Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Boy Scouts of America Leatherstocking Council. For more than 100 years the Boy Scouts of

America have molded young boys into men of character, compassion, and commitment.

Last week, I had the honor of attending their annual leadership dinner, where four of our local Eagle Scouts--Nathaniel Degear of DeRuyter, Devyn Guy of Middleburgh, Paul White of Clinton, and Gannon Frisbee of Downsville--were honored as finalists for the Eagle Project of the Year. The four finalists represented more than 120 new Eagle Scouts, who gave over 2,500 hours in service to our community.

It was an honor to finally present Gannon Frisbee with the Eagle Scout Community Service Project of the Year Award. Gannon began his project intending to upgrade lighting and wall decor at a local American Legion.

Soon after beginning his project, Gannon realized the building's structural integrity was at risk. Gannon worked tirelessly to repair the walls and the floor of the American Legion. His project was critical in ensuring that the American Legion was able to return to normal operations.

These young men offer us a glimpse into the Boy Scouts' outstanding tradition of service and commitment to community. They are truly a testament to the strength and the potential of America's next generation of leaders.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brian McQueen, a constituent and a dear friend from the 22nd District who has dedicated his life to public service.

For 34 years, Brian worked in the Whitesboro Central School District--as a teacher for 19 years and as a principal thereafter. Brian also took his compassion for our community to the Whitesboro Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as fire chief from 1999 to 2002. He currently serves as a lieutenant and safety officer, in addition to serving on the board of directors of the Firemen's Association of the State of New York.

In 2013, Brian was diagnosed with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Brian joined members of the Barneveld Fire Department to found the Believe 271, a foundation to assist volunteer firefighters and EMTs who are battling cancer and life-threatening diseases. Since that day, Believe 271 has provided financial and emotional support to firefighters and their families throughout Oneida and Herkimer Counties.

With increased exposure to smoke and toxins, firefighters are at a much higher risk of contracting cancer. Brian's tireless advocacy is a testament to his dedication and his compassion for all volunteer firefighters who risk their lives to keep our communities safe, and it is an honor to recognize my friend and a great community partner, Brian McQueen, today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeremy Rich, the principal at Barringer Road Elementary School in Ilion, a constituent of the 22nd Congressional District. For his stellar record of service, professionalism, and contributions to the educational process, Mr. Rich was named New York's 2017 National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

In 2013, Mr. Rich became the principal of Barringer Road Elementary. Since that day, he has arrived at school promptly at 6:30 a.m. each morning, bringing a positive attitude and inspirational words to each morning announcement.

Prior to his service at Barringer Road, Mr. Rich served as principal at the now-closed Remington Elementary School, where he was integral in facilitating the successful merger of the Mohawk and Ilion school districts.

During his time at Ilion Junior High School, he served as the principal, the dean of students, and an English teacher.

Mr. Rich's commitment to his role is unparalleled. Both teachers and parents alike describe Mr. Rich as comforting, helpful, and passionate. One teacher described him as a ``superstar principal and a fantastic human being.'' Mr. Rich's record exemplifies his clear dedication to public education, his students, and our community.

Please join me today in congratulating this well-respected educator and beloved member of the 22nd District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent and volunteer firefighter from the 22nd District, Neil Sutherland, otherwise known as ``Suds.''

Neil has been a member of the Stittville Fire Department since 1965 and fire chief since 1998. Throughout his 53 years of dedicated fire service, Chief Sutherland has led the Stittville Fire Department to become one of the most well-respected departments in the State.

Stittville Fire Department is also one of the busiest fire departments in our region, handling over 220 calls a month. Incredibly, Chief Suds Sutherland has responded to 90 percent of those calls.

Chief Sutherland is also an active player on the Stittville Volunteer softball team, the undefeated league champions for the past 3 years.

Recently, Chief Sutherland was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. On Saturday, I had the honor of joining our community and the Sutherland family at a beautiful ceremony benefiting Chief Sutherland and his dedication and service to our community.

Tragically, medical research shows that firefighters have a much greater risk of contracting cancer due to increased exposure to smoke and toxins.

