Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional service of civil rights and social justice pioneer Frank B. Mesiah as the former president of the Buffalo Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as he is presented with the President's Award at the NAACP Annual Medgar Evers Dinner. Frank Mesiah is from Buffalo's West Side and a graduate of Grover Cleveland High School, in the Buffalo Public School system he would later fight to integrate. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Buffalo State College and worked as both a Buffalo police officer, Buffalo teacher, and at the New York State Department of Labor to support his wife and three daughters. After serving our nation and earning an honorable discharge from the United States Army in the 1950's, Frank worked tirelessly to further the civil rights movement in the city of Buffalo. Under his leadership, the local NAACP chapter saw many successes in the public sector, notably in the city's police force and the public education system. Frank diligently played the role of watchdog in the community by exposing racism and discrimination. Through the work of the NAACP, the Buffalo Public Schools were desegregated, thanks in no small part to Frank's efforts. He also fought for reforms in the Buffalo police force to ensure black and white officers were treated equally in the workplace. The NAACP also advanced black teachers and administrators in public schools. In addition to striving for improvements for people of color in the city of Buffalo, Frank fought for the rights of women, senior citizens, and the gay and lesbian community. Buffalo is indebted to his remarkable determination and steadfast resolve. While much work remains to be done, Frank's work and the battles fought by the NAACP under his leadership have created a better place for us all. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to highlight the tremendous service of Frank Mesiah and the Buffalo Chapter of the NAACP. Our city is so grateful for his dedication to civil rights. I wish him the absolute best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor the outstanding works of Ms. Tiffany Renee' Lewis, as she receives the distinguished Daniel R. Acker Community Service Award from the Buffalo Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Her contributions to the community of Buffalo are numerous, including her ownership of the Skin Deep Beauty Spa, her volunteer work for The American Cancer Society's ``Look Good Feel Better'' Program, her work as a realtor for Realty USA and as a marketing assistant for Watts Architecture and Engineering, and her development of the youth mentorship program, ``Confident Girl,'' which she launched in 2016. Through her volunteer work with The American Cancer Society's Look Good Feel Better Program, she has provided invaluable assistance to those who are suffering by helping cancer patients to look and feel their best. She is uniquely qualified for this service, as she received her Esthetics license from The Salon Professional Academy, receiving top honor for her hard work. She then further pursued her Certification in Clinical Oncology Esthetics through the Skin Therapy Institute, making her the first African American female to do so in the Western New York Region. Notably, she trained in Washington, D.C., with First Lady Michelle Obama's Personal Esthetician JoElle Lee in June of 2014, earning a Certificate in Dealing with Multicultural Skin. Her dedication has allowed her to become a celebrity esthetician, speaker, educator and mentor who specializes in the health and wellness of the skin. In addition to her honorable work with cancer patients, she has also demonstrated her preeminence in her field through her work with celebrities, professional athletes and world renowned artistic directors. She also offers guidance by contributing to magazine and newspaper articles, as well as radio shows. She is now a highly- regarded expert in the field of Esthetics. Ms. Lewis also holds a dual degree in Legal and Religious Studies, and has spent more than twelve years working within the community on various development programs. She combined her extensive experiences in community organizing and the beneficial social effects of Esthetics to create the ``Confident Girl'' Mentoring Program, which works to empower youth, teens and young adults in New York. The program serves over thirty young people in the Advantage After-School Program in Niagara Falls, New York, by helping them to pursue self-discovery and wholesome developmental strategies. She works to promote feelings of self- confidence and self-worth in those who might otherwise feel marginalized. She teaches children and young adults about the importance of taking care of their minds, bodies and spirits. Simultaneously, she advocates for the youth members of her community, and continues to learn and develop ever-improving methods of Esthetic care and community development. Formerly Ms. Lewis served as Vice-Chair for the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood Community Council, and has been a member of the National Notary Association, the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the National Association of Realtors. