Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Sergeant Gregory E. Walz of the Town of Pound Ridge Police Department.

Greg dedicated his life to serving others. Before his career in law enforcement, he worked as an EMT and paramedic, providing lifesaving care across Westchester County.

In 2008, he joined the Pound Ridge Police Department, where his skill, dedication, and leadership left a lasting impact.

Throughout his career, Greg was a mentor, protector, and friend to so many. His expertise saved lives, and his commitment to public safety earned him the respect of his fellow officers and the community he served.

As a police officer, Greg was honored with the Top Cop award by Westchester County for his outstanding efforts in

traffic safety through DWI enforcement.

In 2016, he was promoted to detective, where he took on investigative work and played a key role in training new officers. Just this month, Greg was promoted to sergeant, a testament to his unwavering commitment to Pound Ridge.

His passing is a tremendous loss to the Pound Ridge community, and my thoughts are with his wife, Lisa, his family, and his loved ones.

Today, we honor his service, his sacrifice, and his legacy. May he rest in peace.

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

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Christopher Katz, a young man of extraordinary dedication, courage, and service.

At just 22 years old, Christopher had already built a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and commitment to his community and country before he was tragically taken too soon.

A native of Crompond, New York, Christopher was a standout athlete at Walter Panas High School where he played football and baseball. His love for sports extended beyond the field. He mentored young athletes, coaching with the same dedication and passion that defined his life.

Christopher pursued his dream of serving others, earning a degree in criminal justice from Temple University and serving as a military police officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. In November, he joined the U.S. Capitol Police, training to protect all of us here. Tragically, his journey was cut short in a car accident in Georgia while training with fellow recruits.

His kindness, bravery, and commitment to service left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Today, we honor his memory, and may his legacy continue to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate an extraordinary milestone in the life of Alfred ``Al'' Magnatta, who will turn 100 years old on January 27.

Al's legacy is one of unwavering dedication and service to his country and community, a true embodiment of the American spirit.

Al served as a B-17 aerial gunner in the United States Army's 8th Air Force Division during World War II, completing 25 missions while stationed in England.

Returning home in 1946, Al joined the Congers Fire Department and rose through the ranks, serving as chief from 1960 to 1962 and later as Rockland County deputy fire coordinator, a role he held for over six decades.

Over 79 years of continuous service, Al has responded to countless emergencies, from the 80-hour freight train fire in 1974 to drills at Indian Point and more. His leadership, commitment, and resilience have been instrumental in shaping fire safety standards across Rockland County and New York State.

At 100 years young, Al remains the Congers Fire Department's oldest active member, continuing to respond to calls and serve his community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Al Magnatta, a hero, a leader, and an inspiration to us all. I wish Al a happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of Miles Taylor, a cherished leader and beloved member of the Nyack community, who passed away suddenly at the age of 60.

A 1982 graduate of Nyack High School, Miles dedicated over 25 years as the school's track and cross country coach, mentoring countless student athletes, and leaving an enduring mark on their lives.

Just this past October, he was inducted into the Nyack High School Athletic Hall of Fame, a testament to his exceptional contributions to the school and its athletic programs.

Beyond his commitment to athletics, Miles served his community as a lifelong member of the Nyack Fire Department, joining at just 16 years old and eventually rising to the rank of chief.

His dedication to public service, both on and off the track, exemplified the spirit of selflessness and leadership. Miles Taylor's sudden passing is a profound loss for the entire Rockland County community. May his memory be a blessing to those who knew him, especially his family, his student athletes, and the Nyack community.

Mr. Speaker, I would note that the gentleman from Massachusetts is talking about the Prime Minister.

What about the President of the United States?

We have seven Americans still being held hostage; four deceased, three presumed living.

Where is Joe Biden? Where is the President of the United States to make sure that American hostages are being brought home?

It is shameful the way this administration has allowed these hostages to languish. They have not put adequate pressure on our allies. They have failed miserably in their responsibility to get Americans home. When, in fact, there have been cease-fires and when, in fact, hostages have been released, Americans have not been released. It is shameful.

