Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lance Corporal Ryan James Barnard, of Valley Cottage, New York, who died on July 2 while serving our country at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Ryan was just 22 years old. He served in the United States Marine Corps with the 3rd Littoral Combat Team, Ares Company. He was living his dream, wearing the uniform with pride, and doing what he believed in.

Ryan grew up in the Hudson Valley playing Little League baseball and hockey, skating for Nyack High School, the Palisades Predators, and the Army West Point Junior Black Knights. He was known for his quiet focus, toughness, and strong sense of duty.

In the wake of Ryan's passing, his family and our community are working to establish a youth hockey grant in his name, carrying forward his spirit of discipline and teamwork for years to come.

I am grateful for Ryan's service to the United States, and I extend my deepest condolences to the Barnard family.

Honoring Michael Halpin

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael Halpin of Pearl River, New York, who passed away on July 9 at the age of 88.

Born in Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland, Mike immigrated to New York in 1955 and proudly served in the United States Army, including a tour of duty in Korea. After his military service, he continued to serve as an NYPD officer in the 46th Precinct in the Bronx.

Like me, Mike was a proud Irish American. The very definition of a pillar of the community, he served as president of the Rockland Irish- American Cultural Center and the Rockland GAA. He was a member of the AOH Division 3 and led the 2004 Rockland St. Patrick's Day parade as grand marshal.

Mike was a devoted parishioner of St. Margaret's Church, a member of the Hudson Valley 10-13 Club, and, above all, a proud husband, father, and grandfather.

Mike Halpin lived a life of dutiful purpose and leadership with a deep love for both his heritage and his community. He will be missed.

Recognizing John ``Jackie'' Sullivan

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John ``Jackie'' Sullivan, a Navy veteran, FDNY EMS deputy chief, and longtime volunteer firefighter in Spring Valley and Yorktown Heights.

Jack gave his entire adult life to serving others. He spent 12 years as a Navy flight engineer, 31 years as a paramedic, rising to deputy chief, and more than three decades answering fire calls as a volunteer.

On 9/11, he ran toward the towers. When they fell, he dove under a truck to survive and then stayed at Ground Zero for a year, helping recover the fallen with dignity and respect. That tells you everything you need to know about the kind of man he was.

Jackie was also a union leader, a mentor to younger EMTs and firefighters, and a relentless storyteller, who never missed a chance to make someone laugh. He was the kind of guy you wanted by your side in a crisis and around the dinner table once the storm had passed.

To his wife, Denise; his daughters, Katie and Maggie; and all who loved him, our hearts are with you. May his memory always be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, I am a proud cosponsor of the CLARITY Act and voted YEA when it was marked up in the House Financial Services Committee. I would have voted YEA on this bill, which will foster investment and job creation in the rapidly growing digital economy. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 199, passage of

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of little Golda Eisenbach, who was tragically taken from the Monsey community in June.

Golda was the beloved 4-year-old daughter of Spring Valley Trustee Yisroel Eisenbach, a dedicated public servant from a cherished Rockland County family.

Golda's life was cut short in a tragic accident caused by a drunk driver, a painful reminder of how one reckless

choice can shatter lives. What should have been a peaceful end to a day playing at the park with her family and friends ended in heartbreak.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Eisenbach family as they continue to mourn their precious daughter's life. Golda brought so much light and love to her family.

My prayers are also with the other victims of this senseless accident who are still recovering.

May Golda's memory be a blessing, and may her loved ones find peace in the strength of the community surrounding them.

Honoring the Life of Herman S. Geist

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Herman S. Geist, a Westchester County legend and a true public servant.

Herman was the first-ever chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, and he helped build the foundation of local government in our region for years to come.

A decorated World War II veteran, Herman came home and spent his life working to strengthen his community, from protecting our parks to supporting healthcare and preserving New York's history.

Herman led with humility, integrity, and purpose, and Westchester is better because of him.

