Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of John G. Ullman and Associates, and congratulate them on the grand opening of their new office.

In 1978, John G. Ullman set out to build a new kind of wealth management firm that would provide unprecedented service and support to meet all of a family's financial needs. Their mission is to be the guiding force that helps their clients make dreams become reality while maintaining the highest level of integrity and accountability. We are proud to say this commendable institution is headquartered in our hometown of Corning, New York.

John G. Ullman and Associates provides financial planning that helps families prepare for their future. They recognize the importance of family and work to build close, trusting relationships on a multi- generational level. Their unique values have led John G. Ullman and Associates on the path of success and they have expanded that success to branches in Rochester, Rhinebeck, and most recently to their new office in Big Flats, New York. We commend their spirit of growth and the work they do to grow the economy in our communities.

Forty years of serving in the community is certainly a cause for celebration. I congratulate John G. Ullman and Associates on this impressive milestone and look forward to their continued success in the years to come.

Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of John G. Ullman and Associates.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the Geneva Rotary Club.

On May 12, 1919, twenty-five Genevans became the charter members of the Geneva Rotary Club. As they installed their first officers, President Edward Dean, Vice President John Farwell, and Secretary William Gracey, this newly founded branch of Rotary International made a commitment to service in their community.

The Rotary International motto is Service Above Self and Geneva Rotary has embodied that principle over one hundred years of raising money and supporting community service projects. Their fundraisers such as Pancake Suppers, the Poinsettia Sale, the Santa Train Express, and the Service Above Self Dinner have brought together the community in Geneva to support a variety of good causes. Over the years their work has supported the likes of Geneva General Hospital, the Boys and Girls Club, United Way, the Community Dinner Program, Happiness House, and the Geneva Public Library.

Geneva Rotary has helped to ensure that the spirit of service is alive and well in the city of Geneva. Rotarians are active volunteers and more than eighty men and women belong to the club today.

One hundred years of service in the community is certainly a cause for celebration. I congratulate the Geneva Rotary Club on this impressive milestone and look forward to their continued success in the years to come.

Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the Geneva Rotary Club.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.

On April 25, 1919, Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance's founders came together in Auburn, New York to organize a cooperative to promote tourism in the region. They sought to cooperatively market the Finger Lakes region, develop signage to direct tourists, and ensure service stations were equipped to accommodate travelers. One hundred years later, the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance continues to serve the Finger Lakes Region and is considered the oldest regional destination marketing organization in the United States.

Spanning fourteen counties, the Finger Lakes Region is home to more than four hundred registered historic sites and landmarks, one hundred thirty-five museums, eighty art galleries, fourteen professional theatre companies, one hundred wineries, three hundred bed and breakfasts, one thousand sixty-three waterfalls and gorges, twenty-six state parks, two thousand miles of hiking/biking trails and six hundred fifty miles of shoreline. The Alliance partners with attractions and tourism-related businesses to showcase this beautiful and unique area.

We recognize the importance of the Finger Lakes Region to our local communities and we support designating the region as a National Heritage Area. The Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Study Act passed the House of Representatives with our support, taking an important first step in achieving that goal. We will continue to be a strong advocate for the Finger Lakes Region.

One hundred years of promoting our local communities is certainly a cause for celebration. I congratulate the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance on this impressive milestone and look forward to their continued success in the years to come.

Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Amy Dickinson and for receiving the Horatio Alger Award.

Amy exemplifies perseverance in the face of adversity and provides an example of the strength which can come from that adversity. Overcoming the challenges of growing up with a single parent, she received a scholarship and worked her way through college to earn a diploma from Georgetown University. Following her graduation in 1981, Amy worked as a producer for NBC and then as a successful writer. Her career represents her ability to overcome the unexpected challenges of life and to grow because of them. Amy has found great success despite the challenges she has faced from a young age and should serve as a reminder of the importance of hard work and dedication.

For nearly forty years, Amy's work has appeared in some of our nation's leading publications, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Time magazine. Since 2003, she has written the ``Ask Amy'' column for the Chicago Tribune which is syndicated throughout North America and reaches an estimated twenty million viewers a day. Her first memoir reached the New York Times best seller list within two weeks of publication. Her work has consistently highlighted her compassion and wisdom.

Amy has dedicated her time to several charitable organizations and initiatives. She has worked tirelessly for library fundraising and literacy projects throughout the nation and has created her own initiative, A Book on Every Bed which encourages family to gift books during the holiday season. She is involved in community organizations such as the State Theatre in Ithaca and has raised money to help children from backgrounds similar to hers. Amy should serve as an inspiration not only to the Horatio Alger scholars, but to all Americans.

Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to celebrate Amy Dickinson and her extraordinary career.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Crystal Chords.

The Crystal Chords are a group of extraordinary women who come together to share their love of music and sing a cappella in the barbershop style. For twenty-five years the women of Crystal Chords have graced the communities of the Corning-Elmira area, singing at a variety of community functions. They are a proud chapter of Harmony, Inc., a non-profit international organization, whose mission is to empower women through education, friendship, and a cappella singing in the barbershop style.

The barbershop quartets of the Crystal Chords share their talents throughout the year, singing for civic and charitable events. They have sung at community events such as the Corning Parade of Lights and Horseheads' Holly Days, and regularly perform at local churches. The Crystal Chords are committed to charity in their communities as they fundraise for the Food Bank of the Southern Tier at all of their concerts and events.

The Crystal Chords are proudly directed by the husband-wife team of Bill and Donna McKay. Their years of barbershop quartet experience and unwavering dedication have led the Crystal Chords from its inception twenty-five years ago to continued success today.

Twenty-five years of uniting members of our communities with music is certainly a cause for celebration. I congratulate the Crystal Chords on this impressive milestone and look forward to their continued success in the years to come.

Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Crystal Chords.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Jay A. Arcangeli.

Jay Arcangeli was born on December 11, 1967 in Montour Falls, New York. He grew up on his family's dairy farm in Burdett, New York, where he developed his love for farming. To many, farming is a full time job. To Jay, farming was his passion. Jay would finish a full day of work to come home to his family and then tend to his cattle and crops. To his very last day, Jay chased his farming dreams.

Jay was the model of hard work and public service. By day, Jay served as the Highway Deputy Superintendent for Schuyler County. Before taking his current position, Jay served as the Town of Hector Highway Superintendent and before that as the bridge foreman for Silverline Construction for over two decades. In his free time, Jay volunteered with the Burdett Fire Department. Whether he was on the clock or not, Jay was serving his community.

Jay will be remembered as a husband, a father, and a friend to many. We salute him now and stand with his family in somber remembrance of his life, his love, and his passions. I thank him for his service and pray he will rest in peace.

Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to remember the life of Jay Arcangeli.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the two hundredth anniversary of the first Steuben County Fair.

In Steuben County we are proud of our farmers and the hard work they do. The Steuben County Fair is a celebration of that hard work and an opportunity for friends and neighbors to come together to join in the festivities.

The County Agricultural Society held their first ever countywide fair in 1819. This would be the first of many festivals that would come to be known as the Steuben County Fair. The creation of the new Steuben County Agricultural Society in 1853 led to the establishment of an annual county fair. The following year marked the first time the fair was held at its current site and by 1862 the Agricultural Society had purchased the fairgrounds to ensure the longevity and continuity of the event. As the years have gone by, the fairgrounds have added fair houses, grandstands, a Judges Hall, and even a pioneer log cabin--each addition enhancing the experience for visitors and participants of the fair.

The Steuben County Fair holds a special place in my heart. I have many fond memories of going to the fair with my mother and eleven older siblings as we grew up in Corning and I'm glad to share this tradition with my son and daughter today. Everyone in our family has a part of the fair they like best, but the famous demolition derby has always been my favorite event and I make sure not to miss it.

Two hundred years of community tradition is certainly a cause for celebration. I congratulate the Steuben County Agricultural Society on this impressive milestone and look forward to many more fairs in the years to come.

Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of the Steuben County Fair.

Mr. Chair, I seek the Republican response time.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to start by thanking my colleague, Mr. Suozzi from New York, as well as our Republican colleague, Mr. Fitzpatrick, who led the charge on this amendment process in this amendment before you.

I would also take a moment to thank my co-chair on the Problem Solvers Caucus, Mr. Gottheimer from New Jersey.

Though we may disagree on the fundamental bill before us, Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be able to report to the American people today that there are still Members here that are looking to find common ground.

In the amendment before you that has been put forward in this new mechanism in the Rules Committee to encourage bipartisan debate, we have found that common ground in regards to the transparency and the requirements that this amendment calls for in regards to making sure that, if foreign money is in our election process, we do what we can in order to root that out and bring sunshine to that issue for all Americans to see.

