Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, let me recognize the outstanding work of the White Plains/Greenburgh branch of the NAACP, led by the energetic Janice Griffith, and powered by women and men in these two communities who have stood up for diversity, equity, and inclusion at a time when these policies are under assault and elimination by this Federal administration.

The branch reaches into the Fairview section of Greenburgh, the urban neighborhoods of White Plains, and well beyond that into rivertown villages and suburban cul-de-sacs. Standing up for affordable housing, better

healthcare, educational resources, and economic growth for Black Americans, the youth, our seniors, and for all of those who are in need, the White Plains/Greenburgh branch of the NAACP has celebrated our past and has pointed us forward to the future.

From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute the White Plains/Greenburgh branch of the NAACP for their timeless and important tremendous civic contribution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the work being done by Premiere Athletes and the WE Love Sports Foundation led New Rochelle native, Lawrence Posey.

Lawrence is a former athlete and passionate community leader who understands the impact when you gather communities around the love of sports.

I have fond memories from my childhood of playing baseball and football with the other kids on the block after the streetlights came on and before my parents called me in the house. These moments taught me valuable lessons of teamwork, time management, and responsibility.

Today, these kids play games on the same streets and on the fields as I once did, learning the same valuable lessons.

I commend Lawrence and WE Love Sports and Premiere Athletes for making it possible for every child to have the opportunity to succeed and have fun as kids should on and off the field.

Mr. Speaker, as I have recognized the excellent staff members who are working with me in this, my freshman term, may I also recognize and thank the young people, college students and recent college grads, who have labored in the inglorious role of intern doing day-to-day grunt work necessary but often boring. They have given months of their young lives on my behalf, and I am grateful.

They include Pearl Vinard, Emma Balber, Annie O'Connell, Marion Karp, Jacob Niedzielski, Reese Chamberlain, Cheyenne Etemadi, Lauren Flum, and Zachary Couzens.

I trust this experience was a good one for each of them and that in the years to come they will achieve great professional and personal success.

Project 2027

Mr. Speaker, we have spent 1\1/2\ years watching this majority implement Project 2025. I think it is time for us to discuss Project 2027, the things that this House can and should do under new leadership.

Let me highlight a priority for 2027: Stop insider trading by Members of Congress, the Cabinet, the President and Vice President, and their families. We will never gain the faith of the American people proclaiming that we have their best common interest at heart when they see examples of elected and appointed officials putting their own personal economic interests at heart.

My hometown in New York's 16th Congressional District includes many of the most successful financial minds on Wall Street, but it also includes everyday, hardworking people who don't have any holdings on Wall Street. Let's make sure the playing field is fair, not stilted in favor of those who have access to information not available to all.

Let's prove we mean what we say. If this majority in 2026 won't act, then let a new majority act in 2027.

Canada

Mr. Speaker, permit me to jump forward and to provide unsolicited advice to a person I do not know. On January 22, 2027, that will be the third day of the Presidency of the 48th President of the United States.

I encourage that person to fire up Air Force One and fly to Ottawa; invite Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to meet them on the tarmac and give them a big public hug; motor together to the Canadian Parliament, address the collective legislature, and tell them: America, your friend, has come home; announce the end of Canadian tariffs and open up a dialogue on the issues between us.

In so doing, you will not only be sending a message to Canada, but you will be sending a message to England, to France, to Germany, and to Japan. We will begin to restore the respect that we have lost in the capitals of the free world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the workforce cuts taking place at FEMA.

We all remember the images from Hurricane Sandy--Coney Island torn apart in our backyard in the New York area, families climbing onto rooftops to escape rising floodwaters.

We remember the lessons of the California wildfires, when entire neighborhoods were crumbled.

We remember the parents in Texas who never got to pick up their daughters after a mudslide overtook their summer camp.

These are real devastations, not hypotheticals, and they are growing in strength and frequency. Yet, this administration is diminishing the very workforce that is tasked with helping survivors rebuild, even questioning the value of the assistance FEMA provided when people had nothing left.

