Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 474.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Representative Deluzio lending his voice on the House floor to speak to some of the injustice out there. Certainly, representing a district that has immense amounts of rail, it is important for us to address safety, consumer ridership, and also the economy.

Over these past months and years, we have seen far too many hardworking Americans struggling to get by and crippled by costs.

Recent data shows that more than one-quarter of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. We need to be sensitive to all of these perspectives as they relate to working families.

Meanwhile, corporate greed and wealth disparity are at an all-time high. One of the countless recent examples of billion-dollar corporations putting profits over people's lives came during and after Hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall, wreaking death and destruction across the southeastern United States. In their wake, complaints of price gouging poured in as families trying to flee the devastating storms reported skyrocketing costs for airline tickets, gas, hotel rooms, and more.

Despite many States having anti-price-gouging laws--these vary from State to State--the largest corporations can often easily avoid liability. That is why, last month, I joined a dozen of my Democratic colleagues in a letter led by Senator Elizabeth Warren calling for a Federal anti-price-gouging law to protect American consumers.

Unchecked corporate greed has hurt everyday Americans for far too long. Democrats are ready to face this issue head-on. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that President-elect Trump and Republicans share the same commitment. Rather than working with us to drive down the cost of living and make big corporations pay their fair share, they have announced their plans to expand the Trump tax scam.

Expanding this unpopular law will only further cement massive tax breaks for Trump's billionaire buddies like Elon Musk while sticking the working-class people who voted for him with higher costs on everyday goods through his half-baked tariff scheme.

Experts from both sides of the aisle have said plainly that if these GOP policies are implemented, they will send prices surging and claw back any progress we have made to stem inflation. These are not the types of policies that the American people signed up for.

Republicans and Democrats alike need to stand together to enact a bipartisan tax plan that would lower taxes for working- and middle- class families while ensuring everyone pays their fair share, including Trump's billionaire buddies.

If they aren't willing to join us in this effort to support middle- class Americans, we will fight back however we can, and that is a promise. Of course, it involves all sorts of angles that speak to the doability for working families, making certain that regulations speak to the needs of consumers for rail safety, growing the economy, and providing efficiencies so that American families are justly served.

We need to do a lot of business in the upcoming session, and we need to do it with American families in mind, those working families who struggle in the economy. We need to make improvements and let fairness be our guide.

I thank Congressman Deluzio for his leadership on behalf of working families and on behalf of safety. I know we both have districts that require that sort of laser-sharp focus. It is an honor to serve with him. I thank him for raising his voice and boldly speaking for justice for our American consumers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the tremendous work and lasting contributions made by Carm Basile, CEO of the Capital District Transportation Authority, as he retires from a 43- year career connecting our capital region communities.

Starting at CDTA as a transportation planner in 1981, Carm steadily moved up the ranks with his signature determination to improve the lives of those he served. Through trials and tribulations, pandemic and recovery, Carm has spent the past 15 years growing and strengthening the Authority in his role as CEO.

From developing bus rapid transit lines, to starting Albany's first bike share program, to expanding services into Montgomery County, Carm has steadily guided CDTA into the 21st century.

As Carm moves into the next chapter of his life, I thank him for keeping our capital region moving and moving forward. I pass on congratulations of the entire 20th District to Carm for a well-earned retirement. We wish him well.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 440.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding individual who exemplifies the best of New York's capital region, a leader and educator whose commitment to her students has changed lives for the better. That individual is Ms. Colleen Keough, a second grade teacher at Hamilton Elementary School in Schenectady who earlier this month was recognized by the New York Board of Regents as the New York State Teacher of the Year.

In 16 years with the Schenectady City School District, including 13 at Hamilton Elementary, Ms. Keough has been a relentless champion for her students in the classroom and beyond. She has made her classroom a safe, fun, and supportive place for every student to learn, and she has helped build community with students' families through the monthly PTO events she started with a colleague.

A teacher is someone who drives students' academic progress, but a great teacher is so much more. Colleen Keough is one of those great teachers. I thank Ms. Keough and congratulate her again. Her heart, her leadership, and her dedication serve as an inspiration to her students and to us all. She has enabled her students to discover their gifts, their abilities, and their passions. We thank her.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) for yielding.

