Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the House just voted to pass a radical, partisan government funding bill. I voted ``no'' because it lets Elon Musk decide how this money is going to be spent by Federal agencies.

There is a lot wrong with this bill.

This bill fails to lower the cost of housing and instead cuts rent subsidies for low-income Americans, including seniors and domestic violence survivors, by $700 million.

This enables President Trump and Elon Musk to cancel transportation infrastructure projects already underway. These projects are reducing traffic congestion and improving subway systems.

This reduces the emergency food program by $20 million at a time when food prices are on the rise.

This allows Musk and Trump to fire thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration.

It cuts funding for healthcare for veterans who are exposed to toxins, and so much more that is worse.

We needed a bill that protects the middle class and makes life less expensive for residents in Westchester and the Bronx. This continuing resolution is the opposite of that. Remember, I told you so.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend in Yonkers, I met four constituents who have recently been fired from Federal service. Their human stories force us to consider the painful toll created by the cut- and-destroy method of management by this administration.

Departments are being slashed and eliminated and so are the lives of professionals who have devoted their entire careers to public service. Without

any objective assessment, years of work are being trashed with bogus claims of fraud and corruption. The ax falls regardless of skill, merit, or accomplishment. It falls without regard to the human element of people, not merely statistics, who serve the public. It is heartless and cruel.

Most corporations, even when downsizing, take into account the most productive employees and offices. They are strategic to achieve savings.

Every new administration is entitled to look at our Federal agencies and see what efficiencies can be achieved. This execute-first style of management is not that. It creates a stain on America, and it does nothing to make government more efficient. We should be ashamed.

Mr. Speaker, the Republicans are trumpeting the dawn of a golden age of economic growth. However, this week, The Wall Street Journal had an editorial, ``Trump's Tariffs Whack Trump Voters'' with a subhead of ``Whatever happened to GOP concern for the working class?''

The Wall Street Journal said: ``President Trump won the Presidency a second time by promising working-class voters he'd lift their real incomes. Which makes it all the more puzzling that he's so intent on imposing tariffs that will punish those same Americans.''

The Wall Street Journal said: ``Tariffs are taxes, and Mr. Trump's latest tariffs are estimated to be about an annual $150 billion tax increase. Taxes are antigrowth. That is the message investors are sending this week since Mr. Trump let his 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico take effect.''

The Wall Street Journal said: ``Brace for higher prices on berries, bell peppers, and . . . beer. Target CEO Brian Cornell told CNBC . . . that tariffs on Mexico may force the company to raise prices on fruits and vegetables.''

The Wall Street Journal said all of these things, Mr. Speaker. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James Roger Rice, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, attorney, and a man of deep faith, who passed away on February 16, 2025.

Roger was a standout student athlete at Hutchinson Technical High School and earned a full college scholarship to play basketball at King's College in Pennsylvania. He pursued his J.D. at the University of Buffalo where, after a fateful meeting, he met his future wife, Gail, on their first day at law school.

They started a law firm together, Rice & Rice, which eventually included both of their sons, serving countless clients with integrity and compassion.

Gail and their son Jared have both served as city judges in the city of New Rochelle. Roger's faith, instilled in him at a young age by his mother, was central to who he was. His commitment to his faith was evident in how he lived: serving his community and mentoring others.

Roger left a lasting impression on the New Rochelle community in the 16th District, touching many lives, and will be greatly missed.

Rest in power, Roger.

Mr. Speaker, there were reports last night that the Social Security Administration may reduce their staff by more than 50 percent. This will affect whether seniors receive all the benefits that they are entitled to.

Mr. Speaker, as you know, 10,000 baby boomers every day become eligible for Social Security. How could they possibly keep up with that demand with a 50 percent reduction in staff?

In my district, we have been told that the Social Security Administration is closing the White Plains hearing office. That will mean that people in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley will have to drive longer distances at greater expense to fight for their benefits, and this is happening nationwide.

This all comes in the same week as House Republicans passed their budget plan that would cut Medicaid by $880 billion.

We were told this President would lower costs. Nothing I just mentioned lowers costs, and it actually throws people's livelihoods into chaos.

I am committed to making Westchester and Bronx lives less expensive.

Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to reverse course and do the same.

Mr. Speaker, America once liberated France from the Nazi regime, freed Kuwait from the grip of Saddam Hussein, and defended South Korea against North Korean aggression. However, this apparently is a new MAGA America, siding with the evil aggressor and blaming the victim.