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Ms. Lewis moved with her family to Buffalo, New York, at a young age. The Buffalo community is extremely grateful to her for her hard work and her contributions to the overall health of its members. Ms. Lewis has been recognized for her accomplishments many times before, earning the Trailblazer Award by the program ``Women Making History,'' the Women of Influence Award by Buffalo Business First, the New York State Award for Public Policy, the Volunteer of the Year Award for her community service with the developmentally disabled, a Volunteer Award by the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood, and many more. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor Ms. Tiffany Renee' Lewis for her inspirational dedication to the community. She has proven herself to be an extraordinarily intelligent and accomplished woman, and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor the accomplishments of Mr. Anthony Wiley Jr., as he receives the Youth Award, which has been awarded to him by the Buffalo Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He is deserving of this award due to his involvement with his local Boy Scout Troop, and his volunteer work for churches throughout his community. Anthony has been involved with community service as a member of his Boy Scout troop throughout his life, and has been promoted to an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 237. He attained this honor by earning his merit badges through service-oriented and camping experiences, and was further awarded the rank of Eagle Scout for his hard work and dedication. Some of Anthony's achievements as a Boy Scout include performing his role as Crew Leader on an eighty-two mile journey at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, acting as a Patrol Leader and later as a Senior Patrol member, and becoming a member of the Arrow of the Arrow. His Eagle Scout Project involved supervising the building of a new supply cabinet for his church. Notably, he spent a total of 105 hours to complete this project, and was acknowledged and rewarded by the Eagle Scout board of review on December 22, 2015. Anthony has shown dedication to the Scout Oath, exhibiting an exemplary sense of duty and admirable mental and moral aptitude. He is extensively involved with his community, as shown by his attendance at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, where he plays the drums, volunteers regularly in the food pantry, and helps those who run the church in their duties by tending to the sanctuary in the evenings. He is a graduate of Tapestry Charter High School, where he was a member of the Thunder Hawks Varsity Basketball Team and of the school band. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor Mr. Anthony Wiley Jr. for his hard work and his dedication to his community. I wish him the best in his future endeavors and look forward to seeing how he will continue to serve others.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to recognize Kanasha Blue's service to others. Ms. Blue's years of work in public service have earned her the Rufus Frazier Human Services Award at the NAACP--Buffalo Chapter's Medgar Evers award dinner. A native of Montego Bay, Jamaica, Ms. Blue has made improving the lives of others a fundamental component of her life. She has resided in Buffalo, NY since 1997 and is a Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom as well as a retired Staff Sergeant of the New York Army National Guard. In addition to her commendable and brave service in our military, Ms. Blue is impressive in her willingness to go above and beyond what is asked of her. While deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Ms. Blue organized a drive for personal care items and clothing for local workers in need that helped close to 100 people meet their basic personal care needs. Recently, she supported deployed troops with a personal care item drive that resulted in hundreds of dollars in products being donated to the noble cause. These are just a few examples of Ms. Blue actively searching for opportunities to help others. Ms. Blue volunteers with the Second Baptist Church Food Pantry, Lambda Pi Upsilon Sorority, Inc., and the Buffalo/Niagara Mentorship Program. She has used her leadership skills to bring about positive change in the lives of countless individuals. Her ability to lead and impact others led her to serve as President of Second Baptist Church Missionary/Deaconess Ministry, Third Vice Commander of the American Legion Jesse Clipper Post 430, Executive Committee member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Co-Chair of the Young Adult Action Committee (YAAC). Other accomplishments by Ms. Blue include her Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from SUNY Buffalo State and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Marist College. She enjoys spending time with her husband of two years, Robert Blue. