Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this reckless Republican funding bill. Republicans claim that this is a clean CR, but the facts tell a different story.

This bill slashes $23 billion from veterans' benefits, turning its back on the brave men and women who served our country; guts healthcare, leaving families, children, and seniors vulnerable; and it slashes affordable housing, putting thousands, including veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people with disabilities at risk of losing their homes.

If these cuts weren't bad enough, the Vice President said this morning that this administration will continue to refuse to spend money on programs that they don't like.

I will not vote for a CR that green lights these dangerous cuts. Democrats are ready to fund the government, but we will not stand by while Republicans sell out the people we are sworn to serve.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject this dangerous bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dominican Heritage Month and to celebrate the 181st anniversary of the Independence of the Dominican Republic, observed on February 27th. This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, history, and achievements of the Dominican people--both in their homeland and across the diaspora.

Over the past 181 years, the Dominican Republic has overcome profound challenges, from civil wars to military occupations and authoritarian rule. Yet, through it all, Dominicans have demonstrated extraordinary strength and perseverance. Today, more than two million Dominicans call the United States home, with approximately 700,000 residing in New York City alone. In my district, spanning Brooklyn and Queens, the Dominican community is integral to our past, present, and future.

As a Nation, we are enriched by the contributions of Dominican Americans in the arts,

culture, sports, government, and business. In my own district, I am especially grateful for the Dominican community's role in shaping our small businesses, civic institutions, and cultural landscape. I am also proud that our community produced the first Dominican American elected Brooklyn Borough President, my friend Antonio Reynoso.

To honor Dominican Heritage Month, I am pleased to recognize six outstanding individuals whose dedication, public service, and leadership continue to inspire future generations. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating: Maria Viera, Sonia Medrano, Socrate Liriano, Vincente Trinidad, Roberto Latingua and Rufina Valdez. These honorees contribute to the vibrant tapestry of New York City.

Their achievements are a testament to the thriving Dominican presence in New York City and beyond. Let us continue to uplift and celebrate the Dominican community, not just this month, but every day.

Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to this Republican rip-off. This budget slashes $880 billion from Medicaid, putting 286,000 people in my district, including nearly 100,000 children, at risk of losing healthcare.

Madam Chair, cruelty is the point.

It also targets food assistance, leaving over 147,000 New Yorkers in my district struggling to afford meals.

Cruelty is the point.

Why?

All this to hand out trillions of dollars in tax breaks to the top 1 percent. Republicans tried this trick before in 2017. They promised it would raise wages, pay for itself, and boost the economy. It didn't.

Instead, it made the rich richer while working people fell further behind.

Now they are doubling down, making America sicker, poorer, and hungrier just to funnel more money to their billionaire donors.

This isn't fiscal responsibility. It is economic cruelty. Vote ``no.''

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be here today as we debate the first set of Committee on Small Business bills. Our committee has a long tradition of putting politics aside to deliver for our Nation's small business employers.

Small businesses employ roughly half of the private workforce, create the majority of new jobs, drive innovation, and generate almost half of our Nation's economic activity. They are the heart and soul of our communities. Whether it is a neighborhood childcare center, or a bakery on Main Street, they are creating neighborhood jobs and reinvesting in the local economies.

More than 21 million small businesses were launched during the previous administration, with a vast majority of the applications being filed by women, including women of color. This is a clear indicator of positive growth and strong entrepreneurial activity, but more work needs to be done.

Today, we are considering seven bipartisan bills that will create additional opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Mr. Speaker, my hope is that we can work together to conduct oversight of the Trump administration's policies. I have been particularly troubled by the pauses in Federal funding to small businesses, inflationary tariffs, and Elon Musk's access to the SBA's HR, contract, and payment systems. I welcome the opportunity to look into these matters in a bipartisan way.

Mr. Speaker, turning to our first bill, H.R. 825 will prohibit anyone convicted of defrauding the government during the COVID-19 pandemic from receiving an SBA loan.

The Small Business Administration disbursed approximately $1.2 trillion in economic aid during the pandemic. The vast majority of this aid served as a lifeline, helping to keep small businesses afloat during troubling and uncertain economic times.

Unfortunately, bad actors took advantage of the program early in the pandemic when SBA removed or weakened internal controls. Upon taking office, the Biden administration reinstituted longstanding antifraud controls and put new safeguards into place to curb the flow of pandemic dollars to fraudsters.

