Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, over the last few weeks, we have seen a shameful display by Members of the Democratic Party, including the Senate majority leader, who attacked and undermined the State of Israel and the special relationship that we have.

The United States recognized Israel 11 minutes after its founding. They are our closest ally in the world, and at a time of war the Senate majority leader, the Senator from New York, took the opportunity to call for a regime change.

At a time when the Democratic Party talks about protecting democracy, rails against foreign interference in elections, the Senator from New York thought it was his opportunity and in his interest politically to undermine the State of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas is a terrorist state. The fastest way for a cease-fire to occur is for Hamas to surrender and release the hostages. That is the only thing that members of the United States Government should be demanding from the President to the Senate majority leader to the former Speaker of the House.

It is shameful what is happening in the Democratic Party today.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor John Kryger, a revered FDNY veteran and stalwart of Rockland County, who passed away on March 18, 2024, at the age of 81. John's work to improve fire safety and his service to our community exemplify a life dedicated to protecting others.

Serving with distinction in the FDNY from 1965 to 1986, he later became deputy fire coordinator for Rockland County, passionately advocating for fire safety and prevention since 2004.

John's impactful journalism, notably the ``Fire's Deadly Rage'' series, sparked significant community action, leading to a surge in smoke alarm installations across Rockland County. His dedication extended into education as a fire instructor and his leadership with the Rockland County Illegal Housing Task Force, tirelessly working to enforce fire safety and building codes.

Beyond his professional achievements, John's involvement in the West Haverstraw Volunteer Fire Department and numerous fire service associations highlighted his commitment to his community. His legacy as a firefighter, educator, and advocate leaves a lasting impact on Rockland County.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, his many friends, and his beloved colleagues in the fire service and remember John Kryger for the profound impact he had on making our community safer.

His legacy of dedication and service will continue to inspire future generations.

Mr. Speaker, today I'm proud to recognize a remarkable young constituent, Thomas Cong from Ossining, New York, for becoming a top 40 finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Nation's premier science competition for high school seniors.

This achievement places Thomas among the brightest young minds in our country, continuing a tradition of excellence that has propelled alumni to the highest echelons of scientific honor, including Nobel Prizes and National Medals of Science.

Thomas's success is a testament to his hard work, our community's supportive educational environment, and the potential of our youth to lead us into a better future.

Let's celebrate Thomas's achievement as an inspiration and a reminder of the critical role education plays in unlocking the immense potential of our youth. Congratulations to Thomas for making Ossining and our Nation proud.

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

Mr. Chair, today I rise to urge the House to adopt my amendment, which would include the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups Act, otherwise known as the HALOS Act, into the underlying bill.

The HALOS Act will promote access to investment capital for small companies and ensure that startups can continue to generate interest and connect with investors.

It will do this by ensuring that demo days, pitch competitions, and community economic development events where there is no specific investment offering are not considered general solicitation under Reg

Mr. Chair, I would just remind the ranking member that you need to be an accredited investor to invest. Many of the examples that the gentlewoman highlights are frankly null and void.

Mr. Chair, may I inquire how much time I have remaining?

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner), the chair of the Capital Markets Subcommittee.

Mr. Chair, I rise again to urge the House to adopt my amendment, the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups Act, otherwise known as the HALOS Act, into the underlying bill.

Ensuring that folks have access to capital is critical, and this amendment will help ensure that our small businesses, which are the lifeblood of our economy, have greater access to capital and that accredited investors will be able to invest in these small startup businesses.

Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise before you to pay tribute to a remarkable young man, Alex David Wolfsie, whose life was tragically cut short almost 10 years ago on March 10, 2014.

Alex's commitment to our Nation, demonstrated by his service in the United States Navy, exemplifies the best of American valor and dedication.

A Mahopac resident who graduated from Kennedy Catholic High School in Somers and SUNY Cortland, he felt the call to service and enlisted on September 25, 2012. He traveled from the training grounds at Great Lakes Naval Station north of Chicago to Pensacola, Florida, to San Diego, California, to his final post in Guam.

His mission was clear: serving our country. He was preparing for deployment aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard in Japan before a tragic accident cut his life short.

He came from a family of service--his father was a member of the NYPD--and sought to carry on that service to our State and Nation.

I know the Carmel Town Board is gathering next week to honor Alex for his service. We will never forget his service and his sacrifice. May God bless the Wolfsie family.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize an individual who has been a beacon of service and steadfast advocate for those in need, John Murphy.