Chief Sutherland's enduring spirit and unwavering commitment to community is an inspiration to us all. I ask everyone to join me in sending our thoughts and our prayers to Chief Sutherland, otherwise lovingly known as ``Suds,'' and his family during his courageous battle to beat cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding and for bringing up this very important issue.

I just want to make a few comments, and I just want to say, what makes the United States exceptional among all nations is the moral courage and leadership we have displayed throughout our history.

So many times, in the face of great terror and significant moral crisis, the United States has acted as a force for good. We have supported our allies to restore order where there was once chaos. Where people have been suffering famine and drought, we have stepped up to provide food and water. Time and again, the world has faced crises, and the United States has stepped up to defend the moral good.

The crisis in Myanmar presents yet another challenge for the global community, but in this moral crisis is yet another opportunity for our Nation to once again lead.

As we speak, the Rohingya people are suffering undue hardship and violence under a government that has failed to uphold the values inherent to a vibrant democracy.

It has been reported that an average of 2,000 Rohingya are fleeing the country each day. Denied basic rights for decades, the Rohingya people have been subject to systematic discrimination as a religious minority in a predominantly Buddhist country. The state has gone so far as to completely deny citizenship to the Rohingya people since 1982.

Serious accusations of ethnic cleansing and genocide have been leveled against the government, which has failed to respond appropriately to the calls for calm and peace.

While the government has the right to defend itself against any form of insurgency, common, agreed-upon rules of warfare dictate that all civilians be protected. This rule is sacred and must not be broken. Despite this, reports of abuse against civilians are running rampant in Myanmar.

More than 200 villages have been destroyed, many burned to the ground by government forces. Communities are being wiped away as hundreds, possibly even thousands, of civilians are slaughtered. The crisis demands our immediate attention.

Just recently, the House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing, and Chairman Royce stated plainly: ``This is ethnic cleansing.''

Mr. Speaker, I must agree.

Every conflict is complex, and this one is no different, but it must be made clear that under no conditions should the rights of innocent civilians be abridged. To the Government of Myanmar, we must make it equally as clear that their behavior will not be tolerated.

I recently met with constituents from Myanmar in my district office. Utica, the largest city in New York's 22nd Congressional District, is home to a vibrant refugee community. We are home to the largest Bosnian refugee population in the Nation, a population that was also fleeing ethnic cleansing in their own home country of the former Yugoslavia.

My constituents shared with me their personal stories and deep despair over the violence in their home country. They asked that I do all I can to make their voices heard, and tonight I am proud to speak on their behalf.

They shared with me horrific pictures of violence and death, of torture of children, of young people, of women, of men, of families. It was simply just appalling.

Mr. Speaker, when our Nation faces moral challenges, it is in our nature not to back down. I must insist that this time be no different. I call on my colleagues to stand up and speak out and to act on this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas and my colleague for highlighting this very important issue. I urge all of my colleagues to understand this is a tragedy of major proportions that is happening in our world today.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas again for bringing this issue to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, this is so important. I really am grateful to my friend from Texas for doing this.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Care Net Pregnancy Center of Central New York.

Founded in 1989, Care Net provides free, confidential services for women facing an unplanned pregnancy across our region. Nationwide, Care Net has a network of over 1,100 pregnancy centers.

Through its work, Care Net of Central New York has provided guidance and compassionate care to over 24,000

individuals, equipping women with the resources they need to make an informed decision about their pregnancy.

From pregnancy counseling to postabortion recovery services, Care Net offers a wide range of support and assistance to women considering this life-changing, difficult decision.

During an emotional and challenging time, Care Net staff provides an unparalleled level of compassion, support, and dedication to the women and men they serve.

Care Net continues to lead the way in the mission to protect the sanctity of life, helping to save the lives of thousands of unborn children each year.

It is an honor to stand here today to recognize Care Net's service to our community and its unwavering commitment to future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, a measure that will restrict abortions after 20 weeks.

