Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Ms. Tracey Anne Kennedy, who passed on September 16, 2024, and whose life's work instilled faith, hope, and love in everyone around her.

Ms. Kennedy was born on May 6, 1963, to John and Carol Kennedy of Tonawanda, New York. She attended Sweet Home High School and graduated from Buffalo State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. She married John Plante in 1991, and together they raised two beautiful children, Michael and Mary Katherine. Though they went their separate ways later in life, Tracey lived out the last five years of her life with John, who helped her navigate her medical journey.

After being diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer and later Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, Ms. Kennedy bravely fought for nine years through numerous treatments and procedures, always with a positive attitude and remaining strong in her faith. As a member of The Chapel at CrossPoint, Ms. Kennedy found comfort in knowing that God was with her every step of the way.

Ms. Kennedy always ensured that those around her felt loved. She was everyone's loudest cheerleader, strongest supporter, and best friend. She relentlessly encouraged her family and friends to strive for the impossible and reach for the stars. She always wanted to make everyone feel seen and special, armed with her thousand-watt smile and contagious laughter.

Today, Ms. Kennedy is remembered as a hard-working woman of God, who put the needs of others first, had a profound love for her children and family, and continuously fought for her health. Please join me in honoring Ms. Tracey Anne Kennedy for her lifetime of dedication to service and faith.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mr. Robert T. Scott as he is bestowed the prestigious title of president emeritus of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, New York.

Mr. Scott began his career as a religion teacher at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, affectionately known as St. Joe's, in 1971. Over the years, he served as a social studies teacher, vice principal, principal, and president.

In 2001, Mr. Scott earned his letters of affiliation, the highest honor awarded by the Institute of Brothers of Christian Schools, the religious order that founded St. Joe's in 1861.

Mr. Scott retired in 2018 after an extraordinary 48-year career at the all-boys high school.

Throughout his career, Mr. Scott has exemplified the mission of St. Joe's: to transform the lives of students from diverse backgrounds through academic excellence and care, rooted in a Lasallian Catholic community, developing and cultivating each student's

unique talents in preparation for college and life.

The students that Mr. Scott impacted throughout his tenure have excelled in their personal and professional lives in large part due to his mentorship and dedication.

Today, he continues to inspire all who know him, sharing his compassion and dedication to his family, friends, colleagues, and community.

I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Scott as my former principal and now my friend. The lessons he imparted went beyond academics. They instilled in me the values of integrity, leadership, and perseverance. For that, I am forever grateful and continue to carry his influence with me each and every day.

In retirement, he has cherished the opportunity to spend more time with his beloved family--his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his four brothers--creating lasting memories with those closest to him while still giving back to the institution he poured his life into.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Robert T. Scott on an inspiring career and the continuation of his commitment to education and the Lasallian tradition as president emeritus of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute.

May St. John Baptist de la Salle pray for us. May Jesus live in our hearts forever. Go St. Joe's Marauders.

Remembering Dominic ``Nick'' Bonifacio, Jr.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of former Buffalo Common Council Member Dominic ``Nick'' Bonifacio, Jr., who passed on August 2.

Nick was a hardworking and dedicated leader who made a lasting impact on Buffalo and everyone whose lives he touched.

With deep roots in the city, he was one of three children born to Dominic J. Bonifacio, Sr., and Ruth Boundy Bonifacio. After attending School 77, Nick graduated from Hutch-Tech High School in 1966, where he was a leader on the field and on the court, competing on the baseball team, the cross-country team, and the varsity basketball team.

In college, Nick became involved in mentoring and serving Buffalo youth. He was the director of the Butler Mitchell Boys and Girls Club and worked to create a place for young people to find camaraderie and receive mentorship.

Nick became a recreation instructor for the city of Buffalo in 1996, while also taking on the responsibilities of being the program director and an interim executive director for the Buffalo Police Athletic League.

In 1999, he became a member of the Buffalo Common Council. During his tenure, he fought to make Buffalo better, taking on projects like cracking down on absentee landlords and creating what is now Freedom Park along the Niagara River. Addressing health concerns, he led a project to install sidewalks and plant vegetation in Buffalo.

