Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center's 20th Anniversary. Since its inception, the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center has been a leader in the Central New York region in the fight against child abuse, human trafficking, and victim support.

In the late 1990s, Dr. Ann Botash and Martha Ryan founded the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center with the goal of ending child abuse by raising awareness and providing much needed services to victims in Central New York. From the opening of its first facility in 2002, McMahon Ryan has transformed the way in which child victims in Central New York are cared for and treated. The organization applied more resources to assist victims of child abuse, offering legal, medical, psychological, and social services under one roof. McMahon Ryan has grown extensively since opening its first facility in 2002, expanding both outreach and services.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing the important work of the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center. Throughout their first 20 years, the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center has brought a greater level of awareness to child abuse in Central New York. The organization has assisted in the recoveries of hundreds of child victims and provided vital assistance to families. I applaud the work of the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, and similar organizations around the country, in their efforts to combat child abuse and human trafficking.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Robert E. Milton's 70 years of active service with the Jordan Fire Department. Robert has dedicated his life to serving his country and community, and Central New York has benefitted tremendously from his efforts.

Robert Milton first gained service experience in the United States Navy, where he received fire training and was inspired to further protect his community. Upon leaving the Navy in 1950, he started with the Jordan Fire Department as an officer. Robert quickly became a leader within the department and reached the rank of fire chief in 1959.

Robert diligently led the Jordan Fire Department during his time as fire chief, overseeing key initiatives and was at the forefront of several important events. The department hosted two O.C.V.F.A. Conventions under his leadership, one in 1960 and the other in 1970. These were the first conventions hosted by the department since 1937. Additionally, Robert oversaw the building of a new firehouse in 1964 and an expansion to the new structure in 1967 during his tenure as fire chief.

Robert stepped down as fire chief in 1977 but has served on the Jordan Fire Department board of directors since 1984. He has continued to respond to fires ever since stepping down as fire chief, and answered 93 alarms in 2018.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring the remarkable firefighting career of Robert E. Milton. He has risked his life to protect Central New Yorkers from fire threats throughout his life and the Jordan Fire Department thrived under his leadership as fire chief. First responders like Robert are essential in communities around the country and I thank Robert for his long history of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the role of fentanyl and other synthetic analogs in the ongoing opioid crisis facing our Nation.

Thousands of Americans die each year as a result of overdoses caused by these dangerous substances, which mimic the effects of street drugs, but are significantly more powerful and more dangerous.

During last week's Homeland Security hearing, I asked Secretary Nielsen about any recent significant seizures of fentanyl at America's borders. Secretary Nielsen's response was absolutely frightening, as she informed the committee that the amount of fentanyl seized by ICE in the last year alone was enough to kill every living American twice.

This statistic should trouble each and every one of my colleagues. Congress must take immediate action to ensure law enforcement has all the necessary tools to prevent illicit synthetic opioids from entering the country.

My bill last Congress, the Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act, would have addressed these issues, and I intend to reintroduce that bill in a similar legislation form in the coming months.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in the critical effort to combat substance abuse and save American lives.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the first annual Harriet Tubman Day hosted by the New York State Equal Rights Center (NYS Equal Rights Center) in Auburn, New York. Harriet Tubman is an American icon, whose courageous activism helped strengthen civil and women's rights. Her legacy runs deep in Central New York and still influences the local community today.

Born a slave in Dorchester County, Maryland, Harriet Tubman escaped to freedom in 1849. She arrived in Philadelphia but quickly returned to Maryland to rescue the rest of her family. Successful in guiding her family and many other slaves to their freedom, Harriet Tubman became a well known figure on the Underground Railroad. Notably, she never lost an escaped slave she was guiding to freedom during her service as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.

Harriet Tubman joined the Union when the Civil War broke out in 1861, first serving as a nurse and then as a scout. She possessed knowledge of stealth travel from her time on the Underground Railroad, a skill she passed along to Union scouts to evade detection by Confederate forces. This skill proved extremely helpful during the Combahee River Raid, when she and her fellow Union scouts sabotaged Confederate supplies. This raid was also significant because Harriet Tubman became the first woman to lead an armed assault during the Civil War. After the war, Harriet Tubman moved to Auburn to care for her family who settled there.

