Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, S-T-I-C-H-O-M-Y-T-H-I-A. Stichomythia.

Mr. Speaker, this is the word that Sriram Hathwar spelled correctly to win the 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee. I rise today to recognize and congratulate Sriram on this incredible accomplishment.

Sriram, an eighth-grade student at the Alternative School for Math and Science in Corning, New York, participated in the National Spelling Bee this year for the fifth time. In his final year of eligibility, Sriram outlasted 279 other contestants and was declared co-champion after correctly spelling twelve ``championship words.'' As he progressed through the competition, Sriram appeared unfazed by the increasingly difficult words that were presented to him. He displayed impressive levels of composure, confidence and determination throughout the competition, which propelled him to victory.

After diligently studying the roughly 470,000 words in the Merriam- Webster Dictionary, Sriram successfully spelled some of the most challenging words in the English language. The amount of preparation and training Sriram completed in preparation of this competition exemplifies his unrelenting dedication to learning.

In addition to his proficiency at spelling difficult words, Sriram's display of humility and sportsmanship throughout the competition was commendable. Upon being named co-champion, Sriram recognized his fellow contestants by stating that the competition was ``against the dictionary, not against each other.''

Sriram Hathwar is a source of inspiration within my congressional district and across the country. I am proud of his success in the Scripps National Spelling Bee and confident that he will build upon this experience to accomplish great things in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendously positive impact the American Red Cross has on my congressional district.

Earlier this month, my constituents in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions of New York endured disastrous levels of flooding. Upon finding their homes severely damaged, hundreds of people sought refuge at local Red Cross shelters.

I had the opportunity to visit the areas in Yates County hit hardest by the storm and was humbled by the outpouring of care and support provided by the Red Cross. As it has done countless times in the past, the Red Cross responded immediately to provide critical resources and assistance to our friends, families, and neighbors who were affected by the damaging floods. With the help of the Red Cross, these communities were able to pull together to support each other and overcome the challenges caused by the flooding.

Since its founding in 1881, the Red Cross has consistently provided excellent care and relief to those who need it most. Throughout wars, famines, and natural disasters, the staff and volunteers from the Red Cross put themselves on the front lines to help the victims of these tragedies through their times of need. Each year, the American Red Cross responds to over 70,000 catastrophes all over the world, providing emergency relief to those impacted. In addition to providing temporary housing, warm meals, medical assistance, and emergency blood supplies, the Red Cross deploys mobile response units to help ease suffering during disasters.

I thank the staff and volunteers of the American Red Cross for serving as ``real heroes'' in our community, our country, and throughout the world. I commend their dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of each person in need, especially in New York's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Susan G. Komen Twin Tiers Region ``Race for the Cure'' on another successful event this year. This event, which was held for the 16th consecutive year, took place on Sunday, May 18, 2014 in Elmira, New York.

This race is a bold statement of unity among the survivors of breast cancer, the friends and families who support the ongoing search for a cure, and those who are currently fighting this disease. The annual event has raised over $1 million for projects focusing on cancer research, prevention, and treatment. Seventy-five percent of this money has remained in the Southern Tier, directly benefiting thousands of my constituents.

Breast cancer affects millions of individuals in the United States each year, including countless friends, family members, and neighbors in my congressional district. For far too long, this disease has taken away our loved ones; an estimated 40,000 people will die from breast cancer this year. As a nation, we must continue to support every victim of breast cancer and show steadfast resolve in our efforts to find a cure for this disease.

Thanks to the hard work of Komen Twin Tiers Region staff and over 200 volunteers, more than 1,000 people participated in this year's ``Race for the Cure.'' Every person involved in the event displayed their unwavering determination to finding a cure for breast cancer and supporting those affected by this disease.

I especially appreciate the work of Scott Heffner and Megan Burns, co-chairs of the race, who were primarily responsible for the success of this event. I am confident that the hard work of dedicated individuals like Scott and Megan will continue to benefit victims and survivors of breast cancer as we continue working together toward a cure for this horrible disease.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to commend your efforts, along with those of the Judiciary Committee, in bringing this legislation to the floor of the House. As you and I have met and discussed on numerous occasions, along with my good friend from Indiana (Mr. Stutzman), this issue is important to not only many of my constituents back in western New York, but also to our country.

