Adriano Espaillat

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I take great pleasure in sharing this story of Rabbi Avrohom Hoffman, a truly remarkable man whose presence has illuminated our community for decades. Rabbi Hoffman has called Washington Heights his home for more than 35 years, fathering nine children with his wonderful wife, Miriam. He has served our community by teaching precollege students at a yeshiva and by providing spiritual guidance to those in great need. I am honored to have such an exceptional individual in my district. I was recently informed that Rabbi Hoffman has donated his kidney to a 62-year-old woman diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. His boundless acts of philanthropy serve as a testament to his tremendous character and remind us of the power of human kindness. He serves as a role model to all of us, and I am proud to have recognized a man of such compassion and virtue on this floor.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ramon Anibal Ramos, a leading communicator and television producer born in Ingenio Angelina, San Pedro de Macoris, in the Dominican Republic. Ramon has had a long and successful career. Ramon obtained his passport through the `` `Fiesta' de Tele Antillas'' program. His show, the ``Ramon Anibal Show,'' is focused on the dissemination of positive news, positive stories about people, particularly immigrants that have excelled in America, and particularly in New York. Throughout all of this time, particularly during the negative anti- immigrant rhetoric that is going on right now, including this week's push to build a divisive border wall, Ramon Anibal is the embodiment of being an immigrant, a pioneer, and successful contributor to our community. Thank you, Ramon, for being such a role model and leader in our community. Ramon Anibal Ramos, ``the best of cable,'' ``lo mejor del cable.''

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, it is with both sadness and pride that I rise today to honor the memory of a leader, a hard worker, and an outstanding member of our community, Police Officer Miosotis Familia. Officer Familia served in the New York City Police Department for 12 years. She grew up in Washington Heights, a neighborhood that I represent in Manhattan. On the Fourth of July, her life was tragically taken in an act of violence. Her mother, Adriana, was one of her best friends, and the two constantly spent time together. Officer Familia had three children of her own, Genesis, Delilah, and Peter. She gave them all the love her mother had given her in the past. Today, Officer Familia's legacy lives on through her family, the police officers of the 42nd precinct, and all her loved ones, including all New Yorkers. My New York colleagues and I stand here on the House floor to salute the memory and the legacy of Officer Miosotis Familia, as well as other officers who have been killed in the line of duty--including State Trooper Joel Davis, who, about a week ago, was also tragically killed in upstate New York. I now invite my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence in their honor.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable Reverend Nathaniel Dixon. On Sunday, Reverend Dixon will be giving his last sermon at St. Stephen's United Methodist Church. While this Sunday may be his last sermon, I have no doubt that the lives he has touched, parishioners, colleagues, neighbors, all of us, will continue to uphold the lessons he taught us and will remember the action he has taken over a long and hard-fought career. Reverend Dixon is a true renaissance man whose life has always been committed to New York City. For 27 years, he was a music teacher and, later, an administrator, and also an executive director of the Saxrack Learning Center. Old Satchmo, the great Louie Armstrong, once said: ``Musicians don't retire; they just stop when there's no more music in them.'' Reverend Dixon never stopped teaching music, and he has inculcated this love and passion into the lives of students and parishioners. ``Music helps,'' he said, ``because there is awe in them.'' Thank you, Reverend Dixon, for your commitment and willingness to become a leader and a role model for many years to come in New York's 13th Congressional District. We love you and wish you the very best.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the ACA and all it has done to protect the health of our country's young people. As we gather today, everyone seems to be analyzing yesterday's elections results. Other folks have taken a deep dive to analyze whether or not Russia elected our President. And as all of this is happening, the Senate has been meeting in secrecy to dismantle the Affordable Care Act that, for millions of young people and millions of young Americans, has been a lifesaver. Since its enactment, the ACA has cut uninsured rates for Americans age 18 to 34 by more than 40 percent. Guided by political expediency instead of principle, my Republican colleagues are jamming this bill through an approval process without hearings or input from healthcare professionals and with no regard to millions of Americans whose lives will be affected by it. This is a shocking breach of our constituents' trust. The ACA lifted a heavy burden off the shoulders of millions of Americans, and now is not the time to kick these individuals to the curb. We are better than that, America.