John's service began in the Marine Corps before he ran for county legislature and served there for over 40 years.

John has also committed himself to helping veterans and the developmentally disabled community, serving on the board of Camp Venture in support of the Venture Foundation for over 40 years, as well.

His work in this space led to many services being provided for the I/ DD community in the Hudson Valley, and his efforts remind us that the true measure of a society is found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.

In late 2023, John's other venture, Homes for Heroes, unveiled its new Phase II residences at Camp Shanks. This organization, headed by John, houses homeless veterans, something all of us in this body must continue to focus on.

I applaud John Murphy, a true hero for heroes, for his decades of service and his undying commitment to improving lives.

His legacy is built on the lives he has changed and the futures he has secured. I thank him for his service.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor Joseph Charles Martin, a man whose dedication and service left an incredible legacy in Haverstraw, Stony Point, and beyond.

Joe's service began as Navy corpsman and continued with his decades- long career at Lederle Laboratories in Pearl River.

In his own community, in Thiells, he helped found both the St. Gregory Barbarigo Parish and the David B. Roche Fire Company, which have had a lasting impact on North Rockland.

Joe's impact extended beyond this, though. His coaching with the Haverstraw Little League and volunteering at St. Peter's People to People showcased his commitment to improving the lives of the residents of North Rockland.

His legacy of service and compassion will forever inspire us.

As we mourn Joe's passing, let us honor his memory by carrying forward his spirit of generosity and commitment to others, as his family has.

To Joe, I say:

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

the rains fall soft upon your fields

and, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Mr. Speaker, in a time when middle-class families are increasingly squeezed by the rising cost of living, providing real tax relief is imperative.

That is why I introduced the SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act, which is designed to correct an inequity that has burdened married couples across New York and the United States since 2017.

The current tax code unfairly caps State and local tax deductions, otherwise known as SALT, at $10,000 for married couples filing jointly, essentially penalizing them for their marital status and depriving them of the full $20,000 deduction they would rightly deserve.

This arbitrary threshold does not reflect the economic realities faced by dual-income households, especially in high-cost areas like New York's 17th District. It is an issue that transcends tax policy. It is about fairness and supporting the backbone of our communities--our families.

The implications of the SALT cap are significant. Since its implementation, we have witnessed a dramatic decline in taxpayers claiming the SALT deduction, a drop from nearly 50 percent in my district to 19, or nationwide, from 31 percent to 9.

This stark decrease has disproportionately impacted high-cost States like New York where the cost of living far exceeds the national average.

In my district alone, the percentage of filers itemizing taxes have halved since the cap's introduction, underscoring the urgent need for reform.

The SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act, my first bill introduced in the House, seeks to address this issue head-on by eliminating the marriage penalty and reinstating a fair deduction limit.

During the Rules Committee hearing, there was some insinuation that this legislation was hurried and rushed in the dead of night.

I am here to tell you that this legislation has been available for people to review for over 13 months and is less than 2 pages long.

This isn't some thousand-page omnibus deal. It is something that we have worked on with Republican leadership and our Democrat colleagues to address for over a year.

Passage of the SALT Marriage Penalty Implementation Act would represent a significant step toward alleviating the financial burden faced by countless families in my district and across the country, offering relief from the double taxation that has unjustly impacted them.

Additionally, with housing costs reaching near record highs and inflation continuing to erode purchasing power, the need for this bill is all the more necessary.

For instance, in Rockland and Westchester Counties in my district, the monthly cost of a mortgage surged by $1,000 in the past year alone, thanks to rate increases brought about by the trillions in new spending from this administration and the prior Congress.

These spikes in housing costs, coupled with rising grocery prices, are unsustainable for the average family, making tax relief essential.

This House Republican majority was built by the contributions of New Yorkers, and this legislation would help those same New Yorkers see immediate tax relief.

Some critics might balk at the cost of this measure. The fact is that relief provided to families across the country would spur additional economic growth that would outpace the minor cost.

This bill is a compromise that fixes an unfair penalty and stands to revitalize communities, stimulate economic activity, and most importantly, support the hardworking families who are the lifeblood of our Nation. It provides immediate tax relief.

SALT is expected to expire in 2025, but these families can't wait that long. I urge all of my colleagues to support this profamily measure that corrects this unfair penalty, and I encourage my Democratic colleagues to support it, as well.