I rise in support of the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act to reimpose sanctions on officials working for the International Criminal Court. This institution has continually abused its authority and demonstrated blatant hostility toward our allies and American values, as Israel has continued to defend itself against terrorists in the Middle East, over the objections of this administration, by the way.

Let's be clear, Sinwar and Nasrallah would still be alive if Netanyahu listened to this administration.

The ICC has joined the U.N. in showing a clear bias against Israel. This culminated in the ICC seeking arrest warrants of the Prime Minister and other members of his cabinet.

The Israelis have been working tirelessly for over a year to rescue hundreds of hostages still held by Hamas and to defend their own people from further attacks.

The ICC's actions amount to a little more than a political smear campaign cloaked in a veneer of international law. This pattern of behavior from the ICC is not new. This is the same body that has repeatedly targeted the United States and our servicemembers, attempting to investigate and prosecute Americans who have risked their lives to defend our freedom around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical measure and ensure that the U.S. remains steadfast in defending our allies, protecting our existence, and upholding the tenets that have long defined our leadership on the world stage.

Mr. Speaker, we are approaching Christmas and Hanukkah, and Americans all across this country care about this debate. They care about the specifics, but what they won't understand is when you vote ``no'' to continue funding the government to provide the services that they rely on.

This is a clean CR. If you don't like it because it doesn't have a whole list of ornaments on the Christmas tree, I am sorry, but the fact is that we are keeping the government funded.

By the way, I would remind my Democratic colleagues, we could actually do our appropriations work if my senior Senator from New York passed a single, solitary appropriations bill on the Senate floor. He passed exactly zero. The fact is, we have to keep the government funded. That is our responsibility.

The Speaker pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.

Mr. Speaker, we have to keep the government funded. Live to fight another day.

The fact is that we are not shutting the government down before Christmas. I think everyone here has a responsibility to keep the government open and funded, and it requires a ``yes'' vote on this CR. It requires a ``yes'' vote on disaster relief. It requires a ``yes'' vote on providing our farmers the support that they need to put food on the table for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of John Waldie Gullen, a lifelong Lewisboro resident and World War II veteran who passed away on December 1, less than 3 weeks after friends, family, and neighbors gathered to celebrate his 100th birthday.

John Waldie Gullen was born on November 12, 1924. He attended a one- room schoolhouse on Schoolhouse Road and graduated from Katonah High School in 1943.

After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army, eventually deploying and fighting in the European theater, where he served as a combat infantryman from 1944 until 1946.

He was a proud member of the 70th Infantry Division, known as the Trailblazers, and his heroic actions helped turn back Germany's last offensive operations of the war in northeastern France, earning him the Bronze Star medal.

Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Miller, with whom he was faithfully married for 72 years. He was the father of two sons, a grandfather of four grandchildren and great- grandfather of five.

John Waldie Gullen's life was marked by service on and off the battlefield. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves upon returning home from the European theater of World War II, and he was a member of the South Salem Volunteer Fire Department for 80 years.

A successful businessowner and real estate investor, Mr. Gullen helped found the Lewisboro Lions Club in 1958. His service to his country, community, and family spanned decades, and he was an inspiration to the many who knew him. I was proud to be among those blessed to have met him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that when the House adjourns today, it does so in the memory of John Waldie Gullen, a true hero of our Greatest Generation.

Honoring the Life of Marie Lorenzini

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Marie Lorenzini, a beloved leader and devoted public servant from Nyack, New York, whose passing is deeply felt by all who knew her.

Marie's service to the village of Nyack spanned decades, including her roles as trustee, deputy mayor, and liaison to the Nyack Parks Commission. In fact, she was the second longest serving trustee in the history of Nyack.

Even after leaving the village board, she continued her work as a parks commissioner, leaving an indelible mark on the community she cherished.

Known for her quick wit, warm smile, and big heart, Marie dedicated herself to serving others, whether through her commitment to her church, her work with the Nyack Soup Angels, or her unwavering advocacy for her neighbors. Her passion, humor, and friendship enriched the lives of all who had the privilege to know her.