I thank his family for sharing Herman with all of us. Herman's legacy lives on in the institutions he strengthened, the people he mentored, and the county that he helped shape.

Honoring Patricia ``Patty'' Rathschmidt

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary Putnam County resident, Patricia ``Patty'' Rathschmidt, who passed away this week surrounded by the family she so deeply loved.

A daughter of Yonkers, the proud child of an Irish immigrant mother and a decorated World War II veteran, Patty lived a life rooted in service. As a nurse, as a mother of 8, and as a grandmother of 12, Patty poured her heart into caring for others.

Perhaps her most lasting impact began in 2007 when her son Luke was deployed with the 82nd Airborne. Patty and her husband, Jim, founded United for the Troops, a nonprofit that has sent over 30,000 care packages to our men and women in uniform. Each one is a symbol of love, gratitude, and the warmth of home and is sealed with a kiss.

Patty's strength, compassion, and selfless spirit inspired all who knew her. I considered her a friend and will miss her dedication and commitment to our community.

May her memory always be a blessing, and may she find peace with her son Luke in Heaven.

Honoring Ron Tocci

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true Hudson Valley hero, Ron Tocci, for his lifelong service to our veterans, our State, and our Nation.

A proud son of New Rochelle and a U.S. Army paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, Ron Tocci brought the same grit and commitment to public service that he brought to the battlefield.

For 20 years, he served in the New York State Assembly, including over a decade as chair of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, where he authored more than 200 bills. Ron secured funding for State veterans' nursing homes, fought for those battling addiction, and never stopped working to uphold the dignity of our flag and those who defend it.

Ron was then commissioner of veterans affairs for the State of New York, and for 11 years, he served as director of the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency, where he fought to combat veteran homelessness and provide our veterans with the services and dignity that they deserve.

On behalf of a grateful community, I thank Ron for his decades of selfless leadership and for reminding all of us what it means to put service above self.

Ron has been a tremendous friend, supporter, and colleague, and I look forward to what the future holds for him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of FDNY Captain Frederick Simms, Jr., a proud son of Rockland County, a devoted husband, and a true public servant.

Born in Nyack, raised in Tappan, and a graduate of Tappan Zee High School, Freddie dedicated his life to serving others. He spent 22 years with the FDNY, rising through the ranks from Ladder 58 in the Bronx to lieutenant in Harlem and ultimately returning as captain of 58 Truck.

Freddie also served for over 27 years with the Tappan Volunteer Fire Department, including time as chief, and helped train the next generation of firefighters as a New York State fire instructor and Rockland County deputy fire coordinator.

Freddie passed away at 49 after a long battle with 9/11-related cancer. He will be remembered for his leadership, heart, and willingness to always put others first.

My thoughts are with his wife, Jill; his family; his brothers and sisters in the fire service; and his parents. May his legacy of service live on.

Honoring Mount Kisco

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the 150th anniversary of the village of Mount Kisco, an extraordinary community in New York's Hudson Valley with a proud past and a bright future.

From its roots as Lenape homeland to its days as a colonial settlement and a bustling railroad hub, Mount Kisco's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and unity.

Officially incorporated in 1875 and later establishing itself as one of New York's few towns and villages, Mount Kisco has long been a beacon of community spirit and progress. This sesquicentennial is a moment to celebrate the people who have shaped Mount Kisco across generations, our farmers, families, businessowners, and public servants alike.

Happy 150th, Mount Kisco, and here is to the next 150 years.

Honoring Denis Troy

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor my good friend and longtime Orangetown leader, Denis Troy.

A proud Bronx native, Denis built his life in Pearl River alongside his wife, Bea, raising a wonderful family and giving back every step of the way.

Whether it was his long tenure on the town board, his work in the Rockland County legislature, or his service with organizations like Camp Venture, the Hibernians, CYO basketball, and Pearl River Little League, Denis always puts his community first.

