Anthony D'Esposito

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his support and leadership on the Homeland Security Subcommittee. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support H.R. 9748, the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act. My grandfather was in his mid-nineties when he died a proud World War II combat veteran. One of the things he always told us was to leave the world a little bit better than you found it each day. From my time serving as an NYPD detective or chief in the fire service or here in Congress, that has been something I have been committed to. I am proud of my bill. I urge my colleagues to support the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act. As threats against the United States' homeland evolve, we must continue to innovate quickly and ensure that our Nation's law enforcement officers have the tools and technologies they need to keep our communities safe. Right now, Federal research and sensitive technologies are a target for foreign theft, espionage, and influence, and we must ensure that these technologies do not fall into the hands of bad actors. It should come as no surprise that many of the Department of Homeland Security's research and development projects contain sensitive information about the United States' capabilities and vulnerabilities, and it is common sense that the Department of Homeland Security's research and development projects should be safeguarded from bad actors. Whether the Department of Homeland Security is working to prevent a terrorist attack, vetting bad actors at the airport, or disrupting transnational criminal organizations at the southwest border, the Department of Homeland Security relies heavily on sensitive research and development projects to keep pace with the evolving threats against this great Nation. H.R. 9748, the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act, requires that the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate develop a process that safeguards sensitive information projects across all components of the Department to limit unauthorized access to and disclosure of sensitive information. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have made Federal research security a priority by issuing executive orders and Federal research security guidance for government agencies like Homeland Security to follow. However, it is unclear how DHS has complied under Secretary Mayorkas with existing Federal guidelines to protect the $461 million worth of research and development projects. That is why my bill will also require the Government Accountability Office to report how the Department of Homeland Security has complied with existing Federal guidance to protect federally funded research from foreign malign influence, ownership, and control. By passing this commonsense bill, we will not only protect sensitive projects throughout the Department of Homeland Security, but we will also better protect the American people. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 9748, to better safeguard the Department of Homeland Security and this great Nation, leaving our homeland better than we found it.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, the chairman mentioned a quote that is affixed to the wall when you enter the 9/11 Memorial & Museum: ``No day shall erase you from the memory of time.'' That quote is affixed to 2,983 tiles, all painted with watercolors, a different shade of blue, to represent that clear blue sky on that Tuesday morning. The 2,983 tiles represent the victims of September 11, 2001, as well as the 1993 bombing. On September 11, 2001, we lost thousands of people to an attack on our homeland. These individuals were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and their absence is felt every single day. Among those we lost were heroes who stared danger in the face and chose to run into peril to save their fellow man. Even now, more than two decades later, we continue to lose people to 9/11-related illnesses. As of today, there is someone suffering from a 9/11-related illness in every congressional district in the United States of America. These were firefighters, cops, ironworkers, first responders, people just going to work in the financial district, everyday Americans. Since that day, we have promised to never forget, to never forget those whose lives were cut short, never forget those who selflessly ran toward danger, never forget the resilience of this beautiful Nation in the days that followed, never forget the loved ones left behind, and never forget those who continue to suffer. How do we keep this promise to never forget? One important way is through continued support of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. For years, the museum has told the story of that tragic day from the clear blue sky that I referenced, to the people who remember waking up that morning, to the fear and confusion that gripped the Nation, and to the rescue efforts that followed. Outside the museum, two memorial pools are surrounded by the names of each and every victim on bronze parapets, making sure we never forget one single victim. I encourage everyone to visit this site. No American under the age of 22 was alive during 9/11, and it is critical that we continue to teach our children and generations to come about the events of that day and how it changed our world forever. We must continue to teach them who was responsible for that attack on this Nation and hold them accountable. The museum does this critical work every day, both on-site and around the world, through the development of lesson plans and curricula for kids of various ages. Congress must support this work. Additionally, the threat to this site did not end on September 11, 2001. The museum remains a target to this day. Just 2 months ago, a man was sentenced to over a decade in prison for trying to help ISIS attack New York City, including the 9/11 Museum. This is unacceptable. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum must have the resources it needs to ensure that all visitors are safe. I am proud to introduce and support this legislation that will authorize a one-time grant for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Ensuring that they have the resources they need to continue the programs and keep visitors safe is of paramount importance to this Nation. I am calling on all my colleagues to support this and keep our promise to never forget. As I close, I would like to read a part of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum's mission: ``May the lives remembered, the deeds recognized, and the spirit reawakened be eternal beacons, which reaffirm respect for life, strengthen our resolve to preserve freedom, and inspire an end to hatred, ignorance, and intolerance.'' May we help them accomplish this mission today by passing this legislation. When those of us who take oaths to protect and serve, we take that oath and we swear on the Bible. We also make a promise in our hearts, a promise to never ever forget. Mr. Speaker, today I am asking all the Members of this distinguished body to follow that lead and never forget.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, due to unforseen circumstances, I was unable to participate in voting on the passage of H.R. 8371. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 466.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Rodgers for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge support for my bill, H.R. 8112, the Medicaid integrity act. As it stands now, bad actor physicians are logged into the Data EXchange database, or the DEX, and prohibited from participating and billing Medicare, preventing them from further taking advantage of America's seniors. Tragically, there exists no such protection for Americans on Medicaid, as States are not required to check the status of a provider's eligibility. Americans who rely on Medicaid are among the most vulnerable populations in this Nation, and the adoption of my bill would implement additional protectors to do right by these vulnerable Americans. I was sent to Congress by my neighbors in New York's Fourth Congressional District not to restrict or limit Medicare or Medicaid but to protect and expand these vital lifesaving programs. The legislation my colleagues will soon have an opportunity to vote on will do exactly that. This 1\1/2\ page bill applies the same simple protections we use for Medicare to Medicaid, ensuring the physicians looking to make a quick buck on America's most vulnerable are prohibited from doing so. This is a no-brainer. This no-brainer legislation strengthens Medicaid, ensuring its integrity, and makes good on America's promise to our vulnerable and elderly made nearly 60 years ago.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 9255.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Kennedy for his words. Tomorrow is a truly somber day. It is a day when thousands of families will gather at different memorials throughout this country to pay tribute to those who were taken from us. As we reflect, remember, and pray tomorrow and think about those souls, think about the conversations that were had as brave FDNY firefighters made their way up the stairs of the North and South Towers. Think about the conversations that were had with those Americans aboard the flights. Think about the conversations had amongst those members of law enforcement, the Port Authority, the NYPD, the court officers who were running toward danger when everyone else was running away. Yesterday, when I visited the 9/11 Memorial, I was reminded of something that I think is so critically important about the kind of people who these first responders were. You think about New York and New Jersey and our law enforcement and fire departments, some of the biggest and most renowned in the world. They are also the best trained. With that training comes the knowledge of the situation that you are dealing with, which tells you that hundreds of the first responders who perished on 9/11 had a pretty good idea of exactly what was going to happen, but they continued to march toward danger. That is one of the reasons as to why this body needs to come together to fully fund and pass the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2024, which will address the funding shortfall and ensure that there is adequate funding for years to come. The bill updates the funding formula for the World Trade Center Health Program, increasing the appropriations to adjust for inflation and enrollment changes through 2090. In the short term, it adds $2.9 billion to the special fund for fiscal year 2024. Madam Speaker, this is not a Democratic issue, not a Republican issue. This is an American issue and one on which this body needs to do the right thing. There are no reasons in this world that heroes like Lou Alvarez and Ray Pfeifer, both of whom came from my district, need to spend their final days visiting us in our offices, asking for funding that we know they deserve. On the eve of this day that will live in infamy, I thank my colleagues who joined us here this evening. I want to share a message with anyone listening and our colleagues on both sides of this House that ``Never Forget'' is not just a saying. It is not just a Twitter handle. It is not just a hashtag. It is not just something that you put on posters on social media. It is a promise. If we truly want to never forget, then it is imperative that we put our support behind the healthcare funding that these heroes, these survivors, these Americans deserve. Madam Speaker, I pray that those who died on 9/11 and continue to die as a result of those terrible attacks may rest in peace and may their families expect from all of us to do the right thing because that is exactly what we should be doing. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Madam Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Malliotakis for her comments. Yesterday, I was proud to join with Chairman Mark Green of the House Homeland Security Committee to lead a bipartisan delegation down to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to give our colleagues an opportunity to witness and understand what is now Ground Zero. I am thankful that Congressman Kennedy joined us. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kennedy).

