Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, the United States Constitution is explicit: Bribery is an impeachable offense. Bribery involves the abuse of power, and the President of the United States abused the power of his office by soliciting a bribe of a foreign leader to interfere in an election that he was afraid he could not win honorably, fairly, or freely: You, President of Ukraine, open and announce an investigation of my political rival, and I, President of the United States, will release $391 million in military aid and give you the stature-amplifying White House meeting that you need. This is a this-for-that, something-for-something transaction. Soliciting a bribe from a foreign leader is an abuse of power and a Federal crime.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, drug prices in the United States have been rising at rates significantly faster than anywhere else in the world for the past 25 years, according to the Commonwealth Fund. Investments by the Federal Government and research form the foundation of advances in new treatments and cures. The Federal Government does all the costly basic research; the pharmaceutical industry does all the profitable distribution and marketing. Now, the Federal Government should use its considerable leverage to negotiate fair drug prices so the American people can truly benefit from their taxpayer investments. I am pleased to see the House moving forward this week with H.R. 3 that will do just that. We must create leverage whenever we can. Despite promises from President Trump last year that drugmakers would announce massive voluntary price decreases on their products, patients continue to face enormous year-over-year drug price increases on the drugs they need. In the first half of 2018, for every drug that saw a price decrease, 96 drugs saw a price increase. We also know that drug price hikes are almost never connected to any evidence of innovation and improved benefit. Why do drug companies raise the price of existing drugs? Because they can. It is imperative that we protect patients from unaffordable drug prices and unjustified price increases on those drugs.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of the City Treasurer of the City of Tonawanda, Joseph Hogenkamp, who is retiring from public service as City Treasurer later this month. Joe has many accomplishments as City Treasurer, including a commitment to modernizing his office. As I mentioned, first elected in 1987 and serving through mid-December of 2019, Joe has seen a lot of changes, both in government administration as well as in municipal finance. Working with several mayors and dozens of former aldermen and city council members, Joe's reputation was one of steady reliability and dedicated leadership to the taxpayers he served. First elected in November of 1987, Joe has served the taxpayers and residents of Tonawanda for more than 30 years. A native of the city, Joe is a 1981 graduate of Tonawanda High School, after which he earned an accounting degree at Miami University of Ohio. In addition to his elected duties, Joe has served as a board member and office for PERMA, an organization that provides workers compensation insurance coverage for municipal governments across New York State. Here at home, Joe serves on the Finance Committee for St. Francis of Assisi Church and on the Erie County Land Bank. He also serves as Treasurer of the Familial Cancer Foundation of Western New York. Above all else, Joe is a proud husband and father. Joe married his beloved wife Nikki in 1990 and they are the proud parents of daughters Eugenia and Costantina. Madam Speaker, please join me and all members of the House in congratulating the Honorable Joseph Hogenkamp upon the occasion of his retirement from elective public office and join me in extending to Joe and his entire family our best wishes for health and happiness in the years to come

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge the achievements of Professor Kasturi Rangan of the Harvard Business School on Thursday, November 21, 2019. Professor Rangan began his education by receiving a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in 1971, and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad in 1973. He then held a number of marketing positions for large corporations in India before receiving a Ph.D. in marketing from Northwestern in 1983. After receiving his Ph.D. Professor Rangan joined the faculty of the Harvard Business School in 1983 as a marketing professor. He served as the chair of the Marketing Department from 1998-2002 and is currently the chairman of the Harvard Social Enterprise Initiative. He has taught first-year core classes, second-year electives, and in the upper level Advanced Management Program for senior managers. Professor Rangan has also received multiple academic awards over the course of his career, including the 2002 Editors' Prize for the Best Scholarly Paper and the 2014 Case Centre Award in Economics, Politics and Business Environment. Along with his extensive teaching credentials, Professor Rangan has co-authored ten books and dozens of scholarly articles published in academic journals. One of his recent case studies titled ``Performance Marketing in the Digital Age'' looks at Gupta Media, a group started by Gogi Gupta who is a close friend of Professor Rangan and from Western New York. His active interest in the continual improvement of marketing and management strategies makes Professor Rangan an invaluable asset to the business community, and an individual whose impact is felt in many communities including my own. Professor Rangan has actively researched the role of marketing in nonprofit organizations, and often focuses on how this marketing impacts adoption of social products and ideas. His goal is to develop models of successful businesses that bring value to the lowest income earners in our modern economy. Specifically, he is attempting to address the needs and wants of the 4.2 billion individuals worldwide who live on less than $5 a day. This research should be commended for its value in uplifting the most vulnerable members of our society. Madam Speaker, I take this time to recognize the achievements and contributions of Professor Kasturi Rangan. We extend our best wishes as he continues to lead the business community in marketing research and developing solutions for economically disadvantaged individuals.