Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Kelly for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I am surprised nobody mentioned Billy's stamina. He could keep going and going and going. We would spend time with him, and the next day he would be going just as strong as ever. He was a remarkable guy.

The death of Bill Pascrell and his absence from the Chamber could really represent the beginning of the end of an era. In this day and age of hyperbole and histrionics, in this time of performance politics without accomplishing things, Bill Pascrell's attitude of get something done for the people we serve will be sorely missed.

Don't get me wrong. As we heard from everybody here tonight, Bill was a performer. He loved to sing. He loved to read poetry, write poetry. His outsized personality and his in-your-face attitude were very memorable, but Bill would always focus on getting things done for his constituents.

There is an old Italian expression: ``Guarda le mani, non ascoltare la bocca.'' ``Watch the hands, don't listen to the mouth.'' Bill's hands got a lot of things done for a lot of people.

I was lucky to have a great relationship with Bill, despite only serving in Congress for less than 7 years and he for 28 years, but we immediately bonded over our shared Italian heritage, our shared experience as small-town mayors, our shared alma mater of Fordham, our shared advocacy for labor, law enforcement, and most publicly, our shared advocacy for the restoration of the State and local tax deduction.

As a result, he was always more generous to me than I deserved. I loved Bill Pascrell. He always reminded me of the old-school political leaders in my family and from my hometown.

As the demographics of his district changed over the 28 years since he served as mayor to this day, today in Congress, he still won all of his primaries and all of his general elections overwhelmingly because his constituents would always ``guarda le mani,'' ``watch the hands'' and what he got done for the people. He always worked for the people.

Rest well, good and faithful servant.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). BAPS is a worldwide Hindu denomination dedicated to fostering faith, inspiring service, and promoting better living. Over the last 50 years, BAPS has opened over 100 Hindu Temples or ``mandirs'' across the United States. The Revered Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), established the first BAPS mandir in the United States of America on August 4, 1974, in New York City. BAPS mandirs bring His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj's words, ``In the joy of others lies our own'', to life, by supporting those in need, organizing health fairs, food drives, and disaster relief work. BAPS mandirs offer a welcoming spiritual space for thousands of families, as well as worship, fellowship, education, community, and social activities for the youth and elderly.

At this time, I also wish to reaffirm the shared values of democracy, religious pluralism, and respect for human rights, between India and the United States. The United States and India have a strong partnership as the world's oldest and largest democracy, respectively. Both countries share the values of pluralism, human rights, liberty, and respect for the rule of law. The people-to-people connections between the United States and India are stronger than in any other time in history. Indian Americans embody the American dream, and flourish in all areas of American life. Indian Americans come from diverse backgrounds, including Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Jews, Zoroastrians, Jains, and Bahai's. These hardworking communities enrich the fabric of our nation. I wish our friends at BAPS a joyful anniversary.

Mr. Roy, the histrionics and the hyperbole are not working. You said so yourself.

It is not working. It is not working.

The bottom line is that we face issues that are very serious in our country, including the border. There is a crisis there, and we have to address it by doing what we are doing today and tomorrow related to the foreign aid bill.

We have to work together. We have to find compromise. We have to find bipartisan solutions.

Every problem we face in our country is complicated, and you cannot solve complicated problems in an environment of fear and anger. People have to sit down and work with each other.

I know Mr. Moore is a very good man. There are a lot of good people on the Republican side as well as the Democratic side. Let's work together to solve these very serious issues we face in our country.

We had a bipartisan solution by one of the most ethical, honest, hardworking conservative Republicans in the United States Senate, James Lankford. We didn't go forward with that bipartisan bill because President Trump and others said that we don't want to give Biden the victory, that we want to campaign on the chaos.

Mr. Speaker, they said we don't want to go forward on that bill because we want to campaign on the chaos, and we don't want to give victory to the Democrats.

It is not a victory for Biden or for the Democrats. It is a victory for the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, for us to move forward as a country, we have to work together.

I see the people up here in the gallery. People watch television, and they read the newspaper. They are sick of this. They don't want us fighting with each other. They don't want us with the histrionics and the hyperbole. They want us to sit down and negotiate a settlement.

H.R. 2 was tried before. It didn't work.