They talk a good game, but when they had complete control in the prior Congress, they failed to provide a fix.

They failed to enact legislation that would provide immediate tax relief. Governor Hochul, Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Leader Jeffries have been silent.

They should embrace this. They should be championing it. They should be supporting our efforts. This is about providing real, tangible support to those who need it.

As we move forward, I am hopeful that this can be a moment of unity amongst my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, reflecting the bipartisan understanding that when it comes to supporting our families, fairness is critical.

Together, we can ensure that unfair tax policies that penalize families are a thing of the past, putting the well-being of American families above all.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3016) to amend the Anti-Boycott Act of 2018 to apply the provisions of that Act to international governmental organizations, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3016, the IGO Anti-Boycott Act, a bill I introduced with my colleague and great friend from New Jersey, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, this past spring.

After Hamas' October 7 massacre of over 1,200 innocent people in Israel, including Americans, we need to do everything we can to stand with our friend and ally.

In the south, Israel is fighting a war to dismantle Hamas, whose leader said that October 7 was just a rehearsal. In the north, Israel is defending itself from missiles and rockets from Iran's deadly proxy Hezbollah.

However, there are many in the world who want to fault Israel, blame Israel, and delegitimize Israel for doing what is necessary to protect its citizens and its sovereignty.

One of the most egregious bastions of anti-Israel bias and bigotry is the United Nations. We are deeply concerned that the U.N. could weaponize its institutions against Israel.

Years ago, the U.N. Human Rights Council authorized the creation of a database of companies doing business beyond Israel's 1949 armistice lines. The implications of this were clear: Create a list of companies and then boycott them. That list is now published and updated by the United Nations.

Boycotts such as these are contrary to American values and foreign policy. It is critical that we protect U.S. companies from being coerced into providing information that would facilitate these boycotts.

For over 40 years, it has been illegal for U.S. companies to cooperate with foreign boycotts that the United States is not participating in. The reason is because foreign countries should not be able to use U.S. companies to undermine U.S. foreign policy. These laws were passed in response to the Arab League's boycott of Israel.

Now, the good news is that today, many fewer countries in the Arab League are adhering to the boycott of Israel. In fact, some of them have normalized relations with Israel, opening trade as well as diplomatic ties.

We are faced with the potential that U.S. companies might be pressured to cooperate with this U.N. list and subsequent boycott of Israel. If that were to happen, the U.N. would be using U.S. companies to undermine U.S. foreign policy. That is simply unacceptable.

This bill adds four words, ``or international governmental organizations,'' to existing anti-boycott law to include organizations like the U.N.

It is my sincere hope that the U.N. will not foster such a boycott against Israel as Israel is responding to the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

This bill is especially necessary with the constant anti-Israel bias emanating from the U.N. Just recently, we confirmed that UNRWA, the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, has deep ties to Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israeli intelligence recently released reports that many UNRWA workers actually worked as Hamas operatives and assisted in the October 7 attacks. It is absolutely disgusting that employees of a U.N. agency had a role in this attack. We will see now what the U.N. does in response to these allegations.

We cannot stand idly by while our contributions to UNRWA potentially aid and abet terrorists. Our support must only go to organizations that uplift humanity, not those who undermine peace and security.

I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this bill today so that we can take a stand against the U.N. and other IGOs and the anti-Israel bias present at UNHRC and UNRWA. This bill is just a start. The American people stand with Israel.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, to my colleague from Texas, we accepted one of his amendments during the markup to address some of his accountability concerns.

Let's be clear. This is not an anti-First Amendment bill. This bill adds four words to existing law. It does absolutely nothing unprecedented. It only expands coverage of existing protections to include IGOs. The bill is not discriminatory against proponents of the BDS movement, rather it prevents discriminatory actions against Israel and other countries friendly to the United States so as not to undermine U.S. foreign policy.

IGOs, like the United Nations, continue to impose one-sided and biased policies against the State of Israel. Madam Speaker, you can't wait until after the fact to protect Israel and the Jewish people, as we saw on October 7.

While the E.U. doesn't maintain a similar blacklist, there have been E.U.-based efforts to create one and further other BDS initiatives at the E.U. For example, just last year in February of 2022, pro-BDS activists launched a campaign to call on the E.U. Commission to propose a new law to stop trade with settlements.

Luckily, the campaign didn't reach the number of signatures it needed to be brought before the E.U. Commission.

