Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bruce Sanders, of Buffalo, New York, on his retirement from the position of Chief of Public Affairs of the Buffalo District of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and to express gratitude for his forty-one years of devoted service to the United States of America. In his public affairs role, but also previously in his role as Management Analysis Officer, Mr. Sanders conducted himself with professionalism and dedication in furtherance of the important work of the world's largest public engineering agency. I was not surprised, therefore, when it was conveyed to me that the Buffalo District Commander wrote in Mr. Sanders' final appraisal that Mr. Sanders was ``proud of being a public servant; exhibit[ed] pride and complete dedication to the District; [and was] honest and trustworthy; a person of strong character.'' Again, I am pleased to congratulate and thank Mr. Sanders on the occasion of his retirement and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, 3 weeks ago President Obama in this very Chamber called for a national moonshot initiative to fight cancer. Yesterday the White House proposed to allocate $1 billion over the next 2 years to supplement cancer research efforts that are underway. The President said cancer research is at an inflection point, and he is right. One need only to look at the groundbreaking work on immunotherapy underway at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo to see how far the science has come. Last year Congress came together to increase funding to the National Institutes of Health by $2 billion, including a 5 percent increase to the National Cancer Institute. Now is not the time to let up. It is time to accelerate and expand our Nation's cancer fight. Next month the House will consider a budget resolution. I call on House leaders to stand behind our scientists to support Americans living with cancer and to include robust funding for cancer research.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon, three students from the Hamlin Park Academy--Gabriella Melendez, Toriana Cornwell, and Shaniylah Welch--will participate in the Fourth Annual State of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Address hosted by the White House. After months of planning, fundraising, and research, these three bright women partnered with Western New York STEM Hub to develop and fine-tune their experiment, ``Tumor Growth in Microgravity,'' which earned them the nickname ``Spud Launchers.'' Through collaborative efforts with NASA, these spud launchers will test the ability of potatoes to grow in microgravity, toward the goal of learning about how plants might grow on other planets. Their experiment won the national competition held by the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program and will be conducted abroad at the International Space Station this year. These three young women are role models to all of the bright young minds in our community. Their success is a result of their curiosity and their hard work. It is a testament to their families, the Buffalo Public Schools system, Western New York STEM Hub, and, most importantly, their teachers.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, last month the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines that urge primary care physicians to think twice before prescribing opioids for pain relief. I strongly support their call. Last year I asked the Federation of State Medical Boards to encourage stronger guidelines as well. New research suggests that the over-prescription of opioids may be widespread across the medical community. Pain management is an important part of a physician's practice, but it is critical that prescribers understand when options other than these highly addictive drugs are available. Mr. Speaker, last year the number of fatal overdoses from prescription painkillers increased by 16 percent and, from heroin, 28 percent. There are 19,000 Americans who lost their lives, and more die every day. I thank the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for their work on this issue, and I urge the administration, Congress, and the medical community to end the over-prescription of painkillers.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, in 2014, the Department of Energy announced plans to import highly enriched liquid nuclear waste into the country via the busiest northern border crossing and through a major metropolitan area. This route was approved 20 years ago, pursuant to a pre-9/11 analysis, and for a less dangerous type of nuclear waste. Yet, the Department has refused to undertake a contemporary environmental review or threat assessment. In response, this House passed legislation by a vote of 416-0, requiring a threat assessment of a potential terror attack on such cargo. Yet, the Department of Energy announced that it intends to ignore the clear will of this House and authorize 150 truck shipments this year without conducting the threat assessment this House demanded. Mr. Speaker, this route was a bad idea when it was first approved 20 years ago. Disregarding the terror threat, which has increased since then, is dangerously negligent, and we will not stand by while our communities are at risk.