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge the success of Gupta Media and Mr. Gogi Gupta's commitment to the Western New York Community on Thursday, November 21, 2019. Gupta Media is a digital marketing agency that specializes in media buying, creative design, and technology solutions. Since their founding in 2005 by Gogi Gupta they have consistently been on the forefront of maximizing advertising effectiveness for clients in multiple industries. Currently, Gupta Media represents a number of music artists signed to both large and small record labels, including artists who have performed and been nominated during the Grammy awards show in past years. This October Gupta Media was included as a case study within the Harvard Business Review, where it was recognized as having a successful business model which optimizes its clients marketing dollars with a high degree of performance. During his youth Mr. Gupta spent some of his time in Pittsburgh before finishing high school in Hamburg, NY, a suburb of Buffalo, NY. He attended Frontier High School before being accepted to Cornell University, where he graduated in 2000 with a degree in public policy. He founded Gupta Media in 2005 after deciding to take his marketing career into his own hands. The companies first major success came when they helped the music duo Aly & AJ reach the top of MTV's ``Total Request Live'' charts. Since then, Gupta Media has only grown in stature and now proudly employs more than 50 people. Following this success Mr. Gupta did not stop, going on to create the automated and publicly available product smartURL in 2011. Built to redirect online users to specific internet destinations based on the country they are accessing the site from, smartURL has been used by professional athletes, multinational corporations, and celebrities, and is another example of the intelligent innovation Mr. Gupta has fostered. While Mr. Gupta currently lives in Boston, MA, where he manages Gupta Media, he has remained connected to his hometown of Buffalo, NY. He has adopted fandom for the local MLB team, the Boston Red Sox, but is still loyal to his hometown Buffalo Bills and Sabers. Mr. Gogi Gupta is emblematic of the hard work and dedication that the Western New York community thrives on, and I am proud that Mr. Gupta finds his roots in Buffalo. Madam Speaker, I am certain that Mr. Gupta will continue to be at the forefront of change and foster innovation and creativity. We extend our best wishes to him and Gupta Media as they continue to lead this industry into the future.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, November 21 is recognized as World Pancreatic Cancer Day, a time to raise awareness and inspire action in the fight against this devastating diagnosis which touches too many families. It is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, with a 5-year survival rate of just 9 percent. More than 1,000 new cases are diagnosed around the world every day, and it is estimated that pancreatic cancer will be responsible for 3,000 deaths in New York State this year alone. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its western New York affiliate have made it their goal to double pancreatic cancer survival. As co-chair of the House Cancer Caucus, I am proud to advocate for robust funding for cancer research to put goals like this within reach. Recently, researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center announced promising findings on treatments aimed at overcoming pancreatic cancer's resistance to treatment, but continued funding on projects like this is critical to saving lives. The need to increase pancreatic cancer survival rates is urgent, and it must be America's goal.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, last weekend, a train derailed in Niagara Falls, New York, tossing several cars filled with butane on their side within yards of neighborhoods, residences, and local restaurants. The Niagara Falls Fire Department and Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station responded quickly and, fortunately, this time, the emergency didn't rise to the level of placing the community in great danger. According to the United States Department of Transportation, over 1,300 train derailments took place in 2018 alone, leaving no doubt that situations like this will occur again. That is why I have introduced, along with Congresswoman Herrera Beutler, the Fire Department Proper Response and Equipment Prioritization Act. This bipartisan legislation ensures that our brave first responders have access to Federal grants that support the specialized training and equipment necessary to respond to rail-based incidents, making the safety of our communities a priority.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our everyday heroes--police and fire personnel--who sign up to rush into dangerous situations most people would run from. Today I want to take this opportunity to commend the outstanding members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department and the New York State Park Police. Last week, a man was discovered in the fierce and frigid rapids of the Niagara River. Without hesitation, the Niagara Falls firefighters and New York State Park Police took quick action, entering the water just yards away from the brink of Niagara Falls and, under the most dangerous of circumstances, completed a successful rescue. We are grateful for the brave and selfless service of these first responders and others across my community and this Nation who risk their own safety and save the lives of others.