Let's say you get everything you want. Let's say Trump gets elected. Let's say that you win the House, the Senate. I don't want that to happen, obviously, but let's say you get everything you want. You won't get enough votes in the Senate. You will still have to negotiate a bipartisan compromise.

People have to learn to get back to the basics of legislating, negotiating, and working together to solve the problems that the people of America demand that we solve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 325th anniversary of Vaisakhi on April 13, 2024, and the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who espoused the values that we as Americans cherish, including liberty, equality, and religious freedom.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa community in 1699, and its sole purpose has been upholding the dignity and human rights of everyone, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, or social status. Sikhism teaches that all human beings are inter-connected as one human family, with one Creator who lives through everyone. Sikhism also teaches that every person has innate dignity and deserves to be treated with respect and kindness. Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught that the highest form of worship is to love and care for humanity. For this reason, the Khalsa community cares for God's creation without any distinction.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji preached his belief in pluralism and freedom of conscience during a time of religious intolerance. He lived by a maxim that captures one of Voltaire's philosophies. ``I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.'' His father, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, adhered to the same principles and was even executed because he protested the government's forced removal of the Janeu, the sacred thread. Even though as a Sikh, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji himself did not believe in wearing the Janeu, he protested for the right of Hindus to wear it. He was executed because he refused to give up this principle when given an ultimatum by the intolerant monarchy of his time.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji followed in the footsteps of his father and promoted interfaith dialogue. Not only would Guru Gobind Singh Ji build Sikh Gurudwaras, but he also built Muslim Mosques and Hindu Mandirs. When asked which religion he felt is the most excellent, Guru Gobind Singh Ji would respond ''Just as my faith is the most excellent for me, yours is the most excellent for you.'' He taught that religious labels do not matter in God's eyes.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji was also a major proponent of education and women's rights. He was an intellectual who authored many influential works and poetry that is still read today. Much of his poetry is included in the Sikh prayers. He encouraged people of all identities and backgrounds to study, which was very rare at the time. Women were given the equal rights to become soldiers in the Khalsa army, which was an army comprised completely of volunteers. According to Sikh writer Bhai Vir Singh Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught that ``it is a sin to be cruel, but it is a bigger sin to tolerate cruelty.'' This was during a time where being religious meant that you left society to primarily focus on meditation. Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught abandoning a suffering world in the name of religion is selfishness disguised as prayer. He preached that religiosity meant fighting against cruelty and uplifting the downtrodden.

Regarding issues of war and peace, the Khalsa army adhered to a humanitarian code fostered by the Guru Gobind Singh Ji. They were outnumbered in every battle they fought, yet their spirit was unmatched. Wars were only fought for human rights. Battles were often fought to rescue young girls who were kept as slaves and forced to leave their religion. Sikhs would make sure to not only give food, water, and first aid to their soldiers but also to enemy soldiers. No land was ever conquered, no loot taken, and no prisoners of war were ever caught. Additionally, all the Khalsa army arrows had gold on them. This was to make sure that if an enemy soldier was injured, they could afford treatment, and if they died their family was not left penniless. Guru Gobind Singh Ji's own sons fought on the front lines of the battlefield. All four of his sons gave their lives fighting. His younger two sons were captured and executed at age 7 and 9, along with his elderly mother. Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Khalsa army sacrificed everything in the name of freedom.

When a Sikh decides to become a part of the Khalsa community they go through the baptism ceremony called the Amrit Sanchar. They vow to serve humanity and fight for social justice. They also give up all ties to caste. Guru Gobind Singh fought against the caste system because he believed it undermined the principle of unconditional human equality. The Khalsa of yesterday fought as soldiers on the battlefield. The Khalsa of today fights for justice as teachers, doctors, lawyers, and political activists. They are very much a part of the American fabric and embody the spirit of freedom.

The Khalsa community serves humanity in their Gurudwaras, the Sikh place of worship. Gurudwaras feed thousands a day in their free kitchens called ``langars.'' This practice was founded on the belief that no human should ever go hungry. These community kitchens are places where people from all cultures and religions are welcome to eat for free. The community has taken the concept of selfless service to great heights and continues to provide free humanitarian aid in natural disasters all around the world. By creating the Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh Ji broke all barriers and united the human race, as one family. Today, the Third Congressional District of New York joins the Sikh community in celebrating Khalsa Sajna Diwas and honors the contributions that Sikhs have made to the District and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Jerry and the New York delegation, all my colleagues, and my friends and supporters who are here tonight.

