Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the great work of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) and their efforts to raise awareness about chronic kidney disease (CKD). From August 5-9, the ANNA is hosting Kidney Disease Awareness and Education week, where ANNA members are holding a series of events raising awareness of the growing health problems associated with kidney disease.

CKD's onset usually stems from the improper treatment of diabetes and high blood pressure, when the kidneys fail to filter blood properly. Overtime, the kidneys can lose their functionality and as a result, increase one's chances of kidney failure, cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and heart failure, along with other serious health issues. Unfortunately, CKD impacts over 25 million adults in the United States.

The American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA), organized in 1969, is a nonprofit organization made of over 10,000 nephrology nurses whose mission is to educate the public and improve the lives of those with kidney disease. ANNA pursues this mission through educational and advocacy programs encouraging understanding of nephrology nursing.

Much is demanded of nephrology nurses. They are required to handle many tasks at once, while demonstrating extraordinary attention to detail and dedication while also caring and comforting their patients.

I want to thank America's nephrology nurses for all they do, particularly those who serve my constituents in the 21st Congressional district. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the efforts of the American Nephrology Nurses Association and Kidney Disease Awareness and Education week.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Thousand Islands International Bridge.

After 16 months of construction, 20,700 cubic yards of concrete, 798 tons of reinforcing steel, 6,550 tons of structural steel, 555 tons of cable materials and 575,000 man hours of labor, the bridge system opened 10 weeks ahead of schedule, on August 18, 1938. At the dedication ceremony, with 25,000 onlookers lining along the border, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King shared the stage, highlighting the unique and special relationship of the U.S. and Canada.

The U.S.-Canada relationship is not only an economic one, but one shared in common principles. While the U.S.-Canada trade relationship is the largest one in the world, accounting for nearly $700 billion in goods and services, our nations share representative democracy, individual liberty, and a common interest of opportunity for all. With nearly 2,000,000 crossings annually along the Thousand Islands International Bridge System, tourists from both the U.S. and Canada can explore the region's unique geographic and cultural offerings. Today, the bridge system continues to demonstrate the rare and long-standing common bond shared between the two countries.

I rise today to recognize this time in history, and to also congratulate the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority on this achievement and their excellent work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 225th Anniversary of the town of Champlain, NY.

The French explorer, Samuel De Champlain, was the first European to discover and name the lake. Established in 1788, the town was formed after Pliny Moore, one of its founders, received a land grant for enlisting in the New York militia in 1781 during the American Revolution, including extensive shoreline along Lake Champlain. It was Moore who remained an essential figure in the town's early development, building the first saw mill, becoming the first county judge and merchant, and later as a prominent politician, representing Champlain in the New York Assembly.

The town of Champlain also played a vital role during the War of 1812. In 1814, Champlain was crucial in securing the nation's northern border and contributed to the American victory at the Battle of Plattsburgh, also known as the Battle of Lake Champlain.

Situated just outside of the Adirondack Park, today the town is a gateway for visitors to many popular attractions including hiking, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities. It also contains one of the most important commercial gateways on the northern border and is central in connecting Quebec, Montreal and New York City, which facilitates substantial trade between the US and Canada.

Over time, its residents have grown in population and in pride, recognizing their town's unique history to the area and their country.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the residents of Champlain reaching this milestone.

Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. Grimm for mentioning the yogurt industry. That is very prominent in my district, and we supply milk to many of the yogurt plants. There is no question that Mr. Goodlatte's amendment would negatively impact that, whereas the Dairy Security Act would have a positive impact on our ability to supply milk to a growing industry that does, in fact, create jobs.

I rise in support of the Dairy Security Act and opposed to this amendment because it represents 4 years of bipartisan compromise worked out between Mr. Lucas and Mr. Peterson, and those are the kinds of activities we should be doing in this Congress.

Mr. Speaker, today, I briefly stepped off the floor to discuss a pressing issue related to the Northern Border. Consequently, I was not able to return in time for a vote (roll No. 215) to suspend the rules and pass the Business Risk Mitigation and Price Stabilization Act of 2013, H.R. 634. Had I been present for this vote, I would have voted ``yea.''

Personal explanation

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express concerns about a provision in H.R. 1919, the Safeguarding America's Pharmaceuticals Act of 2013, raised by a large employer in my district. The legislation passed by voice vote, and like many of my colleagues I support the overall goal and intent of this legislation: namely, to protect more Americans from counterfeit pharmaceuticals. However, I have reservations about certain sections of the bill due to concerns raised in my Congressional District that I hope might be addressed if further action is taken in the Senate.