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge the installation of Dr. Matthew Giordano as the Fourth President of Villa Maria College on Friday, November 15, 2019. Villa Maria College is a private, co-educational, Catholic college providing the support and resources needed to give students the opportunity to learn and grow with a culturally diverse population that lives its ideals of truth, charity, and unity. Dr. Matthew Giordano, the first male, lay-person president in the college's history, assumed the role of interim president in July 2018 following the retirement of Sister Marcella Marie Garus, Villa's legendary forty-year leader. Since that time, the College launched three new academic programs including flexible business, game design and software development proactively responding to heightened employment opportunities in these growth industries. Scholarship eSports has also found a home at Villa Maria College. This visionary leader is not only responding to the marketplace of today but ensuring the college's future growth as he and his team are creating a new strategic plan, introduced new models of governance and is developing strong connections between the Villa Maria family of students, faculty and staff. Prior to his selection, Giordano served at vice president for academic affairs from 2012 to 2018. During that time, he played a pivotal role in planning and implementing the college's creative blueprint resulting in major enrollment growth and increased retention, launching new academic programs, including an honors program, and helping to secure grant funding in support of student success, including a $1.8 million Title III grant. Dr. Giordano brought his passion for teaching English and gift for student engagement to Villa in 2005 and became chairperson of the liberal arts department in 2009. It is especially noteworthy that while he is working within the beautiful, stately walls of the Villa Campus, Dr. Giordano understands that the college is strengthened when the surrounding neighborhoods are strengthened. An anchor institution and community asset linking the borders of the city of Buffalo and the town of Cheektowaga, Villa's new president is committed to open dialogue with local leaders and elected officials to develop partnerships and initiate collaborative relationships in support of its students and neighbors. Dr. Giordano has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Philosophy from Binghamton University and both a Master of Arts and doctorate degree in American Literature from the Ohio State University. He successfully completed the Executive Leadership Academy of the Council of Independent Colleges and the Felician Leadership Institute this past year. He follows in the footsteps of true Felician leaders as Villa Maria College was founded in 1960 by Mother Mary Annette Guzowski and the Felician Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province. Through extensions of charters, National and State Accreditations and significant program expansions offering real world experiences, Villa Maria College at almost sixty years of service remains a vital center of educational energy as it embraces the academic, social and careers goals of its students. Madam Speaker, I take this time to congratulate Dr. Matthew Giordano on his installation as President of Villa Maria College. This new era in the college's history will begin with a true celebration witnessed by his wife, Jennifer Desiderio, their three daughters and the extended Villa Maria Community. We extend our best wishes for continued success as he leads this unique institution of higher education into the future.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Eugene P. Vukelic, a business leader who has devoted his life to service, giving back again and again to the people of Western New York. Gene joined the United States Marine Corps in September of 1955 and served active duty with the United States Marine Corps 3rd Marine Division. He was stationed in Japan, rose to the rank of Corporal, and continued his military service until his discharge in April of 1963. Following his military service, Gene became president of Try-It Distributing Co., Inc. in 1960, when he took over the company from his father, Stephen. The company originated as a small beer distributor with 12 stakeholders in the late 1920s, and today has over 625 stakeholders and serves Western New York clients from a state-of-the- art sales and service center in Lancaster, New York. Try-It Distributing is the exclusive Western New York distributor of Budweiser beer and related Anheuser-Busch products, and now includes subsidiaries Balkan Beverage and Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service. Try-It is the largest distributor of Labatt products worldwide. Gene has now been with Try-It for more than six decades. Gene and his wife Carole Rose were married in 1958, and are parents to eight children, including six sons: Gregory (who passed away in 1981), Paul, Tim, Matt, Jeff and Peter; and two daughters Mary Ellen Sullivan and Suzanne Mahoney. Four sons work for Try-It, continuing the company's family legacy that has now spanned three generations. Gene's focus has always been to give back to our community. He has contributed an extensive amount of volunteer leadership over the course of his career. Not-for-profit agencies, institutions and charities including Muscular Dystrophy Association, Nardin Academy, Canisius College, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Our Lady of Victory Services, in addition to Father Baker Charities have all benefited from Gene's generosity. Gene is the recipient of numerous professional and civic awards and recognitions for his leadership of Try-It and his civic endeavors. Gene was awarded the Caritas Award from the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation in 2003, recognized as Humanitarian of the Year from Hope of Tomorrow in 2008, and was the recipient of the Buffalo Niagara Business Ethics Award in 2018. In 2019, Gene was inducted into the Buffalo Business Hall of Fame. Gene has also served as president of several local organizations, including Mercy Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees and the Buffalo Executives Association. Madam Speaker, I recognize an honorable military veteran and a pillar of our community, Eugene P. Vukelic, and I hope that you and our colleagues will join in honoring Gene for his lifetime of service to the people of Western New York.