Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, prior to the Trump Administration, the United States followed a policy of interdiction to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean. Over the past decade, that approach led to a steady decline in Venezuela's role as a major drug transit route. It relied on stopping vessels, inspecting cargo, and arresting suspects where evidence existed. This Administration has shamefully abandoned that lawful and effective approach in favor of bombing boats and committing extrajudicial killings at sea. There is no operational reason for abandoning interdiction, which worked, respected the rule of law, and avoided the use of lethal force where arrest and prosecution were possible.

After decades of forever wars, the American people are sick and tired of being dragged into needless armed conflicts. Despite that, President Trump escalated his reckless campaign against Venezuela even further last night, pushing the Nation closer to a war the American people do not want.

For weeks, the Administration has carried out lethal strikes on small boats in Venezuelan waters, killing dozens of people without any authorization from Congress. These killings occurred without due process and without any explanation for why the vessels could not have been stopped, inspected, and the individuals on board arrested and prosecuted. Most disturbing of all, the Administration carried out a so-called ``double-tap'' strike, deliberately targeting wounded survivors after an initial attack. That conduct is indefensible and inconsistent with the rule of law and the values the United States claims to uphold.

The President is also asking the American people to accept a justification that does not withstand scrutiny. The Administration claims these killings are about stopping drugs, but there is no credible evidence that Venezuela is a significant source of fentanyl entering the United States. The fentanyl crisis is driven overwhelmingly by synthetic opioids manufactured elsewhere and smuggled through established land routes, not by small boats off the Venezuelan coast. And Trump's professed concern about drug trafficking rings hollow when he issued a pardon to the former president of Honduras after a U.S. jury convicted him of running a violent drug-trafficking conspiracy to move massive quantities of cocaine toward the United States. If Trump were serious about stopping drugs and not using counternarcotics as a pretext for military escalation and regime change, he would not be letting convicted traffickers walk free while eyeing Venezuela's vast oil resources.

To this day, the Administration has not provided Congress with a public legal justification for these killings, nor has it explained the legal authority it claims to rely on. Congress and the American people deserve to see the legal rationale for the use of lethal force carried out in their name.

History teaches that unlawful uses of force cannot be excused by secrecy or by claims of simply following orders. Responsibility does not vanish up and down the chain of command when the law is violated. As international tribunals have long made clear, including at Nuremberg, individuals are responsible for war crimes and unlawful killings even when acting under superior orders. That principle must apply here as well. A future Administration committed to the rule of law will have a responsibility to investigate these actions fully and hold accountable those responsible for unlawful killings carried out in the name of the United States.

The Constitution is clear: the power to authorize war belongs to Congress, and Congress alone. No President gets a blank check to wage war by decree. That is why today, I proudly voted for two War Powers resolutions to block further escalation and reassert Congress's constitutional authority. It is unfortunate that Democrats had to force these votes under the War Powers Resolution just to ensure Congress carries out its duties, despite Speaker Johnson's best efforts to keep them off the House floor and avoid accountability.

The American people do not want another needless war, and I refuse to let our service members be put in harm's way for an escalation that Congress never approved.

Mr. Speaker, today, I missed votes due to a personal matter. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 343 and NO on Roll Call No. 344.

Mr. Speaker, I missed votes due to a personal matter. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 335 and YEA on Roll Call No. 336.

personal explanation

Mr. Speaker, on December 11, 2025, I missed votes due to a personal matter. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 322; NAY on Roll Call No. 323; NAY on Roll Call No. 324; NAY on Roll Call No. 325; YEA on Roll Call No. 326; YEA on Roll Call No. 327; NAY on Roll Call No. 328; YEA on Roll Call No. 329; NAY on Roll Call No. 330; YEA on Roll Call No. 331; and YEA on Roll Call No. 332.

Mr. Speaker, I missed votes due to a personal matter. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 333 and NAY on Roll Call No. 334.

Personal Explanation

Mr. Speaker, on December 9, 2025, I missed votes due to a personal matter. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 315, and YEA on Roll Call No. 316.

Mr. Speaker, I missed votes due to a personal matter. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 317, NO on Roll Call No. 318, YEA on Roll Call No. 319, NAY on Roll Call No. 320, and YEA on Roll Call No. 321.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to mark 50 years of enduring marriage between Debra and Edward Sullivan. High school sweethearts who married on September 27, 1975, at St. Joseph's Church in Babylon, New York. Today, we honor a love that only a very few are fortunate enough to celebrate in their lifetime.

Edward, or Eddie as all know him, son of Florence and John Sullivan, and Debra, or Debbie, daughter of Dolores and Ronald Sup, have together built a life grounded in love, patience, and respect.

