Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration's most recent attack on our children's health.

On Friday, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the panel of anti-vaxxers that Secretary Kennedy put in charge, upended over three decades of precedent on hepatitis B vaccine recommendations for babies.

Secretary Kennedy's fascination with quackery has, once again, set health, science, and medicine in America backward.

The new guidance says that only babies whose mothers test positive for hepatitis B or whose status is unknown should receive the vaccine.

For every other baby, the committee has decided not to give a recommendation.

If acting CDC Director O'Neil approves this recommendation, countless babies will be at risk of liver disease and other long-lasting health issues.

Mr. Speaker, I call on the administration to reject this unscientific and reckless proposal before it harms our children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the charitable work in Yonkers during this holiday season of Operation Santa Claus, raising money to support organizations that work directly with individuals, especially children with developmental disabilities.

The funds raised provide essential services, support, and adaptive equipment during the holidays and throughout the year ahead.

The annual event fundraising is a breakfast to be held this Sunday, December 14, in Castle Royale in Yonkers, where State Senator Nick Spano is chairman with Tom Meier and Gail Burns as co-chairs.

We salute their good work and the individuals and groups honored at this year's breakfast, including Dr. Iyad Annabi, who is receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all involved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the anti-education agenda of the Trump administration.

The Department of Education's RISE Committee is offering a proposal to downgrade the professional status of various careers that they think, after many years, don't deserve academic stature and access to vital funding. These include nursing, physical therapy, audiology, architecture, and social work.

This assessment comes from the leader of the Department of Education, who has no advanced degree in education but does know a lot about pro wrestling.

I was the chief executive officer of a government for over 1 million people, with a budget of $2.5 billion and 4,200 employees. These Secretaries and committees can theorize all they want. I needed professional, well-trained, and certified nurses, social workers, and the like to deliver real-world services to real people in the day-to- day management of a large county.

Let's stop the ideological foolishness. Place this proposal to downgrade careers where it belongs: in the department of garbage and sanitation. Let's get back to grownup, serious government that understands the problems in America and addresses those problems.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the public service and accomplishments of Omayra Andino, who this week completed two terms, or and 4 years, as mayor of the village of Tuckahoe, with prior service on the village board as trustee.

Mayor Andino, in her professional career, has shown executive skill and leadership as CEO of the Institute for Applied Human Dynamics, an organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them to live their lives on their own terms.

Managing that team and its mission across Westchester would be a task enough for anyone, but Mayor Andino added the responsibilities of elected office in Tuckahoe, a village of over 6,000 people in one compact square mile.

Tuckahoe local government has all of the responsibilities of any municipal entity: police protection, sanitation, parks and recreation, planning and land use functions, and more. Her leadership as mayor, chairing the village and the board, and providing policy direction and oversight to the professional village staff brought Tuckahoe into a new era, an era of capital improvement and better service delivery.

Her achievements come as she was the first woman and, as a Latina, the first person of color to lead the village government. She did not seek a third term and has left Tuckahoe in the capable hands of her colleague, new Mayor Cara Kronen, who was sworn in this past Monday.

Omayra has earned the respect of all of us, and we salute her as she completes her exemplary service to the people of Tuckahoe.

Fair Pay for Ellie

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, which was recently reintroduced by Congressmen Bobby Scott and Pete Sessions.

This bill is a long, overdue modernization of the Fair Labor Standards

Act of 1938. In it, section 14(c) permitted people with disabilities to be paid less than Federal minimum wage with little hope of advancement.

Today, those employed under 14(c) waivers make an average of $3.50 per hour. While originally well-intended, section 14(c) has not lived up to its promise, and it needs to change.

Two of my constituents recognized this injustice as it relates to their loved one, a high schooler, Ellie, who wants to be paid fairly.

Over 10 days, the father-son duo ran 260 miles from New York City to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness for the bill.