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of city of Niagara Falls mayor, Paul Dyster, as he prepares to step down from public office. Mayor Dyster has served his community with dignity and consistently strived to revitalize Niagara falls. He leaves behind an outstanding legacy of progress and growth in his community. Mayor Dyster began his political career in 2000, when he was elected to the Niagara Falls City Council and served for three years. In 2006, the Niagara Gazette named Paul Dyster ``Citizen of the Year.'' That same year the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center granted him the ``Good Neighbor Award.'' Mayor Dyster has often taken his leadership outside of politics as a youth mentor, serving as scoutmaster of Boy Scouts of America Troop 801 and Whirlpool Little League basketball coach for a season. In 2017, Mayor Dyster won the hotly contested mayoral race and was subsequently re-elected in 2011 and 2015. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Mayor Dyster throughout his three terms in office as he made great advancements to the City of Niagara Falls and contributed to the revitalization of the city. He saw to the completion of a new courthouse and public safety building, as well as a new Amtrak train station. He restored the historic customhouse in Niagara Falls and began the destruction of the Niagara Falls Scenic Parkway to begin development of New Niagara Gorge State Park. All these accomplishments made Niagara Falls a more desirable destination for visitors and for residents. Mayor Dyster strives to better the world outside of his mayoral duties and will continue to do so after his term is over. Environmental causes are near to his heart which is evidenced by his roles as Board Emeritus for Buffalo-Niagara Riverkeeper, spokesman for the Niagara River Environmental Coalition, and as a founding member of the Niagara Waterfront Revitalization Task force. Mayor Dyster is, in his own words, a servant leader who has always promoted the revitalization and preservation of his community. His work always emphasizes community activism, restoration, and conservation. In his time away from public office, he will be able to focus on his other passions, home brewing and fishing, and quality time with his wife Rebecca and sons, Ian and Bert. I have no doubt that he will remain dedicated to serving his community in other roles. As he steps down from the office he has occupied for over a decade, he leaves big shoes to fill.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the House approval of the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act legislation led by Chairman Charlie Crist, of which I am a proud cosponsor, directing grants, training, and assistance for communities to establish and operate veteran treatment courts. In 2008, Buffalo City Court Judge Robert Russell established the very first veteran treatment court in the Nation. Today, there are over 400 such courts. These specialized courts provide veterans, many battling substance abuse or post-traumatic stress disorder, with a tactical path to avoid jail and take command of their future. At their side are fellow veterans, also known as battle buddies, who serve as volunteer mentors, as well as judges and professional staff who can connect these warriors with VA benefits. Support for veteran treatment courts allows the Nation to give veterans what they have given us: freedom and peace.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, this Saturday, October 26, early voting begins in New York State for the first time, expanding the window for voters to select their government representatives. This country has long upheld its protection of free and fair elections, keeping the power and decisionmaking where it should be: with, and only with, the American people. Foreign interference in our elections is real, and its existence is threatening the legitimacy of our elections, national security, and the democracy this Nation was founded on. Today the House will vote on the SHIELD Act, adding further transparency in campaigns, stiffer penalties for voter deception, and further restrictions against foreign interference, including making campaigns mandatory reporters if there is any offer of foreign assistance in those campaigns. Madam Speaker, I urge others to join me in voting to protect the vote of the American people.