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to take the time to recognize the great work Ms. Kanasha Blue has done for the Western New York community and people throughout the world. Her generosity and dedication are admirable and I wish her the best in all her future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the accomplishments of this year's recipient of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Buffalo Branch Youth Award, Tyler Horton. Tyler was born and raised in Buffalo, and has always been a contributor to his community. At an early age Tyler displayed signs of leadership by becoming the Vice President of the National Junior Honors Society while attending Westminster Community Charter School, where he achieved the title of Valedictorian. At the age of 12 he became a Boy Scout, and later, an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 237, where he earned many merit awards and badges. The lessons Tyler learned in his Boy Scouts troops truly molded him into an outstanding citizen. In 2012 he was a Chaplain and Assistant Patrol Leader at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, where he was able to share his Scout experience, serving as a mentor to other young men. In 2016 Tyler supervised and assisted renovations of the Macedonia Baptist Church's food pantry. Through his example of volunteerism and leadership, Tyler eventually became an Eagle Scout and a Member of the Order of the Arrow. Tyler now attends Bethesda World Harvest International Church and contributes to the youth group and Cinematography Team. This year, Tyler is graduating from Health Science Charter School, where he is the Salutatorian, a member of the National Honors Society, a winner of the Jesse Ketchum Memorial Fund Bronze winner, and a Student Ambassador. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor this impressive young man as he is recognized by the NAACP. I wish him the best in all his future endeavors and look forward to seeing him continue to do good for others.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stephanie Barber Geter, recipient of The Medgar Evers Award at the NAACP--Buffalo Chapter's Medgar Evers Dinner. Ms. Geter has dedicated much of her life to serving others, especially the people of Western New York. She has left a lasting impact on our community by putting others before herself and combining her skills with compassion to improve the lives of others. Ms. Geter served as Senior Vice President of Funds Distribution & Community Initiatives at the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. In this role, she distributed approximately $25 million annually to agency providers and community partners which played a vital role in community development within Western New York. Ms. Geter's tireless work for the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County has improved the quality of life of countless members of our community, and presented so many individuals with opportunities they would not have had without her. The extensive background in community service Ms. Geter possesses speaks volumes to her drive to make a positive impact on the world. She has experience working in the legislative service branch of government, neighborhood housing programs and youth job services. Ms. Geter has served diligently on numerous non-profit boards, community and government committees and oversight groups as well. Currently, Ms. Geter works at Buffalo State College as Director of the Head Start Partnership. As Director, she is a mentor and teacher to Head Start teachers who go on to help children. In addition, Ms. Geter serves as the President of the Hamlin Park Taxpayers Association, Board Chair of Restoring Our Community Coalition, Board Chair of Elim Community Corporation, and is on the Board of the WNY Food Bank. As the Board Chair of Restoring Our Community Coalition, she has used her leadership to revitalize neighborhoods along Humboldt Parkway in Buffalo, NY. Ms. Geter has worked with Elim Community Corporation, a bible-based ministry that offers worship to many in our community. In her role on the Board of the WNY Food Bank, Ms. Geter organized and helped provide services vital to the people of Western New York. The impacts of her work can be seen in many different forms. While Ms. Geter has been involved in many different causes and organizations, one constant is her devotion to people in Western New York. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me the time to recognize the remarkable work Ms. Stephanie Geter has done for the Western New York Community. Ms. Getter has truly dedicated her life to helping the people of Buffalo & Erie County. Stephanie's devotion to serving others is admirable and I would like to congratulate her on receiving the Medgar Evers Award.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on June 6, 2017, I was not present for the recorded votes on Roll Call No. 286 and 287. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the motion to suspend the rules and agree, as amended and YEA on the motion to suspend the rules and agree, as amended.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, a major western New York health insurance provider announced today that they are seeking an almost 50 percent increase in health insurance premiums next year. They cite rising medical and drug costs as reasons for seeking this increase. Medicare is the most successful and popular healthcare system in America. With low administrative costs and high-quality outcomes, Americans ages 50 to 65 should be able to buy in, at their own expense, to Medicare. Under this plan, Medicare could add 10 million more Americans, using the leverage of 67 million Americans. Mr. Speaker, this is real leverage to drive down healthcare costs and drive up the quality of that coverage. With real patient protections and full and affordable coverage for preexisting diseases like cancer and diabetes, Medicare should be an option for Americans 50 to 65 years old.