Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th birthday celebration of the first lady and co-pastor of Miracle Missions Full Gospel Church, Zandra Lewis, a remarkable woman of faith, service, and compassion.

For over five decades, she has faithfully ministered alongside her husband, Pastor Dr. James A. Lewis III. Together, they have built a spiritual home grounded in prayer, love, and community, but Lady Zandra's impact goes far beyond the pulpit.

Lady Zandra is a counselor to women and teens in crisis, a tireless advocate for our most vulnerable, and, above all, a selfless spiritual resource for those who need it most. Lady Zandra leads not just with words but through action, meeting people where they are, loving them as they are, and lifting them up with boundless grace and compassion. She lives her life grounded in faith, forgiveness, and a deep sense of joy.

For Lady Zandra, family is everything, and nothing is more important. She is the proud mother of four, grandmother to eight, and great- grandmother to six, but her love doesn't stop there. Over the years, she has opened her heart to so many others who now lovingly call her mom. That says everything about the type of person that she is.

As we celebrate her 75th birthday, we give thanks not only for what she has done but for what she will do in the many years ahead. We look forward, with gratitude, to all that is yet to come.

On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank Lady Zandra Lewis for everything that she does for our community. Happy 75th birthday.

Honoring Arthur ``Duke'' Serotte

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the

memory of Arthur ``Duke'' Serotte, a legendary coach and mentor whose reach extended far beyond the field. He passed away on April 14, 2025.

For over two decades at Grover Cleveland High School, Coach Serotte led his teams to 160 wins, 12 Harvard Cups, 10 section titles, and 5 Yale Cups, including a 28-game winning streak.

Coach Serotte's greatest victories were off the field. He wasn't just focused on winning. He was focused on the well-being of his players. He understood the challenges they faced off the field and made it his mission to create a safe, supportive environment for them.

During football season, Coach Serotte would host game nights at his own home on Fridays, not just for fun, but to keep his players safe, out of trouble, and focused before their big games on Saturday.

Coach Serotte opened his heart and his home to young people who needed more than a coach. They needed a lifeline. Through football, basketball, and track, he instilled discipline, dignity, and hope.

His son Mike said it best. He had a burning passion for helping, coaching, and teaching kids from any part of the country. That passion shaped lives and strengthened our city.

Even after they graduated, former players often came back to visit Coach Serotte. That tells you everything you need to know about the kind of impact he had. His door was always open, and his care didn't end with the final whistle.

Inducted into the Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2003, Arthur leaves behind not only his sons, Michael and David, and his four beloved grandchildren, but also a generation of men and women whose lives were forever changed by his belief in them.

Western New York is better because of his mentorship. Our Nation is better because of his life and his service to our community. May Coach Serotte rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with both deep sorrow and immense gratitude to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of my dear friend, Dr. Olga Karman, who passed away last week after a courageous battle with leukemia.

Dr. Karman was a poet, a professor, an immigrant, an activist, a mother, a grandmother, and a mentor.

She profoundly shaped my life and the lives of countless others across the globe.

Dr. Karman was born in 1940 in Havana, Cuba, where she graduated from the distinguished Ruston Academy in 1958 and attended Santo Tomas de Villanueva University.

By 1960, she left Cuba, immigrating to the United States for a better life.

After settling in rural Connecticut, she resumed her education at Connecticut College, graduating in 1966 summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.

Powered by her fierce intellect and passion, she received a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship to study at Harvard University, earning her a Ph.D. in Latin American literature in 1976.

Later that same year, Dr. Karman arrived in Buffalo, where she would spend the rest of her life enriching the city's cultural, academic, and civic fabric. She taught Spanish at Nichols School, and in 1980, she joined the faculty of D'Youville University, my alma mater, where she spent the next 27 years teaching generations of students.

At D'Youville, Dr. Karman taught Spanish and helped to establish the D'Youville-Da Vinci High School partnership. Her impact as an educator was immeasurable. I was one of the many students lucky enough to sit in her classroom.

In 1997, I participated in the study abroad trip to Panama with Dr. Karman. As we visited the rainforest and met with the people of the region, she turned to me and out of the blue asked me: ``Have you ever thought about getting involved in politics?'' I said: ``I think about it every day, but I don't know how.''