Women's suffrage became a priority for Harriet Tubman during her later life. She became very active in the movement, traveling throughout the northeast to participate in demonstrations and working alongside suffragist leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Emily Howland. While Harriet Tubman passed away in 1913, her role in the suffrage movement helped pave the way for full women's voting rights in 1920.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in celebrating the first annual Harriet Tubman Day hosted by the NYS Equal Rights Center. Harriet Tubman's contributions to civil and women's rights in our society is unparalleled. The NYS Equal Rights Center pays tribute to her activism, serving as a reminder for Central New Yorkers to treat everyone in the community equally and respectfully. I ask my fellow Representatives to honor Harriet Tubman's legacy and never forget her role in creating a more equal America for all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Deb Warner, who retired from CenterState CEO on February 15, 2019. Throughout her career, Ms. Warner has utilized her policy expertise to empower local businesses in the Central New York region.

Beginning her career in advocacy at the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce in 1982, Ms. Warner took leading roles in implementing the Ambassador Committee, the Buy Local Committee, and the Total Quality Management training program. Following the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce's merge with CenterState, Ms. Warner shifted her focus to growing the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) industry in Central New York. Most notably, Ms. Warner successfully advocated before members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to designate Central New York as an FAA UAS Test site and create the NUAIR Alliance, a non-profit aimed at operating and overseeing UAS testing.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing the career of Deb Warner. Over the course of her 30 year career in advocacy, Ms. Warner has been a powerful promoter of our region. Her insight has left a permanent impact on Central New York's economy and has helped lead local industries to great success.

Madam Speaker, I was not present for votes from February 25th through February 28th due to my father's passing. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call Nos. 88, 89; YEA on Roll Call No. 94; YEA on Roll Call No. 95; NAY on Roll Call No. 99; and NAY on Roll Call No. 103.

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

Mr. Speaker, in 2015, I was selected to chair the Congressional Task Force on Combating Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel. After months of briefings, site visits, and hearings, it became clear that the Department of Homeland Security had to improve internal and external coordination and intelligence sharing to address a growing threat of foreign fighter travel, as well as other counterterrorism efforts.

As a result, I introduced legislation to authorize and enhance the Department of Homeland Security Counterterrorism Advisory Board. Established in 2010, the CTAB brings senior officials across the spectrum in the Department to share information and coordinate counterterrorism activities.

The CTAB has improved the Department's ability to respond to terrorism threats and harmonize counterterrorism programs and activities across DHS components.

Given that the CTAB has never been authorized in law, the Board could be dismantled at any time, and the counterterrorism gains achieved could be lost. The bill ensures that the CTAB will be formally established in law. The bill also ensures the CTAB includes robust participation from DHS-component agencies in order to ensure all homeland security resources are utilized and the one DHS vision is realized.

With ISIS having lost nearly all of its territory and all of al- Qaida's senior leaders calling for unity among jihadist groups, it is more important than ever to ensure DHS is using all available resources to identify and prevent terrorists from coming to the United States.

The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish a charter to govern the roles and responsibilities of the CTAB, and further requires that the charter be reviewed and updated at least every 4 years to ensure the Department of Homeland Security is keeping pace with the ever-evolving terrorist threats.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Rogers for selecting this bill as a priority for floor consideration so early in a new Congress. I look forward to working with our Senate colleagues to move this legislation through the process, and as always, I look forward to working with my colleague, the gentlewoman from New York (Miss Rice).

Mr. Speaker, I am proud that this body is working to continue to strengthen our national security by debating the legislation before us today.

I introduced this bill in the 114th Congress and 115th Congress, and it passed the House by an overwhelming majority.

I urge my colleagues to again pass this measure and support the Department of Homeland Security's counterterrorism mission, and I hope the Senate will get it through this time.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Patty Schramm, a cherished member of the Central New York community. A devoted student of her faith, Patty allowed religion to guide her as she strived to improve the lives of others. Patty will always be remembered as a compassionate, joyful individual.

