Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Roderick Allison, Acting Deputy Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, who recently announced his retirement from TSA after 33 years of government service.

Mr. Allison's career began in 1985 with 13 years in the U.S. Army at the National Security Agency and 7th Special Forces Group.

In 1998, Director Allison's career with the Federal Air Marshal Service began when the program was part of the FAA.

Following the events of 9/11, Mr. Allison returned to the Federal Air Marshal Service and has served with distinction in several critical roles throughout TSA, including Acting Administrator, Acting Chief of Staff, and Acting Chief of Operations.

Since becoming Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service in May of 2014, Mr. Allison has been widely recognized for his resolute leadership, integrity, and commitment to the mission of TSA and the Federal Air Marshal Service. He truly is a leader among leaders. He has established a lasting legacy, both through action and mentorship, that will continue to have a positive impact on TSA and Federal Air Marshal Service personnel for many years to come.

Thank you for your service, Mr. Allison.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the selfless actions of Sean O'Gorman, a firefighter from Oswego, New York whose quick actions saved the lives of three girls in North Carolina.

On April 26, 2018, while on vacation with his family in North Carolina, Mr. O'Gorman witnessed three girls in distress after being caught in a rip current. The girls' father tried to reach them on a surfboard, but the rip current was too strong, and he was not able to make it. Luckily, Mr. O'Gorman immediately leaped into action.

Exhibiting consummate professionalism, Mr. O'Gorman entered the water to save the girls in distress. Mr. O'Gorman had recently attended Swift Water Rescue training in Auburn New York, where he had received training to prepare for this type of emergency. Using the aggressive swim, forceful crawl stroke he learned in training, O'Gorman managed to reach the girls in the rip current, where the father had been unable to reach. He managed to successfully retrieve the girls from the water, saving their lives. By the time the Emerald Isle Fire Department arrived, Mr. O'Gorman already had everyone out of the water and safe.

Mr. O'Gorman, a firefighter with the Oswego Fire Department, heroically saved the lives of three girls from a deadly rip current at Emerald Isle. His quick thinking and heroic actions stem from his training as a first responder. Our first responders are often called to dangerous and dire situations that threaten life. Just as he does every single day, Mr. O'Gorman did everything in his power to help those in need. It is my honor to recognize him and to offer thanks, praise, and a deep debt of gratitude for his tireless efforts.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of Lawrence ``Larry'' Parry who passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2018.

Mr. Parry served his nation proudly as a U.S. Army Mechanic. In 1941, Mr. Parry was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii, when Japanese forces launched a surprise aerial attack on the naval base at Pearl Harbor. Mr. Parry played an integral role in the defense of Pearl Harbor, tasked with supplying ammunition to troops around the island.

Mr. Parry's experience at Pearl Harbor changed his life forever. After the war, Mr. Parry became an ambassador of The Greatest Generation Foundation, working day in and day out to ensure that the lives of our nation's veterans are honored and memorialized. Mr. Parry returned to Pearl Harbor in 2016, with one hundred other survivors, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attacks.

Mr. Parry was predeceased by his son Frederick. Frederick ``Fred'' Parry served in the U.S. Army like his father, and passed away in January at the age of 67. A veteran, Fred was awarded a Purple Heart for his service in Korea. Mr. Parry is survived by his daughter, Susan Acker, his grandchildren, and his great grandson, Liam ``Bug Boy'' Roland.

Mr. Parry has been justly recognized for his career of service. Last December seventh, he traveled to Washington to meet President Trump, and will be introduced into the New York State Senate's Veterans hall of fame.

Lawrence Parry lived a life of fantastic and selfless service, always putting the interests of our great nation first, even in our darkest moments. For his tremendous efforts to defend our nation, honor our brave veterans, and for making our community a better place, it is my distinct privilege today to honor a great American, Lawrence Parry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the centennial celebration of Maxwell Memorial Library in my hometown of Camillus, New York.

Maxwell Memorial Library in the Village of Camillus first opened its doors 100 years ago following the advocacy of local teacher K. Belle Hackford, who organized the Camillus Library Association on May 26, 1918.