Before issuing a loan, the SBA would screen applicants on the government's Do Not Pay list and then check its internal database for fraudulent flags or holds. Borrowers had an opportunity to clear their names, but the SBA did not move forward until the holds were cleared.

The bill we are considering today has the same effect as the actions taken by the Biden administration, and it sends a strong message that SBA will not do business with anyone who defrauded the government.

Mr. Speaker, the single most important action that Congress can take to recover fraudulent pandemic funds is to fully fund the inspector general and give the office the resources it needs to go after the bad actors.

Former Representative Luetkemeyer and I sponsored two bills, which became law, to extend the statute of limitations for fraud in the PPP and the EIDL program to 10 years. Without additional resources, the OIG will not be able to capitalize on these new laws, and American taxpayers will lose out.

In closing, I appreciate the bipartisan work of Chairman Williams, and Representatives Simon and Mfume.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Simon).

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from California.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski).

Mr. Speaker, I gladly rise in support of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 832, the Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2025.

The Office of Advocacy was established in 1976 to be an independent voice for small businesses within the Federal Government and is tasked with representing the views of small businesses before Congress, the White House, and other Federal agencies.

The office has regional advocates on the ground that provide outreach to small businesses, local chambers of commerce, and other associations to hear firsthand the concerns of small businesses. It works closely with Federal agencies to elevate these concerns throughout the rulemaking process.

Over the years, their work has saved small businesses billions in regulatory costs while still accomplishing the important goals of the regulations. However, their charter does not specifically state that they have the authority to represent the views and interests of small businesses before foreign governments and international entities.

As our economy has become increasingly more interconnected and more small businesses are tapping into international markets, it makes sense to give the office the authority to advocate on behalf of small businesses overseas.

The Office of Advocacy has proven to be a strong proponent for small businesses in the Federal Government and is well-poised to promote their views in the international regulatory arena.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Williams, Mr. Tran, Mr. Van Drew, and Ms. Goodlander for their bipartisan work on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Tran).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Goodlander).

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 832, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I commend Representatives Stauber and Cisneros for their work to bring this important bipartisan legislation to the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, Congress and the executive branch have carefully crafted fair and deliberate policies to ensure that small businesses can compete for Federal contracts.

These policies, including and especially the small business procurement goals and set-aside authorities, have leveled the playing field for small businesses and enabled their participation in the Federal marketplace. They have a proven record of success.

Federal agencies award a record amount of contracting dollars to small businesses each year. However, many other factors, complexities, and policies, like category management and overly strict past performance requirements, are countering the impact of these programs. As a result, the government has over 40 percent fewer small businesses in its ecosystem than it did just a decade ago.

These trends mean that fewer small businesses are getting larger contracts and that contracts are becoming out of reach for many small businesses, especially those that are not already government contractors.

This legislation is a productive step that will help break that cycle. The SPUR Act will require SBA to take into account new small business government contractors when grading a Federal agency's performance toward meeting its small business goal.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cisneros).

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the work of my colleagues on this bill, and I urge its adoption. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 788, the DOE and SBA Research Act. This legislation would allow SBA and the Department of Energy to enter into an MOU to formalize the research and development activities that are currently underway.

The Department of Energy has 17 national labs that play a crucial role in fostering innovation and driving small business growth. The labs form partnerships with small businesses so that they can leverage the expertise of DOE's scientists and also gain access to world-class labs to test new products. They also foster networking opportunities that enable small businesses to connect, collaborate, and expand their base.

These types of partnerships are critical to increasing small business innovation, providing high-paying jobs for Americans, and ensuring our country remains competitive. I applaud Mr. LaLota, Dr. Morrison, and Mr. Thanedar for their bipartisan work.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. Morrison).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Thanedar).

Mr. Speaker, I thank the sponsors of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bill before us today, H.R. 754, the Investing in Main Street Act of 2025.

SBA's Small Business Investment Company program is a multibillion- dollar investment program designed to bridge the gap between a small business owner's need for capital and traditional sources of financing. It achieves this purpose by partnering private and public investments in early-stage startup businesses. It also gives America's small, high- growth companies an opportunity to fund and grow their innovative ideas and create jobs.

The success of this program can be seen with companies like Apple, Intel, and FedEx, which all receive early-stage financing from SBICs. Today, there are 319 SBIC-licensed funds participating in an array of private investment and private credit strategies.