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, on June 19, 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was read by U.S. Army Major Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas to slaves who were unaware of the original issuance and reading by President Abraham Lincoln nearly two and a half years prior. This day, referred to as Juneteenth, is historic and significant in American history and marks the date of freedom for the millions of slaves who were liberated. This nation was built on the backs of African-Americans. And this Capitol and our White House, were literally built by the hands of slaves. It was only 152 years ago that Blacks in America were considered property and three-fifths a human. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the atrocities faced by the African-American community. In 2017, African-Americans are still discriminated against on an institutional basis. Black women in New York State take home $0.66 on the dollar compared to white men. And unarmed black people are killed by police at five times the rate of unarmed whites. Despite being enslaved for 245 years and then freed to struggle, African-Americans have accomplished so much. It is our duty to acknowledge the ugliness of this nation's history and remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure equity and equality for all individuals. While our country has made great strides in race and freedom, there is still much work that remains to be done.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize World Refugee Day and to stand in solidarity with refugees from around the world. June 20th is an opportunity to recognize the millions of people from across the globe who have been forced to uproot their lives due to armed conflict and persecution. We honor their sacrifice and courage when displaced in seeking safety for themselves and their families. In particular, I would like to recognize African Services Committee, Inc. an award-winning multiservice agency in Harlem that was founded by Ethiopian Refugees in 1981. Asfaha Hadera founded the agency in his basement in the Bronx after fleeing Ethiopia for refugee camps in Sudan and then emigrating to the U.S. He saw the need for refugee services from conflicted areas in Africa and established the organization, along with Kim Nichols. Each year, the center assists 12,500 immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers from across the African Diaspora with health, housing, legal, educational, and social services. The staff comes from 20 countries and speaks over 25 languages, providing access to the ethnically diverse communities that live in Harlem and the Bronx. African Services Committee also works on HIV prevention and access to AIDS treatment in five HIV clinics across Ethiopia. I am proud of the work that this organization is doing to support refugees in New York's thirteenth district. Contrary to these services, Trump issued a travel ban from six Muslim-majority countries as one of his first executive orders in March. This action was discriminatory and opposite of our American values. On this World Refugee Day, let us remember the words on our dear Statue of Liberty, ``give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.'' That's who we are as Americans. We are a country that welcomes the poorest and most vulnerable among us, and I urge my colleagues to join me.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Young Men's & Young Women's Hebrew Association (YM&YWHA)--colloquially known as the ``Y''--of Washington Heights and Inwood. On this agency's centennial anniversary, I want to highlight the indelible impact this institution has impressed upon our children and adults in our community of all backgrounds over several generations in New York's 13th district. Since its founding in 1917 the mission of the ``Y'' has never wavered. The tradition of tikkun olam--literally ``repairing the world''--has been exemplified by the ``Y'' in its acts of kindness and community service. Staff and lifelong volunteers have always looked to their neighbors to evaluate the most pressing needs and find out the best way to serve the needs of the community. Over the last century, Washington Heights & Inwood has seen multiple changes to its composition and outward face. Each year, a group of Jewish and Dominican students work together to study the history of the Dominican Republic's immigration policies prior to WWII, making the country one of a few safe harbors for Jews fortunate enough to escape Germany. What binds these diverse populations to New York's 13th district is the ``Y'' embracing the mantle ofthe Mother of Exiles as Emma Lazarus wrote in The New Collossus. In its early years, the ``Y'' dealt with the aftermath of World War I and World War II resettling refugees from abroad here in our community. During the 1970s, the ``Y'' aided Jewish refugees from Russia with the same urgency and compassion afforded earlier in the century. This is emblematic of its mission to meet the needs of the time and people which has never wavered. Over the last 100 years that has included providing access to social services; offering English classes and citizenship tutoring; assisting those with mental health concerns; launching the first day camp for neighborhood children; developing a thriving nursery school; opening a center for new parents; building a 100-unit independent living facility for older adults and the mobility impaired and providing services to support older adults to age in place. Today, the ``Y'' has embraced the diverse and multicultural tableau of New York's 13th district. All staff are trained in cultural diversity and services all offered in English, Spanish, and Russian. The commitment of the ``Y'' remains steadfast by expanding its after school program, senior center services, and establishment of a new Camp Twelve Trails program. Over the last century, the ``Y'' has continued to innovate and serve the needs of New York's 13th district. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate and commemorate the centennial anniversary of the YM&YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood. I sincerely hope that all Members of Congress will have the benefit of such an institution to one day laud and commemorate 100 years of service as I do today.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. The only way for the people of Iraq and Syria to find peace and stability in the coming years is to move towards more inclusive governing, ensuring that minorities have a stake in the way their countries are run, and for those responsible for violence to face justice. It is as simple as that. This legislation is a recognition that there are no military solutions in the Middle East; rather, the best way forward is to address the underlying causes that led to the creation of ISIS so we can prevent the next ISIS from rising up from the ashes in Iraq and Syria. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this measure. I, again, want to thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel, who have worked in a bipartisan way to bring this important measure before us today. I would also like to thank Mr. Smith and Ms. Eshoo for their work on this bill, the Iraq and Syria Emergency Genocide Act, and for their tireless efforts on behalf of religious minorities in the Middle East. It is often easy to look away in the face of these atrocities, Mr. Speaker, but these lawmakers have made sure that we stay focused on preventing genocide and promoting accountability in this part of the region. On March 17, 2016, Secretary of State John Kerry said: ``In my judgment, ISIS is responsible for genocide against groups and areas under its control, including Yazidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims . . . the United States will strongly support efforts to collect, document, preserve, and analyze the evidence of atrocities, and we will do all we can do to see that these perpetrators are held accountable.'' The House had urged the Secretary to designate the crimes against minorities in Iraq and Syria as ``genocide,'' and the measure before us today follows up on those efforts. It is tragic that a bill like this remains necessary. Unfortunately, ISIS continues to target religious minorities, including Christians, Yazidis, and Shia. We have seen overwhelming evidence of forced migration, execution, rape, starvation, enslavement, amputation, and public lashings. In Raqqa, which ISIS has declared capital of the caliphate, children are forced to watch videos of mass executions in order to desensitize them to this level of violence. ISIS remains an ongoing threat, and its campaign of violence and persecution is an ongoing tragedy for the people across the region. This bill would respond to that part of the challenge. It states that American assistance for humanitarian, stabilization, and recovery should go to those individuals and communities with the greatest need. That includes communities of religious and ethnic minorities. The bill also will help ensure that those responsible for this violence and persecution are brought to justice. It pushes USAID to assist in the efforts to conduct criminal investigations and help develop skills on the ground to collect evidence and press these cases. This legislation is supported by the Knights of Columbus, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, HIAS, Yazidi Human Rights Organization- International, and several other organizations. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of this measure. I want to thank Mr. Hoyer, the gentleman from Maryland. Let me start by thanking the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Royce of California, for authoring this legislation and working to bring it to this floor. By now we have seen the footage. We went to the film and saw the footage of Turkish thugs attacking peaceful protesters during President Erdogan's visit to Washington a few weeks ago. It is bad enough when we see governments anywhere crack down on basic rights like the freedom of assembly or expression. It is bad enough to see that sort of oppression in the streets of Ankara or Istanbul, but it is becoming more and more common as Turkey slips towards authoritarianism. But to see that on the streets of Washington, D.C., is absolutely unacceptable--especially at the hands of foreign government officials who are guests in our country. We cannot allow these actions to remain unnoticed and to trample on our constitutional rights. We know that President Erdogan was never in danger. He simply decided to treat Americans the way he treats his own people. His guards even had the nerve to attack law enforcement officials who were protecting him and his delegation. This behavior cannot