Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my thanks to the people of the 19th Congressional District for giving me the honor of serving them in the House over these past 2 years.

I ran for Congress focused on how I could make a difference for the people of our district. It is no secret that upstate New York has been in a long, protracted period of economic decline, with many families and businesses choosing to leave due to high taxes and few employment opportunities.

As such, my focus upon taking office was how we can make upstate more economically competitive while, at the same time, making sure that our citizens, businesses, and local governments have an active voice representing their interests before the Federal Government.

I listened to the people across the district--firefighters and emergency responders, law enforcement, educators, business owners, and average working families--who told me of the issues that we face: the opioid crisis, the highest property taxes in the Nation, the exodus of people and jobs from upstate New York.

A primary focus of mine was the opioid crisis. This issue has devastated and destroyed countless lives across our Nation. I was pleased to have become the primary sponsor of legislation in the House. Working with my colleague from Michigan, Mike Bishop, we successfully enacted major opioid legislation, which included the STOP Act.

This legislation will crack down on the flow of illegal drugs, such as fentanyl, coming into the U.S. from places like China through the U.S. Postal Service. The STOP Act is now law, and I am proud to have had a role in its passage.

Agriculture is another major concern in the 19th District. Serving on the House Agriculture Committee, we have lowered the cost and increased the flexibility of dairy risk management programs, fought for better documentation to protect the sanctity of organic agriculture, made it easier for veterans to transition into agriculture, and supported increased broadband and cell service, which is critically important in our rural areas.

I have also led on two initiatives which are critical to the economic health of upstate New York. My legislation, offered with other members of the New York delegation, would finally have ended our State's policy of imposing a share of Medicaid costs from Albany onto local property taxpayers.

This mandate is so significant that just the county government taxpayers in New York State pay more in State-mandated Medicaid costs than local taxpayers in the 49 other States combined.

People are fleeing upstate New York because of high property taxes, and New York's Medicaid mandate is one of the reasons for that exodus.

The second initiative which I advanced was to preempt the absolute liability standard for gravity-related construction site accidents on federally funded projects. Again, New York stands alone among the 50 States in this absolute liability standard.

The fact is, this standard doesn't protect workers and adds approximately 7 percent to the cost of every building project in our State. With multi-billion-dollar projects like Gateway needing Federal support, it is critical that we use the preemption power to finally end this waste of taxpayer dollars and use those savings to rebuild and repair more infrastructure.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I must comment on the state of our political discourse in the United States. We all need to renew our efforts to conduct our debates on public issues in a civil and respectful fashion.

There is no doubt that the fragmented media and a general decline of standards has coarsened our public debate. There is plenty of blame to go around for this situation.

I encourage all those who hold elected office to recognize that we hold a sacred trust from the American people. We should uphold this responsibility in an honorable and dignified fashion and renew our efforts to improve the quality of public debate in the United States.

In doing so, we will renew our commitment to make a more perfect union. Moreover, we will give honor to those who have sacrificed to win and maintain these freedoms which we cherish.

The Constitution is forever our guide, and we should always remain true to it. We must also continue to promote individual liberty, the rule of law, and the dignity of all of our citizens. These are the characteristics of America that make ours a truly great Nation.

May God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership and I thank the ranking member for his leadership on this legislation.

The conference report provides much needed resources that will help farmers cope with a 5-year, 50 percent collapse in the farm economy, the largest such drop since the Great Depression.

During this process, we have acted in a bipartisan fashion to fix broken government programs that have not worked as intended and left farmers with nowhere to turn.

In upstate New York, perhaps none are hurting more than our local dairy farmers. New York is the third largest dairy State, and our farmers are hurting. The current dairy programs do not work, and improvements to the farm bill combined with those in the bipartisan Budget Act from earlier this year will help our farmers weather the storm.

We have made the dairy safety net more flexible by increasing coverage options, more affordable by reducing premiums, and more enticing for participation by bringing more incentives for those farmers to participate.