In 2023 alone, SBIC-licensed funds financed approximately $7.2 billion to 1,142 small businesses and startups across the country, creating or sustaining more than 130,000 jobs. Importantly, financing provided by SBIC-licensed funds to women-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses totaled almost $670 million in 2023, a 25.7 percent increase from 2022.

Yet, we must do more to ensure the program continues to meet demand. The Investing in Main Street Act of 2025 introduced by my colleagues, Representatives Chu, Finstad, and McIver, will strengthen and grow the SBIC program by allowing banks and Federal savings associations to invest up to 15 percent of their capital and surplus into SBICs.

This change will correct a discrepancy caused by a historical drafting oversight and bring the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 in line with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's national bank charter percentage requirements.

No bank laws or regulations will be changed or affected by this bill. It will increase investment capital available to SBICs and allow them to invest more in small businesses.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Ms. Chu, Mr. Finstad, and Mrs. McIver's work on this issue and this bill. I ask my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. McIver).

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Representatives Chu, Finstad, and McIver for their bipartisan work on this bill. I encourage all my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, today we are considering H.R. 804, which would require the SBA to close out the GAO recommendation ensuring that individuals in rural areas where a disaster declaration has been made have full access to assistance, including targeted outreach and marketing materials. SBA would have 1 year to close out the recommendation.

On February 22, 2024, GAO issued a report examining how SBA's disaster loan program assists communities after disasters. GAO found that rural areas have characteristics that make recovery difficult, and they face challenges in seeking SBA disaster assistance.

While the SBA had taken steps to address challenges to recovery, including portable outreach centers, virtual outreach, and a whole-of- SBA approach, GAO recommended that SBA distinguish between urban and rural communities in its outreach and marketing plan and take actions to mitigate the challenges encountered by rural communities.

This bill prioritizes SBA's efforts to close out this GAO recommendation and focus on our Nation's rural communities.

I commend Dr. Morrison, Mr. Downing, Mr. Pappas, and Mr. Bean for their work on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. Morrison).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski).

Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H.R. 828, the Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans Act, also known as the SERV Act.

Veteran entrepreneurs are powerful economic engines and job creators. More than 1.6 million veteran businessowners employ nearly 3.3 million Americans and make approximately $983.9 billion in sales.

With that said, one of the biggest challenges facing veteran-owned small businesses is access to capital. Servicemembers report that it can be difficult to build credit while serving overseas. Studies have shown that a higher percentage of veterans are turned down for loans. The uncertainty underscores the need for investment in veteran-owned small businesses.

The bill we are considering today would require the Government Accountability Office, GAO, to conduct a study on the availability of credit to veteran, service-disabled, and reserve-owned small businesses.

I commend Representatives Davids, Alford, and Conaway for their bipartisan work on this bill that will identify barriers and improve SBA's outreach to veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Kansas (Ms. Davids), the main sponsor of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Conaway).

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Ms. Davids, Mr. Alford, and Mr. Conaway for their commitment to our Nation's veterans. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 828, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rosa Figueroa as she retires after 18 remarkable years as the Director of the LaGuardia Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC). In this vital position, Rosa oversaw the Center's small business services and spearheaded economic development initiatives that has left a lasting legacy. Her tireless dedication and leadership have been instrumental in ensuring the success and growth of small businesses, particularly those in the Sunnyside, Woodside, and neighboring Queens communities.

Rosa's commitment to fostering small business development has had a profound impact on Queens and New York City as a whole. Notably, she has been a staunch advocate for minority and women-owned entrepreneurs, providing them with the resources and support needed to thrive in a competitive market.

The LaGuardia SBDC assists approximately 3,000 small businesses across Queens, New York each year through its comprehensive advising and education programs. Recognizing the crucial role these small businesses play in New York City's economy, Rosa ensured that the SBDC was an accessible and valuable resource for all small business owners. Her years of dedicated service have positioned the LaGuardia SBDC to continue its mission of supporting small businesses well into the future.

In addition to her outstanding role at the SBDC, Rosa has served on numerous boards and as a member of various business, trade, and civic organizations. Through these roles, she has tirelessly promoted small business and community partnerships, fostering local economic vitality. Rosa has received numerous accolades for her exceptional service and unwavering commitment to our state and community.

On behalf of the small business community in Queens, I extend my deepest gratitude to Rosa Figueroa for her unwavering dedication and significant contributions. Her efforts have made our city a better place to live, work, and launch a business. I am honored to recognize and congratulate Rosa on her well-deserved retirement and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of the Honorable Gerald E. Loehr, a public servant who served with distinction and dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice.

