Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of our dear friend Michael McCabe. An active member of our community and a proud South Buffalonian, Mike passed away in November of 2012 after a hard-fought battle with brain cancer. To honor Mike's memory, Today's Rowin', Growin' and Throwin' 5k will benefit Carly's Club and cancer research. Born and raised in South Buffalo, Michael graduated from Bishop Timon High School and the University at Buffalo. Mike lived in South Buffalo for his entire life, demonstrating his deep pride through his honorable community service. He was the longtime commissioner of the St. Martin's Athletic Club, and a member of the Erie County Democratic Committee. Professionally, Mike served as a teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools for thirty-seven years. Day in and day out, he dedicated his boundless energy and talents to his students. After school hours, Mike was an avid sailor. His boat, The Irish Wake, was a fixture in the RCR Marina in downtown Buffalo. In September 2011, Michael was diagnosed with brain cancer. While he and his family faced this unfathomable tragedy, Mike remained upbeat and positive. Just one year later, Mike lost his battle with cancer. Mike's spirit of goodwill and passion for public service lives on through his family. He loved and cherished his wife, Maureen, their four sons, Michael, Sean, Chris, and Bret, daughter Mollie, and eight grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor the life and legacy of Mike McCabe and his energy and passion for our community. I am proud to continue the fight for funding for cancer research, to improve the quality of care for those affected by cancer, and ultimately, to find a cure.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize National Health Center Week and the Community Health Center of Buffalo. National Health Center Week was started by the National Association of Community Health Centers nearly 30 years ago to raise awareness about the noble mission and incredible accomplishments of America's Community Health Centers. Health Centers strive to provide local solutions for affordable and accessible health care. In recognition of their mission, the theme of this year's National Health Center Week is ``Celebrating America's Health Centers: Transforming Health Care in Our Local Communities". Community Health Centers provide their services to all who need it, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. For over 45 years, these Health Centers have been ranked among the highest quality and cost effective care providers in the nation. Today, America's Health Centers serve over 22 million people at more than 8,200 delivery sites spread far and wide across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories. Established in 1999, the Community Health Center of Buffalo has been one of the leading health care providers in our region, providing a safety net to the uninsured and under insured. As a provider of comprehensive primary care services in medicine and dentistry, their services are essential to ensure Western New Yorkers receive quality health care. Their mission is to provide quality, culturally sensitive, preventive and primary healthcare to the underserved of our community through state of the art clinical and business practices, while promoting a teaching environment and empowering patients in order to reduce health disparities. In addition to their main location, the Community Health Center has a satellite location in Niagara Falls, which is the first Federally Qualified Community Health Center in Niagara Falls. The center offers a number of medical care services for the entire family. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the honorable mission of our nation's Community Health Centers, and the inspiring work they do to promote public health here in Western New York.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Rosemarie Dietschler as she prepares to celebrate her 100th birthday on September 18th, 2013. Born in Buffalo, New York, Rosemarie has spent most of her life in Buffalo and Tonawanda. On January 25th, 1941, she married the love of her life, her husband Edwin. Rosemarie and Edwin shared many adventures. During their courtship, the two enjoyed traveling to West Valley in Edwin's car, yet the only way up the Springville breakers was to physically push the car from behind. A hard worker, Rosemarie held a variety of jobs during her career. In addition to her work as a secretary, she worked at Kobackers, the iconic Mom and Pop grocery store on North Main Street in Brewster, New York, as well as at Hens and Kelly, the chain of department stores based right in Buffalo. Rosemarie's generosity is unparalleled. A devoted parent, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her hobbies include crocheting baby sweaters and blankets. She made many special outfits for the children in her life, and was involved in the Kenmore Mercy Sewing Guild for many years. Rosemarie is admirably dedicated to her family. She and her husband have three children, Dianne Burns, Donna Veiga, and Denise Locsei. She is close with her grandchildren and their spouses, Daniel and Lisa Burns, Anthony and Shannon Haeick, Justin and Bethany Locsei, Megan Burns Moran, and Morgan Locsei. Rosemarie has the honor of being a great-grandmother, and loves her great-grandchildren, Maggie Burns, Brian Burns, and Evan Haeick, dearly. Homemaking has consistently been at the center of Rosemarie's life, as evidenced by the love and support she displays for all of her family as well as her close friends. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to celebrate Rosemarie Dietschler's 100th birthday, her generous spirit, and her boundless love for her family and friends. Thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the legacy of this outstanding woman. I wish Rosemarie and her family all the best for their many years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Russell Salvatore as the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce recognizes him as their 2013 Citizen of the Year. Russ's professional and civic activities demonstrate his commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals and a positive impact in his community. Beginning as a young boy working for his father, Russ exemplifies the American ideals of hard work and determination. In 1967, Russ found a small hot dog stand for sale on Transit Road. He purchased the stand and served as the cook, dishwasher, and waiter himself. Eventually, he expanded the modest establishment into the landmark that is now Salvatore's Italian Gardens. In 1995, a fire destroyed Salvatore's Italian Gardens. Although Russ's next project, a hotel, was already underway, Russ refocused the efforts of the construction crews from the hotel project to rebuilding the restaurant. Once the restaurant was back in business, he hosted a dinner for all the volunteer firemen who helped save his Salvatore's Italian Gardens. Work soon resumed at the Garden Place Hotel. The finished product is a beautiful one hundred and sixty-six room facility complete with a courtyard, fitness room, meeting rooms and twenty-five luxurious suites. In 2006, Trocaire College met with Russ to discuss their plan to build a satellite campus in the suburbs to bolster a struggling hospitality program. Enthusiastic about the project, Russ partnered with Trocaire to open the Russell J. Salvatore School of Hospitality at Trocaire to the Sisters of Mercy in 2008. Russ's great vision and drive led him to open another restaurant adjacent to Salvatore's Grand Hotel, Russell's Steaks, Chops, and More. The restaurant and hotel have received numerous honors and awards since their opening. Russ is known for greeting his customers himself, providing a personal touch and top notch service. Russ's latest endeavor is his new cooking show ``Come Dine With Me,'' which showcases local chefs and restaurants. A dedicated philanthropist, one of Russ's proudest accomplishments was the creation of the ``Patriots to Heroes Park.'' Located on Transit Road, the park is home to memorials of 9/11 and Flight 3407, tragedies that deeply affected Western New Yorkers. Russ is a generous supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Variety Club of Buffalo, Juvenile Diabetes of Buffalo, Heritage House, Women's and Children's Hospital, the Italian American Federation and the local school districts of Lancaster, Williamsville, Amherst and Clarence. Through the Russell J. Salvatore Foundation, he supports Kids Escaping Drugs, the Make A Wish Program, the Food Bank of Western New York and Meals on Wheels Organization. His annual ``Ham-a-Lot'' event fed almost 1,000 families this past Easter. In 2012, Russ worked with Olmstead Conservatory to honor fallen heroes of the War of 1812 by funding the replacement of two marker willow trees in Delaware Park. During Erie County Medical Center's drive to improve patient relations, he donated new television sets for the entire hospital, which included an agreement that no patient should have to pay for television service again. This past year, he bought out the remaining tickets to a Buffalo Bills game to avoid a local blackout. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the great works of Russ Salvatore. His philanthropic spirit and dedication to Western New York is inimitable, and I congratulate him upon his receipt of the 2013 Citizen of the Year Award from the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the St. Joseph's Campus of Sisters Hospital as the recipient of the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce's 2013 Large Business of the Year Award. One of Western New York's premiere medical institutions, Sisters Hospital, St. Joseph's Campus has been recognized by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association for achieving 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get with the Guidelines Stroke Performance Achievement Indicators. Cleverley and Associates, a prestigious consulting firm in Columbus, Ohio has recognized Sisters as a five-star hospital. In addition, Sisters Hospital has received numerous awards for the care they provide to members of our community, demonstrating their great work towards improving patient outcomes and their quality of patient care. A testament to Sisters Hospital's commitment to the community is their ongoing educational classes including Prepared Childbirth Classes, Better Breathers Club, Lifeskills Diabetes 4-part Series, the Savvy Shopper and Taking Performance to the Next Level. These invaluable classes provide information necessary to empower patients to make informed decisions about their health. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to recognize Sisters Hospital, St. Joseph's Campus, a fundamental piece of Western New York's thriving medical community, as it receives this well-deserved award.