Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Detective Tim Hayes and K9 Remy, the first certified electronics detection dog in Rockland County history.

Remy is a 1-year-old black lab, named after Welles Remy Crowther, a Nyack native known as the man in the red bandana, who selflessly gave his life saving as many as 18 lives on September 11, 2001.

Welles Remy Crowther was a hero, and I am glad that the Rockland County District Attorney's Office recognized him in this way.

Remy and Tim work at the Rockland County District Attorney's Office, where they are tasked with identifying laptops, cell phones, SD cards, and USB drives that contain illegal content at crime scenes.

Tim is a former U.S. Army paratrooper and veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following his service in the military, he joined the NYPD, working his way up to the rank of detective before joining the Rockland County District Attorney's Office.

On this 23rd anniversary of September 11, we remember and honor Welles Remy Crowther, and I thank Tim and Remy for their service.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to urge the House to pass my bill, the Remote Access Security Act.

The U.S. export control regime exists to limit American critical technology and goods from falling into the hands of adversarial regimes and those who answer to them. Export controls are immensely important to ensure countries like China can't access U.S. advanced semi- conductor chips to enhance their own chip development, which has implications for their military capacity building, as well.

Unfortunately, there is a loophole in the current export control regime. Chinese companies have been remotely accessing tech covered by export controls, enabling the CCP to continue using U.S. chips to develop AI and modernize their military forces.

This must end.

My bill allows the Commerce Department's export controls authority to recover remote access of technology. That way, once my bill is signed into law, all exports of chips, including through the cloud, will be prohibited effectively closing the loophole.

The framework to combat China's growing tech developments already exist, but it is imperative that Commerce has the tools to make this effective.

I thank Chairman McCaul and all my Foreign Affairs Committee colleagues for passing this bipartisan bill through committee, and I thank the Speaker for bringing it to the floor today.

I urge all my colleagues to vote for this commonsense bill.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, today, I rise in support of my amendment to increase funding for the Peace Corps. This investment is a commitment to our Nation's values and our role on the global stage, and we should not back away from it.

The Peace Corps represents the best of America. It embodies our spirit and our generosity. It helps build communities across the globe and exposes them to the good that America does in the world. These initiatives are more crucial than ever in today's world where American soft power, which the Peace Corps is a projection of, must be at the forefront of the pushback against authoritarian countries like Russia and China.

As we consider the challenges and opportunities before us, let us come together to ensure the Peace Corps is equipped to continue its mission. Supporting this amendment means supporting sustained American leadership and goodwill across the globe.

Thousands of Americans serve in the Peace Corps every year and reducing their funding would prevent them from accomplishing their critical mission. I have heard from many constituents about their personal experiences with the Peace Corps and they can tell you, as good as anyone, how impactful serving has been and how many volunteers go on to incredible careers in public service.

I ask my colleagues to stand together to fund this vital program for the next generation of Americans and enhance our Nation's legacy of making a positive impact worldwide.

Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I respect my colleague across the aisle, but to my knowledge, my colleagues across the aisle never offered an amendment to increase funding for the Peace Corps, and this is an amendment that is before us to do just that.

We are constrained by the Fiscal Responsibility Act. We are trying to stay within the confines of the law and make sure that our spending is in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

If my colleague agrees with me that we need to increase funding for the Peace Corps, I can't understand why we would be opposed to an amendment that would do just that.

Yes, we all think every program is vital. Yes, we would love to see it at every level we would like to raise it to.

This is an amendment that increases spending for the Peace Corps. If you agree with that, even if it is not up to the level you would like, I am not sure why you would oppose it.

At the end of the day, this is an amendment that I believe all of my colleagues should support, and I think it is unfortunate that my colleagues across the aisle would oppose it simply because it doesn't go high enough. It is still higher than is in the base text.

If you believe in the mission of the Peace Corps, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, we are supporting a critical program while staying within the confines of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which this body, this Congress, and this President agreed to.

That is what we are seeking to do while supporting the critical mission of the Peace Corps. That is why I encourage all of my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor the memory of Robert J. Castelli, a dedicated public servant who passed away at the age of 74.

Robert's remarkable life journey began at 17 when he left high school to serve in the Vietnam war. As a member of the 7th Cavalry Regiment, he displayed extraordinary bravery during major battles, earning multiple commendations, including the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

Following his military service, Robert embarked on a 21-year career with the New York State Police and later distinguished himself in academia, teaching at institutions like the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. His commitment to public service continued in the New York State Assembly, where he was a staunch advocate for veterans' affairs.

Beyond his professional life, Robert was a passionate outdoorsman and a member of the Camp Fire Club of America.