The transportation sector is the largest source of climate pollution in our United States and also a major emitter of other dangerous pollutants.

It should not surprise anyone that EPA has finalized a rule to fulfill its obligation to protect Americans from harmful air pollution. Unfortunately, this resolution will nullify a rule that, by all analyses, will save lives, save Americans money, and bolster our domestic manufacturing.

It is, indeed, expected to result in up to $99 billion in net benefits annually, including major consumer savings on reduced fuel costs and vehicle maintenance that can range up to $6,000 over the life of a vehicle.

Madam Speaker, just the other night, I attended the annual gathering of the Alliance to Save Energy as they recognized heroes in our communities who have moved forward with innovation and efforts to clean the environment and to make the air we breathe more safe.

It was interesting to watch these innovators, these start-up agents, members from the business and industrial communities, all talking about progress, significant progress that has been made simply by responding to demands for a safer and cleaner environment.

It is why this rule has worked in conjunction with the industry and the union workers, to make certain that there is a rule that can indeed be responded to. Putting aside all of the public health, environmental, and economic benefits, we should see this rule as an opportunity to further drive technological innovation.

EPA's rule is in line with market trends for light-duty vehicles. More and more Americans are choosing to go electric, thanks in large part to incentives, incentives like those in the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act.

Even more of these vehicles, because of that and their components, will be made in America. In the years ahead, we expect the cost of EVs to come down and come down significantly, the performance and range of EVs to improve, and consumer demand for EVs to continue to grow.

This resolution will create tremendous uncertainty for American auto manufacturers, undermining the nearly $200 billion in private-sector investment that has been made into our domestic EV and battery supply chains since the start of the Biden administration. Those investments are already creating hundreds of thousands of high-quality jobs.

Automakers want and need to know which standards they need to design and build their vehicles to. EPA's rule provides the certainty required to develop and produce American-made, clean-vehicle technologies. That certainty is a theme constantly brought to my attention by those who come and visit with us to advance progressive policy.

For over a century, America has been the greatest auto manufacturing nation in the world. We know other countries are competing to produce the next generation of zero-emission vehicles, and I believe there is a bipartisan agreement that the United States should not be dependent on China for EV technologies.

Here is where we depart: Republicans want to pretend that EVs are not coming, even though all the consumer trends say otherwise. The majority is okay with China dominating this market if my colleagues on the other side of the aisle can stop Americans from going electric.

House Democrats know that increased adoption of EVs is going to benefit America, Americans' health, our environment, and our wallets. We believe that, if America competes, America wins. We will embrace the changes that are occurring in this sector and make certain our manufacturers have that regulatory certainty necessary to drive us forward to a cleaner and, indeed, a healthier future. That certainty is provided by the standards Republicans want to undo today.

Madam Speaker, for the sake of promoting American innovation, addressing our pollution challenges, and supporting our long-term national economic competitiveness, I urge Members to oppose this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 40th anniversary of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, or EESI.

For four decades, EESI has provided valuable educational opportunities, policy analysis, and support to Congress and so many others all around the country.

EESI was founded as a caucus in Congress by a bipartisan group of Members, including Dick Ottinger from the great State of New York in 1975.

In the 1980s, it became an independent nonprofit focused on educating Members and staff, convening stakeholders, and advancing science-based solutions for climate, energy, and environmental challenges.

Many Members attended their annual Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo, which brings cutting-edge energy companies to the Hill to show off the latest innovations.

Over the years, I have been proud to collaborate with EESI so many times, and I truly value their work.

To EESI's staff and supporters, I congratulate them on this 40th anniversary, and I wish them many more years of being such an important partner to Members of Congress, moving upward and onward with additional innovation through the years.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 403.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 7637 and H.R. 7700, both of which are being considered this afternoon.

Mr. Speaker, I am surprised that Republicans went home for Independence Day, reflected upon all that great holiday means, and, as their first order of business back in D.C., brought up these redundant, anticonsumer bills.