I encourage my colleagues on our side of the aisle to support this amendment because this is that common ground that, even though we may fundamentally disagree on some of the final conclusions of H.R. 1 and the issue and the debate that we have already seen on display here today, this is something that common sense dictates that we come together for as Democrats and Republicans, working together to find that common ground to advance the American cause.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer), Democratic co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, in the spirit of bipartisanship and in the effort to find common ground.

Mr. Chair, I yield the gentleman an additional 15 seconds.

Mr. Chair, I have no other speakers and am prepared to close.

Mr. Chairman, as we wrap up the debate on this amendment, I hope we have demonstrated that there is common ground to be found in this Chamber.

I would like to take a moment to thank, again, my colleagues, but also the Rules Committee, Mr. McGovern and his staff, for working with us in regards to this new reform of the rules process that will reward and encourage bipartisan behavior and bipartisan common ground-finding efforts.

I encourage all Members on both sides of the aisle: Utilize this new rule path to bring forth ideas that benefit the American people in a bipartisan way.

At the end of the day, this amendment is something we should all support for the reasons articulated by my colleagues on the other side and as articulated, hopefully, by myself today in regards to supporting this reform that goes at the issue of foreign money in our elections.

Mr. Chair, I encourage our Members to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) for yielding me the time and his leadership on this issue, as well as my good friends Paul Tonko and Brian Higgins for joining me in the effort today in regards to the West Valley Reauthorization Act before us.

Obviously, Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation. This legislation deals with the project located in our district in western New York and the great community of West Valley.

West Valley, New York, is the home of radioactive waste that has been distributed there and deposited there over the years way back when. But I will tell you, over the last 15 years, this site has led the Nation, in my humble opinion, in coming up with techniques and technologies that are deployed across other nuclear waste facilities and sites in order to handle that high-level radioactive waste from those facilities as well as those in West Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I think it is only right to bring further clarity and certainty to our area of the district at West Valley in regards to this bill, giving 7 years' worth of reauthorization legislation, to send the signal that not only do we stand and support the appropriations that go to this facility in order to clean it up in the most efficient and effective manner, but, also, we stand as authorizers to say that this type of facility and this type of program needs

to be renewed for at least 7 years because, Mr. Speaker, it is going to take many more years to clean this site up.

Giving this site 7 years of that additional certainty is the only right thing to do in order to have these folks who are doing the hard work be given the indications from Congress that we stand with them as they engage in this effort.

As I close, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the entire Energy and Commerce Committee and Mr. Shimkus for his tireless work on the issue of nuclear waste cleanup and standing with us on this piece of legislation.

In particular, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the local officials: the town of Ashford supervisor, Charles Davis; the West Valley deputy general manager, Scott Anderson; and the other local leaders who have stood in a community effort in order to bring this West Valley demonstration site to a complete closure, hopefully, in the near future with the legislation that we have before us.

So I ask my colleagues to join in support of this legislation, and I truly appreciate their efforts to join us today.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Woodall) for yielding.

I rise today, Mr. Speaker, in support of the underlying rule, but also in opposition to the action that is being proposed by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle.

But I will join them in one sentiment: I do believe there is an emergency crisis at the border. I do believe that the President, given the years and decades of delegation of authority from Congress to the President's Office, has the authority to take the action that he is taking in regards to this proposed issue at the border.

But where I agree with my colleagues on the other side is that the Presidential authority is something that we need to take into consideration and reform going forward.

It should not be because it is President Trump; it should not be because it was President Obama; but each and every time the executive branch uses its authority and reaches into areas that go beyond the constitutional limits of that office, we should stand together as Members of Congress to assert our authority.

That is why, Mr. Speaker, there is a bipartisan group of us working over the last few weeks, and we intend to drop a resolution sometime soon, that will amend the National Emergencies Act to make it clear that, when there is a national emergency declared in this country, that we speak as one nation, one body here in Congress with the President.

We have to affirmatively take a vote here in Congress, go on record, and not hide any longer as Members of Congress. We should be held accountable by putting our voting cards in that box to stand before the American people.

When a national emergency is declared by the President, we have to vote whether or not, guaranteed vote, to see if that is something we agree with the President on. That is a fundamental reform that will reestablish Article I of the Constitution.

And to my colleagues who are up today: Where were you when President Obama overreached in his executive office?

So I ask you to remember those days and stand with us who are looking to take on the root cause of this problem and reestablish the congressional authority that rightfully is contained under the Constitution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce.

