Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding programs provided by the Village of Port Chester that benefit the senior citizens of that community.

Under the able leadership of Maryann Nielsen in the Port Chester Senior Community Center in Village Hall, the Port Chester Seniors serves hundreds of seniors annually with a daily nutrition program at lunchtime 6 days a week, along with activities and programs to engage seniors of all ages, including on Saturday, which is unique among many other programs.

There are fitness classes from tai chi to chair yoga, mental fitness programs, a variety of board games--mah-jongg; bridge; along with the classic senior staple, bingo. Maryann and her talented crew host annual events, as well, for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and a host of celebrations. There are day trips planned to shopping locales and tourist sites, as well.

The programs are supported by the village board under the leadership of Mayor Luis Marino and Village Administrator Stu Rabin.

From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute the work of the Port Chester Seniors, the active and energetic members that show that age is more a state of mind.

Pride Month

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Pride Month.

As a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I rise to honor the achievements in the fight for equality but also refocus on the work that lies ahead.

Many of the champions in the fight for equality are organizations like the LOFT Center in White Plains, New York. This organization provides acceptance and access for the LGBTQIA+ community in the wake of the current administration's attacks on equality.

The LOFT Center offers services ranging from support services, educational seminars, health screenings, training series for allies and businessowners, silver connections for members over 55, and much more.

I commend them for being a champion in this fight, and I am proud to represent such a welcoming district, where people are judged by the content of their character. We will work to ensure that everyone has a place where they are accepted, even in the face of prejudice.

Dismantling of Affordable Healthcare

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the intentional dismantling of affordable healthcare in our country.

Following the big, ugly bill last July, which failed to extend the premium tax credits critical to lowering the cost of healthcare for working families, Affordable Care Act enrollment for 2026 has fallen to about 23 million people, a decline of just over 1 million people.

Studies predict that this may climb to as many as 5 million people dropping out of the ACA market by the end of this year alone. This isn't surprising given that the last year represented the highest increase in deductibles ever.

Many Americans have shared their stories about how they cannot afford to take on the rising premiums, and my colleagues choose instead to prioritize nonsense legislation and policies that do nothing to address real problems.

Mr. Speaker, more people will die younger or put off preventative health visits if they do not have access to affordable healthcare. If we will not address America's healthcare situation head-on, then let those of us who are willing to address the situation take action.

Mr. Speaker, 58 years ago this night, in Los Angeles, California, a violent murder occurred. That night, in the Ambassador Hotel, a major candidate for President, Robert F. Kennedy, Sr., was assassinated and denied the right to complete his campaign. No one knows what alternate history might have played out had Bobby lived.

I was 14 years old at the time when my father woke me to go with him to see the breaking news on TV in the middle of the night.

Two months before, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was murdered much the same way.

If you are under the age of 60, you don't remember either night. It is a matter of historic reference, not lived experience.

After the King assassination, I remember hearing on the radio the voice of my United States Senator from New York say: ``No one can be certain who next will suffer from some senseless act of bloodshed.'' In 60 days, we found out who was next.

Columbine, Parkland, Charlie Kirk, Sandy Hook, Islamic Temple of San Diego, Temple Israel in Detroit, time after time. When gun violence claims innocent lives, some Americans still assert their right to hold highly destructive weapons as necessary for their protection under the Second Amendment rights. They resist any and all gun control. Nothing protects them from the madman who gains access to the weapon.

We treat these deaths as unfortunate outcomes of our society's ideological unwillingness to rein in weapons of destruction.

Mr. Speaker, it is a sad tale told over six decades and counting.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dylan Valle, a proud and devoted member of the SEIU Local 32BJ and a true public servant in our community.

As the Hudson Valley district leader, Dylan represented 4,000 union members fighting for fairer protections, safer working conditions, and dignity for the working class.

Those who knew Dylan will remember his big smile and generous spirit that inspired all those around him.

I am grateful for Dylan's tireless advocacy on behalf of ordinary working people across New York to improve the lives of those around him.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of this body and the entire 16th Congressional District, I extend my deepest condolences to Dylan's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Dylan's devotion to his community will always be remembered, as his legacy will endure.

Remembering Joe Germano

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a dedicated, longtime Mamaroneck resident, Joseph Germano, who passed away in May, just a few weeks before his 101st birthday.

Born in the village, Joe graduated from Mamaroneck High School in 1943 and immediately signed up for the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He served in the Pacific theater on the USS Eldorado and participated in the battles of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Philippines.

After the war, he returned to his hometown and became the owner of a local business for nearly 50 years. Joe was active in veteran organizations, such as the VFW Post 1156 and The American Legion Post 90. He was a leader at St. Vito's Roman Catholic Church and a member of the Mamaroneck Public Library board and the village's traffic commission. He was a fixture at Harbor Island Park throughout the years.

