Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of the Hudson River Clearwater Sloop--a champion of environmental activism and education that has sailed the Hudson since 1969.

Inspired by folk legend Pete Seeger, the Clearwater Sloop was born out of a deep commitment to protecting the Hudson River, Seeger, alongside his wife Toshi and a cadre of fellow musicians, created a replica of the historic sloops that once sailed the river. Their mission: to let residents experience the beauty of their river and be moved to preserve it.

Throughout its history, the Clearwater has consistently stood as a steward of the Hudson River. In 1970, it set sail for Washington, D.C., with thousands of petitions in support of the federal Clean Water Act. This historic voyage is credited with playing a pivotal role in the adoption of this historic legislation.

From successful campaigns against the Storm King Mountain power plant, standing up against pollution caused by PCB dumping from General Electric, to the thousands of students throughout my district who for generations have learned about the river through their educational programming, the Clearwater has been a beacon of advocacy, education, and it has helped shepherd in the modern environmental movement.

Today, despite its legacy, the future of the Clearwater is uncertain. Financial strain compounded by the challenges from the pandemic threatens to put a ship listed on the National Register of Historic Places out of commission. Despite this threat, hope remains high.

Together with the support of my constituents and the efforts of my office, we are working to not just save the Clearwater but also continue its mission. Last week, the House of Representatives passed my bill, the ``Hudson River Protection Act.'' This vital legislation is yet another example of the challenges and work that lie ahead to ensure that we protect clean drinking water in the Hudson Valley.

As we recognize the work and legacy of Clearwater, I will end today with a line from a song written by its founder ``Some day, though maybe not this year/My Hudson River will once again run clear.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two visionaries of the Hudson Valley arts scene upon their retirement.

Chris Silva and Stephen LaMarca have been life forces for the region's live music and theater performances for the past three decades, revitalizing the Bardavon Opera House built in 1869 in Poughkeepsie and the Ulster Performing Arts Center in my hometown of Kingston.

The two together preserved the Bardavon's record as the oldest operating theater in New York State, keeping it afloat through many trying times.

Their ingenuity and savviness brought big name stars from Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan to Jon Stewart to the theaters.

Chris and Stephen's impact on the community goes beyond the bright marquee lights. Their big-time gigs helped fund extensive service to our community, from free films for kids to educational programs, and igniting economic boons for the surrounding downtown neighborhoods in both Poughkeepsie and Kingston.

Although their retirement won't come until the end of this year, as they prepare, I wish them a restful and

happy retirement, spent with the satisfaction of knowing they are responsible for inspiring an estimated 2.5 million audience members through the over 2,500 artists and performances they brought to the stage in the Hudson Valley.

Honoring Dennis DeGroat, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor World War II veteran Dennis DeGroat, Jr., who recently passed in his hometown of Port Jervis, New York, only weeks after the entire community came together to celebrate his 100th birthday and only hours after finally being pinned with a Purple Heart that had been missing and replaced from years ago.

Dennis' life of service to our Nation is incredible and started in the Civilian Conservation Corps. He then went on to serve in the Army, protecting freedom and democracy for all Americans and the world on the front lines in Europe, including on the shores of Normandy and in the Battle of the Bulge, and suffering grievous injuries at the Battle of Aachen.

In that battle, he nearly lost both of his legs and was told that he would never walk again, but that was no match for Dennis. He relearned to walk and never slowed down again.

He came back to his home community and worked well into his 90s, and his incredible legacy of service and positivity lives on through 20 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, 19 great-great-grandchildren, and countless others that his 100 years of heroism, humility, and service inspired.

Dennis is proof that a century spent in service to others leaves an impact that will last many, many more.

Congratulating Lieutenant Brandon Rola

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lieutenant Brandon Rola on being named the new chief of police for the city of Newburgh, New York.

Lieutenant Rola is Newburgh through and through. He decided early on in his life to commit fully to serving his community, our community.

At only 38, he is already a 16-year veteran of the Newburgh Police Department, recognized over 30 times for his meritorious and heroic acts.