We have also worked to protect the SNAP program and laid the groundwork for future Congresses to make additional changes. By incentivizing work through better local workforce consultation and reducing the number of waivers that States can bring, we can bring more recipients into the workforce during a time of record low unemployment.

Additionally, changes like the National Accuracy Clearing House and minimum standards for participant tracking will help enhance program integrity and ensure that benefits are available to those that need them most.

Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of the farm bill. Upstate New York and our farmers have waited long enough. I am proud to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great respect and admiration to recognize James ``Jim'' Campion, the President of Columbia-Greene Community College in Hudson, New York. Jim is retiring at the end of the 2019 academic year, culminating an impressive and nearly fifty-year career in higher education.

An outstanding leader and mentor, Jim has consistently displayed an unyielding dedication to improving New York's community college system. Under his leadership, Columbia-Greene Community College has expanded educational opportunities, improved campus safety and amenities, and provided more innovative curriculum and career training for students.

The tireless commitment of educators like Jim is fundamental to the success of our communities, our state, and our nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Jim on his retirement and thanking him for his many years of dedicated service to New York State.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ellenville Regional Hospital in their efforts to develop a comprehensive, collaborative, community-based and region-wide initiative to help combat the opioid epidemic in Upstate New York.

In 2017 alone, this epidemic claimed more than 72,000 lives across the country. Ellenville Regional Hospital is working with local care providers including, the Columbia Memorial Health and Albany Medical Center and the Greene County Rural Health Network, to develop a model of dynamic care to better treat individuals who are shouldering the tremendous burden of opioid addiction.

Ellenville's plan focuses on providing patients who have overdosed an entry path to treatment that combines medical efforts to counter withdrawal and immediately connecting them with primary health care services, mental health, and addiction services as well as other basic services such as housing, transportation, and nutrition.

The opioid epidemic knows no bounds--spanning across all socioeconomic standings, in every state, in every district, and in every community throughout the country. I extend my sincerest thanks and appreciation to Ellenville Regional Hospital for their dedicated efforts to spearhead this initiative, share their knowledge, and reverse the dangerous trend of opioid abuse and addiction.

Aside from trailblazing this pathway to more impactful care and treatment for the many struggling with addiction in our Upstate communities, Ellenville Regional Hospital is a leader of rural care in the greater Ulster County region, always innovating and finding ways to improve, and most importantly ensuring our friends and neighbors have access to quality care in the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Ellenville Regional Hospital for their dedicated efforts in addressing the opioid epidemic as well as their legacy of innovative and quality care.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mrs. Blossom Rozman of Ellenville, New York. For decades, Blossom has dedicated herself to serving and being an active member of the greater Ulster community. Through her passion and dedication, Blossom continues to work to change the world around her--for the better.

Among her many activities and accomplishments, Blossom was vital to the implementation of the holocaust studies program in the Ellenville Central school--the first full-year program of its kind in the country. She has also participated in numerous organizations, including serving on the executive board of the Ellenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary and as past president of the Sisterhood of Congregation Ezrath Israel.

Throughout Upstate, I am thankful for the driven and compassionate individuals like Blossom who have committed themselves to strengthening our communities and building a better future. Ellenville shines a little brighter thanks to Blossom's tireless volunteerism and participation in civil society.

I am grateful for Blossom's many years of dedicated service to the 19th District and to New York state. Her many contributions will be felt for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the Year of the Bird, recognizing the tremendous value of our country's migratory birds to my constituents and all Americans and our natural world, and one hundred years of migratory bird conservation.

Within my own district in Upstate New York, birds contribute to the rich and beautiful scenery of the region, including globally recognized Important Bird Areas like the Catskills and the Upper Delaware River Basin, home to iconic species such as the Bald Eagle and Osprey. Areas like the Delaware River Basin not only provide a home for wildlife, they also serve as crucial economic drivers. The Basin contributes $21 billion annually in ecosystems goods and services and provides water for millions of people in the region.