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary career of Dr. Michael Caligiuri who has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine's Class of 2018, one of the single highest honors in the field of medicine and healthcare. Dr. Caligiuri spent his formative years in Kenmore, New York, where he attended St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute. He then enrolled at the University at Buffalo to earn his undergraduate degree, and subsequently attended Stanford College for Medical School where he obtained his M.D. Dr. Caligiuri utilized his education to the best of his ability to become a leader in his profession. He served as the CEO of The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, and he also directed The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center for fourteen years. In addition, he is the Immediate Past President of the American Association for Cancer Research, of which he was recently named a fellow. Dr. Caligiuri has served as chairperson, or in other advisory capacities, for countless research organizations in addition to conducting several of his own research protocols. His groundbreaking research focused on the development and activation of human natural killer cells and their modulation to help treat diseases like leukemia and brain cancer. Since these discoveries, over one thousand patients with cancer have been treated with clinical protocols that were conceived in Dr. Caligiuri's laboratory. In 2018, Dr. Caligiuri was named the President of the City of Hope in Los Angeles, a leading cancer research and treatment center. He conducted rigorous research and combined that with an inclusive leadership style to connect other healthcare institutions together in order to ensure the highest quality patient experience and care. Dr. Caligiuri's breakthrough discoveries in NK leukemia and cutaneous T cell lymphoma has helped get him elected to the National Academy of Medicine, which according to The New York Times is, ``the United States' most esteemed and authoritative adviser on issues of health and medicine, and its reports can transform medical thinking around the world''. The incredible distinction of election to the National Academy of Medicine has only been awarded to just over two thousand medical experts since 1970. Members are elected based on their professional achievement and commitment to service, and they do their selfless and consequential work without any compensation. No more than eighty members are elected annually. This speaks to Dr. Caligiuri's passion for healthcare, commitment to community service, and his overall talent as a medical professional. Complimenting the extraordinary accomplishments achieved during his career, Dr. Caligiuri is also a loving husband and a devoted father of three children. Today we recognize Dr. Michael Caligiuri for becoming an innovative and influential leader both in the United States and around the world in not only engaging in exemplary research and treatment practices, but also advocating for the many people whose lives have been affected by the devastating reality of cancer.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Marie Edith Mustillo, a woman of strength, honor and good humor, on her 90th Birthday. Born on October 5, 1929 to John and Rose Perrello, Sicilian immigrants whose American dream was realized as they settled in Buffalo. The third of five children, Marie and her siblings grew up on Myrtle Avenue in Buffalo. She attended Public School 6 Grammar School and went on to the Girls Vocational High School. Cultural stigmas posed no threat to Marie Perrello as she studied business and took a position at Allstate Trucking where she wrote up manifests for the drivers. While employed there, it was not uncommon for a man to tell her that because she was a woman, she was in the wrong job. Marie proved it was those men who were wrong. She then took her professional skills to W.H. Edgar and Son, a sugar company at the Clinton Market where she worked as a secretary. Marie moved from the market to a doctor's office as she became a trusted podiatry assistant for almost thirty years at the office of Dr. Herbert Shulefand. As if out of a movie script, this lively, lovely young woman met the love of her life, Louis Mustillo, Sr., on New Year's Eve in 1950. Three years later they married. Always close to her family, married life would not change that as the happy couple lived upstairs from her parents before moving to Mineral Spring Road in 1956 because her grandmother lived on Hayden, the next street over. The Mustillo's finally planted their roots on Edgewood Avenue, in a home where Marie still lives today. At their new South Buffalo home, Marie and Louis, who would become known as Buffalo's most respected professional bartender, raised three beautiful children together: Concetta (Michael Myers), Louis Jr. (Tricia Brown), and Lisa (Mark Vary). Their children's careers in health care, the entertainment industry and social work continue to make a positive impact in the lives of others. The Mustillo home, like others on Edgewood Avenue, became a gathering place for the families, children and many friends who found an open door, a warm welcome, an invite for dinner and when needed, a look that meant someone would be sent home for misbehaving. A few years ago, there was even a widely attended Edgewood Avenue reunion where neighbors of all generations, present and past, spent the evening reminiscing about the block parties, life-long friendships, shared celebrations and heartache that made Edgewood a very special place to raise a family. And, Marie and Louis resided in the heart of that street and personified the values of family, faith, friendship, hard work, giving back to one's community, pursuing your dreams, loyalty and love of country that they instilled in their children and grandchildren, Michael, Lisa and Concetta Marie. In true Marie Mustillo style, she soldiered on after the loss of her beloved husband in 1998 even comforting a neighbor getting married that day. Now the undisputed matriarch of the Mustillo clan, she is held in high regard by those who know her and love her and those she loves so well. Her passion for gardening reflects her love of nature, the pride she takes in doing her own planting and then seeing her work come to life as she curates one of the most glorious presentations in the neighborhood. Its inclusion in the South Buffalo Garden Walk makes her home a true destination for residents and visitors