Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent, Hazel Thompson, who is celebrating her 100th birthday this month.

Ms. Thompson has spent her life serving our country and local community. Born and raised in Vermont, she has dedicated her life to helping and advocating for others. She started her career as a nurse and devoted thousands of hours volunteering with the Red Cross where she received several awards for her selfless service. In 1972, after our area was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Agnes, Ms. Thompson once again answered the call and devoted her time to helping her community and neighbors in Elmira, New York.

Ms. Thompson has been a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the American Legion Post 443 in Elmira, New York for seventy years. She is a true patriot and has volunteered at other veterans' organizations. Ms. Thompson has been a member of the AARP for decades and has served as a Board Member for Chapter 246 and as editor for its Spotlight newsletter for years. She has also volunteered with the Girl Scouts, Food Bank and at Westminster Presbyterian Church of which she is a member.

Ms. Thompson has been a recipient of several honors and awards in recognition of her generous spirit and endless dedication to helping others. As the team captain for the AARP's annual Alzheimer's Walk team, she was awarded the Grand Champion medal in honor of her fundraising. She was awarded the Chemung County Senior Citizen of the Year in 1988, and in 2010, Ms. Thompson was awarded the prestigious Jefferson Award in recognition for her lifelong commitment to community service. She is truly an inspiration to us all.

I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Hazel Thompson's 100th birthday and recognizing her life-long commitment to service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major Patrick W. Miller for his outstanding acts of heroism and his dedicated military service.

Major Miller received his commission into the Medical Service Corps in 2003 from St. Bonaventure University and continued his service as Medical Platoon Leader for the 1st Cavalry Division in Texas. His battalion was soon deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, where he served for 13 months. Major Miller was promoted to Battalion Assistant Operations Officer and spent another 15 months in Iraq before returning home.

In 2011, Major Miller was assigned as Chief of Resource Management for U.S. Army Medical Activity at Fort Drum. He remained there until moving back to Fort Hood to act as Brigade Comptroller for the 1st Medical Brigade. It was there that on April 2nd, 2014, Major Miller heard gunfire outside his office. Miller faced the attacker and was injured while trying to impede the rampage.

Major Miller was able to get to safety and call 911, sounding the alarm on the attack. Despite the horrific circumstances, Major Miller continued to maintain his composure and conduct himself professionally, all the while remaining cognizant of the well-being of those around him.

I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Major Patrick W. Miller for his heroic actions and the dedication and honor with which he serves our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness for the issue of type 1 diabetes across America.

As co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus on the Republican side with my good friend, Diana DeGette, on the Democratic side, this is an issue I care deeply about. We must work together to find ways to address this disease to improve the lives of families that are dealing with this each and every day.

Mr. Speaker, my family is one of these families. My son, Will, at 17 years of age, has been fighting this disease 24/7, 365 days a year since the age of 4.

This young girl, Kennedy, I had the honor to meet with and is representing my district here in the congressional workshop being put on by Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She showed me the scars on her fingers where she has to poke her fingers six to seven times a day, Mr. Speaker, to control her blood sugar and monitor it on a regular basis.

She is a true inspiration to all diabetics across the Nation and should be an inspiration to each and every one of us to tackle this disease in a way that will improve lives for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 397.

Well, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank the gentlemen, Mr. Faso and Mr. Collins, for their leadership on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, in my district, the 23rd Congressional District, where we sit on the border of the State of Pennsylvania, when you talk about the tax burden that is placed on my hardworking residents that are struggling, that are trying to pay utility bills, that are trying to pay for food to put on their tables, that are trying to take care of their families and put their kids through school, when you talk about a tax burden that is driven by the Medicaid shift in New York State to the local level, at our county level--a very unique circumstance across the country--to the tune of $145 million a year in each of the counties I represent, that type of burden is not sustainable.

I thank the leadership of Mr. Faso and Mr. Collins for looking for a solution in the American Health Care Act that will alleviate this, that will once and for all shift this burden from our hardworking citizens, our hardworking taxpayers in western New York back to where it belongs: to our State capital, our State capital where they have mandated, under the Federal Medicaid program, essentially every optional service that is authorized under the program; where you see numbers in New York State where we spend approximately $4,000 per enrollee versus California, another State that has invested tremendously in expanding Medicaid and Medicaid services, at $2,500; where you see reports that in New York State our average costs are 44 percent, in New York State, under Medicaid spending than the national average.

And then you look at small things that do add up: taxi services that are reimbursed under Medicaid in New York State to the tune of $2.20 a mile. Mr. Speaker, every hardworking resident in my district that is watching tonight knows that if they go to submit a mileage reimbursement to their employer or they go and try to get reimbursement from their local government that they work at, they are getting 55 cents or maybe 53.5 cents. That money adds up.

You also see a Medicaid program in New York that is ripe with waste, fraud, and abuse; and by putting that $145 million tax burden on our local taxpayers, our counties cannot address that waste, fraud, and abuse. That can only be done in our State capital. So I think it is only right that we put the burden on our State capital, who has the authority, the flexibility, and the ability to address these issues, to have to deal with this burden at the same time they can implement solutions.

