Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Maria Antonia Ojeda who passed away in Buffalo, New York surrounded by her loved ones on March 10, 2019 at the age of 82. Born in Puerto Rico, Maria, lovingly referred to as Tonia, enjoyed expressing her creativity through her cooking, entertaining, and gardening. She was well known for opening the doors to her home to help those in need and was well-respected in the communities in which she lived and served. Her greatest pride was her family, whom she loved dearly, and her happiest moments were always when she was surrounded by them. No amount of words could wholly describe her, but she was best known and revered for her determination, perseverance, beauty, charity, wisdom and courage. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by her husband of over 55 years, Francisco Ojeda, as well as by her eight children: Conception, David, Jose Antonio, James, Eva, William, Christine, and Margie. She will also be remembered well by her sisters Maria Isabel, Abigailee, Ramona, Margie, Clara, and Rosa, and her brothers Gilberto, Luis, and Ramon, as well as her 20 grandchildren, 29 great- grandchildren, and her many loved nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Madam Speaker, I honor the life of Maria Antonia Ojeda, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of Congressman Tom Reed's bill, H.R. 1138, which authorizes funding for the cleanup of the West Valley demonstration project, the nuclear waste remediation site in western New York. Mr. Speaker, advocates are in Washington this week to remind Congress of the importance of the Great Lakes as a source of clean water for millions of Americans. The long-term cleanup at West Valley, which sits 30 miles from Lake Erie and at the foot of a tributary stream, will prevent harmful contamination to the region. The Department of Energy has an obligation to ensure that 600,000 gallons of high-level radioactive waste are solidified and disposed of safely and expeditiously. The funding in this bill will allow us to do just that. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of action in the fight against gun violence. Congress is finally acting. Over the last decade, we have witnessed gun violence take the lives of innocent children in our schools, terrorize our neighborhoods, and harm our fellow colleagues in Congress. Each event invoked a moment of silence. We can no longer remain silent. This week we have the opportunity to vote on two pieces of legislation that close loopholes in the gun purchase background check process. These aren't radical or partisan policies. Background checks are supported by 97 percent of Americans, including 97 percent of gun owners. On behalf of the families who have lost someone to gun violence and those who we long to keep safe from future gun violence, I stand proudly in support of congressional action to protect our communities from gun violence and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Chair, I rise in strong support on passage of H.R. 840, the Veterans' Access to Child Care Act, to provide childcare assistance to our military families. Nearly a decade ago, the Veterans Administration survey found that over 1 in 10 veterans have had to cancel their VA medical appointments due to the lack of childcare. In response, Congress created the VA childcare pilot program. The first in the Nation opened in my hometown of Buffalo, New York. The program has been a tremendous success. Since its inception, it has served countless military families. Last year, more than 1,000 children visited the Kids Korner, located at the Buffalo VA Center, while their parents received much-needed care. America's veterans placed their lives on the front lines for our freedoms. Many veterans returned to their families from combat with injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder that requires regular treatment at their VA. Madam Chair, we need to remove barriers to care and give our veterans certainty. By passing this legislation, Congress will make childcare available to veterans who need it, while being cost effective in improving health outcomes. In closing, I thank Congresswoman Brownley for her tireless work on behalf of our Nation's veterans, and I strongly urge my colleagues to vote on passage of this important legislation.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I recently met with an extraordinary American by the name of Gertrude Sloan. Today, I rise to share her story and that of her late husband, Sol, both Holocaust survivors. Sol and Gertrude were born in Romania into Jewish families, and both were taken by the Nazi regime and held in a camp in Auschwitz. In an oral history, Sol tells the horrors of the concentration camps: starvation, beatings, and family separations with fatal endings. Of the 1.3 million people taken to Auschwitz, an estimated 1.1 million were killed. Sol and Gertrude made it out alive. They met at a displaced person's camp and were later sponsored by relatives to come to America. In 1955, they opened Sloan's Antiques on Buffalo's east side, which continues to be operated by their son Max today. I share the Sloans' story as we prepare to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day. May it be a reminder of the unspeakable grief for the Holocaust and for the inspirational stories of those who survived.