alike. You are truly blessed, as I am, to be the recipient of one her aprons as one of Marie's favorite pastimes is sewing. Her handmade aprons have made appearances on national television programs including Mike and Molly, which starred her son Louis Jr. and are permanent fixtures in the wardrobe department at Warner Brothers Studios. These aprons have been gifted to New York State Governor Cuomo as well as several Parisian cafes. A longtime, active parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) Church, it is appropriate that the color representing 90 years is purple, the same color highlighting so many STA banners over the years. Purple represents wisdom, dignity, independence and creativity; all innate qualities found in the fiber and fabric of Marie Mustillo. Madam Speaker, I thank you for this time to acknowledge Marie Edith Perrello Mustillo who for 90 years has graced the lives of her family she loves and the friends she cherishes as she built relationships that have lasted a lifetime. We send congratulations and best wishes for continued health and happiness as this beloved wife, devoted mother, caring grandparent, generous friend, honorary Edgewood Eagle and South Buffalo Legend will be celebrated at Chef's Restaurant on the date of her birth, October 5.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge with gratitude and admiration the Centennial Anniversary of the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo, which since its establishment in 1919 has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in Western New York. Throughout the decades, visionary leadership, dedicated staff and giving donors have built on this Foundation's century of commitment to connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives throughout our region. For 100 years, the Community Foundation's proven record of accountability, sustainability and transparency has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Foundation's care. Currently, the stated goals of the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo are to improve educational achievement and workforce readiness for low-income residents, increase racial equity, protect and restore significant environmental resources and promote equitable access, and strengthen the region as a center for architecture, arts and culture. This stalwart organization for local philanthropy proposes, plans, implements and supports many impactful collaborative initiatives. These include Say Yes Buffalo, working to remove barriers preventing Buffalo students from achieving academic success and Read to Succeed, helping children reach their highest potential and awards over two million dollars in annual scholarships to students in the area. Insistent on results-oriented outcomes that improves the health outcomes for families and neighborhoods remains a primary focus of this Foundation's award winning Green and Healthy Homes Initiative and the Wipe Out Lead program. Racial equity is one of the primary community goals of the Community Foundation believing that we must ensure all members of our region can fulfill their highest potential. Through active support of the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable which includes more than 210 partners working together in different capacities to advance racial and ethnic equity and accelerate shared regional prosperity. Preserving and protecting the heritage of the Michigan Street Baptist Church, Buffalo's oldest African American church remains the life work of the Buffalo Freedom Station Coalition. Capacity building provided by the Community Foundation has helped enhance the efforts of this all- volunteer group dedicated to commemorating and deepening the understanding of the historical role Buffalo residents played in the civil rights and abolitionist movements. Twenty percent of the world's freshwater runs through our region and the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo is playing a critical role in preserving and restoring Western New York's environmental resources. Convened by the Community Foundation, the Western New York Environmental Alliance, is now an independent, member-run coalition of more than 80 organizations working to protect and steward our natural assets. Our proximity to two Great Lakes and a series of rivers, creeks and streams is highly valued by the Community Foundation as they team with other similar foundations to form the Great Lakes One Water Partnership to advance a new era of water management to benefit people and businesses in the Great Lakes Basin. Cleaner water, remediated land and greener public parks help to foster stronger communal bonds and as such, it is imperative that it is truly accessible to all in our community, region and beyond our borders. The Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo proudly extols and celebrates the rich history of architecture, arts and culture that makes Western New York home to the work and legacy of such legends as Louise Bethune, Joseph Dart, Frank Lloyd Wright, H.H. Richardson, Frederick Law Olmsted and Louis Sullivan. Recognizing the value of preservation, performance and visitor experiences delivered with authenticity and creative energy, the Community Foundation continues to invest in organizations that strengthen these sectors. Their understanding of the significant economic impact of such inspirational and unique treasures has led to more than doubling their investment in just the last five years. Arts and culture are alive, thriving and attracting international recognition and adding to our quality of life thanks to such sustained support. It is in making that connection between the past and present that the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo has chosen the Kleinhans Music Hall as the venue for ``The Centennials'' celebration on Tuesday, September 24. Edward and Mary Seaton