From Eddie's early beginnings as a clammer on the Great South Bay, together they have shared a lifetime of memories that serve as a model for all of us to follow.

Proud parents to Dr. Lauren Sullivan Goddard, and grandparents to Gavin and Reese Goddard, the Sullivans have always put family first in their lives. Godparents to Matthew Jansen, they have always served as mentors and the glue that keeps their family together and their traditions alive.

Never far from the ocean, the Sullivans' shared love of boating and the sunshine has always kept them active and enjoying all the South Shore of Long Island has to offer.

While many days can seem routine--dinner at 5, dog walks with Debbie's sister Lynn at 6, Jeopardy at 7 followed by Wheel of Fortune-- they have always found ways to keep their bond fresh and new. From vacations to the Florida Keys to Montana, Alaska, and beyond, they keep the adventure going.

Mr. Speaker, if you were to crack open a dictionary and find the ``American Dream,'' you would find Debbie and Eddie Sullivan. For decades, Eddie worked tirelessly as a union carpenter and Debbie as a supervisor at Marchon Eyewear--careers that allowed them to build a beautiful home in their shared hometown of West Islip, New York. Together, they put their pride and joy, Lauren, through college and pharmacy school to achieve her doctorate, a milestone that is celebrated universally throughout their family.

Through it all, Debbie and Eddie have upheld their vows to care for each other through sickness and health. No matter the circumstances, they always stand by each other. The Sullivans have survived many trials, but their unwavering care and commitment have defined their 50 years together.

Mr. Speaker, we all could learn something from Deb and Ed Sullivan. They are truly upstanding New Yorkers who carry themselves with the spirit of hard work and pride, and who have perfected this commitment to each other. They are truly blessed to have a strong marriage and family.

At a time when our Nation is so fraught and divided, it is comforting to know that we have neighbors like the Sullivans among us. They are the best America has to offer, and I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Sullivans on this momentous achievement and in wishing them many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Alison Cohen for two and a half years of outstanding service to the constituents of New York's 12th Congressional District.

A native of Northern Virginia, Alison attended William & Mary University, where she received a bachelor's degree in Global Governance and Community Engagement. After graduating, she joined the Teach for America program and moved to New Orleans to work as a middle school math teacher in a public school.

For the next three years, she served as a teacher and mentor for hundreds of students. I know she keeps in touch with some of her former pupils who still recognize the impact that she made on their lives. Alison's skills from her time as a teacher can be seen during the many meetings that she has with student groups, where she is able to capture the attention of students and skillfully answer their questions in a thoughtful and accessible way.

Alison's experience working in public education in Louisiana inspired her to enter policy work to help address the systemic inequities that she saw impacting her students' lives. She began working as a legislative assistant for Louisiana State Representative Aimee Freedman. During her time working in the State Legislature, she worked on many issues impacting everyday Louisianans. One of her key accomplishments was helping shepherd

Representative Freedman's bill to eliminate the ``pink tax'' on diapers and menstrual products and other goods, which unfairly disadvantages women and children. This legislation was signed into law in 2021 and is an example of Alison's longstanding commitment to helping support women and families through policy.

After working as a policy analyst for the Louisiana Budget Project, Alison returned to the D.C. area and began working as a Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D-VA). In 2023, I was lucky to have her join my Washington, D.C. Office as a Legislative Assistant.

Over her two and a half year career in my office, Alison covered many issues, including Healthcare, Reproductive Rights, Education, and Social Security. During her time in my office, Alison held hundreds of meetings with stakeholder groups from across the district, serving as a representative for my office in many photos with groups. She always brought her knowledge and compassion to these meetings and often showed her unique talent of being able to quickly learn the names of everyone in her meetings.

Supported by her afternoon Diet Cokes, Alison assisted with many of my key legislative priorities over the past few years. She worked diligently to support the implementation of my Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, working to ensure it was protected in the appropriations process, and helping to organize an amicus brief supporting the bill.

She has also been a champion of my bill, the Living Donor Protection Act, which received 225 cosponsors in the 118th Congress due to Alison's hard work. Her steadfast and compassionate work with members of the organ transplant community has been inspiring to see.

Alison has also worked on many other health issues, including supporting my longstanding work to secure funding for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). She has also worked closely with stakeholders in the district to support my longstanding work on the World Trade Center Health Program.

Alison serves as a key bridge between my office and the many hospitals, health centers, and stakeholders in our district.

While working in my office, Alison completed her master's in Health Law and Strategy from New York University, helping to expand her understanding of the healthcare system, especially in the legal context. Her ability to navigate both school and work demonstrates her flexibility and willingness to take on new challenges.