Joe and his wife, Louise, have four daughters, four grandsons, and five great-grandsons. Joe has left behind a legacy of generosity and community commitment, and that will last over the next 100 years.

From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute Joe Germano, a true son of Mamaroneck.

Recognizing National Immigration Heritage Month

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Immigration Heritage Month to recognize the contributions of immigrants to our Westchester and Bronx communities and to recognize their positive impact on the entire country.

I speak at a time when the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey, houses detainees in horrific conditions. The situation of mass deportation of hardworking individuals seeking a better life is not what the Framers of the Constitution envisioned.

When hopeful immigrants arrive at our shores, they heed the promising words inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty: ``Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.''

Mr. Speaker, as we near our 250th anniversary as a nation, I remind my colleagues that the United States of America is a land of opportunity for all.

Madam Speaker, if you watch the news regularly, you probably have witnessed an increasing number of attacks on places of worship.

In the past year, members of the Temple Israel Synagogue in Detroit; Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis; Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi; the Islamic Center of San Diego; and many others have had their greatest fear come true--an attack on their institution due to their religious affiliation.

When one house of worship is targeted, people of every faith ask themselves: Will the next time be at my mosque, church, shrine, or synagogue?

We must find respect amid our diversity and ensure that we continue to defend the fundamental freedom to practice one's religion in this country just as the Founding Fathers intended and as generations of Americans have fought to preserve.

Let us honor the lives of those lost by recommitting ourselves to a country where every person of every faith can worship without fear.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the men of The American Legion Post 128 in Rye, New York, for their patriotism and their true sense of civic duty.

This post, comprised of veterans of military service, is just one part of The American Legion Department of New York, and it is led by Commander Fred de Barros and Adjutant Tim Moynihan. Their commitment to American values will be on display this Memorial Day weekend as they host the annual parade and ceremony on the Village Green in Rye.

The ceremony will feature a presentation of the annual Americanism award this year to a deserving Rye resident, Laura Pellegrini, along with high school students who have participated in the annual essay contest.

The post members last weekend placed American flags at the graves of veterans at Greenwood Union Cemetery. Every year, they conduct Veterans Day services on the Village Green in November, and also a used flag disposal ceremony and other patriotic recognitions.

From the floor of the House of Representatives, we acknowledge and recognize The American Legion Post 128 and the Ladies Auxiliary for their service to city and to country.

Remembering Congressman Eliot Engel

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and accomplishments of my predecessor, Congressman Eliot Engel, who passed away on April 10, with particular focus on his representation of the Bronx and Westchester, and his leadership on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

A product of the Bronx, Eliot was a fixture in New York politics for as long as I knew him and zealously represented the diverse constituencies that characterized metro New York, and at various times the Bronx, Westchester, and Rockland Counties.

Originally winning election as a third-party candidate, he first served in the New York State Assembly from 1977 to 1988, and thereafter as a Member of Congress for the Bronx and Westchester until 2020.

Eliot supported liberal policies at home. He fought vigorously to protect Kosovar Albanians and for the United States to recognize Kosovo as an independent nation.

Last week in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, at the urging of my colleague Ritchie Torres, leader Brian Mast, and Ranking Member Greg Meeks, we passed a bill to honor Congressman Engel's life and legacy by renaming the U.S. Chancery in Pristina, Kosovo, the Eliot L. Engel Building.

While naming a building for someone will never replace having them in the room with you, it is my hope that this effort will allow his work, his leadership, and his legacy to live on for years to come.

May his memory be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that is hitting families in every corner of our country--the unyielding rise of inflation.

This month, the Consumer Price Index climbed to 3.8 percent, and that number isn't just a statistic. It shows up every time you fill your gas tank, check out of the grocery store, or open your utility bill.

The pressure on your paycheck is real, and it is growing.

Hardworking people are stretching every dollar. But, instead of tackling this affordability crisis head-on, my colleagues here in the House continue to bring forward legislation that does nothing to lower costs. We are continually obsessed with culture war and emotional issues, choosing personal political gain over good governance, and ignoring the prevailing crisis that is facing our country.

It is time to give Americans the relief they deserve and restore affordability in everyday life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express our collective national dismay over the President's big, beautiful ballroom.

While Americans struggle daily with ever-increasing bills for food, gasoline, and utilities, President Trump dishes billions in payouts to Capitol rioters and no-bid contracts on vanity projects: fountains, reflecting pools, a triumphal arch, the Kennedy Center, and, most infamous of all, the White House ballroom, a monstrous homage to the age of Emperor Nero.

Unsurprisingly, we now find the ballroom will cost American taxpayers $1 billion for the benefit of one man.