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Madam Speaker, on this date 23 years ago, 246 people went to sleep ahead of their morning flights; 2,309 people went to sleep in preparation for another routine day at the office; and 343 of New York's bravest, 71 of New York's finest, and 8 paramedics went to sleep not knowing what their next shift would bring. Yet, that Tuesday morning, those of us who were in New York on that day remember one of the clearest, bluest, most magnificent skies we have laid eyes on. When you reflect back on the morning of September 11, 2001, one can't help but think about that what seemed a perfect morning. There was a beautiful blue sky, the temperatures were perfect, and people were beginning their day to what they thought was going to be one of beauty. In seconds, that changed because we witnessed one of the greatest attacks on American soil in our history. At that moment, not only did downtown Manhattan change, not only did the State of New York change, not only did the United States of America change, but the world changed. We haven't been the same since, nor will we ever be. At that moment when we were attacked and so many people ran away from the danger, there were men and women who stood in the lobby of those buildings, who stood in the surrounding areas, who hopped on rigs in firehouses throughout the city of New York, who jumped in patrol cars and ESU trucks and made their way to downtown Manhattan, running toward the danger, the same way first responders did just miles away at the Pentagon and at that field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. They ran toward danger, running up the stairs of our beloved World Trade Center, not realizing that they were rising up those stairs only to get closer to Heaven because that is where they were headed. When those buildings collapsed in downtown Manhattan, again, the world changed. Thousands died, but while we saw the very worst in humanity as our country was attacked by terrorists, we also saw some of the best of the United States of America. If you think to the days following the September 11 attacks, you couldn't walk into a store and find an American flag because they were sold out. People lined the West Side Highway in Manhattan, cheering for first responders as they made their way to Ground Zero. People were patriotic. People were rooting for the United States of America. Just this past weekend, I stood in my district, the Fourth Congressional District of New York, on Long Island. I stood with former Congressman Peter King and our town supervisor there, Don Clavin, dedicating a street to a gentleman by the name of Bob Beckwith. He became an icon in the days following September 11 because he was the gentleman, the city firefighter, who stood on the pile with President Bush when President Bush grabbed that megaphone and told the first responders on the pile, the ironworkers on the pile, when President Bush said to them: ``We hear you. The world hears you.'' If we think back on those now 23 years, a lot has changed. Tonight and tomorrow are an opportunity for us to remember and reflect and to think about our friends and our loved ones, our neighbors who died that day. It is also an opportunity to honor them. Nearly two decades ago when I took my oath to become a member of the New York City Police Department, I swore to protect and defend the city of New York. I also made a promise in my heart, and it is the same promise that many first responders make to themselves when they take their oath, and that is to never forget--never forget our brothers and sisters who made and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Yet, 23 years later, people are forgetting, and that is why I thought it was so important this evening to have this Special Order and to invite colleagues from both sides of the aisle to talk about not just the horrific events of September 11, 2001, but the last 23 years. An NYPD detective by the name of Lou Alvarez called the Fourth Congressional District home. He was a decorated member of the NYPD, a member of the bomb squad. He served our great department during 9/11 and spent months on that pile, digging for brothers and sisters and survivors. He contracted 9/11 cancer. Instead of spending his final days at home surrounded by loved ones and family, he spent some of his final days here on Capitol Hill. He was with his family, his friends, his brother and sister police officers and firefighters, but he spent it here on Capitol Hill, advocating and knowing that in just days, he probably was going to pass from this life on to Heaven. He spent his final days here, fighting for funding of the 9/11 healthcare bill. That is really one of the things that I want to focus on today, and I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle do the same and realize that on September 11, 2001, there were 343 members of the FDNY who died that day. Since September 11, 2001, there have been over 343 more members of the FDNY who have died from 9/11-related illnesses. On September 11, 2001, 23 of my brothers and sisters from the NYPD died that morning. Since September 11, 2001, over 375 more have died. You see, this is no longer what was probably referred to 20 years ago as a New York, New Jersey, Northeast