While chair of the council's police reorganization committee, and during his time as member of the Peace Bridge advisory panel, he protected residential neighborhoods from commercial expansion.

A baseball player at heart, he was a star pitcher and founded the Butler Mitchell baseball program in 1975. Four years later, he was coaching nine different teams. Nick even filled in when needed at a handful of Buffalo Bisons games. In 2010, as recognition for his love of and service through baseball, he was inducted in the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame.

Nick leaves behind his brother, Joseph, many loving nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Madam Speaker, he will be missed. May my friend, Nick Bonifacio, rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro) for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this extreme MAGA Republican continuing resolution that will defund our veterans.

We have mere days to fund the government and avoid a shutdown that will force millions of Federal employees to be without pay, halt work on critical infrastructure projects, and prevent Americans from receiving the benefits they rely on.

Unfortunately, extreme MAGA Republicans have abdicated their responsibility to govern even further. This continuing resolution fails to meet the needs of our heroes who have fought and served in our Nation's military. It shortchanges our veterans by $12 billion.

This is funding that is desperately needed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to maintain its workforce at VA hospitals across the country, which is critical to providing the quality of medical services our veterans need.

Without the full $12 billion included in the continuing resolution, the VA is being forced to make choices regarding care that could degrade services for patients, reduce support for veterans who experience homelessness, and limit programs that support caregivers.

We are already seeing the harm being done from a lack of resources for the VA across our country. In my district, the Buffalo VA does not have the funding needed to maintain its workforce, driving nurses to the picket line to call for more hires, all while patients are receiving delayed care in crumbling facilities.

It is unacceptable, and it will directly impact the 40,000 veterans living in my district and more than 18 million veterans across the country. This disastrous budget also comes as the Honoring our PACT Act brings a record number of benefits to our veterans, including those who were exposed to toxic burn pits during tours in Iraq and Afghanistan while defending our Nation, and who deserve to receive the benefits they have earned.

Now is not the time to disinvest from our veterans. We need to follow through with a bipartisan commitment this body made to make the men and women who served in our military whole.

In funding the United States Government, we need to deliver for the heroes who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote against this measure as-is and work with us to pass a clean CR that ensures our Nation's veterans are treated with the dignity and respect that they rightfully deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the consequential impact that St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute has had on the young men of Western New York.

Since its establishment in 1861, St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute has been a pillar of the Buffalo and Western New York community. While the school's faculty and staff may have come and gone throughout the school's history, the mission has never changed--to transform young men from all backgrounds into strong and courageous leaders of our community through a Lasallian education.

The Brothers of Christian Schools, also known as the De La Salle Brothers, have a long and storied history of educating young men through rigorous academics and an approach that emphasizes caring for the whole person. St. Joseph's in Buffalo is no exception to this tradition.

As an alumnus of St. Joseph's myself, I have been able to experience first-hand the commitment of the school to transforming boys into strong young men in a great position to succeed in their future. As St. Joseph's approaches 175 years of service to our community, adherence to its original founding principles, and their commitment to Western New York has never been stronger. Not only does the school create strong leaders, but also actively works to improve the lives of those in the community through service.

We honor the commitment of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute to our young men and its unwavering dedication to serving our community. Please join me in celebrating the devotion of the St. Joseph's faculty and staff, as well as the De La Salle Brothers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mr. Robert T. Scott as he is bestowed the prestigious title of President Emeritus of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute.

Mr. Scott began his career as a religion teacher at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in 1971. Over time, he served as a social studies teacher, vice principal, principal, and then president. In 2001, Mr. Scott earned his Letters of Affiliation, the highest honor bestowed by the Institute of Brothers of Christian Schools, the religious order that founded St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in 1861. Scott retired in 2017 after a tremendous 48-year career at the all-boys high school

Throughout his career, Mr. Scott has exemplified the mission of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, to transform the lives of students from diverse backgrounds through academic excellence and care for the whole person in a respectful, Lasallian Catholic community, developing each student's unique talents in preparation for college and life. The students that Mr. Scott impacted throughout his tenure have excelled in their personal and professional lives in large part due to the mentorship and dedication of Mr. Scott.

