Dan Goldman

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and friend from Texas (Mr. Pfluger) for introducing this bill. It does make a ton of common sense and is something that we all agree that we must be ahead of. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1736, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2259, a bill directing the Department of Homeland Security to develop a national strategy to help secure our elementary and secondary schools from acts of terrorism. This bill moves us in the right direction. It acknowledges a painful truth, that the safety of our students and teachers cannot be taken for granted. It recognizes that schools need Federal support, coordination, and expertise to prepare for the threats they face, and it moves us on a bipartisan basis toward a more consistent, nationwide approach to keeping our children safe. However, let me be clear. This is only a start. Creating a strategy is very important, but a strategy alone will not solve the problem. We owe it to every student, every educator, and every family to keep working to take meaningful, comprehensive action that matches the scale of the threats facing our communities. I applaud my colleague Congressman Gonzales' efforts, and I encourage all my other colleagues to support H.R. 2259. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, the reality is that school shootings and acts of targeted violence continue to devastate towns and communities across this country. They leave lasting trauma in classrooms, in families, and in the hearts of children who should never have to wonder whether they are safe at school. H.R. 2259 deserves our support. It shows that even in a deeply divided Congress, we can still find common ground when it comes to protecting our children, but our work cannot end here with this bill. We must continue pushing for stronger, more comprehensive solutions that address the full range of threats to our schools and communities. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2259. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, conducting an assessment is an obvious and important first step in addressing any homeland security threat we face. This bill smartly and correctly requires a homeland security border threat assessment on Tren de Aragua followed by the creation of a strategic plan based on this assessment. Unfortunately, this bill seems to be a little too late. The administration is already bombing boats in the Caribbean that they claim to be Tren de Aragua. I hope they have already done an assessment and have a plan. They certainly have not shared anything with Congress to that effect. Mr. Speaker, it is very important for Congress to understand the threat that is leading to this administration's actions and that justifies this administration's actions. We have simply not been given enough information about the Trump administration's assessments, justification, and strategy for blowing up numerous boats off the coast of Venezuela. Members of Congress must have this information, and that is why I support this bill. To be clear, we should have had this information long before the administration started bombing boats that they could have chosen to interdict or stop in other ways. This bill should not be necessary, but I do thank my friend from North Carolina for introducing it and recognizing that we should have a basic understanding of any organization that we are going to take military action against. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I support Members of Congress receiving more information about the Trump administration's strategy against Tren de Aragua. Therefore, I support this piece of legislation and urge its immediate passage. It is long overdue for the Trump administration to share the information it has with Congress that justifies its military action against alleged Tren de Aragua members. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in my time serving on the Committee on Homeland Security, I have seen the importance of effective mental health services for the Department's workforce, and I thank Representative Gonzales for introducing this bill. Individuals within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection work in high-stress environments, protecting our air, land, and sea borders. One way to help address the stressors that they face and support their mental health needs is by using therapy dogs. That is why I do support this piece of legislation, which will create a pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters to be trained as therapy dogs for the CBP workforce. Not only will this bill provide additional mental health services to CBP personnel, but it will help the dogs in need of homes in our communities, certainly something everyone can support. I know my colleagues and I are committed to improving the mental health services offered to the men and women who work on our front lines every day. I support this legislation, and I ask my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, we should do all that we can to provide the men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection with effective mental health services, and this bill is a significant step in the right direction. I speak from personal experience. Mr. Speaker, I got my children a dog a couple of years ago after they were struggling from the aftereffects and trauma of being in Tel Aviv on October 7. It has done wonders for their mental health. I know personally how important therapy dogs can be. The fact that this bill also helps dogs in need by getting them out of shelters and finding them good homes is something that we can and should all get behind. Mr. Speaker, I support this bipartisan piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, every day, Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations uses its highly trained pilots, mariners, and surveillance operators to detect, interdict, and stop the smuggling of people and illicit drugs. Air and Marine Operations, known as AMO, also conducts critical humanitarian missions and search and rescue operations out at sea, including after hurricanes and other natural disasters. They work with partner countries, specifically in the Americas and the Caribbean, to save lives, train foreign law enforcement, and address threats through joint operations before they reach our borders. Right now, AMO's authority to enter into these foreign partnerships relies on the yearly appropriations process, hindering their ability to do any long-term planning. This bill formalizes their ability to conduct operations with foreign partners and do such long-term planning. Any such agreements will still have to go through the State Department, but this change will improve AMO's ability to operate strategically and assist