Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Angelo Bordonaro's 100th birthday. A lifelong resident of Central New York, Mr. Bordonaro has lived an incredible life--he started working at the age of 10, served in World War II, and dedicated 60 years to the Taunton Volunteer Fire Department.

Angelo Bordonaro was born in Syracuse to a family of five children. When he was five years old, his father passed away in a car accident, leaving his mother to care for the rest of the family. Mr. Bordonaro and his family moved to St. Louis, Missouri shortly after his father's death to find work. During this time, he began working as a shoe-shine boy at 10 years old to help pay his family's bills. The family later returned to Syracuse after the Great Depression and, along with his three brothers, Mr. Bordonaro went to work in the local factories.

When the United States joined World War II in 1941, Mr. Bordonaro and his brothers joined the Army. He served in Europe and reached the rank of sergeant--a distinction he would give up in 1944 in order to re- deploy to the Pacific Theatre. During the battle at Fortress Corregidor in 1945, Mr. Bordonaro exhibited remarkable feats of fearlessness and commitment to his duties. After surviving behind enemy lines alone for three days--while suffering from malaria and shrapnel wounds--he finally reunited with his unit and refused to be taken off the front lines for treatment.

Following his military service, Mr. Bordonaro returned to Syracuse and settled in the town of Camillus with his wife, Josephine. Mr. Bordonaro worked as a high-skilled mason and was employed by Prestolite Co. for 35

years. He later held a position at Solvay Process for 11 years. He built a home in Camillus where he and his wife raised four daughters. To this day, Mr. Bordonaro still lives in the home he built.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the remarkable life of Angelo Bordonaro. As a member of America's greatest generation, Mr. Bordonaro has bravely defended our nation and helped shape the country we live in today. He is a cherished member of the Central New York community and I wish him all the best on his 100th birthday.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Syracuse Chapter of Say Yes to Education. Throughout its history in Central New York, Say Yes Syracuse has mentored thousands of public-school students and helped them successfully graduate high school. Additionally, Say Yes Syracuse financially supports select students after their high school graduation as they pursue postsecondary education.

Say Yes Syracuse offers a variety of services to aspiring Central New York students. These services include summer education programs, SAT study classes, and pre-college preparation seminars. As a result of Say Yes Syracuse's efforts, 9th-grade dropout rates have declined and over 4,000 Say Yes Syracuse students have enrolled in two- or four-year colleges.

In order to fulfill its commitment to local students, Say Yes Syracuse has developed strong relationships with many Central New York institutions and leaders. Syracuse University, Onondaga County Community College, the Syracuse City School District, the City of Syracuse, and Onondaga County all contribute to Say Yes Syracuse's goal of helping all Syracuse-area students reach their full academic potential. These public-private partnerships strengthen the Central New York's community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in celebrating Say Yes Syracuse's 10th anniversary. Since opening its Syracuse chapter, Say Yes to Education has positively impacted the Central New York community and provided new education opportunities to underserved students. Under the leadership of Ahmeed Turner, I am confident Say Yes Syracuse will continue to thrive in Central New York.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate overwhelmingly. Ten times more Senators voted for this bill than voted against it. That is the essence of bipartisanship.

I ask that we make this House proud. I ask that we make our colleagues proud. And I ask that we pass this bill and send it to the President's desk for his signature today.

Madam Speaker, I, too, want to recognize my colleague from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee) for having the coolest scarf in the House today, the American flag.

Bipartisanship has broken out in the Senate. They passed H.R. 3401, as amended, 84-8.

I am now happy to report to the House that bipartisanship has broken out on the floor of the House of Representatives, for I am announcing that 23 Democrats and 23 Republicans from the Problem Solvers Caucus have just issued the following statement: ``Given the humanitarian crisis at the border, the Problem Solvers Caucus is asking for the immediate consideration on the House floor today of H.R. 3401, as amended by the Senate.''

We now are certain that H.R. 3401 will pass. I ask us to let the bipartisanship spread to the rest of this House and put an end to this now, once and for all, and get the help to the border that is so badly needed.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and career of the Honorable James Tormey III, a beloved father and husband, distinguished judge, and honorable public servant, who passed away on June 22, 2019.

A 1972 graduate of SUNY Cortland, and 1976 graduate of Syracuse University College of Law, Judge Tormey committed much of his life to public service. Serving on the Onondaga County Legislature for ten years, and later, as a Syracuse City Court Judge, Supreme Court Justice and District Administrative Judge for the 5th Judicial District of New York, Jim Tormey earned the respect, praise and trust of many in our community.