Section 8 of H.R. 1919 includes language addressing the use of electronic labeling for pharmaceutical drugs, meaning that important consumer information related to usage, side effects and other issues may in some instances be available only over the internet unless a customer specifically asks for drug-related instructions in writing. I remain concerned about the possible effect these provisions will have on seniors and in communities that are underserved or un-served entirely by broadband internet. This legislation if passed in its current form may create a scenario where a customer who shops at a pharmacy that uses the electronic system will be left without critical drug information unless they think to ask for it themselves. For many, this will leave them in the dark about important, potentially life- saving information.

As a representative for a rural community where broadband internet is unavailable in many areas, this presents a real concern. I ask that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both houses of Congress reconsider these provisions should the Senate take action on the bill.

Thank you, Mr. Ribble, and thank you for conducting this hour this evening.

As I travel around my district in upstate New York, which forms the convergence of Vermont, Quebec, and New York, I hear a couple of questions from my constituents. The first is about jobs, and the second is why can't you fellows work together?

No Labels is a big part of that answer. We must work at the process of discussing issues, of gathering facts--and I want to repeat that, of gathering facts--then discussing those facts, and then reaching compromise. That is what the American people sent us here to do. That is why I came to Congress 3\1/2\ years ago.

We all recognize that no one--no party, no group--has a monopoly on good ideas, nor on the facts. I urge all of my colleagues in Congress to work with us so that we will develop the kind of relationships, the kind of action, the kind of motivation that allows us to work for our friends and neighbors at home, those whom we call constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a constituent and World War II veteran, Nazarine J. Bellardini of Norwood, New York.

Mr. Bellardini served the Nation in the Air Force during World War II. After he was honorably discharged in 1948, he returned home to upstate New York and married his wife, Caroline, in 1950.

Like so many World War II veterans, Mr. Bellardini helped build the modern middle class. After the war, Mr. Bellardini worked at the 7UP Bottling Company in Utica, New York. In 1957, he was initially employed at the State University of New York at Potsdam in the mailroom.

Mr. Bellardini retired from Potsdam as the plant superintendent for heating, ventilation, and refrigeration. His behind-the-scenes work was vital to the success of the thousands of students who attended SUNY Potsdam during his tenure.

In his retirement, Mr. Bellardini remained active as a member of the Potsdam Elks Lodge, the VFW, the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. He was also an avid hunter.

He will be greatly missed by those left behind, including his son, his sister, two daughters, six grandchildren, as well as four great- grandchildren.

Like so many of that generation, he lived by the motto: ``I was just doing my job.'' That is something we in Washington should clearly emulate.

I thank you for joining with me in honoring Mr. Bellardini's life and his service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the birthday of Mrs. Evelyn L. Porteus, who will be turning 100 years old on April 26, 2013.

Evelyn was a resident of Schoharie, NY for 50 years, where she worked one of her favorite jobs as a docent at the Old Stone Fort--originally a church turned into a fort during the American Revolutionary War. Prior to that, Evelyn was a former graduate (class of 1933) of and teacher at Oneonta Normal School in New York.

She lovingly raised a family of four children, and has six grandchildren, including one great-grandchild. She now lives at the Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs, NY, where she has resided for the past 12 years.

Evelyn has witnessed momentous changes in our nation's history. Her life reflects a contribution to that history. I hope her century of memories brings much pride and joy to herself and family members.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Evelyn on this remarkable milestone. I wish her a special day shared in the company of her family and friends and all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my constituents, Mrs. Sally Johnston. Sally is currently the New York Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary and will be finishing her one-year term this upcoming July.

Sally has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 25 years. During this period she has worked tirelessly on behalf of veterans and their families throughout New York State, serving as President of the Third District (2000-01) and Fourth District (2006- 07), as well as Department Second and Third Vice President (2009-11) before becoming Department President. Sally has received numerous awards including national recognition when she was awarded the Department National Historian award for the best overall entry in the Eastern Division.

Recently, Sally has focused her energy on the Warriors Assistance Program. Under her guidance, the Warriors Assistance Program has steadily grown, raising $39,000 so far, an amount that is expected to increase overtime.

Sally truly exemplifies the American Legion Auxiliary's motto of ``service not self.'' In addition to her work with the American Legion Auxiliary, Sally is an active member in her community, serving on various educational, church and cultural boards. Her lifelong commitment to improve and support the lives of others, particularly those who have served our great country, reflects the best in our citizenry.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Sally Johnston for her many years of service to the veterans and their families of New York State. I wish Sally all the best in the many years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bicentennial Celebration of Warren County, NY.