Alison has also been an active part of our office culture, helping to mentor many staff and interns; she was always available to offer support and feedback. I will miss her positive presence in the office, especially around birthdays and other celebrations.

As Alison moves to her new position in Federal Affairs at Callen- Lorde Health system in New York, I am glad to know she will continue to serve the people of the 12th District. I look forward to seeing where her career will take her and thank her for her excellent service.

Mr. Speaker, a few minutes ago, four Republicans saved this House from disgrace. We almost passed a resolution to remove a Member from committees for the sin of exercising free speech.

Charlie Kirk was a prominent figure, beloved by many, disliked heartily by others.

If the First Amendment means anything, it means the ability to say anything we want, short of actionable libel, with respect to any subject. It even means, according to the Supreme Court in the Brandenburg decision in 1969, the ability to advocate violence except in a manner calculated to induce immediate violence.

We forget the First Amendment at our peril. It is the keystone of our liberties, and we almost disgraced ourselves by traducing it a few minutes ago. I am glad we did not.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my Greek Orthodox constituents to welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to our Nation's Capital. I welcome him to Washington, D.C. and congratulate him for winning the Templeton Prize, a distinguished award received by other religious leaders such as the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The prize honors those who have spent a lifetime, as Patriarch Bartholomew has devoted to Sir John Templeton's vision of using the power of science to examine the deepest questions of humankind and our way in the universe.

Born in Turkey, Patriarch Bartholomew studied at institutions across Europe and even here in the United States at Yale and Georgetown.

Now, the primary spiritual leader of the Orthodox Christian church, and a figure of global importance, he has addressed the World Economic Forum, UNESCO, the United Nations, and the European Parliament. He has stood out as a leader bridging divides and finding common ground, seeking peace throughout the world, and confronting global conflict with personal experience and a unique perspective.

A peacemaker through and through, Patriarch Bartholomew said that ``Human conflict may be inevitable in our world; but war and violence are not. If our age will be remembered, it may be for those who dedicated themselves to the cause of peace.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that we welcome Patriarch Bartholomew and recognize his life, his career, and the global impact of his teachings. We are grateful for his lifetime of service brokering peace and advancing our common interests, and we welcome him to Washington, D.C.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Matt Jansen for over six years of outstanding service in the United States House of Representatives working with the House Judiciary Committee, the House Ethics Committee, and my personal office representing constituents living in the heart of New York City.

I value Matt's hard work, his impressive skill set, and his friendship. He has been by my side when I faced the toughest primary challenge of my career, when we fought together to pass the Respect for Marriage Act into law--ensuring marriage equality for LGBTQ+ families across the country, and to make the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act the law of the land.

Matt has worked for the New York Senate Democratic Conference, as a Legislative Aide in the New York Assembly, and as an intern for New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Matt's journey on the House side of Capitol Hill began as an intern in my Washington, D.C. office back in 2019. He then moved over to the House Ethics Committee and was promoted to Advice and Education Clerk where

he helped respond to questions from Members and staff throughout Capitol Hill. Matt returned to my team as a Staff Assistant and Legislative Correspondent. From there, he embarked on a remarkable career with our office, holding nearly every position--from Staff Assistant to Legislative Correspondent to Legislative Assistant, and even a brief stint as Scheduler--until he ultimately became Press Secretary for both my office and the House Judiciary Committee from 2023 to 2025.

Throughout his tenure, Matt brought an impressive blend of professionalism, creativity, and humor to the role. As Press Secretary, he worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that my office's messages were clear, concise, and timely. He is an excellent writer and worked quickly to ensure our communications were relevant and far- reaching. He continuously found ways to elevate our communications-- from quick video clips to informative electronic updates, to printed newsletters. Matt worked to prepare me for appearances on MSNBC, NY1, and other local New York City television news programs. He worked closely with reporters to book interviews with major news outlets like the New York Times and the Washington Post.

Matt's commitment to learning led him to be an active and consistent participant in the many communications classes offered in the House-- even serving as an instructor from time to time. He routinely briefed his Democratic press colleagues on the many Judiciary Committee bills that came to the House floor each week and worked to coordinate the party message on major legislation facing the Congress.

However, his contributions went far beyond just communications. He was always ready to go the extra mile for the team--whether it was accompanying me to events, moderating my town hall, or heading up the Party Planning Committee. His energy was contagious, and his commitment never wavered.

In 2022, Matt took a leave of absence from my official office to be boots on the ground in New York City (NYC) assisting with my re- election campaign. He was a staple at many NYC subway stops, canvasing and connecting with constituents. His hard work and organizing skill helped propel me to a 30-point victory over a fellow Democratic Committee Chair in a tough New York primary.

