Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on March 24, 2017, I was not present for the recorded vote on roll call no. 191. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on the motion to order the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act of 2017.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, this never needed to be an ideological fist fight. Democrats were always willing to take into account serious and constructive alternatives to the law that we have today that make it better, to make it affordable, more affordable for the American people. But this bill is a blatant takeaway from the American people of money and protection. If you are 50 to 64 years old, you get clobbered. If you are 64 years old, you make $26,000 a year, according to the Republican-led Congressional Budget Office, your premiums go from $1,700 a year to $14,000 a year. Fact: UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest private health insurers in America. Fact: UnitedHealthcare will have $200 billion in revenues this year, and they paid their chief executive officer $66 million in compensation in 2014. Fact: UnitedHealthcare is under investigation today by the Department of Justice for stealing billions of dollars from the Medicare program. Fact: The Republican health bill, on page 67, in 7 words, gives UnitedHealthcare, their high-paid executives, and all of their cronies, a massive tax cut to continue to screw the American people. Mr. Speaker, we can do much better. We are prepared to do much better. But this is a financial assault on good, hardworking Americans who want to do one thing at the end of the day, after paying too much money for health care throughout the year, and that is, when they need their health care, it is available to them and their family.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow House Republicans will perpetrate a careless financial assault on good, hardworking America in exchange for a massive payoff to greedy insurance executives and their cronies. Yes, this vote is rigged against the good. If you are 50 to 64 years old, you and your family get clobbered. More doughnut holes, more premiums, and less health care. UnitedHealthcare, one of America's largest private insurers, is today under investigation for defrauding the Medicare program of billions of dollars. Your bill, in 17 words on page 67, rewards UnitedHealthcare, their executives and cronies, with a massive tax cut. UnitedHealthcare made $83 billion last year, and their CEO was compensated with $66 million. They don't need a break. Hardworking America does. Your bill also allows UnitedHealthcare to charge five times more for older Americans, and imposes a 30 percent unemployment tax on the unemployed, all going to more profits for them and less health care for America.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on March 17, 2017, I was unable to be present for the recorded votes on roll call no. 170, 171, and 172. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: AYE on Hanabusa Amendment No. 11, YEA on the final passage of H.R. 1367, and AYE on the journal vote.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on March 15, 2017, I was unable to be present for the recorded votes on roll call no. 159, 160, and 161. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows:

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, my hometown county Democratic committee gathered recently to honor the longtime chair of the City of Tonawanda Democratic committee, Gayle Syposs, to commemorate her service both to her community and to the Democratic Party. A career public servant, Gayle has in the past served as an elected member of her hometown city council, as a civil servant and appointed public servant in county government, and at present once again serving her hometown as the Tonawanda City Clerk, where its elected leadership--be they Republican or Democratically affiliated--agree that her experience and institutional knowledge was critically important when the longtime incumbent city clerk retired in 2015. But it is how Gayle came to public life that helps illustrate what is great about America, and about how committed people, working together, can be an effective voice for the communities they love. In the 1970s, New York State government had plans to ``improve'' transportation in the city of Tonawanda--but the local community didn't think much of it. The state wanted to change Niagara Street into a four lane highway, which would have turned this main thoroughfare adjacent to the city's waterfront parks into a dangerous highway totally not in keeping with the needs and wants of city residents, destroying the city's character in the process. This ill-conceived action midwifed the birth of a great civic and political activist in Gayle Syposs. After reading a newspaper article detailing the number of old-growth trees destined to be removed to build this highway, Gayle formed a citizens' committee that successfully fought the state's top-down plan, preserving Niagara Street and the character of her hometown the right way, in a grassroots, bottom-up fashion, energizing and educating neighbors to join the fight. Today, Niagara Street remains as it was, a low-speed thoroughfare adjacent to county and city parks, preserved, we hope, in perpetuity for the enjoyment of residents and families during each of Western New York's great four seasons. Gayle's activism spawned a career in public service and politics, leading her to 6 non-consecutive terms on the city council, and into greater governmental and political activism-- something from which so many Western New York Democrats have benefited. Indeed, while I have known Gayle for the better part of thirty