Provisions in this bill, such as the reforms made to bulk data collection and enhanced declassification requirements, are specific ideas that were shared with me by constituents in western New York and brought to here, Washington, D.C.

As you know, I am happy to report, through our work with you, these provisions were incorporated into this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, as this bill moves forward, I hope I have your commitment to continue to work together to assure that a balance between national security and the protection of our personal freedoms is achieved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Chautauqua Golf Club on its 100th anniversary. This historic venue, located in beautiful Chautauqua, New York, hosted its first round of golf on July 18, 1914.

Over the past 100 years, Chautauqua Golf Club has hosted legendary golfers including Ben Hogan, Walter Hagen, Sam Snead, and Jack Cawsey. The Club's courses have been enjoyed by countless celebrities and dignitaries, including former President Bill Clinton. Each of these individuals has experienced the superior design and character offered by the two four-star courses designed by famous golf architect Donald Ross.

The Club has hosted numerous tournaments throughout its history. Since 2000, it has partnered with Jamestown Community College to host the National Junior College Athletic Association's Men's Division III National Championship. In addition, an annual Professional-Amateur Tournament to benefit the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is held at the Club.

Chautauqua Golf Club recently opened the Golf Learning Center, a teaching and practice facility that serves golfers of all ages and skill levels. The center focuses on teaching strategies, improving skills, and fostering an appreciation for the finer points of the game. This center, which is ideal for families, school teams, and community groups, intends to make the game of golf accessible to everyone.

I once again commend Chautauqua Golf Club on its 100th anniversary. I am proud to recognize this remarkable accomplishment and the great contributions the Club has made, and will continue to make, to New York's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Cuba, New York Chamber of Commerce on its 100th anniversary. Over the past 100 years, the Chamber has successfully provided small businesses and local entrepreneurs with the resources, expertise, and advice needed to succeed.

The town of Cuba is stronger and more vibrant because of the Chamber. This organization has proven to be an invaluable resource for promoting local businesses by providing them with opportunities for growth. The Chamber brings businesses together, creating strong economic bonds and partnerships between its members. In addition, it provides referrals that are crucial to many businesses in the area. Due to the Chamber's unrelenting work in assisting commerce, local businesses continue to provide well-paying jobs and high-quality products and services to our region.

The Chamber is also a strong advocate for local tourism. It supports local events and industries that attract visitors to Allegany County, including a wide variety of agritourism and outdoor activities.

Once again I wish to congratulate the Cuba, New York Chamber of Commerce on 100 successful years of service and I look forward to the great contributions it will continue to make to New York's 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dr. David Skorton on his recent appointment as Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Dr. Skorton, who currently serves as the 12th President of Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York, will begin his tenure as the 13th Secretary of the Smithsonian in July 2015.

Dr. Skorton was chosen for this position based on his outstanding merit and impressive leadership record. He has extensive experience as an administrator, cardiologist, and biomedical researcher. Dr. Skorton brings his unique talent and knowledge base to his new position, where he will be the first physician to lead the Smithsonian.

A staunch advocate of the arts, sciences, and humanities, Dr. Skorton will effectively promote the Smithsonian Institution's mission of supporting the ``increase and diffusion of knowledge.'' I am confident that his skills, experience, and expertise will serve Dr. Skorton well in his efforts to oversee the immense collection of museums and research centers that comprise the Smithsonian Institution.

I commend Dr. Skorton on earning this remarkable opportunity and I look forward to the new heights that the Smithsonian Institution will reach under his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge support for the bill, the Save American Workers Act, introduced by my good friend, Mr. Young of Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, this is a fundamental question about what is fair, what is fair for the American worker.

We have had a long history in America of protecting the 40-hour workweek. This mandate--this requirement under the Affordable Care Act to go to 30 hours as the definition of full-time work is going to hurt. It is not fair to the American worker.

