Anthony D'Esposito

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Gabriella Nahmias on becoming a Bat Mitzvah. This is an important milestone in Judaism, and Gabriella has worked hard on this achievement. A proud resident of Hewlett, she continues to make her family and friends proud each day. I join her parents, Samuel and Monica, her family, and friends in congratulating her on this occasion. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District, Mazel Tov to Gabriella.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act of which I am proud to cosponsor. I also find it baffling, Madam Chair, that speakers from the other side say that this does nothing when, in fact, we are working to correct the wrongs of the procriminal, open-border agenda that Democrats have passed throughout this country. There is not one community across this Nation that has been immune to the devastating effects of fentanyl. As an NYPD detective, I have witnessed far too many Americans destroyed due to opioid addictions stemming from this horrific narcotic, and Congress must act swiftly to combat the fentanyl epidemic. Madam Chair, I urge all my colleagues to support the HALT Act in order to make permanent classwide scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances, which is the key to preventing unneeded deaths related to fentanyl.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to pay tribute to Michael R. Masone, an ex-chief of the Island Park Fire Department, the same department that I proudly served for the last 23 years. This weekend back home in Island Park, we are going to rededicate our beloved local beach in his honor. The ex-Chief Michael R. Masone Beach was named for a man who back in 1942, when he served as chief of our great department, resigned. He resigned as chief to do something far greater, and that was to serve this Nation in World War II. He returned home and married the love of his life, Sue, and they lived in Island Park for decades. He was the senior member of our department when he passed away, serving over 70 years. His nickname in Island Park was ``The Hawk,'' and we called him ``The Hawk'' because he always kept a watchful eye on our beloved community. Mr. Speaker, I look forward this weekend to joining neighbors, loved ones, family, friends, and fellow Island Parkers in, once again, paying tribute to a true American hero, someone whom we all aspire to be back in Island Park, ex-Chief Michael R. Masone.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I have amendment at the desk.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this amendment. During police week, across this Nation, we have taken an opportunity to remember and to reflect upon men and women who have paid and made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their community. Throughout this week, I shared it with colleagues, not only colleagues from the House of Representatives, but colleagues from law enforcement agencies throughout this Nation. We shared time at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. One of the most striking parts of that beautiful memorial is an inscription under a lion that says: ``It is not how these individuals died that made them heroes it is how they lived.'' This amendment recognizes the bravery and the courage of those men and women who are living in law enforcement. As a retired NYPD detective, I understand the bravery and courage it takes to be a law enforcement officer. I have seen the dangers firsthand and know the struggles officers must overcome every day they suit up, put their bulletproof vest on, pin their shield to their chest, and head out to stand the line between good and evil. It is critical for local law enforcement officers to have rights and protections as they work to keep our communities safe, such as the right to self-defense against physical threats, the right to be protected from physical harassment targeting law enforcement, the right to equipment necessary for personal protection and legal recourse if a civilian attempts to assault them. My amendment works to ensure law enforcement officials have fair administration of justice during investigations and encourages States to adopt their own bill of rights to support the brave men and women of law enforcement. As members of our law enforcement community put their lives on the line to protect our communities each and every day, I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to show them unwavering support and vote ``yes'' on my amendment. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Nadler, the correct pronunciation of my last name is D'Esposito. Thank you. The reason why this amendment is on the floor is because members of the party on the opposite side of the aisle have made it a popular decision to target law enforcement, to make their jobs more difficult, to legitimately take the handcuffs that are on their gun belt and use them on the cop so they can't do their job. That is why this amendment is important. It is important to honor law enforcement. It is important to recognize law enforcement. This is very simple. It is a bill of rights. It is giving them the ability to do the job that they took an oath to do. They rose their right hand, they swore on a Bible to protect, to serve, to go out each and every day and stand that line that I mentioned between good and evil. The fact that any Member of this House of Representatives who claims to support law enforcement, who likes to put those tweets of thoughts and prayers, God forbid, when a member of law enforcement loses their life. Thoughts and prayers when an officer gets killed is not enough. What we need to do is supply them with a bill of rights. What we need to do is to implore States to do the same. That is why I am asking all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the right thing. Today is about supporting law enforcement. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion at the desk to refer the resolution to the Committee on Ethics.