Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call vote No. 203, I was unable to vote. I would have voted NO.

Mr. Speaker, there are so many issues in our country right now that are affecting our people, but one of the biggest concerns is an urgent matter that on December 31 of this year, premiums for people's health insurance are going to be skyrocketing because of the expiration of the premium tax credits.

We have heard so much talk. We have heard so many petty partisan messages, people attacking each other, but right now, we have to actually do something about this issue.

In my district, if you are a family of four and make $130,000 a year, right now under the premium tax credits you have to pay 8.5 percent of your income for your health insurance. That is about $10,000 or $11,000 a year.

Those premiums are going to go up to $30,000 on January 1. People are going to go broke. They are not going to buy health insurance. When less people are on health insurance, everybody's health insurance rates go up.

Right now, there are three discharge petitions in this House giving people options as to how to address this, two of which are bipartisan, negotiated ideas. There is one for a 1-year extension and another for a 2-year extension.

Mr. Speaker, we need the Speaker of the House, the majority leader, and the President of the United States of America to engage in this issue. Pick a way forward and solve this problem that is affecting so many Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, His All-Holiness Bartholomew I, who is the spiritual leader and the Primus inter Pares (First among Equals) of Orthodox Christianity worldwide, a Church of 300 million people. This September, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited our Nation's capital, continuing his longstanding practice of meeting with the President and engaging with Members of Congress from both political sides.

His All-Holiness is the spiritual leader of more than 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, representing faith's ability to bring people together across borders and generations. His leadership has fostered dialogue among faith communities and highlighted the positive role moral guidance can play in promoting cooperation and understanding.

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, has been called the Bridge Builder and the Patriarch of Peace by Christians and non-Christians alike. I am proud to welcome a peacemaker of his caliber to the Capitol.

Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 5494.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the Republic Day of Kazakhstan and recognize its declaration of sovereignty on October 25, 1990. This pivotal moment paved the way for Kazakhstan's eventual independence from the Soviet Union and symbolizes the nation's enduring commitment to self-determination, prosperity, and peace.

From its earliest days, Kazakhstan pursued a forward-looking vision rooted in partnership, openness, and modernization. Its early alignment with the West, especially in developing a free-market economy, has shaped its remarkable transformation. Over the past three decades, Kazakhstan has emerged as a thriving nation with a dynamic economy, an active international presence, and a strong and growing partnership with the United States.

The U.S.-Kazakhstan relationship is grounded in shared values and mutual respect. As we mark Kazakhstan's national holiday, we reaffirm our commitment to deepening cooperation between our two nations to meet global challenges and advance peace, security, and prosperity.

Kazakhstan's commitment to transparency, the rule of law, and an open investment climate has made it a magnet for American business. U.S. companies remain the largest source of foreign direct investment, helping drive Kazakhstan's diversification and sustainable development. This alignment supports the country's broader goal of becoming a resilient, innovative economy and a hub for regional growth.

Kazakhstan continues to stand as a pillar of stability in Central Asia and a leader on the world stage in nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament. Despite external challenges, Kazakhstan has remained a peaceful and stabilizing force in Central Asia--a reliable partner and a model of pragmatic, balanced diplomacy.

Kazakhstan is the economic footprint of the United States in Central Asia--a partnership that is long-term, resilient, and mutually beneficial.

Recently, Kazakhstan took another decisive step in its economic modernization. The national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, signed a landmark $4.2 billion agreement with Wabtec Corporation--the largest locomotive order in recent history.

This transformative deal is more than an investment in Kazakhstan's infrastructure; it is a powerful endorsement of American innovation and manufacturing leadership. It will support thousands of good-paying U.S. jobs and strengthen America's manufacturing base, underscoring the mutual benefits of our growing economic partnership.

Kazakhstan is taking bold steps to position itself as a key Eurasian transit hub. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the Middle Corridor), which begins in Kazakhstan and runs through Azerbaijan to global markets, is strengthening supply chain resilience for the U.S. and its partners.

Another vital area of expanding cooperation is rare earth minerals. The United States and Kazakhstan are working together to build a reliable and diversified supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials essential to major U.S. industries, including aerospace, defense, clean energy, and semiconductors.