As I said when we celebrated his retirement from the Orangetown board, his accomplishments are too many to list, but his impact is undeniable. Denis has always put our community first and stood up for our families. He has never shied away from a fight and always does right by the town.

I am proud to call him a friend, and I thank Denis for his many contributions to the town of Orangetown.

Recognizing Sheriff Kevin McConville

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Kevin McConville, a lifelong resident of Putnam County and a true public servant.

For over 30 years, Kevin served with distinction in the MTA Police Department, rising from patrol to become the department's first internal appointee as chief. He led with vision, creating a counterterrorism task force in the aftermath of 9/11, partnering with the FBI, and launching a 50-member canine unit to protect our transit system.

Kevin was on the ground on 9/11, helping coordinate the MTA's response and later guiding long-term security efforts during critical moments in our history.

A Marist graduate, Kevin has mentored others in criminal justice.

Above all, he is a devoted husband to his wife, Janice, and a father, grandfather, and respected community leader.

Recently, Kevin announced he would not run for reelection as sheriff. On behalf of New York's 17th District and the residents of Putnam County, I thank Sheriff McConville for a lifetime of service and leadership.

Most importantly, I thank my friend, a good man. I love you, bud.

Honoring Roberta Doremus

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Roberta Doremus of Rockland County, who passed away on June 5.

Roberta was the definition of service. For over six decades, she dedicated herself to the volunteer fire service, serving 65 years with the Tallman Ladies Auxiliary, 59 years with the Rockland County Volunteer Firefighters' Association, and over 25 years as a leader with the Association of Fire Districts of Rockland County.

Roberta was a charter member and treasurer of the Rockland County Volunteer Fire Services Museum, tireless advocate for our first responders, and beloved friend to so many.

Professionally, Roberta worked for 40 years at Orange and Rockland Utilities, earning the prestigious Edison Living Our Values award. Above all, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister.

Her impact on our community is immeasurable, and her loss is deeply felt. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her, especially all those serving in our fire departments across Rockland County.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Wagner for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 3352, the HALOS Act, a bill I reintroduced this Congress with my colleague, Congressman Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey.

America's small businesses have faced a tough road, weathering the impacts of COVID, high inflation, and burdensome regulations that have made it harder to grow and compete. Yet, they continue to serve as the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and keeping the American Dream alive.

According to the Small Business Administration, firms with fewer than 500 employees account for 43.5 percent of our Nation's GDP. Since 2019, they have been responsible for over 70 percent of net new job creation. Just last year, we saw more than 430,000 new business applications each month, a 50 percent increase compared to 2019.

That kind of momentum deserves our full support. We should be doing everything we can to encourage investment, foster innovation, and make it easier, not harder, for entrepreneurs to succeed. That is why I introduced the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups Act, otherwise known as the HALOS Act.

This bipartisan bill, which I am proud to lead alongside Josh Gottheimer, is a straightforward way to give early-stage startups more opportunities to connect with potential investors. The HALOS Act clarifies the definition of ``general solicitation'' and allows startups to participate in demo day events without fear of running afoul of outdated securities regulations.

It also defines what it means to be an angel investor, helping entrepreneurs know who they can engage with as they work to get their ideas off the ground.

These changes are not about deregulation for its own sake. They are about opening doors. They make it easier for new businesses to get the early capital they need to hire, grow, and contribute to a dynamic, competitive economy, and we know that this model works.

Angel investors helped launch companies like Amazon, Google, Facebook, Costco, and Starbucks, names we all recognize today that started as small ideas in need of capital and support.

By reducing legal uncertainty, especially around demo day events, we are also giving more room for underrepresented entrepreneurs and overlooked

communities to pitch their ideas and access funding. It is a chance to level the playing field and help more people take part in building America's next generation of businesses.

I am proud that during the committee process, we were able to make thoughtful revisions to address concerns raised by the ranking member.