Over the course of his esteemed judicial career, Judge Tormey took a measured approach in upholding the law and applying it fairly. He firmly believed in the justice system and worked to ensure everyone had access to it.

As District Administrative Judge, Judge Tormey supervised the operations and schedules of more than 300 judges serving in the Fifth Judicial District -- many of whom, since his passing this week, have shared stories of his strong leadership, his commitment to ensuring justice, and his respect for all. They have spoken of his commitment to continued legal education and pro bono work, and, importantly, of his friendship, mentorship and distinguished leadership.

Judge Tormey was committed to making Central New York a better place, and the impact of his work went far beyond the courtroom. He used his role to address some of the most pressing issues plaguing our community--overseeing the establishment of local Drug Courts, Opioid Courts, Human Trafficking Court, Youthful Offender Court, and Community Court for lower level offenders. His dedication to Central New York was visible in all of his actions and he will be truly missed.

Above all, Judge Tormey was a family man, and deeply loved his wife, Sue, their children Andrew and Colleen, and his grandchildren. I ask my colleagues to keep them in mind, as we honor and remember the life of this devoted civil servant.

Mr. Speaker, as a proud American and a Member of Congress, I rise today on the floor of the House of Representatives to celebrate the life and career of the Honorable James Tormey III, one of my constituents.

Judge Tormey was a beloved father and husband. He was a distinguished judge and an honorable public servant who passed away far too early on June 22, 2019, just 4 days ago.

A 1972 graduate of State University of New York College at Cortland and a 1976 graduate of Syracuse University College of Law, my alma mater as well, Judge Tormey committed much of his life to public service.

Serving on the Onondaga County Legislature for 10 years and, later, as a Syracuse City Court judge, supreme court justice, and district administrative judge for the Fifth Judicial District of New York, Jim Tormey earned the respect, praise, and trust of many in our community.

Over the course of his esteemed judicial career, Judge Tormey took a measured approach in upholding the law and applying it fairly. He firmly believed in the justice system and worked to ensure everyone had access to it.

As a district administrative judge, his most recent job, Judge Tormey supervised the operations and schedules of more than 300 judges serving in the Fifth Judicial District, many of whom, since his passing this week, have shared stories of his strong leadership, his commitment to ensuring justice, and his respect for all. They have spoken of his commitment to continued legal education and pro bono work and, importantly, of his friendship, mentorship, and distinguished leadership.

Judge Tormey was committed to making central New York a better place to live and work, and the impact of his work went far beyond the courtroom. He used his role to address some of the most pressing issues plaguing our community, overseeing the establishment of local drug courts, which are very successful, the opioid courts, human trafficking court, youthful offender court, and community court for lower-level offenders.

His dedication to central New York was visible in all of his actions, and he will be truly missed.

Above all, though, and far more important to the judge, he was a family man. He deeply loved his wife, Susan; their children, Andrew and Colleen; and his grandchildren.

Susan is now left to carry on the great traditions that she and her husband forged with their children and others in the community. Sue is a successful person in her own right, having a long and storied career, including, most recently, at Onondaga Community College.

To Sue, I say Godspeed. Keep your chin up, cherish your children and your grandchildren, and continue to carry on the legacy that your husband forged in this community.

I ask my colleagues, in closing, to keep them in mind as we honor and remember the life of this devoted civil servant, Judge Tormey.

Madam Speaker, June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month and I rise today to share with this chamber the impact Alzheimer's Disease has had on my family. Today, 5.8 million Americans live with brain disease. I have witnessed firsthand the burdens of these illnesses because my father, Andrew Katko, lived with Alzheimer's for nearly a decade before passing away a few months ago.

My family was faced with the difficult decision on how to care for our father during this time in his life. This is not uncommon among families after a brain disease diagnosis.

Often, family and friends are primary caretakers for those suffering with Alzheimer's and dementia. My mother, Mary Lou, served as my father's primary caregiver, joining the 16 million Americans who provide unpaid care. This year, unpaid caregivers will provide 18.5 billion hours of care valued at $234 billion.

The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act was signed into law last Congress and is now being implemented. This legislation authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to research prevention methods for dementias, establish local treatment facilities, and provide better resources to caregivers. I am committed to passing additional policies that improve the lives of those living with dementias.