stand, and the resolution before us sends a clear, decisive message that Congress won't tolerate it. The State Department must do whatever it takes to make sure that this does not happen again, and those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable. Charges must be filed and pursued. I am glad to support this measure that puts the House on record saying that we won't stand for this type of bully who attacks American citizens and American democracy. Mr. Speaker, free speech, free assembly, and free expression are at the core of any democracy across the world. Turkey is certainly a partner and an ally, and it is deeply concerning to see the steady erosion of democracy in that country. But we cannot tolerate that sort of behavior here in our country. When you are in the United States, you play by our rules, and that means obeying our laws and respecting our values. Those responsible for violence against American citizens should face the consequences. Otherwise, what is to stop them from doing this once again? Mr. Speaker, I support this measure, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, the British people are well known for their stiff upper lip, their resolve, and resilience. We have seen all these traits on display in the recent days in the proud European cities of Manchester and London as the dead are mourned, the injured are nursed to health, and the guilty are pursued. Life must and will go on, and the United Kingdom will remain the beacon of freedom, tolerance, and justice. I am glad we took this time today to send this strong message of solidarity to the people of the U.K. Through the years, they have long stood by us, and we are proud of their friendship. We call them our friends. I support this measure and trust the House will do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for H. Res. 355. This resolution was submitted by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Cook). It is a strong message condemning in the strongest terms the most recent terrorist attacks in Manchester and London. We worked quickly in the committee to pass this resolution in a bipartisan way. I thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel again for their bipartisan efforts. I would like to lend my voice of condolence to the families and friends of those who were killed and injured. I pray that the Manchester and London communities remain resilient and continue their beautiful human display of kindness in the depths of such tragedy. I read numerous human stories about neighbors, faith leaders, and local businessmen and -women coming together to aid their fellow citizens with open arms and compassionate hearts. The people of Manchester, London, and the U.K. in general show the rest of the world how to persevere in the face of terror. Finally, let us remember that the attacks are directed at our open societies that we have built over many generations. Let us remember that our response will set the tone for not only the security of the present day but also the faith in such open societies and the unbreakable bonds of community for years to come. We will continue to work in the Foreign Affairs Committee to bring about justice and encourage peace. The United States admires the Manchester and London response of stoicism, openheartedness, and solidarity. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, when I was sworn in to office, I made a commitment to support and defend the Constitution of these United States. Our President's latest actions have shown us that we cannot trust him to do the same. Whether it is a lapse of judgment or just plain inexperience, the pandemonium coming out of the White House is worse than a scene from ``House of Cards'' The method in which Trump chose to reveal classified intelligence to Russian officials--impulsive; The way Trump chose to fire FBI Director Comey--imprudent; And, if the latest reports are true, the way Trump chose to interfere with the FBI investigation of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn-- impeachable. I don't use this last ``i'' word lightly, but for love of country and democracy, and as an American, I hope this is not true. If it is, this is a blatant obstruction of justice and a grave, grave offense.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose this bill. We all should. Protecting ACA is the top issue for my constituents. Constituents like Leslie Gauthier who, without the protections of the ACA, would not have gotten the treatment for leukemia that she was diagnosed just at the age of 22. Leslie is now in remission thanks to ObamaCare. For Leslie, the ACA protections like essential health benefits were a matter of life and death. This Republican bill would destroy those patient protections. Under the ACA in my district: a 5-percent drop in uninsured rates; subsidies based on income and region and not on age; Medicaid Expansion covering of 156,000 people will be lost. The President promised not to cut Medicaid. This bill guts it by $880 billion. This bill is a gut punch to America. Pregnant women seeking health care, kicked to the curb. Patients with preexisting conditions, kicked to the curb. Senior citizens who will have to pay more for less, kicked to curb. Over 24 million people, including 6.5 million Latinos, kicked to the curb. Mr. Speaker, we demand Republicans stop kicking to the curb Americans. Stop this bill.