If you know Brandon, it truly is not about the awards; it is about protecting his community and protecting his neighbors.

It is this sense of duty and selfless service that drove him into a cold, snowy Thanksgiving night in 2014 at 2 a.m. in search of two missing boys.

During the search, he found a shovel next to a snowbank, felt a gut instinct to dig, and ultimately found the missing boys buried in an 8- foot tall snowbank. He rightly received national attention after the rescue but humbly said: It was a good day.

Today is a good day for Newburgh, and tomorrow and many more after, with the city's safety in the hands of Lieutenant Rola, a tried-and- true public servant.

Congratulating Captain Steven Minard

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Captain Steven Minard on his retirement after over four decades of extraordinary and selfless public service to the city of Poughkeepsie Police Department and all the residents of the city of Poughkeepsie in the Hudson Valley.

Throughout his incredible career, Captain Minard went above and beyond in his call to protect and serve. In addition to his selfless service and great risk to himself and his family, he earned a master's degree and ultimately a Ph.D., becoming Dr. Minard, expanding the impact of his service and training others in our local community colleges and surrounding universities. He attended the FBI Academy and developed training ultimately for the FBI National Executive Institute.

He has not only directly uplifted the Poughkeepsie community by building trust and delivering peace of mind but made countless communities across New York safer through the curriculum he developed and taught.

While his retirement from the force will be felt and he will be deeply missed, I am hopeful for the future because of the thousands of others he has trained to be champions for their communities just like he has been.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Terry Anderson, who recently passed at his home in Greenwood Lake, New York. Terry served our country with honor and distinction, first as a marine and later as a journalist.

In 1985, while reporting on the Lebanese civil war as the AP's chief Middle Eastern correspondent, Terry was abducted by terrorists from Hezbollah and held hostage for 7 years. Terry never lost his sense of humor or his fiery spirit.

After his return to freedom, his extraordinary humanitarian efforts uplifted lives in our community and across the globe. Terry cofounded the Vietnam Children's Fund, building over 50 schools for communities in need. It was my privilege to fight alongside him to end veteran homelessness through the Rumshock Veterans Foundation on whose board he served.

My thoughts and our whole community's thoughts are with Terry's family and the countless friends and colleagues that come from a life well lived and grounded in service.

I want to share in closing words from Terry himself: ``If you keep the hatred, you can't have the joy.'' I think we can all learn something from Mr. Terry Anderson, a true American patriot.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to welcome and thank today's guest chaplain, Pastor Heinrich Arnold, representing the Bruderhof community in New York's 18th District.

Over a century ago, the founders of the Bruderhof were exiled from Germany for their refusal to fight for the Nazis. They eventually found refuge and freedom here in America.

Today, the Hudson Valley is proud to be the home to almost half of the worldwide community of Bruderhof members. They have continued their practice to lead a much simpler life, focused on family, faith, and selfless service, and their example has served and inspired our entire community.

Pastor Arnold's leadership extends far beyond his role as senior pastor for the Bruderhof communities. He also serves as chaplain for our Ulster County Sheriff's Department and as a teacher at the Woodcrest Elementary School. He has dedicated his life's work to speaking about forgiveness and reconciliation through the Breaking the Cycle of Violence program. His efforts in over a dozen countries and right in our own community have been remarkable to follow.

At a time where our country faces such great division, I am thankful for Pastor Arnold and the entire Bruderhof community for presenting this prayer today, blessing our government as we prepare to make critical decisions in the days to come.

I ask all of us to recenter ourselves and work together on these critical issues laid out before us. As the Bruderhof believe, when you truly love your neighbor as yourself, peace and justice become a reality.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Woods' impressive record of service to our country.

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Woods, the son of a career Army Officer, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. He earned his Bachelor of Science and was commissioned as a Field Artillery officer upon graduation in May 2007.

He has served in various capacities across the Army, including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain, and Jordan. The units he served with include the 1ST Infantry Division, 82ND Airborne Division, 5TH Special Forces Group, West Points Corps of Cadets, and the 25TH Infantry Division in Alaska. Most recently, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Joint Interagency Task Force--National Capital Region.