I ask myself: How can Americans be expected to keep funding the lifestyles when prices for necessities continue to climb?

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents of New York, we say: Enough.

I encourage my colleagues to take this sentiment to heart and reject the latest appropriation request. This is clearly the wrong priority at the wrong time.

Madam Speaker, let me celebrate young Stella Apicella, a sixth grader at Blind Brook Middle School in Rye Brook, as she prepares to become a bat mitzvah on May 30.

I have seen Stella grow up over the years, the daughter of Joe Apicella and Tara Rosenblum, two prominent Westchester residents. Stella is growing as a confident, thoughtful, and compassionate young woman. She loves basketball--go Knicks--soccer, dancing, and fashion. She is a talented public speaker through debate club and by sharing the stage at times with her prominent mother.

Most importantly, Stella gives back to her community. She stands up for others, and she always looks out for the underdog, qualities that will serve her well far beyond this special day.

Stella, mazel tov on this great accomplishment.

Madam Speaker, from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I send my best to her.

Mr. Speaker, let me recognize the outstanding work of the Rye Senior Advocacy Committee, a group appointed by the mayor of Rye, consisting of committed volunteers working to advocate for the needs of seniors in the community and bringing together business, nonprofit, and government resources in common causes.

Led by Nancy Haneman and Michele Thomas, the committee members have championed projects to provide emergency supplies to seniors, hosting a biannual Senior Summit to be held this year on October 1 and addressing education on healthcare, transportation options, and so much more. Barbara Brunner, a committee member, has labored mightily to achieve grants to advance these priorities. Organizations like the Rye YMCA, the Rye Fire Department, and SPRYE are welcomed partners.

From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I salute the Rye Senior Advocacy Committee and look forward to assisting their efforts in the days to come.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Kennedy for his compassion and his humanity.

This tragedy occurred in Buffalo, and it was a racist crime against Black people in Buffalo. This crime is a crime against humanity, people of all ethnic backgrounds, and it is a crime that could happen in any place across this country.

My home is 375 miles away from the site of this crime. Yet, we, too, are affected by the same policies that have allowed this tragedy to happen.

The young man who committed this crime, motivated by racism and radicalized on the internet, drove 200 miles, half the distance between my home and Congressman Kennedy's home. He drove 200 miles to particularly target this supermarket in an African-American neighborhood. What depth of depravity causes a human being to do that?

All of us, whether our skin is white or black, whether we trace our heritage to Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, or Europe, have to see this as a crime against all humans. It is dehumanizing to take a weapon of mass destruction into a supermarket to kill people who are shopping, who are just there doing the average thing that we all do every day.

As my colleague from Michigan pointed out, there is legislation in this Chamber that needs to become law. It needs to have support not just from people of color but from those of us who represent every area and every demographic in this country. The next victims could be anywhere in this country.

It is important to understand that the people of Buffalo have allies all across New York State. We grieve with them. We stand by our brothers and sisters from Buffalo, as we do those in all the sad places that Congressman Kennedy referenced.

Mr. Speaker, we must make a commitment that, out of this tragedy and on this anniversary, there will be a resolve to make sure this doesn't happen again. We have to act quickly. The efforts to warp people's minds and to convince them that violence is the future of America are moving very quickly, even as those of us who believe in peace and brotherhood have to respond.

I thank Congressman Kennedy for his leadership and friendship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the exceptional life and times of Burton ``Burt'' Corwin, a longtime resident of Larchmont who passed away peacefully at the New York State Veterans Home at Montrose on April 29 at the age of 83.

Burt was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and he graduated from Bethel Park High School. Burt attended Lehigh University where he graduated with honors and fulfilled his ROTC requirements, then commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He went on to receive a master's degree and a Ph.D.

Burt served in the U.S. Army at the Pentagon and then served his country as a captain at Long Binh in Vietnam. He received a Bronze Star for his service.

His business career with IBM spanned 33 years in varied roles. He later taught

part time in the MBA programs at Fordham and Iona. Most importantly, he served as commander of the David Potts, Jr. VFW Post 1156 in Larchmont for 10 years. Under his leadership, the post focused on service to veterans and service to the community. He also served on the board of the Westchester Board of Veterans Services and was a member of The American Legion.

Throughout his life, Burt was praised for his great intellect, leadership, gentle nature, intention to get it right, and sense of fairness. He was a peacemaker, and he abhorred pettiness. He cared about people and demonstrated it throughout his life. His family and friends will miss him terribly.

Burt is survived by his wife, Deirdre, his two sons, and his stepdaughter. From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, we salute Burt Corwin and his life of service and dedication to his family, neighbors, and country.