Mr. Speaker, June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, and I rise today to share with this Chamber the impact that Alzheimer's disease has had on this country and my family.

Today, 5.8 million Americans live with brain disease. I have witnessed firsthand the burdens of these illnesses because my father, Andrew Katko, lived with Alzheimer's for nearly a decade before succumbing to the disease a few months ago.

My family was faced with the difficult decision on how to care for our father during this time in his life. This is not uncommon among families across our great Nation.

Often, family and friends are primary caretakers for those suffering with Alzheimer's and dementia. My mother, Mary Lou, served as my father's primary caregiver, joining 16 million Americans who provide unpaid care. This year, unpaid caregivers will provide 18.5 billion hours of care valued at $234 billion.

The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act was signed into law last Congress proudly and is now being implemented. This legislation authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to research prevention methods for dementias and establish local treatment facilities.

I am committed to passing additional policies that improve the lives of those living with dementias.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of CR Fletcher Associates, Inc. This year marks the organization's 30th anniversary providing employment placement services throughout the greater Central New York area. CR Fletcher Associates has assisted job seekers and employers alike throughout its history.

CR Fletcher Associates was started in 1989 by Carol Fletcher. A graduate of LeMoyne College, Ms. Fletcher spent nine years gaining expertise in the recruiting industry before using her knowledge to begin her own recruitment and professional placement business. Her business has rapidly grown since opening its doors and has become a family operation with her husband Tom Fletcher joining in 2000. Thousands of job openings have been filled with the help of CR Fletcher Associates under the esteemed leadership of Ms. Fletcher, and she is a symbolic role model for those aspiring to become business leaders.

The services provided by CR Fletcher strengthen the Central New York economy by helping businesses meet labor needs. In addition, CR Fletcher supports individuals eager to pursue meaningful careers and opportunities. The firm's efforts have yielded several awards and recognitions, including CNY Business Journal's Fast Track 50 Award and Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Year Award.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in celebrating the 30th anniversary of CR Fletcher Associates. Businesses and individuals truly benefit from the presence of CR Fletcher Associates in our community. I am confident CR Fletcher Associates will provide further benefit to our community for many more years to come.

Madam Speaker, on the legislative day of June 12, 2019, on roll call number 283, I voted no when I intended to vote yea.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2590, the Department of Homeland Security Overseas Personnel Enhancement Act of 2019. This bipartisan legislation will ensure the Department of Homeland Security develops personnel overseas in a strategic, effective, and efficient manner that will address threats before they reach the United States shores, while improving our relationships with foreign partners.

The United States Government positions many personnel from across the Federal Government overseas to liaise with their foreign counterparts, strengthen relationships, and build capacity with them. The Department of Homeland Security does this to support its critical counterterrorism mission.

H.R. 2590 will ensure that personnel deployed by Homeland Security overseas receive adequate training and mission support, while having their important perspectives heard by their colleagues back in the United States.

Moreover, this bill addresses the importance of foreign-based Homeland Security personnel to effectively coordinate with other Federal partners, such as the FBI, in support of the Department's counterterror missions.

We face an ever-changing threat landscape which presents new challenges to securing air travel, public spaces, surface transportation, and critical infrastructure from terror attacks. It is imperative that we work together with foreign partners to share information, build capacity, and learn from each other to respond to a dynamic threat environment, much the same as I did for many years on State, local, and Federal gang task forces.

I thank Representative Watson Coleman for cosponsoring this important legislation, as well as Ranking Member Rogers and Chairman Thompson for their support of this measure. I also want to thank my good friend from California (Mr. Correa), who is handling the bill on the Democratic side.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, this important bill seeks to ensure our overseas efforts to protect the homeland are as effective and strategic as possible. I again urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Charles B. Seidel, a devoted public servant and loving husband and father. On May 7, 2019, Mr. Seidel passed away at the age of 62 while on a business trip. Mr. Seidel had an outstanding 26-year career with the Central Intelligence Agency, overseeing agency operations throughout several conflicts, before entering private life in 2006.

Charles Seidel was born on June 29, 1956 in Alexandria, Virginia, to his parents John and Annette Seidel. His father was a senior CIA officer who inspired his son to follow in his footsteps. Shortly after graduating from Drew University, Mr. Seidel joined his father at the CIA in 1980.