Mr. Speaker, I never thought I would be back here, but the Lord works in mysterious ways, and God made a way when there was no way.

I thank God for blessing me with this great responsibility, and I thank God for my best friend and partner for 30 years, my wife, Helene. She hates that.

Mr. Speaker, on the night of my election victory, I promised the people of Long Island and Queens I would deliver a simple message to this Chamber: Wake up. The people are sick and tired of the finger- pointing and the petty partisan bickering. They want us to work together.

They want you guys to work together, too. What are you doing? You are supposed to be clapping for that.

Mr. Speaker, I know there are so many good people in this Chamber on both sides of the aisle, but people are worried about the cost of living; they are worried about the chaos at the border; they are worried about Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine.

They look to Congress, and what do they see? The extremists get all the attention. We are letting ourselves be bullied by our base. We aren't getting anything done. We need less chaos and more common sense.

The last few months, I have talked with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, and they all ask the same thing: What about me? What are you doing for me? Enough with the theater and the drama, enough with the hyperbole and the histrionics, enough with the shutdowns and the put-downs.

The people aren't paying us to make things worse. The people pay us to be in the solutions business.

Mr. Speaker, you and I came to Congress together in 2017. I remember when you founded the Honor and Civility Caucus. You said at the time it was to restore collegiality and encourage productive dialogue. Sign me up. Sign me up right away. Mr. Speaker, I know you believe in collegiality and productive dialogue. We need more of that and less of the hot air fanning the flames of anger that happens much too often in our country these days.

Mr. Speaker, after my recent election you said something I must gently take exception to. You said: Tom Suozzi ran like a Republican. Now, I know you meant that as a compliment. Let me be clear. Mr. Speaker, I am a true blue, dyed-in-the-wool Democrat; but more important, like you, Mr. Speaker, and the men and women in this Chamber, I am a true blue, dyed-in-the-wool American.

Like any patriot of the greatest country on Earth, I am willing to compromise to try and solve problems like the chaos at the border. The bipartisan Senate bill doesn't have everything I wanted. I believe that Dreamers and TPS recipients should be granted a pathway to citizenship, and millions of others should have a path to legalization, but I will support a bipartisan compromise.

To not do so will keep the border open, will endanger peace in Israel, and will empower Vladimir Putin.

I know compromise is hard in this town, Mr. Speaker, but bring a bipartisan compromise to the floor, and I guarantee it will pass.

All of the issues we face in this country are complicated, every single one of them, and you can't solve anything in an environment of fear and anger. We can't fix them with a tweet or a press conference or even a speech.

I know many of you in this Chamber. I know a whole lot of you. You are inspired to do this work because of the command: Love thy neighbor. Let's actually do that. Let's do the hard work and get back to the solutions business.

Sadly, many of the people in America believe Democrats and Republicans can't work together. They have told me, Tom, wake up. You have to face the real world.

The real world is not something we must simply face. The real world is something that we as free men and women actively create. We make the real world.

I love this country. My father came here from Italy as a young boy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during World War II, and went to Harvard Law School on the GI Bill.

It is hard to imagine today, but he faced rampant discrimination as an Italian immigrant, and no one would hire him, even though he went to Harvard, so he started his own law firm.

At 28 years old, he ran for city court judge and became the youngest judge in the history of New York State. What a country.

My father lived a great American success story like many of the stories in this room, and I will do everything I can to honor my father's legacy. More importantly, I will do everything I can to honor this Nation's legacy.

We all know what politics has become. Let's think about what it could be. While I may be the only one being sworn in today, what if we all see this as a fresh start?

What if we all took this chance to break some of our bad habits? What if today we remembered why we ran for office in the first place? Let's get back into the solutions business.