She gave me a one-word answer that changed my life forever: ``volunteer.'' That moment was a true turning point for me and led me to where I am today.

That story, so simple yet so profound, speaks to who she was: a woman who saw people clearly and believed in them completely.

She believed that politics is personal, that poetry can be protest, and that identity is not a limitation but a calling. Her own life was proof.

As a lifelong author, Olga's work was widely published and deeply personal. Her memoir, ``Scatter My Ashes Over Havana,'' captured the pain of her exile and the complexity of her return to Cuba. Her poems appeared in The Nation, The New Republic, The Buffalo News, and even on public artwork throughout Buffalo's West Side where she lived and wrote until her final days.

Dr. Karman's commitment to service extended far beyond the classroom or the written word. She was relentless in her advocacy for our community and for people. She served on the Governor's Advisory Committee for Hispanic Affairs. She was a founding member of western New York's Hispanics and Friends and helped shape Hispanics United of Buffalo.

She spent her later years as a certified interpreter for the board of parole, all while continuing to write poems and short works.

We lost Dr. Olga Karman last week on July 9. She passed away just as she lived: surrounded by family. She is survived by her children, Carla and Nathaniel, and her lifelong companion and twin brother, Roberto Karman.

Olga's greatest joy in life was being a grandmother to Gregory, Woodrow, Nicholas, William, Hugh, and Mika; and a proud great- grandmother to Ayla, Penelope, Avery, and Lincoln.

She leaves behind a grateful community and countless friends, too many to name, but just to name a few: Michelle Swygert-Seay, Raul and Geno Russi, Mayor Tony Masiello, Judge Raul Figueroa, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, and of course, her entire D'Youville University family.

Our Nation is a better place because of Dr. Olga Karman. I am forever grateful that our paths crossed. We honor

Dr. Olga Karman's legacy today knowing that her spirit lives on through her writings and the lives she touched, including my own.

Dr. Olga Karman will be deeply missed. May she rest in peace.

``Thank you very much, my good friend. We love you'';

``Muchas gracias mi buena amiga. Te queremos.''

Mr. Speaker, I am an occupational therapist. I helped people live the fullest life they could given the cards they were dealt. I worked at a school for children with disabilities and a nursing home, helping seniors maintain their independence.

I know exactly what it means to cut $1 trillion from Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, which is exactly what this big, ugly bill does.

Taking away healthcare for 17 million Americans won't make us any healthier. Stealing food away from the neediest children, seniors, and veterans won't make us any stronger. Giving billionaires a tax break won't make us any richer. Children will go hungry. Seniors will lose their healthcare. Students will lose their financial aid. Hospitals will close. Americans will die.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my Republican colleagues to stand up; grow a spine; stop bowing down to your king, Donald Trump; represent your constituents like you were elected to do; and vote ``no'' on this horrible, big, ugly bill.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Vincent O'Neill, a brilliant artist, beloved teacher, dear friend, and cultural giant who transformed the landscape of theater in western New York.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Vincent carried a deep love for his Irish roots that he shared with western New York and the world. Vincent trained at University College Dublin, Trinity College, the Abbey School of Acting, and under the legendary Marcel Marceau in Paris as a mime.

As a member of the prestigious Abbey Theater, he toured the globe

acting and directing. His one-man show, ``Joyicity,'' inspired by the works of James Joyce, earned international acclaim. He was invited by both the President and Prime Minister of Ireland to perform the piece, a powerful testament to his talent.

Vincent first came to Buffalo in 1985 with his brother, Chris, to perform Samuel Beckett's ``Waiting for Godot'' in a hotel dining room in Cheektowaga, instantly winning over local critics and audiences.

That performance sparked something greater in Vincent, and in 1989, he returned to Buffalo permanently. Within a year, he cofounded the Irish Classical Theatre Company alongside his late brother, Chris, Josephine Hogan, and Dr. James Warde.

What began as a makeshift stage grew into one of Buffalo's most cherished institutions. For over 30 years as artistic director, Vincent brought his passion, creativity, and vision to the Irish Classical Theatre, directing 30 productions, appearing in 67 more, and setting the standard for excellence in local theater.

From The Andrews Theatre to Shea's 710, Vincent proved that Buffalo's theater scene could rival any in the world.