Their run raised national awareness, and it is now up to us to act. Together, we can support those workers by ensuring that they earn the fair pay that they deserve.

Recognizing Rye High School Garnets Football Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute the Rye High School Garnets football team as they head to Syracuse to compete in the New York State Athletic Championship for Class A under the JMA Wireless Dome, previously the Carrier Dome.

This Class A State championship game is much watched across the State of New York. Under the legendary 50-year leadership of Coach Dino Garr, Rye High School football teams have won four State championships and are now competing against Brighton for their fifth State championship.

This year's squad is led by quarterback Carson Miller; wide receiver Henry Shoemaker; running back Jagger Fenton; and the aptly named Charlie Garnet, Garnet being the school mascot.

Their strong offense mowed down all of the competitors in section 1 football and through five post-season games with huge margins, winning over Minisink Valley and Cornwall in the earlier games.

We salute the players and the coaches that have made the city of Rye proud. Go Garnets.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize two members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators who will each leave office at month's ends, as they have completed 12 years in their positions and have reached their term limit. They are the Honorable Ben Boykin of White Plains and the Honorable Catherine Parker of Rye. They have provided exemplary service to their districts and beyond and to all the residents of Westchester County.

Ben Boykin is a financial professional who previously served on the White Plains school board. He has also served as councilman and president of the White Plains Common Council. Since 2014, he has served as the legislator for the 5th County Legislative District of White Plains, Scarsdale, and West Harrison. He served two terms as chair of the county board, as well as chair of important committees, and more recently as president of the New York State Association of Counties.

Catherine Parker has owned her own retail business on Purchase Street in Rye, served as leader of her co-op apartment board, and served for 6 years as Rye City councilwoman. She was a majority leader of the board of legislators and has been the author of major environmental legislation. She represents the 7th District, which includes Rye, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, and part of Harrison.

Both Ben and Catherine will bring their public service skills to new challenges, but we salute them for their legislative accomplishments on the Westchester County Board of Legislators.

Mr. Speaker, in today's edition of Politico, there is a story about Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman setting up systems on the border between Nassau County and neighboring New York City, ostensibly to protect Nassau residents from the criminal element coming from their city neighbors.

That is one way for a suburb to act toward the city next door, although it may make it more difficult for the Long Island Mets fans to get to Citi Field or the Queens fans of the New York Islanders to get to UBS Arena. There is another way.

North of New York City, Westchester County and its border communities--Yonkers, Mt. Vernon, Pelham, and New Rochelle--work cooperatively and in harmony with the Bronx. New York City Bronx residents routinely visit New Roc City and Cross-County Shopping Center, and Westchester residents visit and work in Bay Plaza in the Bronx. The Woodlawn neighborhood, with associations and clubs, spans the line between the Bronx and Westchester. The Westchester Bee-Line public bus system takes passengers down to Fordham Road in the Bronx and back. The Montefiore Health System has hospitals in the Bronx and in Westchester and serves clients in between both.

State senators Jamaal Bailey and Nathalia Fernandez join me in representing both sides of the city/county border between the Bronx, New York City, and Westchester County. The brave men and women of the NYPD in the 45th and the 47th precincts work together cooperatively with police from Westchester County and its cities to deter and prevent crime and apprehend criminals when crimes do occur.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins work together to advocate for the Penn Access project that benefits commuters from both counties. We don't need Big Brother intrusive facial recognition checkpoints. We have mutual respect and civic cooperation.

Bruce Blakeman, in his quest for higher office, thinks that turning us into fearful suburbs that resent their urban neighbors is a way to win votes. I grew up in Mt. Vernon in Westchester County a half a block from the border with the Bronx.

My whole life, not just my time in public service, has been about finding and working the common ground that unites us rather than feeding the anger and resentments that divide us. Politicians on the far fringes of each side desire divisions that they believe can lead to elective office, power, and status. It is a false and dangerous path.