Let it not be said that House Republicans don't care about people's rights. These bills support the rights of Chinese manufacturers to dump cheap, inferior products into the U.S. market. These bills support the right for utilities to bill Americans more just for keeping their refrigerators plugged in or running their dishwashers.

Strong efficiency standards reduce energy use and are proven to save Americans hundreds of dollars each and every year. These bills support the right of landlords to stick their renters with low-performing appliances.

Strong efficiency standards raise the bar for everyone. DOE's efficiency standards are required by law to be cost-effective, and they result in major savings for every American household. They also reduce energy demand, which makes our electric grid more reliable.

The refrigerator and dishwasher standards, which would be undone by the bills before us today, reflect the consensus of energy efficiency advocates, consumer advocates, and American home appliance manufacturers. That is right: Our own domestic manufacturers recognize the benefits of these standards and truly support DOE's rules.

We have wasted enough time. We have wasted enough energy already. Let's not stand in the way of the Department of Energy and American manufacturers that want to support the development of the next generation of innovative, cost-effective, and energy efficient appliances.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage Members to do the proconsumer and patriotic thing by rejecting these bills today.

Madam Chair, had I been present, I would have voted No on Roll Call No. 285.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the members of the Albany Marching Falcons for their inspiring performance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the D-day invasion in France.

Earlier this month, the Marching Falcons, made up of middle and high school students from the Albany City School District, had the opportunity to perform in Falaise, where the Battle of Normandy took place 40 years ago.

Band members also took part in a personal ceremony on Omaha Beach, where they honored deceased friends and family members who served in the Second World War.

Bryan Cady, the marching band's director, supported his students through each step of this journey, leading fundraising initiatives to secure the necessary resources for this beautiful trip.

Despite facing several challenges once they arrived in France, the band continued to march on with pride and resilience, looking and sounding totally professional. I am honored that these students were able to represent our capital region in this powerful celebration.

To the Albany Marching Falcons, I offer my most sincere gratitude for

their continued perseverance, and I extend my congratulations on an incredible performance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional career of Schuylerville resident Colonel Richard Goldenberg as he retires from the U.S. Army National Guard after 36 years of distinguished service.

In his 13 years as the public information officer for the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, he has been the steadfast voice of more than 20,000 men and women serving in the New York National Guard, the Naval Militia, and the New York Guard, where his leadership in community relations and strategic information support has been vital during overseas deployments and disaster response missions.

Colonel Goldenberg's impact on our capital region has extended well beyond his service in the National Guard. As adjutant of Jewish War Veterans Post 105 and commander of the Jewish War Veterans Capital District Council, he has honored a legacy of service and brotherhood, presenting the annual Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award.

Colonel Goldenberg has also been a cherished partner in our efforts to honor veterans, joining me in seeing off hundreds of capital region veterans on Honor Flights to Washington, D.C.

Colonel Goldenberg's legacy of service, leadership, and dedication will continue to inspire each and every one of us. I congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement and wish him Godspeed.

Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted NO on Roll Call No. 253.

Amendment No. 22 Offered by Ms. Greene of Georgia

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to mourn the tragic loss of two soldiers of the National Guard who called our capital region in New York home.

On March 8, 2024, Chief Warrant Officers 2 Casey Frankoski of Rensselaer and John Grassia of Rotterdam tragically perished in a helicopter accident in Texas. They deeply embodied a commitment of service to others.

Chief Warrant Officer Frankoski was on the cusp of achieving a bachelor's degree in emergency management and was connected to many community organizations, including serving as a volunteer firefighter and a member of the Environmental Conservation Corps.

Chief Warrant Officer Grassia served as a cybersecurity analyst with the New York State Department of Homeland Security and, most recently and proudly, as a New York State trooper.

This week, these heroes were brought home and met with the honors and recognitions deserving of their incredible bravery and sacrifice. My heart goes out to the vast universe of family, friends, and loved ones left behind and shattered by this truly terrible loss. They have left us too soon but will forever be remembered and treasured by all who loved them. Their memories and their service will serve as a beacon for all in our capital region community and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 88.

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