years, I have come to benefit most directly since her city was included into my congressional district in 2012. In addition to being a steadfast supporter, Gayle has been a friend and an important link for me and for my staff to her local community--a service she has been kind enough to provide to me and to the people I work to serve. Gayle is, as I mentioned, currently the chair of the city of Tonawanda's Democratic Committee, but that is only one of many titles she has held. While she has served as chair as long as many of us can remember, she also serves as Chair of the Erie County Association of Town Chairs, as Treasurer of the county Democratic party, and as a member of the New York State Democratic Committee. A few weeks ago, Gayle was honored by our Erie County Democratic Committee as the 2017 recipient of the Joseph F. Crangle Legacy Award. Named for our legendary former county and state chairman, this award is the gold standard for local Democrats; it rightfully raises Gayle's name among the great leaders of our party. But no one should imagine that earning this award will mean that Gayle will slow down anytime soon. Gayle will likely read this speech, reflect upon it for a few moments, and quickly move on to a call she recently received about a broken sidewalk, or pass along the resume of a neighbor's college-aged grandson who is looking for an opportunity as he works his way through college. Gayle's dedication to her country, her community and, yes, her party, represent all that is great about Western New York, and I am thankful for the opportunity to honor her and to have the House take note of the many positive contributions she has made throughout our community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the rich history of St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, a long standing community pillar that is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. The Episcopal Cathedral was incorporated on February 10, 1817 in the city of Buffalo. This building was Buffalo's first permanent house of worship and was consecrated on February 25, 1821. A major milestone in the Church's history was the consecration of a new edifice. This building was designed by renowned architect Richard Upjohn and began a second period of growth for the Church. St Paul's Cathedral flourished in the city until May 22, 1888 when it was tragically destroyed by a fire. Through perseverance and a strong commitment to the community, the restored St Paul's Cathedral was inaugurated just two years later. The Church committed to remaining in the downtown community of Buffalo. Even with the hardships of the twentieth century around the country and in Buffalo, St Paul's Cathedral took advantage of every opportunity to grow and serve the community. St Paul's Cathedral is where The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, attended while he was going through Buffalo Public Schools. Through different projects throughout the city of Buffalo, the people of St Paul's Cathedral have shown their commitment to social service and preserving their history. Mr. Speaker, I honor a long standing institution in the city of Buffalo. I am proud to celebrate St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral's bicentennial and I wish the Church good fortune for many years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. Sam Scinta, a dedicated volunteer for the Democratic Party and resident of Tonawanda, New York. Sam's tireless service is recognized today by his friends on the City of Tonawanda Democratic Committee. Sam has committed countless hours to further Democratic causes in our community and is most deserving of the City of Tonawanda Democratic Committee's Man of the Year Award. Sam was raised in Buffalo, New York where he attended Public School 76 and Hutchinson Central High School. In 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He is a Korean War Veteran and worked in aviation as a line captain and mechanic. He served in Kingsville, Texas, in a Patrol Squadron in San Diego, and in the Philippine Islands, until he was discharged in 1958. In 1959, Sam began his career with the Erie Rail Road as a locomotive fireman and was promoted to locomotive engineer in 1966. When the Erie Rail Road merged with the Lackawanna Rail Road, he became active in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen as an organizer, rising to the rank of Vice President, then Local Chairman. Following a union merge he became Local Chairman of the United Transportation Union. In 1976, he went to work for Con Rail after the North East Railroads merged, where he served as a locomotive engineer until his retirement in 1999. Sam moved to Tonawanda in 1998 and following his retirement became active in the City of Tonawanda Democratic Committee and has served as Vice Chairman of the Committee for over a decade. One example of his dedication is Sam's command of the Smoothie Booth for the City Committee's fundraiser during Canal Fest since 2003. He constructs the booth, does the scheduling, works in the booth and is there from open to closing all 8 days. Each year, Sam puts in a long day at the Committee's annual picnic in August. Sam is also the proud custodian of the Committee's banner. As a volunteer on Hillary Clinton's successful campaign for Senator in 2000, and at Congresswoman Louise Slaughter's campaign headquarters in 2001, Sam worked tirelessly. In 2005 he hopped on board Legislator Michele Iannello's campaign. Following her victory, Sam went to work for Legislator Iannello in her district office for 2006 and 2007. In 2008, he went to work for the Erie County Board of Elections and retired again in June, 2016. Sam is the loving father of Sam James Scinta and daughter-in-law Kerry, and a proud grandfather to Sam Jr. and Anthony. As a proud family man, while Sam's son was young, Sam coached and served as President of the Little League at Public School 81 in the 1970's. Mr. Speaker, I honor Mr. Sam Scinta and his dedication to Democratic politics and our community. Sam's commitment and dependability are admirable and I am pleased to be able to recognize him today with the City of Tonawanda Democratic Committee as they present to him their Man of the Year Award.