Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Michael A. Burget, who is entering a well-deserved retirement after three decades of exemplary service in the New York State healthcare system. With his deep passion for public service, Mr. Burget has made an indelible impact on the lives of countless individuals in Western New York.

Born and raised in Buffalo, Mr. Burget graduated from St. Mary's High School and earned his nursing degree from Erie County Community College. He later earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from the State University of New York at Brockport.

In 1987, Mr. Burget began his military career as he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves. For six years, he served as a hospital corpsman and a fleet corporal. Mr. Burget then joined the United States Air Force Reserve, serving with distinction for 29 years and rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

During his 35 years of military service, Mr. Burget has been a tireless advocate for ensuring active military and veterans have access to essential mental health resources. He established the first-ever mental health unit at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, a mental health awareness training program for service members returning from deployment. At the station, Mr. Burget lead annual resilience trainings to over 1,100 reservists. Further, during his deployment in Landstuhl, Germany, Mr. Burget provided vital counseling services to injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr. Burget's outstanding service has earned him numerous military honors. He has been awarded with the Meritorious Service Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air and Space Longevity Service Award, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol), and Air and Space Training Ribbon.

In addition to his military service, Mr. Burget has dedicated 31 years to the New York State healthcare system, demonstrating his commitment to providing exceptional patient care. He began his career at Rochester Psychiatric Service in 1993, where he served as a registered nurse and Admissions/Discharge Coordinator. Mr. Burget later took on roles as the Interim Chief of Service, Treatment Team Leader, and acting Chief of Adult Services, ensuring patients received the highest standard of care. He then served as the Clinical Manager for Behavioral Health at Erie County Medical Center, where Mr. Burget was instrumental in overseeing critical mental health services.

In 2016, Mr. Burget joined Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center as the Director of Network Practice Administration. In this role, Mr. Burget managed a vast network of healthcare providers, expanding Roswell Park's cancer care services to rural and low income communities across Western New York and the greater region.

Mr. Burget is a devoted husband to Michelle Burget, a retired school psychologist, and a loving father to his daughter, Zoe. Outside of his professional life, Mr. Burget enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with his family.

Today, after 31 years of service in the New York State healthcare system, Mr. Michael Burget is entering a well deserved retirement. He will continue his military service in the Air Force Reserves. Please join me in congratulating Mr. Burget on this incredible achievement and thanking him for his selfless service to our country and the people of Western New York.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Timothy Murphy, who is being awarded the University at Buffalo President's Medal. A dedicated and visionary leader, Dr. Murphy has significantly contributed to the advancement of medical science and the wellbeing of the Western New York community.

First presented in 1990, the University at Buffalo President's Medal recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, achievements, and contributions to the University at Buffalo community. This year, Dr. Murphy has earned the distinguished honor for

his exceptional leadership and transformative impact at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Murphy is an internationally recognized expert in respiratory infectious diseases, specializing in otitis media (ear infections) in children and lower respiratory tract infections in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His groundbreaking work has identified causes of bacterial infections and developed vaccinations and intervention strategies to prevent and treat these illnesses.

Additionally, in 2015, Dr. Murphy founded the University at Buffalo's Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) with support from the National Institute of Health. Under Dr. Murphy's leadership, the CTSI has spearheaded efforts to improve health care and reduce health disparities in Western New York. Dr. Murphy and the CTSI team have enhanced education for clinical research, advanced data science, and increased university partnerships with community organizations.

For twelve years, Dr. Murphy has directed the Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Short-Term Institutional Research Training Grant to address the national shortage of clinical scientists. This vital program introduces medical and pharmacy students to careers as clinical scientists through structured research and professional development training. Dr. Murphy has prioritized recruiting individuals from underrepresented communities to help rebuild the biomedical research workforce.