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, we are entering the longest government shutdown in the Nation's history and, ironically, most of the Federal employees who are affected by the shutdown are the very Federal agents who we depend on to protect our borders. To a national audience 2 days ago, the President repeatedly warned that terrorists are pouring into the United States from Mexico. This is the President's central argument for a 25 to $40 billion border wall. He is now threatening to declare a national emergency to go around Congress to get that wall. The President's own counterterrorism officials and experts said there has never been a case of a known terrorist sneaking into the country through open areas of the southern border. The Department of Homeland Security's threat assessment rates the situation at the southern border as a minimal threat. Who are we to believe? Mr. President, open the government and prove that you can manage the situation at the border as Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton did before you.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the storied Shea's Seneca building on Seneca Street in South Buffalo reopens to the public after 18 months of extensive renovations made possible by Federal and State historic tax credits. Built in 1929, the former movie theater was the anchor of the once- thriving Seneca Street business district, and it will reopen this Thursday. The use of Federal historic tax credits added more than $1 million to this historic preservation project. There is new hope and optimism about the future of Seneca Street because of the vision of developer Jake Schneider and his wise use of the Federal Historic Tax Credit program that made the Shea's Seneca project a reality.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, this good and generous Nation has a long tradition of welcoming those seeking refuge and a better life in America. America is, in fact, a nation of immigrants. For generations, immigrants and refugees--my ancestors included--have contributed to a diverse and strong Nation built on the foundation that, through hard work, anything is possible. The State Department recently announced plans to cut the very programs to provide refugees with the tools toward economic independence, self-sufficiency, and success. It is a counterproductive move by the administration that cites the economy as a priority. Refugees are helping to revitalize older communities like the Buffalo-Niagara region, increasing our population, contributing to a dedicated workforce, and bringing new quality of life and economic life back to neighborhoods like Buffalo's west side. We are calling on Secretary Pompeo to immediately reverse any plans to cut resettlement agencies and reaffirm this Nation's commitment to the American Dream.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, this Friday marks the sixth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. On December 14, 2012, from 9:30 to 9:40 a.m., a lone gunman armed with an assault weapon killed 27 people, including 20 kids between the ages of 6 and 7 years old. Five minutes, one shooter, 27 people dead. Many of the kids had several bullet wounds in their bodies when they were recovered. In the years since that tragedy, we have seen high-powered assault weapon attacks on schools, synagogues, nightclubs, churches, concerts, and in our neighborhoods. With each horrific attack, Congress responds with a moment of silence. We have had 50 moments of silence since Sandy Hook. Silence is not a response. We need rational voices, congressional hearings, and meaningful gun safety laws now.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise to acknowledge Bishop Bronner, Senior Pastor of Elim Christian Fellowship on his 25th Pastoral Anniversary in Western New York and the 19th Church Anniversary of Elim Christian Fellowship. In keeping with the theme of this celebration, ``And the Journey Continues'' we are all confident that Bishop Bronner will continue his visionary leadership in faith, his powerful sermons and his traditional and progressive ministerial approaches to producing spiritual growth and development. Just as Bishop Bronner did early on when he began his pastoral experience in 1992, his crusade to reach souls in regional prayer meetings and grow the church and its ministries continues. Bishop Bronner purposefully builds churches. As an Undergraduate at Temple University, Bronner founded Bridge the Gap Christian Campus Ministry. Fresh out of the Colgate-Rochester Divinity School, Bishop Bronner was called to Calvary Baptist Church in Buffalo and the Church grew exponentially under his leadership. From there, Bishop Bronner founded Elim Christian Fellowship in 1999 and a second church in Rochester bearing the same name in 2002. Bishop Bronner ensures these churches maintain vision and purpose by creating a ministry network called, Turning the World Upside Down Covenant Fellowship, Inc. This all-encompassing ministry offers seminars, workshops, revival meetings and teaching materials that are spiritually relevant. Elim, ``known as a place of refreshing'' offers ministries that speak to the human condition in ways that are sensitive to the needs of all individuals. It's no wonder that Elim Christian Fellowship and Bishop Bronner in particular, attract such a following. Bishop Bronner has made it his mission to embrace all people without regard for differences or stations in life. This evening, we see Bishop Bronner's vision come to life. Elim is a diverse community strongly supporting racial, gender, cultural and denominational reconciliation. Mr. Speaker, I am humbled and honored to join the members of Elim Christian Fellowship as they commemorate their Church Anniversary and the 25th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Dr. T Anthony Bronner. May the church and its leadership continue its quest for renewal and growth in God's love and care.