The library was granted a provisional charter on September 22, 1921, and its absolute charter on February 19, 1926. The name was changed to Maxwell Memorial Library, in honor of librarian Mary Ellis Maxwell, on February 28, 1958.

Maxwell Memorial Library has had several homes, all on Main Street in the village. Its first location was in one room over Abert's Plumbing Shop. In 1922, it moved downstairs to a larger space. The next move was in 1924, to the former Cook home. In late 1925, it made a fourth move to an old building behind Kemper Garage before the library finally settled into its current home in the former Presbyterian Church.

Today, Maxwell Memorial Library offers adult, early, and digital literacy programs to its patrons. On average, around 31,000 people visit Maxwell Memorial Library every year.

It is my honor to recognize Maxwell Memorial Library's current director, Amanda E. Perrine, and former director, Katy Benson, and Board of Trustees Lucille Adorante, Donna Breen, Michael Dendis, Cynthia Drake, Megan Glass, Sue Mezey, Kristen Northrop, and Barb Parsons for their hard work to make this library what is today. Congratulations on 100 years in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the teachers, students, and administrators that make Moravia Middle School one of the best middle schools in New York State. On May 5, New York State Education Department officials honored the Moravia Middle School with the ``School to Watch'' designation, a national distinction recognizing academic and developmental excellence as well as social equity and organizational performance.

In 2006, Moravia was among the first schools in New York to achieve a ``School to Watch'' status. The School to Watch Program recognizes schools that are exemplars for the implementation of the State Education Department's Essential Elements of Standards-Focused Middle- Level Schools and Programs. Schools are evaluated on 4 categories: Academic Excellence, Social Equity, Developmental Responsiveness, and Organization and Structure. If a school proves it excels in all 4 categories, it is eligible to become a ``School to Watch.'' Moravia has undergone the rigorous re-application process, including student interviews, to claim the accolade every three years since 2006. Moravia has earned the prestigious designation four times in 2009, 2012, 2015, and now 2018 for its curriculum, teacher responsiveness, and its unique school organization.

I am honored to recognize such an outstanding school in Central New York. The teachers and administrators at Moravia Middle School make their students feel important each day by developing a program that guarantees every student will have at least one positive interaction with an adult. I am confident that the positive experiences inside and outside the classroom at Moravia Middle School will yield continued success for its students in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse in my district.

Since 1892, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse has been serving Syracuse children of all races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. While the program began as simply the ``Boys' Evening Home'' in the May Memorial Church in Syracuse, it has grown extraordinarily in the last 125 years.

Following World War I, membership continued to grow exponentially, resulting in several relocations and expansions until the Club found its permanent home at 430 East Genesee Street. By the late 1940s, the Club had expanded to a total of three branches to accommodate its 6,000 members. In 1990, the Club changed its name to the Boys & Girls Club of Syracuse. After many years of welcoming girls into the organization, it only seemed proper to finally change its name.

Today, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse has four clubhouses and two school-based sites, which provide a variety of programs for the children of Syracuse. Serving over 1,000 members annually, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse enables children in our community to realize their potential and become productive and prospering members of our society.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse will always ensure that every child has access to a safe environment after school with caring adults. The work that they do provides an incredible benefit to Central New York, allowing parents to work hard without having to worry about the safety of their children.

It is my distinct honor to recognize the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse on 125 years of great success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer Betty Babcock, of the Onondaga Nation's Snipe Clan my best wishes on the celebration of her 95th birthday on April 22nd.

Meaning ``People of the Hills,'' the Onondaga Nation and people celebrate a rich and vibrant culture. Standing as the ``Keepers of the Fire'' due to their central location, the Onondaga served as the keystone to the great Iroquois Confederacy, forming a system of governance that inspired America's founding fathers in crafting the Constitution of the United States. In a storied and respected society where matriarchy is especially revered, Betty is certainly the keeper of her family's hearth, embodying an inextinguishable flame.

Betty has a close-knit family including: her husband of sixty years Milton, daughter Darlene, grandchildren Betty and Eric; and her brother Oscar. Family has always played a key role in Betty's life; as a young teenager, Betty became responsible for raising her younger brothers and sister, and maintains her dedication to her family to this day. Betty's first job was at the offices of Syracuse Attorney Bob Daugherty, after which she opened and operated a very successful restaurant. She has always been known for her generosity, sense of humor and wonderful meals.