Today, Mr. Scott continues to inspire all who know him, sharing his compassion and dedication to his family, friends, country, and faith. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Robert T. Scott on an inspiring career in education, and the continuation of his commitment to education and the Lasallian tradition as President Emeritus of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute,

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life and legacy of a fallen hero and pillar of the Western New York community--Charles ``Chuck'' Priore.

Born in Buffalo, New York on December 15, 1975, Chuck was the youngest of three boys born to Charley and Laurie Priore. After graduating from Bishop Timon High School in 1994, Chuck entered the workforce and ultimately landed a job as a hazardous materials specialist with EarthTech.

While working for EarthTech, Chuck traveled throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. In the weeks leading up to the September 11th terror attacks, Chuck and his co-workers were assigned to a job in Queens. When the attacks occurred, his team was redirected from their job site to the World Trade Center where they worked in 24-hour continuous shifts cleaning up debris from the fallen towers. His life and the lives of his future wife and children were forever changed by the time he spent doing his job, serving his country, and answering the call in the days following the attacks.

In the months following, Chuck returned home to Buffalo and joined Laborers' Union Local 210. In 2008, two years after the birth of his son, Kevin, he became a Corrections Officer with the Erie County Sheriff's Office and served in that role until 2021.

In the fall of 2009, Chuck met his now-wife, Cate Flanagan, at the Buffalo Irish Center. They later moved into the same neighborhood that Chuck grew up in to start their lives together and raise a family. On June 25, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chuck was diagnosed with bladder cancer linked to his time at the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks. He underwent treatment and surgery but passed away on August 17, 2024, after being admitted to hospice care.

Chuck's passing leaves behind his beloved wife Cate, and two children, Kevin and Ciara who now face life without him. His sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the lasting impact of dedicated service in the face of tragedy. As we remember Charles ``Chuck'' Priore we grieve the loss of a beloved friend and dedicated public servant and find solace in knowing that his legacy lives on.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the momentous opening of the

Harry E. Schultz Community Center on Buffalo's West Side.

Since its opening in 2013, the Veterans One-Stop Center of Western New York has been a place where our community's veterans and their families can access the wrap-around services and support they need. From a fully functional fitness center to high-quality counseling and legal services, VOSC truly does it all. Today, the VOSC has added even more to its extensive list of services and offerings by officially opening the Harry E. Schultz Community Center, a one-of-a-kind facility that will greatly benefit Western New York veterans.

The facility bears the name of the late Harry E. Schultz, one of the strongest anchors of support for our Western New York Veteran community.

Born in Western New York on November 25, 1951, Harry enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17, where he would serve his country for almost four years. Harry's service to his country was just beginning, following his retirement from the military, he began to ``pay it forward'' by supporting other veterans. Before becoming one of the founding members of the Veterans One-Stop Center, Harry spent over three decades in services to veterans, including with VSOs such as Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Harry and his colleagues came together to create the VOSC after experiencing their own difficulties trying to navigate the benefits and services available to Veterans, They saw firsthand how important it was to have wraparound services available to veterans in one place.

With the opening of the Harry E. Schultz Community Center, veterans will be able to relax, unwind, and connect with fellow veterans, completely free of charge. Harry's incredible legacy of serving fellow veterans is now even more cemented, and will no doubt continue to inspire future generations to serve their peers.

We honor the late Harry E. Schultz, the establishment of this wonderful community center in his memory, and his unwavering dedication to serving our community and its veterans. Please join me in remembering Mr. Schultz's extraordinary life of service and community leadership in Buffalo.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life and legacy of Anthony P. Amigone, Sr.

Anthony P. Amigone, Sr. passed away peacefully on September 7, 2024, in Florida at the age of 92, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on January 5, 1932, in Buffalo, New York, Mr. Amigone remained deeply connected to his hometown throughout his life. He is survived by his devoted wife, Marjorie L. Parmelee, and his children: Mary Amigone- Jennings, Anthony P. Amigone, Jr., Vincent J. Amigone, Sr., and Danielle Marie Amigone. He also leaves behind a large extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Amigone was educated at the University of Buffalo, the Simmons Institute of Mortuary Science, and several local schools, including Kensington High School and Canisius High School. As the chairman of Amigone Funeral Home, Inc., a family business established in 1926, he became a licensed funeral director in New York in 1953 and later in Pennsylvania in 1976. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly, growing from its original location to 13 branches across Western New York. His innovative vision led to the creation of the city's first modern funeral home, as well as the distinctive ``Amigone Blue'' fleet, a signature mark of the business.