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I was one of the first Members of this body to call on the subject of this resolution to resign. I am personally in favor of this individual's expulsion from this House. Regrettably, however, I am of the understanding that we currently do not have the two-thirds support from Members of this House to expel that individual. I believe that this individual is a stain on this institution, a stain on the State of New York, a stain on Long Island, and a stain on the beloved Nassau County. With that said, I believe this resolution should be referred to the Committee on Ethics to ensure a thorough and expedient investigation into this matter. I firmly believe this is the quickest way of ridding the House of Representatives of this scourge on government. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the motion to refer. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Madam Speaker, as we are in the midst of National Police Week, on Thursday, riding bicycles with the Capitol Police and Speaker McCarthy, from the steps of the Capitol Building to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, I couldn't help but think back to the day when I took the oath to become a member of the New York City Police Department. Upon my many visits to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, I think back to the inscription underneath the lion that says: ``It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.'' Madam Speaker, I recognize the heroes that were added to the wall from my district, representing the Nassau County Police Department: Hector Nunez, Matt Perlungher, Charles Vroom, IV, and Robert Negri. Their families were here on Capitol Hill this week to watch as their loved ones were added to the wall. Madam Speaker, we are reminded each day that it wasn't how they died that made them heroes, it was how they lived.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. Mr. Speaker, I must say that I find it quite comical and a little bit scary that we just heard that this bill is nothing more than, ``messaging.'' When I was sitting in this seat, I was wondering for a moment if we were debating a bill or having some juvenile partisan contest about how many times we could say MAGA and extreme, which have nothing to do with this bill. What is extreme, however, is the unprecedented levels of illegal migrants, fentanyl, and other deadly drugs that have come across our open border. Title 42 ends this week, and we still have heard no plan from the White House on how they plan to deal with the levels of illegal migrants that continue daily to travel across our southern border. House Republicans are delivering where President Biden refuses to. The Secure the Border Act will help us regain operational control of the border, combat illegal immigration, and stop fentanyl smugglers. This legislation will support the brave men and women serving as members of the Border Patrol by hiring an additional 22,000 Border Patrol agents. This hiring blitz will allow Border Patrol agents to return to their law enforcement mission in the field and not simply act as processing coordinators. We will be providing incentives, solidifying institutional knowledge, and help with the mass exodus caused by the dereliction of duty of Secretary Mayorkas. Additionally, this bill will end the controversial catch-and-release policy which puts migrants into communities while awaiting their hearings. The Secure the Border Act will also increase transparency over the Federal Government and strengthen current law to protect unaccompanied children at the border from human trafficking. We have heard about these amendments. There were amendments about a border that we were told by Democrats were secure.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, instead of focusing on our border, these amendments focused on challenge points, climate change, and about moments in a news cycle. Well, to my friends on the other side of the aisle, that news cycle is devastating to many, devastating to those who have now been at the hands of the cartel, devastating to those who have lost children and grandchildren to fentanyl. While the Biden administration is ignoring the safety and security of our country, House Republicans are delivering on our commitment to a nation that is safe.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gennaro Jewelers of Bellmore, New York, as they celebrate 100 years of service to Long Islanders. This renowned, local small business has been a cornerstone of the community for one century, helping generations of New York neighbors provide wonderful gifts to their loved ones during good times and, unfortunately, bad. Not only is Gennaro Jewelers known for its fine wares, but under the leadership of my good friend Gary Hudes, the business also continues to give back to the Bellmore community and beyond. They are staunch supporters of law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders, and they are dedicated to keeping those New Yorkers safe each and every day. With this long history of quality service in mind, I congratulate Gennaro Jewelers as they celebrate their 100th year serving the Fourth Congressional District. New York's Fourth Congressional District is enriched by the presence of great businesses like Gennaro Jewelers, and I wish my good friend Gary Hudes and the entire team there much success in the future. Congratulations on 100 years.