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Review reported that the cost of then-candidate Trump's wall along the southern border will be up to $40 billion for every 1,000 miles of wall. With the potential of a 2,000-mile wall along the border, American taxpayers can expect to pay up to $80 billion for a wall at the southern border--$80 billion for a wall we were told Mexico would pay for, and Mexico said they will not pay for that wall. Last year, a leading Republican Governor also suggested that we should explore building a wall along the northern border. The northern border wall would be 5,000 miles. A northern border wall would cost about $400 billion using the MIT report estimates. Obviously, Canada, like Mexico, will not pay for a silly wall. Mr. Speaker, $480 billion to wall in the United States. What is it with Republicans and walls? What are they afraid of? What we need is a new infrastructure bill not to build walls, but to build bridges and roads and to build infrastructure to put Americans back to work and to grow the American economy.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize three exceptional members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Shyasha Spencer, Taylor Graham and Jasmine Shirley. During their collegiate careers, these young women have proven to be talented and dedicated scholars and athletes. Their achievements on and off the court are worthy of praise and I congratulate them on the completion of their undergraduate degrees. As members of the Buffalo State women's basketball team, these students are known as leaders among their peers and teammates. I commend these young women for their dedication to academics and athletics and congratulate them on the completion of their college careers. Shyasha Spencer is from Geneva, New York and a graduate of Geneva High School. Shyasha is a Guard on the Buffalo State Bengals and will be earning a degree in Criminal Justice. Taylor Graham is a senior on the Buffalo women's basketball team. The Guard leads the team in assists and steals. Taylor will receive her degree in Business Administration. She attended Maria Carrillo High School in Santa Rosa, CA. Coming from Bronx, New York, Jasmine Shirley attended Lehman High School. She is majoring in Health and Wellness and is a Guard on the team. Balancing the responsibilities demanded of student athletes is a true challenge, and each of these students handled the test with dignity and grace. As an alumnus of Buffalo State, I will be proud to call them fellow alumni. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing my colleagues to join me in recognizing these extraordinary Buffalo State Bengals and in congratulating them as they obtain their undergraduate degrees. Their dedication and drive will propel them to success, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five exceptional members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Nico McLean, Jordan Glover, Leon Moise, Jordan Chateau and Lovell Smith. During their collegiate careers, these young men have proven to be talented and dedicated scholars and athletes. Their achievements on and off the court are worthy of praise and I congratulate them on the completion of their undergraduate degrees. As members of the Buffalo State men's basketball team, these students are known as leaders among their peers and teammates. I commend these young men for their dedication to academics and athletics and congratulate them as their college careers come to a close. Buffalo native and graduate from Amherst High School, Nico McLean plays Guard for Buffalo State. The senior currently majors in Computer Information's Systems. Jordan Glover, a Buffalo native and graduate of St. Josephs Collegiate Institute majors in Communications. The senior plays Guard for Buffalo State and leads the team in steals. Leon Moise, a Brooklyn native and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School plays Forward at Buffalo State. The senior is currently studying Biology. Bayside, New York native and graduate of Lowell High School, senior Jordan Chateau plays either Forward or Center for Buffalo State. Outside of basketball, he is majoring in Criminal Justice. Lovell Smith, a senior Guard from Buffalo, New York, leads the team in games started. A graduate of McKinley High School, Smith is studying electrical engineering. Balancing the responsibilities demanded of student athletes is a true challenge, and each of these students handled the test with dignity and grace. As an alumnus of Buffalo State, I will be proud to call them fellow alumni. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing my colleagues to join me in recognizing these extraordinary Buffalo State Bengals and in congratulating them as they obtain their undergraduate degrees. Their dedication and drive will propel them to success, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the new market tax credits have helped inject new economic viability into my western New York community. The program continues to help revitalize economically distressed cities throughout America; in western New York, more than $300 million in private investment in the past decade that would not have occurred without the tax credit program. Historically and architecturally significant buildings like the Electric Tower and Asbury Hall in downtown Buffalo are buzzing with new residential and commercial life. Most recently, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the Nation's first cancer center, opened their new clinical sciences building with the help of the new market tax credit program. I urge my colleagues to support my legislation to make the new market tax credits permanent.