Robert is remembered as a soldier, scholar, and statesman. His legacy is cherished by all who knew him.

Robert leaves behind his wife, Jeanette; children, Christian and Paul; and grandchildren. His life of service and leadership will not be forgotten. I cherished the friendship that he and I had over the past many years.

Mr. Speaker, today I stand before you to honor the memory of Luke Rathschmidt, a dedicated veteran, community leader, and beloved father, who tragically passed away this past weekend.

Luke's sudden departure leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him. Luke was the inspiration behind United for the Troops, a charity founded by his parents, Jim and Patty Rathschmidt, which sends care packages to our brave soldiers overseas. This initiative began with a simple act of love: A care package sent to Luke during his deployment with the U.S. Army.

His family's effort blossomed into a movement that has brought a touch of home to tens of thousands of our brave men and women abroad.

A revered member of the Mahopac community, Luke was also the commander of VFW Post 5491, where he was known for his leadership and being a pillar of support for fellow veterans. His commitment to service was paralleled only by his dedication to his family, including his two children, Jaelynn and Brandt, and the love of his life, Tracy.

Luke's legacy is in the lives he touched, the community he strengthened, and the country he served. We mourn his loss, but celebrate his incredible, impactful life.

I extend my deepest condolences to the Rathschmidt family and all who were fortunate enough to know Luke. He was truly larger than life, and his memory will indeed last a lifetime.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of a true American hero, Mark Woods, who dedicated his life to public service in the military, in law enforcement, and in his local community.

A two-term U.S. Army combat veteran and a retired NYPD detective who served on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Mark lived a life of service from the start.

His passion for supporting fellow veterans through his role as director of the Joseph P. Dwyer peer-to-peer veteran service program at BRIDGES and as a veteran service officer in Rockland County was revered by all in our region.

Mark was rightly recognized as Rockland County's 2024 Veteran of the Year thanks to his unparalleled efforts advocating for veterans and getting them the support and services they need and deserve.

Beyond his work for the veteran community, Mark was a councilman in the town of Clarkstown and a dedicated family man. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, especially his wife, Jeanne, his son and daughter, who should know that Mark's legacy will continue to inspire and guide all of us.

On a more personal note, Mark was great friend, who I was honored to swear in as councilman in January, and I will miss him dearly. He was a humble and decent man whose work was rooted in service to the people of Rockland County.

May God rest his soul on behalf of a grateful Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as a cosponsor of

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor an exemplary leader, Dr. Frances Pratt, for her remarkable service to Rockland County and New York State as we celebrate her 90th--I mean, 29th--birthday.

Known for her distinctive hats, advocacy in our community, and a deep faith, Dr. Pratt's life has been marked by a passionate commitment to civil rights and an unwavering ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds.

Growing up in South Carolina in the segregated South, she traveled northward with her husband, eventually settling in Nyack in 1957.

After receiving her nursing degree from Rockland Community College in 1959, she served as a nurse and in the medical field in Rockland for over 45 years.

Beyond her heroic service in medicine, Dr. Pratt also served as president of the Nyack branch of the NAACP for over 40 years, growing the organization into a major force for good within Rockland and beyond.

Throughout her career, Dr. Pratt has been a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength, advocating tirelessly for justice and working to make her community better each and every day.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Pratt for her many years of service, her inspirational leadership, and the indelible mark she has left on Nyack, Rockland County, New York State, and our Nation. Her impact will resonate for generations to come. On a personal level, I adore her.

Honoring the Life of Alfred Robert Mosiello, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise during National Police Week to honor the life of Alfred Robert Mosiello, Jr., known affectionately as Ally, who tragically passed away on May 2, 2024.

Born in the Bronx, Ally grew up in Mahopac, New York, and was a standout defensive lineman at Mahopac High School. He carried his passion for football to Hobart College where he earned degrees in engineering and economics/finance.

In 2013, Ally began a career with the Village of Pelham Manor Police Department and later joined the Westchester County Police Department in 2021. His work ethic, integrity, and commitment to the community set him apart as a model police officer.

Beyond his professional life, Ally was a loving husband to Angela and a devoted father to Jaxson and Isabella. He found joy in the simplest pleasures: riding ATVs, throwing pool parties, and spending quality time with his family.

Ally was also a man who stood ready to help anyone in need, a testament to his generous spirit and kind heart.

To his wife, Angela, his children, his colleagues in law enforcement, and all his loved ones, our deepest sympathies go out to you.