Hon. Gerald E. Loehr was born into a Yonkers family with a longstanding tradition of politics and public service on May 19, 1943. His great-grandfather, John J. Loehr, served as a Yonkers Alderman (Councilman); his grandfather, Joseph F. Loehr, was the Mayor of Yonkers from 1932 to 1939; his mother, Gertrude Sweetman, was a civil servant; and his father, John F. Loehr, was an attorney and an Administrative Law Judge. With passion and principle, he proudly followed the family tradition.

He graduated from Manhattan College in 1965 and Fordham Law School in 1969. He began his distinguished career as a New York City Assistant District Attorney under the legendary Frank Hogan from 1969 to 1973. He then moved into private practice at the firm of Nobile and Magarian from 1973 to 1975.

Returning to the public sector in Yonkers, Loehr served two terms as the Third Ward Councilman from 1975 to 1979 and one term as Mayor from 1979 to 1981. Upon leaving the Mayor's office, he returned to private practice as a founding partner of the law firm Ecker, Loehr, & Ecker, LLP, where he worked until 2004.

In 2005, he was elected as Judge in the Westchester County Court. In 2006, he was appointed as an Acting State Supreme Court Justice, and in 2012, he was elected to serve as a State Supreme Court Justice in the 9th Judicial District.

Loehr was a devoted husband and father, survived by his beloved wife, Susan Newman Loehr, also a public servant and retired Westchester County Commissioner of Jurors. He is also survived by his older brother, John Loehr, and six children from two marriages: Peter, Janine (Barbanell), Melissa, Jonathan (Newman), Cariana (Bulman), and Gerald E., II. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, who will miss him dearly.

Today, Yonkers, the State of New York and our Nation, have lost a dedicated protector of justice. It is my hope that his wife, children, and grandchildren can draw strength and comfort from his many contributions. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying homage to a lifetime of service and in remembering the Honorable Gerald E. Loehr.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 7198, the Prove It Act.

Part of the role of the Small Business Committee is to recognize the impact regulations have on small businesses and work to find ways to balance the shared goal of minimizing the burdens and achieving the intended effects of regulations.

Throughout our committee hearings, we have heard that agencies have been better about considering the impact of their rules on small entities since the passage of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Another tool at our disposal is the ability of advocacy to convene SBREFA panels to give small businesses an opportunity to provide input at the beginning of the rulemaking process and when it is most important.

The Office of Advocacy has been working diligently to educate and train rule-writing staff about their responsibilities, and we have seen the fruits of their labor. The analysis agencies are conducting has improved significantly.

Yet, this bill ignores the current process. Instead of strengthening it to serve the interests of small employers, the bill we are considering today would bring our rulemaking process to a grinding halt.

It will also give big corporations a powerful new tool to delay and weaken rules, causing uncertainty and harm to small employers.

By creating an unworkable quasi-judicial process within the SBA's Office of Advocacy for reviewing agency certifications, it allows any group that claims to represent small businesses to petition Advocacy to block rules that it doesn't like.

The Prove It Act also requires agencies to conduct retrospective reviews based on the indirect costs identified in the initial analysis, without recognizing that agencies may have modified the rule during the rulemaking process.

Most concerning is the broad and unchecked authority of the chief counsel to announce that a rule is no longer effective if an agency fails to conduct a retrospective review. This means a small employer that came into compliance with an existing rule could see it eliminated and then possibly reinstated sometime in the future. This is counterproductive to what my colleagues state they are trying to achieve.

Finally, today's bill implements another lengthy process without providing additional assistance to an under-resourced Office of Advocacy. If enacted, Advocacy will need to double its staff and, no surprise, this bill provides no additional resources.

CBO estimates that agencies and Advocacy will need an additional $40 million over the next 5 years to implement this act, and that doesn't include the $17 million added to the Federal deficit.

Small employers need certainty, and this bill fails to provide it. It would only serve to cause undue chaos and confusion while achieving very little to help and support our Nation's small employers. That is why I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

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

Mr. Speaker, let me begin by reiterating that as the ranking member of the Small Business Committee, I recognize the impact of regulations, and I have worked to find ways to balance the shared goal of minimizing the burdens while achieving the intended effects of regulations.