Mr. Seidel spent most of his CIA tenure in the Middle East, holding various leadership roles in Iraq, Kuwait, and North African nations. As Chief of Station for the CIA's Middle East Station, he provided intelligence support in the efforts to end Saddam Hussein's 1990 invasion of Kuwait and once again in 2003 to overthrow the Hussein-led regime in Iraq. Mr. Seidel possessed a deep respect for the history and customs of the Middle East, which helped him collaborate with the citizens and governments in the region.

In 2006, Mr. Seidel retired from the CIA and worked for private security consultants such as Decapolis LLC, Blackfish Group, Command Global Services, Strategic Risk Management, and Lazarus Brothers. He was awarded two Intelligence Stars for valor during his service with the agency and was well-respected by his peers.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Charles B. Seidel. He was a committed public servant who always strived to keep America safe from malicious foreign actors. Additionally, the level of respect he showed for other cultures was second to none and serves as an honorable standard for all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Throughout May, my colleagues and I will bring attention to the impact of mental illnesses on American society, as well as Congress's role in addressing mental healthcare issues facing the country. It is an honor to collaborate with my colleagues in the Congressional Mental Health Caucus to raise awareness for mental illnesses, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and create legislation that improves mental health outcomes for Americans.

Mental illnesses have a devastating effect on those struggling to live with them. This includes changes in mood, social interactions, sleep patterns, and eating habits. Sadly, the most extreme consequences of mental illness are when an individual inflicts self-injury or takes their life. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death among Americans age 24 and younger. Approximately 1.4 million Americans attempt suicide each year and over 47,000 Americans lose their lives to suicide. The United States has 3,700 suicide attempts daily and 129 suicide deaths per day. This equates to one suicide every 12 minutes.

Not only does suicide have severe emotional costs on families and communities, but also on our economy. It is estimated suicide and self- injury reduce the economic output of the United States by $69 billion per year.

The suicide epidemic is responsible for nearly the same amount of deaths in the United States as another prevalent health crisis: the opioid epidemic. It is estimated opioids were the cause for 47,600 deaths in America, only a few hundred more than suicide. While solving the opioid crisis has received ample funding and attention, and rightfully so, reducing suicide and improving mental health treatment deserves the same recognition. Congress has a responsibility to assist individuals experiencing mental health challenges through effective legislation and research subsidies.

Congress should advance policies that increase Americans' access to mental healthcare treatment as a mechanism for preventing self-harm incidents and suicide attempts. Just one third of Americans with mental illness receive treatment. Our country is in desperate need of additional trained therapists, psychologists, and counselors. This lack of access can be partly attributed to a shortage of mental healthcare professionals in certain communities. In order to establish a more reliable supply of mental healthcare professionals, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano and I recently introduced the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019. Our bill delivers professionals to areas that require mental healthcare experts the most by forgiving their secondary education student loans. It invests in bolstering our mental health workforce, while expanding treatment for Americans with mental illness.

Americans across the country, regardless of age, social status, or background, are affected by mental illnesses. Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an opportunity for any of my Congressional colleagues, Republican or Democrat, to join the conversation. Together, we can improve mental health outcomes for Americans across the country by engaging in thoughtful discussion and crafting efficient policies.

Finally, it is an honor to once again co-chair the Congressional Mental Health Caucus with

Congresswoman Napolitano. I am grateful for her continued leadership and commitment on this issue and I look forward to further collaborating with her

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.

At the outset, I want to thank my colleague, Mrs. Napolitano, for being a partner in this and a leader in this issue for a long time. I am honored to speak with her on this issue. Many of my comments today are going to echo the sentiments that she just spoke here in Congress, but it bears repeating, in my own words.

Throughout May, my colleagues and I will bring attention to the impact of mental illness on American society, as well as Congress' role in addressing mental healthcare issues facing the country. It is an honor to collaborate with my colleagues in the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, including Mrs. Napolitano, to raise awareness for mental illness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and create legislation that improves mental health outcomes for all Americans.

Mental illnesses have a devastating effect on those struggling to live with them. This includes changes in mood, social interactions, sleep patterns, and eating habits. Sadly, the most extreme consequences that occur all too often for mental illness are when individuals inflict self-injury or take their life.

Here are some statistics that should stun everybody.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, and it is the 2nd leading cause of death among Americans aged 24 and younger. Let me repeat that. The 10th leading cause of death for all Americans is suicide, and for Americans aged 24 and younger, it is the 2nd leading cause of death. That is stunning.

Approximately 1.4 million Americans attempt suicide each year, and over 47,000 Americans lose their life to suicide each and every year.