I thank Chairman Hill for advancing this bill, as well as my colleague, the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, and Congressman Gottheimer for his partnership.

The HALOS Act builds on the bipartisan success of the JOBS Act and is a commonsense step forward to modernize our rules and strengthen our economy.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a good man and an exceptional leader in my district, David Kirschtel, the chief executive officer of JCC Rockland.

Marking 25 years in June of this year, David has poured his heart into building the JCC into what it is today: a thriving center for fitness, early childhood education, summer camps, and cultural life.

The JCC has served not just the Jewish community, but the broader Rockland community, as well.

David's legacy goes beyond just the JCC. He was a driving force behind the global effort to honor the Munich 11, Israeli athletes murdered at the 1972 Olympics. Thanks to his work and the work of many others, the world finally paused to remember these victims with a moment of silence at the Tokyo Games in 2021.

In addition, he has been a leading voice in the effort to combat anti-Semitism, especially after the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023.

I am proud to call him a constituent and even prouder to call him a friend.

I thank David for setting an example that reminds all of us what it means to lead with heart, purpose, and persistence.

Honoring Bob Stagg on His Retirement

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of my pastor and dear friend, Father Bob Stagg of the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

Father Bob has been a guiding presence in my life and the lives of countless parishioners. Whether through his unwavering support for bringing folks of all walks of life into the fold, his thoughtful homilies, or the warmth of his many parish gatherings, Father Bob has led with heart, humor, and humility.

He is the kind of priest who is not afraid to speak plainly, laugh loudly over a beer, or show up when it matters most. Through it all, he has reminded me that living the Gospel truth means meeting people where they are, with compassion first.

Mr. Speaker, it has been 50 years since his ordination, and we thank Father Bob for his decades of faithful service. I thank him for the profound impact he has had on my faith and my family.

He will be missed at Sunday mass, but his presence will be felt in the community he helped to build.

Remembering William Vincent Motto

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William Vincent Motto, a lifelong resident of Nyack, New York, who passed away on May 8, 2025, at the age of 87.

Bill spent more than 41 years with Orange and Rockland Utilities as a line foreman and gave nearly 70 years of dedicated volunteer service to the Orangetown Fire Company No. 1. He served as captain, as a longtime commissioner for the Nyack Fire Department, and as a driver, always stepping up for his neighbors and his community.

He was also a devoted family man. Bill and his wife, Beverly, were married for nearly 65 years, raising three daughters and building a life grounded in love, faith, and hard work. Whether it was woodworking, fishing, or taking his annual trip to South Bend to cheer on Notre Dame, Bill lived a full and meaningful life.

His commitment to service, his love of family, and his deep roots in Rockland County are what made him such a respected figure.

I extend my condolences to Beverly, their children and grandchildren, and all who knew and loved him.

May he rest in peace.

In Memory of Frank ``Butch'' Hagen

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Frank ``Butch'' Hagen, a proud veteran, a devoted public servant, and a beloved resident of Rockland County.

Born in the Bronx in 1950, Frank spent his life in service to others, first in the National Guard and the Army, and later as a village trustee and deputy mayor in Suffern. He was a steady presence in local organizations like The American Legion and the Lions Club, always showing up and always giving back.

More than anything, Frank was a family man. He raised four boys with heart, humor, and grit. His sons remember him not just for his selflessness but for the joy he brought to life.

For instance, he led a sled ride down a snowy road in an old plastic boat because if it was fun, it was an option, and Frank made it happen.

He kept the peace. He led with love, and he never backed down from a challenge. His life was full, and his legacy will live on through his children, his grandchildren, and all who were lucky enough to know him.

I was proud to call him a friend, and his memory will always be a blessing to the Suffern community.

Paying Tribute to Officer Joseph Gravino

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable man from my district, Officer Joseph Gravino of Orangeburg, New York, who passed away suddenly on May 23 at just 37 years old.