Greater than one-third of North American bird species continue to be in need of conservation action. That means that our action is key to their survival, through supporting the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Delaware River Basin Restoration Program, programs that conserve public lands which are important to both birds and people.

The best way we can honor the past century of successfully conserving our birds and their habitat is to continue to do so. We owe our children and grandchildren the joy of experiencing the rich bird life in this great country.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating this monumental year marking a century of protecting birds. My hope is that we continue to advance sound policies and proper funding on behalf of the nation's migratory birds and all Americans, so that our proud conservation legacy will live on.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize and honor Michael J. Decker for being designated as the Kingston Veterans Association's Veteran of the Year for 2018. A native of Kingston, New York, Mr. Decker has bravely served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves since 1993.

I admire the great commitment of those distinct individuals who have tirelessly devoted themselves to their country and community. Mr. Decker's service as a Marine has spanned the globe, having completed several periods of active duty in countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Jordan, and Ghana. His service to the greater Kingston community, however, is unparalleled.

Through his active involvement with the Boy Scouts, the Ulster Detachment Marine Corps League, the Toys for Tots program, the Kingston Veterans Association, the Kingston American Little League, and as a devout parishioner of Saint Colman's Roman Catholic Church and member of their Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mr. Decker is an important role model for our communities, our veterans, and the next generation of soldiers.

Being named the Veteran of the Year is a true testament to Mr. Decker's continued legacy of patriotism and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of his friends, neighbors, and fellow veterans. I can think of no one more deserving of this honor. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Decker on receiving this award. His lifetime of hard work and dedicated service to the United States is inspirational, and I am grateful for his contributions to New York State.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Otsego Northern Catskills (ONC) Board of Cooperative Educational Services' (BOCES) Northern Catskills Occupational Center in Grand Gorge, New York.

From culinary arts to engineering and plumbing, technical occupations and skilled trades contribute to our vibrant upstate New York communities and play a significant role in our diverse local economies. Since 1968; ONC BOCES at its Grand Gorge campus has worked to empower high school students and prepare them for life after high school, whether that entails pursuing college or immediately joining the workforce, by giving them access to unique and valuable hands-on learning opportunities.

This golden anniversary marks a great milestone from ONC BOCES and serves as an important time for reflection on the past and optimism for the future. On behalf of the 19th Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to ONC BOCES.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the centennial anniversary of the founding of Congregation B'nai Israel in Fleischmanns, New York.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jewish immigrants began to move into the Catskills region, first to farm and later to enter the rapidly developing resort sector. Strong in their faith, a small group of Jewish farmers, merchants, and resort owners would meet regularly for Torah study. It was these intimate gatherings that laid the strong foundations for Congregation B'nai Israel to grow.

Congregation B'nai Israel was formally incorporated in 1918, and ground was broken on their synagogue only a few short years later. The synagogue is one of the oldest in the Catskills, and is listed on both the National and New York Register of Historic Places. Simple yet beautiful, with exposed trusses, a gabled roof, and unique Gothic and classical details, the synagogue's modest design serves as a reminder of the congregation's humble but inspiring beginnings.

The congregation has long served the spiritual needs of residents and continues to contribute to the area's vibrant societal and cultural fabric. This centennial anniversary marks a great milestone in the congregation's history and serves as an important time for reflection of the past and hope for the future. On behalf of the 19th Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Congregation B'nai Israel.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 123rd anniversary of the Pawling Volunteer Fire Department in Dutchess County, New York.

Protecting the Village of Pawling and its treasures has been the job of the Pawling Volunteer Fire Department for over a century. The department was formed in 1895 to help ensure the safety of the Pawling community. Since then, brave volunteers have continued to put their lives on the line for their friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens. The department has come to be known for their work ethic, commitment to the community, and sacrifice.