As a SUNY Distinguished Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research, Dr. Murphy is a pillar of the University at Buffalo Department of Medicine's academic community. With 230 publications and 13 patents and chapters in medical textbooks, Dr. Murphy's work has played a pivotal role in preventing and treating respiratory tract bacterial diseases.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Timothy Murphy on receiving the University at Buffalo President's Medal and thanking him for his commitment to making our community a healthier place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Adams Fire Company's 100-

year anniversary. For a century, the Adams Fire Company has served the Town of Wheatfield and Niagara County, providing lifesaving fire protection and EMS services to our community.

In 1924, thirty residents of the Town of Wheatfield came together at the District 3 Schoolhouse with a goal to establish a fire department in Nashville, NY. Charter members George Tollner, Walter Tollner, William Adams, William Gombert, Albert Beutel, and Benjamin Tollner saw the pressing need for a fire department in their town after their friend Fred Zastrow's barn burned to the ground.

The building of the Adams Fire Company was a true community effort. William Adams, the fire company's namesake, donated a lot on Niagara Falls Boulevard for the new station; the original building still stands today. The 30 founding members built the fire station, with material donated from local lumber yards and monetary donations collected from the community fund they established.

Further, the Adams Fire Company has been a cornerstone of the Niagara County community, hosting numerous events for residents. From field days and dances to pie sales and bingo night fundraisers, the Adams Fire Company has shown its unwavering dedication to serving our community.

In 2023, the Adams Fire Company ran 754 calls, 586 Emergency Medical Service calls, and provided mutual aid 46 times. Under the steadfast leadership of Fire Chief Donald Lauer, the Adams Fire Company has continued to keep the Town of Wheatfield and Niagara County communities safe and protected.

Please join me in congratulating the Adams Fire Company on their 100th anniversary and thanking them for their incredible service to the Western New York community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Fajri Ansari, who has been awarded the Hal Payne Lifetime Achievement Award. A passionate educator and devoted man of faith, Mr. Ansari has positively changed the lives of many in the City of Buffalo.

Mr. Ansari began his career at Buffalo State University, where he spent 42 years working in education and athletics. In 1981, Mr. Ansari started working in the Buffalo State Admissions office. By 2005, he was appointed as the Assistant Director of Admissions and Director of Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Mr. Ansari also led the Buffalo State basketball program. During his tenure, Mr. Ansari mentored countless students through their educational journeys and amassed 200 wins for the basketball program, the second-most in school history.

Outside of his work at Buffalo State University, Mr. Ansari shares his passion for basketball with the greater Western New York community. For 14 years, Mr. Ansari served as the head basketball coach at Turner Carroll High School. Here, Mr. Ansari led his team to two State Federation Championships, five State Catholic Association titles, and three Monsignor Martin Manhattan Cup Championships. Mr. Ansari has shared his passion for the sport internationally, serving as the basketball coach for Rwanda's National and University Teams, the United States College Exhibition Team, and the Western New York High School Team overseas.

Further, Mr. Ansari is committed to serving others through his faith. As the beloved religious leader of Masjid Nu'Man, Mr. Ansari has become a symbol of hope for the Muslim community and the interfaith community of Western New York. Under Mr. Ansari's leadership, the mosque has held numerous community events in the City of Buffalo, including the ``Putting the Neighbor Back in the Hood'' event showcasing the Fillmore neighborhood of Buffalo, food and grocery distribution events, annual African American history programs, and regular neighborhood clean-ups. Mr. Ansari's interfaith work has taken him across the world in service of others, working at the Vatican in Rome and in Istanbul, Turkey.

After 9/11, Mr. Ansari brought together over 50,000 people from all walks of life to pray for peace on the steps of Buffalo's City Hall. On September 23, 2001 during the ``A Player for America'' Interfaith Prayer Ceremony in Yankee Stadium for the families of the victims of 9/ 11, Mr. Ansari delivered a translation of the Adhan, the Muslim call to prayer.

Today, Mr. Ansari's dedication to serving others and to his faith is being honored with the Hal Payne Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Buffalo State University. Please Join me in congratulating Mr. Fajri Ansari on this incredible achievement and thanking him for all he does to make Western New York a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Robert Watts on his 90th birthday. Known as Bobby to many, Mr. Watts is revered for his commitment to the Buffalo community, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his selfless service to our country.