In addition to his dedication to service, Lieutenant Colonel Woods has dedicated himself to lifelong learning. He holds two Master's degrees: one in Organizational Psychology from Teacher's College, Columbia University (2016) and the other in Defense Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada (2018).

Lieutenant Colonel Woods has received numerous awards and decorations for his service including: the Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. He has earned the Senior Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Combat Action Badge. Lt. Col. Woods also holds Chilean, Italian, and British airborne wings.

In June, Lieutenant Colonel Woods will take Command of the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 10TH Mountain Division. I wish Lieutenant Colonel Woods, his wife Brianna, and their four children, Collin, Luke, Evan, and Emma, the best of luck in the future. Their dedication to this country is truly inspiring and honorable.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true trailblazer, Ramona Fradon, who recently passed away at the age of 97.

One of the country's first female comic artists, Ramona was world- renowned for her illustrations at D.C. Comics, where she created and contributed to characters like Aquaman and Metamorpho.

As an independent comic, she was an inspiration to female artists around the world as the illustrator for the iconic feminist character, Brenda Starr, Reporter.

Beyond her work as a comic, Ramona was a powerful advocate for seniors and people throughout our community in Ulster County, especially in her efforts to protect and strengthen Medicare.

She was a true force and the overwhelming outpouring of support from literally across the world following her passing highlights the exceptional legacy that Ms. Fradon leaves behind.

My thoughts are with her daughter, Amy, and all of her family and friends throughout our community and across the country.

May we all take a moment to remember Ramona and hopefully to enjoy a couple of her comics.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor 9-year-old Bethany Moultry, a constituent in my district, for her amazing work in providing care packages for the homeless across the Hudson Valley.

Through her nonprofit organization, Bethany's Happy Bags for the Homeless, Bethany and her mother have delivered food, first aid kits, toiletries, and smiles to people in need across our community.

Along with her mother, Colleen Moultry, Bethany began Bethany's Happy Bags for the Homeless in December 2020 when it was her birthday wish to help people in need in her community.

As word began to spread over Facebook, the Moultrys began proactively receiving supplies and funding from all across our community and over time from all across our country. It has now developed into a movement across our Nation inspiring other young people to do the same.

This project has formed into a much larger act of service, and community members have joined together to donate to the Moultrys' cause.

These efforts have led to over 5,000 Happy Bags distributed to the people who need them the most in our community.

Just a few months ago, I had the privilege to meet Bethany and her family, to recognize her, to commend her, and also to thank her for her help making Valentine's Day special for the veterans in our community. She does a lot across our community.

Mr. Speaker, I want every single person across the country to recognize Bethany and know that our whole community shares that pride in her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the return of the Shen Yun Performing Arts Company to the David H. Koch theater at Lincoln Center in New York City in April 2024.

Shen Yun Performing Arts was established in New York in 2006 and has become a worldwide phenomenon as they travel to 180 cities every year to perform. Millions of people travel to see this unique performance time and time again and with the development of new dances each year, the performers, choreographers, and conductors continually develop an amazing show for all to enjoy.

The ancient Chinese traditions that are rooted in virtue, faith, and moral values are brought to life in the performances that feature dancing and singing with performers wearing intricate costumes. Artistic freedom is essential to a society and Shen Yun expresses that ideal in the face of continued opposition from the Chinese government.

I had the privilege of meeting many members of the Shen Yun community located in my distict and watched the performance in Washington, D.C. It was a huge honor to see such talent.

I want to thank the members of Shen Yun for their great success thus far and wish them all the best performing at Lincoln Center.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce's Leap of Kindness Day, on February 29, 2024.

Leap of Kindness Day was started in 2016 by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and has taken place on February 29th each Leap Year since. The goal of the day has always been to spend the extra day we are given every four years doing acts of kindness. This initiative has spread throughout the U.S., Canada, and Ireland to help those in need.

Leap of Kindness Day offers community members a chance to do something kind for someone else. It motivates organizations, businesses, and communities to donate clothing, food, and money to local not-for-profit organizations.