We must urge this administration to protect its essential workforce and pray that no community we call home is vulnerable when the next disaster strikes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my outrage over the conditions that are in place at the growing number of immigrant detention centers established by ICE and the Trump administration nationwide.

Aside from holding individuals without judicial warrants, oftentimes detaining American citizens illegally, the centers clearly have not prioritized incarcerating just rapists and violent criminals as advertised. Reports from coast to coast reference centers where Members of Congress have visited and found insufficient bathroom access, inadequate sleeping accommodations, and general overcrowding, all dismissed by the management of ICE.

In a month where this President has picked a fight with the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church worldwide, and put himself on the social media meme as if he were a divine figure, these policies are far from divine, Christian, or humane.

Obsessed by putting one's own name on buildings to assure everlasting fame, I assure you this name will never be forgotten as the architect and advocate of a system of inhumanity. The world is watching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Purchase College of the State University of New York system, also known as SUNY Purchase.

Purchase College is a top 10 public college nationally recognized for its arts programs and its rigorous programs in the liberal arts and sciences. As the only 4-year public college in Westchester County, SUNY Purchase College delivers a high-quality, affordable education and supports first-generation student success.

Purchase College harbors graduates who thrive on the world stage as actors, musicians, filmmakers, and artists, and they have meaningful careers as psychologists, nonprofit leaders, doctors, scientists, lawyers, researchers, and educators.

This is a testament to the programs available to the students and the resources provided to alumni long after graduation day. They have just announced a special partnership with Rockland Community College.

I am pleased to recognize SUNY Purchase College for the work they do for their students and the wider community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the urgent need to address the worsening air pollution problem in this country and in my home area of New York.

Like many Americans, I remember the blanket of orange smoke that covered our skies throughout the summer of 2023 as a result of the horrific Canadian wildfires.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with students from Columbia University advocating for the creation of clean air centers and air filtration systems for low-income individuals and those with preexisting conditions like congenital heart disease.

We all have a moral duty to protect the well-being of Americans across this country from all forms of pollution, from the East Coast to the West Coast and in between.

From the floor of the House of Representatives, I urge my colleagues to take action to address the growing severity and protect Americans from dangerous air pollution. Vote ``no'' on bills that will make it easier for polluters to pollute.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the exemplary programs for senior citizens offered by the village of Rye Brook.

Based at the Posillipo Center on Garibaldi Place, the Rye Brook seniors enjoy a wide and varied program that involves luncheons for nutritious purposes and companionship with a host of different programs: arts and crafts, games, special trips, and a schedule of special events for holidays like Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter.

The senior coordinator who also serves as the deputy village clerk, Liz Rotfeld, is ably assisted by Angie Storino.

Free transportation is provided for seniors who no longer are able to drive and still want to attend these events.

These programs have garnered support all across the village government, by Mayor Jason Klein, the village board, the outstanding village administrator, Chris Bradbury, and the assistance of this community.

From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, we salute the Rye Brook Senior Program and the village of Rye Brook for their service to the senior residents of their community.

Madam Speaker, let me recognize the outstanding work of the Co-op City branch of the NAACP for its many contributions to the life of African Americans in their area.

The branch is ably led by president Leslie Peterson, and she is aided by Tracy Edwards, Brenda Brown, and Anika Green-Watson and has been connected and involved in numerous programs in their community.

The branch meets on the fourth Sunday of each month in their offices in the Einstein, room 36, with interesting programs and speakers.

The branch has also hosted and sponsored major events during February's Black History Month, the January celebration of the life of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King and in June for Juneteenth.

The group joins other NAACP branches, notably the next-door Williamsbridge NAACP, for events like Know Your Rights seminars. Their advocacy of national NAACP legislative priorities bring them to lobby their elected officials on matters promoting education, healthcare, and antidiscrimination policies.

From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I salute the Co- op City branch of the NAACP for their persistence and their moral leadership at a time when it is needed the most.

Saluting Senior Citizen Council of Tuckahoe and Bronxville

Madam Speaker, I rise to salute the outstanding work of the Senior Citizen Council of Tuckahoe and Bronxville and the services that they provide to address the issues of isolation and loneliness to seniors in both villages.

