Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I first want to thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for prioritizing bipartisanship and putting our veterans ahead of politics. This committee's work is a testament to what we can achieve here in Congress when we put aside politics and focus on results.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Veterans Affairs Bonus Transparency Act requires the VA to submit a report to Congress at the end of each fiscal year listing the bonuses that were awarded to senior-level executives within the department.

In 2015, VA employees received more than $177 million in bonuses, which was 24 percent more than they had received in 2014. The average bonus for a senior executive was $10,000.

I have no doubt that the men and women of the VA serve our veterans admirably each day. In fact, I know that they do. In my own district, I have spoken with veterans who are grateful for the compassionate care they receive from the VA hospital in Syracuse as well as local VA clinics in Binghamton and Rome.

VA employees should be fairly compensated for their work and awarded for their achievements in service to our Nation's veterans.

It is also clear to me that there is more work to be done. Just recently, an audit of several VA facilities in

North Carolina and Virginia revealed that wait times continue to be misrepresented and that nearly 14,000 veterans were denied access to timely care. The audit also found that veterans were waiting an average of 26 days to see mental health specialists, while the VA falsely reported average wait times of 6 days.

In light of such news, the American people are right to wonder who at the VA may be receiving a bonus this year. They are also right to be concerned about the nature and conditions of such bonuses.

H.R. 1690 would add a simple reporting requirement to existing law that will streamline the oversight of bonuses at the VA. It requires the agency to proactively provide information to Congress that details the amount of each bonus awarded to senior executives as well as the job titles of the individuals and the location of their employment.

Because of the patterns of mismanagement at the VA, veterans must know how bonuses are being awarded at the agency, and Congress deserves to receive this information in as timely a manner as possible without having to request it each year. This bill increases transparency over the bonus process without placing an undue burden on the agency.

It is an honor to represent a district that is home to more than 55,000 veterans. I owe it to each of them every day to make sure that the VA is accountable and transparent. Our Nation's veterans deserve the very best healthcare for their service and sacrifice to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for their support, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1690.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize F.X. Matt Brewing Company, located in Utica, New York. Founded in 1888, Matt's Brewery is the fourth oldest family-owned brewery in the United States.

An award-winning brewery, F.X. Matt Brewing Company is famous for their pale ale lager, Utica Club, the first beer licensed for sale after Prohibition, in addition to international taste test winner Saranac beer and soda lines.

F.X. Matt Brewing Company is currently among the 15 largest beer producers in the Nation, and the Matt family continues to develop new recipes each year.

Matt's Brewery has played an important role in our local community by hosting Saranac Thursdays, a weekly summer concert series, where a portion of the proceeds are donated to the United Way of Utica. Matt's Brewery also hosts the post-race celebration for the world famous Utica Boilermaker 15K road race.

I am grateful to Fred Matt, Nick Matt, and everyone at the brewery for their hard work, ingenuity, and dedication to our community as they continue this historic family business. I encourage my colleagues to stop by my office to try some of their great products.

On a personal note, as a lifelong friend of the Matt family, I will always be grateful to Lillian ``Duffy'' Matt, affectionately known as Duff, who taught me how to ride a bicycle.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 395, and ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 396.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal. Construction first began in 1817 in Rome, New York, with the first completed portion connecting two cities in the 22nd Congressional District, Rome and Utica.

The Erie Canal was transformative in establishing New York as the Empire State. The canal opened the interior of our Nation, allowing westward expansion and the free flow of goods. With a drastic 90 percent reduction in shipping costs, the canal established our region as a hub of economic activity in the early 20th century and made New York the busiest port in the entire Nation.

In addition to the vast economic impact, the Erie Canal had an important cultural effect. Nearly 80 percent of upstate New York's population lives within 25 miles of the canal. From Albany to Buffalo, today, the Erie Canal is designated as a National Heritage Area, continuing its rich legacy.

This Saturday, a first dig celebration in Rome, New York, will recognize this historic and monumental achievement in both New York's and our Nation's history.

In the words of the famous Erie Canal song: ``You'll always know your neighbor, and you'll always know your pal, if you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets, who recently invited me to throw out the first pitch at their Fourth of July celebration.

Previously known as the Binghamton Mets, this is the first season that the Rumble Ponies have galloped onto the field at NYSEG Stadium with their new name.

Binghamton, New York, has the unique distinction of being the carousel capital of the world. While there are fewer than 170 antique carousels in the United States and Canada, 6 of them are in Binghamton and the surrounding region. It is this proud local distinction to which the Rumble Ponies owe their name.