Rare-earth minerals from Kazakhstan can help power the next generation of U.S. innovation, driving the transformation of the American economy built around AI, advanced manufacturing, and nuclear energy.

Energy collaboration also remains a cornerstone of our partnership. Earlier this year, Chevron's $48 billion Future Growth Project at Kazakhstan's Tengiz field began production, underscoring the scale and depth of U.S. investment in the country's energy future. The Tengizchevroil venture--operated by Chevron represents Central Asia's largest oil development, ensuring reliable supply and creating thousands of high-skilled jobs. These projects embody the long-term, mutually beneficial nature of U.S. Kazakhstan energy cooperation.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is undertaking an ambitious program of national renewal. Over the past three years, the country has implemented far-reaching political and economic reforms unprecedented in the region. Among the key changes is the introduction of a single seven-year presidential term, a step designed to enhance democratic accountability and political stability.

Our nations also share a strong commitment to interfaith dialogue. Kazakhstan--ethnically rich and religiously diverse--has long championed peace and tolerance. Earlier this year, Astana hosted the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, welcoming over 100 delegations from 60 countries under the theme ``Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future.''

This same spirit of openness and engagement also guides Kazakhstan's approach to the global economy. Kazakhstan's active membership in the World Trade Organization reflects its ongoing commitment to international norms and open markets. As such, it is time for the United States to grant Kazakhstan Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) by repealing the outdated Jackson-Vanik Amendment. Doing so would cost nothing, yet send a powerful signal of strategic seriousness, eliminate lingering legal ambiguity for U.S. investors, and unlock the full potential of our bilateral trade and industrial cooperation.

As we look ahead, the upcoming C5+1 Summit on November 6, 2025, represents a critical opportunity to reaffirm U.S. leadership and engagement in Central Asia. Marking the 10th anniversary of this important diplomatic forum, the summit should deliver tangible results--demonstrating that the United States values long-term partnership.

We urge the Administration to seize this moment, build on the foundation of trust and shared interests, and work with Congress to achieve outcomes that advance stability, prosperity, and lasting friendship across our nations.

Mr. Speaker, as Kazakhstan celebrates Republic Day, we honor the enduring friendship between our two countries and look forward to the continued growth of a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared progress, and a common vision for a peaceful and prosperous world.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for bringing attention to this important issue.

I am going to talk about the State and local tax deduction in some detail, but first let me just say generally that what we are talking about is so important. We have so many of our friends on the other side of the aisle who are constantly talking about how the government spends too much money and how deficits are getting so much bigger.

Here, under their tax bill that they are proposing right now, they are going to increase the deficit in the United States by $4.5 trillion. Now, that doesn't make any sense. Why would they propose something when they have people on their side who their singular most important issue is reducing the deficit, but they would increase the deficit by $4.5 trillion?

Now, my colleague talked about the tax cuts from 2017, well, a lot of my residents didn't see a tax deduction. They saw a tax increase. The reason they saw a tax increase is because they capped the State and local tax deduction at $10,000.

Let me just explain what the State and local tax deduction is. The State and local tax deduction was in place for 100 years, from 1913 until 2017. In 1930, they started the Federal income tax code in the United States of America. When they said we are going to tax people's income at the Federal level, a lot of Governors, mayors, and local elected officials said, no, they don't want a Federal income tax because that will stop them from raising the taxes at the State and local level. Since America's founding, government was mainly paid for at the State and local level through State and local taxes. The Federal Government was funded by tariffs, quite frankly, a very interesting topic for today.

When the mayors and Governors protested, they said: We don't want to have a Federal income tax because you are going to hurt us. We don't want to pay taxes on the taxes we have already paid at the State and local level.

The Federal Government said: Don't worry about it. We will put a deduction in place that says you can deduct your State and local taxes from your income, so you don't have to pay taxes on the taxes you have already paid.

Okay, let's do that. They put it in place for 100 years.

In 2017, they said we are going to cap this deduction that has been in place for over 100 years at $10,000. They took the long arm of the Federal Government and reached into local governments. They violated the covenant of federalism, and they said: We are going to make you pay taxes on the taxes you have already paid to your States, to your cities, to your towns, to your villages, to your school districts. We are going to tax you on the money you have already paid in taxes at the State and local levels.