Born on September 2, 1934, Mr. Watts grew up in Buffalo, New York with his parents, Luther and Lola Watts, and his five siblings. After graduating from Seneca High School, Mr. Watts enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951. Stationed in Korea, Mr. Watts served his country with pride until his honorable discharge in 1959.

After his service in the military, Mr. Watts returned to his hometown of Buffalo. Here, he worked diligently at Bethlehem Steel, Curtiss- Wright Corporation, and New York State Thruway Authority and the Department of Corrections. Mr. Watts' exceptional work ethic and commitment to service shone through in every role he held.

Embracing his entrepreneurial ambitions, Mr. Watts opened the Stadium Liquor Store at the corner of Best Street and Jefferson Avenue, by the historic War Memorial Stadium, the then-home of the Buffalo Bills. For nearly 15 years, Mr. Watts' store was a community fixture, providing outstanding service to thousands of loyal customers and fans.

Following his time as a business owner, Mr. Watts joined the NFTA as a bus driver. He always engaged in friendly conversations with travelers, bringing a smile to passengers' days. After a long and successful career, Mr. Watts entered a well-deserved retirement in 1999.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Watts is deeply committed to his faith. As a lifelong member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church, Mr. Watts is a cherished friend and mentor to all who attend the church.

Today, Mr. Watts is a devoted and loving husband, father, and brother. He continues to be an inspiration to all who know him, sharing his compassion and dedication to serving others. Please join me in celebrating Mr. Robert Watts on his 90th birthday and thanking him for his service to our country and to our Buffalo community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. For half a century, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital has provided the highest level of healthcare to the Town of Amherst and the Weston New York community.

On August 12, 1974, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital opened as a full service community hospital with 150 beds. This achievement was the culmination of thirty years of hard work from community members and organizations in the Town of Amherst and the Town of Clarence. The hospital was built on 31.5 acres of land generously donated by Charles K. Basset, who wanted to address the ever-growing need to have a hospital in the community.

Additionally, the Women's Auxiliary of the Amherst-Clarence Hospital Association was instrumental in the hospital's development, pledging over $100,000 in 1969 for its construction. The Women's Board of Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital continues to play a vital role in the hospital today, hosting fundraisers to support facility upgrades and fund services in the community.

Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital underwent significant expansions and renovations in 1987, 2008, 2015, and 2018, now standing as a four- story, 400,000 square foot facility. The 2015 expansion, in collaboration with John R. Oishei Children's Hospital, added a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to the hospital. This addition has allowed for Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital to bring comprehensive maternity care to the northtowns of Western New York.

Today, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital is a full acute care hospital with 265 beds. It provides inpatient and outpatient care, diagnostic testing, and subspecialty services equivalent to those often seen in city medical centers. Further, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital was one of the first hospitals in Western New York to offer robotic surgery, with a current fleet of five robotic-assisted consoles.

Please join me in congratulating the employees and leadership of Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital on their 50th anniversary and thanking them for providing quality medical care to Western New York.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the border crisis, an issue my Republican colleagues are quick to pontificate on but refuse to address.

At the heart of the matter are real people escaping extreme poverty, violence, natural disasters, and persecution. They are leaving their homes, their families, their culture, and their countries to do what many of our own ancestors did in order to seek a better life.

What they experience in pursuit of the American Dream is nothing short of a nightmare. On their journey to the United States, they risk their lives traveling through treacherous terrain. They are vulnerable to everything from drug cartels to disease.

Throughout our country and especially in border communities, the inpouring of migrants seeking asylum and immigrants is overwhelming hospitals, schools, and other social service providers.

Instead of advancing solutions, Republicans in this House have resorted to blatantly obvious politics. Unfortunately, because this body has failed to deliver resources to our borders, tens of thousands of personnel have had to do more with less as the crisis worsens.