I would just offer comments that I just received from a constituent in the 23rd Congressional District, which I have the honor to represent.

Carol Tyler, the owner of Hager's Flowers and Gifts in Gowanda, New York, writes:

As a business owner, I encourage you to vote in favor of

legislation that better reflects my business' workforce needs

while maintaining wages and flexible health benefits options

for my employees.

The ACA's definition of full-time employee status must

align with a standard that better reflects current employment

practices within our industry. Increasing the ACA's 30-hour

per week definition would make it easier for employers to

provide additional hours to all employees.

That means more money in hardworking taxpayers' pockets across America.

I urge my colleagues to join with Ms. Tyler's plea to support this legislation, to stand with the American worker, and protect the 40-hour workweek, which means more money in American workers' pockets as they go forward.

I have to say, Mr. Speaker, there is a contrast between our side and the other side. When I hear the other side argue that what this will allow people to do is to not have to work, what I hear is they are not championing the concept of work.

I believe in the American work ethic, Mr. Speaker. I believe in the strong work ethic that allows people to work a 40-hour workweek has made this Nation strong for generations.

I ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to please stand with us to protect that which has made America great, and this is the 40-hour workweek in the American workplace and environment.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 217.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues that have joined me this evening to talk about an issue that is very personal to me and I think something that we need to discuss across America in an open and honest fashion.

Madam Speaker, this month, April, is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. I am joined with many of my colleagues here today to discuss the issue of sexual assault, domestic violence and, in particular, a national effort that we have become familiar with in our office and in my household called the NO MORE campaign. NO MORE is a group that is represented by numerous entities across the country that are coming together to say ``no more'' to sexual assault and domestic violence.

Madam Speaker, you may recall I came to this floor of this Chamber back on March 14 and I discussed the issue of NO MORE Week at that point in time. I shared my family's personal story that moved us in our household--my wife, my brother, my sister, my 11 older brothers and sisters--to say ``no more.''

Madam Speaker, over the last year and a half, we dealt with a situation where my niece was raped. I will tell you, going through that experience, it is time to say ``no more.''

I just am humbled to see the outpouring of support that my colleagues are showing me this evening and coming together to say we need to talk about sexual assault, we need to talk about domestic violence across the country. We can't be shameful, we can't hide any longer. We need to stand with the victims and say this isn't something that is just going to be brushed aside and there are going to be excuses of, well, she wanted it or they deserved it or they were drinking, and therefore it is okay. ``No more,'' Madam Speaker, no more to sexual assault and domestic violence.

Earlier today, my colleague across the aisle, Gwen Moore, and I introduced a resolution supporting the goals and ideas of April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. I am glad to see that we are coming together in this Chamber on a bipartisan basis to identify this issue, speak about this issue, and coming together to solve this critical problem for Americans across the Nation.

Also, I just wanted to say, from this personal experience as a husband, as a father of a beautiful girl who is 15, the uncle of my beautiful niece who went through this horrific situation, that we just can't express enough how horrific and tragic sexual assault is when it comes to families, young men and women, just men and women across the country, and I stand here today to say ``no more.''

With that, I yield to the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito), my good colleague, to speak on this important issue.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlelady from West Virginia for her words and offer of support.

At this time, Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Costa), a good friend from the other side of the aisle, the cochair of the Victims' Rights Caucus.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for his kind words. What I will say is, it is awareness, education, and empowerment.

With that, I yield to the gentleman from Texas, Judge Poe, a good friend and cochair of the Victims' Rights Caucus.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the words. I am so pleased that this is a bipartisan Special Order, where Members from the other side of the aisle are joining us tonight to talk about the issue of sexual assault, domestic violence, and us saying ``no more.''

With that, I yield to my good friend from Virginia (Mr. Scott).

I thank the gentleman from Virginia for joining us.

At this point in time, I would like to yield to a good friend of mine from the great State of North Carolina (Mrs. Ellmers).

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from North Carolina for coming today. I am pleased to yield to a good friend from the other side of the aisle to talk about this important issue of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the NO MORE campaign. I can't encourage people enough across America to go online, become aware of the NO MORE campaign, and the Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

With that, I yield to my good friend from Florida (Ms. Frankel).