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, it was reported in The New York Times on Monday that UnitedHealthcare and four of the Nation's largest health insurance companies concocted a scheme to defraud the Medicare program and the American people out of tens of billions of dollars each year over the past decade. The United States Department of Justice yesterday joined the lawsuit and is investigating these serious charges against UnitedHealthcare and the others. The Justice Department should conduct an investigation aggressively and thoroughly to get to the truth and to exact justice. If these allegations are true, these actions would represent among the most egregious schemes of fraud perpetrated against the American people. Shockingly, the House Republican health bill gave a $78 million tax cut to the executives of the very companies that are under investigation, including a $15.5 million tax cut to UnitedHealthcare and their chief executive officer. This information can easily be found on page 67 in 3 lines of the Republican healthcare bill. This is, Mr. Speaker, a blatant violation of the public trust that this Congress took an oath to protect and to uphold.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on May 17, 2017, I was not present for the recorded votes on rollcall No. 261 and 262. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on the motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the chair and YEA on H.R. 1177, the Removing Outdated Restrictions to Allow for Job Growth Act.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, last night we learned that President Trump may have tried to interfere with an ongoing investigation, asking the FBI Director to end an investigation into his former National Security Adviser's ties to Russia. The Justice Department today should appoint an independent prosecutor to aggressively pursue the truth. There are a lot of informational dots. They either connect or they don't. There is no dispute that Russia interfered with the United States' Presidential election. The question is: Did Russia interfere with the Presidential election in coordination with the Trump campaign? It is deeply troubling that the Attorney General recused himself--a self-declared conflict--from the Russian investigation and then played a role in firing the man leading it. The American people rightfully suspect the decision to fire the FBI Director is part of a coverup. Appoint a special prosecutor to pursue the truth. Despots all over the world like Putin want to discredit American democracy to keep their own people from wanting it. We as Americans, Republicans and Democrats all, cannot allow this to happen, ever.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the accomplishments of Joan Weichmann for her tireless work in the community as she is honored by the Amherst Women's Interclub Council during their annual Kentucky Derby Luncheon. Her lifetime of community service is commendable and worthy of praise. Mrs. Weichmann was born in Marilla, New York on a dairy farm where she and her family produced maple syrup. She later graduated from East Aurora High School, and Bryant and Stratton College where she majored in Accounting. Throughout her life, Mrs. Weichmann has served in many positions, such as her leadership as the former President of both the Amherst Dance Club and the Victorian Dance Company. Additionally, she formerly served as Vice President of both the German-American Society and the Club Lorelei German Club. Mrs. Weichmann continues to dedicate her time to these organizations as a board member. Currently, Mrs. Weichmann is President of the Buffalo Federation of Women's Club, a member of the Bell Ski Club Board, the Lederhosen Ski Club, Second Vice President of Shea's Spotlight, Friends of Amherst Symphony and longtime member of the American Wine Society--Chaine des Rotisseurs. Mrs. Weichmann's many hobbies include skiing, swimming, dancing, golfing, hiking, and learning. Mrs. Weichmann resides in the Village of Williamsville with her husband Ron and their three dogs, two Afghans and one Greyhound. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Joan Weichmann for her tireless, vital and wide-reaching work in our community. I wish her the best in all her future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I join the Amherst Women's Interclub Council in recognizing the accomplishments and tireless work of the Getzville Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. The Ladies Auxiliary has been serving their community for nearly 95 years through fundraising for many causes, and assisting those who were displaced due to factors beyond their control. The Ladies Auxiliary was formed in September 5, 1922 at the request of then-President of the Getzville Fire Company Sam Heim and Mr. George Dettmer. During the early years of the Auxiliary, the ladies would hold fundraisers such as card parties, dances and dinners. The money raised would help the Fire Company buy new equipment. During the 1940's, the Ladies Auxiliary Group donated to the American Red Cross to assist them during World War II. The Getzville Ladies Auxiliary continues to provide vital assistance to those in need and enhance the quality of life in their community to this day. Especially impressive is their willingness to help victims of disasters by giving them a safe place to stay and ensuring they are fed. Trademarks of the Ladies Auxiliary that will long be remembered include their famous chili during their summer picnics, their fashion shows, mystery rides and dinners that celebrate their anniversary. In the grand scheme of things, they will mostly be remembered for their work in the community, their selfless volunteerism and their caring and compassion. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the work that the Getzville Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary has done as they approach their 95th Anniversary celebration on September 11, 2017. I wish them the best in all their future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Riviera Theatre, a historical landmark in North Tonawanda, New York. This past December, the Riviera celebrated 90 years of bringing a multitude of performing arts, including live concerts, theatre, dance shows, and movies to Western New York. Originally known as the Twin Cities Rivera, the theatre was built during the year 1926, by the Yellen Family. The architects Leon H. Lempart and Son drew the plans, which were patterned after the Italian Renaissance. The theatre changed multiple times over the years but is currently owned and run by Riviera Theatre and Organ Preservation Society. Opening night was December 30, 1926, a gala event, which featured the movies ``Upstage'' starring Norma Shearer, ``The Mona Lisa'', in Technicolor, a short comedy, and the newsreel. Organist Fred Meyer accompanied the films and soloed at the Mighty Wurlitzer organ. Perhaps the Riviera is best known for housing a Wurlitzer Theatre organ, made nearby at the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company of North Tonawanda. In 2008, the organ was re-voiced and restored to nearly original condition, providing a new symphonic sound for concerts and events. The Riviera's Mighty Wurlitzer has provided more entertainment consistently in its original setting than most other theatre organs, nationwide. Many of the top name artists in the country have performed here in hundreds of concerts over the past 35 years. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Riviera Theatre is currently in the planning stages of an Expansion and Development Project (Set The Stage) that will add 23,000 square feet of new space including a black box theatre, a new lobby and new modern amenities for their patrons and performers. It is estimated when completed an additional 50,000 visitors will attend annually. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments today to recognize the heritage of the Riviera Theatre and to celebrate its 90th Anniversary. I wish them well in their continuing expansion as the Buffalo community is fortunate to have a building with such a historical background and which promotes performing arts.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, for the third time in 90 days, Republicans are trying to take away patient protections for Americans with preexisting medical conditions. Fifty percent of all Americans and 86 percent of Americans ages 55 through 64 have preexisting conditions. There is a genetic influence in many people who have preexisting conditions, meaning that tens of millions of Americans are born into a predisposition for certain diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, and heart disease. The Republican healthcare scam would obliterate protections for preexisting conditions. For example, if you have a dad with a kid who is stuck with childhood cancer, the dad could buy a policy, but that policy would not have to cover his kid's cancer treatments. That, Mr. Speaker, is a deliberate intent to deceive the American people.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, President Trump wanted to cut $1.2 billion from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute. Instead, Congress will exert its independence by rejecting the President's cut and will instead increase National Institutes of Health's funding by $2 billion. My community of Buffalo, New York, is home to America's first cancer center, Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Roswell Park is a national leader in NIH-funded research for immunotherapy. Immunotherapy uses drugs and vaccines to unleash the cancer-killing potential of the body's own immune system. Immunotherapy has the potential for longer remission and is an alternative to debilitating chemotherapy. Because of this congressional action, Roswell Park Cancer Institute's clinical trials and immunotherapy will continue, and the potential for tens of millions more in NIH research funding over the next 5 years is a reality. This is good for the good that it will do in advancing this promising research and is good for Buffalo and the continued growth of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Dr. Mark J. Crawford for his service to Western New York as an educator and public servant. He will be retiring from his position as Superintendent of the West Seneca Central School District, and I want to commemorate his hard work, dedication, and impact on our community. Dr. Crawford began his educational career in Western New York, earning a bachelor's and a master's degree from Canisius College, and a doctorate from the University of Buffalo. In 1974, he began his career teaching at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. Throughout his 43-year career in education, Dr. Crawford took on many different roles. He taught Regents Social Studies, served