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 12th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on our great Nation. Though on that day cowardly terrorists hijacked the Islamic religion and used it to justify their murderous acts, what we will remember most is America's strength and resolve. In the aftermath, Americans of all backgrounds and faiths united as one. Servicemembers and first responders ran toward--not away from--the wreckage. Our Nation continues to set an example to the world as a land of opportunity, tolerance, and independence, and in keeping with our founding document, the promise still of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Mr. Speaker, as we witness the construction of One World Trade Center, we see more than a building rise up through the New York City skyline. It is truly representative of the resilience of the American people, which remains unbroken despite these hardships, challenges, and unthinkable acts. So today, and every day, we stand tall as Americans as we vow never to forget.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, the situation in Syria is that of a national civil war. It's a sectarian and ethnic conflict between two warring factions. This is not about democracy and freedom. There is no social contract. There is no constitution. There is no preamble. There is no unifying vision as to what Syria wants to become. This is a brutal battle between two bad sides for control. Assad is a brutal dictator, for certain; but the opposition's best fighters are al Qaeda and Islamic extremists bent on creating an Islamic state in Syria. In the international community, 194 countries have said--but for Turkey and France--yes, the United States, go get them; just don't ask us to participate. So the American people will find themselves, once again, for the third time in a decade, in a region of the Middle East in South Asia in another civil war, essentially alone again. The American people want nation-building. But they want it right here at home, in America.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize August 7th as National Lighthouse Day, and to stress the important role of lighthouses in our Nation's history and the values that they represent. On August 7th, 1789, Congress passed an Act regarding the establishment and support of lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and public piers. This early acknowledgement of their significance demonstrates the central part lighthouses play in America's growth and development, from its inception to the present. Throughout our Nation's history, lighthouses have provided guidance for ships carrying economic goods and hopeful travelers into and out of the country, and protected our largest entry point, our coasts, from danger. Their shining lights embrace newcomers as they arrive on shore, and wish those departing farewell. In my hometown of Buffalo, we are fortunate to have lighthouses that remain standing today. ``Chinaman's Lighthouse'' is Buffalo's oldest building still standing on its original foundation. Lit in 1833, our Buffalo Light is one of the oldest on the Great Lakes and is a landmark along Buffalo's Outer Harbor Waterfront. Buffalo's lighthouses are key cultural components of our efforts to revitalize our region's waterfront as a destination for western New Yorkers and tourists alike. The light that once welcomed immigrants as they landed on the shores of Lake Erie now serves to encourage people to enjoy the new recreational opportunities on the waterfront. The Buffalo Light like many others had fallen into disrepair for years. To save this important structure, the Buffalo Lighthouse Association was established in 1985 dedicated to restoring and promoting this vital link to our history, heritage, and future. Due to post-9/11 security requirements the Buffalo Lighthouse, which sits on land adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Buffalo station, was not accessible to the public for over a decade. Working in conjunction with then-Senator Hillary Clinton, we secured $6.1 million to upgrade and consolidate Coast Guard facilities while opening up access to the historic lighthouse once again. Restoration, including masonry repair and stonework, was completed in 2011 on the Lighthouse with funding I was pleased to play a part in securing through the New York Power Authority relicensing agreement funds awarded by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation. The dedicated volunteers at the Buffalo Lighthouse Association are now focusing their attention on its recently acquired Buffalo South Entrance Light Station, more commonly known as the South Buffalo Lighthouse. This station dates back to 1903 and while its condition is deteriorating, the Buffalo Lighthouse Association is bringing its expertise and commitment to pursuing the resources necessary to restore and repurpose the station for public tours with historic interpretation, educational opportunities for our youth, and a facility for shoreline and bird habitat studies. We owe a sincere debt of gratitude to the Buffalo Lighthouse Association for its stewardship and vision because when the South Buffalo Lighthouse project is completed it will be paired with the restoration of the 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse at the northern end of the harbor, providing local, national, and international visitors the unique chance to tour cultural and historic bookends along Western New York's Outer Harbor. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to appreciate the function and beauty of the lighthouse and the good works of those dedicated to these structures. These structures and their legacy deserve to be honored for their historical and symbolic significance in our national narrative. I recognize August 7th as National Lighthouse Day, and commend the efforts of the Buffalo Lighthouse Association and all those who strive to preserve, restore, and educate the public about these magnificent structures.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, last week I met with Rich Lowry, the editor of the National Review, whose new book, ``Lincoln Unbound,'' urges the Republican Party to embrace an aspirational agenda of Abraham Lincoln, who led an ambitious program of rail and canal construction. His book calls to mind the words of Sheila Bair, a George W. Bush administration official, who, in February, urged her fellow Republicans to remember that, from Lincoln's transcontinental railroad to Eisenhower's highway system, Republicans have understood that investing in critical infrastructure projects creates jobs and expands the economy. Yet the appropriations bill that was on the floor this week would have cut $2 billion from the Department of Transportation. It was a total rejection of the Lincoln-Eisenhower tradition. We have spent $87 billion rebuilding the infrastructure of Afghanistan and just approved $5 billion more. According to the United States inspector general, supporters of the Taliban and al Qaeda are getting the contracts and ``far too much will be wasted'' due to insufficient oversight. This, Mr. Speaker, is appalling, and it's time to do nation-building right here at home.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Edward F. Walsh Jr. as he has been named the recipient of the 2013 Red Jacket Award. A Buffalo native, Ed is devoted to civic progress in his hometown. An active community volunteer for over 35 years, Ed has held leadership positions with various organizations including the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, Nichols School, Kaleida Health, and the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care. Ed currently serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Walsh Duffield Companies, Inc., a fourth-generation family-owned insurance agency that is based here in Buffalo. Presented by the Buffalo History Museum, the Red Jacket Awards are based on a medal given by President George Washington to Seneca leader Red Jacket in 1792. The award was established by the museum in 1957 to honor those who exhibit quiet, unbroken devotion to our region's enrichment. Ed will be presented with the Red Jacket Award at the annual Red Jacket Awards Dinner on September 26, 2013 in the History Museum. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to recognize Mr. Edward Walsh's great contributions and admirable generosity. I congratulate him on this incredible honor, thank him for his continued dedication to our community, and wish him the absolute best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary life of Edward S. Simmons, who passed away on July 16, 2013 at the age of 62. Edward or ``Ed'' served in Vietnam as a medic where he was injured, and never forgot his fellow soldiers as he spent the rest of his life organizing benefits for unemployed and disabled veterans. Ed was responsible for organizing and obtaining over 500 job pledges for Veterans from the UAW and United Steelworkers of America during the ``Who Dares Win'' relay race from Buffalo to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Boston, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to call attention to the need for jobs for veterans. The runs concluded in a cross-country relay to San Francisco in 1996. Ed was the retired deputy director of the New York State Division of Veteran's affairs as well as being one of the founding members and serving on the board of directors as a co-chair at the Veteran's One- Stop Center of Western New York. This spring, I was proud to join with Ed and many others to officially open the One Stop Center on Main Street in the City of Buffalo. No one fought harder to make the idea of having a single location with many services to help veterans a reality than Ed Simmons and despite his own physical struggle, no one's smile was brighter as he cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open this comprehensive and caring site. It was said that the legacy of Western New Yorkers putting veterans first through the Veterans One-stop Center began that day. I would like to add that the legacy of Ed Simmons' vision, commitment and dedication to putting veterans first now lives on everyday. He is survived by his loving wife, Onda, sisters Dianne, Marie and Mary, and many nieces and nephews as well as beloved by his late sisters Patricia and Kathleen. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a moment to remember the life of this remarkable man. I ask my colleagues to join me in offering our sincere condolences to his family and our deepest gratitude for his service to our country.