That caused some people's taxes to go up, especially in high-tax States that happen to be Democratic States, such as in New York, New Jersey, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Hawaii. They caused people's taxes to go up because they could no longer deduct their State and local taxes.

It is not fair. In fact, people have moved away from our States to other lower tax States.

Why are taxes higher in my State and in your State compared to, say, Florida and Texas? They are higher because in New York State and in California, we insure our children. We have the lowest rates of uninsured children in the United States of America and the lowest rates of uninsured adults in the United States of America, whereas Florida and Texas have the highest rates of uninsured children and uninsured adults.

Our taxes are higher in our States because we pay our teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public workers in public employee unions and other union workers higher wages. They don't like unions in Florida, Texas, and other low-tax States.

It is not fair that in States like mine and yours, Mr. Thompson, and other Democratic States, we are net donors to the Federal Government. We send more money to the Federal Government than we get back.

A lot of our colleagues criticize our States. They say it is so ineffective the way we are running our States. Why is it that we are doing so well economically that we are the biggest net donors to the Federal Government? We send more money to the Federal Government in income taxes than we get back in Federal contracts and Federal programs.

In fact, most of the red States in the United States of America are net takers, and most of the blue States are net donors, so it is not fair. It is very different from State to State in our country, but in my State, for example, and in Mr. Thompson's State, similarly, if you have a teacher and a police officer who are married, their income could be over $150,000, $200,000 a year. In our States, because the taxes are higher, because the cost of living is higher, the cost of housing is higher, so that $150,000 to $200,000 a year is not a wealthy person. That is a middle-class person.

I talked to a friend of mine from Oklahoma, and I told him that person making $150,000 between the husband and wife is middle class. They said: $150,000 a year? If they lived in my State, they would be living in a gated community. They would belong to the country club.

That is not what it is like. It is different from place to place.

We set up these different State and city governments throughout our country to be laboratories of democracy, to run their States and their cities the way they see fit, to tax them as they see fit, and the one way that they used the Federal income tax code to move forward was to have a State and local tax deduction that was ripped away from them in 2017.

Some of my colleagues on the Republican side have said they will not support this new tax bill unless we restore the State and local tax deduction. We would like to see a complete repeal of the cap. We would like to have you be able to claim all of your State and local taxes. We passed it three times when the Democrats were in charge. We passed it once, complete repeal; twice, complete repeal; third time, $80,000 cap.

Some Republicans have proposed a cap of $25,000. Five Republicans have stood up and said $25,000 is not acceptable. I want to commend them for standing up for their residents and taxpayers against their party and saying they will not support this bill.

President Trump came to my State, actually right near my district in Nassau County, where I used to be the county executive. He spoke at a campaign rally in the summer of 2024, and he said we have to restore the State and local tax deduction. Now, he is the one who took it away. He said that we have to restore the State and local tax deduction. Well, let's hold the President to that.

Let's commend our five colleagues who are standing up against their party to say they want to raise the State and local tax deduction.

Let's be fair to these middle-class families. Let's be fair to these States. Let's be fair to these mayors, Governors, and county executives. Let's be fair to our firefighters and teachers. Let's be fair to make sure that these States that are net donors to the Federal Government are treated with the proper respect and dignity that they deserved throughout America's history and stop penalizing them for trying to serve their residents the best way they can.

Again, I appreciate the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the extraordinary sacrifice of Corporal Steven Crowley, a United States Marine who, at the cost of his own life, valiantly safeguarded nearly 100 employees of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 21, 1979. His legacy stands as a testament to the highest ideals of duty, courage, and selfless devotion to our Nation.

Born on March 27, 1959, Corporal Crowley was raised in Port Jefferson Station, New York, alongside his four brothers and three sisters. From an early age, his character and integrity were evident to all who knew him. Those in his community recognized in him a rare and noble spirit-- one defined by kindness, strength, and an unwavering commitment to others. Eileen Carlson, the mother of his best friend, recalled him as the ``neighborhood son,'' and his older brother Richard described him simply as ``an excellent person.'' A gifted athlete, he excelled in cross-country running at Comsewogue High School, demonstrating the same perseverance that would later define his service in uniform.