The dotted line that divides the city from the suburb is man-made. What we do on the Westchester/Bronx border and at any border anywhere is work together, and that is the prototype for the America that surely needs unity.

Think about how much we are going to need that unity, all Americans working together, when we face the next existential threat to our freedom and democracy, as we did with Nazi Germany and militarized Japan. It is coming, and you know it.

In the Bronx and Westchester, we will be ready. We encourage the Bruce Blakemans of the world to stop pandering and start building the cooperation we will need in the days to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Maureen Ann FitzSimons, born and raised in Larchmont, who passed away the day before Thanksgiving.

Maureen, a bright and engaging young woman, leaves behind her mother, two brothers, and adoring nieces and nephews after a 15-year battle with cancer that began at age 30.

Maureen attended Saints John and Paul School and the Ursuline School, continued on to earn her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, and went on to earn her J.D. from St. John's Law School. During her school years, she was an athlete, as well, on the tennis and track teams.

Maureen's optimism and warmth shone through the many years, despite her health concerns. Whether at work or sailing at the Larchmont Yacht Club, she lived her life to the fullest as best she could.

Last night, her friends and family gathered to pay her final homage before today's funeral mass at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church in Larchmont.

Maureen deserved a better fate, a longer life, but she made her mark, nonetheless. Mr. Speaker, I salute that life and mourn her passing.

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize an important faith institution in the city of White Plains celebrating its 90th year of worship and service: Calvary Baptist Church.

The leadership and congregants have been a bedrock for worship and values since its founding in the 1930s.

Its involvement in the community has been impactful and significant. The pastor for the last 13 years, Reverend Erwin Lee Trollinger, has been a true leader for the people of faith both inside and outside the church family.

Calvary Baptist sponsors weekly worship services, Bible study, Sunday school, and external outreach to assist the needy of the community. Pastor Trollinger and the team of ministers work tirelessly to bring a message of love and service to all. He is the latest in a long line of dynamic Calvary pastors who played a role in social justice efforts in the city of White Plains and in Westchester County.

Ninety years young and still growing in membership and in love, we salute Calvary Baptist Church for its important role in the life of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my disappointment. Last night, the House voted to task the oil and gas industry to report on the state of fossil fuel refining in the United States.

They would like to see how the United States Government can do more for their industry--drill, baby, drill--the claim being that our government needs this report to increase fossil fuel production with an implied promise, but no guarantee, of lower energy prices.

That would be like asking for a 1905 report from the Federation of Blacksmiths on how to better change the horseshoes on a horse instead of focusing on the rising future of transportation: the automobile.

So I wonder: When will Congress use its time to call for a report on the state of the future for renewable energy?

When will we be asking clean energy producers how the government can make it easier to bring renewables online and reduce greenhouse gases?

We know renewable energy can lower energy costs.

I will be waiting for Godot if I expect this majority to take that up. We can look to the future, or we can continue to reject the future and pander to the past.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the Trump administration's plan to raise healthcare prices for seniors.

That is right. You did not mishear me. The Trump administration announced that they will be raising Medicare part B premiums, and deductibles will surge around 10 percent in 2026, almost double the increase from 2025.

Next year, the annual standard Medicare part B premium will be over $2,400. Seniors and disabled enrollees rely on Medicare part B to cover costs for outpatient hospital care, ambulance services, preventative screenings, medical equipment, certain prescription drugs, and more.

If that is not enough, since Medicare premiums are typically deducted from Social Security payments, the average anticipated cost-of-living increase for Social Security will be reduced by almost a third.

Many seniors who could have seen an increase of about $56 in their monthly Social Security payments will be lucky to see $38 after premium increases.

This administration continues to attack Americans' access to healthcare and undermine affordability.

This is simply a disgrace.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize and celebrate the 15th year anniversary of the Amani Public Charter School in Mount Vernon, New York.