The celebration of Betty's 95th birthday is a truly momentous occasion. Betty has witnessed great milestones in our Nation's history, and I am honored to wish her a happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of one of my dear friends and colleagues, Representative Dorothy Louise McIntosh Slaughter.

Congresswoman Slaughter passed away last month at the age of 88 after more than 31 years of service in the House of Representatives representing the people of Rochester, New York. Born a coal miner's daughter from Kentucky, Louise quickly became a true native daughter of upstate New York, exemplifying its values and representing her fellow constituents with the zeal and tenacity that was unrivaled in her storied tenure.

Becoming the first woman to chair the House Rules Committee, Congresswoman Slaughter was a pioneer in her advocacy for issues ranging from congressional transparency to health protections for those with preexisting conditions.

I had the distinct honor, pleasure, and privilege to work with Representative Slaughter on a whole host of issues that affect our neighboring communities in upstate New York and the Nation at large. Whether it was tackling the opioid epidemic, or ensuring our citizens had access to clean drinking water, I am proud, but humbled, to say Louise and I worked side by side.

For Louise, the interest of her constituents and fellow Americans rose above all else as she embodied the true meaning of bipartisanship, readily reaching across the aisle to people like me, in spite of party or public pressure, to achieve the common good.

Rest peacefully, Louise. I will miss your lovely demeanor and your wonderful smile.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April as Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month and to honor the tremendous work of McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center in Syracuse, New York.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, over 683,000 children were victims of child abuse or neglect in 2015, a number that has held steady for years. Additionally, 1,670 children died from child abuse or neglect in 2015 and according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the majority of these deaths could have been prevented.

Since 1983, April has been designated as Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention month. In recent years, the focus of the month on recognition and prevention has expanded to include promoting healthier parenting and strong families.

In Central New York, we are incredibly fortunate to have McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center as a strong resource. This organization works to prevent child abuse and neglect and to provide care and support for those who have endured abuse. The goal of McMahon/Ryan is to end child abuse, and to ensure that the community fully understands the impact of abuse.

The McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center offers a variety of life- changing programs which work efficiently every day to support victims of Child Abuse, and stop child abuse outright. Throughout the month of April, McMahon/Ryan will recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month with its annual ``Go Blue 4 Kids'' Campaign. In 1989, Bonnie Finney, a grandmother in Virginia began the blue-ribbon campaign as a tribute to her three-year-old grandson who had died at the hands of abuse. The blue ribbon remains a symbol of childhood abuse and neglect prevention across the United States. Additionally, the blue pinwheel is a national symbol of child abuse and neglect prevention. It stands as an uplifting reminder that all children deserve a happy childhood and future. Purchasing a pinwheel this month helps McMahon/Ryan contribute to the lives of children directly in our community.

I encourage all Central New Yorkers to ``Go Blue'' during the month of April and to support the work of McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center to help end child abuse.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th birthday of PEACE, Inc., a nonprofit, community-based organization in my district in Onondaga County.

PEACE, Inc., was founded on March 26, 1968, with a mission to empower individuals in our community to thrive. Today, this organization plays an integral part in the lives of so many central New Yorkers. From children and families, to teenagers, to senior citizens, PEACE, Inc., is dedicated to helping all individuals realize their self-worth and become self-sufficient.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Joe O'Hara and its board of directors, PEACE, Inc., in Onondaga County has such programs as Head Start, Senior Nutrition, the EITC Free Tax Prep programs, and many others.

Poverty does not just hurt those who live in it; it hurts our entire community. By focusing on stabilizing families, improving living conditions, and developing partnerships with our regional schools, businesses, and other nonprofits, PEACE, Inc., has provided thousands of individuals and families in our community with a pathway out of poverty.