Their programs include a host of different activities, social and recreational programs, health and wellness, arts and crafts, musical programs, guest lectures, luncheons, and day trips.

The council is led by chair Eleanor Gustavson, along with Sarah Belair, Maryann Dennen, Barbara McGraw, Jean Murrer, and a host of other active board members.

The weekly senior programs are offered at both the Father Fata Hall in Tuckahoe and the Reformed Church of Bronxville. They are sponsored and supervised by Tuckahoe senior director Michelle Oliva and Bronxville senior director Lisa McGovern.

The council is also helped by a community advisory board of prominent Tuckahoe and Bronxville leaders who give assistance and counsel to the council.

From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I salute the Senior Citizen Council of Tuckahoe and Bronxville and will tell both of those senior groups I will be stopping by sometime soon with the cookies.

Staff Salute

Madam Speaker, every freshman member comes into this institution with much to learn, and it is impossible to do that and function every day to represent the people of your district without the help of a committed, talented staff.

Let me publicly express my gratitude for the hard work of the staff that I have had the pleasure of working with in this first term: chief of staff, Rich Orsillo; senior adviser on policy, Rob Hoch. My D.C. team is led by Jessica Merritt, deputy chief of staff and legislative director; along with Ryan Reed; Sidd Gannu; Jeremy Hoffner; Samantha Kirschner; and Ellie Lockhart. My Westchester team is led by Ellen Hendrickx, the district director; Michelle Gewanter, Edili Espaillat, Daphney Sintyl, Tara Conte, and Chanah Haigh. My Bronx team is led by Tremaine O'Garro, Bronx director, and Kelly Saunders. I owe a debt of gratitude to each and every one of them.

Mr. Speaker, since getting into office, Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth have actively tried to undermine the brave women who answer the call to service and joined the United States military.

When Pete Hegseth took office, six women, leaders at the highest levels of our Armed Forces, were forced out of their positions. They were not minor roles. These women were generals, captains, admirals, and commandants who earned their rank through decades of service and sacrifice, yet they were removed because Pete Hegseth couldn't accept women holding the same authority and responsibility as their male counterparts.

Additionally, executive orders were put into place to change standards such as physical evaluations, harassment reporting, and equal employment regulations.

At a time when military enrollment is at an all-time low, Trump and Hegseth are doing everything in their power to make it even harder for half of our population to serve and protect the country they love.

We salute and praise the women who show their love of country by serving in the United States military.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the community presence of Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church, a beacon of faith and service in the city of Mount Vernon, New York.

Under the spiritual leadership of the Rev. Dr. Stephen Pogue, Greater Centennial traces its founding to 1896, 130 years ago. Those founders' vision has been realized in today's Greater Centennial: dynamic weekly worship services, Bible study classes, weekly prayer call, Sunday school and programs for young people, Wellness Wednesday programs, and in the outreach to assist those of the community in need with food and clothing, as well as seniors in need of companionship and care.

Dr. Pogue has led Greater Centennial for over a decade, having served in the ministry previously from Harlem to Oakland, California. He holds master's and doctoral degrees in divinity studies. His service extends beyond the congregation as a chaplain for the Mount Vernon Police Department, vice chair of the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, and membership in prominent African-American organizations, including president of the United Black Clergy.

From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, we salute the Rev. Dr. Stephen Pogue and the church that he shepherds, Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church in Mount Vernon.

Recognizing Chance Mullen

Mr. Speaker, permit me to extend happy birthday wishes on April 4 to Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen, who is showing talent and leadership in the public sector, as well as in the private nonprofit world.

Chance was elected as mayor of the village of Pelham in 2019 and is serving in his fourth term. He served previously as a trustee on the village board.

Chance is the chief elected official for Pelham Village, a community of 7,000 people, with all the municipal responsibilities and headaches that come with the position of mayor: the responsibilities for police, fire, sanitation, and the like.

Through all of that, Mayor Mullen has done an exemplary job, but that is not his only job. In his professional life, Chance serves as the executive director of the Housing Action Council, a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households.