In 1977, Corporal Crowley answered the call to serve, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He completed Marine Corps Recruit Training, earning the coveted title of Marine, and after two years stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he was selected for the prestigious Marine Security Guard program, ultimately being assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.

On November 21, 1979, disinformation regarding U.S. involvement in the siege of the Grand Mosque of Mecca sparked a violent uprising outside the embassy. As the situation escalated into an uncontrollable mob, Corporal Crowley remained at his post, steadfast in his duty. As waves of rioters arrived--hurling stones, scaling walls, and ultimately breaching the compound--he did not waver. The mob, armed and growing in number, launched direct assaults, set fire to embassy buildings, and pressed forward with deadly intent. Yet, in the face of overwhelming chaos, Corporal Crowley stood resolute, holding his post until he was tragically struck by sniper fire.

Because of his unwavering bravery, the embassy employees were able to reach safety. For his valor, Corporal Crowley was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and

Purple Heart. He now rests among America's heroes at Arlington National Cemetery.

Though 45 years have passed since that fateful day, his memory endures. His name and sacrifice have been immortalized: in 2006, the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group dedicated a classroom in his honor; in 2009, Steven J. Crowley Memorial Park was unveiled in the Town of Brookhaven, New York; and in 2023, the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group renamed its student barracks in tribute to his legacy.

Today, I urge my colleagues to reflect on the magnitude of his sacrifice. On behalf of a grateful community and a grateful Nation, we offer our deepest respect and gratitude to Corporal Steven Crowley. May his courage and dedication never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 400th birth anniversary of Mata Gujri Ji, who in 1704, at age 81, was the first female Sikh civil rights activist to face imprisonment, torture, and execution, all for the sake of liberty. Sikhs around the world celebrate her life during the Safar-E-Shahadat--the last week of December--which is the holiest week for Sikhs. As a member of the Sikh Caucus, I join the worldwide Sikh community in recognizing this important quadricentennial anniversary.

Mata Gujri Ji was the mother of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the wife of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. When Guru Gobind Singh Ji was nine years old, the monarchy of that time started clamping down on religious freedom and civil liberties. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji stood up to the monarchy's oppression and, as a result, faced imprisonment. Mata Gujri Ji stood by his side and encouraged him to continue fighting for freedom.

Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was given an ultimatum. He could either abandon his struggle against the monarchy or face execution. Mata Gujri Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji encouraged Guru Teg Bahadur Ji not to abandon his principles. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was later executed.

Mata Gujri Ji continued to fight for civil liberty as she raised Guru Gobind Singh Ji. She was a pillar of strength for the Sikhs of her time and many from around the world sought her advice. Mata Gujri Ji taught Sikh women that they should be both kind and courageous.

In December 1704, the monarchy imprisoned her and her younger grandchildren, 9-year-old Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and 7-year-old Baba Fateh Singh Ji. They were kept in the Thanda Bud, or the cold tower, where government officials went to escape the hot Indian summers. That month, the Thanda Burj reached deadly freezing temperatures. Mata Gujri and her grandsons were not given food, water, or warm clothing and endured daily torture.

During their time in the cold tower, a devotee named Moti Mehra Ji bribed prison guards to sneak in warm milk for Mata Gujri Ji and her grandsons. Once the regime discovered this, Moti Mehra Ji's entire family was publicly executed.

During their imprisonment, Mata Gujri Ji reminded her grandsons about the bravery of their grandfather and their duty to remain courageous in the face of cruelty. Mata Gujri and her grandsons refused the government's attempts to bribe them, and as a result, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh Ji were sentenced to death by suffocation in a brick wall.

While Mata Gujri Ji was in prison with her younger grandsons, her older two grandsons, and 40 Sikhs, also gave their lives fighting tyranny at Chamkaur Sahib. They faced a brutal winter and constant hunger, yet refused to surrender their struggle for liberty. Each year, Sikhs gather at Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib in Sirhind, India, for the Safar-e-Shahadat Smagam, founded by Giani Harpal Singh Ji, to find inspiration by sitting in the thanda burj, where Mata Gujri and her grandsons once sat, and listening to accounts of their bravery.