I also had the pleasure of watching the game with Jeff Wilpon, the owner of the New York Mets. I know I speak for everyone in the Southern Tier when I say that it is time to ``Saddle up for Funn.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my condolences to the families of the 15 marines and one Navy corpsman who tragically lost their lives last week.

These servicemembers were among the most elite in our armed services, with six marines and the sailor from the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion located at Camp Lejeune. The other nine were based out of Stewart Air National Guard Base located in Newburgh, New York.

Many of them had been deployed and served in conflicts in the Middle East. These American heroes valiantly served and placed the needs of our Nation first.

As the parent of a marine now deployed in the Middle East, it is with a heavy heart that I offer my condolences to the friends and families of these exceptional Americans. The greatest worry of family and friends is the tragic loss of a loved one who is serving; thus, it is important to honor and remember these brave men and the sacrifices they made to preserve our way of life.

We thank them and remember them for their service and sacrifice. Semper fi.

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

Mr. Chairman, my constituents are discouraged. They are fed up with political elites who have failed to represent them, and with special interest groups who, too often, put impractical dogma before practical policy.

In the Rust Belt region I represent in upstate New York, the impact of this has been devastating: devastating job losses, economic stagnation, and the massive out-migration of people and jobs, the largest in the Nation.

In my district, Mr. Chairman, decline has bred despair, which has spurred a host of other problems. In light of all this, I was elected to Congress with a strong mission to reverse the tide and to revitalize our upstate communities to the greatness and innovation they once experienced.

I am the voice for my constituents who have been left behind, and I am fighting to bring my district back on path toward individual prosperity and economic revival.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment uniquely achieves both. There is nothing new or groundbreaking about my amendment. Simply put, it reinstates a domestic sourcing provision for stainless steel flatware that was in law for 30 years without issue. My amendment adds stainless steel flatware back into the Berry amendment.

For 30 years, American-made flatware was covered under Berry. However, the provision was removed in 2006 after Oneida Limited, the only Berry-compliant manufacturer, ceased domestic operations.

In the void left by Oneida's departure came Sherrill Manufacturing, a company in my district that, since 2008, has produced 100 percent American-made flatware. And since 2008, Sherrill has been among the top providers of flatware to the Department of Defense and GSA, fulfilling more than $6.8 million in Federal contracts over an 8-year period.

All these products are being produced in the formerly closed factory using refurbished Oneida Limited equipment, and also providing jobs for many of the same employees who lost their jobs from Oneida's closure after decades of service to that same closed factory. In fact, GSA has repeatedly found Sherrill's flatware to be offered at fair and reasonable prices, which is why the agency already purchases flatware from Sherrill, independent of any domestic sourcing requirement.

Some domestic sourcing requirements may raise costs. No evidence has been submitted to support the claim that my amendment will do that. This alone should allay any concerns that taxpayers would be on the hook for overly expensive flatware, should my amendment be adopted. But if it isn't enough, then there is this:

My amendment retains all existing waivers under Berry, which means that, if Sherrill's flatware becomes too expensive or is of poor quality or insufficient quality, the DOD can find other sources.

Ultimately, Mr. Chairman, whenever we can create domestic sourcing opportunities that reduce our military's dependence on imported goods and strengthen domestic supply chains without significantly raising procurement costs, we should. And this is what my amendment does.

Reinstating the Berry amendment's domestic sourcing requirement represents a clear continuity in Federal procurement policy, not a stark divergence. As I said, this provision was in effect for 30 years.

Thus far, there is one Berry-compliant manufacturer that happens to be in my district and there should not be a problem with that, as we hope many more producers return to the United States, where their businesses were founded to provide robust competition.

I also support this amendment for the simple reason that it is good policy. It gives a leg up to a robust domestic supply chain that spans five States while reducing our military's logistical dependence on imports.

Moreover, for the 30-year history of the Berry amendment's flatware provision, there was only ever one domestic producer. Under the Berry amendment, this is all that is required. And in Sherrill's case, we know it is a producer that has a track record of offering flatware at market rates.

Mr. Chairman, in districts like mine across the country that have rusted-out factories that line the landscapes of far too many of my communities, today we have an opportunity to fix this problem and restore the once great Empire State and our Nation to the manufacturing strength it once enjoyed. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure.

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), my colleague, for some comments.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of New York State Trooper Joel R. Davis.