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise to acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of Dr. Liveleen M. Gill who is recognized by the Asian American Physician Association (AAPA) as the Physician of the Year. AAPA is a not-for-profit organization comprised of 100 doctors of Indian origin. Their efforts help to utilize their expertise as physicians to serve the community by holding free health fairs and enabling inner-city students the opportunity to experience the many medical advancements in today's practice. Dr. Gill's passion for medicine started a world away in India where she excelled in biology-related coursework. She was a gold medalist on her Higher Secondary Exam and she went on to complete an M.B. B.S. curriculum at Delhi University. Prior to the start of an internship, Liveleen met Harbinder Singh Gill who was visiting India from the United States. History took its course and Liveleen joined Harbinger overseas in America. Dr. Liveleen Gill represents the best of the Western New York community. Dr. Gill wasted no time in becoming a diligent practitioner of medicine, starting her residency in Internal Medicine at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle. Although a relatively unknown physician at the time, Dr. Gill's medical skills quickly won her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Dr. Gill went on to a rotation at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and because of her hard work and expertise, she earned a fellowship. Dr. Gill established herself in the community by creating her own practice starting in a series of part-time, rented office spaces and growing that into her private practice which contains several examination rooms, an infusion room, nursing, billing and administrative staff. Dr. Gill is Board Certified in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine earning her New York State Medical License in 1982. She belongs to the AAPA and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Gill's practice thrived thanks to her impressive clinical skills, her conservative approach to treatment and the many wonderful relationships she developed in the field. On top of her tremendous professional success, Dr. Gill is also the proud mother of 2 grown children Jay and Sabrina. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me to take a few moments to recognize Dr. Liveleen M. Gill. Her story of success showcases the vibrant and talented immigrants we have here in Western New York who work tirelessly to support our diverse community. I am honored to recognize the many wonderful contributions that Dr. Liveleen Gill has made to the medical field and thank her for the great care she has shown so many fellow Western New Yorkers.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, since 2010, Congress has invested $2.5 billion to fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a program that has protected and restored the largest source of fresh water in the world. A new study coordinated by the Great Lakes Commission and conducted by the University of Michigan has shown restoring our waterways is also restoring economic opportunity in the once struggling Great Lakes region. Every Federal dollar invested is producing three to four times that amount in regional economic growth and activity. Thirty years ago, the Buffalo River was declared biologically dead and ecologically destroyed because of industrial dumping of toxic waste directly into the river. In Buffalo and western New York, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative investments in and around the Great Lakes and the Buffalo River have led to more than $100 million in private sector investments along the water's edge, new residential demand, increased tourism, and a waterfront rebirth. Time and again, I have stood on this floor and fought to maintain the Great Lakes restoration funding, and this is why: the investments made are bringing our waterways and our cities back to life.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the White House's proposed list of new tariffs includes headwear, hats, and headgear. If a 25 percent tariff on these products were imposed, New Era Cap, the largest headwear company in the United States and based in my district, would be hurt. Based in Buffalo, New Era employs 800 people in 19 States. New Era supplies official headwear for the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball. Mr. President, you can't tariff your way to economic growth. A tariff is a tax levied by a government on imported goods by placing taxes on foreign component parts. These products become more expensive for American consumers. The imposition of these tariffs are a race to the bottom and will result in higher product costs for all Americans.