Kleinhans left a gift in 1934 directing the Foundation to build ``a suitable music hall for the people of Buffalo.'' The Foundation ensured their vision was realized and now, 80 years later, their gift continues to provide a home for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, world-class performances and personal milestones. Looking to the future, this celebration will award one million dollars in honor of 12 local change makers who have made a difference in the lives of Western New Yorkers through a community-wide nomination process. As stated by the Foundation's current President and CEO Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, ``The Centennials will celebrate everything we stand for as an organiztion--focused forward.'' Again, I wish to acknowledge, congratulate and praise the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo on their Hundred Years of extraordinary generosity, impressive accomplishments and collaborative engagement that has improved lives and continues to drive positive change throughout Western New York. Their celebration is well-deserved, and we stand ready to work with them as the next century of opportunity and growth begins for The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible career and military service of Dr. Hector Nava. His story is like that of the millions of immigrants who came to America with a desire to seek a better future for themselves, and in doing so, making our nation a better place. Upon earning his medical degree in 1967 in Mexico, Dr. Nava immigrated to the United States for training. Dr. Nava took an atypical route into the field of healthcare when he volunteered his medical expertise to the United States Army. He spent a year as a General Medical Officer in El Paso, Texas and from there he dedicated another year of his career as a Captain Battalion Surgeon in the 23rd Medical Battalion in Vietnam. For this commendable work saving the lives of American soldiers in combat, Dr. Nava earned the Bronze Star. After leaving Vietnam, Dr. Nava continued to save the lives of others. He ventured to Western New York and spent four more years as a General Medical Officer at General Hospital in Niagara Falls while simultaneously pursuing his residency at Buffalo General Hospital. Once his residency was completed, he was employed by Roswell Park Cancer Institute as a Cancer Research Surgeon and Endoscopist, where he would spend the rest ofhis career. While working at Roswell Park, Dr. Nava secured seven federal research grants, and conducted lectures around the world, from Egypt to Batavia. In academia, it is argued that the quality one's of research is reflected in how frequently it has been published and used by other researchers. Dr. Nava's research has been published in over one-hundred journals, has been used in seven different books, and has been referenced hundreds of times by other researchers in the field. Throughout his career he has received many awards including the Research Surgeon Award, the Hispanic American Hall of Fame--Field of Medicine, ranked in the top 100 of WNY's top doctors by Buffalo Spree Magazine, a Surgical Oncology Fellows Apple Teaching Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Nava also invented a treatment for Barrett's Esophagus, a condition that can lead to cancer of the esophagus. Madam Speaker, I recognize Dr. Hector Nava. From teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at local universities on surgical oncology and gastroenterology, to working and partnering with other WNY hospitals, and participating in local service events like the Mexican Musical Performance, Dr. Nava has made his mark on our community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize SFC John ``Doc'' Anthony Acevedo, U.S. Army (Ret.), a highly decorated Hispanic American Veteran from Buffalo, NY. John Anthony Acevedo was born to Mary and Jorge Acevedo in 1969 and grew up on Swan Street in downtown Buffalo. His father was from Hormigueros, Puerto Rico, and his mother was a Buffalo native who grew up in Buffalo. John attended grammar school at St. Columba Catholic School, then Buffalo Public School No. 6 Academic Challenge Center, and Emerson Vocational High School in Buffalo. Following graduation, he worked as a security guard at the Larkin building. On March 7, 1989 John Acevedo made the decision to enlist into the Army as a medic. The basis for this decision was two-fold. He had a remarkable gift for putting others at ease, which he discovered during his time as an altar boy at St. Columba Catholic School. He felt that this would make him a great medic. Secondly, he was inspired by his family's rich history of military service. John's uncles Rafael Rodriguez and Augustine Olivencia served in the highly decorated 65th Infantry Regiment ``Borinqueneers''. Rafael served in the Korean War and Augustine served during World War II. As an effort to give recognition to these trailblazers the recognition they deserve I cosponsored a bill in 2016 to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the ``Borinqueneers''. John's other uncle Joseph Pieracci also served in the Army during the Korean War. John's grandfather, Anthony Grasso, also served as a medic in WWII. John's cousin Wilmer Olivencia received a Purple Heart, which I had the honor of presenting him with in 2015 at the Grease Pole festival, for wounds sustained while serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, a war in which John's uncle, Tony Grasso, also served with the 1st Calvary. John's cousin Louis Rodriguez, Rafael's son, served in Vietnam and is currently retired from the U.S. Army and is now living outside of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. John's nephew Michael Kerr is currently a member of the Reserves after serving in the U.S. Air force. After joining the Army, John was assigned as a medic with the 299th Engineer