May Ally rest in peace, knowing that his life was well lived and his memory will forever be cherished.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Williams) for bringing us here today to recognize Lieutenant Michael Hoosock and Officer Michael Jensen, two heroes who gave of themselves in service to our community.

As the Bible teaches us: ``Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.''

Lieutenant Hoosock and Officer Jensen laid down their life in defense of our community to ensure the safety and the well-being of our residents. They answered the call of duty and went above and beyond and made the ultimate sacrifice. It wasn't just a sacrifice they alone made. It was a sacrifice that their families made.

To Cait, Nicole, Samuel, and Gabriel, there are no words that will make this better. There are no words that will make this okay. We grieve with you. Our heart breaks for you, and we will be here to support you.

This morning, I spent time at the Brinks robbery memorial for slain Nyack Police Sergeant Edward O'Grady, Police Officer Waverly Brown, and Brinks guard Peter Paige. Nearly 43 years ago, they were killed in the 1981 Brinks robbery. Nine children were left fatherless.

Every year, we gather on October 20 to remember those two officers and security guard who died in that horrific robbery. Additionally, every year, one by one, their killers were released.

We have seen in New York, over the last 6 years, 37 cop killers released. The depraved indifference for law enforcement is unconscionable because the reality is, if we don't respect law enforcement, if we don't respect the rule of law, there is no society. The reason we have seen a rapid increase in crime in New York is precisely because there is no respect for the rule of law, and people do not believe there are consequences for actions.

Cashless bail will go down as the single stupidest policy that has ever been signed into law anywhere. Since that law took effect, over 40 percent of those that have been arrested for a felony offense and then released under cashless bail have been rearrested for committing another offense.

You look at cashless bail, you look at Raise the Age, the HALT Act, Clean Slate, and the continued parole for unrepentant cop killers, and as a result we have a lawless society.

Last year, $4 billion in retail theft. Why? Because quality of life crimes aren't prosecuted any more in New York. We let people walk right out of the store with whatever they want.

The lawlessness must come to an end. Respect for law enforcement, putting victims above criminals is essential. Without it, we will continue to be in this place where cops are murdered and taken away from their families.

It is why as a member of the State legislature I introduced a bill that would ensure life without the possibility of parole, pardon, or clemency for killing a law enforcement officer. If we cannot respect our law enforcement officers, if we cannot stand up for them and ensure their safety as they stand up for all of us and ensure ours, then we do not deserve a safe and just society.

To the family of Lieutenant Hoosock and Officer Jensen, we will continue to fight for justice for you and to ensure that other families don't have to endure this horrific tragedy.

Mr. Speaker, I respond to my colleague from New York and his misguided remarks.

In 2018, the gentleman was a cosponsor of the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, which adopted the very definition that he just objected to. As a cosponsor of H.R. 5924, the definition that would be adopted is: ``Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti- Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.''

He was a cosponsor of that bill.

H.R. 6090, which I introduced, which has 59 cosponsors, adopts the IHRA working definition and its contemporary examples. The definition is: ``Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.''

It is the same definition, and, yet, now, somehow he is opposed to it.

Fundamentally, some of my colleagues on the left are allowing electoral politics to get in the way of doing what is right.

The gentleman from New York is a graduate of Columbia University, and yet couldn't muster the courage to take the subway north to stop by and call out the anti-Semitism that is running rampant at Columbia University. It is exactly why this bill is necessary today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, the Antisemitism Awareness Act, and I thank my colleague, Congressman Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey, for his courage in leading on this issue.

In every generation, the Jewish people have been scapegoated, harassed, evicted from their homeland, and murdered. Many of us remember the Holocaust as the most recent large-scale instance of this, but it was hardly the first in the Jewish people's long history of persecution.

Prior to October 7, it may have seemed like we were making progress

in fighting anti-Semitism, especially in the United States. A prime example: Jewish students weren't afraid to attend classes on their college campuses.

And yet today, we hear calls for intifada ring out on school grounds. We see Jewish students being physically prevented from going to class, rioters chanting ``death to Israel'' and ``death to America,'' and so much more.

In the U.S., Jews account for only 2.4 percent of the population, and globally they make up 0.2 percent of the world's population. The Jewish people need our support now. They need action now. They need to know they have a place in our country now.

They cannot fight anti-Semitism alone, and they shouldn't have to either.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act requires the Department of Education to use the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism and its contemporary examples when enforcing title VI violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Codifying a single definition of anti-Semitism will help the Department of Education and school administrators, who have been feckless, clearly identify instances of anti-Semitism and protect the safety of all students, including Jewish students.

Now, some opponents may try to make the argument that this imposes restrictions on our constitutional right to free speech. It is not true.