Marie was truly one of a kind. While her loss leaves a profound void, her legacy of service and love for her community will live on in Nyack and beyond. May her memory always be a blessing.

Honoring the Life of Joseph William Cotter

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Joseph William Cotter, a visionary leader and beloved father who passed away unexpectedly on October 25, 2024, at the age of 66.

Joe was a proud father to Lydia and William, a devoted partner to Jane Carroll, and a son of both Purdys and New York City.

A graduate of Williams College and NYU Stern School of Business, Joe cofounded National Resources in 1988, transforming urban and industrial sites into thriving communities. His innovative spirit and ability to see potential where others could not defined his life's work.

Joe was a man of many passions, an all-England rugby player at King's College, a basketball leader at Oxford, and an eternal optimist with a global perspective. His intellect, wit, and boundless energy brought people together, whether on the field, at home, or in his professional life.

Joe's legacy lives on through his family, his transformative projects, and the countless lives he touched with his warmth and vision.

May his memory inspire us to dream big and to find joy in every step of the journey.

Joe will be missed by all who knew him in our Hudson Valley community that he impacted so greatly for so many years.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Michael Alexander Raimondi, a remarkable young man from Westchester County, who was tragically taken from us far too soon. Michael was a bright and imaginative soul who brought joy to everyone around him.

A student at Somers High School and a member of the Westchester County Police Cadet program, he had begun exploring his love for forensic science and criminal justice. His creativity knew no bounds, from crafting intricate origami designs to building automotive LEGO masterpieces with his brother and grandfather.

Michael's gentle and nurturing spirit shone through in his love for animals, his deep bonds with family, and his quiet yet purposeful way of expressing himself. His love for music, gaming, and endless laughter with his brother, Matthew, created memories that will live forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

Though his time with us was far too brief, Michael's vibrant spirit and boundless imagination left an indelible mark on Somers and all of the Hudson Valley.

May his memory be a blessing to his family and all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, today, we New Yorkers rise with a heavy heart to honor the memory of Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old from Plainview, New York.

A grandson of Holocaust survivors, Omer deferred his enrollment at SUNY Binghamton to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces, driven by a profound sense of duty and a dream of building peace in the Middle East.

On October 7, 2023, Omer, serving as a tank commander, was among the first to respond to Hamas' brutal attack, risking his life to protect others. Tragically, as we learned this weekend, his life was taken during this horrific massacre.

Omer's loss is deeply felt by the entire community in New York and across America. Flags across our State have been flown at half-staff in his honor, and we all join together in mourning a young man of extraordinary courage and conviction.

Our deepest condolences are with his parents, Orna and Ronen; his brother, Daniel; and their entire family.

For the past 423 days, driven by the love of their son, Orna and Ronen have endured something that no parent should ever have to endure. With strength, courage, resolve, and hope, they traveled the world, petitioned world leaders, visited Washington dozens of times, and fought tirelessly to bring their son home.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak with Orna and Ronen and offered my profound sorrow for their loss and that of our country. I told them how much I admire, respect, and love them, for they never stopped fighting, and I promised them we would never stop fighting to bring Omer's body home and get them the justice they deserve.

We will bring them home. May Omer's memory always be a blessing, and may we never forget his sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and in the defense of democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Stefanik), the esteemed House Republican chair and future U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Suozzi), my colleague who represents the Neutra family as a Member of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Members join me for a brief moment of silence in honor of Omer Neutra.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Jeremy Emanuel Honey, a lifelong resident of Suffern, New York, who passed away in September at the age of 77.

Jeremy was a U.S. Army veteran, serving proudly during the Vietnam war, and at posts including West Point and Walter Reed Hospital. After his service, he dedicated his career to veterans at Montrose Veterans Hospital, earning recognition as Federal Employee of the Year from President Ronald Reagan in 1984.

Jeremy's impact on his community was extraordinary. He volunteered as an EMT with the Ramapo Valley Ambulance Corps, established several veterans agencies in Rockland County where they had not been represented, and served as commander of the local Disabled American Veterans for over 20 years.