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a veteran, public servant, and fellow brother in blue, John Patrick Kilbride, better known as Jack. Jack Kilbride was a man who lived a life of service to the people of America, his fellow Long Islanders, and his comrades from the United States military. Indeed, as a young man and recent graduate of Division Avenue High School in Levittown, Jack enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1967, at the height of the Vietnam war. Jack was sent to Vietnam as a member of the India Company in the 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, where he fought valiantly at Khe Sanh and earned two Purple Hearts. After catching malaria, Jack was sent home, only to be redeployed to Vietnam for a second tour with the 9th Marines, also known as the Walking Dead, a reputation they earned through their valor in combat. After his honorable discharge from military service, Jack joined the ranks of the Freeport Police Department back on Long Island, where he served that community faithfully for 18 years, also as a member of their PBA. Upon his retirement from the Freeport Police Department, Jack continued his life of public service by joining Congressman Pete King's staff as his military congressional aide, a position he held for 10 years. Jack's remarkable record of selfless service truly distinguished him in the community, but Jack was not just a committed public servant. He was also a dedicated family man, as well. Jack was a loving husband to Virginia, known to many as Ginny; a father to Michael, Kelly, and Kristin; and grandfather to 12 grandchildren, who lit up his world and knew him best as Pop. He was also the brother to Marine Corps Major Chuck Kilbride, a great man who works on Long Island to make sure underprivileged children see the blessings of the holiday season each and every year by leading our Toys for Tots program. Upon Jack's death, he marked the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Marine Corps League, and Law Enforcement Foundation as his friends and comrades in arms. On this day, I join many friends, and my friend, Major Chuck Kilbride, in remembering the life and legacy of John Kilbride, a man who lived his life in service to his family, his community, and this great Nation. New York's Fourth Congressional District truly lost an incredible, selfless neighbor, but Jack's memory will live on forever. May he rest in peace.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, as the Representative of one of the largest Jewish populations in the State of New York, I rise today to voice my support for H. Con. Res. 25, which would authorize the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony remembering the victims of the Holocaust. It is vitally important that this legislative body and the Federal Government at large do everything possible to ensure the horrors of the Holocaust are never forgotten and the victims are always remembered. Holding a ceremony right here in the Capitol's Emancipation Hall demonstrates this Nation's unified commitment to honoring those who fell victim to an evil ideology of racism, anti-Semitism, and thorough hatred. These ceremonies of remembrance are particularly important now as the generation that survived the Holocaust continues to dwindle in numbers. We must do everything possible to make sure those survivors' stories are told, and their perseverance celebrated for years to come. I personally will be observing Yom HaShoah this year by pausing to remember the millions of lives senselessly taken during the Holocaust, and thanking those survivors who continue to keep alive their stories. The memories of 6 million murdered Jews and countless other victims of the Holocaust serve as a reminder that evil exists, and we must always stand guard against it and all hatred. Let this Congress always stand firm as a force of good and forever act justly to prevent such evils from ever being carried out again. We must never forget the Holocaust, and this ceremony at Emancipation Hall will keep that spirit of remembrance alive here in our Nation's Capital and across this Nation.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic accomplishments and career of Wayne Webber. Nearly 3 decades ago, Mr. Webber moved to Bellerose Village with his wife of 35 years and 2 kids: Sarah and Merrie. On top of being a decorated fireman, Mr. Webber worked as a Medical Technician for 33 years. Mr. Wayne Webber has been a member of the Bellerose Volunteer Fire Department for 28 years on Long Island. Throughout his time there, Wayne has moved up the ranks, holding many different positions, which is a testament to his character and dedication to serving his community. Mr. Webber has managed a variety of programs and initiatives, both in corporate officer positions and Firematic officer positions. Within the corporate office, Mr. Webber was the Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President and is now the current President. While working as a Firematic officer, Mr. Webber served in every single position: 1st and 2nd Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and Chief of the Department from 2002 to 2007--right after September 11. While bravely serving the Bellerose community, Mr. Webber managed a variety of programs and initiatives that are vital to the Department. Mr. Webber was responsible for developing, supervising, and conducting 40 fire drills within a year. These drills incorporated all phases of training that are essential in preparing for the next incident. As Chief of the Department, Mr. Webber is the Incident Commander for four weeks of training at the Nassau County Fire Academy for Bellerose firefighters and three other fire departments. Mr. Webber was appointed in 2019 as the Bellerose Village Fire Commissioner and currently holds the position. As an Ex-Chief of the Island Park Fire Department, I understand the importance of Mr. Webber's contributions to the Bellerose Fire Department and the surrounding community. Wayne's long career is inspiring to other firefighters and his neighbors, but more importantly, Wayne embodies the characteristics of an excellent fireman. On behalf of New York's 4th District, I am esteemed to recognize his astounding career and his brave service as a firefighter. I wish Wayne a bright, healthy, and exciting future.