First of all, a constitutional protection is in the bill. It clearly states: ``Nothing in this act shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.''

Additionally, speech is already protected under the Civil Rights Act, but when the speech turns into harassment or other prohibited action and the action is motivated by anti-Semitism, that is when it becomes illegal conduct.

Right now, without a clear definition of anti-Semitism, the Department of Education and college administrators are having trouble discerning whether conduct is anti-Semitic or not, whether the activity we are seeing crosses the line to anti-Semitic harassment.

Other opponents to the bill say they would rather see a different bill tackling this.

That is no reason, and no ``political cover'' to vote against another helpful measure.

I ask my colleagues who would prefer other solutions to consider the good it will do for the Jewish students and, yes, keep pushing for more change in the future. We need to hold these institutions accountable.

My bill has bipartisan support: 59 cosponsors, dozens of Jewish advocacy groups, including the ADL, the AJC, and Agudath Israel. It is absurd to oppose this on the grounds that it somehow limits free speech.

Calling for death to Jews is not protected speech. It is anti- Semitic, and the fact that we have some of the highest-ranking Jewish officials in America refusing to defend the Jewish community because of politics is a disgrace, it is shameful, and it is pathetic.

Anyone who votes against this bill because they would rather put political expediency and electoral politics ahead of anything else has no business being a Member of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, never again is now, and we must act. That is our responsibility.

I would remind everyone, when you cosponsor a bill that accomplishes the same thing, nothing has changed, and yet now we need to backtrack all because of politics.

Sure. I think any legislation that we can bring forward to combat anti-Semitism is critical, and I think Ms. Manning and Mr. Smith have done a great job working to bring a piece of legislation forward. I have introduced a number. This is but one of them.

I think the objective is to clearly define anti-Semitism and force accountability on these administrators and make sure the Department of Education has the teeth to enforce the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Anthony J. Scala, Jr.

Anthony's unwavering commitment to excellence was evident in every facet of his life. From his distinguished career in electrical construction as president of Lowy & Donnath, to his dedicated service on so many advisory 0boards, including as a longtime member of the board of trustees at Manhattan College, my alma mater, Anthony's expertise and leadership left an indelible mark. He was a proud Jasper.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Anthony's true joy emanated from his cherished moments with family, his

passion for boating, restoring his Jeep, and his craftsmanship as a builder. His love knew no bounds, evident in his role as a devoted husband to Mary Ellen; father to Anthony, Christopher, and Victoria; grandfather to Jackson, Ali May, Annaleigh, Anthony, and Evelyn; and as a good friend.

As we honor Anthony's memory, let us remember his kindness, generosity, and steadfast dedication to his loved ones and community. Though he may have left us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know him. May we carry forward his legacy of compassion and service as we bid farewell to a beloved friend. I will miss Anthony, as I know so many others will, too.

Madam Speaker, it is good to know that my Democratic colleague would rather children in Congo mine for cobalt than to create American jobs here and put in place environmental safeguards. I thank my colleague for putting that on the record.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise in support of the rule to bring my Antisemitism Awareness Act to the floor. I thank Chairman Burgess, Chairman Jordan, Leader Scalise, and Speaker Johnson for their support for consideration of this bill and their leadership in combating anti- Semitism on college campuses.

What is happening on college campuses right now is horrifying. We have seen folks at these encampments telling Jews to go back to Poland, as if they weren't kicked out of their homes, murdered in cold blood, and sent to death camps less than a century ago. The leader of the protest at Columbia called for death to Zionists. There was a sign at George Washington calling for a final solution, which was the name of Hitler's plan to exterminate Jews. People are shouting that they are Hamas and calling for the burning of Tel Aviv to the ground. They chant for intifada and ``from the river to the sea.''

These are not peaceful protesters expressing their constitutional right to free speech. These are illegal encampments where demonstrators engage in harassment and urge violence against Jewish students, Jewish Americans, the U.S. Government, the Israeli Government, and more.

I unequivocally condemn the college administrators who haven't acted to quell these encampments and who have enabled their campuses to become unsafe environments for Jewish students.

At the Federal level, we must give the Department of Education the tools to identify and prosecute any anti-Semitic hate crimes committed and hold college administrators accountable for refusing to address anti-Semitism on their campuses.

This legislation defines anti-Semitism using the IHRA working definition and its contemporary examples so that there can be no confusion or interpretation when it comes to the heinous act of discrimination and violation of title VI of the Civil Rights Act. It has broad bipartisan support in the House and Senate and 59 cosponsors in the House, including over a dozen Democrats.