``Waiting for Godot'' remained a through line in his life. It was the first show the Irish Classical Theatre staged in its new home, the play that reopened the theater after the COVID-19 pandemic, and also his final role on that stage.

Vincent was more than a performer. He was a mentor, teacher, and leader. At the University of Buffalo, where he served as chair and director of theater performance, he shaped generations of actors, instilling in them discipline, empathy, and love for the craft. He collaborated with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, led Irish cultural celebrations, appeared in local films, and brought people together through art.

Vincent's contributions were recognized by peers and the community alike. He received Artie Awards for acting, directing, and lifetime achievement, along with honors like the Buffalo News Outstanding Citizen Award, Irish Echo Community Champion, and Irishman of the Year. Just 3 years ago, he was honored with a permanent star in the Buffalo Theater District's Plaza of Stars.

Together with his brother, Chris, the O'Neill name became synonymous with artistic excellence in Buffalo, a legacy now permanently etched into the city with the naming of The Brothers O'Neill Way on Main Street in the Buffalo Theater District.

Last week, Vincent O'Neill left us at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. To lose Vincent is to lose a piece of Buffalo's artistic soul. Vincent was one of a kind: a consummate artist, a devoted teacher, a pillar of our arts community, and, above all, a man of vision, integrity, and warmth.

I thank his beloved wife, Teja; his children, Laura Emily, and Jamie; their mother, Josephine Hogan; and his sister, Margaret, for sharing Vincent with us. His many friends, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched will honor the legacy he leaves behind. He will be missed beyond measure.

I find comfort in knowing that Vincent's spirit will remain with us in every performance at the Irish Classical Theatre, in every student who carries his lessons forward, and in every audience moved by the power of a great story, especially when told with the heart, soul, and humor of an Irishman.

May Vincent O'Neill rest in peace.

``Eternal peace''; ``Suaimhneas siorai.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Molina Healthcare, a leader in community-based healthcare since its launch nearly five decades ago. It is with great enthusiasm that I highlight the opening of their newest location in Buffalo, New York. This expansion continues Molina's decades-long tradition of providing exceptional, one-on-one services to communities across Western New York.

Structured to address health disparities across the United States, Molina Healthcare has provided quality federally supported healthcare for more than 5.1 million patients nationwide by using trusted clinical expertise to guide individuals in achieving their health and wellness goals. Founded with a commitment to patient-centered care, the new office will bring Molina Healthcare's physical, social, and emotional approach for their patients, ensuring the continuation of Molina's commitment to exceptional care.

Today, we celebrate the ongoing success and growth of Molina Healthcare and their steadfast commitment to empowering patients across the United States. With the increasing need for quality low-cost and reliable healthcare services, Molina remains at the forefront of quality member healthcare, continually adapting to meet the needs of all communities. Congratulations to Molina Healthcare as they continue to provide exceptional care and contribute to the well-being of our region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th birthday of Mrs. Janet Harper, a beacon of light in the Buffalo community. Mrs. Harper's life story is a beautiful tapestry woven with love and resilience.

Born on June 28, 1935, in Buffalo, New York to Mr. Edward Zamojski and Mrs. Carmella Amigone, Mrs. Harper was raised to inspire everyone she met with her selflessness and compassion. Over the years, she has witnessed many changes in her life and community, yet her love for those around her has remained a constant source of strength.

Mrs. Harper has conducted herself in Christian principles through her many roles of service; whether that be as a community leader or spiritual counselor, but her most rewarding role has been being a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. In 1953, Mrs. Harper married the late Mr. Norman Harper. Their loving union blessed them with three community-minded children--Leona, Robert, and Kevin Harper, providing them with a home filled with love, respect and responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mrs. Janet Harper, a woman of poise and resilience, whose influence extends beyond her beloved family and community. On this milestone birthday, we celebrate her extraordinary life, her enduring legacy, and the profound impact she has made on all who know her. Mrs. Harper is truly a remarkable woman, and her legacy of care and kindness will surely live on for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Pastor James E. Giles' 75th birthday and his dedication to our community. Pastor Giles has been a beacon of hope for so many, and exemplifies what it means to be a true leader. Because of his tireless work, Pastor Giles has made Buffalo and Western New York a better place.