foreign partners quickly when needed. This can and will save lives. Mr. Speaker, I thank AMO for their lifesaving efforts, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation offered by my colleague from Mississippi, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill as it helps Air and Marine Operations work quickly, effectively, and strategically with our foreign partners to keep our homeland safe and rescue those in need. This can be the difference between life-and-death in some cases. I, therefore, support this bipartisan piece of legislation, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are here today to consider my bill, H.R. 4058, the Enhancing Stakeholder Support and Outreach for Preparedness Grants Act. This bill mandates that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, provide ongoing outreach, engagement, education, technical assistance, and support to stakeholders before, during, and after awards for the State Homeland Security Program and the Urban Area Security Initiative, two of the Department's leading grant programs that address preventing, mitigating, and responding to acts of terrorism. Throughout this Congress, the Committee on Homeland Security has heard a clear bipartisan message: Preparedness grants work. Time and again, first responders and homeland security professionals alike have warned us that without steady, reliable Federal investment, our Nation's readiness will suffer, and our communities will be left more vulnerable to the threats that we face. They have told us in no uncertain terms that now is not the time to pull back and now is the time to lean in. Now is the time to strengthen these programs and ensure grantees have a meaningful voice in shaping the policies that guide their work on the ground. My district, like so many others, relies on the Urban Area Security Initiative and the State Homeland Security Program to strengthen emergency preparedness and enhance counterterrorism coordination. These priorities remain critical in New York City, where the memory of 9/11 serves as a constant reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism. Established in the aftermath of 9/11 to protect our communities, these grants continue to play a vital role in safeguarding our city. That is why my bill, H.R. 4058, works to ensure stronger oversight in how these homeland security grants are managed. My bill requires FEMA to conduct annual surveys and other feedback mechanisms to gather input from stakeholders and incorporate this feedback into future grant opportunities. Additionally, H.R. 4058 directs the Government Accountability Office to report on the effectiveness of FEMA's efforts within 2 years and mandates that FEMA submit a detailed report to Congress on stakeholder outreach and engagement. My bill ensures that the Urban Area Security Initiative and the State Homeland Security Program grants are responsive to local needs and truly effective in protecting our communities. The coordination between local, State, and Federal Government is all the more important as we face increasing threats to our homeland, and this bill would help to facilitate that. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4058 and to act quickly so that these critical funds reach the communities that need them most. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, my legislation would play a crucial role in strengthening FEMA's engagement with State and local partners, ensuring that homeland security grants are responsive, transparent, and actually driven by the needs of the communities they are meant to protect. Passage of this legislation is essential to preserving our national readiness and strengthening our security against emerging threats. H.R. 4058 restores fairness, accountability, and effectiveness to FEMA's grant process so that every community, regardless of politics, regardless of blue or red, can count on the support it needs to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism. Lastly, I thank Ranking Member Thompson, Resident Commissioner Hernandez, and former Congressman and Chairman Mark Green for cosponsoring this bill. I also extend my gratitude to the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs for endorsing the bill. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 4058, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer a heartfelt and historic welcome to America for a truly remarkable global religious leader--His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople and the Spiritual Head of the Orthodox Christian Church, the second-largest Christian Church in the world. We are deeply honored to have His All-Holiness visiting our country, our Nation's capital, and New York, home to a vibrant Orthodox community, including the largest Greek, Ukrainian, and Romanian populations in the United States. His visit is a moment of profound significance for Orthodox Christians, for the broader faith community, and for all who cherish moral leadership in times of global challenge. His All-Holiness comes to America in conjunction with his acceptance of the Templeton Prize in New York City--an award bestowed upon visionary leaders whose lives and work affirm the spiritual dimension of human existence. The Templeton Prize has previously honored extraordinary figures such as Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Patriarch Bartholomew joins that distinguished company, not only as a spiritual figure but as a tireless advocate for interfaith dialogue, peace, and human dignity. Today, as the world witnesses ongoing war and displacement, His All- Holiness has stood firmly on the side of justice and sovereignty. On the eve of the third anniversary of Russia's illegal and immoral war against Ukraine. Patriarch Bartholomew declared unequivocally that, ``Ukraine's sovereignty is not up for debate, nor can it be negotiated under the guise of diplomacy.'' He rightly insists that any future peace must include Ukraine as an equal participant. He has commended President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his tireless defense of his nation's independence and democratic values--a position that echoes the principles of freedom and self-determination we hold dear. As the ``first among equals'' in Orthodoxy, His All-Holiness continues to provide moral clarity and spiritual leadership not just for the Orthodox faithful, but for the world at large. He has reminded us--through words and deeds--that faith must be active, that leadership must be courageous, and that peace must be rooted in justice. Please join me in welcoming His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States of America. His presence is a blessing to our Nation and a beacon of hope to hundreds of millions around the world.