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life of Arthur Myles who celebrated his 89th birthday on August 14, 2018. Arthur Myles was born on August 14, 1929 in the state of Alabama. Arthur is the youngest son of twenty-five children born to President Myles Sr. and Mary Rena Williams-Myles. Arthur attended primary school in Uniontown Alabama, which he walked nine miles to attend. Shortly after relocating to Niagara Falls Arthur attended adult education classes at Center Avenue School and completed his education at Laborers Local 91. Throughout Arthur's life he had various jobs during his career working at companies such as the City of Niagara Falls Street Department, New York State Power Authority, McClendon Blacktop, and J. Myles & Sons, before launching his own business. Arthur launched A. Myles Paving, and most recently started A. Myles & Sons. After sixty- six years of employment, Arthur retired in 2016. Family is very important to Arthur as he is the father of ten children, twenty-one grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren, and ten great-great grandchildren. Arthur has always actively sought to help others in ways too numerous to mention. He is consistently willing to lend a helping hand, and volunteering his services for the good of aiding others. Arthur still enjoys dancing, storytelling, being the life of the party and traveling. Arthur's community is very important to him and he is an active member in his church, a member of the Niagara Community Center, NAACP, and is a current member of Laborers Local 91 for fifty-eight years. Arthur is believed to be the longest ``African-American Member'' in good standings. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize Arthur Myles. His love and devotion to his family is truly inspiring. I wish many fortunes to him and his family in the years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on September 3, first responders were called to a fire at Tonawanda Coke in western New York. As they approached the blaze, the company blocked them from entering the plant. This obstruction of firefighters from the blaze threatened the health and safety of first responders, plant employees, and the surrounding neighborhood. Tonawanda Coke has a long history of this kind of erratic corporate behavior and is in violation of Federal and State environmental laws, including dozens of provisions of the Clean Air Act. The Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation needs to put an end to Tonawanda Coke's reckless actions. Tonawanda Coke needs to be made to comply with the letter of any and all environmental law, or they should be shut down.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of a committee in western New York dedicated to constructing the only monument in the Nation honoring African Americans who served in the United States military during times of war. This long-overdue tribute acknowledges the selfless sacrifice of our veterans, many of whom served our Nation while being denied equal rights at home. The African American Veterans Monument, to be located in the Buffalo and Erie County Military Park, will feature 12 illuminated black pillars, representing U.S. military conflicts, and is designed to give visitors an experience that is reflective, educational, and inspirational. The monument is being designed by a local, young, talented artist, Jonathan Casey. I have asked the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to collaborate with local project leaders on this first-in-the-Nation African American Veterans Memorial. Mr. Speaker, I commend the veterans, the artist, and New York State Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes, who have dedicated themselves to making this monument a reality. It is a long-overdue recognition of those who served proudly and courageously.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, health savings accounts, while they may help people manage their healthcare costs marginally, the sad truth is this legislation will do nothing--nothing--to lower healthcare costs and to improve healthcare quality. The legislation also does nothing--nothing--to protect people with preexisting conditions, and 40 percent of Americans between the ages of 50 and 64\1/2\ have preexisting conditions. The legislation before us will increase the deficit by tens of billions of dollars and will threaten the long-term viability of Medicare and Social Security. Mr. Speaker, because of recent actions by the Trump Justice Department and House Republicans, millions of Americans between the ages of 50 and 64\1/2\ who buy their health insurance on the individual market are about to get clobbered with double-digit multiyear health insurance premium increases, and this Congress is doing nothing-- nothing--to help. This population needs the protection of Medicare now. Medicare at 50 would allow people to buy Medicare as their health insurance. Medicare is Affordable Care Act compliant, with essential benefits, has high patient satisfaction ratings, has full access to primary care and physician specialists, and always, always covers preexisting conditions. Medicare at 50 also is thousands of dollars cheaper when compared with the gold plan on the individual market. Mr. Speaker, Medicare is the best public option that already exists, and the best public option that already exists should be available to millions of Americans ages 50 to 64\1/2\.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I have proudly stood before this House on many occasions to honor the life and legacy of south Buffalo native John Granville. John was a young diplomat with the United States Agency for International Development and, tragically, was murdered by Islamic extremists in Khartoum, Sudan, in 2008. At the time of his death, John was working with the people of South Sudan to prepare them for elections and their eventual independence as the newest country in the world in 2011. A decade after John's death, the Granville family is still fighting the international justice system to hold the Government of Sudan accountable for his death. The Trump administration's Department of State is now considering removing Sudan from the list of state-sponsored terrorists. If the State Department allows for that removal, Sudan's responsibility for John's death and the escape of his convicted murderers must be a condition for the State Department's action in this matter.