Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Al- Ross Screen Printing & Embroidery as the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce's choice for the 2018 Business of the Year Award on Thursday, February 15th at Kloc's Grove. For 45 years, Al-Ross has provided embroiders and screen print clothing and apparel for the Western New York area. Through their talented work, Al-Ross allows people and organizations of all sorts a sense of identity, professionalism and an unforgettable local brand. Along with Al-Ross's strong business sense comes an equally strong sense of community and giving back. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Al-Ross raised and donated more than $20,000. Locally, the business founded and supported the Athlete of the Month Club in West Seneca schools, giving students athletes t-shirts promoting their achievements. Al-Ross consistently donates to basket raffles and fundraisers for schools, clubs, churches, benefits, and charities. Embodying community spirit, when the Buffalo Bills made the NFL playoffs for the first time in seventeen years, Al-Ross rose to the challenge and quickly created customized shirts for fans. The Seneca Street fixture saw lines out the door as excited Western New Yorkers rushed to support their team and their business. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to honor Al-Ross Screen Printing & Embroidery as they receive the 2018 Business of the Year Award from the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce. The contributions to our community made by this business are commendable, and I wish them much continued success in their future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mrs. Wendy Piasecki as she is presented with the 2018 Educator of the Year award by the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce at Kloc's Grove. Mrs. Pasiecki exemplifies dedication as an educator, and West Seneca is fortunate to benefit from her talents. Forty years ago, Mrs. Piasecki began her career by earning her Master of Music degree in composition theory. At age 40, Mrs. Piasecki boldly decided to go back to school and attain a teaching certificate. Mrs. Piasecki devoted her career to music education in and outside of schools. In her two decades plus in the West Seneca Central School District, Mrs. Piasecki has taught music education and theater at nearly every grade level and at every school. She has tutored students outside of school in music theory and piano. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Pasiecki has helped students in extracurricular activities, such as preparing for the Erie County Music Educators Association Music Festival, chaperoning students' trips to the Young People's concert at Fantasy Island, directing musicals, and even presenting student performers at the Junior Musical Theater Celebration at Shea's Theater, one of Buffalo's finest performance venues. Educators like Mrs. Piasecki, who invest themselves in the children and our community, are part of what makes Western New York such a special place. Because of her dedication, parents can rest assured that their kids will be attending school in a supportive environment that allows them to explore their creative sides while receiving a first- rate education. Mr. Speaker, once again I want to honor Mrs. Wendy Piasecki as she receives the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce's 2018 Educator of the Year award. Her personal devotion to teaching serves as a model for future educators and an inspiration to all of us who believe in public service.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two exceptional members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Mariah Rosario and Caleh McLean. As members of the Buffalo State women's basketball team, these students are known as gifted athletes and scholars. I commend these young women for their academic and athletic dedication and congratulate them on the completion of their college careers. Mariah Rosario played for Buffalo State as a forward and majored in Criminal Justice. Mariah comes from Flushing, New York where she attended Robert F. Kennedy High School. Caleh McLean comes to Buffalo State from her hometown of New Rochelle, New York. A graduate of New Rochelle High School, Caleh played guard for the Buffalo State Bengals. She will be earning her degree in Economics and Finance. Handling the responsibilities of being a student athlete is an incredible challenge, and both of these students handled this challenge exceptionally. 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 four exceptional members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Malik Turner, J.O. Spence, Mike Henry, and Rey Jordan. As members of the Buffalo State men's basketball team, these students are known as dedicated athletes and scholars. Their leadership and hard work has stood out among their peers and in our community. I commend these young men for their academic and athletic dedication and congratulate them on the completion of their college careers. Malik Turner played for Buffalo State as a forward and majored in Sociology. Malik comes from New York, New York where he attended NIA Prep High School. J.O. Spence comes to Buffalo State from his hometown of Limon, Costa Rica. A graduate of Bayard Rustin High School, J.O. played guard for the Buffalo State Bengals. He will be earning his degree in Health and Wellness. Coming from Syracuse, New York, Mike Henry is a graduate of West Genesee High School. At Buffalo State he played the positions of forward and guard. He will earn his degree in individualized studies. Rey Jordan is a Buffalo native who graduated from McKinley High School. He majored in Economics while succeeding as a guard on the Buffalo State Bengals. Handling the responsibilities of being a student athlete is an incredible challenge, and all four of these students handled this challenge exceptionally. 