This day keeps communities rooted in their values and spreads love to neighbors. Growing up in Ulster County, I have seen how giving, dedicated, and kind my neighbors in the Hudson Valley are to those around them. I hope that everyone can take part in such a great initiative, participating alongside their communities to help others, not just today but every day as we all work to spread more kindness.

I want to recognize Ward Todd and Jess Davis, President and Vice President of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce, for their work to make Leap of Kindness Day such a meaningful day for our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor the impressive record of one of my constituents, Mr. Stephen Cole, for his service to our Nation.

During the Vietnam war, Sergeant Cole was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division as part of a small patrol reconnaissance and ambush unit operating in Vietnam's Central Highlands near the Cambodian border and the La Drang Valley.

While in Vietnam during a routine reconnaissance patrol, Sergeant Cole suffered wounds during a firefight when he was impaled by a punji stick after stepping into a boobytrap. Had he moved a millimeter to the right or left, he likely would have lost his life.

He was subsequently evacuated to the field hospital in An Khe for medical treatment.

For his service there and his heroism, Sergeant Cole was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic achievement, heroic service, and meritorious actions, in addition to the Purple Heart for the wounds he received in action on July 14, 1970.

Sergeant Cole received numerous other awards for his service, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star attachments, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

Madam Speaker, all these awards speak to the true grit and service of Mr. Cole. I had the honor to present him and his family with these awards myself. It was a powerful moment in recognition of his service, and to thank him on behalf of our entire Nation and thank all of our Vietnam veterans for their heroism and service.

It is my honor to recognize him here today in front of all of my fellow Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Andrew O'Grady, CEO of Mental Health America (MHA) of Dutchess County, for his extraordinary 30 years of service to those affected by mental illness and addiction in the Hudson Valley.

Andrew has been with MHA of Dutchess County for 23 years and managed the transition of Case Management Services and Mental Health Clinics, from Dutchess County government to MHA and local hospitals. Through his embrace of change and leadership in development, design, and staffing, New York State has had successful major transitions in the human services sector.

Andrew has appeared on both radio and television speaking about mental health in an effort to eradicate stigma associated with getting care.

He has been a leading voice in discussing mental health and addiction in his community and has been recognized locally and statewide for his leadership and commitment.

As President of the NYS Care Management Coalition, Andrew helped grow the annual conference and the Coalition added a new website. Andrew also lobbied for the continuation and modification of the Health Home Care Management system in New York State. He is also a senior adviser to a new whole health support app-based business called PACiFYr.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Andrew O'Grady for his service in fighting for mental health awareness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the 5th annual Sojourner Truth Life Walk, happening this Saturday, February 17th, at Kingston Plaza in Kingston, N.Y.

Truth was an advocate for civil and women's rights, abolition, and temperance. Born in Ulster County, NY, in my district, Sojourner Truth endured the brutal and violent punishments of slavery. In 1826, a year before New York's abolition law went into effect, she and her young daughter ran away to the household of an abolitionist family in New Paltz, New York. Truth became the first Black woman to sue a white man and win, after her son was illegally sold to a plantation owner in Alabama.

Truth joined the Northampton Association of Education and Industry, an abolitionist organization, where she launched her activist career.

In 1851, at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention, Sojourner Truth spoke powerfully about equal rights for Black women and her experience, as an emancipated Black woman living in America. Her speech moved audiences and captured the attention of many.

As I commemorate her life on Saturday with the Kingston community, I would like to thank the organizers of the event, Black History Month Kingston, My Kingston Kids, Harambee, the City of Kingston, and Seasoned Gives, and all they have done to put this together. Their work has not gone unnoticed.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I don't get up very often and speak much on the floor, to be honest. What I heard in the few minutes here from my colleagues is, as the gentleman from Massachusetts said, the greatest hits, the recurring talking points over and over and over that are completely disconnected from where constituents in my district, in the Hudson Valley of New York, are on a whole host of issues.

These are people who want us to actually fix problems. Specifically, they are people who want us to stand up for freedom and democracy in the face of rising authoritarian access around the world. Instead of doing any of that, we are debating these same bills over and over and over.