God bless the men and women of this Chamber. God bless the important work we do. God bless the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Deepak Bansal. Dr. Deepak Bansal is a dedicated and respected community activist and leader who is well-known for his charitable endeavors. He has always maintained a close relationship with the local community and is very passionate about giving back to it. After completing his dream of a Masters in Philosophy and a Doctorate in Metallurgy at the prestigious University of Kurukshetra India, he migrated to the United States 25 years ago. He is currently a Real Estate Associate Broker and is always willing to help new immigrants of the South Asian community in achieving their goals. He has a significant following in the South Asian community, which includes people of Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi origin.

As the current President of the United States chapter of the Human Rights Commission of India, Dr. Bansal has the utmost respect for the families of the first responders who gave their lives protecting our freedom to enjoy our life. Dr. Bansal is the president of the Indo- American Association for Change (IAAC), an organization supporting and serving the families of firefighters and our law enforcement community. Dr. Bansal was the president of the India Day Parade 2021 and has continued to work for the organization. Dr. Bansal volunteers each year with Toys for Tots, an organization where U.S. Marines collect and distribute toys to children for holiday celebrations. Dr. Bansal has organized seminars on the environment, education, and health awareness. He is always standing with the vulnerable to protect their rights for justice. Dr. Bansal's community service has won him numerous citations, proclamations, and honors from elected civic leaders around New York State. Dr. Bansal is a loving and respected man who is always ready to serve the community. He recently was honored by Ram Dass Athawale, the Minister for Social Justice of India.

While studying, Dr. Bansal also did social work, which he continues to do to this day in the United States. He is the Vice-chair of Friends for Good Health, an International Organization devoted to helping people around the world with preventive care at no cost to those in need. His position at the organization spearheads a food drive every year. Dr. Deepak Bansal always says he is happy to serve the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Bobby Kalotee. Dr. Bobby Kalotee is a hardworking and dedicated individual who has grown from humble beginnings as an immigrant to a respected civic leader and proud United States citizen who epitomizes the American dream. Bobby has served the people of Nassau County, Long Island, and New York State over the past four decades as the Chairman of various political parties, a community activist, and an ambassador on overseas missions of charitable work. Dr. Kalotee believes that serving others is a true honor, devoting time to build a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous world community. He is relentless in his quest to help people address their problems and concerns, regardless of origin or social status.

Dr. Kalotee was appointed to Nassau County Human Rights Commission in 2016 by a unanimous vote of the Nassau County legislature, and enthusiastically approved by the Nassau County Executive. Bobby is one of the longest serving Directors for Nassau University Medical Center. In addition, Bobby was appointed to Stony Brook University's Brookhaven National Labs from 1997 to 2007, as Director/Vice Chair of the Counsel. Dr. Kalotee also serves on the board of New York Institute of Technology where he received an honorary Doctorate in science in 2001. He was also the Chairman of Spartan Health Science University Saint Lucia where he received an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy 2016.

Since 2005, Dr. Kalotee has served as the International Chairman of Friends for Good Health, a philanthropic organization that has sent teams of leading healthcare professionals to provide vital medical services in the world's most affected regions. On one recent such mission, Dr. Kalotee and his team served over 7,000 people in numerous cities across El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Under the leadership of Dr. Kalotee, Friends for Good Health has expanded to a worldwide organization with Co-Chairs in over 127 countries. Dr. Kalotee has personally directed missions in providing disaster aid to El Salvador, Malawi, Haiti, India, Pakistan, the Dominican Republic and others.

Dr. Kalotee has always been very active in civic, social, charitable, and political life, believing that politics is not a spectator sport but requires proactive participation and advocacy, and that voting in an informed and educated manner is a privilege and the civic duty of every responsible citizen. He has served as Chairman of the Nassau County Independence Party, Vice-Chairman of New York State Independence Party, and National Executive Director of the Independence Party of America. He was a National Chairman of the Reform Patty from 2007 to 2010.

Dr. Kalotee holds the rank of Major in the New York State Guard, Division of Military and Naval Affairs and as a General in the U-- S,Disaster Relief Command. He was appointed as a special liaison to South Asia by the President of Malawi, the Hon. Joyce Hilda Banda, and currently serves as a special advisor to the Grenada Mission at the UN Mission. As the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, Dr. Kalotee has the privilege to personally witness many local, state, and worldwide elections and has been invited to attend inaugurations of several heads of state all over the world.