His dedication earned him a place in the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in 2019. Jeremy's legacy extends beyond his accomplishments. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he was a man of compassion and selflessness, known for mentoring others and lifting up those who needed it most. He will be missed by all of our veterans and our broader Rockland County community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dariel Vasquez, a courageous young man from Pomona, New York, who tragically lost his life at just 18 years old.

Dariel was a dedicated parks and recreation aide with the New York State Parks Department and a selfless volunteer with the wildland fire crew, who gave his life battling a wildfire in Sterling Forest in Greenwood Lake.

A 2024 graduate and captain of the Ramapo High School varsity baseball team, Dariel was a true leader, beloved by his teammates, coworkers, and friends alike.

His coach described him as authentic, a young man who inspired everyone around him with his kindness, strength, and unwavering dedication.

Dariel was a star player and a beloved son, brother, and friend. He had big dreams, plans for college, and hopes for the future, all left tragically unfulfilled.

At his vigil, family, friends, and community members gathered to remember a young man who embodied the spirit of service and who bravely gave his life to protect our Hudson Valley community.

May Dariel Vasquez rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Major Thomas ``TK'' Kennedy, a true son of Rockland County, whose unwavering dedication to serving his country with valor and distinction is a shining example of patriotism.

Born in Suffern, New York, and raised in New York City, Tom was the youngest of three boys. He loved to play hockey, playing for the Ramapo Saints, followed by Don Bosco Preparatory School, and eventually as part of the Black Knights of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in June 2000.

On August 8, 2012, Major Kennedy tragically lost his life in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, when a Taliban suicide bomber struck while he was escorting a group to a provincial governor's meeting. His sudden departure left a void that can never be filled. He left behind his wife, Kami, and their twins, who were just weeks shy of their second birthday.

Throughout his distinguished military career, Major Kennedy earned an impressive array of awards and service medals, including two Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart and Bronze Star posthumous, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, and three Army Achievement Medals, among many others. His dedication to his country and his fellow soldiers will always be remembered.

We honor Major Thomas ``TK'' Kennedy for his ultimate sacrifice and service and remember him as a loving husband, father, and hero who gave everything for his country. His sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the weight of service bore by our brave soldiers.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Village of Sleepy Hollow.

Nestled on the Hudson River just 20 miles north of New York City, the Village of Sleepy Hollow is 5.2 square miles of history and intrigue.

Sleepy Hollow was immortalized by Washington Irving's spooky tale of the Headless Horseman. The real Sleepy Hollow, however, isn't haunted or a place of nightmares but, rather, a community of men and women living their American Dream.

Some famous residents include former Vice President of the United States and Governor of New York, Nelson Rockefeller, Olympic Gold Medal-winning decathlete Caitlyn Jenner, and Pearl Harbor survivor and Bronze Star recipient Armando ``Chick'' Galella.

It is the home of Phelps Hospital, J.P. Doyle's, the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, and Sleepy Hollow Country Club, and more. Yes, their Halloween parades and Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze are a frighteningly good time, too.

This past weekend, I was honored to join my Sleepy Hollow constituents to celebrate the historic village's incredible milestone. As I stood among friends, neighbors, and local leaders, I was filled with pride for what Sleepy Hollow represents: a rich heritage, strong community values, and a bright future ahead.

Today, we are joined by several of the Village board members, including Tom Andruss, Jared Rodriguez, James Husselbee, and Deputy Mayor Denise Scaglione. Unfortunately, Mayor Martin Rutyna and Trustees Patrick

Sheeran and Lauren Connell couldn't join us today.

On behalf of the residents of the Village of Sleepy Hollow and the United States House of Representatives, I am honored to recognize our esteemed elected officials today and thank them for their dedicated service on behalf of the residents.

Over the years, Sleepy Hollow has not only embraced its storied past, but also evolved into a thriving village that continues to honor its traditions while welcoming new growth and innovation. It is places like this that make New York's 17th Congressional District so special.