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, 24 years ago, the United States was attacked on its own soil in a coordinated terrorist attack by a group that opposed democracy and everything that this country stands for. On that day, nearly 3,000 Americans were killed in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in the deadliest terrorist attack ever committed on American soil. Living in lower Manhattan at the time, less than a mile from the World Trade Center, I remember that day as if it were yesterday. It was a perfect September morning, not unlike today, not a cloud in the sky, and the air was warm but crisp. I remember hearing with my own ears the explosion of the second plane slamming into the South Tower, which soon collapsed and was then followed by the North Tower. I remember the sirens blaring as brave first responders ran toward Ground Zero to save whomever they could. I remember watching thousands of people walking up the street covered in soot and ash in total silence. I remember the ambulances lined up along the West Side Highway hoping to be called upon but ultimately just sitting there in line for days. I remember the rancid smell in the air, which lasted for weeks. As anyone who lived in New York City on September 11, 2001, can tell you, those images, those sounds, those smells, that feeling never leaves you. For months, brave patriots worked 24 hours a day to search for bodies and clean up the massive pile of debris. The government told them that the air was safe to breathe, but it was not. That toxic air settled in the lungs and the bodies of firefighters, police officers, construction workers, and ordinary New Yorkers who lived nearby and stayed to rebuild our city. Those toxins in the air have resulted in health problems for tens of thousands of Americans. Today, more people have died from 9/11-related illnesses than were killed on that one awful day. Survivors and first responders continue to receive diagnoses of cancer, respiratory diseases, and autoimmune disorders that were caused by their exposure to the air at Ground Zero. It seems almost silly to say, but the very least that this country can do for those people who suffer today from health problems that they got from rebuilding New York City after such a devastating terrorist attack would be to make sure that their healthcare, at a minimum, is paid for. How can we say ``never forget'' if we ignore the health problems of the very survivors and first responders who sacrificed so much on that terrible day and the days and weeks that followed? More than a decade ago, Congress took action to make good on that promise, that patriotic obligation, by creating the World Trade Center Health Program, but today, that promise is in jeopardy. The number of first responders and survivors diagnosed with 9/11- linked cancers has ballooned to nearly 50,000 people as of this year, a new record. When the law was passed and funded, nobody expected nearly as many survivors to encounter serious health problems from their exposure to toxins in Lower Manhattan. Rather than create a formula that automatically funds the program commensurate with the costs endured by those suffering from 9/11- related illnesses, Congress has instead just continued to fund the program for a year or a couple of years at a time, creating uncertainty and fear for many who depend on that program for their lifesaving treatment. Every year, we must push for additional funding, supported by advocates who come to the Capitol to ensure that Congress never forgets and does right by these Americans suffering from serious health problems. It should not be this way. As I stand here today, my bill, which would permanently and fully fund the World Trade Center Health Program, is awaiting a vote on the floor. It is bipartisan, as it should be, because those terrorists did not differentiate between Democrats and Republicans that day. Those New Yorkers who ran to save their neighbors and who rebuilt our city did not do it because they were Democrats or Republicans. They sacrificed because they were, and are, Americans, and this body must pass this bill.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 due to an important personal matter. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 224; NAY on Roll Call No. 225; NAY on Roll Call No. 226; NAY on Roll Call No. 227; NAY on Roll Call No. 228; NAY on Roll Call No. 229; NAY on Roll Call No. 230; NAY on Roll Call No. 231; NAY on Roll Call No. 232; NAY on Roll Call No. 233; NAY on Roll Call No. 234.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote today due to an important personal matter. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 219 and YEA on Roll Call No. 220.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to President Trump's reckless and destructive rescissions bill. The proposed $8 billion cut to global aid programs is not only a shortsighted betrayal of American leadership, but it is going to result in millions of people getting sick and losing their lives. If we continue to retreat from helping countries around the world as this administration is doing, our adversaries like China will fill the vacuum. That makes us less powerful and less safe. It is not just lives at risk abroad. Lives here will be lost, too. By defunding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, millions of Americans will no longer have access to our national emergency weather alert system. Simply put: Americans will die because of these cuts. In addition to gutting one of the last vestiges of independent journalism, which is only biased if you think the truth is biased, the Republicans are also defunding free children's educational programs enjoyed by millions around the country. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes because of an important family matter. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 183 and NAY on Roll Call No. 184. Personal Explanation