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to pay tribute to Sergeant Theodore Travis, Sr., a man committed to duty and family, who lost his life in service to this nation. A Niagara Falls, New York native, Theodore Travis chose active-duty to support his young family after serving in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was a member of an elite team, the 101st Airborne--a Screaming Eagle and initially traveled to Fort Campbell, leaving behind his wife, high school sweetheart Cynthia, and two young sons, Theodore Jr. and Stefan. Sergeant Travis left the United States with his unit on an assignment to aid peace negotiations between Egypt and Israel. Following their mission, Sergeant Travis and his comrades boarded a plane in high spirits and with great anticipation of returning to their families for Christmas. Tragically they never made it home. On December 12th, 1985, Arrow Air Flight 1285, carrying homeward bound members of the 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, crashed in Gander, Newfoundland. On that day 248 members of the 101st Airborne Division, including Sergeant Travis, were killed in the worst air disaster in U.S. military history. This year, as we recognize the 30th anniversary of this disaster, family, friends and the community will gather at New Hope Baptist Church in Niagara Falls to remember Sergeant Travis, known to all as a ``giver.'' He gave help to his community, gave his faith to the church, gave his love to his wife and children, and gave himself in service to the military in defense of this country, in the name of peace abroad, and in hopes of giving his family a better life. So today, on behalf of a grateful nation, with a heavy heart we remember Sergeant Theodore Travis, Sr., who in selfless service to the United States of America, gave until he could give no more. Sergeant Travis, his family, and the others who lost their lives on Flight 1285 will be forever remembered for the great sacrifices they have made.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, notably absent from the tax extenders bill released this week is a provision on which 174,000 American jobs depend. The solar investment tax credit, a 30 percent credit for the installation of solar on residential and commercial properties, was implemented in 2006. The result has been an annual growth of 73 percent. That growth allowed the industry to develop panels that have soared in efficiency and plummeted in price. Solar is our fastest growing energy source and is responsible for 40 percent of all new generating capacity brought online this year. Solar employment is growing at a rate 20 times higher than the overall economy. If the solar investment tax credit is not extended, that growth will stop, demand will drop by 71 percent, and 100,000 jobs will be lost; but a 5-year extension would create 60,000 jobs and allow the industry to come to maturity. Mr. Speaker, tax legislation that does not include the solar investment tax credit is not serious about creating American jobs. I urge its inclusion.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of D. Patrick Curley, who has dedicated fifty years to the service of our Western New York community. Mr. Curley was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. After graduating from Canisius High School in 1959, where he was first team all Catholic in tennis, he moved to Boston, where he graduated with an A.B. degree in mathematics from Boston College in 1963. He then returned to Buffalo to pursue an M.S. degree from Canisius College. He was an instructor at D'Youville and Canisius Colleges, where he lectured in statistics, accounting, and business valuation techniques. Mr. Curley went on to work in banking at Marine Midland, before starting his own business consulting company, St. Lawrence Business Consultants, in 1977. He remains president of St. Lawrence Business Consultants today, specializing in training seminars, economic development projects, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, corporate valuations and ESOPs. At St. Lawrence Business Consultants, he became the Washington liaison to Moog, Inc. He has also played a role in statewide economic development, including consulting with New York State's Ownership Transition Services Program and helping to retain more than ten- thousand jobs in the state. As a thirty year management seminar leader, Mr. Curley has conducted more than one hundred seminars throughout the United States with more than 3,000 participants. He has served on the boards of several New York and international corporations, and is a member of the Industry Trade Advisory Committee (ITAC) under the auspices of the Department of Commerce. Mr. Curley was a distinguished member of the board of the New York Power Authority from 2007 to 2012. And he was elected to three terms on the Orchard Park Town Board, where he served for 12 years and was regarded as an expert in public finance. He also served as chairman of sewer district #3 and was vice chair of the Southtown Recycling Consortium. Mr. Curley has served in leadership positions for more than two dozen charitable, civic and philanthropic organizations. He founded the Orchard Park Council of the Arts and was a member of the National Board of Directors of the American Heart Association, Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, and the President's Council of D'Youville College. He served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Erie County Central Police Services, and director and chairman of the audit committee of a Western New York foundation. The Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce voted him Man of the Year, and he received multiple awards for his service to the American Heart Association. For forty-six years, Mr. Curley has been a member of the Orchard Park Volunteer Fire Company becoming a life member in 1987. During this time he attended 5,147 emergency and fire calls. An avid hockey enthusiast, he served as vice chair for the Southtowns YMCA board of managers, where he designed, financed, and built an indoor ice rink. He also founded the Southtowns Hockey Officials Association, and was a referee for 35 years. Mr. Curley is married to Carolyn G. Curley, the father of Jennifer Curley Reichert, Brendan Curley, and Shannon Curley Tower, and the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren. He is known for his colorful attire and positive attitude. He is a loyal, a proven consensus builder, cohesive team player, and a fair and effective leader. He never missed a St. Patrick's Day parade in Buffalo or New York City, or a chance to sing ``God Bless America.'' Mr. Speaker, Pat Curley is a proud American and Western New Yorker. