Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay gratitude to Stephen Nadramia for his sterling career in the United States Marshals Service (USMS).

After serving his country in the U.S. Army for four years, Stephen was honorably discharged and joined the USMS in October 1988. He started his career as a Deputy U.S. Marshal in the Eastern District of New York, where he would serve for the rest of his career. Throughout his 30-year career, Stephen has done everything from enforcing court orders to working on judicial security details. He has distinguished himself throughout his career by reaching milestones many hope to achieve.

In 2000, Stephen was the first Marshal to handle a K9 in the Eastern District. Over the past 30 years, he has served alongside three different K9s. His first K9, Roni, assisted him with search and recovery efforts on September 11, 2001. Gala, his second K9, aided him in securing courtrooms during high-profile trials where security is traditionally heightened. Lastly, his final K9, MacDuff, protected Pope Francis when he visited Washington, D.C. to address Congress. His experience with K9s enabled him to secure various sites and functions successfully. They also assisted in apprehending escaped violent felons throughout his time on the job.

Mr. Speaker, Stephen Nadramia is the personification of a dedicated law enforcement official. His years of service to his community and country will not be forgotten. I hope he enjoys his long retirement with his wife, Erika, and I wish him all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Steven Niamonitakis for his outstanding career in the United States Marshals Service (USMS).

As a graduate of John Jay Criminal College, Steven always knew that he wanted to serve in law enforcement. Entering the Service in June 1988, he started his career as a Deputy U.S. Marshal in the Eastern District of New York. He would go on to serve his entire career in the Eastern District. During his 30-year career, Steven has seen and done it all. From transporting and processing prisoners to arresting fugitives and handling international extraditions, he became one of the most experienced Marshals in the USMS.

Some of Steven's career highlights include his service on the John Gotti trial and the court hearings for Juan ``El Chapo'' Guzman. Furthermore, he was a valued investigator in High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, and his assistance has been vital to combatting the scourge of drugs that have infected countless lives. Additionally, Steven has been crucial in battling copyright violations of movies by securing numerous assets involved in these crimes. As his long career comes to an end, I am certain that Steven will enjoy spending his retirement with the people he loves most: his wife, Alane, and his two daughters.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Steven Niamonitakis on his tremendous career in law enforcement. Due to people like him, our nation is safe, strong, and secure. I am grateful for his service and wish him a very enjoyable retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Guild for Exceptional Children on its 60th anniversary.

Founded in 1958 by the loved ones of those with developmental disabilities, the Guild for Exceptional Children has been a much-needed non-profit in my district. Starting as a group of parents supporting each other when needed, the Guild eventually evolved into an innovative advocacy organization that has initiated numerous options for community living for those with disabilities. Opening New York City's first group home in 1970, the Guild has been the vanguard fighting for disabled individuals. The impact that the Guild for Exceptional Children has had on our community is nothing short of incredible. This outstanding organization always advocates for those who need it most.

The Guild for Exceptional Children also provides clinical, educational, social, and career support programs for those with special needs. Everyone involved with this wonderful group can see firsthand how instrumental it is in the lives of adults and children with developmental disabilities. From the parents to the volunteers to the beneficiaries, the combined altruistic work that the Guild does simply speaks for itself. Their efforts cannot be repaid, as they fight to ensure that those with special needs are able to live a normal and fulfilling life.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Guild for Exceptional Children on its 60th anniversary. Countless constituents of mine have been helped by their fantastic efforts. For everything they have done, I thank them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Doris Jackson for her remarkable career in the Capitol's food service industry.

Doris Jackson was born in Rockingham, North Carolina, to proud parents Samuel and Lucy Brown. Growing up in a household with seven brothers, three sisters, and four other relatives, Doris always knew the importance of family. After graduating from Leak Street High School in 1964, she moved from Rockingham to Washington, D.C. two years later. Doris then went on to receive her post-high school education in 1971, specializing in banking. It was in 1980, however, when she got her first job in the Capitol as a cashier in the Cannon Carry-Out.

After just two years, Doris was promoted to the role of supervisor. She served in that position until 1994, when she took a brief sabbatical. Meanwhile, in 1988, Doris married the love of her live, Rev. Dr. Mark Jackson. She ultimately returned to work in 1999, where she remained until her recent retirement on December 28, 2017. Doris loved working in the Capitol, as she was able to meet and connect with countless people, from Members of Congress and staffers to constituents visiting Washington, D.C. I am certain that after a long and cherished career, Doris will enjoy her well-deserved retirement, during which she will enjoy spending time with her son, Michael McDonald, two grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Doris Jackson also plans to spend her retirement doing what she loves. She hopes to travel when she can, and when the weather is nice, she will be hard at work gardening. Moreover, as a member of Macedonia Community Church for 37 years, she still plans to attend services each Sunday. In addition, Doris will continue to volunteer, as she has always loved doing community service. Furthermore, she plans to read, watch her favorite television shows, and maintain her collection of turtle figurines.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Doris Jackson on her phenomenal career and retirement. She is kind, caring, and joyful. While I miss seeing her in the Longworth cafeteria each day, I hope she is having an outstanding retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Frank Russo for his service to his country.