Joe served the NYPD with distinction for 12 years, most recently as part of the Strategic Response Group. He faced every challenge with calm resolve, earning the trust of his colleagues and the gratitude of the city he served. He protected New Yorkers with honor, courage, and a deep sense of duty.

Yet, Joe's greatest role was at home as a husband to his beloved wife, Katie; and as a devoted father to their three children, Anthony, Juliana, and little Dominic.

Whether coaching a Little League game, showing up for a dance recital, or simply spending time together, Joe gave his heart fully to his family. Being described by those who knew him well, Joe Gravino was simply full of love.

Today, the people of Rockland County and the city of New York mourn his loss. May his memory be a source of strength to his family and community in the coming months and years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bill Layton, a devoted father, a sharp political mind, and a respected leader in New Jersey Republican politics.

Having served as a strategist before coming to Congress, I understand firsthand how demanding yet rewarding the work was that Bill dedicated his life to.

Bill wasn't just effective. He was principled. He believed in earning trust, building coalitions, and doing the hard work behind the scenes that helps good people win and serve their communities well. He shaped a generation of leaders in south Jersey, and he did it with a steadiness and clarity that many of us, as politicians, aspire to.

Furthermore, I am proud to have his son, Will, now serving in my office as part of my legislative team.

Will carries his father's same intellect and quiet strength. It is a daily reminder of the example Bill set, not just the politics, but in being a true mentor for anyone who actually is paying attention.

To the Layton family: Bill's legacy lives on in the work being done today in New Jersey, in this Chamber, and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, when I ran for Congress, I said that I would never support a tax bill that did not adequately lift the cap on SALT. This bill does that. It increases the cap on SALT by 300 percent.

I would remind my Democratic colleagues when they had full control in Washington, they lifted the cap on SALT by exactly zero dollars, zilch, zip, nada. There was not $1 of increase in tax relief for hardworking New Yorkers.

To all my New York colleagues on the other side of the aisle: Before you speak out and say that you don't support a 300 percent increase on the cap on SALT, the fact is that this bill adequately addresses the cap on SALT and provides tax relief to hardworking middle-class families.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of Vincent C. McMahon, a proud son of New City, a veteran of the United States Army, and a decorated lieutenant of the FDNY.

Vincent lived a life of service to his country, his city, and his community. He was a member of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, a 25-year firefighter with the FDNY, and a first responder at Ground Zero after the attacks on September 11. Vinny never turned away from a call to serve. He gave everything, including his health, for the safety and well-being of others.

Beyond the uniform, Vincent was a brother, a husband, a neighbor, and a friend. He was a fixture at the Pearl River Elks, The American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus, and he never stopped giving back.

To his wife, Haley, and his entire family, on behalf of a grateful community and Nation, thank you for sharing Vinny with all of us. We will never forget his sacrifice, and we will carry forward his example of courage and commitment.

May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable constituent and community leader Allan Seebach, Sr., of Tappan, New York.

Allan is a lifelong resident of Tappan and a U.S. Navy veteran who served our Nation during the Korean war. His service didn't stop when he returned home. In fact, it was just getting started.

He joined the Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan in 1950, and for nearly 75 years, he has been a cornerstone of the department. Allan served as chief of the Tappan Fire Department from 1965 to 1968 and again from 1972 to 1974. He later became fire commissioner, a role he held for 27 years, 13 of them as chairman of the district.

Allan's leadership, mentorship, and tireless dedication to the safety and well-being of his neighbors have left a lasting mark, not only on the department, but on the entire Tappan community. As one local fire leader put it, Allan Seebach is the Tappan Fire Department.

I thank Allan for everything he has done for the people of Tappan, of Rockland County, and of New York's 17th District. His legacy of service is the best of who we are, and I am proud to call him a friend.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the remarkable career and lasting legacy of Congresswoman Nita Lowey. As the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, she shattered barriers and paved the way for so many others during her 32 years in the House of Representatives.