If our Governor so chooses to make this type of waste, fraud, and abuse rampant through Medicaid, that is his choice. But he shouldn't put it on our backs, our local residents' backs, to the tune of $145 million of taxpayer dollars that they have no ability to address at the local level.

I also remember, vividly, a story from one of our first responders, an Olean firefighter who came in and talked about him being part of ObamaCare ambulance service where they would pick up individuals who would call for services and claim to be experiencing a medical emergency; and then as they delivered the patient to the hospital, that same patient would refuse service at the ER so they could go to the mall across the street--a ride in an ambulance that is paid for by our hardworking residents in western New York.

We are generous people. We don't mind helping people out. But when you put a burden like this on our backs and you don't give us the flexibility and ability to address these concerns, that is wrong. And what this amendment does, and I am proud to support it and stand here with my colleagues, is right this wrong once and for all and put the burden where it needs to be: in our State capital. Let our Governor own this and, hopefully, wise up and deal with it at that level and take this burden off our hardworking taxpayers.

Thank you, Mr. Faso and Mr. Collins for this leadership, and we are wholeheartedly behind you.

Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, June 15, 2017, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 308: Passage of H.R. 2579, ``Broader Options for Americans Act.'' Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Food Bank of the Southern Tier for being named Food Bank of the Year by Feeding America.

Feeding America is the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, and Food Bank of the Year is the highest honor that it confers on a member organization. Food Bank of the Southern Tier is the smallest food bank ever to receive this honor, and also the first in New York.

Food Bank of the Southern Tier distributes food and grocery products to people in need throughout six counties in upstate New York through a network of more than 160 partner agencies. It also administers several direct service food distribution programs.

Food Bank of the Southern Tier was established in 1981 and continues to strive toward its mission of working together to build and sustain a hunger-free community, distributing over 11 million pounds of food and grocery items in 2016 alone.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Food Bank of the Southern Tier for being named Food Bank of the Year for its outstanding and dedicated service to the community of the Southern Tier of New York.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate David Flaum on receiving the prestigious Rochester Rotary Award.

Mr. Flaum currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of Flaum Management Company, which he founded in 1985. He has dedicated his career to managing and developing real estate, from retail centers to office buildings and industrial facilities. Mr. Flaum has been directly involved in the restoration of many commercial buildings in our region, which has created new jobs and contributed to the revitalization of our local economy.

In addition to his professional work, David and his wife, Ilene, have generously supported various charitable causes and organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Flaum established the Bob Witmer Campership Fund, which provides free summer camp experiences to underprivileged children, and the David and Ilene Flaum Eye Institute.

Mr. Flaum is the 80th recipient of the Rochester Rotary Award, which is the oldest civic award in our area. The award is given to outstanding individuals who exemplify the motto, ``Service Above Self'' and make significant business, professional, cultural, or civic contributions to our community. There is no question that David embodies these ideals. His vision, dedication, and generosity have made our region a better place to live and will continue to benefit local families and businesses for years to come. It is a privilege to call David my friend.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating David Flaum on this well-deserved recognition and wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Father Lewis Brown on the 50th Anniversary of his ordination and recognize his 22 years of service as a United States Navy Chaplain.

Father Lew grew up in Elmira, New York as a member of St. Mary's Southside Parish. After graduating from Elmira Notre Dame High School, he attended St. Andrew's Theological College and Seminary and St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry.

In 1967, Father Lew was ordained by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester, New York. He worked in different parishes and churches for more than 15 years, until beginning his tenure as a chaplain in the United States Navy in 1985. During his time in the Navy, Father Lew encouraged sailors and aviators with his kind spirit and strong faith. He served all around the globe, from Okinawa, Japan to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Since retiring from active duty in 2007, Father Lew has worked in both the Rochester Diocese and my family's church--the All Saints Parish in Corning, New York. He has had a profoundly positive impact on my life and I am constantly reminded of one particular piece of advice that he gave me several years ago: ``Trust in the Lord; you propose, He'll dispose.''

Father Lew has made our local community a better place by working with various organizations, including Catholic Charities USA and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. In addition, he continues to serve his fellow veterans by devoting his time to the Bath VA Medical Center. In recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to Catholic school education, Father Lew received the Seton Neumann Award from All Saints Academy in 2013.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Father Lewis Brown on the 50th Anniversary of his ordination and thanking him for his years of service to our country and local community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mary Ann Starbuck on her retirement.

Ms. Starbuck has dedicated her life to helping individuals and families across the Southern Tier of New York. For nearly 23 years, she served as Chief Executive Officer of CareFirst NY, a community-based program that provides hospice services, palliative care, and grief support to local residents. Her work has touched countless lives and has had a profoundly positive impact on our entire community.