Frank Russo was born and raised on Staten Island. It was there where he graduated from Monsignor Farrell High School in 1991. He then matriculated at St. John's University where he graduated in 1995, receiving his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. After college, Frank was admitted to the U.S. Customs Service under their Outstanding Scholar Program. After serving in U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a Deputy Field Coordinator and Assistant Director, he was eventually promoted to the position of Port Director for John F. Kennedy International Airport.

As Port Director, Frank has worked closely with the NYPD to combat the nation's opioid epidemic. In his first year, his team successfully intercepted over 80 shipments of fentanyl. Moreover, under his watch, Customs and Border Protection agents seized large batches of narcotics 14,000 times. Additionally, they seized $9 million in currency linked to terrorism, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities. With 1,700 trained and devoted officers, Frank is truly on the front line in keeping our nation safe.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Frank Russo for his outstanding service to our country. He and his agents not only stop crime in its tracks, but keep us safe as well. I am tremendously proud to represent him in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to demand action from our Chinese counterparts in targeting fentanyl traffickers. This poison is 50 times more powerful than heroin and is responsible for thousands of American deaths.

Street dealers import fentanyl from China and then mix it with heroin and deal it on unsuspecting users in packages stamped with names such as ``Pray for Death.'' That product was confiscated in my hometown yesterday in Staten Island.

These mixes of deadly substances is why, as the gentleman mentioned, I introduced the Comprehensive Fentanyl Control Act, asking our country to prohibit the online sale of presses in which fentanyl is pressed into these imitation tablets that unsuspecting users will take, unknowing that fentanyl is part of that pill.

Fentanyl is dangerous even to our authorities. Police officers, firefighters, first responders have overdosed from contact with fentanyl during drug busts. I have spoken to far too many families who have lost sons and daughters, first as the district attorney of Staten Island and now as a Congressman.

The Chinese Government, as my colleagues have said, tries to control their own citizens. Well, now it is about time they control the fentanyl that is coming out of their country.

This past fall, President Trump extracted promises that the Chinese would curb their export of fentanyl. Now it is time for the Chinese to take action.

I thank the gentleman from Florida for his leadership in this area. I thank him for yielding to me to discuss this important matter to every part of our country. No one is immune from it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of World War II veteran, Dr. Nathan Drayer.

Nathan Drayer was born on January 8, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York. It was in Brooklyn where Nathan met his future wife, Sylvia. After marriage, they went on to raise their four outstanding children, Carol, Barry, Gerald, and Dennis. When the call to serve came, however, Dr. Drayer immediately answered. As a licensed optometrist with a degree from Columbia University, he was made a U.S. Army medic, serving stateside during World War II. After the war ended, Dr. Drayer opened his own optometry practice in Brooklyn. He treated patients for over 40 years until he retired in 1990.

Residing in Island Shores for the past four years, Nathan has loved spending time with friends and fellow residents. Moreover, he treasures every moment he spends with his loving children, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He is very popular at Island Shores, with a great sense of humor and an ingenious wit.

Mr. Speaker, I wish Dr. Nathan Drayer a happy 100th birthday. I cannot thank him enough for his contributions to his country. When the war broke out, he stepped up when he was needed most in order to vanquish the evil of fascism. He is a shining example of a true American hero. I am immensely proud to represent him in Congress. I hope he has the happiest of birthdays, and I thank him for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1486) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide funding to secure non-profit facilities from terrorist attacks, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members

have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill that is under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1486, the Securing American Non-Profit Organizations Against Terrorism Act of 2017. This bill authorizes the Nonprofit Security Grant Program within the Department of Homeland Security.

Administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, this program provides critical support to help protect at-risk nonprofit institutions, including Jewish community centers, houses of worship, and other cultural and community institutions, against threats and attacks.

Security enhancements covered by the program include the installation of cameras, physical barriers or controlled entry systems, along with training for active-shooter scenarios.

Nonprofit organizations in my district have told me about the positive impact this program has had on their security. In fact, the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island recently received a $75,000 grant through this program for their facility located on Arthur Kill Road in order to adequately respond to an increase in threats.

I have also led letters to appropriators advocating for $50 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and was so glad to see that the funding level was included in the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, which passed the House last September.