Now, let's be clear. The BDS movement is anti-Semitic. The BDS is one tactic in a long history of campaigns and efforts to delegitimize and isolate the State of Israel. It also applies a double standard to Israel. The BDS campaign does not support constructive measures to build Israeli-Palestinian engagement, nor does it promote peace negotiations or a mutually negotiated two-state solution to the conflict. Rather, BDS presents a biased and simplistic approach to the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict positioning this dispute over territorial and nationalist claims as the fault of only one party, the State of Israel, while ignoring other actors and dynamics such as Palestinian-shared responsibility for the continuation of the conflict.

BDS advocates for self-determination for Palestinians while denying to Jews that same right.

So many of our colleagues who have, for instance, called for cease- fires say nothing about Hamas' barbaric, horrific, and brutal attacks on October 7. The duplicity when I hear some of my colleagues talk about this issue is pathetic.

The BDS movement uses divisive and inaccurate terms like ``apartheid,'' ``genocide,'' ``settler colonialists,'' and ``supremacists'' to refer to aspects of Israeli action or policy they criticize. This language serves to demonize the Jewish State and those who support its very existence. So the intent here is to expand existing law to include IGOs. Four words are added to the existing law. That is all this bill does.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I thank my Democratic co-lead, Congressman Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, who is the co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, and all of our bipartisan cosponsors for working with me on this important bill to update our anti-boycott laws and to respond to potential threats facing the United States and our ally, Israel. We must stand with our ally Israel and not allow rampant, institutionalized anti-Israel bias and bigotry at the United Nations to delegitimize the State of Israel.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of our Members to vote in favor of H.R. 3016, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3202) to prohibit any official action to recognize or normalize relations with any Government of Syria that is led by Bashar al-Assad, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3202, the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023. I want to begin by thanking my colleague and friend, Joe Wilson of South Carolina, who is the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.

This legislation is critically important. It has been almost 13 years since Bashar al-Assad unleashed his brutal war on the Syrian people. Hundreds of thousands of innocent people have died because of the Assad regime's unrelenting brutality. This is a regime that, with support from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, tortures men, women, and children at an unthinkable scale.

These crimes are undeniable. We have eyewitnesses, survivor testimony of Assad's cruelty from Caesar, who was forced to photograph dead bodies from the Gravedigger, who was forced to dig mass graves for those who were brutally murdered.

The Assad regime has repeatedly used chemical weapons against the Syrian people. Just this past November, a court in France found sufficient evidence to issue an international arrest warrant for Assad's complicity in war crimes specifically linked to his use of chemical weapons.

Assad is a murderer, a war criminal, and the head of a narco-state now that Syria is a hub for illicit Captagon production and trafficking. Yet, shockingly, we have seen some countries downplay these abhorrent crimes against humanity and welcome Assad's Syria back into the community of nations.

Let me be clear. There can be no normalization with the Assad regime. This regime will never change, and Assad and his backers' hands are soaked with the blood of the Syrian people. That is why, today, we are considering this bill to ensure there is justice for the Syrian people who continue to suffer under the

Assad regime and his Russian and Iranian backers.

This legislation amends the Caesar Act to ensure full and robust implementation by the executive branch of mandatory sanctions targeting the Assad regime and its backers. It also expands the scope of sanctionable activity to cover more crimes, including stealing humanitarian aid and property. Further, it codifies United States policy to oppose recognition of Assad, and it requires a strategy to counter creeping normalization with Assad by other countries.

This bill also increases transparency around the Assad regime's manipulation of the U.N. system and theft of U.N. aid meant for the Syrian people. Also, crucially, this bill reauthorizes the Caesar Act ahead of that foundational legislative statutory expiration later this year.

The Syrian people have suffered the brutality of this criminal regime and its backers for far too long. The world cannot simply excuse Assad or his backers' crimes because it is convenient. We have seen the consequences of this play out in Ukraine at devastating cost. We must hold the regime and its Russian and Iranian backers accountable, and that is exactly what this bill will do.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

January 30, 2024.

Hon. Jim Jordan,

Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary,

Washington. DC.

Dear Chairman Jordan: Thank you for consulting with the

Foreign Affairs Committee and agreeing to be discharged from

further consideration of H.R. 3202, the Assad Regime Anti-

Normalization Act of 2023, so that the measure may proceed

expeditiously to the House floor.

I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure

does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of

your committee, or prejudice its jurisdictional prerogatives

on this measure or similar legislation in the future. I would

support your effort to seek appointment of an appropriate

number of conferees from your committee to any House-Senate

conference on this legislation.