Mata Gujri Ji gave her life defending the right for others to be treated with dignity. Her steadfast courage in the face of darkness remains an inspiration for all those who stand for freedom. Today, the Third Congressional District of New York joins the Sikh community in honoring Mata Gujri Ji and all of the brave sacrifices which took place during the Safar-E-Shahadat.

Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call Vote No. 388, my vote was mistakenly not recorded. I would have voted NO.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Green and Congresswoman Clarke, my good friend, for their leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of a bill I authored with Congressman Strong, the bipartisan SHIELD Against the CCP Act.

The Chinese Communist Party is intent on promoting authoritarianism by weakening America from within. They seek to take our greatest strengths: pluralism, diversity, free speech, capitalism, and representative government, and use them against us.

China uses our freedoms, our social media, and our open society to sow chaos and division in our country. They know we cannot solve difficult problems in an environment of fear and anger, so they encourage fear and anger. They promote the most extreme sides of our thorniest debates. Whether it is Black lives matter versus blue lives matter, or transgender versus evangelicals, or Israel versus Gaza, the Chinese Communist Party promotes the most extreme positions on both sides of the debate, not with an objective of winning a debate but of fomenting dissent in America.

Add to this theft of our intellectual property, threats to our critical infrastructure, and trying to intimidate U.S. citizens through transnational repression. We must act.

The fact that today we are promoting bipartisan legislation is our greatest possible response. Democrats and Republicans can work together to combat this threat.

Our bipartisan bill counters the Chinese Communist Party with strength by, one, building the capacity of the Department of Homeland Security to

fight predatory economic and trade practices; two, preventing identity theft; three, strengthening our border security; four, providing the Department of Homeland Security with adequate resources to protect our critical infrastructure; five, improving cybersecurity; and, six, fighting transnational repression and criminal organizations.

The FBI Director has stated that the CCP, the Chinese Communist Party, poses a broad and unrelenting threat. The Chinese Communist Party is also engaged in a brutal campaign of transnational repression, targeting democracy advocates, Tibetans, Hong Kongers, Uyghurs, and other ethnic minority groups.

The Chinese Communist Party actually targets Americans, including my constituents. Just before Thanksgiving, after years of fighting for his release, I received the incredible news that my constituent, Kai Li, was finally released to the U.S. after more than a decade of wrongful imprisonment in China. If we are to honor the years Mr. Li spent Chinese detention, then we must remain clear-eyed about the CCP threat and redouble our efforts to counter it.

Among their provocative tactics is transnational repression, which can be illustrated through the torment of Dr. Gulshan Abbas and her family. In 2018, Dr. Abbas was taken to a Uyghur forced labor camp.

What was her crime, Mr. Speaker?

Her sister, Rushan Abbas, an American, spoke out against the Uyghur genocide during a panel discussion here in America, then her sister was put in prison in China.

Think about it, Mr. Speaker. The CCP is not only carrying out mass detention, torture, forced sterilization, and forced labor against religious minorities within China, but also imprisoning family members of American citizens to suppress free expression here in America.

Let me be clear: the United States cannot waver in the face of this unrelenting strategic adversary. Today, we must demonstrate our resolve by supporting the SHIELD Against CCP Act which will help ensure that our government has a strong and unified response to the Chinese Communist Party's aggression.

Working with Congressman Strong demonstrates that when we work together, we will succeed.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Lawler, and I thank all of my colleagues for standing here together today.

Mr. Speaker, 8 years ago, I met a 14-year-old Solomon Schechter School freshman at the local Salute to Israel event at the Sid Jacobson JCC on Long Island. His name was Omer Neutra.

When I met Omer's parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra, in December of 2023, they described Omer as a likable, big, goofy kid who excelled in sports and who other kids liked to be around.

After graduating from the Solomon Schechter School, Omer, whose grandparents were Holocaust survivors, decided before going to Binghamton University, he would join the Israel Defense Forces. Instead of staying for just a year, he worked his way up to become a tank commander.

On October 7, 2023, Omer was the victim of the surprise attack by the Hamas terrorists. For over 420 days, Omer's parents and his brother, Daniel, have done everything they can with the love and support of hundreds of thousands of others to free their son from captivity. Every day, they soldiered on through alternating deep sorrow and brief bursts of hopefulness.