as the Dean of Discipline, Headmaster, and Principal at a number of our local schools including, Nardin Academy, Casey Middle School, and Northwood Elementary. In addition, Dr. Crawford served as an adjunct professor of graduate education at D'Youville College, helping to educate the future teachers of Western New York. For the past 13 years, he was Superintendent at Dryden Central School District, Hamburg Central Schools, and most recently, West Seneca Central School District. In addition to his dedication to education, Mark is actively involved in the local community and serves as a member of the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce, member emeritus of the West Seneca Rotary Club, and Trustee Emeritus of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation Board of Trustees. Furthermore, Dr. Crawford has expanded his community involvement beyond Western New York to Rwanda. Eight years ago, he traveled with the directors of the Summer Institute for Human Rights and Genocide Studies, and ever since has actively supported the organization. Dr. Crawford has been serving the youth of Western New York for over four decades, and his commitment and dedication as an educator and public servant has had an immeasurable impact on our community. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor Dr. Mark J. Crawford and recognize all that he has done for the City of West Seneca and the entire Western New York community. I know that you'll join me, and all of our colleagues, in wishing Mark, his wife, and their entire family the very best of good health and happiness in the months and years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the new Republican healthcare scam, again, slams good hardworking Americans with higher costs and less healthcare coverage. Fewer people will have healthcare coverage, and insurance companies will increase their already record profits. And what would a Republican healthcare bill plan be without a massive tax cut for high-paid insurance executives? UnitedHealthcare is one of America's largest insurers and is under investigation by the Department of Justice for defrauding Medicare and the American people out of billions of dollars over the past decade. On page 67, in seven words, this Republican bill gives their chief executive officer, who made $66 million in 2014, a massive tax cut. Mr. Speaker, this is disgusting and morally reprehensible.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, while the President continues to drone on about his southern border wall, a wall that he told America Mexico would pay for--which, of course, they will not--a wall that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology reports will cost Americans $40 billion, there is no discussion of a promised $1 trillion infrastructure bill. This week, a Reuters report named my hometown of Buffalo, New York, as among the most dangerous lead hotspots in America. The lead waterlines in places like Buffalo, New York, and Flint, Michigan, are more than 100 years old, and they need to be replaced. Forty percent of kids in lead hotspots could suffer from cognitive delays and other neurological problems. Mr. Speaker, the President needs to stop talking about an expensive and ineffective wall and start taking action on removing the toxic levels of lead from our Nation's drinking water systems, particularly in places like Buffalo, New York, and Flint, Michigan.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the career of a dedicated public servant, Superintendent Dr. James Newton, who is being honored by the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns, also known as the Newman Club, with an award. Dr. Newton spent 31 years working in public education; 19 of those were in the City of Tonawanda. He began his career as junior high principal in 1998. He was an integral part in passing the largest capital project in the history of the district. The project was over 25 million dollars in improvements to fund a new library media center and gymnasium, among other upgrades. In 2009, he was appointed to middle/high school principal and in 2013 became the superintendent. Dr. Newton has dedicated his career in public education to creating a positive school environment, increasing the graduation rate, and allowing students to excel. Dr. Newton serves his community outside of his job with a membership in the Exchange Club, Kiwanis Club, and as a Board member for the Northtowns Boys and Girls Club. He is also a dedicated husband to his wife Lisa, with whom he has a beloved daughter. Mr. Speaker, I honor the distinguished career of Dr. Newton as he retires from his position as superintendent. It is with great pride that I stand to recognize the leadership and accomplishments of Dr. James Newton and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the career and accomplishments of a distinguished public servant, Richard Oates, as he is recognized by the City of Tonawanda Common Council. Officer Oates is a fire police officer and Associate Chaplain of the Tonawanda Fire Department, as well as the Exchange Club Fire Fighter of the Year Recipient of 2017. Officer Oates entered the Volunteer Division of the Tonawanda Fire Department in 2007 and received his New York State Peace Officer status. He has also been an integral member of the Chaplain Corps, made up of lay chaplains who serve as both first responders and chaplains. This