Finally, Chance Mullen is an active Pelham volunteer: Cub Scouts, Little League baseball, the Picture House, Pelham Civic Association, and more.

From the floor of the House of Representatives, I wish a happy birthday to Mayor Chance Mullen and encourage him to take a break for at least one day.

Recognizing Election Winners in New York

Mr. Speaker, last Wednesday, March 18, was a day for democracy in New York State.

Voters in many of our villages went to the polls to elect leaders to serve their home communities, running the village governments that provide basic services in their area: police, fire, sanitation, recreation, snow removal, land use authority, and the like.

In Westchester's 16th Congressional District, let me salute those who have won.

In the village of Bronxville, Helen Knapp and Vanessa O'Friel were elected as trustees to the Bronxville Village Board. William Prince was elected village justice.

In the village of Elmsford, Nelson Lopez and David Signor were elected as trustees to the Elmsford Village Board.

In the village of Scarsdale, Tim Foley, Ron Schulhof, and Scott Silberfein were elected as trustees to the Scarsdale Village Board.

These elections were held without controversy or incident. There were no claims of illegal voting or stolen elections but just simply democracy at work.

I congratulate the winners and thank all who competed in their service to the communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the outstanding artistic talent of Deborah Loeb Bohren, a resident of Greenburgh, who has established her artistic vision through the photographer's lens.

Deb worked for many years in corporate life in strategic communications, marketing, and public affairs. She even did a stint as district office

director for Congresswoman Nita Lowey. However, her lifelong passion since being a student growing up in Yonkers has been in photography, at the level that includes exhibiting her works at galleries and in art shows from Europe to California to New England.

She has opined that ``the essence of photography is the art and science of painting with light.'' She uses a camera as an artist would use a paint brush--a transformation. While she has exhibited her work across the globe, here at home locally sites such as the Upstream Gallery in Hastings-on-Hudson have exhibited her works.

She shares her talent in photography as a guest presenter at camera clubs throughout the country and teaches a range of photographic courses.

Mr. Speaker, from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I salute the masterful photography and talent of Deborah Loeb Bohren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Young Israel of Scarsdale, the dynamic, modern orthodox synagogue that draws congregants from New Rochelle and Scarsdale, reflecting an active community of faith and service.

It is led by spiritual leader Senior Rabbi Jonathan Morgenstern, with his past service as a teacher and administrator at Westchester Day School. He holds degrees in economics and counseling as well as religious ordination. He is ably assisted by Associate Rabbi Nuriel Klinger.

The synagogue's lay leadership team is exemplary, as well: Board Chair Melissa Schwechter, President Ari Weinberger, Executive Vice President Daniel Essner, and a team of volunteer board members, including Sisterhood Co-Presidents Lauren Ganz and Micole Weitzman.

YIS has an energetic schedule of Shabbat worship services, prayer groups, Torah study, education and activities for youth and teens, and a social gathering that links the congregants--notably on April 26, the 54th anniversary gala event celebrating the founding of the shul.

From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I salute Young Israel of Scarsdale for their 54 years of faith and commitment to their community.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 94.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the community asset in the south end of New Rochelle that serves so many residents: the New Rochelle YMCA.

The Y was established in 1899 and became the owner of the current site on Weyman Avenue in 2006, assisted by legislation that I sponsored as a member of the New York State Assembly, and over the last 20 years, it has expanded its program for close to 5,000 members with healthy living programs, aquatics programs, and childcare services.

The renovated pool and gymnasium are constantly in use, and the classes that are offered feature after-school programs and universal pre-K programs to assist those with chronic disease, Zumba, Tai chi, yoga, balance, strength and conditioning, and so many more programs.

The leader and the CEO of the Y is Jennifer Ryan Safsel, a dynamic, energetic professional with years of nonprofit management. She is ably assisted by a capable team, Lisa Teddone, Dawn Carter, Dafne Ginn, Jace Young, Tanisha Miller, and so many others, along with the president of the board, Raymond T. Hall and members of the board including State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson.

From the floor of the House of Representatives, we honor the New Rochelle YMCA.