Patty was born in Omaha, Nebraska and later relocated with her family to Syracuse. She attended high school at St. John the Baptist Academy, then earned degrees from Syracuse University and Mercyhurst University. She used her knowledge to educate Central New York youth, working as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Education Program counselor for OCM BOCES and the Diocese of Syracuse Catholic Schools. This included time at Bishop Ludden Junior/Senior High School, Immaculate Conception School, Cathedral Academy at Pompei, and her alma mater St. John the Baptist Elementary School. Patty was admired at all these schools and influenced the lives of countless students throughout her career.

Outside of her professional life, Patty displayed the same inspirational qualities. She brought a positive attitude and caring personality to her church and social gatherings. She truly knew how to lift people's spirits.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in celebrating the life of Patty Schramm. She was a kind spirit who genuinely cared for the well-being of all she interacted with and worked to see them succeed. She will be dearly missed throughout the Central New York community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Douglas Ververs, who retired in 2018 after a 30-year career with the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE). Mr. Ververs has served the CCE in various capacities throughout the years and has remained steadfast in his commitment to support economic development and the agriculture in Upstate New York.

Mr. Ververs graduated from SUNY Oswego with a degree in Industrial Arts & Technology Education in 1979. He spent his first eight years after college working in sales for the Black Clawson Company in Fulton, but changed his career trajectory in January 1988 when he started working for CCE. He first served as a Small Business and Tourism Educator for CCE Oswego County, where he taught businesses how to utilize local attractions for their customers. In 2006, Mr. Ververs became Executive Director of CCE Cayuga County after 17 years working for CCE Oswego.

Mr. Ververs oversaw all of CCE's operations in Cayuga County during his tenure as Executive Director. This included conducting outreach programs for Cayuga County residents in the fields of agriculture, environmental education, and small business and nutrition. Additionally, Mr. Ververs implemented a 4-H youth development program through CCE Cayuga. He was also responsible for many administrative responsibilities at CCE Cayuga.

Outside of his CCE Cayuga activities, Mr. Ververs was a team member with the New York Sea Grant Program in Costal Business Development from 1988 to 2002. He also shared his knowledge of recreation and the environment by teaching classes at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Ververs has been honored many times throughout his career for his work in Central New York, including his receipt of the Community and Rural Development Innovator Award in 2001, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Distinguished Service Career Award in 2014, and induction into the Oswego County Tourism Ambassador Hall-of-Fame in 2005.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring the distinguished career of Douglas Ververs. He has improved the lives of many Central New Yorkers, as well as the environment, through his diligent service to his community. His investment in the success of his local community is exemplary of a model citizen and is a standard from which we can all learn.

Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of Max Selmser, a constituent in my district living with type 1 diabetes. Now 13 years old, Max has lived with type 1 diabetes for over seven years and has become an advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Max's efforts have engaged his family, friends, and community in finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes presents significant obstacles for those struggling with the illness. Afflicted individuals must constantly manage the disease through insulin shots to stabilize their blood sugar and are at long-term risk for various severe complications. However, the millions of people living with type 1 diabetes have bonded together to form a strong community working to discover a cure in the near future. Max is a perfect example of a member of this community.

Max participates in various awareness and fundraising events for type 1 diabetes. He has long served as a JDRF Youth Ambassador and Youth Advocacy leader since his diagnosis. In these roles, he informs his community about type 1 diabetes, how he lives with the illness, and offers his advice to newly diagnosed children. Additionally, he is active in the nationally popular JDRF One Walk and raised $35,000 to research a cure with his walk team.

For the 2019 JDRF Children's Congress, Max aspires to be a delegate from New York State in order to bring his advocacy efforts to Washington. He will have the opportunity to meet with lawmakers to discuss the funding needs of the Special Diabetes Program if selected. Max is an inspiring individual and is an excellent role model for children living through type 1 diabetes. He has my full support as he continues the application process.

We have a responsibility to invest in cures and assist researchers in their efforts to cure the diseases plaguing millions of Americans, and costing our nation billions of dollars. Type 1 diabetes is no exception and Congress must invest in the medical specialists searching for a solution to this ailment. Congress has taken positive steps forward with the 21st Century Cures Act, but these efforts must continue.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing Max Selmser. Living through any disease is no easy task but Max doesn't let his disease prevent him from reaching his full potential. I thank Max, as well as advocates across the country, for their efforts to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. I am optimistic one day soon a solution to this illness will be discovered thanks to the commitment of organizations such as the JDRF.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Syracuse firefighter Darryl Trapps, who serves as an emergency responder at the Carrier Dome during Syracuse University basketball games. During the December 4th game against Northeastern University, Mr. Trapps performed CPR on a patron suffering from a medical emergency. The actions of Mr. Trapps and others in attendance saved the man's life.