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate and honor Mr. Hal D. Payne who is retiring from Buffalo State College after 27 years of service. He will be missed by all at Buffalo State and his years of work will not be forgotten, nor will his tireless commitment to broadening and enhancing the educational opportunities of Western New York. Mr. Payne joined Buffalo State College in 1990 when he began to work as the assistant Vice President of Student Affairs. After a year he was promoted to Vice President. Under Mr. Payne's leadership, Buffalo State College has upgraded many of their student facilities such as the Frank C. Moore Apartment Complex, the Student Apartment Complex, Cassety Halls, and the Towers as well as the renovation of Houston Gymnasium. In the summer of 2000, Mr. Payne completed the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' Millennium Leadership Initiative, this program provides leadership development and allows individuals the chance to develop skills and build an advanced network. This program has aided Mr. Payne's work of advancing Buffalo State's connections within and outside of the state of New York. Before coming to Buffalo State, Mr. Payne served as Senior Associate for the Council for opportunity in Education in Washington, D.C. and as the Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Louis Stokes of Ohio. He currently acts as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education, expanding his range of work to support education across America. His commitment to his work was recognized in 2010 by Governor David A. Patterson to the New York State Council on the Arts. Hal Payne's education at Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, and at the Institution for Educational Management at Harvard University, has edified his knowledge and passion for advancing education. Mr. Payne is the recipient of numerous awards which attest to the fact that his work has not gone unappreciated or unnoticed. Hal Payne earned the Oberlin Medal, which is the highest individual honor that is awarded by Oberlin College. In addition to the Oberlin Medal, Mr. Payne received the Walter O. Mason Jr. Award from the Council for Opportunity in Education. This national award is presented to those who exhibit distinguished service and leadership. Outside of his work at Buffalo State College, Mr. Hal Payne has done a great deal of work for the greater Buffalo area. He currently participates in many organizations including the Buffalo Club, the leadership Buffalo Class of 1995, and is an active member of the Board of the Arts Services Initiative of Western New York. His passionate work within Western New York will be remembered for years to come. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me the chance to honor and recognize the legacy of Hal D. Payne's years of invaluable work. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Payne on an accomplished career and to commend him for his 27 years of committed work at Buffalo State College.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to affirm the great work of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In my home community of Buffalo, New York, we have seen the EPA's effectiveness firsthand. Thirty years ago, the Buffalo River was declared biologically dead and ecologically destroyed because of industrial dumping of toxic waste directly into the river bed. Today, the Buffalo River has been remediated and continues to show vastly improved water quality. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, administered by the EPA; the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper; and our corporate partner, Honeywell, have invested more than $70 million to remove 67,000 truckloads of toxic waste from the Buffalo River. Today, the Buffalo River and adjacent land are helping to lead an economic and life-quality renaissance at the water's edge in Buffalo, New York.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mrs. Virginia Golden, a dedicated volunteer and resident of Buffalo, New York. Virginia's tireless service is recognized today by None Like You/ We Care Outreach and the City of Buffalo. Virginia is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo and is a proud mother and grandmother. Virginia worked for 37 years as a human service provider at various agencies and retired as the director of rehabilitative service at an adult residence program. Mrs. Golden is a member of a number of organizations in the Buffalo community and is an active advocate for the beautification of the community, environmental justice and adult education. She volunteers her time tutoring and educating those in low income communities. She had shown her devotion to education by working with youth over the summer and with the None Like You/We Care Outreach program to improve their reading and writing skills and helps students who want to attend college. Virginia is a member of the None Like You Community Outreach board and volunteers to improve the quality of life in our community by aiding in the conversion of empty lots into gardens and clean green space, turning abandoned houses into homes, and working on clean-up initiatives with local colleges. She's worked with United Way and their Day of Care project for the past 7 years and is an active member of the Clean Air Coalition and Neighbors and Friends Fighting for Justice. Mr. Speaker, I honor Mrs. Virginia Golden and her admirable dedication to the City of Buffalo. Her commitment to education and the rehabilitation of the community is exceptional, and she is most deserving of this recognition by None Like You/We Care and the City of Buffalo.