I will seek to place our letters on this bill into the

Congressional Record during floor consideration. I appreciate

your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward

to continuing to work together as this measure moves through

the legislative process.

Sincerely,

Michael T. McCaul,

Chairman.

Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, and the author of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and vice chairman of the Committee on Financial Services.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mooney).

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

Madam Speaker, I thank Joe Wilson of South Carolina, the chairman of the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia Subcommittee of the Foreign Affairs Committee for his leadership on this bill.

When the Assad regime's war against the Syrian people began, the American people saw daily images of the regime's cruel abuses. As often happens, the news cycles change and stories slip from the front page, and then are rarely covered at all; however, it does not mean that the regime has changed or reformed or ceased.

The same butchers who gassed and tortured children are still running Syria, and they are continuing their brutality. It is vital that the United States maintain its policy of no normalization or we will be giving a green light to dictators around the world that they can wait out accountability for their crimes. Attention will shift, and they can stay in power, and that would be a death knell for human rights and international norms and standards.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in voting for H.R. 3202, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to show my strong support for this aid package that will support our closest ally, Israel.

Providing much-needed assistance for Israel and for U.S. forces in the Middle East region reaffirms our unwavering commitment to democracy, security, and peace in the Middle East.

This is a funding package that will enhance Israel's defense capabilities, specifically in the area of missile and rocket defense, with significant allocations for the Iron Dome and David's Sling systems and the innovative Iron Beam system designed to counteract shorter-range threats.

All of these are made even more necessary due to Iran's investment in weapons for terrorists around the region, including Hamas, the Houthis, Hezbollah, and others. These groups are expanding their attacks on U.S. troops.

This aid package should transcend partisan lines. It is about more than supporting Israel's right to defend itself. It is about securing our strategic interests and showing support for our closest ally, Israel.

That is why I was shocked to see that President Biden swore to veto this legislation, which provides our ally, Israel, with essential aid.

There are no policy riders or poison pills. It is a clean bill supporting the State of Israel. This should not be political, and it shouldn't be that complicated. Yet, for whatever reason, Joe Biden has indicated he would veto this bill, and House and Senate Democrats are falling all over themselves to oppose it.

It has been 122 days since the terrorist attack of October 7. The House passed an aid package months ago. The Senate did not act. According to reports, the Senate may not even have the votes tomorrow to pass their supplemental bill. Therefore, this may end up being the only bill in town.

Mr. Speaker, I just can't understand my Democratic colleagues. Whether you think it is political or not, vote ``yes.'' What, are you crazy? I just don't even understand the logic. It is a clean bill. Vote ``yes.''

Ultimately, even if the Senate does pass their bill and it does come here, then we will deal with that. Why would you ever want to be on the record, on a clean bill, opposing aid to the State of Israel? It is foolish.

Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues will find the moral courage to support this funding package and support Israel at her time of need while providing critical resources to our troops overseas. A little common sense here--vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and remember Officer Daniel P. DiDato, a dedicated servant to the town of East Fishkill for 19 years.

Tragically taken from us on December 18, Officer DiDato's legacy is one of unwavering commitment, camaraderie, and a passion for life that touched all who knew him.

Starting his career at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection in 2001 and joining the East Fishkill Police Department in 2005, Dan was a beacon of joy and strength in the East Fishkill community and amongst his fellow officers. Known for his quick wit, love of Marvel Comics, and an aficionado of pizza and other Italian cuisine, Dan connected with colleagues and friends through his humor, vast knowledge, and generous spirit.

Colleagues recall his spot-on impression, music recommendations, and heartfelt conversations. His presence brightened even the toughest days, leaving a lasting impression on everyone from seasoned officers to newcomers.

By honoring Officer DiDato here on the House floor, we celebrate a life of service, laughter, and profound impact. Dan was more than an officer, he was a beloved friend, a cherished community member, a beloved brother, and a true hero.

Thank you, Officer Daniel P. DiDato, for your service, your friendship, and the many lives you have touched. You will never be forgotten, and may God bless your family.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and remember a pillar of our community in Yorktown, Supervisor Tom Diana. Tom's life was a remarkable journey of service and dedication to his community.

A proud graduate of Lakeland High School, Tom embarked on a path of public service that defined his life and legacy.

Tom's career in law enforcement spanned several decades and included stints with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, the Yorktown Police Department, the Cortlandt Police Department, and finally, the Westchester County Police Department.