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. D. Patrick Curley and thanking him for 50 years of commitment to his community, family, and country.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the career of D. Patrick Curley and his 50 years of service to western New York. Pat Curley was born and raised in Buffalo. After a stop at Boston College to earn a mathematics degree, he returned home and became an instructor at D'Youville and Canisius Colleges. In 1977, Pat started a consulting company where, for decades, he helped western New York businesses stay competitive in the global marketplace. Pat served on the board of the New York Power Authority and was elected to three terms on the Orchard Park Town Board. He has served in leadership positions for more than two dozen charitable organizations; and for the past 46 years, he has been a member of the Orchard Park Volunteer Fire Company, where he has responded to more than 5,000 emergency calls. Pat has had a varied career, but the common thread in his life and his work has been his love for his family and western New York. So, Pat, on behalf of a grateful community, please enjoy your well- earned retirement.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize and honor the life and legacy of Ms. Joy Wiley McDuffie, whose death on November 21st, 2015 at age 59 was a loss not only to her large and loving family and friends but to my hometown of Buffalo, New York where she was a true champion for fairness and equality in the city she loved so much. A woman of courage and conviction, Joy McDuffie will be long remembered as a highly respected and motivated community activist dedicated to social justice, fair housing and a better future for Buffalo's children. Born and raised in Buffalo, Joy was the third of twelve children. She personified her belief in the value of life-long education as she earned her associate's and bachelor's degrees and eventually received her master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Buffalo at age 50. Her work ethic was indisputable as she served as a business analyst in the private sector, and put her experience and social skills to great success as the owner and operator of ``Club Joy.'' She would later use her experience as the owner of a development company that purchased and restored homes as a GIS analyst and housing counselor with the Western New York Law Center. In this capacity, Joy McDuffie brought real data and a real commitment to ensure increased opportunities and greater access for all those wanting to own their own home. Her passion for stronger neighborhoods and no-nonsense approach to problem solving made her an ideal Chairperson for the Distressed Properties Task Force in the City of Buffalo. She was a force as, under her leadership, this committee was re-energized with a renewed focus on reducing vacant and abandoned properties in the city she fought for and helped make so much stronger.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Defense transfers a veteran's service record to the National Archives 62 years after they are discharged from the military. 100,000 archived records per year are requested--to determine eligibility for a medal, to research one's medical history, or to request a change in discharge status. The Department of Defense provides records to veterans for free, but once the records are sent to the Archives, veterans are charged $25 to $75 for a copy of their file. Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable that a veteran should have to pay the government for proof of their sacrifice and service. What is more, this fee is levied on veterans who are most likely living on a fixed income. This fee is unnecessary and inexcusable, and I ask my colleagues to support legislation that I am introducing today to eliminate it.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to honor the Zonta Club of Kenmore on the occasion of their 90th anniversary. Their service and advocacy is deserving of recognition and gratitude. Nine decades ago, several Kenmore women met with Marian DeForest; past Chairman of the Confederation of Zonta Clubs, Ellen Bixby; then Vice-President of the Zonta Club of Buffalo, and Florence Fuchs, at the home of Jessie E. Webster on LaSalle Avenue in Kenmore. The Club was formally organized on December 2, 1925 at the home of Mrs. Aurelia Opperman. On December 7, 1925 the Zonta Club of Kenmore received its charter-- Charter #38, with fifteen members. Their first weekly luncheon meeting was held on Wednesday, December 9, 1925 at the Kenmore YWCA. Since its inception, the Zonta Club of Kenmore has dedicated itself to service work and commitment to the community. In their first year of service work, the members decided to help further the education of a girl or woman in need, to provide her an opportunity to earn a living. Fundraising projects, such as Monster Theater parties at the Kenmore Theater, Annual Stunt Days, book reviews, card parties, bake sales, and rummage sales all helped to accomplish this noble objective. On April 19, 1975, the Club celebrated their 50th Anniversary at a dinner held at the Packet Inn, in Tonawanda, New York. Some of the organizations that have benefitted from the good efforts of the Zonta Club over the years are the Girl Scouts of America, The American Red Cross, Kenmore Mercy Hospital, and many more. Today, with a membership of 20 dedicated women, the motto of the Zonta Club of Kenmore is ``Small but Mighty.'' Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor and recognize the Zonta Club of Kenmore. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Zonta Club on these accomplishments and their continuous contributions to the community.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, last Friday my alma mater, South Park High School, made history as their football team, the Sparks, brought home the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Championship to Buffalo. The Sparks played in front of a crowd of 3,000 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. The team capped off a record-breaking 12-1 season by defeating Our Lady of Lourdes by a score of 49-46. The team's win was a storybook ending to a historic season. Most members of the team have been playing together since Little League, and this close-knit group became the first ever Buffalo City School to win a State championship. I stand today as a proud South Park graduate to congratulate the team, coaches, parents, and Principal Terri Schuta, my friend and classmate, for claiming the State title for Buffalo and South Park High School.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the work of the Alzheimer's Association of Western New York. There are 5.3 million Americans and their families living with Alzheimer's. That number is expected to triple by 2050. Two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women, and 200,000 are under the age of 65. In western New York, 55,000 people have Alzheimer's or a related dementia. Last year, the Alzheimer's Association of Western New York provided 10,000 service contacts for these patients and is an invaluable resource to western New York families. Alzheimer's is a disease whose cause is unknown but whose end is absolutely certain. This House must work together to increase funding for Alzheimer's research, and we must support the caregivers and volunteers who make a difference for millions of Americans and their families.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, since Congress passed the solar investment tax credit in 2005, solar installations have grown by 1,600 percent, Americans have invested $72 billion in solar, and 8,000 businesses in all 50 States have created 160,000 jobs in the solar industry. Much of this economic success story is due to the investment tax credit, which is scheduled to expire at the end of next year. If the investment tax credit expires, the solar industry could see a 71 percent decline, needlessly costing the American economy 100,000 jobs. This uncertainty is already affecting the market. Consumers need confidence in the tax policy before they decide whether to make an investment into the solar industry. I ask my colleagues to join me in urging the Ways and Means Committee to expeditiously prioritize a long- term extension of this critical, job-creating tax incentive.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize and honor Ms. Elizabeth Huckabone on her retirement after serving 39 years as President and Chief Executive Officer of Belmont Housing Resources of Western New York. Ms. Huckabone dedicated her career to improving the lives of those less fortunate in her community. Her strong commitment to ensuring access to affordable housing in the city of Buffalo as well as Erie County led to her role as one of the co-founders of Belmont Housing Resources of Western New York. Since 1977, Belmont has offered more than one hundred thousand low-income households critical rental assistance. Under Ms. Huckabone's leadership, Belmont has expanded its services over the decades to include management and development of affordable rental housing properties, as well as counsel on tenants' rights, homeownership, and mortgage default mitigation. A graduate of the State University of New York College at Buffalo, Ms. Huckabone was previously a director of the Erie County Fair Housing Partnership, National Leased Housing Association and the Elmwood Franklin School. Ms. Huckabone's dedication and determination has been recognized as a recipient of the National Association of Home Builders Property Manager Merit Award and the National Conference for Community and Justice Award. Most recently and deservedly so, this tireless champion of fair housing was awarded the 2015 LISC Buffalo Community Builder Award in recognition of her remarkable career. I am pleased to add my congratulations on her retirement and deep appreciation for her significant contributions as family, friends and colleagues gather together on November 23 to honor Elizabeth Huckabone's visionary leadership. It is anticipated that in her unassuming way, she will acknowledge Belmont's dedicated and talented staff, its inclusive culture, and the many community collaborations forged in order to increase the agency's impact on behalf of the people it serves. But for all who know her, admire her and will miss her, we simply say thank you for all you have done to help those in need to find a place to call home. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize Ms. Elizabeth Huckabone. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Ms. Huckabone for her selfless commitment to public service. Her desire to build a better future for Buffalo has uplifted countless families in need and underscores the compassion held deeply by Western New Yorkers.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize and honor Mr. Patrick Whalen as he steps down as the Chief Operating Officer of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. A driving force in Buffalo's transformation, Mr. Whalen has helped ignite the renaissance underway in Western New York. Mr. Whalen has played a crucial role in the development of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus since 2008. As COO, Mr. Whalen demonstrated a true collaborative spirit in partnering with top medical, clinical, and research institutions and with the Fruit Belt and Allentown neighborhoods, the City of Buffalo and Erie County to establish world-class healthcare facilities. His leadership and organizational abilities most recently included his role as Conference Chair at the 2015 MedTech Association conference held in Buffalo. Mr. Whalen has traveled throughout the world to deliver remarks and share his vision at professional conferences and talks. His expertise is especially welcomed by our partners to the north, where Mr. Whalen was a founding member of the Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance and his efforts were recognized with the Canadian Consulate Ambassador Award. Mr. Whalen's deep understanding of the value of a strong partnership with Canada came from decades of private sector experience and entrepreneurship including the founding of Fulfillment Systems International. As President and CEO, he pioneered the concept of consolidated cross-border shipping that transformed the international distribution industry. Mr. Whalen's commitment to Western New York goes well beyond his contributions to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and his productive relationship with Canada. Mr. Whalen consistently demonstrates his passion for serving the community through humanitarian organizations and service. He previously sat on the Board of Directors of the Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Rotary Club of Buffalo. In recognition of his dedicated service, Mr. Whalen was presented with the University at Buffalo School of Management Community Service Award. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize Mr. Patrick Whalen as his family, friends and colleagues will gather on November 18 in appreciation for all he has accomplished and to wish him continued success in future endeavors. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Whalen for his energetic passion, his grassroots and international perspective and his innovative contributions to his city and his country. His dedication to the growth and revitalization of Western New York community continue to heighten Buffalo's reputation and improve the health and well-being of all.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, Catholic Medical Partners is one of western New York's largest physician networks. In recent years, it has evolved from a negotiating entity to a national model for clinical integration. In the first year of the Shared Savings Program, Catholic was one of the best performing accountable care organizations in the country, saving Medicare more than $27 million, while delivering quality care. At the helm has been president and CEO, Dennis Horrigan. In a career spanning four decades as a mental health professional, a physician network executive, and a managed care administrator, Dennis has been focused on improving patient experience and outcomes. It is my honor to recognize Dennis Horrigan for his commitment to using information technology, evidence-based medicine, and physician coordination to improve quality care in western New York and throughout the Nation.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I joined Lackawanna Mayor Geoff Szymanski, a United States Navy veteran, to recognize Veterans Small Business Week and promote startup workshops for veterans, hosted by the Small Business Administration. Every year, more than 200,000 servicemembers transition to the civilian workforce, and our Nation must make that transition as smooth as possible, not only out of gratitude, but because our veterans are some of the most industrious and determined citizens, which gives them the ability to make an outsized contribution to our economy. That is why I support Helmets to Hardhats, which connects veterans with apprenticeships in the building and construction trades; and that is why Congress must remove the expiration dates for GI Bill education benefits so that veterans can receive the career training they earned and deserve.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, too often in Congress our debate on border security is long on political rhetoric and short on substance. Development of a substantive and thorough analysis of border security threats is essential to decisionmaking at all levels about how best to respond. This bill will help us do just that. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 455, the Northern Border Security Review Act, to help us understand and ultimately address any threats along our border with Canada. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HIGGINS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 455, the Northern Border Security Review Act, introduced by my friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko). The bill before us would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to prepare a northern border threat analysis. There has long been an intent focus on the southern border and the many challenges faced there. While this is undoubtedly justified, the northern border has often been neglected in this process. The Northern Border Security Review Act takes steps to correct this disparity by requiring an analysis of terror threats posed by individuals entering through the northern border as well as improvements needed at and between ports to prevent their entry. I was pleased that two of my amendments were adopted in committee. The first required an analysis of whether the implementation of preclearance and preinspection at additional ports of entry would enhance our security and prevent terrorists from entering the United States. A preinspection pilot at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo was conducted in early 2014 and was deemed a success. It demonstrated the potential to efficiently process cargo while also enabling Customs and Border Protection to conduct inspections and interdict threats before they reach the United States. The historic preclearance agreement reached between the United States and Canada earlier this year paved the way for implementation of permanent preinspection and preclearance at the Peace Bridge and other locations. The second amendment would require an analysis of the number of additional Customs and Border Protection officers and agents needed to properly staff the northern border. Persistent staffing shortages have resulted in wait times that discourage economic activity while also leaving us vulnerable to a number of threats. That is why I was disappointed that this language was weakened during negotiations with the Senate. Having accurate information on the number of personnel required to detect illicit activity while facilitating legitimate trade and travel is vital. It is my hope that analysis on staffing requirements is included in forthcoming legislation. H.R. 455 will help ensure that we better understand the threats facing the northern border so we can understand how best to address them. With that in mind, I urge my colleagues to support this important bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, solar energy serves the national interest in a number of ways. It is reducing our reliance on fossil fuels that are causing climate change. It is helping America to become energy independent. It is creating jobs, 3,000 of them, at or near the solar plant under construction in Buffalo, New York. Solar panels empower consumers to generate clean and affordable energy at home and to sell the extra energy that they do not use to the grid. A policy called ``net metering,'' which requires utilities to pay a fair price for this energy to the consumer, is currently in place in all but six States. It has been vital to the growth of the solar industry by providing consumers with certainty on the savings that solar will produce in their energy bill. That is why I have introduced legislation to direct the Department of Energy to conduct a study on all of the impacts of net metering. Through a comprehensive analysis, we can ensure that regulators and policymakers have the accurate information they need to make a sound decision on whether to support consumer-generated solar energy.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I recently joined my colleagues on the Great Lakes Task Force to ask the White House to support funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative next year. The Great Lakes is the world's largest system of fresh surface water. It supports 1.5 million American jobs and $62 billion in wages. In western New York, Lake Erie is the focus of an amazing transformation of Buffalo's waterfront. Keeping the lake clean for recreation and fishing is essential to sustaining that economic growth. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has also been instrumental in the next phase of Buffalo's waterfront renaissance, the Buffalo River. $30 million in funding to clean up the river has leveraged $20 million in private investment. Now the river that the Federal Government declared biologically dead in 1968 will be swimmable and fishable in 5 years. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is creating jobs and improving environmental quality in my community, and it is producing returns for the national economy. I encourage my colleagues to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding in the upcoming budget negotiations and to support the passage of the Great Lakes Restoration Act, which would authorize this program through 2020.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, last week, the Social Security Administration announced that there would be no cost of living adjustment to Social Security benefits next year. This news has seniors in western New York worried. The price of food, housing, and health care have increased. Without a corresponding increase in benefits, seniors will be asked to do more with less. The formula used to determine cost of living adjustments is not properly reflecting the senior economy. Seniors spend more on housing, food, and medical care and less on travel and education. That is why I support legislation to adopt a new formula, called the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly, that would give weight to price increases in housing and medical care and more accurately reflect the costs incurred by seniors. Unless Congress acts, the incomes of 60 million Americans will be effectively reduced. That would be bad for our economy and worse for the vulnerable Americans that we are here to protect.