During his time in my office, Matt made the most of the many experiences available in D.C. From joining me at the White House bill signing ceremony for my Respect for Marriage Act, to escorting Former President Obama during the 2024 Inauguration, Matt was always willing to seize the opportunity.

A proud University Albany alum and Long Islander, Matt brought the New York spirit to our office. Given his love for New York, Matt was always happy to help at events in the district, and I have particularly found memories of marching with him in the New York Pride.

Like many of my constituents, Matt is a frequent visitor to Fire Island Pines, but even a day by the beach won't stop him from creating excellent communications content.

While it's impossible to overstate Matt's loss from my team, I'm glad to know he's staying on the Hill. I look forward to running into him in the Longworth Cafeteria and am excited to see where his career takes him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Daniel Rubin for his outstanding service to the House of Representatives, to the House Judiciary Committee, and to the constituents of New York's 12th Congressional District.

Daniel Rubin is an exceptional talent, with years of experience working at the highest levels of Congress on the most crucial legal issues of the day. He has a razorsharp mind, an inquisitive nature, and a unique ability to accurately identify the key question that must be addressed in any given situation.

Daniel Rubin has worked directly on the Judiciary Committee and the Ways and Means Committee and has worked with Members who served on the Budget, Oversight, and Education and the Workforce committees. It is truly rare to find someone with his breadth and depth of experience working in the House for as long as Daniel has. That is a testament to his commitment to public service and his ability to gain the trust of multiple Members of Congress from diverse backgrounds.

Not all positions on the Hill are equal, and Daniel has had perhaps the toughest assignment. He routinely handles the most challenges questions put to lawmakers by the Capitol Hill press corps. They are trained to find vulnerabilities in any argument and expose them to the public. They are tenacious and intelligent, and Daniel does an excellent job working with them every day to get them the information they seek and to do so in a way that is most beneficial to the Members and Committees he is working for. It is not an easy task, but Daniel does it with exceptional skill.

While working with us he has maintained excellent relationships across a broad spectrum of writers, editors, and producers. He reads voraciously and is always well informed and well prepared for the challenges presented by his work. He is an excellent writer and a master communicator.

I enjoyed working closely with Daniel on the House Judiciary Committee and in my personal office for the past several years. Together we worked with dozens of Members of Congress to help shape our strategy, messaging, and legal approach in countless hearings and markups. We identified the most powerful messages and amplified them in the press and on social media.

Daniel built the greatest social media operation of any Committee on Capitol Hill--training and supervising staff that were nimble, provocative, and engaging. Under his supervision the number of subscribers and their level of engagement with our content far outpaced the traditional House committee.

Daniel has been at the epicenter of all of our crisis communications, tackling difficult questions with a level head, and providing excellent advice. My senior management team and I have always trusted Daniel's judgment and strategic thinking. While working separately on my campaign, Daniel helped propel me to a 30-point victory over a fellow Democratic Committee Chair in a tough New York primary. He was essential in debate preparation and worked with me to anticipate questions and ensure that I was ready to respond in the most powerful way possible. He led the communications team during the primary and helped me secure the New York Times endorsement.

I wish Daniel the best of luck as he continues to fight for the rights and liberties of all people and I thank him for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Israeli security; Palestinian freedom; a just, peaceful, and swift end to the war in Gaza; and an eventual, viable, and negotiated two-state solution.

The situation in Gaza today is dire. I want to be clear. The war in Gaza began with Hamas' brutal attack on innocent Israelis on October 7, the bloodiest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust. For many in the Jewish community, in the United States, and around the world, time stopped on that day and has not yet resumed.

It will resume when all the hostages are home. It will resume when the war is over and the reservists can return to their families. It will resume when there is enough food, water, and medicine in Gaza to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe. It will resume when families on both sides of the border can sleep peacefully without the constant fear of rockets and bombs falling from the sky. It will resume when there is a lasting, durable, and negotiated cease-fire.

Mr. Speaker, that day need not be far away. Israel achieved its goal of destroying the military capabilities and existential threat of Hamas months ago. Now, Prime Minister Netanyahu should be proclaiming victory and indicating his readiness to withdraw from Gaza contingent on the return of all the hostages, both living and dead.

He should be signaling his willingness to support an international security force on an interim basis to ensure law and order and Israel's support for international investment in the training and equipping of an eventual Palestinian security force. He should be supporting confidence-building measures in the West Bank, which empower the Palestinian Authority contingent on the PA embracing and implementing real reforms. He should not be enacting an annexationist vision while the plague of settler violence runs rampant.