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of the re-dedication of the E.B. Green Mausoleum on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Designed by legendary architect Edward Brodhead Green, the mausoleum opened in 1913 in Oakwood Cemetery in Niagara Falls, New York. E.B. Green, for whom the Mausoleum is named, is one of our Nation's most prolific and admired architects. During his 72-year career, he designed over 360 structures, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over 160 of his Western New York works remain standing, including the Mausoleum which we honor today. The E.B. Green Mausoleum is an architectural and historical wonder. Stately columns and gray Vermont marble produce its majestic exterior. Inside, the Mausoleum contains white Vermont marble and stained glass windows, one of which is a signed Tiffany. One of the only two Mausoleums designed by E.B. Green, its design evokes the reflective act of remembering our dead. The Mausoleum magnifies the already significant historical legacy of Oakwood Cemetery. Oakwood was established in 1852, when Lavinia Porter, daughter of Niagara Falls founder Augustus Porter, donated the land that would become the burial site. Theodore Dehone Judah, one of the central figures in the establishment of America's Transcontinental Railroad, designed the cemetery's original landscape. Locally, General Parkhurst Whitney of Niagara Falls and his three daughters were laid to rest at Oakwood. Celinda, Angelina, and Asenath Whitney are the three sisters for which the Three Sisters Islands are named. In 1882, their nephew Drake Whitney engineered improvements to Oakwood Cemetery. Oakwood Cemetery's historical significance has been regionally recognized. The cemetery has received numerous awards, including the Preservation Buffalo Niagara Award in 2013, a $5000 grant from the Niagara Falls Preservation League in 2011, a City of Niagara Falls Preservation Citation and designation as a Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. Many programs are in place to educate the public about the history of the Oakwood Cemetery. The cemetery offers community activities such as guided tours, events that are open to the public, and educational workshops for students. The volunteer group ``Friends of Oakwood'' dedicates their efforts to the upkeep, preservation, restoration, and education of the cemetery. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the historical and architectural significance of the E.B. Green Mausoleum and Oakwood Cemetery. I thank all those who worked to put together this lovely event, and sincerely appreciate their work every day to promote the incredible history and legacy of Oakwood Cemetery.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the 50 percent cut in the Community Development Block Grant program in the Transportation-Housing and Urban Development bill currently being considered. This cut is reckless and punitive to communities in need. This year, western New York communities are scheduled to receive a total of $22.2 million, which they plan to use to improve public infrastructure, policing facilities, and fund economic development initiatives. The bill before us cuts that funding in half to $11 million next year. Cutting Community Development Block Grant funding is completely counterproductive and will cost the country in the long term. These cuts will erode community revitalization and job creation, only adding to the financial burden on our Federal budget in the long run. I urge the House to reject these cuts to our communities and defeat this shortsighted bill.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, the 2014 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill, which is currently awaiting consideration on the House floor, has a devastating 50 percent cut to the Community Development Block Grant program. These grants provide eligible communities with funding to increase economic activity and create jobs. Many regions, including western New York, have benefited from the availability of Community Development Block Grants to support neighborhood reinvestment, affordable housing, and economic development. Mr. Speaker, this program has a strong history of bipartisan support since its creation by President Gerald Ford in 1974. Shamefully, the amount funded this year is actually $1 billion less than what was allocated to the program 39 years ago. I'm proud to have joined over 100 of my House colleagues to express concern with this funding cut and urge Community Development Block Grant funding to be fully restored. These cuts, that come at the expense of our local communities, would have a negative impact on the national economy.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hal D. Payne at the inaugural presentation of the award named in his honor, the Hal D. Payne Educational Opportunity Lifetime Service Award by the Upward Bound Program of Buffalo State College. Mr. Payne is a true leader in the field of education. His professional expertise ranges from a thorough understanding of policy formation to its practical implementation. As Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Louis Stokes of Ohio, and as senior associate for the Council for Opportunity in Education, Mr. Payne has directly affected the shape of our country's education policy. At Oberlin College, a prestigious liberal arts institution, Mr. Payne spent many years navigating the effects of our country's education policy as dean of developmental services, and as acting dean, associate dean, and assistant dean of students. Mr. Payne also spent time at Case Western Reserve University as director of academic support services. Mr. Payne has completed the Millennium Leadership Institute of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University. Mr. Payne was appointed to the New York State Council on the Arts, and serves on the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority Board. Mr. Payne is a dutiful son to mother Frankie R. Payne, a loving father of Angela Payne and Bryan Khari Wood Payne Sr., as well as a caring grandfather to Lauren, Bryan Khari Wood Jr., and Dean Payne. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to honor Hal D. Payne, a pioneer in the field of education. I truly cannot think of any person more deserving of this honor. I am grateful for his dedication and tireless work to advance such a noble cause.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Mrs. Charlotte Williams Conable, who passed away on July 19, 2013, at the age of 83. A Buffalo native, Charlotte Conable helped to bring women's issues to importance all over the world. She was strongly supported in her efforts by her late husband, Honorable Barber B. Conable, Jr., who became World Bank president after serving his community and our country with distinction as a Member of Congress for twenty years. With his wife's help, Barber Conable made population control and safe motherhood, especially in Africa, a focus in World Bank plans and by 1991, 40% of the billions of dollars that was approved went to issues dealing with women's health and advancement. Also, a World Bank policy statement was influenced by her work, which states, ``Countries that create better opportunities and conditions for women and girls can raise productivity, improve outcomes for children and advance development prospects for all.'' Mrs. Conable was not only the author of ``Women at Cornell: The Myth of Equal Education'' but was a board member of the Women's Hall to Fame, Seneca Falls; a White House Conference on Aging; a trustee of Cornell University; was named a Woman of Distinction by the State Senate; and participated in United Nations International Women's Conferences in Denmark, Kenya and Houston. The devotion that Mrs. Conable showed with her work on women's health and advancement was equaled by her love and devotion to her family as well. She is survived by her three daughters, Jane Schmieder, Anne, and Emily; and her son, Sam. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and Members of the House to express our deepest condolences to the family of the late Charlotte Conable, and join with me in recognizing the many good works of service she performed and the lives that she changed during her long and full life.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our nation's Korean war veterans with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Buffalo's Korean war Memorial and the 60th anniversary of the Korean war armistice. Dedicated to the service of those soldiers who were killed in action, the memorial honors the courageous sacrifices and immense contributions by Korean war troops while defending our nation. July 27, 2013, marks the 60th anniversary of the date on which the Armistice was signed, signaling the close of tensions on the Korean peninsula though technically the war is still ongoing. No peace treaty was signed, and still today there are troops stationed along the demilitarized zone, where shots are occasionally fired, demonstrating soldiers are still risking their lives for freedom in Korea. The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park contains several war memorials, including one honoring the Korean war. This memorial contains two parts: the focal point is a granite relief structure with two soldiers adorned in combat gear on patrol in a field with the word ``Korea'' underneath. The memorial has an inscription on the back which includes the members of the Korean war Memorial Committee, and the names of the landscape architect, artist, and contractor. The sides of the satellite pedestal list those soldiers killed in action. The top of the pedestal is engraved with military emblems. The inscription on the embedded time capsule states: ``Korean war Memorial Time Capsule--Open April 28, 2090.'' This war has often been nicknamed the ``Forgotten War,'' because no GI Bill existed for these troops, there were no homecoming celebrations, there was no notable surrender or end-date: the war concluded with long drawn out negotiations and the American public lost interest. This memorial honors these soldiers who toiled abroad, just like soldiers in every other war. President Obama will even speak in Washington this Saturday, on the anniversary itself, at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, the first time an American president is attending an official ceremony for the Armistice. On July 27, 1953, the Armistice Agreement was signed to halt the three-year conflict between South Korea, assisted by U.S.-led U.N. troops, and the invading North, supported by the Chinese military. According to the U.S. government, 36,573 American troops were killed, with 103,284 others wounded. The three years of war did halt the sweep of communism, guaranteed South Korean independence and freedom to an entire generation, and due to U.S. assistance, help South Korea grow to become the 10th greatest economy in the world. It is with great pride that today I recognize the service of hundreds of thousands of American soldiers in the Korean war with the celebration of this memorial. Their service to our area and the nation as a whole is moving, and I am proud that Western New Yorkers have had and will continue to have a place to reflect on their legacy.