In my district and other northern border communities, our Border Patrol officers and agents are being sent away from their posts in the north to meet the demands at the southern border, even as migration and illegal drug smuggling rises back home.

The need to act could not be more dire.

Earlier this year, a bipartisan coalition of United States Senators came together for the first time in decades to provide meaningful immigration reform. The bipartisan bill would invest in law enforcement with more than 2,000 new Border Patrol officers and other personnel to secure the border, speed up the processing of those seeking asylum, crack down on illegal drugs by investing in cutting-edge inspection machines for ports of entry, and improve the immigration system with 4,300 new asylum officers and 100 more immigration judges.

We have the solution. Extreme MAGA Republicans in this body declared it dead on arrival before even reading the bill. Instead of solving real problems, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle chose politics over people.

We were sent here to do the opposite. We could be using this time to advance a bill that would improve the lives of Americans, those seeking asylum, and immigrants while strengthening security at the border and boosting our economy. Instead, we are wasting our time on this political stunt.

Mr. Speaker, we are wasting our time on this political stunt, one that is both entirely transparent and, frankly, desperate. This is simply an attack on Vice President Kamala Harris for one reason: Her career is advancing, and extreme MAGA Republicans are shuddering.

Since Democrats have rallied behind our nominee for President, extreme MAGA Republicans, fearful of a candidate running on the issues instead of a cult of personality, have rushed this emergency resolution to the floor of the House. It has no basis in fact or reality. That doesn't appear to bother my colleagues across the aisle.

What they should be doing is bringing the bipartisan border bill to the floor for a vote. That is what the American public wants. That is what I urge my colleagues to do.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate David Krug and his illustrious career at the City of Buffalo's Department of Permits and Inspection Services. After a career spanning almost four decades, Mr. Krug retires from his position as Coordinator of Plans.

Mr. Krug began his journey four decades ago when he achieved the top score on the 1986 Building Inspector Examination. This outstanding achievement foreshadowed the next foul decades of an exceptional career of service and dedication.

Throughout his time at the Department, Mr. Krug has provided excellent service to the citizens of the City of Buffalo, ensuring each project is diligently worked on and completed.

While Mr. Krug was officially the Coordinator of Plans, his benevolence and helpful nature extended far beyond the department. He would consistently lend a hand to his coworkers and help them find solutions for a myriad of code-related matters. He became the go-to person within the office due to his positive approach and willingness to help.

It is difficult to sum up a career of nearly 40 years, but during his tenure, Mr. Krug served under nine different commissioners, issued tens of thousands of permits, witnessed the construction of countless large- scale projects, including the HSBC building, and played a pivotal role in enhancing the city's landscape through his involvement in initiatives such as the Green Code and the implementation of the Hansen System.

Continuing the trend of kindness and cooperation, Mr. Krug has also been an active and respected member of the AFSCME Local 650 Union and a cherished participant in the

Badge Brothers, fostering camaraderie and unity among his colleagues.

Today, Mr. Krug is a proud South Buffalo native. His unwavering commitment and dedication extends beyond his work, which is evident in his role as a devoted husband to the late Teresa Dougherty, proud father to Liz and Abbie, and loving grandfather to Addison. His children have followed in his footsteps by serving their community as firefighters with the Buffalo Fire Department.

Please join me in congratulating David Krug on a career well spent, and wishing him well as he enters this new chapter of his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to former Congressman Henry Nowak, an 18-year Member of this body, who passed away on July 21, leaving an incredible legacy of service to our country and my community.

Congressman Nowak was a star college basketball player at his beloved Canisius University, a brilliant student of law, a dedicated public servant, and a veteran of the United States Army. Back home, he was known as Buffalo's billion-dollar man for his advocacy in Congress which delivered some of the largest infrastructure projects in our region's history, including Interstate 990 in the northtowns and U.S. Route 219 in the southern tier.