Nita was a tireless advocate for the Hudson Valley, and she was committed to getting things done on behalf of her community. Along with Congressman Latimer, we now represent portions of the district she once served. I know I speak for George in saying that we are proud to follow in her footsteps.

Her commitment to bipartisanship is something I have tried to carry forward in her honor. Nita knew that real solutions come from working across the aisle, and her ability to build consensus led to critical investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure that benefited New Yorkers and Americans across our country.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Nita Lowey for her extraordinary leadership and her unwavering belief in a better future for all Americans. May her memory be a blessing, especially for her husband, Stephen; her children; and her beloved grandchildren.

Nita will be sorely missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Gia Deborah Gentile, a remarkable young woman from Hawthorne, New York, who tragically passed away on March 9 at just 14 years old after a brave and tireless battle with neuroblastoma.

Though her life was far too short, Gia's legacy is one of kindness, compassion, and selfless service. Whether it was through her role on the student council, her leadership on the Westlake High School varsity cheer team, or her dedication to the Service Club, Gia led by example, always putting others before herself and inspiring those around her.

Even while facing the most difficult of challenges, Gia's heart of gold never wavered. She continued to serve and support others, embodying a spirit of positivity, empathy, and generosity that touched everyone she encountered.

As her parents, Carmine and Dana, and her siblings, Jordana and Tino, continue to grieve this unimaginable loss, we keep them in our thoughts and prayers. Gia's memory will forever shine brightly in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

May Gia rest in peace and may we all strive to live each day in the spirit of kindness that she exemplified.

Mr. Speaker, as the great George Costanza said: ``It's not a lie if you believe it.''

That is what we have heard today from my Democratic colleagues, a bunch of lies that maybe they sincerely believe.

The reality is this bill does not touch Social Security, it does not touch Medicare, and it does not touch Medicaid. Those programs are fully funded and protected. Our veterans are fully funded and protected. Fiscal year '24 was a total of $1.665 trillion. Fiscal year '25, of which we are voting to complete with this CR, is $1.658 trillion. The reduction of $7 billion is because community project funding that has already been paid and that has already been approved as part of fiscal year '24 is not going to be double paid.

So we are saving $7 billion by removing it, as it should be.

Why would we pay for projects that have already been paid for?

The fact is that we have to keep the government funded and open. Why anyone would vote to shut the government down is beyond me.

When Joe Biden was President of the United States, I voted every time to keep the government funded and open.

The idea that we are going to shut it down because the priorities changed--guess what, Mr. Speaker. The administration changed.

That is the reality of elections. Donald Trump won in November, Republicans won the House and the Senate, and so, yes, budgets will change. The fact is that we have to keep the government open.

I would remind my colleagues that the reason we are in this situation is because Senate Democrats under Chuck Schumer passed exactly zero appropriations bills on the Senate floor, zero. There was nothing to negotiate. They couldn't pass a bill. They refused to pass a bill.

They refused to pass a bill. We passed appropriations bills on the floor last year. We were ready to conference. We were ready to negotiate. Chuck Schumer failed in his responsibilities.

It is now incumbent on us to pass a CR through the House and for the Senate to do its job and keep the government open and funded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Alice Roker, a dedicated public servant and a beloved pillar of the Yorktown community.

Alice made history as the first Black woman elected to office in Yorktown, serving as town clerk and a longtime member of the town board. She left an indelible mark, serving with grace, integrity, and an unshakeable commitment to the people she represented.

Alice was a mentor, a problem solver, and a bridge builder, always putting the needs of her community ahead of politics. Even after leaving office, she continued to offer guidance and wisdom to those who followed in her footsteps, ensuring that Yorktown remained a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Her passing is a profound loss, but her impact will live on in the countless lives she impacted. My deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and the entire Yorktown community. May we honor her memory by carrying forward her dedication to service and kindness.

May Alice Roker rest in peace.