Substantial scientific evidence has proven that abortions inflict pain on unborn children who have reached the age of 20 weeks. It has also been proven that, at 20 weeks, an unborn child is capable of surviving outside the womb.

Just last week, I had the honor of meeting Micah Pickering, who had been born prematurely at 20 weeks. Micah is now a vibrant 5-year-old boy who is living a full and healthy life.

Currently, the United States is one of only seven countries that allow abortions after 20 weeks. This bill is a commonsense measure that will protect our next generation and end the egregious practice of late-term abortions.

During my time as a member of the New York State Assembly, I was the

prime sponsor of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act and was honored to champion this bill in an effort to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to protect the sanctity of life by voting ``yes'' on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and all who have been affected by this terrible disease. Each October we take time to raise awareness about the threat breast cancer poses to women and men throughout the country and the world.

Studies show that one in eight women across the Nation will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and that more than 249,000 people in the United States are diagnosed each year. Roughly 1 percent of those are men.

This month, it is not only imperative that we reflect upon all who are affected by breast cancer, but that we also take action to fight against it.

Today I would like to recognize a courageous constituent, friend, and cancer survivor, Karen Newton. Earlier this year, I played in the Congressional Women's Softball Game in honor of Karen's triumph over breast cancer. Karen is a vibrant testament to the fact that strides we make in medicine are helping cancer patient and their loved ones, though I don't think she is a very good driver.

Whether it is wearing pink to raise awareness or offering support to a brave person who is fighting this disease, in October, let's all join together to fight to end breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Deputy Kurt B. Wyman, a Marine Corps veteran and Oneida County sheriff's deputy who was killed in the line of duty in 2011 at only 24 years old.

Deputy Wyman served with distinction in Iraq, earning the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. During his service in the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, he was named Rookie of the Year and earned the Grand Cordon Medal twice.

Following his tragic death, the Deputy Kurt B. Wyman Foundation was created to celebrate and honor his distinguished life of service to our community and our Nation. Through the foundation's efforts, the Deputy Kurt B. Wyman Memorial Park in Whitestown was constructed as a resource for local families.

Each year, an annual fall festival and a motorcycle ride are held at the park to honor and remember Deputy Wyman's legacy. I am honored to be joined by so many others who are grateful citizens by riding my own Harley-Davidson in this beautiful tribute to Deputy Wyman each year.

Please join me and our entire community today in celebrating the life of Deputy Kurt B. Wyman, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community and this great Nation.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove Representative Carlos Curbelo as a cosponsor of H.R. 2299.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent from the 22nd District of New York, Elliott Root.

Elliott was born with a single left ventricle and has prevailed over tremendous odds in his short life. At the young age of 10 years old, Elliott will undergo his fifth open-heart surgery this week.

Today, I wear the Red Balloon pin in honor of Elliott's courage and strength. Throughout the Red Balloon Campaign, Elliott and his mother, Amy, have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and create an atmosphere of connectivity for all impacted by heart defects.

Congenital heart defects are the most prevalent birth defect, affecting 1 in 100 newborns, leading to the death of more children each year than all forms of pediatric cancer combined. Despite these staggering statistics, congenital heart defects continue to be underrecognized and underfunded.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Elliott and his entire family as he undergoes his fifth open-heart surgery. Elliott's enduring spirit and bravery are an inspiration to all of us. Please join me in celebrating the life of this courageous young man.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of the village of Johnson City in Broome County. Founded in 1892, Johnson City was first named Lestershire. The village was later renamed Johnson City in honor of George F. Johnson, a factory worker who rose through the ranks at the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company, a local manufacturing firm started in Binghamton in 1854.

Under Johnson's leadership, Endicott-Johnson evolved into an economic hub in the region. Through the square deal and his generosity to both the community and his employees, George Johnson played a pivotal role in shaping Johnson City into the village we know today.

Part of the Tri-Cities, Johnson City is now home to over 15,000 people and will soon be home to Binghamton University's School of Pharmacy.