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic accomplishments and career of John Gibbons. A lifelong resident of Nassau County, Mr. Gibbons grew up in the Floral Park Bellerose community, graduating from Archbishop Molloy High School. He then moved to Bellerose Village in 2001. Mr. Gibbons is a family man, raising 4 kids: Anthony, Olivia, Katherine, and Elizabeth. In June, Mr. Gibbons will celebrate 30 years of marriage with his wife, Lori. On top of being a decorated fireman, John has worked in the banking and finance industries for nearly 3 decades. John Gibbons has been a member of the Bellerose Volunteer Fire Department for 21 years on Long Island. John has risen through the ranks throughout his time there, holding many different positions because of his character and dedication to serving his community. Mr. Gibbons has held both corporate officer positions and Firematic officer positions. During his time in the corporate office of the Bellerose Fire Department, Mr. Gibbons held the positions of Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President. While working as a Firematic officer, Mr. Gibbons served in all Firematic officer positions: 1st Lieutenant, 2nd Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and is now serving as Chief of the Department. While bravely serving the Bellerose community, Mr. Gibbons managed different programs and initiatives vital to the Department. While Mr. Gibbons was a Captain, John organized, supervised, and conducted 40 fire drills within a year. These drills incorporated all phases of firefighter training, preparing each firefighter for the next incident. As Chief of the Department, John is Incident Commander for all Fire Emergencies; in addition, John is the Incident Commander for 4 weeks of training at the Nassau County Fire Academy for Bellerose firefighters. As an Ex-Chief of the Island Park Fire Department, I understand the importance of Mr. Gibbons' contributions to the Bellerose Fire Department and the surrounding community. John's long career is inspiring to other firefighters and his neighbors, but more importantly, John embodies the characteristics of an excellent fireman. On behalf of New York's 4th District, I am esteemed to recognize his astounding career and his brave service as a firefighter. I wish John a bright, healthy, and exciting future.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Madam Speaker, I stand before you and this body today to recognize an incredible American, an incredible New Yorker, and an incredible law enforcement professional, Louis Matarazzo. Lou Matarazzo committed his life to serving the people of New York, where he spent 35 years as a member of the greatest police department in the world, the New York City Police Department. During his time in the NYPD, Lou experienced the ups and downs of life on patrol as an NYPD cop, dealing with a crime crisis spanning decades. Throughout this tumultuous time, Lou remained a steadfast community protector, an advocate for his fellow brothers and sisters in blue. For 31 years, Lou served in various capacities in the New York City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, eventually being elected president in 1995. Throughout his tenure, Lou Matarazzo worked tirelessly to advocate for members of law enforcement, not just in New York, but across this country, and strengthened police community relationships in the Big Apple and beyond. Due to his efforts, the lives of New York's protectors were enhanced, community relations were improved, and the NYPD transformed into an all-around more effective policing agency. But Matarazzo didn't stop there. After retiring from the NYPD and giving up his leadership in the PBA, he worked throughout the country to support law enforcement professionals, including on Long Island, and served as a special adviser to my former union, the New York City Detectives' Endowment Association. Sadly, on February 12 of this year, Lou Matarazzo passed away, leaving behind a loving family and a community in mourning. The Rockville Centre and Fourth Congressional District resident left a lasting positive influence on New York, the United States, and the law enforcement profession throughout this country. His professionalism, commitment to duty and excellence in policing served as an example to me during my time in the NYPD and helped me rise through the ranks to become a detective. I will personally miss Lou's leadership, the example he set, and his guiding hand in New York. This good and faithful servant completed his mission and remained our motto, ``Fidelis Ad Mortem,'' faithful until death. To the Matarazzo family, please know we will never forget the legend that Lou was.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to announce that radical criminal justice legislation passed by the Washington, D.C. Council appears to be headed for defeat, thanks to widespread rejection by House Republicans. The legislation in question, known as the revised Criminal Code Act of 2022, eliminates mandatory minimum sentences for a long list of crimes, while also reducing maximum sentences for things like first- degree burglary, armed burglary, and first-degree sexual assault. This law being advanced by the far left, D.C. local politicians handcuffs the courts and empowers convicted criminals to get back out on the streets in record time. Not only is this legislation misguided, but it comes at the height of a crime wave currently ravaging Capitol Hill. Over the last year, our Nation's Capital has seen a 76 percent increase in carjackings, a 17 percent increase in homicides and a 117 percent uptick in sexual assaults. To fight this scourge, we need to be taking a harder line on criminals, not coddling them like this justice reform package would do. When the RCCA came before the House of Representatives for congressional review, House Republicans stood united in our opposition to this proposal. I am glad 31 of our Democratic colleagues did the right thing for the people of Washington, D.C., and crossed the aisle to stand with the Republican Conference in opposing the bill. Now it appears a bipartisan group from the Senate