They went from crushing anxiety to steely determination. Just a few days ago we learned that this young man, this bright light, this courageous idealist, made the ultimate sacrifice. Omer had not been alive for the past 423 days. He was murdered on October 7.

Now all of his family's alternating emotions have been replaced with deep grief. We who know them grieve with them. We thank God for the gift of his life. We pray for the Neutras, and tonight we rededicate ourselves to Omer's just cause.

We resolve to move forward, guided by his example, his courage, and his memory, and may his memory be a blessing.

``The People of Israel Live,'' ``Am Yisrael Chai.''

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the dedicated service of Joseph Sciame, who retired in January after an extraordinary 61-year career at St. John's University in Queens, New York. Beginning as an undergraduate student in 1958, then as an employee in 1962, Joe devoted his life in service of the St. John's community. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure many lifetimes over.

Over the course of his six-decade career, Joe held numerous leadership positions in the university administration, including as the Vice President for the Office of Community Relations and, most notably, as the inaugural Vice President for Financial Aid. He has also previously served as the Chairman of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. In these roles, Joe has expanded opportunities for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds to receive a world-class education. Having personally awarded millions of dollars in financial aid to thousands of students, many of whom would otherwise not have access to a college education, Joe's impact has been nothing short of life changing for so many.

In addition to his lifelong devotion to the St. John's community, Joe served our country in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967, and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. I speak for a grateful Nation in thanking him for his courageous service.

As the Advisory Board Chair of the Italian Cultural Center and a National/State President Emeritus of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Joe has been a proud champion for the Italian- American community and a devoted leader in the Catholic community for his entire life.

Joe's remarkable leadership and boundless empathy will continue to inspire all those who were lucky enough to call him a mentor. He is the type of once-in-a-lifetime academic administrator that a student dreams of meeting, that a parent wishes for their child to encounter, and that a colleague strives to emulate. Thanks to his lifetime of work, Joe has left the Queens community, our country, and the world a better place than he found it.

Earlier this year, Joe was awarded the St. John's University Medal of Honor, which is the highest honor the university can bestow upon an alumnus--a fitting and well-earned accomplishment.

``I hope it's been a life well lived,'' he remarked earlier this year. Well, Joe, it certainly

has. On behalf of our entire community, I thank Joe for his lifetime of service.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the Republic Day of Kazakhstan and recognize its declaration of sovereignty on October 25, 1990. This pivotal moment paved the way for Kazakhstan's eventual independence from the Soviet Union and symbolizes the nation's enduring commitment to self-determination, prosperity, and peace.

Kazakhstan's early alignment with the West, especially in fostering a free-market economy, has significantly influenced its development over the past 30 years, Kazakhstan has transformed into a thriving nation with a strong economy, a growing international presence, and a robust partnership with the United States.

The relationship between Kazakhstan and the United States is rooted in shared values of democracy, shared economic prosperity, and mutual respect among nations. As we celebrate Kazakhstan's achievements, we reaffirm our commitment to working together to address global challenges while promoting peace, security, and economic development.

Kazakhstan is dedicated to promoting religious tolerance and pluralism. The country hosts a triennial conference, the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, to foster cooperation and respect among the world's major faith traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Shintoism, and Taoism.

Kazakhstan's commitment to the rule of law and fostering a welcoming environment for foreign investors has made it an attractive destination for U.S. companies, which have become one of the largest sources of direct foreign investment.

This progress aligns with the country's broader goals of sustainable development and economic diversification, further cementing its role as a key player in Central Asia.

Kazakhstan continues to be a pillar of stability in Central Asia, emerging as a global leader in nuclear non-proliferation, peacekeeping, and fostering regional cooperation. As a net contributor to peace and security not only in the region, but also globally, Kazakhstan is committed to addressing global challenges and promoting international stability.

At the sixth consultative meeting of the Central Asian Heads of State, Kazakhstan emphasized its vision of a ``Renaissance of Central Asia.'' This process is seen as a critical step in positioning the region as a self-reliant and influential force in an evolving global landscape.

Kazakhstan leads the region in its readiness to serve as a strong U.S. partner, positioning itself as one of the most cooperative allies in the region.