Serving as President and CEO of Back to Basics Outreach Ministries, Pastor Giles provides counseling services and advocates for community members in need throughout Western New York--cementing himself as a strong force of the restorative justice movement within Erie County. He contributes his time to the Northland Workforce Training Center and Youth Visionaries as well as serving a role on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities and City of Buffalo EMS Board. Beyond his work as a changemaker, Pastor Giles ministers at the Greater Works of Deliverance Fellowship. Earning multiple certificates in Psychology, Sociology, African American History, and in New York State Substance Abuse Counseling--applying each of them in his daily roles to serve his community.

Pastor Giles has been a leader in Buffalo's East Side for more than five decades. His passion for social and economic justice has uplifted his work as a community servant. He credits his success to his beloved wife First Lady Delores Giles, their two children Antonio and Alish Giles, and his loving grandson Jalen.

Today, we celebrate more than five decades of Pastor Giles' unwavering efforts of commitment made to serve our community and the initiative to transform lives across Western New York. Let us also recognize a the countless lives he has touched and the profound

impact he has made along the way. I congratulate Pastor James E. Giles on this significant milestone. His service is a blessing, and we look forward to many more years of his inspired leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate six decades of the Aquarium of Niagara. An interactive water exhibit that celebrates the natural wonders of our aquatic world and provides a deeper educational understanding of our diverse ecosystems, the Aquarium is a gem of Western New York's cultural and educational institutions.

The Aquarium of Niagara was one of the first of its kind. Founded in 1965 by a small group of chemists and scientists, it served as a successful model for inland aquariums around the world. Upon its opening, it became the first inland aquarium to develop and use artificial seawater to maintain exhibits; this sparked a revolutionary practice now used in most inland aquariums.

Located in Niagara Falls, New York, the Aquarium of Niagara welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year and is the only aquatic museum within 250 miles of the United States. They serve as a hub for educating the community on aquatic life, consisting of two buildings and housing 180 species. Visitors come to see an array of mammals, penguins, and more than 1,200 fish and vertebrae, many of those being rescued species. Additionally, they provide guests with visual experiences to explore all of their marine life exhibits. There is a variety of scheduled programming offered daily as well as hands-on experiences that create inspiring opportunities for visitors.

Today, we honor one of Western New York's one-of-a-kind establishments and its commitment to bringing the wonders of the seas to visitors from around the world while providing the highest quality of animal care possible. Please join me in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Aquarium of Niagara and their achievements and continued success as they remain an enduring source of connection to marine life for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to sound the alarm on the economic harm President Trump's reckless tariff policies continue to cause across this country, especially in my district of western New York.

Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, these tariffs are taxes, and they are being paid not by foreign governments or corporations but by working families and small businesses at home.

Whether it is raw materials, auto parts, or everyday goods at the grocery store, these costs are being passed on directly to American consumers. Families struggling to put food on the table are now being squeezed from every angle by rising prices, unstable markets, and Republican policies that put politics over people.

Mr. Speaker, whether you call it tariff roulette or a trade tug-of- war, it has created instability that has devastated communities across the country.

In western New York we are already seeing the fallout. As a Representative for a northern border community, I can tell you firsthand, Mr. Speaker, that this trade war is hurting Americans.

Annually, Canadians have a $1.1 billion economic impact in western New York. In our community, we have already seen a serious drop in Canadian visitors who for decades have driven across the border to support our local economy.

This is happening all across America as well. It is hurting our economy, and it is devastating to the people who live in our great country. It is not pocket change. It is people's paychecks.

Additionally, it goes beyond tourism. Canada is New York State's largest trading partner. New York exports

more than $17 billion in goods and services across the border each year, supporting tens of thousands of jobs. Disrupting that trade through politically motivated tariffs puts those jobs at risk. That is not leadership. That is economic sabotage.

Pair that with this President's big, ugly bill that guts healthcare, slashes food assistance, and throws millions off their insurance, and what we have got is a vise grip on the American people and our economy.

We don't need chaos. We need common sense, and we need smart economic policy. We need stability and support for working families, not another round of trade retaliation disguised as strategy. We must reject this reckless approach and stand up for workers, small businesses, and families who are paying the price. In western New York and across this country, people are not pawns. Americans deserve better.