position shows Officer Oates' commitment to helping people of his community. Officer Oates has been critically helpful in many emergency situations, not just as a responder but as a community asset to those affected by the emergency. There are countless stories of Officer Oates going beyond the call of duty to serve. One such story is when Officer Oates comforted the daughter of a victim receiving CPR by first responders. An extremely devoted citizen, Officer Oates is dedicated to giving back to his community past his volunteer service. Oates leads the organization of regular Red Cross Blood Drives at the fire hall, even starting the bi-monthly free meals for donors to incentivize community members to give. Recently, he has organized two very successful blood drives in memory of Jed Woomer, a local cancer victim. Beyond his service, Oates is a very dedicated husband, father, and son. He is married to Rhoda Oates and they have seven children together: Annabeth, Christa Mae, Rebecca, Charlotte, Jenna, Andrew, and the newest addition, Louie. He is also very committed to his faith and lives his life in a devoted manner through his work. Mr. Speaker, I honor a hard-working, tireless public servant who has spent his life helping the people of Tonawanda. The Tonawanda community and I are thankful for Officer Oates' many years of service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, from the North Atlantic to the North Pacific, to the Baltic Seas, the Russian people are standing up to Vladimir Putin and his decades of egregious corruption. The protests in Moscow are punctuated with chants that Putin is a thief. And, of course, the anticorruption protest leaders have been jailed. And our President, the United States President, the leader of the free world, says that he admires Putin's strongman ways. Here is the rub that every American of every political persuasion should be concerned with, and that every American family, millions of whom have lost a soldier in defense of our democracy, should be concerned with: Putin is trying to discredit the exact democracy that millions of our brothers and sisters have died for. Putin is a thug and a street punk. His attempt to hijack our democracy needs an aggressive and honest, independent investigation.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, word coming out of the White House and House Republicans is that there is a new healthcare bill, and this bill would obliterate the patient protections for preexisting conditions and eviscerate essential benefits and cost controls. Under the new healthcare scam, insurance companies could opt out of all consumer protections. In other words, insurance companies could write fake policies with big premiums and little or no coverage. Mr. Speaker, under this plan, a parent of a kid who is struck with childhood cancer could still buy a policy, but the policy is worthless because the policy would not have to cover their children's cancer treatment. This is how House Republicans and the insurance lobby plan to get out from under their obligation to cover preexisting conditions. This means more power for the insurance companies and less protection for good people, the American people, who play by the rules. This plan should be rejected again. It is deceitful, cold, cruel, and wrong.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, in 2009, when gas prices were very high and our dependence on foreign oil was at its peak, the Environmental Protection Agency set standards to increase fuel efficiency of trucks and cars. This helped achieve three main goals: It lessened the burden on consumers faced with high gas prices, addressed the urgent national security priority relating to our addiction to Middle East oil, and sought to limit the admittance of harmful fumes into our atmosphere. At the same time, we made unprecedented commitment to our auto industry, and in their most uncertain and darkest moment, facing collapse and bankruptcy, America bailed them out. We did this, and it came with political consequences, but we believe in their centrality to the future of the American economy, and we still do. That is why it is so disappointing to see the eagerness the auto industry has with this administration's choice to cave--and cowardly-- on fuel efficiency standards. Gas prices may be low now, but they won't be forever. It would be a misguided decision to shelve these fuel- efficiency rules now.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, last week's healthcare disaster was instructive because, in the end, it was never really about health care at all. Your plan was a thinly-veiled scheme to deliver a massive tax cut to health insurance executives and their cronies. UnitedHealthcare is one of America's largest, private healthcare insurance companies. UnitedHealthcare is under investigation for defrauding Medicare and the Federal Government out of billions of dollars. UnitedHealthcare's CEO made $66 million in 2014--one man, one salary, in 1 year--$66 million under investigation for defrauding the Medicare program; and your bill, on page 67, in seven simple words, would have rewarded this potentially criminal behavior with a massive tax cut. Mr. Speaker, Americans, on average, will pay more than $10,000 per person for health care this year. Let's use the enormous leverage of the Federal Government to drive down those costs and to drive up quality for all Americans.