In 2023, President Biden met with the Presidents of Kazakhstan and four other Central Asian nations at the inaugural C5+1 Summit during the United Nations General Assembly. Since its inception in 2015, the C5+1 platform has strengthened U.S.-Central Asia cooperation, advancing shared goals of regional security, economic resilience, and sustainable development.

The New York Declaration, adopted at the Summit, reflects shared priorities in security, economic, and energy partnerships, underscoring the mutual commitment of the United States and Central Asia to enhancing regional cooperation and connectivity.

Following the Summit, Kazakhstan has demonstrated its commitment to key initiatives by promoting the B5+1 platform, advancing the Critical Minerals Dialogue, and launching the ``C5+1 on Disability Rights'' initiative.

The United States and Kazakhstan remain committed to accelerating regional cooperation and connectivity. This includes expanding trade routes, such as the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, and fostering a more favorable business environment for U.S. private sector trade and investment in Central Asia.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's commitment to political and societal reforms is highly commendable. Despite external pressures, Kazakhstan has remained a peaceful and stabilizing force in Central Asia, exemplifying its dedication to democracy and Western ideals.

On October 6, 2024, Kazakhstan held a national referendum on constructing a nuclear power plant. This event marked a significant step in shaping a new socio-political culture and exemplified the ``Listening State'' concept, where the government actively engages with citizens on critical issues.

Kazakhstan remains a trusted partner, both regionally and globally, particularly as an active member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This long-standing partnership highlights the importance of advancing efforts to establish Permanent Normal Trade Relations, ensuring that Kazakhstan's economic growth is fully acknowledged and supported within the global marketplace.

As we look to the future, the United States and Kazakhstan are poised to deepen their partnership through continued dialogue, trade, and collaboration on shared goals. Together, we are committed to fostering peace, security, and prosperity, not only in Central Asia but on the global stage.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Polish American Congress, which was established by over 2,600 individuals and representatives of Polish organizations in Buffalo on May 28, 1944, just days before the Normandy Invasion.

The purpose of the Polish American Congress was to fight for a free and sovereign Poland which had been attacked in 1939 by Nazi Germany, the Slovak Army, and by the Soviet Union.

As a result of the Second World War, Poland lost between five and 11 million people due to the genocide committed by the occupying forces and border changes.

After the Yalta Conference of 1945, Poland fell under communist rule and lost 20 percent of its territory. It was then that the Polish American Congress was founded and committed itself to helping the Polish nation.

The achievements of the Polish American Congress include:

1948: advocacy for legislation that allowed 140,000 Polish

displaced persons and veterans of the Polish armed forces,

who fought against Nazi Germany, to settle permanently in the

Madam Speaker, we all know that hate has always been a part of the human existence, but we see so many hate crimes today.

Late Sunday night, vandals defaced the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Long Island with vile hate and bigotry against the Hindu community.

I have seen Hindus many times, and many of you have as well, when they place their hands together and they bow and they say ``namaste,'' ``I bow to you.'' When they do that, they are recognizing the divinity in the person in front of them. They are showing their respect for the person in front of them.

We really need to recognize that with all of our fellow human beings, that we are all special, made in God's image, and we need to treat each other with more respect.

What is happening that we see these acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate happening so often?

Is it because of the inflammatory rhetoric we hear all the time?

Is it because of extremism?

Is it because of the lack of accountability?

What do we need to do to address this problem because hate is not the answer. Love is the answer.

In the short term, we need to hold vandals, criminals, and people who commit hate crimes accountable. We need law enforcement to work to apprehend these criminals, and we need prosecutors to prosecute them to hold them accountable because people can't just say whatever they want regardless of the impact it has on other human beings.

In the long term, we need to do a much better job educating people about the importance of love and of respect for other people.

On Monday, I stood in unity with the BAPS community gathering with State and local officials, people from different religions, Democrats and Republicans from the Federal, State, and local level. We spoke out for the values that the people of the BAPS community stand for, that Long Islanders stand for, that New Yorkers stand for, and that Americans stand for.

Let's remember the importance of mutual respect and love and the role they play here in our country and in our world. Love will always win out.