I grew up in Mount Vernon in an apartment one block away from what was once the Edison Technical and Vocational High School, but it was reborn in 2011 as Amani Public Charter School to advance the educational opportunities for all children, especially children of color on the south side of Mount Vernon and elsewhere.

This school serves all students grades K-8 with free breakfast and lunch. They place a strong emphasis on core subjects, notably English and math, foreign languages, enrichment classes, ELL, special ed services, music, arts, after-school, and athletics.

Amani honored four outstanding individuals at their recent gala: John Howard, Stephanie McCaine, Charles Stern, and Johnayia White. The executive director, Debra Stern, who was founder of the Friends of the Mount Vernon Public Library and president of the Mount Vernon PTA Council, leads the school as executive director with exceptional experience and vigor.

Jennifer Ciavirella is school principal, leading a talented team of professionals. We salute Amani Charter Public School on its 15th anniversary. May there be many more years to come.

Saluting the Life of Mayo Peter Bartlett

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the life of Mayo Peter Bartlett, who passed away in September at the age of 86.

Mr. Bartlett was born in 1939 in Rye, attended North Carolina Central University, graduated with a degree in accounting, and membership during college of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Mr. Bartlett turned his degree into a career as a Treasury agent and as an auditor for the IRS.

Mayo Peter Bartlett was an outstanding basketball player who played in Europe and loved coaching young people in basketball. He was a jazz enthusiast with an extensive collection of LPs. He has been a good friend to many. For over 50 years, he and his wife, Ernestine ``Tina'' Conner, were parents of three children and five grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Bartlett has left us for his eternal reward, but he has left behind a legacy of love, faith, and warmth to the people of his community. We will miss him forever.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize the achievements of Reverend William E. Norman, Sr., celebrating his 30th year of pastoral service to the congregants of SolidRock Christian Center of Yonkers, New York.

Reverend Norman has led the church in spiritual matters, Sunday worship services, and weekly Bible study classes, in person and online.

His service to the larger community extends to his efforts to meet the needs of the poor and the hungry, young people and seniors, the homeless, and those in need of mental health services.

Pastor Norman serves the city of Yonkers as director of Veteran Services, commissioner for the city's Human Rights Commission, as a member of the Yonkers Auxiliary Police, and as a police chaplain for the Yonkers Police Department.

He has served with distinction as a United States Marine for 4 years on Active Duty and 2 years in the Reserves. A native of North Carolina with roots in Brooklyn, Pastor Norman is a longtime Yonkers resident and leader. With his wife, Reverend Tamara Norman and four children, including Councilwoman Deana Norman, he has charted a vision for future community development that would serve all, combining housing, childcare, recreation, social services, and worship.

Mr. Speaker, we salute Reverend William Norman for his years of service in spiritual and secular realms, all that benefits the people of the city of Yonkers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the celebration of the Reverend Troy DeCohen, senior pastor of the Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church, in this year completing his 25th year of pastoral leadership.

Reverend DeCohen has a distinguished clerical career. He was called to the ministry in 1988, was active in churches in New Jersey and New York, and is now approaching his fourth decade.

He holds master's degrees from Fordham University and Mercy University, and he has shown a skill and achievement in dealing with real-world congregational problems: substance abuse issues, conflict resolution, homelessness, HIV and AIDS, and mental illness.

Complementing his pastoral service, he serves as director of housing operations for the Westchester County Department of Social Services. He has been recognized with awards by Governors, county executives, State and Federal legislators, and organizations across the spectrum.

Along with his wife, Reverend Viviana DeCohen, he has led his home congregation in worship, Bible study, and community outreach to those in need in the Mount Vernon and surrounding communities. He serves as president and chair of the United Black Clergy of Westchester County.

He is living Matthew 25's spiritual direction every day to show faith in the Lord by doing good for his people, including for the least of his brothers.

I congratulate Reverend DeCohen.

Raising Concern for HUD Continuum of Care Program

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great concern over recent changes to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Continuum of Care Program.