Throughout his career, Mr. Amigone served his community and established himself as a preeminent figure in his industry, Among several other posts, Mr. Amigone served as President of the National Association of Approved Morticians, the President of the New York State Funeral Directors Association, and the District Governor of the National Funeral Directors Association.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Amigone served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in the Far East as part of the Graves Registration Unit. He also briefly worked for Mitsubishi Chemical in Japan and had the honor of being received by the Emperor of Japan. In 1955, he was instrumental in modernizing funeral practices in Hong Kong.

A devout Catholic, Mr. Amigone had the rare privilege of a private audience with Pope John XXIII in 1958. He was also a dedicated community leader, honored as Buffalonian of the Year in 1987, and active in numerous civic and professional organizations, including the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, and several chambers of commerce. A man of many interests, Mr. Amigone was a passionate reader with a love for Shakespeare and enjoyed boating as well as playing the piano, particularly the song ``Deep Purple.''

Today, we honor Anthony P. Amigone, Sr. and we commemorate his unwavering commitment to Western New York. Mr. Amigone's legacy endures through his loving family, the continued success of his family business, and the profound impact he made on the Buffalo community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life and legacy of Albert J. ``Skip'' Gazy of Niagara Falls, NY.

On September 3, 2024, Albert J. ``Skip'' Gazy, 95, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, he was the son of the late Nasri and Victoria (Jacob) Gazy, and the devoted husband of Ramona Gazy, whom he married on June 15, 1968. Albert served proudly in the United States National Guard. He worked alongside his brothers at Gazy Brother's Texaco Station until it closed in 1981, later retiring after many years of service with the Niagara Falls City School District.

As a passionate boxing enthusiast, Albert boxed at the Niagara Falls Boys Club in his youth. Known for his sharp sense of humor, Albert found great joy in bringing laughter to those around him. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family, especially his three beloved granddaughters.

Albert was preceded in death by his wife, Ramona, but survived by his children, Monique (Keith) Crossley and Louis DalPorto; his granddaughters, Danielle DalPorto, Samantha DalPorto, and Elise Gazy; daughter-in-law Joanne DalPorto; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, loved ones and friends.

As we remember Albert ``Skip'' Gazy, we grieve the loss of a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather and a beloved member of our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in solemn remembrance of Arthur O. Eve, Jr., a remarkable individual and leader, affectionately known throughout western New York and beyond as Champ.

As the beloved son of New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve and an educator, the late Lee Constance Eve, life lessons in civic responsibility, faith, and a strong work ethic were instilled in him early by his family.

As a standout football player who earned all-Catholic honors during his time at Canisius High School and shined on the field at the University of Texas at El Paso, Champ turned his athletic talent, natural leadership, and team-building skills into an opportunity to inspire and mentor countless young people through coaching basketball at Calvary Baptist Church, Hutch Tech High School, and Buffalo State University.

Through his coaching, he touched hundreds of lives for the better.

In his professional positions within a juvenile detention center and Educational Opportunity Center, Champ dedicated himself to empowering those in need.

At Buffalo's Municipal Housing Authority, Champ transformed the agency and set a national standard for compliance and inclusion, which led to the BMHA being recognized as a high performer by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Champ was a leader and a respected voice on issues impacting Buffalo's Black community, serving as president of the Black Student Union during his time at the University at Buffalo. He was the founder and president of Unity Coalition, widely recognized as one of the strongest organizing units in the entire State of New York.

As deputy commissioner of the Erie County Board of Elections and as a community leader, Champ supported democracy through his work, impressing upon others the power of a vote to express one's values and shape the future of our community and our entire Nation.

A man of great faith and devotion, Champ was an active member of Elim Christian Fellowship under the leadership of Bishop T. Anthony Bronner.

To me, Champ was a dear friend whose counsel guided me in many important decisions throughout my own career.