We should be voting right now to stand strong with our democratic, small d, allies around the world from Europe to the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. I am not going to read this letter, but as I was walking here, I received a letter from one of my constituents, an 18-year-old young man--I am not going to say his name and embarrass him without his permission--from Warwick, New York, who I had the incredible honor to nominate to the United States Military Academy at West Point, my alma mater. All of us have been giving these nominations to great American young men and women who, even in the time of incredible risk and danger around the world, are willing to stand up.

He said: I now fully realize why I want to serve my country; why I need to serve my country.

How are we going to send our young men and women in uniform into harm's way without looking them in the eye and saying: We stand for something. We stand for democracy. We stand for freedom. That is why I signed up and raised my right hand and took the oath as a commissioned officer in the United States Army.

Mr. Speaker, by ignoring the bipartisan Senate bill to provide support to our allies, instead of keeping faith with our allies in Ukraine, who have stood proudly and strongly against all odds and against all expectations, and who continue to do so, instead of voting to send them the support they need, to have our allies' back, we are debating this same stuff over and over.

We all know why. It is at the direction of one former President for political, selfish reasons, the same person who called my brothers and sisters in arms suckers and losers. He is now the puppet master as Putin gets every single thing he wants.

How can I look this young man and all the people who we are sending to all of our service academies in the eye, when we can't even have a vote? If you don't want to vote for democracy and freedom, fine, but at least be proud enough and brave enough to stand on the floor of the House of Representatives and let your constituents know that.

Mr. Speaker, I won't use the full balance of the time that the gentleman yielded. I just strongly urge all of my colleagues, not as partisans, not as politicians, but as patriots, demand a vote on this bill and stand and be counted.

Let us stand with our allies in Europe. Let us stand with our allies in the Middle East against Iran. Let us stand with our allies in the Indo-Pacific. That is what we owe the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of an impactful community leader, Mrs. Beulah Jackson.

As a life-long New York resident, Mrs. Jackson spent her life leading her community of Beacon where she resided for 75 years. She worked alongside politicians and organizations to promote an inclusive and equitable community for those around her.

Her advocacy roles have included being a civic leader of the African American community and a long-time member of the NAACP. She was inspired by the Civil Rights movement recognized leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rev. Jesse Jackson. With such significant role models, Mrs. Jackson worked alongside contemporaries such as Mayor Clara Lou Gould, Peter Seeger, and Rev. Barbara Baker to promote critical relationships between community members and their leaders throughout Dutchess County and the larger New York State.

Mrs. Jackson's legacy has truly made a mark on her local and larger communities. Her incredible dedication to various programs created for uplifting communities, specifically in Poughkeepsie and Beacon, has always been inspiring to those around her and for years to come.

As the first African-American bookkeeper in Poughkeepsie and the first African-American Director of the Anti-Poverty Program in Beacon, Mrs. Jackson was a trailblazer who should be honored for her service. Even her work with scholarship programs at the local schools or in youth clubs, she has touched the lives of the young and the old, truly contributing to the social fabric for the county.

I am truly honored to say that the district I represent had such a strong leader to show all of us the importance of service and community engagement. Her leadership will remain admirable as I hope we all can learn from the accomplishments of this amazing woman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100-year anniversary of the Anderson Center for Autism.

In 1924, the Anderson Center for Autism, founded by psychiatrist Victor V. Anderson, was created to enhance, and optimize the quality of life for individuals who are born with autism as well as their families.

By developing an integrated educational system that helped children with their emotional and social needs, Dr. Anderson developed a nationally renowned autism service agency to support the community around the world.

Through the development of new technologies and practices to help with autism services, individuals can thrive and take advantage of this beautiful campus.

During the commencement ceremony in 1944, First-Lady Eleanor Roosevelt addressed the community and the center's 14 graduates. During her speech, Roosevelt left the community with three quotes; ``Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one,'' ``You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage,'' and ``You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.'' These quotes still resonate today as the center succeeds in staying true to its founding and I wish the center the best of luck in the next 100 years.