It is time to reject this billionaire's first agenda and fight for an economy that works for everyone.

Honoring Maternity Director Mary Ann Murphy

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary woman, Ms. Mary Ann Murphy, maternal care director at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, as she retires after an incredible 46 years of service to our community.

Throughout her career, Mary Ann helped deliver more than 90,000 babies. That is not just a number. It represents generations of families, lives she safely welcomed into this world, and moments she helped make unforgettable.

Mary Ann touched my own family's life. We delivered four beautiful babies at Mercy. While three were traditional deliveries, one was of our daughter, Brigid, who was not expected to survive. Mary Ann made sure we had compassionate, skilled nurses who understood our situation. She ensured our family could stay with us around the clock, arranged sleeping accommodations, and provided bereavement support, including a special memory box created in honor of our beautiful baby.

While this was very personal, it seemed like special care for our family. This was simply what Mary Ann did for all families. She showed love during their happiest moments and their hardest days.

Mary Ann's role went beyond the four walls of the hospital. Her compassion and leadership didn't just shape patient experiences or the maternity ward, she shaped our entire community.

As one colleague of hers put it: Mary set the standard for the quality and compassion that defines Mercy maternity to this day.

At her retirement, Mary Ann said: ``It's the best job in the world; 46 years in the blink of an eye.''

Let us thank Mary Ann Murphy not only for what she has done, but for who she is: a caregiver, a leader, an inspiration, and a friend. Her legacy will continue in every nurse she has mentored and every family she touched, including my own.

Congratulations to Mary Ann. May she enjoy her well-earned retirement, and Godspeed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of a Buffalo police officer, Daniel Candelario, a devoted public servant, a loving husband and son, and a proud father of three.

At just 34 years old, Officer Candelario was taken from us far too soon after sudden complications from the flu.

Daniel worked for 10 years, earning his badge and serving the C- District with pride, integrity, and compassion. He embodied everything I ask of our public servants: selflessness, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his duty.

Officer Candelario was a protector, an avid Bills fan, and, above all, a family man. Daniel's wife, Dariana, described her husband as her best friend and rock. He was the beloved father to Danny, Dominic, and Diana, and the brother of Victoria.

To his parents, Modesto and Lucy: Western New York mourns with you and thanks you for raising such an honorable and wonderful man.

Today, we honor Daniel's memory, lift up his family in prayer, and grieve alongside his brothers and sisters in uniform.

May Officer Daniel Candelario rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to us all.

Paying Tribute to the Honorable Patrick H. NeMoyer

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Judge Patrick H. NeMoyer, a devoted husband, father, public servant, and friend.

Judge NeMoyer lived a life of service to our community, State, and Nation. From his early days as a law clerk and

his distinguished service as Erie County attorney, Judge NeMoyer built a legal legacy grounded in integrity, intellect, and compassion.

He went on to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York and was later elected to the New York State Supreme Court. In 2016, his deep legal knowledge and fairness led him to be appointed to one of New York State's highest courts, the Appellate Division, where he served dutifully until his retirement in 2023.

Judge NeMoyer achieved so much in his life, which was to be expected by a man of such extraordinary intelligence. He was a brilliant man and a member of Mensa International. While always the smartest in the room, he used his Irish charm and personality to make everyone feel like they belonged.

Judge NeMoyer's final sendoff last week included friends from all across the political and philosophical divide, lifelong Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals alike, coming together to pay tribute to a man of great honor and integrity who never allowed politics to get in the way of his friendships and relationships. A true old-school politician, he was beloved by all.

Judge NeMoyer was a personal friend and a mentor of mine, and he swore me in to the New York State Senate in January 2011.

Also, as near and dear to his heart as his friends were was his affinity for Camp Turner. From his childhood to adulthood, he had a special affinity for and commitment to Camp Turner, demonstrating his continued dedication to helping youth in our community.

Above all his titles and achievements, Judge NeMoyer's greatest joy was his family. His beloved wife, Elyse; their four accomplished daughters, Caitlin, Dr. Erin, Dr. Amanda, and Dr. Rachel; and all of their beautiful children were his heart and soul. It is through them that his love and legacy will live on.