Ronald Reagan called Russia the evil empire, but Donald Trump knows better. George H.W. Bush called Russia part of the axis of evil, but Donald Trump knows better. Our U.S. vote in the U.N. supports the aggressor, Russia; not the victim, an independent Ukraine.

Under President Trump, we are losing our moral standing in world affairs. Our enemies are watching. They are making alliances while we toss aside allies like Canada and Europe to satisfy the inconceivable love this President has for Vladimir Putin.

Putin poisons his critics. That is who our new best friend is.

I am new to this Chamber, but hear me, Mr. Speaker: Consequences will be tragic for those who love freedom worldwide if we don't return to true American foundational principles: freedom and democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James Roger Rice, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, attorney, and man of deep faith, who went to be with the Lord on February 16, 2025.

Born on January 1, 1950, in Buffalo, New York, to James Albert Rice and Frankie Jones Rice, Roger was raised in a home shaped by Christian values, instilled in him by his mother. Roger was a standout student- athlete at Hutchinson Technical High School in Buffalo, where he excelled on the basketball court, earning All-City honors for his skill and leadership. He earned a full basketball scholarship to Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where he played the game with heart, discipline, and excellence--qualities he carried into his career and family life. Beyond his own playing, he became a dedicated youth basketball coach, pouring into his sons and other youth. For many, he was more than a coach; he was a guiding force, building lifelong friendships and lasting lessons both on and off the court.

While pursuing his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Buffalo, Roger's life took a beautiful turn when he met Gail, the love of his life, on the first day of law school. Their first date was legendary-- crossing borders to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. That fateful meeting led to a lifetime of love, partnership, and purpose. They married in 1978; two sons were born of this union.

In 1982, Roger and Gail took a leap of faith, founding their own law firm, Rice & Rice, Attorneys-at-Law. Their firm, which later included both sons, became a pillar of the community, serving countless clients with integrity, wisdom, and compassion. With the founding partners' retirement in 2019, Rice & Rice closed after more than 35 years of service.

Roger was a storyteller and no-nonsense advice giver, who could be both profoundly wise and hilariously unpredictable, often in the same conversation. He was known for his affectionate teasing and clever nicknames. He loved food, music, movies, and showing off his dance moves. Above all, Roger was a family man. He took immense pride in the achievements of his wife, children, and grandchildren, celebrating their victories and supporting them in every endeavor. His love for his family was unwavering, and his presence was a source of strength, encouragement, and wisdom.

Roger's faith was central to who he was, and he often spoke about the help, direction, and friendship of the Holy Spirit in pivotal moments of his life. After his marriage, he became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church of Tuckahoe where he was ordained as a deacon. Over the years, he also worshiped at Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle, and, until the time of his passing, was a founding member of Renaissance Church in Harlem. His commitment to his faith was evident in how he lived serving his community, mentoring others, and walking in integrity. Roger was pre-deceased by his parents Frankie and James Rice; brother Lawrence C. Brown; sister Frances Marshall; daughter-in- love, Danielle Williams Rice; and his parents-in-love, Mabel and Herman Whitaker.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, cherished by his wife, Gail Rice; his sons, Jared and Jordan Rice; his daughter-in-love, Jasmine and Jessica Rice; and his treasured grandchildren, Jocelyn, Jayden, Jameson, and Josiah Rice. He is also survived by his siblings- in-love Sandra and Glen McGhee, Quincy and Gail Brooks, and Joyce and Keno Johnson, and Margo Clarke; uncles and aunt Prince Allen Whetstone and Arnold and Esther Brooks; nieces and nephews Paula and Charles Barber, Spencer and Helen Rodriguez, Luis, Alexander, and Jasmine Rodriguez, Taila and Edward Faustin, and Darren and Christine Brooks. Additionally, a host of great-nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends, colleagues and Rice & Rice family, and former clients who will forever remember his kindness, wisdom, and generosity.

Roger Rice was well-loved and lived well. He will be deeply missed, but his footprint will endure forever in New York's 16th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, House Republicans just passed their budget plan. Like many House Democrats, I am clear-eyed about this plan and how it will affect families in Westchester and the Bronx. This budget is a direct attack on the working and middle class, all while handing more than $4.5 trillion in tax breaks to the wealthiest in our society.

The cuts needed for these tax breaks will mean over 196,000 residents in my district are at risk of losing Medicaid coverage. This includes 73,000 children and 27,000 seniors. This budget plan also threatens 74,000 people who count on SNAP to put food on the table.

Republicans have promised to lower costs for everyday Americans, but this budget won't do that at all. Instead, it will make life harder and more expensive for constituents and Americans across the country.