Since 2004, Mr. Trapps has worked as an emergency responder at the Carrier Dome. Mr. Trapps diligently monitors athletic events for emergencies and, before December 4th, no serious incidents had occurred during his tenure. However, before the December 4th game, a patron went stiff in his seat and began suffering a cardiac event. Mr. Trapps recognized the severity of the situation and jumped into action.

Mr. Trapps arrived to the man's section and, upon discovering the man had no pulse, began performing chest compressions. Mr. Trapps was surrounded by concerned attendees but his emergency response skills and training allowed him to block out any sort of distraction. He administered chest compressions while a doctor performed rescue breathing, both of them trying to keep oxygen flowing to the patient's brain.

Emergency Medical Technicians arrived with a defibrillator shortly after Mr. Trapps began assisting the man. They administered two shocks to the man's chest with Mr. Trapps continuing chest compressions between the shocks. On the third shock, the man's pulse returned and he was taken to Upstate University Hospital for further treatment. Mr. Trapps had successfully saved the man's life but immediately returned to his duty.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring the courageous actions of Darryl Trapps. His composure during this chaotic situation was no easy task and his efforts saved the life of another individual. I applaud Mr. Trapps, as well as first responders around the country, whose daily actions save countless lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the farmers in my district, alongside the New York Farm Bureau, for their participation in the ``Harvest For All'' program. ``Harvest For All'' is a nationwide program that seeks to distribute food to needy families and individuals. Run by farm bureaus and food banks across the country, the program has been assisting underserved communities for nearly two decades.

``Harvest For All'' was started in 2002 by members of the Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers program but now includes volunteers of all ages. The program operates year round and has donated nearly 223 million pounds of food, as well as amassed over 121,000 volunteer hours since it began. Between monetary and food contributions, ``Harvest For All'' donates an amount equivalent to 31 million meals.

In New York State, ``Harvest For All'' has a strong presence and reaches many New Yorkers in need. In 2016, the New York Farm Bureau donated 13.2 million pounds of food, the second largest total among state Farm Bureaus. They have donated 11 million pounds of food so far in 2018, an amount that translates to 9,000,000 meals for underprivileged New Yorkers. In addition to food donations, the New York Farm Bureau is teaching New Yorkers the culinary knowledge necessary to prepare healthier foods.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing the local farmers, New York Farm Bureau, and Farm Bureaus around the country, for their participation in ``Harvest For All.'' During this time of year in particular, it is incredibly important we count our blessings and help those who are less fortunate. ``Harvest For All'' is a program that embodies this standard as farmers nationwide strive to improve the quality of life for millions in our great country. I thank the Central New York farmers who contribute to this program year after year and recognize their role in building a better New York.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Wegmans Food Markets 50th anniversary operating in the Syracuse area. Wegmans is a staple throughout Central New York communities and has a long, successful history as a regional supermarket. Since its founding, Wegmans has grown to become an exceptional local business and spans across the Mid-Atlantic area.

Wegmans Food Markets was established in 1916 in Rochester, New York. The supermarket was founded by brothers Walter and John Wegman and was originally known as the Rochester Fruit and Vegetable Company. Initially, the store only sold fresh produce but expanded to include general groceries, baked goods, meats, and dairy products over the next decade and a half. Wegmans rapidly expanded and became a supermarket innovator throughout its early years, featuring new ideas such as larger storefronts, windowed refrigerator displays, and frozen foods.

By 1968, Wegmans was quickly growing throughout New York and the chain opened its first Syracuse area location. This was the first of what is now a 14 store presence in Central New York. Throughout the late 20th century, Wegmans continued to expand its business lines to include pharmacies, florists, and seafood departments. The company opened larger locations and hired more employees to meet the heightened demand for Wegmans products.