Many raging and costly fires have been fought throughout the years by the department, with courage and selflessness shown in each and every emergency they respond to. In February 1969, a fire erupted at the Trinity-Pawling School that raged for over five hours and was successfully extinguished. Over the course of the fire, brave firefighter Nicholas Taska unfortunately lost his life in service to the community. As in 1969, the swift and decisive actions of the Pawling Volunteer Fire Department have protected the lives and livelihoods of residents throughout the years.

This 123rd anniversary marks a great milestone in the department's history, and serves as an important time for reflection. I commend all past, present, and future members of the Pawling Volunteer Fire Department for their service and sacrifice. On behalf of the 19th Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the Pawling Volunteer Fire Department for the important services they provide to their vibrant community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Colonel Roger Donlon for his exemplary service to our nation. A native of Saugerties, New York, Mr. Donlon bravely served our country in the U.S. Army for thirty years. Though his humility, fierce loyalty, and steadfast patriotism, Mr. Donlon has redefined bravery and showed us that our freedoms have not come without many sacrifices.

In May 1964, Mr. Donlon was sent to Vietnam as Captain of the U.S. Army 7th Special Forces Team A-726 assigned to defend Camp Nam Dong. In the early hours of July 6, 1964, a Viet Cong battalion unleashed a surprise attack on Camp N am Dong. Throughout the five-hour battle, Mr. Donlon remained focused and determined, swiftly repositioning himself around the camp, directing counterfire, giving his men encouragement, and even providing care to the wounded despite his own injuries. His valiant efforts in the face of Viet Cong aggression made Mr. Donlon the first person to receive the Medal of Honor, the military's highest decoration, in the Vietnam War.

Although Mr. Donlon's formal service in the U.S. Army has ended, his service to our country continues today. Through his active involvement with the Medal of Honor Foundation's Medal of Honor Character Development Program, the Westmoreland Scholar Foundation, as well as regularly talking to students and servicemen and women, Mr. Donlon is an important role model for our communities, our military, and the next generation of soldiers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Colonel Roger Donlon on his lifetime of hard work and dedicated service to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of the founding of the Village of Esperance, New York and to recognize two hundred years of faithful and distinguished service by the Esperance Volunteer Fire Department.

For two hundred years, the Village of Esperance has contributed to the American story, weaving together a diverse community, cultivating a strong civil society, and fostering a resilient fire department. Situated on the north bank of the Schoharie Creek, Esperance is the oldest incorporated village in Schoharie county, and the fifth oldest incorporated Village in New York State.

Formerly known as ``State Bridge'' when it was originally settled in the late 18th century, the settlement consisted only of three cabins surrounded by dense forest land. Hermanus Ten Eyck received the land grant in 1739, and allocated about sixty acres of land to be sold as building lots. Mr. Ten Eyck became disappointed by the slow sale of the lots, and eventually sold his land holdings to Gen. William North--a general in the Revolutionary War, U.S. Senator, and Member and Speaker of the New York State Assembly--in 1806. It was Gen. North's daughter that suggested the name ``Esperance'' for the village.

The name ``Esperance,'' which translates to ``hope'' in French, truly describes the common thread that runs through its history. Hope has persisted through the nascent years of Esperance's existence, the tribulations of depression and war, and the many great triumphs of American history. The strength and independence that continues to define this town are a result of roots that have grown strong these past two hundred years.

Protecting the village and its treasures has been the job of the Esperance Volunteer Fire Department. For two centuries, brave volunteers from the community have put their lives on the line for their friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens. I commend them for their service and their sacrifice. Additionally, I would like to recognize the Department's place in history as the owner of ``Deluge No. 1,'' the first fire engine owned by the village and the oldest fire engine in America.