I thank the gentlelady for coming tonight and joining us and raising awareness on this critical issue facing men and women across the country. I appreciate the gentlelady's words.

From the gentlelady's words, I am reminded how pervasive this is across our country. It does remind me also why we have to remain diligent and continue to raise awareness and educate people on these issues and to empower victims and stand with victims such as my niece.

With that, I yield to my good friend from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meehan).

I so appreciate the work, leadership, and experience of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meehan) on this issue. I don't think I could have said it any better in the sense of the victims being victimized repeatedly not just by the perpetrator, but by the system.

Hearing the gentleman from Pennsylvania give a firsthand account as to what that means, I think, is very important as we deal with the NO MORE campaign and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

At this time, Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield to a new Member, but a great Member of this great Chamber, Mrs. Brooks from Indiana.

I thank the gentlelady for her comments and joining us in this effort to say ``no more.'' The gentlelady's comments about the use of alcohol and other intoxicants being a part of, sometimes, these situations, I can't express enough how many times I hear that story and how we need to make sure that we are talking to our kids, we are talking to folks as they are going off to college or in our high schools about the danger associated with the use of alcohol and being put into this situation.

Just be honest, just be honest and just say with that decision comes risk, and with those risks are often horrific events such as what we are talking about tonight, young men and women being sexually assaulted, domestically abused by partners, people that they know. It is time we raise this in a way that we speak openly and honestly about this issue.

Madam Speaker, I am so pleased to be joined by a new Member of the House, my good friend from Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis), and I yield to the gentleman.

I thank the gentleman from Illinois for those very good and eloquent remarks on this important issue of ``no more.''

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to be joined by a Member from the great State of Indiana (Mrs. Walorski), and I yield to her.

I can't agree any more with my colleague from Indiana. ``No more.'' It is time. No more excuses. No more across America.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to be joined by a great friend from our State of New York (Mr. Gibson), one of the leaders down here in the House, and I yield to him.

I thank the gentleman from New York for joining us tonight, and I appreciate the friendship and the support for the NO MORE campaign tonight.

Madam Speaker, one of my best friends here in this great Chamber, my fellow member of the Ways and Means Committee, the gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Black) is joining us this evening, and I yield to her.

I thank the gentlelady for her remarks and comments.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Washington State (Mr. Reichert), our great sheriff and cochair of the Law Enforcement Caucus.

I thank the gentleman from Washington State, the sheriff, for the words and the experience and sharing tonight in our efforts to say ``no more'' to sexual assault.

Madam Speaker, I know we are coming to the end of the Special Order this evening. So I will just close with a few words.

Madam Speaker, I stand in this Chamber today joined by my niece, who is with us this evening. I can't tell you how impressed, how proud I am of that young lady who has now turned one of the most negative experiences, horrific experiences in her life and is doing something positive about it.

It is her voice that has moved me to stand with my colleagues, to work across the country, to work with organizations like NO MORE and Sexual Assault Awareness Month to say, I am going to do my part, Madam Speaker. I am going to do my part to make sure that we scream from the mountains, across this land, that sexual assault--be it man, woman, child, adult--we have heard the stories all night tonight. But in the great land of the United States of America, we are going to say ``no more'' because it tears lives apart.

Victims are not only victimized by the perpetrators who do these horrific acts, but they are revictimized over and over again. And it is time we, as a Nation, come together and say, you know what, we are going to stand with the victims. We are going to educate and make people aware of this issue so that we can empower people--our law enforcement agencies, our prosecutors, the people that do God's work and tending to the people when they need the services that rape victims and sexual assault and domestic violence victims need and turn to in their time of need.

So we are going to continue this battle. We are going to continue this fight. And I just have to applaud the efforts of the men and women across the country that are coming together to say in one voice, ``no more.''

All 300-plus million people in America need to come together to highlight this issue. And I can tell you, if we unite as a Nation, we can bring to an end sexual assault and domestic violence.