Trooper Davis was tragically killed in the line of duty on July 9, while responding to a domestic disturbance call in the town of Theresa, in upstate New York. Another victim was also tragically killed in this terrible accident.

Trooper Davis was a father, son, husband, and a friend to many. He was deeply involved in his community, and also served as the commissioner of a local youth league baseball team. Trooper Davis was well-respected by all those who worked with him and beloved by everyone.

As New Yorkers, we stand in solidarity to mourn the life of Trooper Davis, a dedicated public servant and a life that was too soon lost. At this heartbreaking time, we offer our condolences to his family, community, and colleagues alike.

It is at times like these that we come together and pause to extend our gratitude in all law enforcement in our State and across the Nation who risk their lives every day to protect us and to keep us safe.

We are grateful for their dedication, service, and bravery of outstanding members like Trooper Joel Davis, who will rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Debbie Kryczkowski, who was elected Department (State) President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of New York at the 96th annual convention in Binghamton, NY. Debbie is a 33-year member of Lee Unit 1794 of Oneida County, a past unit president, and life member. Debbie remains very active in her Unit, presently serving as Secretary. Debbie continues volunteering for various unit functions.

Debbie has chaired many committees on the county level and county offices, and is currently serving as Constitution & Bylaws Chair. Debbie received department awards as the County Chairman of Leadership, Empire Girls State, Membership and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. Debbie served as 5th District President, District Membership Chairman, Sergeant at Arms, and a District representative at Department Conventions and member of two Department Convention Committees.

On the Department level, Debbie served on Junior Activities, Executive Board, Public Relation, National Security, Children & Youth and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation and is currently the Membership Chairman. Debbie is a graduate of the National American Legion Extension Institute and National American Auxiliary Leadership Correspondence Course. She was the Public Relations Instructor and is an Alumni of the American Legion Auxiliary College. Debbie is a Chapeau Passe' of the Oneida County Salon No. 31.

Debbie is spending the year promoting and raising money for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in our Armed Forces. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.

Their National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief camp has been held annually since 1994. TAPS also conducts regional Survivor Seminars and Good Grief Camps at locations across the country. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is a not-for-profit organization and is not part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense.

On a personal level, Debbie received her eligibility through her brother, a Vietnam and U.S. Army Veteran Philip Racquet. She has five brothers, who are all Vietnam Veterans, and has three sisters. Her deceased father, Phillip E Racquet, was a WWII Army Veteran of the European Theater. Debbie's son is Retired Tech. Sgt. Robert Kryczkowski, Jr. of the United States Air Force. Debbie has five grandsons: Kevin, Nathan, Zachary, Rylan, and Christian. She is a volunteer with the Hemlocks at Rome Hospital and Rome Rotary Club as a Board of Director. Debbie recently retired from M&T Bank to devote her time to her family and her American Legion Family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a new friend I made last week as I was traveling through the 22nd Congressional District: April the Giraffe.

April is a resident of the Animal Adventure Park in Harpersville, New York; and many of you may already know April as the star of the Giraffe

Cam which garnered worldwide attention this spring. The Giraffe Cam captured April giving birth to her baby calf, Tajiri. The live video was watched by more than 1 million viewers worldwide.

I am happy to report that April and I had a great meeting and that Tajiri is growing and doing very well in the Animal Adventure Park. I also had the unique opportunity to pose for a selfie with April from high atop a perch. She was much obliging, especially since I had some carrots to offer her.

Most importantly, during my visit to Animal Adventure Park, which is a beautiful preservation of wild animals from around the world, I learned that over the last 30 years the giraffe population numbers have declined by over 40 percent, and giraffes are now listed in the category of ``vulnerable to extinction,'' an important reminder that we can all do more to preserve wildlife and to protect precious wild species such as April and her darling baby, Taj, that share the planet with us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of the Utica Observer-Dispatch. Founded in 1817, the Utica OD was one of only 421 papers in the country, and the fifth newspaper founded in New York State.

For the past 200 years, the Utica OD has kept our region informed through quality reporting on important issues impacting our local community.

As an unwavering member of the fourth estate, the Utica Observer- Dispatch had a leading role in exposing the inner workings of our once organized crime-influenced city. For this dedicated service on this very issue, and its campaign for justice against corruption, the Utica Observer-Dispatch was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1959.

I commend the Utica OD for its 200 years of steadfast reporting, and I encourage the Observer-Dispatch and its committed members of the fourth estate to continue with its stated mission, to keep our citizens informed through impartial investigative reporting.