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Mr. Anthony B. Krupski, Jr. who passed away on July 1, 2018 at the age of 76. Born in Buffalo and raised in Cheektowaga, Anthony Kruspski first heard music in his home as his dad played the accordion and became his son's first teacher. Tony's passion for this unique instrument and his family led him to start his own band at just age 17. This polka band, Krew Brothers, would grow to include all six of his brothers. This proud son with strong Polonia roots picked the perfect name for what would become one of the country's leading polka bands as ``Krew,'' means blood in the Polish language. Having kept his family united after his Mother's passing, Tony would lead his band of brothers to great heights as they appeared on national television, performed at gatherings in Western New York and toured extensively to major polka conventions and festivals throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Their hits, including the Birds 'n Bees Polka, The Thing Polka, Michael Polka, Judy Polka, New Father Polka and the Babcia & Deidamia Polka, were recorded over four albums, three on their own private label. Tony remained an in-demand musician even after the Krew Brothers disbanded as he played with ``Full Circle'' and was as much as an attraction as the traditional food stands as he entertained thousands of shoppers visiting the legendary Buffalo Broadway Market during the Easter season. His sound helped enhance the authenticity of the Forgotten Buffalo Tours and lifted the spirits of nursing home residents as he shared his talents with those whose memories of polka parties remained strong. Always a hard worker, Tony's dedication to his family extended to his decades of work as a stationery engineer in both the private and public sectors. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in expressing our deepest condolences to his wife, Marie, his children, grandchildren, family, friends and legions of fans as we commemorate the musical contributions of the first Krew Brother, Anthony Krupski, Jr.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, at the foot of Main Street in Buffalo lies the DL&W Terminal, a century-old, vacant historic landmark along the Buffalo River that once served as a bustling stop for passengers traveling by both ship and rail. A plan by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority will transform this piece of western New York history into a destination that serves a Buffalo of today and tomorrow, creating a multimodal center for people traveling by rail, automobile, bikes, and boats. The DL&W Terminal is a project under consideration for a Federal grant through the United States Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development, otherwise known as the BUILD program. I stand today in support of the NFTA's grant application for the DL&W Terminal, which serves as a national model for financing of infrastructure investments delivering significant economic impact. Surrounded by Canalside, the Cobblestone District, downtown Buffalo, and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, development of the DL&W represents a transformative project building on the economic renaissance of the new Buffalo.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on July 11, on final passage of H.R. 200, The Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act, I inadvertently cast my vote contrary to my own intentions. I intended to vote NO on that bill. Had I been present, I would have voted Nay on Roll Call No. 321

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, many Americans have worked hard their entire lives paying into pension programs with the promise that, after a career of hard labor, they would have a secure transition into retirement. Our multiemployer pension plans, of which there are 114, covering 1.3 million workers, are severely underfunded and in trouble. The Butch Lewis Act is an important step in responsibly securing the pensions that millions of American workers have earned throughout their years of hard work. We must ensure that the pensions that American union workers have earned over a lifetime of work are protected well into the future. This Congress needs to take action now to ensure the promise of those who were promised after years of contributions to have a pension in their retirement years.