The bill we are considering today further demonstrates our commitment to the program by authorizing it for the first time. I was pleased to work with the ranking member on this language as part of the DHS Authorization Act that we approved this summer, and I am pleased to once again support it today.

Nonprofit organizations provide vital services to our communities every day. The program authorized by the bill we are considering here today will help provide peace of mind that they will be secure as they continue to serve their neighbors.

I urge all of my colleagues to join me in support of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I, once again, urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1486, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCaul. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office regarding H.R. 1486. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the filing of the Committee report.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th Birthday of Staten Island's Mary Kowalski.

On December 18, 1917, Mary Kowalski was born to joyous parents, Thomas and Nellie. A lifelong resident of Elm Park, Staten Island, Mary grew up in a loving household with two brothers and three sisters. She attended Saint Adalbert School and Ralph R. McKee High School. Several years after graduation, she received a job at the Procter and Gamble factory in the Port Ivory neighborhood where she worked for 36 years until her retirement. Before and after retirement, however, Mary loved to travel the world by land, air, or sea. As a devout Catholic, one of her favorite vacations was her holiday to the Vatican, a visit that she treasures to this day.

Mary is also an avid television viewer. She loves watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Dancing with the Stars. Moreover, she is a massive sports fan. She loves watching NFL games, as well as her beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Even though she wishes they would play better, she still loves to watch the Mets too. I certainly hope that this birthday wish is granted when baseball season starts again next year.

Mr. Speaker, I wish Mary Kowalski a very happy 100th birthday. Her love for her friends, family, community, and church knows no bounds. I am immensely proud to have her as a constituent, and I hope that her 100th year is the best one yet.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable and honorable actions of Staten Island's Lisa Sweeney.

As a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years, Lisa Sweeney is devoted to doing her job well. For the past thirteen years on the job, she has been delivering mail on the same route in the Westerleigh section of Staten Island. She does not simply deliver mail, but makes an effort to know everyone on her mail route. Her selflessness was on full display on August 7, 2017, when Lisa's compassion saved a life.

Marie Boyer, a senior citizen on Lisa Sweeney's route, had fallen four days prior and was not able to get up on her own. Ms. Boyer did not have access to food or water and therefore, would not be able to survive without assistance. However, Lisa had focused on knowing the patterns and tendencies of each person along her mail route throughout her entire career. She was able to identify that there was a problem when old mail had collected in her mailbox and her trash cans were still on the street, leading her to contact the police. Her thoughtfulness was thankfully enough to save the life of Ms. Boyer, who would have died had it not been for Lisa's actions.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Lisa Sweeney not only for her actions on that day, but also for her long career of caring about her job and the people of Staten Island. This dedication makes a positive impact on their

lives, proven through the quick thinking that saved Marie Boyer's life. She has truly proven to be a role model and the true essence of a model citizen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 70th anniversary of the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory, also known as NUSTL.

Located in New York City, NUSTL has been a critical asset in protecting our homeland since 1947. It began as a lab to measure radioactive fallout. Now as part of the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate, it has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind testing and evaluation laboratory for the first responder community.

I have had the opportunity to visit NUSTL and saw firsthand the impressive work being done on a daily basis. It is constantly developing and testing new tools that ensure the brave women and men on our front lines can protect our homeland, and it is critical they have the resources needed to continue their innovative work.

I thank the dedicated women and men of NUSTL for their services. Congratulations on this important anniversary. I look forward to continuing to celebrate your remarkable accomplishments for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Staten Island Foundation on its 20th anniversary.

Seeking to better their community, the Board of Directors of the former Staten Island Savings Bank, led by Harry P. Doherty, created the Staten Island Foundation in December 1997. Their goal was to improve Staten Island for all its inhabitants by providing grants to local projects. Specifically, the Foundation's mission aims to better Staten Island's education, health, community services, and arts and culture. Its impact on our community over the past 20 years has been nothing short of incredible. The Foundation's countless grants have made a tremendous impact on Staten Island.

One project in which the Staten Island Foundation participates is the Tackling Youth Substance Abuse Initiative. Through partnerships with other organizations, the Foundation's involvement in the Initiative is crucial to fighting alcohol and prescription drug abuse by Staten Island's children and teens. Furthermore, with the opioid epidemic ravaging our community, I commend the Foundation for stepping up to combat this tragic problem. It is up to all of us to do what we can to prevent and combat addiction, and the Staten Island Foundation is doing its part to rid this scourge from our community.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Staten Island Foundation on its 20th anniversary. It has helped numerous Staten Islanders over the years, and I wish to thank everyone involved for their tireless efforts in making the Foundation successful.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable career of Justice Philip G. Minardo.