Those who knew him best remember Congressman Nowak as the perfect balance of kind and fierce, reserved and witty, a leader and a mentor, which he was to me. He will be missed dearly by family and friends, including his loving wife of 58 years, Rose; his son, New York State Supreme Court Justice Henry Nowak, Jr.; his daughter, Diane; and six grandchildren.

He was a statesman, a family man, and a patriot. We are forever indebted for his faithful service to our great Nation. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Dorothy Amerson- Law, who is entering a well-deserved retirement after fifty years with M&T Bank. With her dedication to service and passion for altruism, Ms. Amerson-Law is a true pillar of our community.

A born and raised Buffalonian, Ms. Amerson-Law attended Kensington High School, where she was a star athlete and discovered her passion for banking. She then secured a prestigious internship with M&T Bank. Her excellence in relationship management and risk remediation earned her a permanent position within M&T Bank's retail branches.

For five decades, Ms. Amerson-Law served as an Accounting Associate within M&T Bank's Finance Division. She worked in numerous departments throughout her tenure, including Retail Banking, Auto Lending, Installment Loans, Credit Card Processing, and Financial Controls. In recognition of her exceptional client service, Ms. Amerson-Law received multiple ``High Five'' awards.

Beyond her professional work, Ms. Amerson-Law is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She serves as the National Vice President of the African American Resource Group and organized M&T Bank's Annual Juneteenth Festival. Further, Ms. Amerson-Law dedicates her time as a volunteer to numerous organizations, including Erie County's ``Day of Caring,'' the Salvation Army, Edward Saunders Community Center, Delavan-Grider Community Center, and United Way of Buffalo. Ms. Amerson-Law's compassion and community spirit shone through in the aftermath of the May 14 shooting, as she played a crucial role in distributing food and resources to all those affected.

Ms. Amerson-Law has earned numerous accolades in recognition of her outstanding contributions to our community. In February 2024, she received the inaugural Dorothy Amerson-Law Legacy Award. This award, named in Ms. Amerson-Law's honor, was a testament to her embodiment of M&T's core values of Candor, Ownership, Curiosity, Integrity, and Collaboration. Additionally, Ms. Amerson-Law received the esteemed Black Achievers Award for commitment to overcoming barriers and embracing inclusivity. Ms. Amerson-Law is a loving wife of forty years to her husband, James, and a proud mother to her two sons, James and Jalen. She credits much of her success to the steadfast support of her family.

Today, Ms. Amerson-Law enters a well-deserved retirement after fifty years of dedicated service. Please join me in congratulating Dorothy Amerson-Law on this incredible achievement and thanking her for all she has done for our community.

Madam Chair, clean water is a human right. For decades in this country, we have allowed our water infrastructure to fall into disrepair, putting public health and the health of our environments into jeopardy.

Fortunately, the State and Tribal Assistance Grant, or STAG, program is empowering communities to tackle their toughest challenges and make game-changing drinking and clean water investments.

These include projects that protect beaches, including coastlines along the Great Lakes in my district, to make it safe to swim and recreate; projects to prevent runoff that pollutes our waters and can cause harmful algal blooms that damage public health and marine life; and projects to remove lead pipes, improving health outcomes, especially in children.

The STAG program also works to address past inequities by providing Indian and Tribal communities with the support they need to address drinking water and wastewater issues that disproportionately impact reservations.

The STAG program is a step in the right direction.

It helps State and Tribal Governments across the country upgrade aging infrastructure, build resiliency in the face of climate change, and meet the needs of historically underserved communities.

For these reasons, it is critical to ensure this program is adequately funded. My amendment would increase funding for the STAG program by $745 million.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the amendment to protect our nature's most precious natural resource and ensure communities access to clean water across our great country.

Madam Chair, the health and economic prosperity of my district, which has coastlines along Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the Niagara River, is deeply intertwined with the health of the Great Lakes.

The lakes serve residents in Buffalo and Niagara Falls in myriad ways, from supplying fresh water to being a source of leisure.

In 2021, the Great Lakes region generated $3.1 trillion in economic activity and employed nearly 26 million people, representing $1.3 trillion in wages.