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mrs. Diane Pesch-Savatteri, a dedicated volunteer and resident of Buffalo, New York. Diane's tireless service is recognized today by None Like You/We Care Outreach and the City of Buffalo. Diane is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo and is a proud mother and grandmother. She is the president of Concordia Cemetery, a board member of None Like You/ We Care Outreach, and a volunteer for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Diane is a developmental Disabilities Program Specialist for the New York State- WNY Developmental Disabilities Services office where she advocates for, and teaches and trains her patients. As president of Concordia Cemetery, Mrs. Pesch-Savatteri had led a valiant effort to transform the abandoned cemetery into a place of history, beauty and serenity. While serving on the None Like You/We Care Outreach board, she has been a tremendous help in aiding with the organization, preparation and execution of their annual Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. She also supervises volunteers and uses her experience in social work to help those in need. Mr. Speaker, I honor Mrs. Diane Pesch-Savatteri and her admirable dedication to the City of Buffalo. Her commitment to the rehabilitation and beautification of the community is exceptional, and she is most deserving of this recognition by None Like You/We Care and the City of Buffalo.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. Bob Kuebler and his wife, Mrs. Linda Thornhill Kuebler, dedicated volunteers and residents of Buffalo, New York. Their tireless service is recognized today by None Like You/We Care Outreach and the City of Buffalo. Fifteen years ago, Bob founded Youth With a Purpose (YWAP) at the Holy Cross building on the West Side of Buffalo. The mission of YWAP is to inspire inner city youth to develop as God's leaders who overcome the mindset of segregation, poverty and violence. Bob and his team continue to teach young people how to cope with pain and develop perseverance as they seek purpose and direction in their life. Linda has helped Bob as an YWAP director and prayer leader who is loved by the community she serves. The Kueblers live on the East Side of Buffalo where they maintain a park on the corner of Carlton Street. Through their work with None Like You/We Care and YWAP, Bob and Linda provide activities for youth, clean and develop community gardens, help elderly residents and are active during the holiday season serving at the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and giveaways. Bob fulfills his dream of helping as many people as he can by travelling outside of the city to pick up furniture and supplies for those in need, his constant involvement with young adult volunteers at local colleges and his time and effort in the community gardens. Mr. Speaker, I honor Mr. and Mrs. Kuebler and their admirable dedication to the City of Buffalo and the youth of our community. The Kueblers' commitment to their community is exceptional, and they are most deserving of this recognition by None Like You/We Care and the City of Buffalo.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. Yuri Hreshchyshyn, a friend and a dedicated volunteer and resident of Buffalo, New York. Yuri's tireless service is recognized today by None Like You/ We Care Outreach and the City of Buffalo. Yuri is a South Buffalo resident who has been a committeeman for the Erie County Democratic Committee, a member of the Buffalo Cooperative Federal Credit Union and the Buffalo Central Terminal, and has worked for the Erie County Department of Social Services. Mr. Hreshchyshyn has worked with multiple community partners including None Like You/ We Care Outreach, Buffalo State College, the University at Buffalo and Canisius College. He worked on many projects in the West Side and East Side communities planting trees, helping to build community gardens and cleaning city lots. Yuri has given his time and talents to the community youth by teaching them how to cut grass and trim trees and bushes. Yuri has dedicated much of his time to maintain the building and grounds of the Buffalo Central Terminal. During the holiday season, Yuri has been a tremendous help with the Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas giveaway for over 12 years. Mr. Speaker, I honor Mr. Yuri Hreshchyshyn and his admirable dedication to the City of Buffalo and the aesthetics of our community. Yuri's commitment to his City is exceptional, and he is most deserving of this recognition by None Like You/We Care and the City of Buffalo.