This program is one of the largest sources of resources, including 900 units of housing in my district, that is involved with funding to combat homelessness, especially for seniors, domestic violence victims, and people with disabilities. There are nearly 700 units of permanent housing involved in this program.

In 2024, Congress approved a 2-year funding cycle to promote greater program stability. However, last week, HUD announced a new funding competition with substantial changes that could delay funding awards for months. The announcement also slashes how much funding may be used for permanent housing.

Such drastic changes could result in a significant reduction in services, forcing local partners to cease operations and reexpose hundreds of my constituents to homelessness.

As this majority continues to pursue drastic cuts to affordable food and healthcare, it is critical that we protect access to housing.

I urge the administration to immediately reconsider this decision and prevent a new wave of homelessness across the counties of Westchester, the Bronx, and elsewhere.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to bring attention to the Senate's despicable decision last week to sneak in a self-serving provision into the bill that was used to reopen the government.

While 42 million Americans on SNAP were denied their benefits, Senate leadership added a payout provision to eight Senate Republicans whose phone records were subpoenaed in the January 6 Capitol riot investigation by the Department of Justice.

While American air traffic controllers worked without pay, Senators gave themselves the ability to sue for at least $500,000 if their electronic records were seized.

American taxpayers should not be footing the bill for this Republican windfall provision. I am proud of my House colleagues for acting quickly to address this dishonest and embarrassing display.

I will be voting to repeal this provision when it comes in before the House this week because these eight Senators should not be putting themselves ahead of the American people.

I call on the Senate to take up this legislation as soon as it is received from the House and to right this wrong immediately.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following obituary honoring the life of Dr. Ronald J. Volino:

Dr. Ronald J. Volino, lifelong resident of the City of

Yonkers and beloved husband, father, grandfather and

podiatric physician and surgeon, went home to the Lord on

June 25, 2025 at the age of 83. Ron's sincerity, warmth and

genuine care for his fellow man made him widely respected and

loved. With his infectious smile and exuberance for life, Ron

spread joy wherever he went, leaving an indelible mark on so

many lives. Everyone in his presence felt special.

Born on January 18, 1942, to Dr. Liborio A. Volino and

Palma (Traficante) Volino, Ron attended St. Barnabas

Elementary School, Blessed Sacrament High School and

Manhattan College. Ron grew up spending fabulous summers in

the Catskills with his parents, brothers, cousins, aunts and

uncles, and the family summer home was filled with laughter,

music, food and swimming. After losing his older brother at

the tender age of 9, followed by both his parents before the

age of 23, Ron showed a remarkable resilience and commitment

to live life to the fullest, knowing that tomorrow is never

promised. On July 10, 1966, he married his neighborhood

sweetheart, Annette Musco, and together they were blessed

with four children, the first of which became their special

angel shortly after birth.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Liborio

Volino, a family medical doctor who practiced in Yonkers for

decades, Ron became a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in 1971

and dedicated his office to the memory of his father with a

beautiful commemorative plaque. Just like his father, he set

up a home office to be close to his children so that he could

spend more time with them. On breaks, he would take off his

white coat and have a tea party in the backyard with his

daughters or play basketball with his son. Also like his

father, Ron took exceptional and compassionate care of his

patients who appreciated his dedication and kind, gentle

approach to their care. Ron was proud and happy to make house

calls to the homebound with his father's medical bag in hand

and cared for his patients until he became physically unable

to do so.

Despite his professional demands, which included the

addition of two offices in New York City and his role as an

attending physician at Mount Vernon Hospital, Ron always

prioritized his family. As a father, he was in the audience

at his daughters' dance recitals, and his roaring voice was

heard from the sidelines at football games cheering on his

son. There was always time to talk after a long day at the

office or to roll up his sleeves to work into the wee hours

of the night to get a school project completed with his

children. Ron loved to celebrate life's special moments with

elaborate parties that brought family and friends together in

love and joy.