As Wegmans became a stronger business, the company recognized its rising commitment to the communities in which it operated. The family- founded business has always been family-owned, and they strive to support their community through their business. Wegmans has supported several corporate responsibility initiatives since the 1970's, including food bank donations, an employee scholarship program, and contributions to a variety of programs for children in its service areas.

Today, Wegmans Food Markets continues to thrive. The company operates 98 stores in six states, employs 48,000 people, and is consistently listed as an elite company by various business journals. Additionally, Wegmans remains highly active in charitable causes, leading initiatives to reduce hunger, promote healthy diets, and strengthen neighborhoods.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in celebrating Wegmans Food Markets 50th anniversary in Syracuse. Wegmans is vital to the Central New York economy, serving as one of its largest employers, providing food to the region, and giving back to local communities. The company serves as a perfect model for an ideal public- corporate relationship and I wish them many more years of success in Central New York.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 160th anniversary of the YWCA USA. Since the first YWCA USA branch opened in 1858, in my home state of New York, the organization has expanded to include 213 United States locations and its programs serve 2 million individuals nationwide. The YWCA USA has stayed true to its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women throughout its rich history.

Many prominent social movements, past and present, have included activism from the YWCA USA. This includes advocacy for women's voting rights, civil rights, pay equity and gender-based violence prevention. With their voices at the forefront of many social issues, the YWCA USA is taking a stand for the rights of women across the country.

In addition to advocacy, YWCA USA offers a wide variety of resources so women can reach their full potential. Financial literacy and job training are two such prominent programs offered by the YWCA USA. Women have the ability to secure economic opportunity and gain financial independence with the help of the skills developed with these resources.

Furthermore, YWCA USA is committed to the higher education of young women. They have sought to increase female representation in the science, technology, engineering and math fields with their ``Girls in STEM'' courses, as well as financially support college-bound young women by providing 20,000 scholarships annually.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 160 years of the YWCA USA. I have witnessed the life-changing work carried out by the YWCA USA at the Onondaga County location in my district. The efforts of the YMCA USA have greatly advanced the lives of women in my district and across the United States. I encourage my fellow members in the House to support the mission of the YWCA USA, as well as organizations promoting a similar message of equality. Women are moving closer to equality in our society and with the help of groups like the YWCA USA, we can achieve that equality.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Reuel A. Todd, Sheriff of Oswego County and an influential leader in Central New York. Dedicating himself to a lifetime of service in law enforcement, Sheriff Todd went to work every day with the intention to protect and defend his community. Throughout his 44 year career, Sheriff Todd retained his steadfast commitment to the security and safety of his county.

Born and raised in Central New York, Sheriff Todd was passionate about law enforcement at an early age, attending the Police Training Academy after graduating from Oswego High School. In hopes of furthering his education, he also attended the New York State Sheriffs' Association Civil School, Law Enforcement Management School, and the FBI National Academy. Sheriff Todd's vast law enforcement experience allowed him to become a recognized Drug Enforcement Specialist upon entering the workforce.

Sheriff Todd began his career as a Road Deputy with OCSD in 1974. He was quickly promoted to Sergeant and then to Criminal Investigator in 1977 before being appointed Undersheriff in 1984. Throughout his 15 year tenure as Undersheriff, Sheriff Todd helped Oswego become one of the first counties in New York State to receive accreditation by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Mr. Todd was first elected as Sheriff of Oswego County in 1998. During his two decades as sheriff, Mr. Todd mobilized his department to provide 24-hour security coverage at three local nuclear power plants and secured funding for additional water safety at Port Ontario. Outside of his duties as Sheriff, Todd has also served as Chairman of Zone 7 on behalf of The Office of Public Security Counter-Terrorism Network and President of the New York State Sheriffs' Association.

Sheriff Todd's service to the Oswego community goes beyond his law enforcement contributions. He also worked to provide food to senior citizens through Meals on Wheels, coached Little League Baseball, participated in Boy Scouts and the Oswego Rotary Club, and is an active member of the Elks Club.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring the distinguished career of Reuel A. Todd. His many contributions to Oswego County and the greater Central New York region will not be forgotten. Sheriff Todd's lifelong dedication to the safety and security of his community should serve as an example for current and future law enforcement officers across the nation.