The Prove It Act doesn't strike that appropriate balance. It allows big corporations to block, delay, and weaken rules. Yes, the Chamber of Commerce or NFIB could file a petition and doesn't have to identify the business that they are representing, causing uncertainty and harm to small employers. It also gives unchecked authority to the SBA's chief counsel and tasks an understaffed and under-resourced Office of Advocacy with a cumbersome and lengthy review process.

That is why I am offering a commonsense solution. My amendment will require the Office of Advocacy to train agencies on how to comply with their Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Key personnel at every rule-writing agency would be required to undergo RFA training once every 4 years. We have heard from Advocacy that when agencies have a better understanding of the RFA, it leads to more meaningful consideration of small businesses throughout the rulemaking process. Advocacy has been working diligently to train staff, and we have seen the fruits of their labor year after year.

Their training programs have made a significant difference in the rule-writing process, and requiring ongoing training will only lead to more success. Agencies have shared draft documents with Advocacy early in the rulemaking process, and Advocacy has worked to help agencies obtain reliable small business data. Their training program has led to much better analysis, and in many instances enhanced the factual basis for agency certifications or led to modifications to reduce the impact to small firms.

Mr. Speaker, we need to foster a constructive working relationship between

Advocacy and Federal agencies rather than create an adversarial one. This amendment will ensure that Advocacy reaches all agencies on RFA compliance on a regular basis.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dianne Jackson. Dianne Jackson was a lifetime public housing resident, leader and activist dedicated to improving living conditions and advocating for tenant rights. She had firsthand experience with the injustices faced by public housing residents and their communities and dedicated her life to fixing them.

As a member and graduate of the National Congress of Neighborhood Women (NCNW) college program, Dianne used her voice to bring attention to issues such as substandard housing conditions, lack of access to resources and opportunities, and discrimination residents face. She served as President of Cooper Park Resident Council for a decade and on the board of NYCHA's Citywide Council of Presidents. Dianne worked with NCNW and helped organize women in the fight for healthcare services, daycare, and community services for young people. She served on numerous anti-poverty boards, including the first NYC Area Policy Board, comprised of community leaders charged with helping to secure local funding for communities.

She was a member of the NYPD Community Council and a voice against police abuse, while supporting public safety measures to keep neighborhoods safe. Dianne organized residents to join the fight against environmental degradation, local waste companies, and polluting manufacturers. Cooper Park Houses, a predominately Black and Latino community, has been impacted by environmental injustices that hurt the health and wellness of residents. Dianne Jackson became a recognized and respected leader of influence. She has been featured in community documentaries and recognized by the City, State and Federal leaders for her advocacy.

Dianne touched so many lives through her work, and our city is undoubtedly a better place because of her. She will be sorely missed, but I'm heartened to know that her legacy will inspire young people looking to stand up against injustice in our great city. My thoughts are with her family and all the New Yorkers who had the pleasure to know her. May she rest in peace and may we all honor her memory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Forest Park Carousel and the Seuffert Bandshell in Woodhaven, Queens. For generations, these landmarks have served as treasured symbols of nostalgia, community spirit, and historical importance. They each hold a special place in New York's history and in our hearts. It is with immense pride that we celebrate their centennial anniversary.

The Forest Park Carousel, with its rich history dating back to 1903, represents a bygone era of unparalleled craftsmanship. Designed by German immigrant Daniel Carl Muller, the carousel stands as a masterpiece of artistry and has been a beloved attraction since it first opened in 1924, The carousel's 52 masterfully carved figures and timeless music have captivated visitors young and old, serving as a cherished backdrop for countless family gatherings and childhood memories. Its enduring presence is a testament to the resilience of tradition and the importance of preservation.

Similarly, the Seuffert Bandshell has been a cornerstone of cultural life in Forest Park. Named after the esteemed conductor and composer Dr. George Seuffert, Sr., for one hundred years the bandshell has hosted

countless music performances, and community events. It has echoed the sounds of music, laughter, and celebration, bringing together the community.

As the Forest Park Community celebrates this remarkable milestone, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the Forest Park Trust, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, Woodhaven Historical Society, elected officials and many more who have worked tirelessly to preserve these landmarks. Throughout its lifespan, the Woodhaven community has continually advocated for restoration efforts and ongoing conservation, underscoring their commitment to preserving historical treasures for future generations.

Mr Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Forest Park Carousel and the Seuffert Bandshell. May these iconic landmarks continue to inspire and bring joy to our community for many years to come.