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from AFSCME which states this bill would cause millions to lose their health coverage and return to the days when even inadequate coverage was unaffordable.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we found a solution to keep the government open through October and that this deal does not include funding for President Trump's border wall, nor does it eliminate money for sanctuary cities. These are several issues that I am proud to champion in addition to programs such as the NIH, Child Care and Development Block Grants, Pell grants, nutrition programs for seniors, Planned Parenthood, affordable housing, and Head Start. However, the devil is in the details, and after further reviewing this total package, I cannot, in good conscience, support it. This bill will increase funding for homeland security and is essentially $1.2 billion of President Trump's original proposed $3 billion request for border security and interior enforcement. We fully know that any funding for homeland security and border security will be used to increase raids and detentions, essentially funding the President's mass deportation agenda. In addition, this omnibus bill does not provide a long-term solution to Puerto Rico's economic crisis, leaving Puerto Rico's Medicaid funding with only one-third of the funding it needs. Finally, the bill comes at the same time that Trump and House Republicans continue to push to eliminate ACA. The devil is in the detail, and that, too, will be a nightmare in hell for many of us.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I offered an amendment during the markup of this bill which would have stopped this legislation from enabling bad actors to cheat workers out of their pay. It would have exempted willful and repeated violators of the minimum wage and overtime protections from this act, but my Republican colleagues unanimously voted against this amendment, a clear indication of where they stand on protecting hardworking Americans. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 1180, the so-called Working Families Flexibility Act. The name of this bill is pretty deceiving. In reality, this legislation only worsens the significant problem of wage theft. Violators of our wage and hour laws do not need another way to cheat workers out of their pay, but that is exactly what H.R. 1180 gives them. The problem of wage theft has reached epidemic proportions, and overtime violations are too common. All H.R. 1180 does is give dishonest employers who want to steal workers' paychecks any number of smoke screens--like denying requested and hard-earned time off because it would be an undue burden to business operations--to hide behind. Further, we know from experience that significant litigation over payment of wages owed under comp time programs in the public sector exist. Yet this legislation includes no additional funding for the Department of Labor to enforce or implement these provisions. Even worse, this legislation is being considered while President Trump has proposed a severe 21 percent budget cut to DOL. It simply makes no sense to give unscrupulous employers another mechanism for stealing workers' hard-earned paychecks while providing no additional resources for employees who need help recovering their stolen pay. I would like to share a story from a New Yorker who has felt the direct and negative consequences of wage theft and comp time. During her 40-plus years as a secretary, word processor, and paralegal, she worked hundreds of extra hours and was frequently promised comp time. She never received it. Not once. Further, any overtime pay was usually conveniently forgotten, and she feared she would lose her job if she asked for her rightful pay or promised time off. Rather than protect employees like this woman, H.R. 1180 will do the opposite and produce more of these unjust horrendous stories.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Greg Marius. Known affectionately as ``the Commissioner'', Mr. Marius founded the Entertainer's Basketball Classic (EBC) at Holcombe Rucker Park in Harlem in 1982. Originally conceived of as a way for rival hip-hop crews to establish blacktop bragging rights, the EBC has evolved into the world's premier streetball basketball showcase. A highlight on the City's summer calendar for decades, the EBC pits playground standouts against the country's most talented professional players, all provided free of charge to the delight of thousands of exuberant fans. NBA stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Vince Carter have all played in the tournament, facing off against the best streetballers Harlem has to offer. As one of the first people to connect basketball and hip-hop music, Mr. Marius created an all-inclusive atmosphere that celebrated the game, its culture, and its fans. Through his aggressive promotion, Mr. Marius enlisted hip-hop stars like Jay-Z, Sean ``Diddy'' Combs, Fat Joe, and others to sponsor teams, helping to attract corporate sponsors like Reebok and Gatorade and raise the profile of the EBC to an unprecedented level. By remaining committed to keeping the EBC in Harlem, Mr. Marius had a far-reaching impact on our community. A lifelong Harlem resident, he often spoke of how fortunate he was to create memories in the neighborhood where he grew up. He also prided himself on keeping alive the legacy of Holcombe Rucker, the park's namesake who founded his own tournament in 1946 that provided neighborhood youths a positive outlet to keep them off the streets. Further, by taking a touring version of the EBC on the road to other cities Mr. Marius played an integral role in broadening streetball's audience. Without Greg Marius, it is safe to say that New York City, specifically Holcombe Rucker Park in Harlem, would not be the international symbol of basketball prowess that it is today. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay remembrance to Mr. Marius and ask that we continue to carry along his legacy and love for streetball in Harlem.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, today, President Trump finally saw what I recognized and what the American people knew months ago: someone like Steve Bannon should not hold a security clearance, no less serve on the National Security Council. Bannon has made numerous inflammatory statements in support of overthrowing the United States Government. During an interview on August 22, 2016, Bannon referred to himself as ``Leninist,'' saying: ``Lenin wanted to destroy the state, and that's my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today's establishment.'' That is what he said, Mr. Speaker. That is why I introduced the Make Our Government Safe Act, which would amend the National Security Act of 1947 to prevent anyone from serving on the National Security Council who has made the statements that Steve Bannon did about taking down the system. My bill would prevent someone who has threatened to destroy the government from participating in or attending National Security Council meetings. And today I stand a little bit more reassured that Bannon will not be serving on the National Security Council. Up next: remove him from the White House.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Equal Pay Day. The year is 2017, and women, especially women of color, still earn significantly less than their male counterparts. Pay inequality disproportionately impacts women of color. For example, White women earn 80 cents to every dollar that her White male counterpart makes, African-American women earn an average of 63 cents per every dollar, and Latina women on average earn 54 cents for every dollar. This may seem like mere pennies on the dollar, but, over a lifetime, this translates to an estimated loss of almost $700,000 for a high school graduate and $1.2 million for a college graduate. $1.2 million-- can you imagine what these earnings mean to working families of today? That is health insurance, retirement savings, and food on the table. Unequal pay for equal work just doesn't add up. It is morally and mathematically wrong. Pay inequality is not only a women's issue, but a family issue. To my male colleagues, I ask: In 2017, do you not believe in strong women? In 2017, do you not believe in equality?