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. Stan Simpson, a dedicated volunteer and resident of Buffalo, New York. Stan's tireless service is recognized today by None Like You/We Care Outreach and the City of Buffalo. Mr. Simpson is a U.S. Navy veteran and the father of two. He has worked for the city court as a liaison for 11 years; he advises alumni of the Buffalo City Drug Court and is also a patient health navigator at GBUAHN. Stan is an important leader and role model for community youth. He spends his weekends and the summer months working with young men volunteering with None Like You Outreach Program and other agencies that focus on children. He is always eager to teach youth valuable life skills all while building their confidence and character. Stan takes great pride in passing along his wisdom about maintaining and beautifying properties throughout the city. Mr. Simpson's help is also crucial in executing None Like You's Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. He always makes himself available to aid in organization, arranging volunteers and personally cooking and preparing food. He is often vice chair for community meetings. Each week he picks up and delivers food and clothing to those in need, and has helped with many United Way Day of Caring projects. In 1996, Stan's commitment was vital to the restoration of multiple properties on Southampton and Sycamore Streets. Stan prides himself in the way he has changed his own life and encourages others to do the same by getting involved in the community and seeking out ways to give to others. Mr. Speaker, I honor Mr. Stan Simpson and his admirable dedication to the City of Buffalo. His commitment to our youth and the rehabilitation of the community is exceptional, and he is most deserving of this recognition by None Like You/We Care and the City of Buffalo.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express concern about the President's executive order wherein he supports the use of biometric scanning at all northern border crossings, including the crossing between the United States and Canada at Buffalo. The President's biometric scanning plan would effectively shut down the Peace Bridge, which is the busiest northern border crossing for passenger vehicles, and second for commercial vehicles, thus stopping the movement of traffic and trade, and creating a wall-like effect between the United States and Canadian relations. Canada is not our enemy. We are friends and trading partners. In my Buffalo district, we border Southern Ontario, the most populated province of all of Canada; and the Peace Bridge moves $30 billion in commerce, representing $230 billion in economic activity, and 1 million jobs. The biometric scan plan for the northern border is unworkable and an unnecessary barrier between friendship and trade.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Buffalo State College's Volunteer and Service Learning Center and their work and civic engagement throughout the City of Buffalo. Their partnerships across the city and collaborations with the east side and west side of Buffalo are recognized today by None Like You/We Care Outreach and the City of Buffalo. The Volunteer and Service-Learning Center was founded in 2004, and since that time 15,431 students have participated in 820 service- learning courses taught by 137 faculty members. Over 360,000 hours of service have been completed through academic service learning and 103 volunteer events have also engaged students directly with community organizations. Approximately 250 region wide community organizations have partnered to meet community need while enhancing student learning. Service-learning is faculty driven, with faculty members seeing the academic value in establishing partnerships to support student learning and meet community driven goals. In a recent community partner survey, 100 percent of respondents reported that service-learning impacted their organization in at least one positive way including increasing the number of services offered, increasing the number of clients served, or assisting in meeting the organization's mission. This significant commitment has also led to the college being placed on the President's Community Service Honor Roll eight times in the past ten years. The President's Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition an institution can receive for its commitment to community, service-learning, and civic engagement. For the 2015 honor roll application, Buffalo State identified more than 492,000 hours of community service activities during the 2014-15 academic year by students, faculty, and staff in the Western New York region. One overarching goal of the new college strategic plan is to create an engaged campus community that fosters civic responsibility by increasing civic engagement and service-learning experiences, deepening commitments as an anchor institution, and expanding support for faculty and students engaged in this work. Buffalo State's President, Dr. Katherine Conway-Turner inspires the campus to engage in partnership to foster social responsibility. She, for example, hosts the annual Bengals Dare to Care: Buffalo State Community Service Day which last year saw 550 students, faculty, and staff engaged in a day of service with 22 community organizations. Mr. Speaker, I honor Buffalo State College and their commitment to volunteerism and service-learning in the Buffalo community. It is through these important partnerships that students are given the opportunity to examine and explore their role as citizens, and to identify opportunities to become active citizens in Buffalo and beyond. There are numerous unique and innovative programs at Buffalo State that support student civic engagement and address education, social justice, refugee supports, and social responsibility across campus and therefore are most deserving of this recognition by None Like You/We Care and the City of Buffalo.