issue. There are people dying from 9/11-related illnesses in every State of this country. There is no reason that 23 years later, heroes like Lou Alvarez need to be spending their final days walking the Halls of Congress, demanding funding that they deserve. This is not a partisan issue. I have had the honor to work with Congressman Garbarino, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and our colleagues from New York and New Jersey to continue to push for this funding. Years back when the funding was first proposed, there were people from the budget office, actuaries who said the funding that was provided would carry us well to the end of the century. They were wrong. They were wrong because more and more people die every single day. When I hear from some of our colleagues and staff saying, well, year after year, there seems to be less and less of these 9/11 survivors coming here to fight for the funding. Yes, there are fewer because they are dying. They are dying because they were told on the days following September 11 that the air was safe to breathe. It wasn't safe to breathe, and they are continuing to die. Unless Congress acts, the World Trade Center Health Program will have to announce in 2027 that responders and survivors who suffer from an illness from their heroic service to our country will not be able to apply for the program. Unless this body does something, in 2028, the program will bar new enrollees and make other anticipated cuts in services. Tonight, I am not just here to talk about the events of September 11. We all know what happened. We know who attacked the United States of America. We are thankful for the men and women who not only served this body but men and women throughout this country who left the comforts of the United States of America to defend our democracy and to fight terrorism. Tonight, my plea is that we join together. If we all want to say that we never forget, well, then, let's never forget, and let's work together to fully fund the 9/11 healthcare program. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Malliotakis), my good friend and a great supporter of first responders in New York City and throughout New York State.

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

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, due to official business regarding the upcoming anniversary of the September 11th attacks in my state, I was unable to participate in voting on the passage of H.R. 8333 and H.R. 1157. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 410, and YEA on Roll Call No. 402.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to participate in voting on the passage of S. 3249, H.R. 1631, and H.R. 8812. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 356, YEA on Roll Call No. 357, and YEA on Roll Call No. 358.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, I have to disagree with Leader Jeffries. He claims that Republicans don't want to debate the issues. There was a debate 2 weeks ago. There was a winner of that debate, and that debate has sent Democrats into disarray. I also want to counteract the claim that there are laws in place. President Biden has made his entire administration about not following or enforcing laws, and that is one of the reasons as to why the SAVE Act is so important. Under the Biden administration and the failed policies, there has been over 10 million people that have come across our southern border illegally. In March of 2021, President Biden issued an executive order promoting access to voting, requiring Federal agencies to assist States with voter registration. We do not have concrete methods to ensure illegals do not vote in Federal elections. The SAVE Act ensures that only United States citizens can vote in elections. Quite frankly, it is insane that we are even having this debate. We should all agree that only those who are citizens of this great country can vote in our elections. It also expands Federal databases, such as DHS' SAVE database, Social Security databases, and others, to prove citizenship and assist States. Joe Biden's open-border policy has put America in a position where illegals could potentially vote in elections. It is bad for election integrity, it is bad for democracy, and it is unfair to the American people. Mr. Speaker, before Joe Biden, citizenship mattered in the United States of America, and citizenship should matter once again.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize NYPD Detective Paul DiGiacomo who just took his final walk from 26 Thomas Street in lower Manhattan as the president of the Detectives' Endowment Association. Paul DiGiacomo started his career in the NYPD in 1983, serving over 40 years and earned his beloved gold shield in 1993. He was elected a delegate to the DEA in 1994. He has served as president of the DEA since 2020 and has been one of the leading voices in New York protecting law enforcement. He has stood with those who wear the uniform and has called out the disastrous effects of Democrat policies that have made our country and our city less safe and have put law enforcement in danger. Paul DiGiacomo is not only a friend and not only a fellow detective, but he has been regarded as a cop's cop. As those of us who have worn the uniform know, there sometimes is no greater attribute than that reference, and that was Paul DiGiacomo. His lasting impact on the DEA will be felt for generations of law enforcement professionals in New York City. Mr. Speaker, I wish Paul DiGiacomo a healthy and safe retirement, and I thank him for his dedication to the New York City Police Department.