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1101, the Small Business Health Fairness Act. Mr. Speaker, the concept of association health plans, AHPs, is nothing new. Versions of this bill have been around for many years. They don't work. Currently, AHPs are regulated by the States, ensuring the ability to protect consumers. H.R. 1101, however, will yank association health plans from the realm of State oversight by federally certifying them and holding them to few, if any, regulatory requirements. This would strip the States of the ability and fidelity to regulate beneficiary protections that exist to protect their citizens. Federally certifying AHPs will allow selective choice of which benefits are provided and which persons can enroll. This is a complete and total disservice to all individuals and citizens in a State's health insurance market. Association health plans currently exist and operate in New York State, serving many thousands of beneficiaries and avail New Yorkers' protections, benefits guarantees, and avenues for appeal through the Department of Financial Services. This bill does nothing to offer guaranteed affirmative coverage. It would permit preexisting conditions as a legitimate reason to exclude individuals. It has no minimum threshold for anything resembling essential health benefits, and it fails to offer a requirement for the actuarial value of the insurance product to cover total health costs. What then remains is not a health plan. In fact, what remains is strikingly similar to what the American Health Care Act purports to offer millions of Americans: less coverage for those enrolled and more expense for those who are too sick, too old, and too poor to be approached by an AHP. AHPs would lead to higher costs for seniors and individuals who are sicker and will dilute the risk pool of entire States, leading to higher premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. Where the American Health Care Act will unilaterally hurt all Americans, H.R. 1101 would accomplish the same harm directed at the sickest and most underserved in a more prejudicial manner. Mr. Speaker, I offered an amendment to this bill, which was germane, yet not made in order. My amendment would have protected the rights of the States to regulate association health plans, to include regulation of benefits, consumer protections, and rating restrictions. The goal of my amendment was to ensure that all States and their constituents have the same security and protections that my constituents have benefited from over the past 7 years: consumer protections against surprise billing and adverse selection, provider protection for prompt claim payment and preauthorization, protection for local and regional insurers so that large national insurance companies cannot cherry-pick the good risk. I certainly believe and would hope that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle support program integrity and protecting our constituents, which is what my amendment would have made clear. Lastly, I would like to be clear that I am supportive of increasing access to health care that is comprehensive and affordable for all Americans. The bill before us does not do that. The American Health Care Act certainly does not do that. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to strongly oppose this rolling back of health care.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Centro Cultural y Deportivo Dominicano de New York. The story of Club Deportivo began 51 years ago in the New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights, where a group of Dominican immigrants bonded over weekly games of the classic board game dominoes and a shared desire to maintain their cultural roots. Over time, this proud group, inspired by the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic--Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sanchez, and Ramon Matias Mella--made the decision to formalize itself in order to protect their own identity and cultural heritage. They officially incorporated on March 23, 1966. As the years passed, what initially began as a way for friends new and old to stay in touch through the power of sports blossomed into what is now institutionally and athletically one of the most important centers of Dominican Americans and their friends in the 13th Congressional District. Over the past 50 years, they have hosted numerous recreational sports tournaments and have played an integral role in formation of many other civic, cultural, and social organizations. Club Deportivo also provides its members with many vital forms of community service: ESL, citizenship classes for immigrants, folklore classes, music and arts classes for young and adults. Additionally, the group provides hot meals for the homeless each Thanksgiving and carries out frequent medical fairs. Mr. Speaker, we are joined today by several members of the Club Deportivo Dominicano. They are celebrating their 51st anniversary. Santiago Cruz, Felix Grant, Jose Monta, Carlos Leerdam, and Jose Rodriguez are here to celebrate.