His service was marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence, including as a K9 officer. His service extended beyond the badge as a member of the Yorktown Town Board for 7 years before culminating as Town supervisor.

He loved the job, and the town loved him.

Last Monday, I was proud to be on hand for his swearing in. Tom talked about the importance of community and his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself, his love of Yorktown, and his appreciation to its residents for giving him the opportunity to serve.

Four days later, he was taken from us suddenly. Tom's loss has been felt profoundly, and we will miss his leadership, his infectious smile and laugh, and his optimistic and positive approach to governing.

This morning, we laid Tom to rest, joined by his beloved wife, Donna; his daughters; grandchildren; and the beloved Yorktown community.

We will always cherish Tom for his warmth, his humor, and the profound kindness he extended to all. His legacy will continue to inspire us.

We thank Tom for his service, and may God watch over his family.

Madam Speaker, last year, New York Democrats tried to corrupt our redistricting process by gerrymandering New York's maps to favor 22 Democrats and 4 Republicans.

They were summarily thrown out in court, with the court ruling that they not only violated the State constitution, they violated the process, and they gerrymandered the maps.

A special master appointed by the court drew a fair set of maps that resulted in 15 Democrats and 11 Republicans being elected. However, that didn't serve the purpose of New York Democrats, so they filed another lawsuit.

Today, the court of appeals, in a shameful episode, was stacked and made a decision to redraw New York's congressional maps for the sole purpose of trying to favor New York Democrats.

It is pathetic, it is shameful, and it serves only one person, the leader of the Democratic Conference. He should be embarrassed.

Mr. Speaker, last week, I joined my colleague, Anthony D'Esposito, in introducing a resolution to expel disgraced former Congressman George Santos. It was warranted. It was warranted because he defrauded the voters and defrauded donors, and he is facing a 23- count indictment.

He did not belong in Congress. I was willing to take on a member of my own party and reduce our majority by one because he was unfit to serve.

Now, as a Congressman from the 17th District of New York, I share Westchester County with Mr. Bowman. I have gotten to know Mr. Bowman throughout the course of my tenure here in Congress. We have even flown home together to Westchester County Airport.

What happened on September 30 was wrong. I am sure he is embarrassed. He should be. As a former middle school principal, he understands the difference between a locked door and a fire alarm. To suggest that somehow he was confused is laughable.

As the video evidence shows, he did push the door, and being locked, it didn't open. Nonetheless, he then took down the signs. He threw one on the ground, carried one, walked over to the fire alarm on the wall, and pulled the fire alarm. It didn't say: Pull to exit. It didn't say: In case of a locked door, pull the fire alarm and the door will open.

No. It said: In case of emergency, pull fire alarm.

He then proceeded to throw the other sign on the ground, and he ran past seven--one, two, three, four, five, six, seven--Capitol Police officers and did not utter one word about accidently and embarrassingly pulling a fire alarm.

In fact, when the BOLO went out and the Capitol Police came to question him about it, he lawyered up. He then went and met with Leader Jeffries.

That is not taking accountability right away. That is not taking responsibility. In fact, a few days after it happened, he called me directly to ask me: Please don't get on a censure or an expulsion resolution.

I said to him: I will not do anything until I hear from the Capitol Police as to what happened.

He told me: Oh, I won't be charged. They are dismissing it. I didn't do anything.

They ended up referring it to prosecutors. He was charged, and he pled guilty.

I don't think he should be expelled. I think what he did was wrong. I don't think it was an accident. It was absolutely done to disrupt a proceeding as the Democrats were pulling all sorts of stunts that day, including walking single file in to vote by paper even though they all had their electronic voting cards. Hakeem Jeffries was doing his magic minute. We all know what it was.

Let's be honest. Let's take accountability here.

If you are taking accountability, then you should actually tell your colleagues: Do you know what? I did wrong. I accept the censure.

Instead, you are sitting there smirking and laughing. I don't think your constituents think it is funny. In fact, I know they don't think it is funny because of the number of times I get calls from your constituents.

The number of times I get calls from your constituents and the amount of time my office gets inundated with requests from your constituents, like when you shut your office down for 2 weeks in August--all the offices shut down. Do you know how many cases we had to take on? Calls came from Jewish constituents who don't feel that they can go to you for help.

They don't think it is funny. The people of Westchester County don't think it is funny.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this censure.