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to commemorate the longstanding and storied traditions of the Island Park Volunteer Fire Department. The Island Park Fire Department was started 100 years ago when a group of young men in Island Park gathered together at a local pub and decided that they needed a fire department as they planned to incorporate 2 years later what would become the village of Island Park. At that meeting they elected their first chief, Hubert Miele. Over the last 100 years, the Island Park Fire Department has seen its fair share of ups and downs. We lost one of our members on the battlefields in World War II, Charles Talbot, Jr. We had two line-of-duty deaths: honorary Chief Michael Fischer and ex-Chief Ronald Nurnberger to 9/11-related illness. In 1976 we saw an explosion along our waterfront that caused death and closed 63 area beaches for weeks after. We saw the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic and, of course, the devastation of Hurricane Sandy as the village of Island Park was one of the hardest hit communities on the East Coast. However, some of our worst times gave us the opportunity to show some of our best, and the Island Park Fire Department has forever been a beacon in the Island Park community. It is that go-to place where people could find safety and where they could get help. During the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, they found food, they found a place to utilize bathrooms, and they talked to their government officials. From 1924 to 2024, the Island Park Fire Department has been that beacon in our community, and it is a place and an institution that I am proud to be part of. In 1978 we swore in our first female firefighter, Phyllis Berotti. We have seen, I would argue, probably the only fire department perhaps in the United States that actually sent two members to this House. In 1980 the Island Park Fire Department sent Senator Alfonse D'Amato to the United States Senate, and in 2022, they sent me to this great House. So, Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to recognize one of my true loves, the Island Park Fire Department, in its 100th year of service. Recognizing the Faithful Service of Paul DiGiacomo

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to support conservation efforts that benefit my constituents, New York at large, and this great Nation. I applaud Congressman LaLota for introducing this legislation, as it is critical to preserving the Long Island that we love and call home. I look forward to helping get this bill across the floor.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, as a son of a mariner and someone who has grown up on Long Island and in its waterways, I am proud to have cosponsored Congressman LaLota's legislation, H.R. 5441, the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2023. The bill reauthorizes Federal funding for the EPA to implement the Long Island Sound Conservation and Management Plan, as well as provide stewardship grants to New York State, municipal governments, and community stakeholder groups engaged in conservation activities around the sound. By passing this critical piece of legislation, we can work to ensure the Long Island Sound program is reauthorized at adequate funding levels and the sound's watershed and coastal habitats receive the attention they deserve. Not only will the program and grants provided help enhance the aesthetic beauty of the sound, but they will also help provide critical support for water-quality enhancement initiatives, which remain a key policy priority of mine. The Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2023 represents the latest iteration of Long Island's commitment to preserving our local environment, which is a tradition that stretches back to President Theodore Roosevelt, who spent many years of his life advancing conservation initiatives.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Bobby Kalotee, a distinguished civic leader on Long Island who has lived the American dream. He came here from India as an immigrant with a desire to serve the communities he now called home. For over four decades now, he either led or participated in a multitude of community projects, organizations and charitable work for the people of not just Nassau County but across New York State and beyond. Though he chaired several political parties, he never viewed politics as a sport for gain but as a vehicle for advocacy and civic duty. He sought to address the issues that afflicted countless lives regardless of their zip code of social status. As a Major in the New York State Guard, Dr. Kalotee serves in the Division of Military and Naval Affairs and as a General in the United States Disaster Relief Command, which oversees operations that are vital to all Long Islanders. Here at home, Dr. Kalotee served as the Director and Vice Chair of the Counsel for Stony Brook University's Brookhaven National Labs