On behalf of the entire 22nd District, I extend my sincerest congratulations to Johnson City on this landmark anniversary.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment to increase funding to the Community Services Block Grant program. I am proud to represent the 22nd District of New York, a once thriving hub of innovation and manufacturing. My district has suffered the fate of too many Rust Belt communities.

Against the backdrop of crushing taxes and soaring costs, it is harder than ever for my constituents to find good-paying jobs that match their skills. A tragic result of this lack of opportunity has been increasing poverty, especially among our most vulnerable populations.

In addition to supporting commonsense pro-growth policies in Congress to reduce regulations and encourage innovation, programs like the Community Services Block Grant play a vitally important role in fulfilling the unmet needs of our neighbors.

CSBG funding directly supports programs aimed at reducing poverty and assisting low-income individuals, the homeless, and the elderly. It allows States and community action agencies in each of our districts the flexibility to improve living conditions, increase self- sufficiency, and foster strong family support systems.

In my district, the Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency in Utica has received more than $640,000 from the CSBG program, which they have used to support Head Start programming that promotes early childhood development, and the Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps seniors meet ever-rising energy costs in the very cold Northeast.

All told, the CSBG program accounts for more than $55 million in financial assistance to New York State funding, which touches the lives of more than 705,000 New Yorkers. This number includes more than 46,000 individuals with disabilities and more than 317,000 children in my district. Cuts to this program will have a disproportionate impact on some of the most at-risk and forgotten constituents in our district.

I am grateful that this committee has recognized the importance of this program, and I am especially thankful for Chairman Cole's leadership on this issue. The committee has expressed a willingness to work with me to ensure that the final appropriations bill worked out in conference includes robust funding for this CSBG program.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole).

Mr. Chairman, because of Chairman Cole's great willingness to work with and help the truly needy people in our communities, I am going to be withdrawing my amendment this evening. I look forward to working with Chairman Cole as we move forward in this process, and I just want to say thank you.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time, and I withdraw my amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of Whitney Point Lake and dam in Broome County, New York.

A popular tourist destination, Whitney Point Lake welcomes more than 115,000 people annually. The 4,578-acre lake offers fishing, swimming, trails, playgrounds, and more than 100 picnic sites.

As an important fixture in our communities, Whitney Point Lake and dam brings more than $3 million annually to our local economy and plays a pivotal role in limiting flooding.

Unfortunately, as we have seen this year, our region is also subject to devastating floods. While it is impossible

to prevent all floods, we can see some mitigation from the effects of flooding due to Whitney Point Lake and dam this year.

Since Whitney Point Lake was completed in 1942, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' project has prevented more than $717 million in potential flood damage.

For its continued benefits both to the local and downstream communities, as well as the hundreds of thousands that enjoy its recreational opportunities, it is an honor today to recognize the 75th anniversary of Whitney Point Lake and dam.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 111.

Mr. Speaker, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a rule forbidding financial service firms from including a mandatory arbitration clause in contracts with consumers. The rule is not only bad for consumers, it highlights the need for accountability in Washington.

Unelected bureaucrats wield too much power with too little oversight, and this rule would force consumer class actions and eliminate arbitration options. As an attorney, I know that many class action lawsuits are all too often more about cash for plaintiffs' trial lawyers than protection for consumers. In fact, the CFPB's own study even admitted that arbitration is faster, less expensive, and pays out consumers much higher compared to the class action lawsuit.

Of course, many trial lawyers oppose arbitration because it denies them of exorbitant class action lawsuit fees. It is an inexpensive alternative to courtroom litigation.

If consumers are lucky enough to be part of the successful class action, the average individual payment is, as my colleague just pointed out, only about $32. Remarkably, the trial lawyers raked in $425 million in class action fees between 2010 and 2013, according to a study by Forbes.

Of the arbitrations reviewed by the CFPB in which consumers were victorious, the average individual payout was $5,389. Why would the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau want to take a fair and elective alternative for resolving disputes away from consumers when they benefit from them?

The consumers have the option to do as they please, but I believe the CFPB's antiarbitration rule would do nothing but harm consumers, line the pocket of trial lawyers, and literally take money out of the hands of consumers.