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on my amendment to President Trump's reckless and stunningly shortsighted rescissions package, which would, among other harmful cuts, entirely eliminate Federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Mr. Speaker, let's be very clear. This is not cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. This isn't trimming around the edges. This isn't the teardrop in an ocean. This is all Federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which is PBS, NPR, and local public television and radio. This is not just an attack, though, on PBS and NPR, as so many of my Republican colleagues have said. The majority knows full well that more than 70 percent of this cut will be felt by the local radio and television stations in their own communities and across the country. These stations use federally funded CPB radio towers and infrastructure to disseminate lifesaving emergency alerts. They don't just inform rural Americans and serve news deserts to discuss local news, which, of course, they do, and they are often the only source of educational programming for children around the country, but they are also essential for disaster response and emergency preparedness. There are 20 States that list NPR in their emergency response plans. This infrastructure is essential for emergency alerts, geotargeted text messages, and first responder communications. My colleagues know all of this. The Republicans know how devastating this defunding will be. Even Chairman Aderholt acknowledged yesterday in the Committee on Rules that these cuts will harm his State's public broadcasting networks and that he would like to work on it with Democrats. The gentleman's chance is right now, on the previous question, which, if my colleagues vote ``no,'' we can work together on funding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, this is not about actual funding. This is caving to Donald Trump's thin skin and his inability to deal with facts rather than to stand up for local stations, local communities, and the First Amendment, which specifically prevents Congress from abridging the freedom of the press. To every Republican listening, this is yet another chance to oppose Donald Trump's attack on any objective form of accountability and to do what is best for your constituents. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question and to choose their constituents over Donald Trump.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Van Drew) for introducing this resolution that gets right to the heart of a scary rise of violence against Jewish Americans. Mr. Speaker, the rise in anti-Semitism since the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas has been jarring, unsettling, and incredibly scary for the Jewish community. In the last 2 months, there have been three incidents of outright violence: the arson at Governor Shapiro's home on Passover; the murder in front of the Capital Jewish Museum of two Israeli Embassy workers, young Jews just about to get engaged and begin their lives together, murdered solely because they were Jewish; and, last weekend, a horrific attack with Molotov cocktails on a peacefully marching group bringing attention to the fact that 56 hostages remain in horrific conditions in captivity of a terrorist group in Gaza. Mr. Van Drew's resolution accurately recounts these facts, accurately cites and refers to the anti-Semitism that has risen in America, and boldly condemns it, as we all should, because hate of any kind has no place in this country. The numbers are startling. In the Anti-Defamation League's audit of 2024, there were a record 9,354 recorded anti-Semitic incidents, 1,700 of which targeted Jewish institutions. This is the highest number ever recorded in the 46 years of this audit. Mr. Speaker, as the co-chair of the congressional Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism here in the House of Representatives, I applaud Mr. Van Drew and join with him in condemning these attacks and bringing light to what is a new phase of anti-Semitism in this country, one that is incredibly scary that includes violence and murder. All that being said, I note that my Republican colleagues introduced an appropriations bill today that proposes $305 million for the nonprofit security grants, which is the program that provides security funding to all nonprofit organizations in the United States that apply and are granted them. That includes Jewish houses of worship, Jewish organizations, and Jewish community institutions. I joined 132 of my colleagues to demand that we increase last year's funding of over $400 million because, with this new violence, the need for security for every single Jewish institution has skyrocketed. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply disappointed that the Republican majority has introduced a bill that would fund only $305 million, which is the same amount as fiscal year 2023--before October 7, before this sudden and dramatic rise in anti-Semitism, and before the recent violence against Jewish people. Mr. Speaker, I ask my friend from New Jersey and my Republican colleagues to please reconsider. If my colleagues believe this resolution, as I know they do, then let's literally put our money where our mouth is because Jewish institutions need our help to be secure, and $305 million is not going to cut it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I will just add in response to my friend that this is a majority proposal for the appropriations bill. If the majority does not like other spending measures, it can propose to cut them, but Jews and Jewish institutions should not suffer because of other priorities of the Republican majority and their appropriations bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Neguse).

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I will be brief. I do want to reemphasize how important it is that Mr. Van Drew has worked collaboratively with our side of the aisle on a bipartisan resolution that is not a ``gotcha'' resolution but accurately addresses the serious problems that we are facing and condemns them without making an effort to score political points. This is how bipartisan efforts to combat anti-Semitism should work. Mr. Van Drew has demonstrated that he certainly is willing to do that and we are certainly grateful that he worked closely across the aisle to make sure that this is not a partisan issue. Mr. Speaker, as an American Jew, as a Member of Congress, if anti- Semitism is used as a partisan weapon, if Israel is used as a partisan weapon, it is bad for Jews and it is bad for Israel. I urge my other Republican colleagues to follow in Mr. Van Drew's footsteps here because if they do care about Jews and they do care about Israel, then neither should be used as a partisan weapon in a political game. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Van Drew for leading that effort, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Neguse), the Representative from Boulder.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado for such moving and important remarks, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman from Colorado would indulge a quick question before he leaves. Yesterday, there was a rally with thousands of people in Boulder, Colorado, commemorating the victims and celebrating Jewish culture and people. The two Senators from Colorado were there. Mr. Neguse was there. I would just ask if the gentleman who is introducing this resolution to commemorate, ostensibly, the victims of Boulder was in his neighboring district to be with the victims and the community. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Evans) to respond to the question.