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas Blanchard whose knowledge and passion for the water led to a career of accomplishments as an urban and waterfront developer, as well as a tireless advocate promoting the limitless opportunities for preservation, recreation and tourism along the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor. Tom's professional resume began in the state of Virginia as Economic Development Planner for the City of Norfolk, Model Cities Program in the early 1970's. He would go on to become Executive Director of the City of Portsmouth Community Action Organization and Director of the Department of Development for the City of Norfolk. As City of Norfolk Director of Development, Tom was directly involved in the acquisition and redevelopment of several key parcels of land, mostly along the waterfront, that led to revitalization and reuse from beach front residential to deep draft channel ship and barge terminals. As Executive Director of the Norfolk Recreational Facilities Authority, he managed the concept development and feasibility for NAUTICUS, The National Maritime Center, a $52 million waterfront themed attraction which opened in 1994. After serving as Executive Vice President of the Greater Norfolk Corporation from 1985 to 1989, he was recruited to New York State and my hometown of Buffalo as the executive director of Erie County's Horizons Waterfront Commission. It was said of Tom that his selection represented a quantum leap forward. He moved forward as well when the work of the Commission was merged into Empire State Development Corporation in 1995. His appointment as Director of Research and Planning for the Western New York Region continued his leadership role in planning, presenting and pushing for approvals to construct the Erie Canal Harbor project in downtown Buffalo and various projects in downtown Niagara Falls. His familiarity with the historical significance of the Erie Canal, an engineering marvel that has been in operation since 1825, made Tom Blanchard an inspired appointment to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission. As has been stated, ``the federally- appointed Erie Canalway Commission, created by Congress in 2000, is tasked with managing activities of the National Heritage Corridor with financial support and technical assistance through the National Park Service. This new kind of national park called for a new kind of private- public partnership to bolster and strengthen the implementation of the Corridor's award-winning Preservation and Management Plan. And once again, Tom stepped up in 2010 as the first Chair of the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, a nonprofit that assists in carrying out the work of the Commission by securing additional private and public resources to preserve its historical significance and bolster its $300 million impact on the region. Tom's career has been characterized by excellence, as shown through the honors he has received; he is a member of the Omega Delta Epsilon Honorary Economics Society, an Old Dominion University School of Business and Economics Distinguished Alumni, and received the Edward de Luca Lifetime Achievement Award for Professional Excellence in Economic Development in 2001. His volunteer service on both land and sea extended beyond the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission to include a stint as chair of the National Council for Urban Economic Development, Norfolk Opportunities Industrialization Center and as Past Commodore of the Buffalo Yacht Club. An avid sailor, Tom also holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master Mariner Credential for 50-ton vessels operating in the Great Lakes and U.S. Inland Waters. Volunteerism extends to his wife Paula as well as they have teamed up with a dedicated committee to bring the largest concentration of tall ships to visit the Queen City in decades. Seven traditional rigsailing vessels are expected to highlight July 4, 2019 celebrations along our vibrant waterfront as ``Port of Call: Buffalo'' will serve as a visible link to Buffalo's rich maritime past. For almost fifty years, Tom Blanchard has been a visible link connecting past and present along the water's edge for the benefit of residents and visitors and we thank him for his expertise, unwavering commitment and service to his community. Mr. Speaker, as the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission and Erie Canalway Heritage Fund Board of Directors meet at One Canalside in Buffalo on June 27, 2018, let me add my appreciation for their ongoing good work and join with them in acknowledging the significant contributions of Thomas Blanchard, Jr.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the communities I represent in Buffalo and western New York have a long, proud tradition of welcoming immigrants and refugees from all over the world. We are a city of good neighbors in a Nation of immigrants. The Trump administration's imposition of a Muslim travel ban, proposals to build a wall, and egregious policy to terrorize kids and tear families apart appeals to the tribal instincts of the weak and the paranoid among us. Americans respect the rule of law, hard work, and hard truth. We are measured as a Nation by power and strength, certainly, but equally by goodness and compassion. These are the values that made America great again, again, and again.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the Justice Department last week said to a Federal court that it will not defend against efforts to dismantle the individual market and protections for preexisting conditions of the healthcare law. Mr. Speaker, the 50 to 64 demographic in America that buys health insurance on the exchanges is about to get clobbered with 30 to 40 percent premium increases and no protection against denial for preexisting conditions. The 60 million people between the ages of 50 and 64 need the protection of Medicare now by allowing them to buy into the program to give them medical coverage. Medicare is fully compliant with the Affordable Care Act, and Medicare always covers preexisting conditions. Medicare is the best health care insurance, and it is the best public option that already exists. Let's make that accessible to the people who are age 50 to 64.