Battalion upon completion of his basic training at Fort Knox Kentucky and his medical training in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. John Acevedo rose through the ranks and eventually became a Sergeant First Class and earned the nickname ``Doc'' because he oversaw 120 other medics. Sergeant First Class John Acevedo served nearly 5\1/ 2\ years overseas in a combat zone. He served 5 tours of duty in Egypt, Afghanistan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. During his lengthy military career, John served in the same Task Force as Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia, while in the 2nd Brigade Combat, 2nd Infantry Division. They were part of the Fall of Fallujah, a critical turning point in the war in Iraq. He also was selected by Command Sergeant Major of the 10th Mountain Division to be an escort for former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and his Commander picked him to escort Oliver North. John also escorted several entertainers such as those from World Wrestling Entertainment owned by Vincent McMahon. Today we recognize John Acevedo for his 26 years of military service earning him a total of 28 medals and ribbons including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal (2nd Award), and the prestigious Combat Medical Badge. His highest award, the Bronze Star Medal, was for actions he took as a medic in Iraqi Freedom. While he was assigned as the Brigade Sergeants NCO they came under fire. When he heard a blast in the distance, he grabbed his gear and medic bag and ran toward the explosion. He simultaneously searched for casualties and participated in the counter attack. In doing so, he put his own life in jeopardy to prevent further casualties, while saving as many of his fellow soldiers as possible who were injured while fighting off the enemy. These awards embody the Staff Sergeant's unparalleled talent, unwavering courage, and insurmountable willpower in advancing American interests in places of violent conflict. After serving our country for over 26 years, Sergeant First Class John Acevedo officially retired from the Army on March 31, 2015. John's father once told him that when he was on the battlefield, he is an American, but he should never forget his roots as a Hispanic American. John returned to his family and friends in Buffalo and went on to further serve his community, this time much closer to home. He is currently employed on a nursing team at the VA Hospital in Buffalo. He is also very active with veteran organizations throughout our community. He is an Alumni of the Wounded Warrior Project. He is also a member of the Ft. Drum Retiree Council and a life member of the Association of the United States Army. John Anthony Acevedo has 4 children John Jr., Jorge, Deborah and Ana Maria and two grandchildren Arayna and Lyric. Several of John's family members are currently serving, continuing his family's proud legacy of military service. John's daughter Deborah is joining the US Air Force and his nephew Michael Kerr served in the Air Force and is currently in the Reserves. John's cousin Pedro Pabon currently serves in the Army Reserves. Today we recognize John Acevedo, as a true patriot who dedicated his life to serving our country, serving our community. John is a great example of the dedication that Hispanic Americans have for their country and their community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, this week, the Committee on Ways and Means released a report highlighting the disparities between the cost of prescription drugs in the United States and other developed nations. This report found that on average, drug prices in the United States were nearly four times higher than prices in similar countries. The sky-high cost of prescription drugs affects all of our communities, and too many Americans cannot afford the medications they need. The Medicare Program alone last year spent $135 for prescription drugs. It is a lot of money, but it is also a lot of leverage, a lot of leverage that should be used to negotiate lower drug prices for Medicare and for the American people. Negotiated drug pricing should be enacted now.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, with each passing day, we see an erosion of this country's ideals by a President who freely sidesteps Congress, profits off his position, obstructs justice, and places personal petty politics before national security. The validity of these violations is not in question. They are happening before us. The Intelligence inspector general, who was appointed by President Trump, said that the whistleblower complaint is of both urgent concern and credible, and its public release is the National Intelligence director's obligation to the American people. An impeachment inquiry is necessary to protect the values included in our Constitution and to deliver the truth Americans deserve.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that, by 2025, the cost of addressing America's infrastructure needs will reach $4.6 trillion. With Federal transportation funded at $305 billion this year, we aren't even coming close. With each day that passes, the need grows. Safety is threatened; opportunity is lost; and the cost of getting the job done only increases. According to the Federal highway data, in the Buffalo Niagara region alone, 1 out of every 13 bridges is structurally deficient. Our roads are crumbling; our water infrastructure is breaking; and our transit systems are inadequate and outdated. The situation couldn't be more urgent, and the opportunity couldn't be more obvious. Numerous economic reports indicate investment in infrastructure delivers real jobs and real growth in the American economy. It is time to deliver on the substantial investment in infrastructure. There is a great deal of work to be done, and there are Americans prepared to do that work.