Through a lifetime of tireless advocacy, Champ had an impact on every single life in western New York, our great State of New York, and the entire Nation. He helped unite us like never before in Buffalo, and our great city's renaissance is a shining example of what Champ believed in: diversity,

inclusivity, and opportunity, and a world where everyone can succeed.

Transcending his passion for the community was his love and devotion to his family. He leaves behind his father, the Honorable Arthur O. Eve, Sr.; beloved wife, Kim; nine children, Arthur III, Shiana Denise, LaNeesha, Eric James, Louis, Ashley, Melzetta, Bobby, and David Paul; and eight grandchildren, Caiden, Rylee, Cailee, Kendall, Ari, Lucian, Maliha, and Lux, shared through their blended family; siblings, Leecia, Eric, Malcolm, and Martin; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

As we remember Arthur O. Eve, Jr., we grieve the loss of a beloved friend, celebrate a life well lived, and find solace in knowing that his legacy of service will live on.

Madam Speaker, may Champ Eve rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman D'Esposito for bringing this Special Order to the floor here this evening.

Today, we gather together to commemorate the deadliest attack on our Nation's soil. On the morning of September 11, 2001, extremist al-Qaida terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in a plot to undermine our Nation's security and our spirit of democracy. As a result, 2,977 people did not return home to their loved ones.

This unspeakable act of terror left a deep scar in the psyche of New Yorkers, Americans, and people around the globe.

In New York, we continue to mourn our native sons and daughters who were lost that day and join the Nation in commemorating those lost as well as the resilience of a city and Nation that never yielded to the terror inflicted upon us.

We also honor the first responders who were deeply impacted, hundreds of whom were killed in the wake of the attack, running selflessly into the face of danger as they fought tirelessly to help more people escape.

More than 20 years later, our brave first responders and survivors are still combating the severe health complications stemming from their heroism on 9/11 and in the weeks and months that followed. Congress must continue to support their recovery, and we must do everything in our power to stop terrorism at home and abroad.

We have not forgotten nor will we ever forget the tragic events of September 11, 2001. God bless the souls that we lost that day. God bless the survivors and the families that have carried on and persevered in their loved one's memory, and God bless America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mrs. Thelma Holtzclaw Mathews on the occasion of her 100th birthday.

Mrs. Mathews was born on September 26, 1924, and grew up with her parents and seven siblings in Titus, Alabama. She moved to Buffalo fifty-four years ago where she has lived since.

After graduating high school, Mrs. Mathews's top priority was her family. Together with the love of her life, Luther, they raised six incredible children, three daughters and three sons. Mrs. Mathews' family continues to grow, with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is most proud to be a wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother.

When Mrs. Mathews is not with her family, she is with her friends and neighbors. They know they can always rely on her for a warm smile and a laugh. Deeply devoted to her faith, Mrs. Mathews is an active member of the Greater Refuge Temple of Christ on Jefferson Avenue.

Further, Mrs. Mathews deeply values civic engagement, having voted in every presidential election she has been able to. She was very excited to vote for the first Black President, President Barack Obama, and is looking forward to casting her ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman nominated by a major party for President.

Today, Mrs. Thelma Holtzclaw Mathews continues to inspire all who know her, sharing her compassion and dedication to her family, friends, country, and faith. Please join me in celebrating Mrs. Thelma Holtzclaw Mathews on her 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate James T. Sandoro on his 80th birthday. A respected historian, vehicle appraiser, and proud Buffalo booster, Mr. Sandoro has made an indelible impact on the Buffalo community.

Born on September 9, 1944, Mr. Sandoro is a lifelong Buffalonian. He attended St. Joseph's Grammar School and graduated from Bennett High School in 1962. He continued his education at the University at Buffalo, where he studied business education and graduated in 1971.

In 1962, Mr. Sandoro became the proprietor of Buffalo Motor Car, a licensed New York State Auto dealer. Mr. Sandoro collects, restores, and deals automobiles, motorcycles, and collector vehicles. He has appraised thousands of vehicles for community members, museums, and collectors from around the world, earning numerous national awards for his vehicle frames.