and continues to serve on the board of the New York Institute of Technology. As the Chairman of the Nassau County Human Rights Commission, Dr. Kalotee has even personally witnessed many elections both here and abroad and has been invited to attend the inaugurations of several esteemed heads of state. As mentioned, Dr. Kalotee has also been involved in work overseas, having been appointed as a special liaison to South Asia and an advisor to the United Nations' Grenada Mission and providing medical services to over 7,000 people in cities across Central America. His humanitarian efforts and work with the UN even earned him the privilege to be a guest speaker before the General Assembly for multiple sessions. Dr. Kalotee is an American with a passion to serve and look after his communities, a duty of which I understand and appreciate the importance. In the words of his organization's motto, ``there is no better gift one can give to humanity than good health.'' On behalf of myself and all Long Islanders, we give Bobby, my brother, our upmost gratitude for his service.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, as a Chaminade High School graduate, I extend congratulations to our rivals, Saint Anthony's High School, for their recent 12-6 lacrosse victory over Chaminade. Despite the outcome not favoring my alma mater, I commend the Friars for their skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. In the spirit of fair play, I gracefully accept defeat in my wager with fellow Long Islander Congressman Nick LaLota, a Saint Anthony's alumnus. The Friars' undeniable prowess on the field reflects their hard work and commitment, both in athletics and beyond. Long Islanders are well acquainted with the intense rivalry between Chaminade and Saint Anthony's, particularly in lacrosse, where both teams consistently rank among the Nation's best. Congratulations again to Saint Anthony's Friars, their coaches, and supporters on their impressive win. May this victory inspire future competitions filled with sportsmanship and camaraderie. Go Friars.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, my colleague on the other side of the aisle said that our bosses deserve better. She is right, the American people do deserve better. Over the tenure of Joe Biden, he has made this country less safe. Like my friend from New York mentioned, by the stroke of a pen, President Biden can begin changing the course of this country, but unfortunately he won't because he doesn't want to. As a matter of fact, in his first days in office, he used that same pen to create this disaster that we are dealing with right now, an unprecedented historical number of migrants illegally coming into the United States of America, some involved in terrorist organizations, smuggling illegal narcotics into this country. You are correct, our bosses do deserve better. The American people do deserve better. I encourage you to encourage your side of the aisle to please have Joe Biden use that pen and put this country back on track.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Chair, everyone knows the reality of the crisis at the southern border. We know that narco-terrorist groups are exploiting President Biden's weakness to import record amounts of fentanyl into the United States. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, the size of a few grains of sand, is a lethal dose. Seizures of this uniquely dangerous drug by law enforcement agencies have doubled, if not tripled in some places. We are catching only a fraction of the fentanyl entering our Nation, and more data on this issue is the first step toward stopping that. Mr. Chair, I encourage all of my colleagues to support Mr. Nunn's amendment.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Chairman, this amendment, offered by my good friend and fellow New Yorker, Mr. Molinaro, would add an important provision to my legislation. If adopted, it would ensure that my bill, in addition to measuring things like exposure to fentanyl, injuries, and morale, would also measure the Biden border crisis' effects on recruitment. Mr. Chairman, in my capacity as a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, we have taken time to interview countless law enforcement professionals from all across this Nation and at every rank. Mr. Chairman, we have heard time and time again that today's political climate, both in terms of the demands made of law enforcement but also the flagrant lack of respect and appreciation for law enforcement by many on the other side of the aisle, has made it difficult to recruit and retain law enforcement officers. It is for that reason that I am proud to offer and support Mr. Molinaro's amendment to my bill. It is in the interest of the American people that we learn all the effects of this tragic Biden border crisis on law enforcement, including and especially this crisis' effect on recruitment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentleman from New York (Mr. Molinaro), and I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Chair, I am not really sure where to begin. My friend across the aisle said that we would talk about H.R. 2, but that it didn't have the votes to pass. Well, I think we are in the same situation as the imaginary bill he talks about