Dr. Kalotee believes that serving others is both a commitment and a passion for humanity and that one must devote countless time in order to achieve a healthy, peaceful and prosperous world community.

Dr. Kalotee was a guest speaker several times at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and in Geneva, speaking on issues of education and health to the world community. His life experience of responsibility and understanding the importance of a better tomorrow was evident in his messages.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kalotee has played an instrumental role in helping to combat the virus with leaders around the world, working with doctors, nurses, first responders, support staff and political leaders to formulate plans to keep communities safe--locally, nationally and internationally. He spearheaded efforts to provide thousands of face masks, shields, gloves, and temperature and mask-sensing kiosks which were delivered to hospitals, schools, and nursing homes at no cost.

Above all, Bobby responds time and again to an innate need to serve. He believes that protecting others is the greatest reward an individual or organization can achieve, and his organization's motto is that ``There is no better gift one can give to humanity than good health.''

I thank Bobby for his kindness.

Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the great honor to be joined in this Chamber by many brave Americans and their family members who were held hostage when student militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Iran on November 4, 1979.

For 444 days, 52 brave Americans were held hostage and held captive against their will. On behalf of those brave Americans, I rise in support of my bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 52 hostages of the Iran hostage crisis.

As it currently stands, almost 300 Members of this Chamber have pledged their support for this legislation, a showing of true bipartisanship in an oftentimes divided Chamber, and the bill has received overwhelming support in the Senate, as well.

Despite mock firing squads, beatings, solitary confinement, lack of food, and psychological torture, these American hostages maintained their strength and resilience. Back at home, we remember

that Americans remained united in their support for these hostages, with many tying yellow ribbons around trees in signs of solidarity.

I was 17 years old in 1979, and I well remember, as many Americans do, that the Iran hostage crisis was a painful time in our history, but that pain cannot stop us from recognizing the true pain and sacrifice by these special Americans.

On behalf of the entire Congress, I give special thanks to the chairman of Commission 52, Brock Pierce, and Ezra Friedlander, the project manager, for helping to gather support for this bill. It is truly a public service.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage of this bill so we can immediately send it to the President's desk to be signed into law.

Mr. Speaker, I am joined in the gallery today by six former hostages and the families of 11 former hostages who are here to represent the 52 former hostages who were taken by Iranian student militants when they stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979.

I rise today in support of my bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 52 hostages of the Iran hostage crisis who were released after 444 days of captivity over 40 years ago.

As it currently stands, almost 300 Members of this Chamber have pledged their support for this legislation--a showing of true bipartisanship in an oftentimes divided Chamber.

Despite mock firing squads, beatings, solitary confinement, lack of food, and psychological torture, these American hostages maintained their strength, resilience, and loyalty to their country. I was 17 years old in 1979, and I remember well--as many Americans do and many in this Chamber do--that the Iran hostage crisis was a painful time in our history. But that pain cannot stop us from recognizing the true pain and sacrifice by these special Americans.

On behalf of the entire Congress, I give special thanks to Brock Pierce, the chairman of Commission 52, and Ezra Friedlander, the project manager, for helping gather support for this bill. It is a true public service.

Mr. Speaker, I urge swift passage of this bill as soon as it is passed in the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, let's give a round of applause to these folks who have joined us here today.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I want to read into the Record a poem by an American poet who happened to live in my district in the 1800s. This poem was brought to my attention by my sister, Rosemary Lloyd, and the poem was brought to her attention by a historian from my college, Boston College, Heather Cox Richardson.

In this poem Walt Whitman spoke about America's choosing day. We see the confrontations and divisions we have in our country right now, but in 1884 there were great divisions in this country, less than 20 years after the Civil War, and there was great disruption among the political parties to decide how we would move forward.

Madam Speaker, I want to read Walt Whitman's poem into the Record. It is a great guidance for all of us today.