As this process moves forward, I will join with Americans to fight for fairness and opportunity for every American.

Mr. Speaker, the new administration, as it indiscriminately cuts services, has announced that it will not keep the Social Security Administration's hearing office in White Plains, New York. Closing this hearing office with no local replacement is unacceptable to the community it serves, and it covers multiple congressional districts.

Seniors and people who are disabled come to this office from Westchester and the other counties of the Hudson Valley to fight for their benefits. With this closure, residents, likely on a fixed income, will have to travel much longer distances: to Albany, to New Haven, or to the south Bronx at greater expense, in some cases 4 hours one way on public transit.

This is a financial and logistical hardship for people already fighting for support. With the Westchester County government, my office and I have identified sites in White Plains close to the current office that are available. This would keep government services in the community where it belongs.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge the new administration to reconsider driving constituents away from convenient services and to work with Members from New York State to find a solution before May.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Rod and Shirley Saunders, who have both dedicated decades of their lives to serving the Bronx community.

Rod is a former president of the African American Association of Co- op City and the Wakefield Kiwanis Club. In 2004, Rod was appointed by the Bronx borough president to serve on the NYC Department of Education's Community Education Council. Since 2015, he has served as a member of the Riverbay Corporation's board of directors and is currently serving as president of the board.

Shirley cofounded the African American Association of Co-op City and served as board secretary and chair of the security committee for the Riverbay board of directors. Shirley volunteered for almost a decade with the Girl Scouts as a volunteer mom, helping out Daisies, Brownies, and Girl Scouts. She is currently serving our community as deputy city clerk of New York for Bronx County.

They are the Co-op City power couple. It is an honor to recognize Rod and Shirley's service to the Bronx today, and a grateful community thanks them.

Mr. Speaker, I am a proud New Yorker, and today I speak as a proud American. An American tragedy has played out in California, and those who have lost their homes and their lives are first and foremost Americans.

This Nation has an obligation to help all of our fellow citizens. For those who claim America first, its is not America first except for California, America first except for Massachusetts or New York. We owe a debt to help our fellow Americans in California without political considerations or restrictions.

When a hurricane tears through Florida, do we say let's see the Governor's plans to harden infrastructure before we help Floridians? Do we say let's see what local Florida zoning laws allow for buildings near the coast before we grant aid? When tornadoes devastate Texas, do we say how do they make schools less vulnerable before we give Texans assistance?

When Floridians are suffering, I see Americans. When Texans are suffering, I see Americans. As a New Yorker, I support aid to Florida, Texas, and California when they need it without politics.

Mr. Speaker, this institution has a choice: Either to be an independent deliberative body or to be a rubberstamp for foolish policies.

What man desires to punish our neighbors, to insult and intimidate our closest ally Canada, when they have done nothing to warrant this action?

Levying a tariff is an economic tool to be used carefully and strategically to deal with bad actors on the international scene who willfully undercut American fair trade. This 25 percent tariff that is proposed on Canada is counterproductive and mean-spirited. Its application to Mexico is equally devastating to us.

It will raise prices for everyday Americans. When they go to the stores, the prices of over 1,200 goods will rise, with no rise in their paycheck. It will impact goods sold by American companies in Canada and Mexico as they impose retaliatory tariffs to defend themselves.

American families, not foreign leaders, will bear the burden. The President himself acknowledged Americans would face some pain. Wall Street and Main Street alike know that the prices of agricultural products, cars, steel, and gas will rise. All of this is a self- inflicted wound, and it is all unnecessary. This institution needs to listen to Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan spoke eloquently and warned American politicians not to do this.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Gus Williams, a basketball great and New York 16th Congressional District native from Mt. Vernon, New York. Gus was born October 10, 1953, in Mt. Vernon, and his basketball talent made him one of the greatest players to ever hail from my hometown.

On the basketball court, Gus got the nickname ``The Wizard'' for his acrobatic style, speed, and incredibly accurate midrange jump shots-- none of which I have.

He led the Mt. Vernon Knights high school basketball team to a 22-1 season, winning State championship and State Player of the Year in 1971.

He went to the University of South California, where he was Most Valuable Player in 1975, went onto an NBA career with the Golden State Warriors, and then signed with the Seattle Supersonics. In 1979, Gus led the NBA Supersonics to their NBA title, averaging 28 points in their final games. The Sonics retired Gus' No. 1 jersey in 2004.

I am grateful that I got to go to high school with Gus Williams, to have seen his magic and his skill in person before the rest of the world had the opportunity.

He will be deeply missed in the Mt. Vernon community, but his memory will live on.