And to my niece, I just say, I will always have your back. I will always stand with you shoulder to shoulder. And to anyone who wants to say she deserved it or she wanted it or that she was drinking and it was the alcohol that caused it, ``no more.'' She is not the person that is responsible for this. As I said on March 14, when I asked her what I should tell the American Nation on her behalf, say ``no more'' because there are no excuses.

I appreciate my colleagues, my friends and the folks from the other side of the aisle coming together tonight to talk about this, which is such an important issue that we need to talk about and to, for once and for all, say ``no more.''

I ask every American, have a conversation with your daughter, your spouse, your son, your mother, your father, your aunt, your uncle. Speak about this issue. Empower each of us, as individuals, to say, we are not going to accept this in our midst any longer. I am confident, Madam Speaker, if we do that, that we won't have to say in the last 60 minutes that we have joined here together, that 30 more of our fellow American citizens have just suffered from one of the most horrific crimes on the face of the Earth, and that is sexual assault.

It is time to say ``no more,'' and I ask everyone to join us in that campaign.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce on its 100th anniversary. Over the past 100 years, the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce has successfully provided small businesses and local entrepreneurs with the resources, expertise and advice needed to succeed.

The Corning community is stronger and more vibrant because of the Chamber. The Chamber has proven to be an invaluable resource in promoting business in our community through a powerful, united voice--a voice that successfully advances opportunities for growth time and time again. Due to the Chamber's unrelenting work in promoting and assisting commerce, local businesses continue to provide well-paying jobs and high-quality products and services to our region.

In addition to helping established businesses, the Chamber has a strong history of providing grants to organizations that assist local entrepreneurs in starting new businesses in Corning. The Chamber continues to give Corning citizens the tools necessary to succeed.

Once again I wish to congratulate the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce on 100 successful years of service and wish them another hundred prosperous years in the beautiful city we call home.

I thank Chairman Brady for yielding the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the very important issue that this bill is here to address. We have at the end of the month a cliff where our providers under Medicare are going to be looking at a 24 percent cut in their reimbursements for caring for our seniors.

What are we doing today? The other side is engaging in political theater rather than deal with the issue at hand.

We have an opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to fix a problem out of Washington, D.C., that has repeatedly been coming up since 2003--and do it on a long-term, permanent basis. We have spent $150 billion in minor patches to the doc fix over that period of time.

Today, we have an opportunity--through the bipartisan work on the policy that will resolve this issue once and for all--to do it at a cost of $138 billion. That would take care of this threat to our seniors and to the doctors that are providing for them on a permanent basis. That is the right thing to do.

So what is the argument over? Well, how we are going to pay for it?

My friends in the other Chamber on the other side of this esteemed building here feel we should continue the status quo of Washington, D.C., and not pay for our policy decisions that we decide here in Washington.

We have put forth a proposed solution on this side of the aisle to say, Look, let's take what you are doing to the employer mandate under the Affordable Care Act by extending a delay for the employer mandate that they have already done for the White House to the individuals who are subject to the Affordable Care Act.

Doesn't that make sense? Isn't that the fair thing to do? Isn't that the right thing to do?

If you are going to delay it for Big Business, why don't you delay it for moms and pops and sons and daughters across America and use that money in savings to pay for a permanent solution here in Washington, D.C., when it comes to paying for our doctors as they care for our elderly and our seniors?

That is a commonsense proposal, and yet we play political theater on this important issue. We can't do that. Our hardworking taxpayers back home, Mr. Speaker, deserve better.

I came here to Washington, D.C., to do something: to change the status quo. We have an opportunity to take an issue that has been pending ad nauseam since 2003 and get it taken care of permanently and give that certainty, that ability for our providers, for our seniors, to know what they are going to get paid and to make sure that our seniors have the comfort of knowing that their doctors are going to have their doors open to take care of them when they need them the most. That is what we should be focusing on, Mr. Speaker.

I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation and get this permanent solution in place.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding me time to address the Chamber today.