If I should need to name, O Western World, your powerfulest

scene and show,

'Twould not be you, Niagara--nor you, ye limitless prairies--

nor your huge rifts of canyons, Colorado,

Nor you, Yosemite--nor Yellowstone, with all its spasmic

geyser-loops ascending to the skies, appearing and

disappearing,

Nor Oregon's white cones--nor Huron's belt of mighty lakes--

nor Mississippi's stream:

This seething hemisphere's humanity, as now, I'd name--the

still small voice vibrating--America's choosing day,

The heart of it not in the chosen--the act itself the main,

the quadrennial choosing,

The stretch of North and South arous'd--seaboard and inland--

Texas to Maine--the prairie States--Vermont, Virginia,

California,

The final ballot shower from East to West--the paradox and

conflict,

The countless snowflakes falling--a swordless conflict,

Yet more than all Rome's wars of old, or modern Napoleon's:

the peaceful choice of all,

Or good or ill humanity--welcoming the darker odds, the

dross:

Foams and ferments the wine? It serves to purify--while the

heart pants, life glows:

These stormy gusts and winds waft precious ships,

Swell'd Washington's, Jefferson's, Lincoln's sails.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated service of Angela Licata as she nears the conclusion of her term as President of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies.

Angela has spent more than thirty years of her career at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, which each day delivers more than one billion gallons of fresh, clean drinking water to the taps of nine million customers throughout New York State. Over the years Angela has played key roles in contributing to New York City's PlaNYC blueprint for sustainable growth, identifying climate change adaptation strategies, launching analyses of sustainable water rate structures, and managing capital expense budgets to ensure appropriate investment in the infrastructure necessary to provide safe and reliable water service.

In addition, Angela has been a leader among her colleagues at the nation's drinking water utilities. Since 2014 she has served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), an organization representing the nation's largest publicly owned drinking water systems. She began her term as President of AMWA's board in 2020. During her time on the board she has testified before Congress on the challenges posed by lead service lines, actively participated in initiatives to increase diversity in the water sector, and outlined innovative approaches to achieving collaboration between climate scientists and the water utility community.

This month, Angela's term as President of AMWA's board will come to an end. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join with me today in recognizing Angela Licata for her service to AMWA, the people of New York, and the water sector as a whole. I am proud to count Angela among my constituents, and I wish her continued success and happiness in her career.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Judge Sterling Johnson who passed away on October 17, 2022. Judge Johnson will be remembered as a devoted family man, advocate for individuals suffering from AIDS, dedicated jurist, special drug prosecutor, member of the New York City Police Department, U.S. Marine veteran and mentor to the next generation of young attorneys.

At a time when AIDS was still considered a terrifying death sentence, Judge Johnson fought relentlessly for the humane treatment of individuals suffering from AIDS. In 1993, he ordered the government to immediately shut down a Guantanamo Bay detention facility that was full of Haitian refugees who had been found eligible for asylum but were denied entry into the United States solely because they had H.I.V. or AIDS. He likened their living conditions to ``an H.I.V. prison camp''. In another remarkable case, Judge Johnson ruled that New York City had failed to provide necessities to thousands of residents who were poverty stricken and suffered from AIDS. These necessities included emergency housing, food stamps and Medicaid. He ordered a federal magistrate to make sure that the AIDS stricken population had access to these benefits. In this way he used his power to alleviate the suffering of thousands of society's most vulnerable members.

Prior to his time on the bench, Judge Johnson was a member of the New York City Police Department. While serving in this capacity, he received his undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College and graduated in the top ten percent of the Brooklyn Law School Class of 1966. Judge Johnson left the police force the following year to accept an appointment as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York based in Manhattan where he prosecuted more than 7,000 criminal cases. He also served as the City's special narcotics prosecutor and was named executive liaison officer for the Drug Enforcement Administration's Presidential Drug Advisory Council under President Gerald Ford. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush nominated Judge Johnson for the United States Court for the Eastern District of New York. During his 30-year tenure on the bench, Judge Johnson ruled in over 500 cases.

Judge Johnson also served as the executive director of the NYPD Civilian Complaint Review Board, investigating allegations of police misconduct and brutality. Judge Johnson was a founding member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement. The New York Chapter of this organization is named in his honor. He was also instrumental in founding the National Black Prosecutors Association. Judge Johnson was also a sought-after guest lecturer and gave speeches at universities around the world.