But our local and regional economy is threatened by a microscopic enemy harmful algal blooms, or HABs.

HABs can quickly grow out of control, producing toxic chemicals that cause illness or death in humans and pets who come in contact.

These large, blue-green algae blooms wash onto our beaches, and can form huge, putrid piles of muck--driving away beach goers, disrupting recreational activities, and detering investment in our coastlines.

To ensure public health, protect marine life, and ensure the vibrancy of local economies and water-related industries, more needs to be done to study and understand harmful algal blooms.

My amendment would provide an additional $5 million to the U.S. Geological Survey to research and monitor HABs in freshwater bodies.

Continued federal investment in researching HABs must be a top priority, especially as we get closer to understanding how they form and how we can reduce their harmful ecological and economic impacts.

I urge my colleagues to pass my amendment to protect tourism economies, animals, and public health.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the #OneWorld Soccer Tournament of WNY, an incredible community initiative led by the Buffalo Maendeleo Soccer Club and Bridges from Borders. This inaugural event brought together underrepresented youth in Buffalo's Lower West Side for a soccer competition.

The organizations leading this project, the Buffalo Maendeleo Soccer Club and Bridges from Borders, work to support our local refugee and immigrant populations. The Buffalo Maendeleo Soccer Club provides safe community spaces for underserved children to play in a soccer league with their peers. Bridges from Borders is a nonprofit organization promoting mental health and wellbeing for immigrant families moving to Western New York.

Together, these organizations dedicated nine months to organizing the #OneWorld Soccer Tournament, with the goal of fostering unity and combating negative stereotypes placed onto minorities. The tournament took place on Saturday, July 13, 2024, with four teams competing in spirited and fun soccer games. Parents and players alike had a great time engaging in friendly competition and connecting with their community.

Following the tournament's great success, Maendeleo Soccer Club and Bridges from Borders plan to make the #OneWorld Tournament an annual event. They hope to expand their programming to more neighborhoods, continuing to bring young people together and build unity through soccer.

Please join me in congratulating the Buffalo Maendeleo Soccer Club and Bridges from Borders on the incredible success of the #OneWorld Soccer Tournament. Today, we thank these organizations for their dedication to serving our community and uplifting our youth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Apostle Albert D. Wilson, Jr. of The Greater Royal Worship Center on his 13th pastoral anniversary. A devoted man of God and a remarkable leader, Apostle Wilson has uplifted our community through his faith.

Apostle Wilson began his service to the church at the young age of six. He became an ordained minister in the early 2000s. In 2011, under the guidance of his grandfather, Apostle Wilson was appointed as the pastor of the church. Later, in 2019, he embraced the Lord's call and was installed as an Apostle.

Throughout his service, Apostle Wilson has expanded the church's reach and spread his message of faith throughout the community. He renamed the church to the Greater Royal Worship Center, inspired by the vision of his forefathers. Continuing to build out the church's community engagement, Apostle Wilson established the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries in Albion, New York. Above all, Apostle Wilson leads with the principle of the three L's--We love, we lift, and we liberate.

In addition to his pastoral work, Apostle Wilson has dedicated himself to serving our community in multiple capacities. He is the director of the Martha Mitchell Community Center, which provides Buffalo residents with vital resources and services. During the COVID- 19 pandemic, Apostle Wilson led efforts to combat vaccine misinformation and hosted numerous vaccination clinics at the center. Further, Apostle Wilson has been a leading figure with Voice Buffalo, participating in rallies calling for police reform. Standing alongside other faith-based leaders and community activists, Apostle Wilson called for unity and protection of all people.

Today, Apostle Wilson is a loving husband to his wife, Ykeeta Wilson, and a father to his seven children. Please join me in congratulating Apostle Albert D. Wilson, Jr. on thirteen years of pastoral service and celebrating his remarkable dedication to his faith and service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Canterbury Woods Williamsville. Canterbury Woods provides seniors with a loving, welcoming home, where they receive top- quality care and are embraced by a supportive community. Through its parent organization, Episcopal Church. Home & Affiliates Inc., Canterbury Woods operates residences in the Village of Williamsville and the Elmwood Village.