Established on March 12, 1813, by the New York State Legislature, Warren County was named in honor of General Joseph Warren, an American Revolutionary war hero at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

The county's history includes many periods in our nation's history-- such as the French-Indian War, the American Revolution, the Civil War (nearly 20,000 people from the county served), the coming of the industrial age and the construction of the transcontinental railroad. In 1901, it was then Vice President Theodore Roosevelt, commuting from the summit of Mount Marcy to Buffalo to see President William McKinley, who received news of the President's death at the North Creek Train Station, leading to his becoming our nation's youngest president. Now, Warren County lives on in the 21st century, amidst globalization and the information age.

In its time, Warren County has successfully grown, balancing progress and modernization while cherishing and preserving its natural beauty and heritage. Today, the county boasts four mountain ranges and seven major lakes, drawing visitors and tourists from all over the world to the fresh mountain air for boating, camping, hiking and other recreational activities. The county has grown to contain 11 towns, one village, and one city, with vibrant cultural, educational, social, and historic offerings and attractions.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the people of Warren County on this remarkable milestone in their community's proud history, and wishing them all the best in the many years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Boy Scouts of Troop One in Ballston Spa, NY and their 100th anniversary celebration.

On December 27, 1912, the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ballston Spa signed a charter with the Boy Scouts of America to sponsor Boy Scout Troop One. Troop One formed just three years after the first national chapter of Boy Scouts of America, making it one of New York's oldest Boy Scout Troops.

For the last 100 years, Troop One's young men have demonstrated the Boy Scouts of America's principles of loyalty, leadership, resourcefulness and commitment to community service. Its members have engaged in countless volunteer projects and educational activities that have built a stronger community.

I commend the scout masters, parents and volunteers who have mentored so many of the Capital-Saratoga Region's young men, 58 of whom have risen to the highest level of scouting and become Eagle Scouts. That proud tradition continues today with the 45 scouts currently active in Troop One.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating all current and former members of Boy Scout Troop One of Ballston Spa for this milestone, thanking them for all their contributions to the Capital- Saratoga Region and wishing them all the best in the many years of scouting ahead of them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 43-year career and service of a constituent and my friend, William D. Laundry of the State University of New York in Plattsburgh, New York, and to congratulate him on his retirement. Mr. Laundry has served countless numbers of New York's college students in a variety of different roles at SUNY Plattsburgh, ultimately retiring as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

For more than four decades, Mr. Laundry has devoted his life to ensuring students at SUNY Plattsburgh gain an education that prepares them to lead our society. As Director of Residence Life, Director of Campus Life, Dean of Students, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Mr. Laundry has served as a valuable counselor and confidant to his students, guiding them through the most formative parts of college and helping them understand the lessons life teaches outside the classroom.

Mr. Laundry's influence in the Plattsburgh community spills beyond the border of the SUNY Plattsburgh campus. Whether he was officiating an alumni couple's wedding, helping a recent graduate land her dream job, or connecting an eager student to a new perspective in his service-learning experience, William Laundry has helped make our community a more vibrant and better place.

I have known Mr. Laundry personally for more than 20 years. He deserves recognition for his outstanding character and warm sense of humor, and most of all for his consistent dedication to the students, alumni, and the university, the spirit of which is etched deeply in his soul.

I wish Mr. Laundry well in what I am sure will be an active retirement. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating him and wishing him success in his next endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of a friend, constituent, and faithful public servant, Ms. Molly F. Ryan of Rouses Point, New York, and to congratulate her on her new endeavor as Manager of Community Outreach at the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH).

Ms. Ryan was one of the first to join my staff when I was elected to Congress in 2009, and for over three years, loyally served constituents of New York's 23rd Congressional District. While running my Plattsburgh District Office, she successfully assisted hundreds of constituents with their casework, and did so each and every day with an uplifting smile and positive attitude. Although her tenure was short, my constituents and the State of New York are fortunate to have benefitted from her commitment to public service.

It has been a pleasure to work with Ms. Ryan, and I look forward to seeing her in Plattsburgh in the years to come. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating her on her new position and wishing her all the best in what is sure to be a long and prosperous career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my constituents, Jefferson Thornton of Ogdensburg, NY, for his heroic actions on the morning of November 12, 2012.

A retired fire captain on leave from Afghanistan for the holidays, he was sick and unable to sleep at 3 a.m. that morning. Going outside, he noticed the home of Brandy Middlemiss collecting smoke. Moving quickly into action, he successfully alerted Brandy and her two children, Patrick and Lynzee, guiding them safely away from the fire.

In doing so, Jefferson demonstrated great bravery, instinct and skill when he saved the lives of Brandy, Patrick and Lynzee. For his efforts, Jefferson was awarded the New York State Senate Liberty medal, one of the highest civilian honors a New Yorker can receive.

His actions are nothing short of heroic, demonstrating the best in our citizenry through selflessness and courage. I stand with everyone in the community thanking him for this selfless act and his continued commitment to public service and to serving this country.