Judge NeMoyer was the kind of man who read The Buffalo News every day, who loved a good round of golf, and who cared deeply about the world around him. He never forgot where he came from, and he never stopped giving back.

Let us remember Judge Patrick NeMoyer not only for his service but for his kindness, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.

May he rest in peace and power.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the Honorable Judge Patrick NeMoyer, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and jurist whose legacy of love, compassion, and devotion to his family and the Western New York community inspired all who knew him.

Born on September 15, 1952, in Buffalo, New York, to Edgar H. and Mary Elizabeth NeMoyer, and brother to the late Honorable Edgar C. NeMoyer, Judge NeMoyer was surrounded by love from the very beginning. He continued that legacy when he married the love of his life, Elyse, shortly after their union, the couple became parents to Caitilin, Dr. Erin, Dr. Amanda, and Dr. Rachel NeMoyer.

He is survived by numerous loved ones, including his nieces and nephews, friends, and colleagues in the New York State Supreme Court. His love for his family and his desire to be there for his community left a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.

Before he began his extensive legal career, Judge NeMoyer received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from SUNY Binghamton in 1974 and chose to further his education at SUNY Buffalo School of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctor degree in 1977 and a master's in Economics in 1984. For more than a decade, Judge NeMoyer worked as a Confidential Law Clerk and later Principal Law Clerk for the Honorable James B. Kane of the Eighth Judicial District before serving as Erie County Attorney.

In 1993, Judge NeMoyer was nominated by President Bill Clinton as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York. In 1997, Judge NeMoyer was elected to the New York State Supreme Court, where he handled a wide range of cases during his tenure. In 2016, he was recognized for his work and intellect and was appointed to the Appellate Division, Fourth Department until his retirement in 2023.

Throughout his career, Judge NeMoyer was widely renowned for his commitment to the legal profession and received numerous accolades including being named Judge of the Year by the Erie County Bar Association's Matrimonial and Family Law Committee, Western New York Judge of the Year by the State Trial Lawyers Association, as well as being sat as a member of the New York State Pattern Civil Jury Instructions Committee.

Judge NeMoyer had many passions, he was a follower of politics at all levels, a voracious reader, especially of his favorite local paper, the Buffalo News, and he loved to golf. Judge NeMoyer cared deeply about others, serving as a mentor to the next generation of legal minds throughout Western New York.

Mr. Speaker, the Honorable Judge Patrick NeMoyer lived a life of devotion to his family and his community. His unwavering commitment to those he loved and his compassion towards others made a profound impact on all who knew him. Judge NeMoyer was a man who believed in the importance of family above all else and worked tirelessly to support those around him. His kindness, loyalty, and the warmth of his heart will forever be remembered and deeply missed. Let us continue to honor his legacy by carrying forward the values he lived by: integrity, respect, and above all, love.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize First Lady Elizabeth Mobley of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. A woman whose spiritual influence can be seen and heard throughout Western New York through children of all ages and parishioners beyond the walls of church on Sunday.

First Lady Mobley studied at SUNY Fredonia, earning a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology. From there, she began her career in the Buffalo Public School system, identifying the proper communication skills of students by working with educators and families to ensure students' success.

First Lady Mobley is committed to prioritizing the needs of her students and parishioners, serving as the leader of the Senior and Youth Ministry at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, while remaining an active participant in the choir and Women's Ministry. Bound by love and strengthened by prayer, she credits the work that she does to the unwavering support of her family, Pastor Keith

Mobley, and their four blessed children: Tyson, Talia, Tevin, and Troy.

Today, as we recognize the incredible service of First Lady Elizabeth Mobley, let us not only acknowledge her dedicated career as a Speech Pathologist and her steadfast commitment to children in need, but her dedication to ministry at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, providing a safe space for all to be heard. First Lady Mobley service is a blessing, and we look forward to many more years of her inspired leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to sound the alarm on President Trump's reckless efforts to kneecap the agencies responsible for our Nation's emergency preparedness.

In recent weeks, deadly tornadoes have torn through Kentucky and Missouri, leaving behind devastation, heartbreak, and lives lost. My prayers continue to be with the families mourning the unimaginable and with the first responders who selflessly ran toward danger to save others.

The Federal Government should be offering more than thoughts and prayers to the families facing immense calamity. Instead, the Trump administration is dismantling the very systems designed to protect the American people when disaster strikes.