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary legacy of Allan Werbow, who is retiring from his position as Executive Director of Temple Beth Tzedek of Amherst, New York, and one of its predecessors, Temple Shaarey Zedek, known as the ``congregation.'' after dedicating over 27 years of service to the synagogue. A constant presence through the educational programs and activities taking place at the synagogue, Allan has built a reputation as the face of Temple Beth Tzedek. In addition to his work with the synagogue's programming, Allan ensured its physical structure was kept in peak condition, presenting a positive face for all who used its resources. As Executive Director, Allan kept the congregation operating efficiently for 27 years. Allan has been a member of Temple Beth Tzedek and its predecessors for more than 45 years. Prior to his duties as Executive Director, he was an active volunteer, committee member and chair, and officer. In recognition of his extraordinary service, Allan has been named Executive Director Emeritus of Temple Beth Tzedek. Allan's love for his congregation is equaled only by his love of his family. Allan and his wife Myra have raised three sons, Ellis, Michael, and John and have four grandchildren as well as two step grandchildren and have fostered many children over the past 40 years. They are both exemplary members of their community and their service is worthy of recognition. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the incredible legacy of Allan Werbow. I am inspired by his boundless capacity for love and devotion to his family and Temple Beth Tzedek. I wish him, his family, and his congregation the best in all their future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor to Dr. Arnold L. Mitchem, the inaugural recipient of the Hal D. Payne Educational Opportunity Lifetime Service Award by the Upward Bound Program of Buffalo State College. Dr. Mitchem is recognized for his service as president of the Council for Opportunity in Education since 1986. This noble organization's mission is to advance and defend the ideal of equal educational opportunity in postsecondary education. The COE is a remarkably far-reaching program, serving close to 800,000 students annually by providing professional development and advocacy for nearly 2,800 federally funded college opportunity programs at more than 1,000 colleges nationwide. Dr. Mitchem has dedicated his career to striving for equality and diversity in education. As a trustee for the College Board, a member of INROADS, Inc's first National Board, and as a past president of the Committee for Education Funding, he has greatly impacted the national discourse about inequality and education. He is the founding president of the Mid-America Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel, a consortium dedicated to leveling the playing field for those least likely to enroll in college, including low-income, disabled, and first generation students. A recipient of honorary doctorates from ten universities, Dr. Mitchem has been recognized across the country for his tireless efforts and passion. Additional awards and recognitions include the Arturo Schomburg Distinguished Service Award from the Association for Equality and Excellence in Education, Inc., and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. In addition to his professional accolades, Dr. Mitchem and his lovely wife Freda have raised four children together: Michael, Thea, Nichelle, and Adrienne. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor Dr. Arnold Mitchem as a true champion for equality in education and congratulate him as he receives the inaugural Hal D. Payne Educational Opportunity Lifetime Service Award. I am sincerely grateful for his service and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life and legacy of one of Buffalo's great leaders, our late Mayor James D. Griffin who served as the city's top civic leader from 1978 to 1993, on the occasion of the first race held in his honor, the Run Jimmy Run 5k. Inspired by Mayor Griffin's tenacious spirit, dedication to the City of Buffalo, and commitment to good works and good causes, the Run Jimmy Run 5k kicks off at 10 am on July 21, 2013. The proceeds from the day's events will benefit the Alzheimer's Association of Western New York. Additionally, items will be donated to the City Mission and baseball tickets will be donated to the Special Olympics, organizations that were near and dear to Mayor Griffin's heart. Beginning at One James D. Griffin Plaza, in front of the baseball stadium for which Mayor Griffin was the driving force behind building, the race course passes through the heart of downtown and along the waterfront. After the race's completion at home plate, there will be a post-race party and Bison's baseball game. The Run Jimmy Run charity event was initiated by Mayor Griffin's children to honor the memory of their father and raise funds for an organization that they came to rely on in a very personal way. Mayor Griffin succumbed to a rare neurodegenerative disorder and many of the nurses who cared for him were trained by the Alzheimer's Association. Alzheimer's is a tough disease that touches many of our lives. It's critically important that we continue to fight for increased funding for Alzheimer's research and I pledge to continue that fight in Washington. I wish to sincerely thank all those involved with the Run Jimmy Run 5k, especially Mayor Griffin's three children Maureen, Megan and Thomas, for their efforts in the fight against Alzheimer's. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to remember the incredible legacy of our late Mayor James D. Griffin and the work he has inspired for the future of Buffalo. I can think of no better tribute to the man who brought professional baseball back to Buffalo then a run through downtown Buffalo, followed by a ballgame at ``The Field that Jimmy Built.'' I wish to extend all participants and organizers a successful run and fun-filled day with special thanks to Mayor Griffin's children, extended family and friends for honoring the life and legacy of the late, great Mayor James D. Griffin.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, western New York has long distinguished itself as a leader in innovation and cutting-edge medical research. Buffalo gave the world cancer research when the New York Cancer Laboratory was first established by Dr. Roswell Park in 1897. Today, the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus continues to grow and thrive with the expansion of Roswell Park, plans for the University of Buffalo Medical School, and construction of a new women and children's hospital. I'm pleased to say that today western New Yorkers continue to receive good news about the availability and accessibility of health care. Yesterday, The New York Times reported that New York State health insurance purchased through the State exchanges will reduce insurance rates by at least 50 percent. Additionally, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 37,000 kids with preexisting conditions will not be denied coverage because by law they can't be denied coverage. Mr. Speaker, health care should be affordable and accessible to all Americans. The progress we have already seen is promising, and we must keep moving forward.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, the United States Postal Service continues to try to fix themselves financially with service cuts that will undermine the agency's viability, not strengthen it. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of my colleague Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro's legislation, the Protect Overnight Delivery Act, to prevent the Postal Service from weakening delivery standards. Eliminating overnight delivery would threaten hundreds of postal facilities across the Nation, including the William Street facility in my western New York community. Madam Speaker, while the Postal Service is certainly in need of reform, this is the wrong way to do it. Once again, the Postal Service is making ill-conceived decisions that hurt both workers and consumers.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Chairman, this bipartisan amendment seeks to stop a flawed plan that would endanger crucial Army Corps projects in the Great Lakes region. The Army Corps of Engineers' Great Lakes and Ohio River Division is attempting to move key functions performed in Buffalo and Chicago regions out of their respective States. This is unacceptable. When it comes to protecting the safety, health, and future of our waterways, there is no substitute for having a team of qualified people on the ground. Taking key staff out of western New York will only hinder the delivery of high-impact projects already in progress. And any plan to turn the Buffalo and Chicago districts into mere satellite offices is a wrongheaded decision to divest in our Great Lakes. In my community alone, the Army Corps is overseeing a $44 million restoration of the Buffalo River and $359 million restoration of the former Linde site in Tonawanda, among dozens of other projects. The Buffalo district overseas 38,000 square miles from Massena, New York, to Toledo, Ohio--planning, constructing, and operating water projects to reduce floods, maintain navigation, protect the shoreline, and support water quality efforts. Failure to see these projects through to completion would not only harm western New York, but delays and cost overruns would impact the bottom line of the Army Corps. Mr. Chairman, the Great Lakes system moves more than 160 million tons of cargo a year, supports 227,000 jobs, and contributes $33.5 billion to the economy annually. As an engine of economic activity and valuable natural resources, we should be committing more resources to the Great Lakes, not less. A similar amendment was offered by Senator Kirk and Senator Durbin and was adopted by the Senate Appropriations Committee last week. I thank my colleagues, especially Mr. Collins, Mr. Lipinski, and Ms. Schakowsky, for their support of this bipartisan amendment and urge its adoption. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, it's safe to say that Congress experiences more than its share of dysfunction. Too often, Members engage in behavior that serves to produce partisan gridlock and very little else. But this week, western New York's delegation has successfully bucked that trend. Last night, my office worked closely with Congressman Tom Reed to protect residents from leaking radioactive waste in West Valley, New York. Later today, Congressman Chris Collins will join in our efforts to protect Army Corps projects that will clean up western New York's waterways. Earlier this week, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and our State's Senators joined in our continued push for airline safety in the wake of the crash of Flight 3407 in western New York. There is no disputing the fact that on some issues we have vastly divergent views. But when you respect the positions of your colleagues across the aisle and tone down the partisan rhetoric, you create room to work together for the communities you are bound to serve. I am honored to work with these western New York colleagues.