After 50 years of outstanding work, PEACE, Inc., deserves our recognition and our gratitude. I join many in our community in wishing the many men and women involved in this great program congratulations on 50 years of serving the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Domestic violence affects people from all backgrounds. Regardless of race, religion, and socioeconomic background, domestic abuse touches all aspects of our community.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are assaulted by an intimate partner. We must work together to stop this.

Central New York is home to Vera House, a wonderful organization that works to prevent and respond to domestic and sexual violence. This month, it kicked off its 24th annual White Ribbon Campaign in central New York. This campaign raises awareness for the need to put an end to domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Throughout the duration of the White Ribbon Campaign, thousands of central New Yorkers, such as myself, will be wearing a white ribbon or a white wristband to stand in solidarity against abuse.

I urge my House colleagues to join me in wearing a white ribbon to demonstrate a personal pledge to work towards preventing violence against men, women, and children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 20th Anniversary of Biscotti Cafe in Syracuse.

Two decades ago, in March 1998, Geoff and Debbie Camire opened their bakery on Butternut Street. Soon after opening, their business flourished, and became a staple in Syracuse.

Unfortunately, just five years after opening their doors, Geoff and Debbie's business was destroyed in a fire. Despite this massive setback, Geoff and Debbie reopened their bakery and persevered. After a few years on South Geddes Street, the bakery reopened on North Salina Street in 2004, where it remains today. The cafe serves sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch. But throughout our community, the bakery is best known for its Italian and European-inspired pastries, cookies and cakes.

Twenty years later, the Camires and their staff make thousands upon thousands of pastries, cookies, and cakes each year. Businesses and business owners like these form the foundation of our economy, and provide our communities proof that the American Dream is alive and well.

I am proud to recognize the Camires and Biscotti Cafe for celebrating 20 years in business. Geoff and Debbie Camire have become an indispensable part of the Syracuse community and I wish this outstanding business continued success in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30th anniversary of Provisions Bakery & Restaurant, located in Armory Square in my district in Syracuse, New York.

In coordination with AccessCNY, Provisions Bakery & Restaurant operates a job training program for individuals living with disabilities in our community. The mission of Provisions is to empower all of its employees, individuals of all abilities, to work in a positive and supportive environment and gain skills needed to secure and maintain competitive employment.

In its three decades, the bakery has sold more than 200,000 of its signature chocolate chip cookies, but more importantly has positively impacted over 1,000 lives.

Provisions trainees work alongside professional staff learning all aspects of the bakery from cooking and baking, to serving and cleaning. Trainees develop employment skills such as time management, interpersonal skills and how to manage workplace expectations, which will improve their access to employment opportunities across Central New York.

Throughout the years, Provisions has become a staple in the Armory Square restaurant and business community, and I am proud to congratulate the employees of Provisions on the occasion of 30 years in business.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 104; YEA on Roll Call No. 105; YEA on Roll Call No. 106; NAY on Roll Call No. 107; YEA on Roll Call No. 108; NAY on Roll Call No. 109; YEA on Roll Call No. 110; NAY on Roll Call No.111; YEA on Roll Call No. 112; YEA on Roll Call No. 113, and YEA on Roll Call No. 114.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the American Diabetes Association Alert Day. Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, this is a day to inform the American public about the seriousness of Type 2 diabetes, particularly when left undiagnosed or untreated.

I would like to thank the American Diabetes Association, as well as numerous other organizations and researchers, who work to raise awareness of this far-reaching disease and seek an eventual cure.

Diabetes affects over 30 million Americans--almost 10 percent of the U.S. population--and nearly 1 in 4 adults are unaware that they have this disease. What's more, another 84 million Americans have prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. 9 out of 10 adults with prediabetes are unaware of their condition and susceptibility to developing diabetes.

Whether it is a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or neighbor, we all know someone who struggles daily with the medical upkeep of living with diabetes. That is why I join the American Diabetes Association in strongly encouraging all Americans to take the time today to learn more about Type 2 diabetes, its wide-ranging impact upon our nation and its citizens, and the susceptibility to this disease. Testing can take only 60 seconds and results can make a lifetime of difference.

I applaud the American Diabetes Association, for raising awareness about the potentially life-threatening complications associated with diabetes, and their advocacy to promote a healthy lifestyle.