I rise today to talk about the NO MORE campaign. NO MORE is the first

unifying symbol meant to express support for ending sexual assault and domestic violence, similar to the Pink Ribbon campaign for breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, next week, March 17-21 is NO MORE week. This symbol will be active throughout social media, ad campaigns, and throughout our country, to highlight for men and women across the country to come together to stand up to end sexual violence by saying ``No more.''

This proliferation is supported by organizations, such as the Avon Foundation for Women, Mary Kay, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, National Network to End Domestic Violence, the YWCA, and Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women.

Mr. Speaker, I come here today to say no more because of something very personal to me. Within the last year, my family experienced firsthand the issues of sexual assault.

My beautiful niece, 18 years old, was raped. We saw that event impact a young life--our family--in a way that I cannot express, Mr. Speaker.

I come here today to say, ``No more.''

Last night, I had an opportunity to speak with my niece. I said: If you had an opportunity to address the country and to address the Chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives, what would you say? How would you answer the question ``no more because''?

Essentially, what she said was: ``No more because'' there are no excuses.

No one can make an excuse as to why sexual assault is acceptable. No one should offer an excuse that a woman wanted it, that a woman asked for it.

Mr. Speaker, we need to change the culture in our country as we are afraid to talk about this issue. So many women have been impacted. Men across the country have not been taught how to deal with this issue in an open and honest fashion. March 17 to 21 is an opportunity for us as a nation to say, ``No more.'' We are going to come together in a national effort and say: Sexual violence is not acceptable; domestic violence is not acceptable. We are going to discuss it openly and amongst our country and fellow countrymen in a way that ultimately will lead to there being no more.

In having had to experience this firsthand for the last 12 months, I can tell you that it is time.

On behalf of my niece and my family, Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members and all people across the country to look at the NO MORE campaign and to look at this symbol and to discuss it with your sons, your daughters, your sisters, your brothers, your mothers, and your fathers and say: We can't accept this any longer.

Then we end sexual violence once and for all, because now is the time to say, ``No more.''

God bless my niece. God bless my family. God bless this great country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Edmond Lewis, Chief of the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department in Beaver Dams, New York.

Mr. Lewis has served as a member of the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department for an impressive 36 years. He assumed the position of Chief last year and was faced with the enormous task of overcoming a dire financial situation which nearly forced the fire department into bankruptcy. In addition to the financial challenges, when he began his tenure as chief, the department had fewer than twelve members and no junior recruits.

Chief Lewis has never stopped fighting for the department or his community throughout the recovery process. His leadership has been vital in restoring the integrity, financial solvency, and strength of the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department. Through his guidance, the department has increased its ranks to 54 members, including 14 junior firefighters. The hard work and dedication of Chief Lewis has restored the fire department to a position of capably protecting public safety in the community.

Edmond Lewis exemplifies selfless service and true leadership. His generosity and willingness to assist anyone in need has earned him the highest level of respect throughout Schuyler County. Mr. Lewis regularly extends a helping hand beyond his duties at the fire department by volunteering at a local food bank and preparing meals at the Office for the Aging.

I commend Mr. Lewis for all the great work he has done, and will continue to do, at the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department and in our community. He is a selfless and generous individual who has made countless positive contributions to New York's 23rd Congressional District, and I am proud to recognize him today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the long and successful public service of Tompkins County Legislator Frank Proto. Having served since 1985, Frank will be leaving office after nearly three decades. Mr. Proto chaired numerous committees during his tenure and played a leading role in shaping our community.

Mr. Proto's impact on our region is truly difficult to quantify as he has influenced countless aspects of the community. As Chairman of the Solid Waste Committee, he oversaw the growing emphasis that was placed on recycling and the area's diminished waste production. He fought for the distinct needs of our rural communities as Chairman of the Rural Affairs Committee and promoted public library reading rooms in small municipalities. Outside of his legislative service, he spends his time assisting others through organization such as BOCES, the Cayuga Medical Center, and the Brooktondale Fire Commissioners.

Despite leaving his legislative post, Frank will continue serving the community in a variety of roles: as board member of both the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Tompkins County Soil & Water Conservation District and with Slaterville Ambulance. His passion for public service and his dedication to the community are unmatched and it is with great pleasure that I honor Frank here today.