The alternative, Mr. Speaker, is a stark and disturbing picture. This week, Tom Friedman wrote in The New York Times that: If ``Israel goes ahead with Netanyahu's vow to perpetuate this war indefinitely--to try to achieve . . . the far right's fantasy of ridding Gaza of Palestinians and resettling it with Israelis--Jews worldwide better prepare themselves, their children, and their grandchildren for a reality they have never known: to be Jewish in a world where the Jewish state is a pariah state, a source of shame, not of pride.

``Because one day, foreign photographers and reporters will be allowed to go into Gaza unescorted by the Israeli Army.'' And when they do, the full horror of the destruction there will become clear to all.

Friedman continued, Mr. Speaker, writing: ``Israel, instead of being seen by Jews as a safe haven from anti-Semitism, will be seen as a new engine generating it; sane Israelis will line up to immigrate to Australia and America rather than beckon their fellow Jews to come Israel's way. That dystopian future is not here yet, but if you don't see its outlines gathering, you are deluding yourself.''

Mr. Friedman is not alone in this analysis. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, former Israeli security officials have been speaking out. Last week, two former Israeli Air Force pilots, Brigadier General Asaf Agmon and Colonel Uri Arad, published a letter in Hebrew in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. They wrote: ``As the war in Gaza dragged on, it became clear that it was losing its strategic and security purposes and instead served primarily the political and personal interests of the government. It thus became an unmistakably immoral war, and increasingly appeared to be a war of revenge.''

I agree with these distinguished former officials. It is clear to me that we long ago reached the point where victory is no longer the goal, and the main obstacle to bringing the hostages home and ending the war is the politics of one man: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

General Agmon and Colonel Arad are not peace activists, Mr. Speaker. They are former top Israeli Air Force pilots and high-ranking officers. We must heed their calls.

They are not alone, Mr. Speaker. Commanders for Israel's Security is a movement of over 550 retired senior officials from Israel's defense, security and diplomatic services. The ``Commanders,'' as they are often referred to, recently published a letter urging Jewish diaspora voices to speak out in favor of ending the violence in Gaza.

They wrote: ``Accused of weakening Israel or betraying their connection to the Jewish state, they are told that those who live abroad or do not serve in the IDF must keep silent. We categorically reject the notion that Jews in the diaspora must remain silent on matters concerning Israel. . . . To those who fear that public criticism undermines Israel, we say that open, honest dialogue only reinforces our democracy and security.''

This is true for this body, too, Mr. Speaker. We all must speak up. If our voices contribute to preventing one

more ounce of bloodshed or to the return home of a hostage 1 minute sooner or gets one more piece of bread into the hands of a starving Gazan or helps redeem the moral position of the State of Israel, our words are worth it.

Jewish tradition teaches in Mishnah Sanhedrin that saving one life is like saving the whole world. I hope that we can come together to heed the voices that are speaking out at this moment, and that together we can work to save as many worlds as we can.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Anita Altman, a distinguished New Yorker and cherished member of our community, who will celebrate her 80th birthday on June 2, 2025.

Anita has devoted her life to building a more inclusive, compassionate, and just society. A proud daughter of the Bronx, Anita was raised in a working-class Greek Jewish household by her parents, Jack and Sarah, and her grandparents Anna and Zadick Coffino, who emigrated from the Ottoman Empire and made their home on the Lower East Side. From these deep roots, Anita cultivated a lifelong commitment to public service, Jewish communal life, and progressive social change.

After earning her B.A. from City College and a Master's in Health Services Administration from the New School, Anita began a career that would span urban planning, public health, and groundbreaking social advocacy. From her early work at the New York City Planning Department and Montefiore Medical Center to her service on Manhattan's Community Board 7, Anita has been a tireless force for equitable development, healthcare access, and community empowerment.

Anita's visionary leadership at UJA-Federation transformed the landscape of aging and disability services in New York. She was instrumental in launching the state's first programs for Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, helping thousands of seniors age with dignity in the communities they helped build. She led one of the first Jewish communal responses to the AIDS epidemic and convened the Federation's Task Force on

Family Violence, for which she was honored with the Governor's Courage Award and the Woman of Valor award from the New York Board of Rabbis.

Perhaps most widely known is Anita's creation of the Reel Abilities Film Festival, the nation's largest showcase of films by and about people with disabilities. Through ReelAbilities, Anita helped elevate underrepresented voices, challenge public perceptions, and promote the full inclusion of people with disabilities in American life.

As she celebrates 80 extraordinary years, I recognize Anita Altman for her vision, her integrity, and her unwavering belief that all people deserve to live with dignity, visibility, and respect.