I thank all the Sleepy Hollow residents and stakeholders who throughout the course of this year have made this celebration such a great success. Their passion, dedication, and love for this community are what make Sleepy Hollow such a unique and cherished place to call home.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

In America, elections are determined at the ballot box, not by an assassin's bullet.

In recent months, we have seen two such attempts on the life of former President Donald Trump: first in Pennsylvania, and most recently in Florida.

That these incidents were allowed to occur is a stain on our country. We have endured through assassinations of political leaders, including Presidents. It is destructive to our country. It is destructive to our democracy, our constitutional Republic, and it undermines the confidence that Americans have in their government and in the electoral process.

But for a millimeter's difference, Donald Trump would be dead. But for a millimeter's difference, an assassin would have upended our election. Regardless of how every American feels, regardless of how every American intends to vote, it is the right of the American people to determine the outcome of this election.

The idea that our election could be decided by an assassin's bullet should shake the conscience of our Nation, and it requires swift action by the Federal Government. It requires Congress to ensure that the Secret Service provides the same level of protection as it does to the President of the United States to the leading candidates for President. In this case, they are former President Trump and Vice President Harris.

Either one of them is going to be President come January 20, 2025, and the American people should get to make that choice.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Torres) for assisting in immediately moving to introduce this legislation in the aftermath of the first assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

It is shocking that it took a second assassination attempt for Donald Trump to get the same level of protective detail from the Secret Service as the President of the United States. It shouldn't have come to that, which is all the more reason why this bill is necessary. It will ensure that this never happens again and that the Secret Service conduct an immediate review to determine what resources are

needed, what personnel is needed, and report immediately back to Congress.

This will ensure that every candidate running for President gets the same level of protective detail as the current President and that the same level of protective detail afforded to the Vice President is afforded to the Vice-Presidential candidate.

We have a responsibility to ensure their safety and their well-being.

I also commend my colleagues, Congressman Mike Kelly and Jason Crow, who are leading the House Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump. Their work to investigate this incident and the detailed shortcomings within the Secret Service will certainly help Congress implement further meaningful reforms in the future and ensure the funding and resources are available.

I think the most important thing for the American people to understand is that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that our elections are free, fair, and decided by the American people at the ballot box, and that any attempt, either by a foreign government or by a fellow citizen, to undermine that by trying to assassinate a political candidate must be stopped at all costs.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Speaker Johnson, Leader Scalise, and Chairman Jordan for swiftly moving to advance this legislation to the floor for a vote. I encourage every single one of my colleagues, regardless of their political views, regardless of whether they like or dislike one of the candidates, to recognize the fundamental fact that we have a responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being and let the American people decide who will be President, not an assassin and not an assassin's bullet.

Mr. Speaker, on the issue of gun violence in America, I think about New York and the disastrous cashless bail law, which was put into effect and supported by the ranking member and continues to be supported by the ranking member, in which more than 80 percent of perps who are carrying and using a gun are released back out onto the street.

I will quote New York City Mayor Eric Adams: ``When it comes to guns, this year, 2,386 people were arrested with a gun. Of those, approximately 1,921 are out on the street.''

Eric Adams went on to say:

``Arrested with a gun, out on the street.''

``Gun arrests in custody, 19.5 percent. Out of custody, over 80 percent.''

``How do you take a gun law seriously when the overwhelming numbers are back on the streets after carrying a gun?''

Eric Adams says very clearly that you can't take it seriously when you refuse to prosecute people who use guns in the commission of a crime.

So many of my colleagues in New York have been so clueless about this. They talk about gun violence, but they have no problem allowing a criminal using guns in the commission of a crime to be put back on the street to do it again and again. It is wrong.

If you want to crack down on gun violence in America, then prosecute criminals who use guns in the commission of a crime, but no, we don't want to do that.

New York raised the age so 16- and 17-year-olds are being treated in family court rather than criminal court, and the gangs are using them, letting them use guns in the commission of a crime because they know they are going to get a slap on the wrist.

Let's get serious about gun violence in America. Let's crack down on criminals who actually use guns in the commission of a crime.