The United States has 3,700 suicide attempts daily and 129 suicide deaths per day. This equates to one suicide every 12 minutes. By the time I finish this speech, statistics will have it that another person will have taken their life. That should wake people up in this country.

Not only does suicide have severe emotional costs on families and communities, it also has a huge cost to our economy. It is estimated that suicide and self-injury reduce the economic output of the United States by nearly $70 billion a year.

The suicide epidemic is responsible for nearly the same amount of deaths in the United States as another major crisis, one that gets far more attention, and rightfully so, that being the opioid epidemic. It is estimated that opioids were the cause of 47,600 deaths in America last year, only a few hundred more than suicide.

While solving the opioid crisis has received ample funding and attention, and rightfully so, reducing suicide and improving mental health treatment deserves the same recognition. We fall far short of that now, far short of that.

To give you an example, the Zika virus came about in this country, and, of course, it was a terrible virus with terrible consequences. Congress

promptly enacted $1.6 billion to address it. A total of one person died from the Zika virus. Of course, there were many other health problems that were attributed to it.

Again, the $1.6 billion that was appropriated was rightfully so. Nowhere near that much is appropriated for mental health and suicide research on a yearly basis. The National Institutes of Health needs the money.

Congress has a responsibility to assist individuals experiencing mental health challenges through effective legislation and research subsidies. Congress should advance policies that increase America's access to mental healthcare treatment as a mechanism for preventing self-harm incidents and suicide attempts.

Just one-third of Americans with mental illness receive treatment-- just one-third. Our country is in desperate need of additional trained therapists, psychologists, and counselors. This lack of access can be partly attributed to a shortage of mental healthcare professionals in certain communities.

In order to establish a more reliable supply of mental healthcare professionals, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano and I recently introduced the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2019.

Our bill delivers professionals to areas that require mental healthcare experts the most by forgiving their secondary education student loans. It invests in bolstering our mental health workforce, while expanding treatment for Americans with mental illness.

I am proud to stand by my colleague across the aisle, Grace Napolitano, in pushing this most important bill.

Americans across the country, regardless of age, social status, or background, are affected by mental illness. Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an opportunity for any of my congressional colleagues, Republican or Democrat, to join the conversation.

I can't think of a more bipartisan action than what we are talking about today. Together--together--we can improve mental health outcomes for Americans across the country by engaging in thoughtful discussion and crafting efficient policies.

Finally, it is an honor, once again, to co-chair the Congressional Mental Health Caucus with Congresswoman Napolitano. I am grateful for her continued leadership, her commitment to this issue, her stewardship, and her mentorship to me on it, as well.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Beth Killian's dedicated involvement with Meals on Wheels Syracuse. Throughout her nine years with the organization, Ms. Killian has worked as both a volunteer and treasurer, playing an integral role in updating and managing the organization's records.

Meals on Wheels Syracuse is an important part of our Central New York community, providing home delivery food service to seniors throughout the region. Volunteers like Ms. Killian are the foundation of Meals on Wheels Syracuse, and are a vital part of delivering healthy meals, nutrition education, and resource assistance to the most vulnerable members of our community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring Beth Killian and her philanthropic spirit. Through Ms. Killian's involvement with Meals on Wheels Syracuse, senior citizens in Central New York have the ability to continue living independent lives while not having to worry about their next meal. Ms. Killian's service has contributed to a better Central New York and it is volunteers like her who strengthen communities around the country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the Auburn Kiwanis Club's 100th anniversary. Throughout the course of its history, the Auburn Kiwanis Club has tirelessly worked to serve our community and improve the lives of underprivileged children and adults.

Since its founding in 1919, the Auburn Kiwanis Club has included a diverse membership of men and women of all ages who are committed to public service. Members of the Auburn Kiwanis Club are focused on conducting service-oriented projects, undertaking a variety of initiatives such as fighting hunger and early childhood development.

In addition to focusing on service projects, the Kiwanis Club has also provided grants and scholarships to local individuals, charities, and causes. With the money raised from various events including the yearly Auburn Kiwanis Duck Derby, the Auburn Kiwanis Club has been able to sponsor two annual academic scholarships and award over $750,000 over the past 30 years.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Auburn Kiwanis Club. This organization has consistently and diligently provided Auburn with a devoted group of public servants committed to supporting all members of their community. Central New York truly benefits from the Auburn Kiwanis Club's commitment to our region.