After opening in 1999, Canterbury Woods Williamsville became the first continuing care retirement community in Western New York. This sixty-two-acre scenic property offers seniors the freedom to create their ideal lifestyle within the vibrant community. They provide residents with many essential services, including healthcare, independent and assisted living programs, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation resources.

In August 2023, Canterbury Woods grew its Williamsville campus as it opened the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center. This center brings live music, theater, and dance to residents and welcomes the entire community to enjoy performances.

Canterbury Woods' dedication to serving seniors with compassion and respect has earned them numerous accolades. Canterbury Woods facilities are accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission and have consistently earned Medicare's top 5-star Rating.

For 25 years, Canterbury Woods has provided exceptional care for the seniors in our community. Please join me in congratulating Canterbury Woods Williamsville on their 25th anniversary and thanking them for their remarkable service.

Mr. Speaker, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proposed a set of new rules slated to begin on August 1, which would make it burdensome and costly for dog owners to cross the U.S.-Canada border with their pets.

Residents along border communities like mine who routinely cross the northern border to see family and friends, visit parks, or stay at vacation cottages have objected to these new provisions, and I have as well in written, email, and telephone communications with the CDC.

In response, I am pleased that, this week, the CDC has indicated to my office that they will be relaxing some of these requirements in advance of implementation. While this is a welcomed improvement, I will also introduce legislation that would permanently pause the rules. These new restrictions are an

unnecessary overreach imposed on responsible pet owners. I will continue to fight to ensure our canine family members aren't forced to be left behind.

Commending David Krug Upon Retirement

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend David Krug upon his retirement from the city of Buffalo's Department of Permits and Inspection Services, which he joined in 1986.

At the department, David has provided excellent service to the citizens of Buffalo, ensuring that each project is given the time and attention it deserves and that the job is done right.

As the coordinator of plans, he always took the time to lend a helping hand to colleagues, assisting them in finding solutions to a myriad of code-related matters. He was the go-to person within the office, thanks to his positive attitude and expert knowledge of city and State law.

In his four decades of service, David served under nine different commissioners, issued tens of thousands of permits, witnessed the construction of large-scale projects, and played a pivotal role in the drafting and implementation of the Green Code, Buffalo's first rewrite of its zoning ordinance in decades.

A loyal and active member of AFSCME Local 650, David is a leader among his city workforce colleagues, serving as a shining example of public service at its best.

After decades of loyal and diligent service, David will be able to spend more time with his children, Liz and Abbie, both firefighters, and his beloved granddaughter, Addison.

I congratulate David Krug on a career well spent and wish him well as he enters this new, rewarding chapter in his life. Godspeed to David Krug upon his retirement.

Recognizing Heroism of Josh Redfield

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the heroism of Mr. Josh Redfield, a longtime employee of Tops Markets in the town of Cheektowaga and a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.

On July 6, Mr. Redfield went to work as he would any other day, nothing out of the ordinary, until a customer told him that someone needed help in the parking lot. Josh immediately dropped everything. He found a shopper in her car who had lost consciousness.

Lynne Constantino, a retired nurse with diabetes, was doing her morning errands when she began to feel a little lightheaded and, as she put it, ``a little wonky.'' When Mr. Redfield found her, her blood sugar was dangerously low. He took command of the situation, ultimately saving her life.

Thanks to his fast thinking and prompt action to wake up Ms. Constantino, alert store staff of the incident, direct a fellow employee to call an ambulance, and facilitate medical personnel to the car, all while under pressure, because of his action, Ms. Constantino is here with us today.

As Ms. Constantino put it, Josh Redfield is a guardian angel and a testament to the character of those who call the City of Good Neighbors home.

We recognize the heroism of Mr. Josh Redfield here today in the United States Congress.