will be joining myself and our House colleagues to defeat the RCCA, with President Biden also poised to lend his support. Safeguarding our streets should never be a partisan issue, and common sense must always remain at the forefront of legislators' minds. I am glad such common sense seems to be winning the day in this case. During my career as an NYPD detective, I served alongside law enforcement professionals of differing political persuasions, religions, and cultural backgrounds. Let me remind everyone that when people call 911, we never ask what political party they are from. What united us as cops was our commitment to serving the people and protecting the public from criminals. Now, as a Member of Congress, I will continue that service by combating far-left attacks on our criminal justice system and forcefully reject radical legislation much like the RCCA and the criminal justice reform put in place by Democrats in my home State of New York. I will always advocate for safe streets and prosperous communities. That is my pledge to you, and that is our House Republican commitment to America.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in staunch opposition to the disastrous new criminal justice reform act passed by the D.C. Council. If enacted, the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022 would effectively prevent the local justice system from keeping criminals off of our streets, all while D.C. grapples with a crime wave. You see, sir, this is not a lecture. As a matter of fact, I spent a career proudly wearing the uniform. I have stood the line between good and evil. I have interrogated criminals. I have consoled victims. In Washington, D.C., from February 2022 to February 2023, homicides have increased 17 percent; motor vehicle theft is up 76 percent; total property crime is up 24 percent. Every crime has a victim. Every victim has a story. Instead of working to stop crime, the D.C. Council chooses to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for all crimes, except first degree murder, as part of the RCCA. This misguided legislation also reduces maximum penalties for violent crimes such as burglaries, carjackings, and robberies. The D.C. Council is empowering criminals, empowering criminals at the expense of the public, which is why I stand in absolute opposition to their newest soft-on-crime plan. To say that we are targeting the people of D.C., using them as ``pinatas,'' how do you think the victims feel? Sadly, this procriminal agenda has found its way into many other American cities and States, including my home State of New York. In fact, the D.C. law mirrors New York State's disastrous cashless bail laws implemented by New York State Democrats. Cashless bail allows criminals to commit crimes and be back out on the streets in record time to commit more crimes and wreak havoc on more victims. We have seen it recently in my own district, where illegal immigrants robbed a store, were released without bail, and failed to report to their court date afterward. This progressive playbook on justice reform endangers the public, treats criminals with kid gloves, and poses a serious risk to the future of American cities and, most importantly, our Nation's Capital. Instead of enabling criminals to escape punishment for their crimes, we should empower judges and juries to impose responsible penalties for crimes committed.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, we owe it to the people of Washington, D.C., and the people of the United States of America who live in fear of crime to fight criminals instead of working to protect them. We must stop the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022 from becoming law.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Madam Speaker, for too long, the Biden administration has surrendered control of our Nation's southern border to members of the cartels and other bad actors who seek to do this great Nation harm. This inaction by the Biden administration has allowed an untold number of illegal migrants, drug smugglers, and human traffickers to cross into our country with ease. Many of these illegal entrants bring anarchy to our streets by committing violent crimes and help fuel America's drug crisis by smuggling in dangerous narcotics such as fentanyl. Since Joe Biden has taken office, over 4.7 million illegal immigrants have been apprehended at our southern border, representing a 500 percent increase in border crossings since 2020. While many have been apprehended, thousands of migrants have evaded capture by Federal authorities, including 70,000 known got-aways in December of 2022 alone. These migrants remain unaccounted for, and now are free to roam the streets of our cities and towns, endangering the lives of innocent Americans. In fact, earlier this month, four migrants who were bused to New York from the southern border were arrested on Long Island after stealing thousands of dollars in merchandise from a store in my district. Thanks to the hard work of the Nassau County Police Department they were apprehended. Unfortunately, in New York, Democrats have put criminals ahead of law-abiding citizens and those individuals were released once again to wreak havoc on our communities. While I am glad that these thieves were captured, local law enforcement should not be forced to deal with the end result of Joe Biden's failed border policy. If President Biden is serious about securing our border and preventing migrants from committing crimes, like what happened in the Fourth Congressional District of New York, he would stop underfunding Customs and Border Protection and treat our Border Patrol agents the way they should be treated and provide the agency the resources it needs to secure our borders here in America. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I fully intend to hold the President and Secretary Mayorkas accountable for their disastrous open border policies and seek solutions that safeguard this great Nation.