimer Central School District.

When Robert Miller became superintendent of the Herkimer Central School District in 2013, he was facing a problem that many superintendents across this country are facing: a low and decreasing graduation rate.

However, in the 4 years since Mr. Miller began in his new role, Herkimer has seen a drastic turnaround. The graduation rate has increased 11 percent, from 69 to 80 percent.

However, in 2006, Herkimer's graduation rates were at 87 percent. Mr. Miller has made it his mission to ensure that Herkimer Central School District reaches that number again.

Mr. Miller noted that it was the dedication of both teachers and administrators that led to the significant increase. Their ability and willingness to intervene with students at risk has helped these students successfully move to the next stage of their lives with the skills they need to contribute positively to our community.

Thank you to Superintendent Miller and the dedicated staff at Herkimer Central School District for your tremendous work and commitment to our next generation of leaders. I know your effort will continue inspiring our students for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Life Is Washable, an organization that provides comfort and support to individuals suffering from sensory processing disorders.

Locally, through their partnership with the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation, Life Is Washable provides friendly access sensory safety kits at sporting events and concerts across the region.

Often, guests suffering from a sensory disorder or a medical condition that impacts the senses, including autism or dementia, find it difficult to enjoy loud, brightly lit events.

The tools in these kits range from earmuffs to antiglare glasses, and help ensure that those with sensory needs can enjoy a sporting event or concert comfortably without the usual burdens they experience. This innovative approach has helped improve the quality of these events for those with sensory disorders across the country.

So far, several major venues in New York have begun using these kits, including the Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton and the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

We are grateful to Life Is Washable for the important steps their staff has taken locally to reduce the burdens on those suffering from a sensory processing disorder.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to Congressman Zeldin. Obviously, we, from New York, all are so proud for his service as an Iraq veteran, and also for his leadership in serving both in the State Senate and also representing our great State in the House of Representatives on this very important issue.

Mr. Speaker, on October 13, President Trump made the informed decision to decertify the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the JCPOA--or I am going to refer to it as the Iran nuclear deal--and to develop, for the first time, a holistic strategy to address the Iranian menace. I applaud this sound choice, which prioritizes the safety and security of our citizens and the American homeland.

Predictably, the flawed deal with Iran has done nothing to stem that rogue nation's aggression and misbehavior domestically, in the Middle East, and throughout the globe. Quite to the contrary, by front-loading the benefits to Iran, the Iran nuclear deal is funding these destabilizing and dangerous activities.

Human rights abuses continue against the Iranian people as citizens who dare to speak out against the oppressive regime face imprisonment or abuse. Supporters of the Iran nuclear deal told the American people that this deal would lead to a more open Iran, with a renewed acceptance of diverse voices and opinions from within.

Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, there have been already over 450 executions in Iran this year alone. Obviously, the so-called moderates within the regime with whom we negotiated the Iran nuclear deal either aren't as moderate as we thought or are simply irrelevant in this regime.

The American people were told further that the Iran nuclear deal would bring Iran into the fold and make the nation a more productive, contributing member of the international community.

Sadly, but not surprisingly, Iran's transgressions in the region continue to be appalling. The Iranian regime is expanding its malicious network of control through increased financial and military support for terrorist organizations, including Hezbollah and Hamas.

In Syria, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has provided fighters and expertise to the brutal Assad regime that gases and brutalizes its own citizens. Iran has shown no signs that it is interested in pursuing peace or even curbing its malevolent behaviors. Chants of ``death to America and ``death to Israel'' continue as Iran rapidly develops its missile program and engages in proxy conflicts with the U.S. and our allies.

I thank the President and my colleagues, as I indicated, especially Congressman Lee Zeldin from New York, for continuing to shine the light on this important national security issue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a recent community forum I held at Binghamton University to raise awareness about the heroin and opioid epidemic ravaging our country.

Every day in America, more than 144 Americans die of a drug overdose. In Broome County, where our forum was held, 76 people died of an overdose last year, 90 percent from opioids.

Before the forum, I had the opportunity to tour the New Horizons Alcohol & Chemical Dependency program at United Health Services to see firsthand the arduous work our healthcare professionals are undertaking to fight back against this disease.

In addition to the tour, the forum highlighted that our panel of healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations continues to struggle to keep pace with the rise of addiction, and it became clear to me by the end of the forum that more resources are needed.

It was an honor to bring together members of our community to talk about solutions and highlight that there is hope for the future. I look forward to taking those ideas that I learned at the forum and putting those ideas into action by working with my

colleagues to reduce and eliminate the scourge of addiction.