At the height of tornado season and with hurricane season fast approaching, President Trump has made the unconscionable decision to weaken emergency preparedness at the Federal level.

This administration has slashed employment levels for the National Weather Service, firing researchers and forecasters who track and monitor natural disasters. At FEMA, they have gutted the workforce, canceled critical mitigation and preparedness grant programs, and initiated reckless plans to undermine critical emergency infrastructure.

President Trump even fired his own personnel in charge of FEMA for admitting that it is not in the best interests of the American people to eliminate the agency. These cuts threaten lives.

Natural disasters impact all Americans and are not bound by the political whims of Washington. Whether it is a tornado in the Midwest, a hurricane battering the Southeast, or a blizzard sweeping across western New York, preparedness saves lives.

Every early warning, every rapid deployment, and every ounce of emergency management coordination is the result of decades of investment in the public interest and science. Under this administration, diligence has been replaced with disregard.

The hard-earned trust between government and community is being shredded by this administration. As ranking member of the Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee, I have heard firsthand from experts who are ringing the alarm. These public servants are asking for the basics: Adequate staffing, stable funding, modernized tools, and the freedom to do their jobs without political interference.

It is a disgrace that the President is undermining the very professions they have dedicated their entire lives to. This is not a partisan issue. This is an American issue.

If the Republican majority in Congress allow this administration to dismantle the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, defund the National Weather Service, and hollow out FEMA, then they are failing every family that depends on those agencies to survive the next natural disaster.

The people sent us here to protect them and to ensure their security and safety. That means investing in the systems that stand between them and disaster. We must not sit idly by while this administration gambles with American lives.

Americans deserve better, and I know I and the Democratic Caucus will continue to fight every single day to make sure that they get it.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the occasion of Ms. Eileen Troy's 100th birthday. Her life is a remarkable story of love and resilience, which we celebrate as she reaches this significant milestone.

Born on May 25, 1925. in Western New York, Ms. Troy has witnessed a century of history and shaped the lives of those around her with her spirit and unwavering dedication to her community. For the last 25 years, she has been an active and devout member of her church, North Presbyterian Church, where she served in the Presbyterian Women's Association and as a deacon.

In the Presbyterian Women's Association, Ms. Troy worked to raise funds for church events, building improvements, and mission work. She also played an integral role in organizing events and cultivating relationships throughout the congregation. As a deacon, Ms. Troy's compassion was frequently reflected by visiting the sick, elderly, and grieving, closely mirroring her faith and the church's mission that service to others is fundamental to living as a Christian.

Ms. Troy's life is a testament to enduring love. She is the proud mother of four, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of six. Her compassion, banter, and talents are cherished by all who have crossed her path. As she looks to the future, her goals remain simple: she plans to continue to explore her love of reading, ice cream, and watching her favorite western shows and movies.

Mr. Speaker, today, we honor Ms. Eileen Troy for her lifetime of service, love, and faith to both her family and community. Ms. Troy's life is a testament to the power of goodwill and dedication to others. On behalf of a grateful community, I wish Ms. Troy a joyful and blessed 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Asian American Heritage Festival. A cultural event that is dedicated and celebrated for the cultural traditions and contributions of Asian Americans throughout the United States.

The Asian American Heritage Festival is committed to enriching the cultural fabric of our community, fostering understanding, appreciation, and shared experiences among people of all backgrounds. It stands as a vital bridge to connect culture, diversity and unity through storytelling, exciting performances, and delicious food.

Beyond all of the exciting attractions that the Asian American Heritage Festival offers, there is a strong focus on community and education. Generations-long recounting of resilience, and

cultural history are provided for those who listen.

The Asian American Heritage Festival is a dynamic hub for community engagement and cross-cultural connection. It represents a bold vision: one where multiculturalism is not only celebrated but woven into the daily life and economic vitality of our region.

Mr. Speaker, as we acknowledge this celebration, let us recognize the essential role that the Asian American Heritage Festival plays--not just as an event, but as a beacon of cultural exchange, generational growth, and community spirit. Please join me in ceIebrating and honoring the achievements of the Asian American Heritage Festival, as they remain an enduring source of pride and connection for generations to come.