Justice Philip Minardo was born and raised in Brooklyn where he later attended St. Michael's Diocesan High School. In 1963, he graduated from Manhattan College with a B.A. in Economics, and later received his J.D. from St. John's University of Law in 1967. In December 1968, John M. Braisted, Jr. appointed Philip as an Assistant District Attorney for Richmond County. He served in this position for over seven years and played a role in the successful prosecution of countless felony cases in Staten Island. After leaving the Richmond County District Attorney's office, he started his own law firm in September 1976 focusing on civil and criminal cases.

After Philip's election to the Richmond County Bar Association's (RCBA) Board of Directors, he became President in 1987, and as such represented then-Supreme Court Justice Frank Ponterio on behalf of the RCBA in the U.S. Supreme Court case Board of Estimate of City of New York v. Morris. In 1995, he was elected as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, 2nd Judicial District, which serves Brooklyn and Staten Island. After serving on the Supreme Court, Justice Minardo returned to Staten Island where he was appointed as the first Administrative Judge of Richmond County and thereafter, the first Administrative Judge of the newly created 13th Judicial District.

Justice Minardo has also been the recipient of prestigious honors throughout his successful career. In 2010, he received the Rapallo Award by the Colombian Lawyers of the First Department. In addition, he was a recipient of the Good Scout Award for outstanding service while serving on the Board of Directors of the Staten Island Council of the Boy Scouts of America. While his accomplishments are impressive, Justice Philip Minardo places an immense amount of pride and joy in his family.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Justice Philip G. Minardo on his retirement and on his exceptional career. He has been an outstanding jurist, and I laud him for his lifetime of dedication and success.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from Colorado for yielding to me on such an important issue not only to my district, not only to my city, not only to my State, but to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to discuss a vital program within the Department of Homeland Security, the Securing the Cities program.

The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office's Securing the Cities program enhances the ability of States and localities to detect and prevent terrorist attacks and other high-consequence events using nuclear and radiological materials in high-risk urban areas through the provisions of training, equipment, and other resources.

Securing the Cities began as a pilot program in 2006 in the New York City region, including surrounding jurisdictions of New Jersey and Connecticut. Since that time, it has expanded to Los Angeles; Chicago; Washington, D.C.; and Houston. Once the program is fully implemented, it is estimated that it will protect nearly 100 million people nationwide, Americans.

Hailing from New York City and representing Staten Island and Brooklyn, I have seen firsthand the positive impact of the Securing the Cities program. Since 2007, our region has purchased more than 13,000 radiation detectors and trained nearly 20,000 personnel.

I had the opportunity to observe an exercise in Brooklyn last year and witnessed New York City Police Department personnel using Securing the Cities-procured equipment to locate and identify hidden radiological sources in a baseball stadium. During the exercise, I spoke with the participating officers and received a demonstration of the different types of equipment they deployed.

This program is making a difference in New York City, and I support its continued expansion. That is why I introduced H.R. 655, the Securing the Cities Act of 2017. This bill authorizes the Securing the Cities program, underscoring our commitment to protecting our major cities from catastrophic terrorist attacks.

As we, unfortunately, saw earlier this week, our major cities, including my hometown of New York City, in particular, remain targets for terrorist groups. We have to do everything we can to ensure the Department of Homeland Security and our State and local partners have the tools they need to address the threats that we face. The Securing the Cities program is one of those tools.

I am pleased that the House quickly passed my legislation earlier this year on January 31. It is now time for the Senate to act. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Senate to move swiftly to approve H.R. 655 to authorize the Securing the Cities program and ensure its continued expansion.

In April 2010, President Obama stated: ``The single biggest threat to U.S. security, both short term, medium term, and long term, would be the possibility of a terrorist organization obtaining a nuclear weapon.''

Since that time, the FBI has disrupted attempts by smugglers in Eastern Europe to sell nuclear materials to extremist groups and criminal organizations. The threat has not abated.

I am thankful for the work of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to provide support and guidance to New York City and other urban areas to meet the threats we face.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the Senate to quickly take action to pass the Securing the Cities Act of 2017. Again, I thank my colleague for organizing this Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to mourn those lost and injured in yesterday's terror attack in New York City. The New York City Police Department is truly the greatest police force in the world, and they showed us why yesterday.

It is this body's obligation to pursue policies that help prevent and recover from terrorist attacks. It is a responsibility I am privileged to share as chairman of the Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications.

The alleged perpetrator came to our country legally using the Diversity Immigrant Visa program. As a matter of security and commonsense, an immigration system that selects winners like a game of bingo should end.

I also ask that Congress consider the bipartisan STOP Act, legislation I proposed with Mr. Espaillat from New York to help local jurisdictions install protective bollards in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Vehicle attacks are tough to prevent, but the STOP Act will protect Americans and make them safer.

Mr. Speaker, I send prayers for the injured and the families of the lost.