which never made it out of the Senate and wasn't a solution. It was a surrender. If you need a definition of the ``Biden border crisis,'' let's talk about the over 8 million illegal migrants that have come over this border since Joe Biden has taken office. Let's talk about the over 1.3 million known got-aways that have come into this country that we don't know what they are doing, who they are talking to, or who they are associating with. Let's talk about the record number of illegal narcotics that have come across the southern border. Let's talk about the problems, the draining of resources that the migrant crisis, the Biden border crisis, is leaving on law enforcement across this country. I am not just going to focus on police departments back in New York. Let's start farther away. Let's start with and talk about sheriffs and deputies along the southern border who have said that the Biden border crisis has affected every single bit of industry in their State or county. Let's talk about sheriffs that, Mr. Chair, we have visited who have said their jails are full to capacity. Why? Because of the Biden border crisis. I am not really sure what my good friend from New York across the aisle needs more explanation about the Biden border crisis, but I will tell you this: Law enforcement throughout this country has made it explicitly clear. They have made it explicitly clear that they need help, that they need communication, and that is exactly what this bill does. It is not a messaging bill. It requires the Justice Department to provide to law enforcement agencies information, intelligence, and explain to them the issues that are plaguing this country that the migrants are affecting so that we, Congress, can provide the resources that these law enforcement agencies need. Now, this isn't just Republicans talking about this. The very city that my friend across the aisle represents, the mayor of the city of New York, Eric Adams, has said: ``The migrant crisis will destroy New York City.'' I have to remind my friend across the aisle that the very department who provides him executive protection, the New York City Police Department, has said that they need more information and that communication between law enforcement agencies should be better. Whether it is Customs and Border Protection, whether it is local agencies, whether it is other Federal agencies, the communication should be better. So this is a step in the right direction to make sure that law enforcement agencies throughout the country have the ability and have the information that they need to effectively protect and serve the communities they represent. You see, H.R. 2 was a great starting point. Over a year ago, House Republicans not only put H.R. 2 across the finish line in the Homeland Security Committee but got it across the finish line on the floor of this House. It was voted against by Democrats. It was sent over to the Senate where it has collected dust on Chuck Schumer's desk. It has collected dust, and in the process, the crisis at our southern border, Mr. Chair, the Biden border crisis, has gotten worse. It has affected more people. People have died because of the failed policies of Joe Biden and Secretary Mayorkas. The fact that we have our colleagues on the other side of the aisle saying that this is about messaging, well, Mr. Chair, I wonder if they would deliver that same message to the family and loved ones of victims who have fallen prey to the Biden border crisis. Mr. Chair, when we are back home in our districts, we need to assure our constituents. They need to know that we are committed and dedicated to fact-finding and well-researched policy. Mr. Chair, the other side of the aisle can't support this simply because they are trying to deny that there is even a crisis. The fact that we are wondering what is the definition of the Biden border crisis is actually scary. It is either they are not paying attention, they are not reading the newspapers, they are not focused on the facts, or they just don't care. What I will tell you is there is a crisis, and the crisis has gotten worse because of Joe Biden. We have seen migrants in some videos that have gone viral on social media. As a matter of fact, two of the victims of some of these crimes were my guests right here at the State of the Union, two members of the NYPD who were brutally attacked in Midtown Manhattan by illegal migrants. We know for a fact that migrants smuggle narcotics into this country. We know for a fact that illegal migrants have been arrested for brutal crimes and for making communities less safe. We know for a fact that illegal migrants have been part of burglary rings, not just in sanctuary cities, but in places that surround them, like my home on Long Island. This is a crisis. It is the Biden border crisis. This piece of legislation is common sense. It is about making sure that we provide the necessary information, communication, and resources to law enforcement agencies throughout this country so that they can continue to do the best with what they have, they continue to do the best with the hurdles that are in front of them, that they continue to do the best because they are facing, just like all of us, the historic disaster at our southern border that is the Biden border crisis.