When his five grandchildren came along, his joy and loving

heart only multiplied and each one of them grew a special

bond with their ``Pop Pop.'' When his children asked him how

they could ever repay him for all the love and support he

offered them, Ron told them that all he wanted was for them

to do the same for their children. As Ron's parents did not

have the privilege of meeting his children, Ron felt great

satisfaction at having met and shared his love with each of

his grandchildren whom he absolutely adored. He relished

hugging and kissing them, surprising them with smiley-face

bakery cookies, and taking them to Carvel for his favorite

``frozen custard.''

Ron felt great pride in his Italian heritage and had

enormous respect and admiration for his ancestors who

overcame obstacles to provide him a life filled with

opportunities. He gave them credit for his success and had a

moving experience with his wife and children visiting the

Italian town his grandfather emigrated from to obtain his

grandfather's birth certificate from the town hall. He was a

member of the Order of the Sons & Daughters of Italy in

America (John D. Calandra Lodge) and served as Grand Marshal

of the Columbus Day Parade for the City of Yonkers in 2012.

He was recognized as ``Man of the Year'' by the Congress of

Italian

American Organizations (CIAO) in 2005. He had a great

devotion to St. Joseph and, carrying on a family tradition,

celebrated every St. Joseph's Day by erecting an elaborate

altar ordained with candles, flowers and blessed bread to

share with guests.

Ron devoted much of his time spent outside of his work and

family life to numerous community organizations. A proud and

lifelong resident of Yonkers, he loved the City and looked

for ways to make it a better place. For the past 40 years he

devoted himself to the East Yonkers Kiwanis Club, serving as

President many times as well as Lieutenant Governor and

bringing his children with him to many of the club's service

projects to instill in them the value of service to others.

He was also a member of the Hyatt Civic Association, the

Yonkers Beautification Conservancy, the Yonkers Animal

Shelter Committee, and the Male Glee Club of Yonkers. Ron was

honored as ``Man of the Year'' by the YWCA of Yonkers in

2006. He was active in local politics, enjoying the

camaraderie and friendships that came from connecting with

others about community affairs, and served on the Westchester

County Charter Revision Commission from 2011 to 2013.

Ron's good heart and kind nature were apparent to all who

witnessed his volunteer work. Whether it was distributing

turkeys before Thanksgiving, working the BBQ grill at a

picnic for nursing home residents, honoring nonagenarians at

the ``90 Plus'' event, or even dancing the Macarena as Santa

Clause at a YWCA Christmas party, the sincere joy that

helping others brought him was palpable. In Ron's work with

others, he had an amazing ability to connect with people from

all walks of life to make them feel welcome and comfortable

in his presence.

Ron had a love for the great outdoors and enjoyed many

hunting trips with friends and camping with his children. He

relished natural beauty and enjoyed taking photos of

beautiful scenery. He took his family on so many memorable

trips to explore the world, one being a month-long cross-

country adventure with the entire family and the family dog

and another being a tour of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. As

a skilled equestrian, he desired to share his love of horses

and the peace and serenity they brought him with visually

impaired children by giving them the opportunity to ride a

horse. Together with his dear friend Neal Petrucci, these two

men of great compassion and heart made that idea into a

reality.

Ron is survived by his wife of 58 years, Annette, and his

three children Palma McCormick and her husband Paul, Victoria

Moore and her husband Edward, and Vincent Volino and his wife

Marisa, his five grandchildren, Grace Moore, Rose Moore,

Faith McCormick, Anna Volino and Anthony Ronald Volino,

extended family and many loyal friends whom he embraced as

family. He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Frank

A. Volino and Anton Volino and many dear aunts, uncles and

cousins. May all who were touched by Ron's life carry forth

his gentle, generous and humble spirit and embody the essence

of his favorite quote from his beloved musical, Les

Miserables: ``To love another person is to see the face of

God.''