Ms. Starbuck has been a tireless advocate for legislation to improve and increase access to hospice care. I have had the pleasure of working with her to promote several pieces of legislation to improve and strengthen hospice care, and I have always been encouraged and inspired by her conviction and determination.

As a result of her outstanding leadership, the Hospice Action Network recently presented CareFirst NY with the Advocacy Innovator Award. This award recognized the efforts of the staff, volunteers, and board of CareFirst NY to further the mission of hospice through advocacy.

I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Marry Ann Starbuck on her years of service and wishing her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent, Harold Hager, who is celebrating his 100th birthday today.

Mr. Hager has dedicated his life to serving our country and local community. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy as a gunner on the USS Taconic. After the war, Mr. Hager returned home and worked for many years as a melding technician and foreman at Corning Glass Works. In 1972, after our area was devastated by Hurricane Agnes, Mr. Hager delivered urgently needed food and supplies to his neighbors in Elmira, New York.

Mr. Hager has served as a volunteer with the Steuben County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program since February 2012. He was previously assigned to the Painted Post Food Pantry and he currently serves at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Corning, New York. Mr. Hager has accumulated more than 4,500 lifetime service hours and, in 2016, he averaged 84 hours per month. He is truly an inspiration.

I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Harold Hager's 100th birthday and recognizing his life-long commitment to service.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday May 2, 2017, I was unable to vote on roll call No. 244: Final Passage of H.R. 1180 ``Working Families Flexibility Act of 2017.'' Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of John Alban Finch.

Fifty years ago today, on April 5, 1967, a fire broke out at Cornell Heights Residential Club, an off-campus student dormitory in Ithaca, New York. The fire claimed the lives of eight students and one professor from Cornell University.

Mr. Finch was the professor who perished in the fire. On the night of the tragedy, he immediately took action by awakening his neighbors in the building and calling the Cornell Safety Division. Despite heavy smoke, Mr. Finch ran back into the building to help other occupants escape to safety. A total of 62 people escaped the fire, many of whom attributed their survival to Mr. Finch's heroic and selfless actions. Tragically, Mr. Finch did not survive.

Mr. Finch gave his life to save those in need--the true definition of a hero.

Mr. Finch was an assistant professor and faculty advisor for the Ph.D. program at Cornell University. He originally came to Cornell in 1960 as a graduate student on a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship. Mr. Finch earned a master's degree in 1961 and a Ph.D. in 1964. The following year, he began working as an Assistant Professor of English and an instructor in the English honors program. Mr. Finch was a distinguished scholar and highly valued faculty member.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of John Alban Finch and recognizing his lifelong commitment to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of John Alban Finch.

Fifty years ago today, on April 5, 1967, a fire broke out at Cornell Heights Residential Club, an off-campus student dormitory in Ithaca, New York. The fire claimed the lives of eight students and one professor from Cornell University.

Mr. Finch was the professor who perished in the fire. On the night of the tragedy, he immediately took action by awakening his neighbors and calling the Cornell Safety Division. Despite heavy smoke, Mr. Finch ran back into the building to help other occupants escape to safety. A total of 62 people escaped the fire, many of whom attributed their survival to Mr. Finch's heroic and selfless actions. Tragically, Mr. Finch did not survive.

Mr. Finch gave his life to save those in need--the true definition of a hero.

Mr. Finch was an Associate Professor and Faculty Advisor for the Ph.D. Program at Cornell University. He originally came to Cornell in 1960 as a graduate student on a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship. Mr. Finch earned a Master's Degree in 1961 and a Ph.D. in 1964. The following year, he began working as an Assistant Professor of English and an instructor in the English Honors Program. Mr. Finch was a distinguished scholar and highly valued faculty member.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of John Alban Finch and recognizing his life-long commitment to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Arnold Smeenk on his retirement and recognize his distinguished career in the field of mortgage banking.

Mr. Smeenk joined First Maryland Mortgage Corp. in December 1993. He built an impressive portfolio of clients and projects, which directly contributed to the company's successful merger with M&T Realty Capital Corp. In recognition of his excellent work, Mr. Smeenk earned the prestigious President's Council Award in three consecutive years. In 2007, he was promoted to National Production Manager and Group Vice President. In these positions, Mr. Smeenk was responsible for managing the company's origination platform and supervising employees in nine states. Under his leadership, the sales team originated almost $16 billion in deals. Mr. Smeenk will retire on April 3, after more than 23 years of service to M&T Realty Capital Corp.

Even more impressive than Mr. Smeenk's professional resume is his commitment to serving his community. Arnold and his wife, Anne, have opened their home and their hearts to those in need. From taking in foster children and providing assistance to troubled youths, to repairing inner-city homes and building a school for deaf children in Mexico, Arnold and Anne have worked tirelessly to help people overcome difficult circumstances. Through the Smeenk Family Foundation, they have financially supported countless Christian ministries and charitable organizations, including the Charles Finney School and the new Pregnancy Resource Center in Corning, New York.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Arnold Smeenk on an impressive career and wishing him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.