Despite his demanding career, Judge Johnson always made time to mentor young attorneys. His office was full of young lawyers seeking his wisdom and advice. He instilled the values of duty, dedication, discipline, integrity, and social justice in the next generation of lawyers. He would often say ``If you are early, you are on time. If you are on time, you are late.'' He deeply believed that one must be a leader, take initiative, and zealously chase one's ambitions. When Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson started her career, she asked Judge Johnson if she should become a judge. As a result of his guidance and encouragement, she went on to make history as the first black female Supreme Court Justice.

In addition to his distinguished career, Judge Johnson also raised a remarkable family. He was a devoted husband to Barbara Johnson and a loving father to his children Sterling III, Alicia and Jennifer, and daughter-in-law Wendy Johnson. Judge Johnson was especially close to his son-in-law, David Daniels. Judge Johnson was lovingly called G.Pa by his grandchildren Jessica Barnes and F. Attiyya Akinwole; and was a doting great grandfather to his adorable great grand puppies Jibe, Oba, and Enzo. Judge Johnson enjoyed fishing and playing solitaire. We take solace in the thought that Judge Johnson has been reunited in heaven with his daughter Alicia and dog Oba.

I offer my deepest sympathy and prayers to Judge Johnson's family and hope that the knowledge that he is remembered so dearly by his friends and colleagues will bring comfort during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for giving me the opportunity to speak in support of H.R. 1433, the reauthorization of the Helen Keller National Center for Youths and Adults Who Are Deaf- Blind in our country.

Let me start by thanking not only the chairman but Congressman Pocan and all of my colleagues who, on a bipartisan basis, have shown overwhelming support for this legislation and the national center.

The Helen Keller National Center for the Deaf-Blind, located in my district, is the only center of its type anywhere in the Nation. People from all over the country travel to the center for help, and they have regional support centers, as well.

In my first 2 weeks in office, back in 2017, I visited the Helen Keller National Center for the first time. I heard stories from people whose lives were changed and whose families' lives were changed because of the miracles that were brought into their lives by this exceptional national treasure.

People's lives have been changed dramatically because of the work of this center supported by this Congress for 55 years, since 1967. We need to continue to support the center.

I thank my colleagues for the great work that they have done in supporting it and continuing to increase its funding year after year. Let us keep working together on a bipartisan basis to serve the people of our country, especially this vulnerable population. Imagine what it would be like to be deaf and blind.

This is truly a national treasure, and I thank my colleagues for their support.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Glen Cove Hospital on the occasion of its centennial anniversary of serving the residents of Glen Cove and the surrounding communities.

Glen Cove is my hometown. We all took Glen Cove Hospital for granted until a few years ago, when there was a possibility it would be gone. This year, as we celebrate its 100th anniversary we are grateful to everyone who has rallied to ensure that the hospital not only survives, but thrives. It is a central part of our existence and our long-term sustainability.

My mom was a operating nurse in the Glen Cove Hospital. My dad served on the Glen Cove Community Hospital Board. I was born in Glen Cove Hospital. Helene and I had our three children in the Glen Cove Hospital. We have been to the emergency room for stitches and breaks, or high fevers, or to visit loved ones who are sick, or . . . . to pay our last respects to our closest friends and family. The hospital is woven into the very fabric of our lives.

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of this indispensable and vital asset, I am recommitting myself to doing everything I can to ensure that the Glen Cove Hospital continues to be a warm, inviting, community-centered, beacon of excellence. I thank the hospital leadership both in Glen Cove and at Northwell Health, especially Executive Director Kerri Scanlon, Medical Director Dr. Brad Sherman and Northwell's President and CEO Michael Dowling. I thank the doctors, nurses, laboratory staff, maintenance workers, kitchen crew, social workers, volunteers, accountants, receptionists, security workers and everyone else who makes Glen Cove Hospital such a special part of our lives.

I would like to make special mention of one Glen Cove resident--Saul Katz. Mr. Katz is one of the visionaries that proposed the first merger between the North Shore hospital system and Glen Cove Hospital, despite the objection of other Glen Cover's, . . . like my dad. That vision, and his decades to devotion, has given us the premier Northwell Health system of today. And, not only due to Saul's vision, but also his and his wife, Iris's overwhelming and consistent decades of generosity, the Glen Cove Hospital will continue to grow as one of the jewels in the Northwell crown. The Katzs are special people, and we are fortunate that they are from Glen Cove.