Prices at the Pump

Mr. Speaker, not quite 2 months ago, March 21 to be specific, I filled the tank of our family car at the local gas station three blocks from my home. It was near empty in the gas tank. The price for regular gas was $4.19 per gallon, $4.59 for plus, and $4.99 for super. Twenty gallons later, I paid $85.80 and headed back home.

This past Monday night before coming here to Washington by Amtrak, I did the same thing: $4.79 per gallon, $4.99 for plus, and $5.59 for super. It was 60 cents more per gallon in just 50 days. The same gas cost me $95.80, $12 more than it did 50 days before. It was even higher back in March than it was in January.

If I needed a full tank once a week and prices were to freeze at today's rate, I would be paying $600 more per year. That is a 15 percent increase.

With a congressional salary, I can afford it.

But what about the waitress? What about the factory worker? What about the home healthcare aide, the truck driver or the firefighter?

What about the nurse or the clerical worker? Are they getting a 15 percent pay raise this year?

Many of these people don't know much about the Strait of Hormuz. They don't know much about the shifting rates of tariffs. Maybe they care, maybe they don't, but they care that it costs more today on May 13 than it did on March 21 or on January 1.

Mr. Speaker, you can't blame this on Biden, although you will try. You can't blame this on Obama or Hillary or, for that matter, FDR, Grover Cleveland, or any and every Democrat that ever existed.

The fact is that on January 19, 2025, the Strait of Hormuz was open. The fact is on January 19, 2025, there were no across-the-board tariffs on products, including those from our friends, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Japan. They are all rethinking what friendship means now.

Let's see what it costs me to gas up on June 23 or on September 5 or perhaps on the morning of November 3.

Mr. Speaker, you can gerrymander all you want. Everyone sees the signs in neon lights all over their town: $4.19, $4.39, and $4.79. You can't gerrymander that.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an organization in my district that is turning asphalt into opportunity.

Sustainable Westchester, a pioneering regional nonprofit serving the Hudson Valley, has launched a bold new initiative called Black Gold. The concept is innovative: install solar canopies over the vast parking lots that dot our region, transforming the pavement into clean power and energy savings at a time when we are all feeling the squeeze.

Parking lots are some of the most underutilized spaces in America. Black Gold changes that. It generates renewable energy, reduces grid strain, shades vehicles, and creates good-paying jobs with critical help from Sustainable Westchester.

This is exactly the kind of homegrown innovation that drives economic development and fights climate change at the same time.

Mr. Speaker, Black Gold isn't just good energy policy. It is smart economic policy, and it is happening in my district in the Hudson Valley. I urge those interested to visit sustainablewestchester.org for more information on this vital initiative.

Mr. Speaker, veterans give so much to our country, and it is up to us to take care of them when they become civilians. That means quality, easy-to-access care at VA hospitals and outpatient facilities and benefits for a disability diagnosis, purchasing a home, or learning skills to rejoin the workforce.

In Congress, I am committed to maintaining these benefits for veterans and preventing any action that would require additional hurdles to receive these earned benefits.

One major bill I am supporting is top of mind for veterans: H.R. 1970, Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act, will direct the VA to reimburse State homes for the cost of certain costly medications provided to veterans who receive nursing home care.

Last year, I visited the Bronx VA medical center to speak with staff and veterans about the high quality of services and research provided there.

It is clear that the VA staff are doing everything that they can to care for and improve services for veterans. We will push back against any cuts by this administration that renege on our commitment to our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, permit me to recognize the powerful presence of Generations Church located in downtown New Rochelle and in Mount Vernon, as well, which has fostered a dynamic and vibrant Christian community of worship, prayer, faith, and service led by the excellent Bishop Ray Mott, lead pastor. He is ably assisted by his wife, Pastor Sherrie Mott, and many others, including our friend, Elder Mark McLean.

Generations ministries includes networks for men, G-Men program; women, WIN, Women's Integrity Network; NextGen Kids; and NowGen Youth, touching all age groups. Sunday morning worship services, Saturday morning prayer, and GC Youth evening meetups all involve the congregation in an active faith commitment.

From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, we salute Generations Church and their positive impact in our hometown areas.

Mr. Speaker, last week Americans and Armenians came together to remember Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.

We must continue to honor the more than 1.5 million Armenian lives that were senselessly taken and recommit ourselves to remembering the Armenian genocide as a historical truth with clarity and moral responsibility.

We, as a country, must do more to ensure that atrocities like the Armenian genocide never happen again. That is why I have cosponsored H.R. 6840, the ARMENIA Security Partnership Act, to both strengthen the U.S.-Armenian alliance and hold Azerbaijan accountable for their continued human rights abuses.

I am proud to stand with the Armenian-American community today and every day as they bravely demand justice, accountability, and fight against those who seek to erase their history.

I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting these critical pieces of legislation that guarantee the safety and acceptance of the Armenian people 111 years after the atrocities started.