Mr. D'ESPOSITO

Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Speaker, as was said, we gathered over the last few days and will continue to gather this week for National Police Week to honor men and women throughout this great Nation who have worn the uniform, who kissed their loved ones good-bye and never came home, people like Detective Jonathan Diller, heroes like Patrick Rafferty, like Paul Tuozzolo. I actually met with Eileen Rafferty and Lisa Tuozzolo today, two women who didn't know each other but who have now formed a beautiful bond--not a bond out of happiness but a bond from losing their husbands on the streets of New York City, both to illegal firearms, murdered and taken from this world because they wore the uniform. Lisa and Eileen made their trip to Washington, D.C., this week from New York not by train, not by bus, not by air, but by bike. They pedaled from Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan. They pedaled their way here to Washington, D.C., and arrived at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. They did it to continue to honor their husbands. They did it with other line-of-duty families who are honoring their loved ones. That is what this week is about. It is about raising awareness of the dangers that members of law enforcement face each and every day. It is about raising awareness of the fact that, in places like New York, Democrats have made the jobs and the lives of law enforcement less safe. We heard it from the widow of Jonathan Diller, who was pleading during her eulogy for elected officials to do something. Mr. Speaker, I am truly thankful to my colleagues who came this evening to not just pay tribute to individuals from their districts but to pay tribute to law enforcement throughout this country. I have to disagree with my friend on the other side of the aisle who talked about the bills this week being partisan because I look at them as a way to keep this community safe and this country safe, like Mr. Van Drew's Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act. We have seen it on the streets of New York City, cops being assaulted in broad daylight by illegal migrants from the Biden border crisis. How about the Police Our Border Act, my piece of legislation that will authorize the Justice Department to provide information to law enforcement agencies throughout this country about the migrant crisis so that law enforcement has the resources they need to be safe, or legislation from Don Bacon that broadens the ability of qualified, trained active and retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms. That is not partisan. That is giving trained law enforcement professionals the right to carry and broaden their right to carry firearms. The DC CRIMES Act of 2024 from my good friend, Byron Donalds, allows Congress to exert their oversight power over the D.C. Council and promote safety in Washington, D.C. The common denominator, again, in D.C. is it is led by radical Democrats who have made this Nation's Capital less safe. That is not partisan; it is actually common sense. Then we have Mr. Bishop's Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act which requires the attorney general to assemble reports on violence against law enforcement officers. It requires the attorney general to assemble reports on violence against law enforcement officers. Mr. Speaker, I don't see how that is partisan. It is about keeping law enforcement safe. That is not a Republican issue. It is not a Democrat issue. It is a United States of America issue. Next, we have my brother in blue, Clay Higgins, which condemns President Biden's border crisis and the burdens it has created for America's law enforcement officers. That is not partisan. The facts and the data tell the story. Joe Biden and Secretary Mayorkas have allowed millions of illegal migrants into this country. They have been arrested for assaulting and attacking law enforcement. Again, that is not partisan. Attacking law enforcement is not a Republican concern or a Democrat concern; it is an American people concern. Further, we have the resolution by Mr. Stauber regarding violence against law enforcement officers. There were 374 officers killed since 2021, a record-breaking 378 officers shot in the line of duty in 2023, a 60 percent increase since 2018. The NYPD estimates a record number of assaults on officers for 2023, so that doesn't seem partisan either. Mr. Speaker, we gather here this week to recognize and remember men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We also gather to raise awareness that law enforcement in this country is under attack, and they are under attack because there are reckless policies and laws being put in place, promoting a far-left agenda that emboldens criminals and restricts law enforcement from doing the job they took the oath to do. That is what Police Week is about. As I just read down that line of legislation that Speaker Johnson and Leader Scalise and Whip Emmer and our Conference Chair Elise Stefanik have put on the agenda for this week, I find my colleague's comment that they are partisan even more ridiculous because as I read through each piece of that legislation right now, it is a commonsense approach. It is about standing with law enforcement. It is about giving them the tools and the resources that they need to do their job. Mr. Speaker, that is not a partisan issue. Every piece of legislation on the floor this week should have every vote of every Member of this Chamber. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for being here this evening, for saluting heroes, for welcoming men and women in blue from throughout this country to their offices and to this Hill this week. I truly mean it when I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I speak to the children and the widows. This week matters to them. It matters to the men and women right now who are in locker rooms throughout this country, suiting up for their night out on the street. It matters that we stand with them. Mr. Speaker, I leave you with: ``It is not how these officers died that made them heroes; it is how they lived.'' Mr. Speaker, may they all rest in peace and may they remain the motto of the New York City Police Department, ``Fidelis Ad Mortem,'' ``Faithful Unto Death.'' Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.