As Glen Cove Hospital enters its second century, I am grateful to the hospital and its staff for being such a special part of our community and look forward to its continued growth. Here's to the next 100 years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable man, a living legend, and a champion of civil rights. Although Edward Stack is not being inducted today, and it has been said by his high school coach that he couldn't ``catch a baseball with a bushel basket'', this man is the heart and soul of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Born in Sea Cliff, and a longtime resident of Glen Head, New York, Ed served as Chairman of the Board from 1977 to 2000, and as an officer from 1961 to 1977. Due to his tireless efforts, the Hall of Fame saw tremendous growth and multi-million-dollar expansions. Even more significant, were the historical milestones which took place under Ed's leadership. The most notable being the inclusion of former Negro League players, who had been excluded from Major League baseball prior to Jackie Robinson.

The inclusion of the Negro League superstars was a moment of lasting pride, according to Ed. It was a victory for civil rights and the correction of an injustice which, Ed says, took way too long to be corrected. With Ed's efforts, players such as Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Judy Johnson, Cool Papa Bell, Buck Leonard, and Martin Dihigo, those whose groundbreaking accomplishments had been overlooked simply due their color, were finally given the recognition they deserved.

In order to protect the integrity of baseball, Ed fought to prohibit players who broke the rules, specifically those who used performance enhancing drugs. Ed is well known to many acclaimed baseball celebrities who adore him. Babe Ruth's widow, Claire, considered him a close friend. Yogi Berra and his wife affectionately called Ed ``blue eyes.'' Ed has also visited numerous presidents in the Oval Office and had a special bond with Ronald Reagan.

As impressive as Ed's professional accomplishments is his generosity. In his retirement, Ed serves as an officer or director for 19 different charitable and cultural organizations, including the Bassett Medical Center, the Farmers' Museum, the New York State Trooper Foundation, the Salvation Army, and the Mental Health Association of Nassau County.

He is a frequent donor to his alma mater, Pace University, where he once served as student council president. Ed invests in education because he hopes to give others the same opportunity for success that he had. In 1991, Pace recognized his outstanding contribution by awarding him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. In tribute to Ed's constant support, the University named the Edward W. Stack ``56 Suite'' at Alumni Hall, in his honor.

Today, Ed and his wife, Christina, have used their financial success to support those in need. They are significant donors to multiple philanthropic causes. The SCO Family of Services describe the couple's compassion by saying, ``Ed Stack and his wife Chris are in a league of their own when it comes to helping others.''

Ed and his wife raised three beautiful daughters named Amy, Kim, and Suzanne. Ed is also a beloved ``Opa,'' or grandfather, to Kara, Lucy, and McGill. Ed's daughters describe their father as hardworking and resilient. As a child, Ed had overcome Polio. He was told he would never walk again, but Ed persevered and proved the doctors wrong. Although walking was difficult, Ed would commute an hour and a half to work every day. Ed's daughter Amy describes Ed's dedication as such that sometimes he'd fall down the train stairs because his legs would give out, but she never remembers him ever complaining about his commute. Amy says that it always amazes her that her father could drink a cup of black coffee at 11pm before going to bed, have no problem sleeping, and then wake up at 5am to catch the train.

Ed's whole life was about helping others. During the rare moments when Ed was not in meetings, he would spend his time walking his dogs at Tappen Beach, baking gluten free bread for Kim, and helping his children with their homework. Ed also loved to care for the elderly. On weekends Ed would take his family with him to different elderly friends' houses, and Ed's family would help them with their taxes or finances. Now, as a grandfather, Ed can be found doting on his grandchildren and giving them scooter rides around the hallways of the Harborside Community in Port Washington.

As the famous poet from our district, Walt Whitman, once said, ``I see great things in baseball.'' Baseball is more than a game; it is a thread which has tied Americans of all backgrounds together since the beginning of our nation's history. During the Civil War, baseball was used to boost morale on the battlefield. During World War Two, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt stated in his famous green light letter that, even in these trying times, ``I honestly feel that it would be best for the country to keep baseball going.'' Today we proudly recognize and thank Ed for his trailblazing contributions to our national pastime, his contributions to social justice, and his immense philanthropy.