Further, in 1997, Mr. Sandoro and his wife, Mary Ann, founded their nonprofit organization The Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum. The museum opened in 2001 and is located on 263 Michigan Avenue in downtown Buffalo. Mr. and Mrs. Sandoro have donated their extensive vehicle collection, curated over five decades, to the museum. The Sandoro collection, which includes many automobiles that were once produced in Buffalo, is regarded as one of the most unique collections in the world.

The Pierce-Arrow Museum is also home to the 1927 Buffalo Filling Station, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The station, which was intended to be developed in Buffalo but never came to fruition, was built as an extension to the museum in 2024.

Throughout his career, Mr. Sandoro has been honored by numerous national publications for his work in car collecting. He has been named in USA Today and the New York Times, as well as car collector publications including Old Cars Weekly and Automobile Quarterly. Additionally, Mr. Sandoro has appeared on numerous radio, television, and cable shows, and has served as an auto historian consultant on major feature films, including ``Once Upon a Time in America'' with Robert De Niro. He is also a published author, with his book ``Actual Cash Value-Value Guide to Older Cars'' being used nationally by car enthusiasts, insurance companies, and many others.

Today, please join me in honoring Mr. James T. Sandoro as he celebrates his 80th birthday and thanking him for being a champion of Buffalo's rich automotive history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Officer Nelson Yera as he embarks on

his well-earned retirement. A proud native of North Tonawanda, Mr. Yera has devoted 51 years to public service, making significant contributions to our Western New York community.

Mr. Yera's distinguished career began in 1973 when he enlisted in the United States Army, marking the start of his lifelong commitment to federal service. After serving on active duty, he joined the United States Army Reserve in 1986.

Following his military service, Mr. Yera began a career in immigration enforcement. In 1999, he started as a Border Patrol Agent with the Department of Justice and the former Immigration and Naturalization Service. His exemplary service led him to roles as an adjudicator and investigator. With the formation of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003, Mr. Yera became the Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office, a position he held until 2012.

Since 2013, Mr. Yera has served as an Immigration Officer in the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate at the Buffalo Field Office of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. In this role, he has been instrumental in maintaining the integrity of our immigration system and the safety of our nation.

Please join me in congratulating Mr. Yera on his retirement and expressing our profound gratitude for over 50 years of unwavering dedication to our community and Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solemn remembrance of Arthur O. Eve, Jr., a remarkable individual, affectionately known to the people of Buffalo, New York, and beyond as ``Champ.''

As the beloved son of New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve and an educator, Lee Constance Eve, life lessons in civic responsibility, faith, and a strong work ethic were taught early by his family.

A standout football player who earned all-Catholic honors during his time at Canisius High School and shined on the field at the University of Texas at El Paso, Champ turned his athletic talent, natural leadership, and teambuilding skills into an opportunity to inspire and mentor countless young people through coaching at Calvary Baptist Church, Hutch Tech High School, and Buffalo State University.

In his professional positions within a juvenile detention center and Educational Opportunity Center, Champ dedicated himself to empowering those in need. At Buffalo's Municipal Housing Authority, Champ transformed the agency and set a national standard for compliance and inclusion, which led to the BMHA being recognized as a ``high performer' by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Champ was a leader and respected voice on issues impacting Buffalo's Black community, serving as President of the Black Student Union during his time at the University at Buffalo, and was the founder and President of the Unity Coalition, widely recognized as one of the strongest organizing units in the State of New York.

As Deputy Commissioner of the Erie County Board of Elections and Vice Chair of the Erie County Democratic Committee, Champ supported democracy through his work, impressing upon others the power of a vote to express one's values and shape our future. A man of great faith and devotion, Champ was an active member of Elim Christian Fellowship under the leadership of Bishop T. Anthony Bronner.

Transcending his passion for the community was his love and devotion to his family. He leaves behind his father Arthur O. Eve, Sr., beloved wife Kim, nine children of Arthur III, Shiana Denise, LaNeesha, Eric James, Louis, Ashley, Melzetta, Bobby, and David Paul, and eight grandchildren Caiden, Rylee, Cailee, Kendall, Ari, Lucian, Maliha, and Lux, shared through their blended family, siblings Leecia, Eric, Malcolm, and Martin, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

As we remember Arthur O. Eve, Jr. we grieve the loss of a beloved friend, celebrate a life well lived, and find solace in knowing that his legacy of service lives on.