This bicentennial anniversary marks a great milestone in Esperance's history, and serves as an important time for reflection. On behalf of the 19th Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation and congratulations to the Village of Esperance and to the firefighters who continue to protect it. As the residents celebrate its 200th birthday, I would like to commend them on the success of their small, vibrant community and wish Esperance continued prosperity in its next 200 years.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize the exemplary career of Ms. Sarah W. Goodrich on the occasion of her retirement from Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT) Development. Since 2012, Ms. Goodrich has remarkably served as the Executive Director of SALT, a non-profit group in Schoharie County, New York that works to promote sustainable community development, natural disaster recovery, and emergency preparedness.

In 2011, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee caused severe flooding and devastation throughout Schoharie County. Ms. Goodrich spearheaded volunteer efforts in the wake of these natural disasters to assist friends, neighbors, and strangers rebuild their homes and communities. Throughout these difficult times, Ms. Goodrich became a cornerstone of disaster recovery within the Schoharie region, and it was her commitment to disaster recovery in the region that directly led to the creation of SALT.

The genuine care and concern she has for her community knows no bounds. In addition to her many years cultivating SALT and making it into a beacon of community development, she has also been an active member of the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors for the Cooperative Extension of Schoharie County. In recognition and honor of her outstanding commitment to the community, Ms. Goodrich has also received countless awards and accolades.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Ms. Goodrich on her much-deserved retirement from SALT. Through her ardent and humble leadership, Ms. Goodrich has been an unfaltering steward and passionate advocate for the community. Her lifetime of hard work is inspirational, and I am grateful for her many and unparalleled contributions to SALT, to Schoharie County, and to New York State.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize the many achievements of Mr. Nathan Chittenden of Dutch Hollow Farm in Schodack Landing, New York. Nate has been named the recipient of Cornell University's prestigious Hometown Alumni Award. This designation recognizes Cornell graduates who have returned to their hometown to start or develop a business while also being active and engaged members of their communities.

Nate is a third-generation farmer, carrying on his family's rich dairy farming tradition. Following his graduation from Cornell in 2000 with a degree in dairy science, he returned to the family farm. Since then, he has grown

Dutch Hollow Farm and has become an esteemed advocate and clarion voice for the dairy farming industry across New York State.

Dairy farming is a vitally important part of our identity in Upstate New York, and Nate has worked tirelessly to ensure it remains the engine of our local economy. Through his active participation in the Columbia-Greene Cornell Extension Board, the Agri-Mark Young Cooperators Board, and as a local 4-H dairy leader for over two decades, Nate has become a fixture within the farming community as well as the greater Rensselaer County community.

This Hometown Alumni Award is a true testament to Nate's steadfast commitment to his community and to dairy farming. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Nate on receiving this award. His lifetime of hard work is inspirational, and I am grateful for his many contributions to New York State and to our robust dairy industry.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize the prestigious achievements of Mr. Raymond ``Chip'' Lynch for being named by the Chandler-Young Veterans Association as the recipient of the President's Award. This designation is reserved for those special individuals who have dedicated themselves to their community, country, and fellow veterans.

Chip is a man of great loyalty and selflessness who bravely served our country in the Dominican Republic and in Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army. During his tour in Vietnam, he sustained a severe leg injury while engaged in combat, which led to many months of hospitalization and therapy. When he was offered medical discharge, he declined it because his calling to serve ``in country'' was stronger. Despite facing some adversity, his determination and patriotism prevailed, and he returned to Vietnam.

Chip has received numerous awards and decorations, including three Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, and two Army Commendations for Heroism. Although he finished his tour and received an honorable discharge in the early 1970's, Chip's service to our nation has never stopped. For decades, he has been a passionate advocate for veterans throughout Rensselaer County, even saving his local Veterans Post from closure.

The President's Award is a true testament to Chip's continued legacy of patriotism and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of veterans. I can think of no one more deserving of this honor. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Chip on receiving this award. His lifetime of hard work and dedicated service to the United States is inspirational, and I am grateful for his contributions to New York State.