Also, on a personal note, when I was a teenager, I actually delivered the Utica Observer-Dispatch, and it was an honor to do it and a small way for me to start off my earning a living.

So I just want to thank the Utica OD and congratulate them again on 200 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Established in Utica in 1929, CABVI, as it is known, provides a wide range of opportunities for the blind and visually impaired, helping them to acquire job skills and training, good wages and benefits, and a greater independence and quality of life.

In their important mission, CABVI employs a segment of our population that experiences among the highest levels of unemployment in the country.

CABVI also provides vital health and rehabilitation services for people experiencing vision loss. Their resources and services have improved the quality of life for many in our region, including my late father who spent the last 7 years of his life legally blind and confined to a wheelchair. My family is forever grateful to them for their care and kindness.

Today I was honored to welcome to Washington my good friend Rudy D'Amico, president and CEO of CABVI; Robert Porter, public policy director; and Leta Laukitis, executive assistant. Joining them from the southern tier, colleague Ken Fernald, CEO of the Association for Visual Rehabilitation and Employment in Binghamton, New York. All joined by Jennifer Small, chief operating officer; John Ellzey, assistive technology instructor; Katie Lawson, switchboard operator; and Chervelle Amaker, purchasing agent and buyer.

Mr. Speaker, I thank them for their important work and their continued dedication to our community. I look forward to continuing to advocate for them throughout my time in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Herkimer College. Established in 1966 as New York State's 29th community college, Herkimer College opened its doors for classes in 1967.

The inaugural class consisted of 221 freshmen, and for the first 4 years, Herkimer College held classes on the upper floors of the old Remington Arms factory in Ilion, New York. In 1971, the college moved to its present-day location in the Village of Herkimer.

Like the Village of Herkimer and Herkimer County, Herkimer College is proud to share its name with a Revolutionary War hero, General Nicholas Herkimer. As commander of the Tryon County Militia, General Herkimer valiantly fought at the Battle of Oriskany. To honor General Herkimer and Herkimer County's rich history, Herkimer College's athletic teams are nicknamed the Generals.

Today, Herkimer College currently enrolls over 3,000 students and boasts more than 20,000 graduates. The college offers over 40 degree programs and is consistently ranked as a top 100 community college in the Nation.

Over the course of five decades, Herkimer College's benefit to the local community is evidenced by over $75 million in economic impact in Herkimer County, annually.

Today I recognize Herkimer College for an exceptional 50 years and offer my best wishes for many, many successful decades to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Food Bank of the Southern Tier in Broome County and Tioga County for being 2017's Food Bank of the Year, nationally. Out of 200 locations across the country, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier was ranked number one.

Last year, our food bank distributed more than 9 million meals throughout the southern tier. Over 40 percent of those meals were given to children and 14 percent to seniors.

Through their work with mobile food pantries and the BackPack Program, the food bank has increased access to healthy food for all, distributing 2.2 million pounds of fresh produce to southern tier families.

Today, I would like to thank President Natasha Thompson and the incredible volunteers who have worked tirelessly in their mission to build and sustain hunger-free communities. Your work has had a profound impact on ending hunger in our community. Thank you again for your dedicated service to the families of the southern tier.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor World Refugee Day, a day that is very special to the famous city of Utica, New York, in the heart of the 22nd Congressional District, a place that I have represented and lived my entire life.

Utica was recognized recently as the home to refugees, and I am so honored

to be a part of this great tradition in Utica.

In quite an unusual portion of my background, I had the opportunity to spend time in the former Yugoslavia. I also was the sole employee at the former Yugoslav Consulate before the tragic war in Yugoslavia, which broke the country up in the early nineties.

As a part of my commitment to and interest in the people from Yugoslavia, I was instrumental in helping bring a huge number of Bosnian refugees to Utica, New York, back in the early nineties and into the late nineties. And I am so pleased that I was able to have the opportunity, with my family business, to create the very first Bosnian newspaper in Utica, known as Mostovi, which means bridges in Bosnian.

Today, the Bosnian refugees make up one of the largest, if not the largest, Bosnian refugee communities in the Nation. They have done a wonderful job in Utica in successfully starting businesses and contributing greatly to our community, along with many other refugees.

I just wanted to take this moment to recognize Utica and to thank our tremendous Bosnian refugees for their contributions to our Nation and especially to our community because without them, we would never see the prosperity and the growth that we have seen in our small-business community from their ingenuity and their kindness and their generosity to us.