This is not about dividing Democrats. This has broad bipartisan support. If there are people in your Conference who embrace anti- Semitism, that is not our fault. That is something you should be rooting out.

When people engage in harassment or bullying of Jewish individuals, where they justify the killing of Jews or use blood libel or hold Jews collectively responsible for actions of the Israeli Government, that is anti-Semitic. There is no question about it.

It is unfortunate that we need to clarify that these actions are anti-Semitic, but it makes this bill that much more necessary. What is happening at Columbia, Yale, UCLA, and so many other schools is reprehensible and alarming, but it cannot be discouraging.

We must act so that the anti-Semitism on college campuses stops immediately. Our country's antidiscrimination laws must work for all of us, including Jewish students.

My Democratic colleagues are tripping all over themselves because of electoral politics. They are worried about votes in Michigan and Minnesota and trying to placate a pro-Hamas element of their party, people who are parroting Hamas talking points.

Literally, when I was at Columbia University last Wednesday with Speaker Johnson, Hamas endorsed the protesters on the campus grounds, saying that they are the future leaders of America. If those are the future leaders of America, God help us.

Madam Speaker, we should be very clear: Charlottesville was wrong. January 6 was wrong. Taking over a courthouse in Portland was wrong. Burning down a police station in Minneapolis was wrong. Breaking in and seizing control of the library at Columbia University is wrong.

Let's call it all out and stop being a bunch of cowards. Anti- Semitism needs to be rooted out, and any Member who votes against this bill should hang their head in shame.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act.

This bill reverses the Biden administration's relaxed stance toward Iran and China and starts to hold these bad actors accountable.

Two of my bills, the SHIP Act and the Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act, are included in this package. Both of these bills target the illicit oil trade between Iran and China.

One of my bills imposes sanctions on foreign ports and refineries that process Iranian oil, many of which are located in China.

My other bill imposes sanctions on Chinese financial institutions that process transactions involving Iranian oil as well as anyone involved in Iran's missile and drone program.

Iran is exporting millions of barrels of petroleum every day. Eighty percent of these exports go to China. Iran has taken in over $88 billion from their illicit oil trade since President Biden took office, and they must not earn a cent more.

To be clear, these illicit funds are used to fund Iran's regime of terror, including backing Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other terrorist groups, as well as their direct assault on Israel last weekend.

Madam Chair, now is the time for America to lead, to support our allies, to combat our adversaries, and to continue our role as leader of the free world.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of this amendment, and I am

proud to be a cosponsor of Representative Nunn's legislation, the Revoke Iranian Funding Act, that this came out of. In the wake of the appalling terrorist attack against Israel, it is clear that we must work to confront Iran and its surrogates in the region with a strong sanctions regime.

Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, spending its money on terror, on developing nuclear capabilities, on taking hostages to use for bargaining purposes, and on funding the criminal

Mr. Speaker, our country is at a most critical juncture. Do we take a step back, watch our allies fall, and allow terror to spread? Or do we stand strong as the leader of the free world and stand up for our allies and take on our adversaries?

To me, the answer is clear. The legislation we are debating today has the potential to turn the tide in Ukraine, protect our ally Israel, and deter China from attacking Taiwan.

There is no question that under the Biden administration the world has become a tinderbox. Conflict is erupting across the globe. Our allies are under attack.

China, Russia, and Iran are engaged in an unholy alliance seeking to undermine and destabilize the U.S., Israel, and the free world.

We are the leader of the free world. It requires us to lead. We cannot abdicate the responsibilities that come along with it.

The time for choosing is here. The time for action is now. I choose to act in defense of freedom, democracy, and America's role in the world.

I support aid to our allies. I support holding our adversaries accountable. I support America being that shining city upon a hill.

We cannot give in. Victory at all costs.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Education and Sharing Day where we honor the enduring legacy of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The Rebbe was not only a spiritual leader but also a beacon of hope and resilience.

Escaping the horrors of Nazi Europe, he found refuge in our great Nation where he revitalized a community shattered by the Holocaust.

Under his guidance, the Chabad-Lubavitch movement flourished, advocating for education and moral integrity as the cornerstones of a just society.

Chabad's vision is clear: Education is a fundamental pillar in cultivating a compassionate society. The work of Chabad groups across the country, especially in Rockland and Westchester Counties in New York, is critical.

In today's tumultuous times, Chabad's message is more relevant than ever. We face a resurgence of anti-Semitism here in the United States, which we see playing out daily on college campuses. In response, we must recommit ourselves to fighting for dignity, honesty, and justice for all.

As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Rebbe's passing, let's never cease working to create a Nation that truly serves as a beacon of hope and freedom to the world.