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Cynthia Craig, dedicated volunteers and residents of Buffalo, New York. Their tireless service is recognized today by None Like You/ We Care Outreach and the City of Buffalo. Mark is a Buffalo native, a University at Buffalo graduate and was employed by County Lime Stone in Akron for 36 years. Cynthia moved to Buffalo in 1984 and began work with the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Funeral Directing. Since 1987 she has worked in the New York State Department of Cemeteries and is a New York State Licensed Funeral Director. The Craigs are a great team who have been a part of None Like You/We Care Outreach program since 2000. They have served on the board, worked on the reorganization and rehabilitation of the Concordia Cemetery and have served thousands over the past 15 years at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with None Like You/ We Care Outreach. Mark and Cynthia have been instrumental in the reconstruction of abandoned houses in the City of Buffalo and have helped supervise summer and student volunteers who help to clean up empty lots and build community gardens. Mr. Speaker, I honor Mr. and Mrs. Craig and their admirable dedication to the City of Buffalo. The Craig's commitment to their community is exceptional, and they are most deserving of this recognition by None Like You/We Care and the City of Buffalo.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mrs. Mary Ross, a dedicated volunteer and resident of Buffalo, New York. Mary's tireless service is recognized today by None Like You/We Care Outreach and the City of Buffalo. Mary is the proud mother of six children and four grandchildren who reside in Buffalo. Mary has worked as a counselor for eleven years for the Buffalo Public Schools. She is also an active member of the Women and Children's Foundation Board, Bison Fund Board, Olmstead Parks Conservancy Board, None Like You/We Care Outreach and the Bison's Children's Scholarship Fund. Mary is instrumental in various projects throughout the city of Buffalo including Thanksgiving Dinners, Christmas Giveaways and community garden projects. Mary has a strong passion for the youth of Buffalo and is always willing to help them in regards to furthering their education, athletics, and employment. She is always eager to help them by driving them places, feeding them, making sure they have warm clothing. Mary also advises students and youth for court matters. Her dream is to see every child have the opportunity to be successful in whatever they want to do in life and it is clear in her day to day actions that she is dedicated to this dream. Mr. Speaker, I honor Mrs. Mary Ross and her admirable dedication to the City of Buffalo and the youth of our community. Mary's commitment is exceptional, and she is most deserving of this recognition by None Like You/We Care Outreach and the City of Buffalo.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the managers and employees of Home Depot Store 1234, who have consistently gone out of their way to support and restore a clean and safe community in Buffalo, New York. Their service and work with community leaders is recognized today by None Like You/We Care Outreach and the City of Buffalo. Employees from the Service Desk, Pro Desk and the Garden, Paint and Plumbing departments have been instrumental in helping to restore several houses on Southampton Street and other areas in the Eastside and Westside of the City of Buffalo. They have given paint for inside and outside house projects for over 30 years and have also been a tremendous help in providing flowers, shrubs, bushes, top soil and mulch for the past several years. These materials have gone to help community gardens, and the properties of seniors, disabled residents and families who could not otherwise afford it. During the Christmas season, Home Depot Store 1234 has supplied None Like You/We Care Outreach and St. Luke's Mission of Mercy with fresh cut Christmas trees for families in need. Mr. Speaker, I honor Home Depot Store 1234 and their admirable dedication to the City of Buffalo. Home Depot and its employees have made many dreams come true for the citizens of our community and certainly deserve this recognition by None Like You/We Care Outreach and the City of Buffalo.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the career and public service of Phillip ``Russ'' Rizzo, as he concludes his service on the Common Council of the city of North Tonawanda, New York. A lifelong city resident and U.S. Army Veteran, prior to entering public service, Russ was the owner of Rizzo and Ricotta Office Products. While operating his business, Russ began his public service on the city's Zoning Board of Appeals, serving from 1994 to 1996. Russ joined the Common Council in 2000, working to alleviate flooding problems in the 1st Ward, and later spearheading efforts to revitalize the NT waterfront, culminating in the opening of a restaurant at Gratwick Riverside Park. In addition to his focus on neighborhoods and the waterfront, Russ put a great deal of time and energy into rejuvenating the city's downtown business district. From 2010 through 2012, Russ served as a member of the Niagara County Legislature. Later in 2012, Russ returned to the Common Council where he continued to serve constituents, personally addressing their issues and making sure no calls went unanswered. In his retirement, Russ and his wife Mary look forward to spending more time with their family. They are parents to four children, grandparents to seven and are blessed with one great-grandchild. In 2012, I was given the honor of having the opportunity to represent North Tonawanda. Few public officials welcomed me with a greater degree of warmth than did Russ Rizzo. Russ is a true gentleman who only had the very best interests of his hometown at heart. His constituents were well-served by him, and I am honored both by his collegiality as well as his friendship. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor Russ and recognize all that he has done for the City of North Tonawanda. I know that you join me and all of our colleagues in wishing Russ, Mary and their entire family the very best of good health and happiness in the months and years to come.