On June 4, 1919, citizens of Tioga County joined together and signed a charter to create the Owego Chamber of Commerce. The charter stated that the purpose of the corporation would be to promote the general welfare of Owego and the surrounding communities. Even though their name may be different these one hundred years later, their mission remains the same.

The Owego Chamber of Commerce began as a corporation to encourage the growth of business in the Greater Owego area through the management of real estate. By purchasing properties and then improving those properties, the Chamber helped to create environments that welcomed new businesses.

As the times have changed, so has the Chamber. In its early years, it overcame the adversity of the Great Depression and worked to help their community through economic struggles. During World War II, the Chamber assisted with the selling of war bonds to aid in the war effort. Today, the Chamber continues a tradition started in 1999 with their annual business show. The business show brings new businesses and existing businesses together, putting them in contact with each other and the general public.

One hundred years of service to the community is certainly a cause for celebration. I congratulate the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce for their impressive record of hard work and look forward to many more years of them supporting businesses in our communities.

Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to celebrate the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce's one hundred years of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Lisa Ferrero at Corning Incorporated, and congratulate her on her retirement.

For more than thirty years, Lisa Ferrero has served Corning Incorporated in a spectrum of roles and functions. Her dedicated service and exceptional management has led her to rise from a statistician in the Corning Big Flats Plant to become Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the company.

Throughout her career, Lisa has traveled the globe managing various aspects of Corning business. Her many years spent working in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China, have fostered her success as head of Global Supply Management and Global Information Security. Lisa's leadership at Corning has touched many aspects of the company, lending her skills to Environmental Technologies, Display Technologies, Information Technology, and Government Affairs.

As Lisa moves forward with the next chapter of her life, we applaud her tireless dedication to Corning Incorporated, a cornerstone of our community, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.

Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to celebrate Lisa Ferrero and her extraordinary career.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the legacy of Bong's Jewelers in Corning, New York.

For the last one hundred and twenty-six years the residents of Corning have celebrated birthdays, engagements, weddings, and anniversaries with gifts from Bong's Jewelers. Founded by two brothers in 1892, Bong's has been run by the family for generations, helping the people of Corning celebrate their happiest occasions.

It is with a heavy heart that I recognize the final closing of this community institution. Jeff Bong has owned the family shop since 1975 and after more than forty years of hard work and success, Jeff has announced his well-deserved retirement.

Having known Jeff and his family for decades, he represents a pillar of our community that will be sorely missed with the closing of his business. However, I know his ties to our community will endure and we are forever grateful for his efforts and commitment to all of us.

We wish the Bongs well in their retirement and thank them for their service to our community.

Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to honor Bong's Jewelers, a family-owned business of the Corning community for the last one hundred and twenty- six years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the service of Betsy Wright to UPMC Chautauqua, formerly WCA Hospital, and congratulate her on her retirement.

For the last twenty years, Betsy Wright has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of UPMC Chautauqua. Her dedicated service has ensured the high levels of employee engagement and community support that the hospital enjoys today.

With more than thirty-five years in the healthcare industry, Betsy's insight is highly respected by the New York State Department of Health, the Office of Mental Health, and the Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services. Policy makers at all levels of healthcare know Betsy for her tireless work to improve care of patients in the community.

Betsy's leadership in the healthcare community does not end with UPMC Chautauqua. She also is a member of the executive committee of the Healthcare Association of New York State and a past Regent of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Throughout her career, Betsy has been recognized many times by Buffalo Business First as one of ``Western New York's Most Influential People''.

As Betsy moves forward with the next chapter of her life, we applaud her tireless effort to improve the quality of healthcare for the citizens of Chautauqua County and we wish her all the best in her retirement.

Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to celebrate Betsy Wright and her extraordinary career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Wayne R. Oste.

Wayne Oste was highly dedicated to the Falconer area. A devoted family man and a man of faith, he spent his life serving the community where he grew up and raised his family.

At the heart of his volunteerism, was his 41-year service to the Falconer Fire Department. Wayne's dedication and experience led him to honorably serve as its chief. He was also recognized as fire fighter of the year by his brethren. Not only was he a leader, but he stood with them and worked beside them during his tenure.

Wayne will be remembered as a hero, a husband, a father, a grandfather and a friend to many. He left behind a legacy of service, leadership and community-mindedness that is a rare gift. We salute him now, and stand with his family in somber remembrance of his life, his love and his passions. I thank him for his service and pray he will rest in peace.

Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me to remember the life of Wayne Oste.