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 honor Colleen C. DiPirro, a visionary pioneer who began her career 35 years ago as a single staff person and is now retiring as the President and CEO of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce having overseen the explosive growth of membership from less than 200 members to more than 3,000, representing more than 1,300 businesses. She grew its annual budget from $24,000 when she started to more than $1.9 million with a full-time professional staff offering 50 plus annual events, business services, advocacy, economic development strategies and an Emerging Business Leaders forum. Colleen's career is filled with firsts. She was the first President of the WNY Chamber Alliance, an organization for Chamber Executives spanning an eight county region; the first woman honored as the Executive of the Year by the Buffalo Sales and Marketing Executives, and in 2009, the first woman named the Buffalo Bills Citizen of the Year, the second recipient behind Ralph Wilson. Colleen is a builder. Her tools were not brick and mortar, but a consummate ability to build a business advocacy organization with teamwork, tenacity, compromise and consensus and at times, leading with only the courage of her convictions. Recognized for her hard work, heart, humanity and humor, she was identified as one of the top 100 most influential people in Western New York by Business First several times. In 2016, she was listed in the Top Ten Most Influential Women and named Citizen of the Year by Daemen College. A leader, a legend and a true friend, Ms. DiPirro's legacy will be her tireless dedicated service to her community and beyond its borders. I can attest to that as my first interaction with Colleen as a Congressman was in 2005 when we took up the fight with the New York Power Authority (NYPA). As a first year minority member of Congress, we had few allies in this battle. And then a call came from Colleen DiPirro who in her role as President of the WNY Chamber Alliance invited me to speak to the Alliance Leaders about why I was fighting NYPA for the Buffalo waterfront. After our roundtable discussion, Colleen asked if I would be willing to debate a NYPA representative before the invited membership of the Alliance at WNED studios. That November afternoon debate made possible by Colleen's outreach to provide a neutral forum to promote understanding of the issue helped further galvanize our community to stand up and fight for itself and contributed to our ultimate victory of a $300 million settlement that continues to fuel the redevelopment of the Buffalo waterfront. I didn't represent Amherst at that time but that didn't matter to her as she understood what was good for Buffalo's waterfront was good for all of Western New York. Others have certainly shared my appreciation and respect for her abilities as she received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Business and served on the Board of Directors of New York State Chamber of Commerce Executives in 1999. Colleen serves as event and sponsorship coordinator and as a member of the Advisory Board for the Buffalo Bills Alumni and was selected by Ralph Wilson, the late owner of the Buffalo Bills, to serve on the Project 21 initiative. Her engagement in developing public policy positions was duly noted on both sides of the aisle as she served on the Transition Team for several Erie County Executives. Governor Pataki selected Colleen as a Commissioner on the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority and to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Governor Cuomo appointed Colleen to the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, a position she has held since it was created to develop a regional strategic plan and ensure its coordinated implementation. He also appointed her in 2016 to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute Board of Directors. Colleen currently is a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of Independent Health and was appointed to the Erie County Industrial Development Agency Policy Committee by County Executive Poloncarz. Her extensive professional and community involvement extends beyond her duties as President and CEO as she served on a variety of committees, boards and associations in leadership and active roles including the WNY Autism Foundation, Hospice Playhouse Project, Executive Women International, Buffalo Prep, Unyts, Williamsville Sweet Home Junior Football Association and Shea's Performing Arts. Additionally, she served as the first Chairman of the University of Buffalo Leadership Development Program. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize Colleen C. DiPirro as the Amherst Chamber of Commerce including staff, board members, family and friends gathers on Thursday, February 1st to celebrate the work and wisdom of this most influential woman. She is most deserving of these heartfelt acknowledgements that reflect her career of almost 40 years of helping businesses, countless individuals and a growing community reach their full potential. We extend all best wishes for continued good health and happiness to Colleen and her sons, Kevin and Keith, and her four grandchildren, Joey and Kaylee, Drew and Luke, as a new chapter begins for her and the Amherst Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, 2017 was a year marked with division and distraction, a disservice to Americans seeking solutions to real challenges facing our Nation. My hope is that the new year provides an opportunity to move away from divisive discourse and toward constructive dialogue and real outcomes. This year, we can take real steps to strengthen Medicare and Social Security, as well as ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare for all Americans. This year, we can promote job growth and success for all Americans by making smart, targeted investments in education and scientific research, as well as preparing our workforce for the 21st century. This year, we can commit ourselves to building a foundation for a stronger America by making investments in our Nation's roads, waterways, infrastructure, and communities. Madam Speaker, as we consider the State of the Union, this Congress has two choices: build walls or build bridges. Bridges lead to better healthcare, to better jobs, to a better economy to make America great again, and again, and again.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, a continuing resolution to extend Federal spending for 1 month may not pass because the President tweeted that he does not support funding for healthcare for 9 million American kids. This is a terrible indictment on a congressional leadership that is again cowering to a petulant, uninformed, and impulsive President, a President who is making a mockery of Congress as a coequal branch of the Federal Government; and that the congressional Republican leadership is complicit is a national embarrassment. I say Congress should roll the President and force him to veto children's healthcare. Mr. President, a continuing resolution is a failure to act; it is a failure to decide; it is a failure to lead; and it represents gross negligence as it relates to the basic duty of the institution of the United States Congress. This is a sad day. Once again, Congress capitulates to a petulant and pouting President.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Dr. Jim Melius, who passed away on January 1. Possessed of a technical expertise and a fierce sense of justice, Dr. Melius was a tireless advocate for people who, due to no fault of their own, were exposed to toxic and deadly substances in the workplace. He was a powerful force in our efforts in helping thousands of western New Yorkers get long overdue relief for suffering caused by their unknowing exposure to uranium at long-shuttered plants like Linde Ceramics, Hooker Chemical, Carborundum, and Bethlehem Steel, where, today, over $300 million in compensation and medical bills have been paid out to former employees. With a calm and steady demeanor, he gave instant credibility to any fight. He was a tremendous resource and he was a good man. While our fight to provide full and fair relief for all of these citizens continues, we will never forget this fighter for all the Cold War warriors.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the West Seneca West varsity football team for their remarkable achievement of winning the 2017 New York State Public High Schools Athletic Association Class A Championship with a 14-6 victory over the Section I Champions, Yorktown High School, at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse on November 24, 2017. The West Seneca West football team earned the distinction of being ranked No. 1 in large schools by the Buffalo News. Head Coach Mike Vastola was selected Coach of the Year and senior quarterback Matt Myers was selected Player of the Year and Connolly Cup Winner, an award given to one outstanding varsity football player from Western New York each year. Myers accounted for 264 of West's 290 yards in total offense. The defense performed well under pressure to lay a strong foundation for the biggest victory in the history of West Seneca West football. This incredible season comes on the heels of a 12-year playoff drought, which displays the dedication of these players and coaches to building a championship team. I'd like to thank former coach and current president of the West Seneca Teacher's Association, Joseph Cantafio, for inviting me here today to recognize the young men and the football organization that has brought this community together, inspiring a great sense of pride for West Seneca's accomplishments both on and off the field. The team's spirit of hard work, camaraderie and incredible sportsmanship has moved this community to believe that anything is possible when you come together as a team. Every player on the roster deserves to be recognized for the efforts, from freshmen to seniors. The efforts of Liam Scheuer, Josh Clifton, Juston Johnson, Mike Velasquez, Josh Karmazyn, Bryan Ball, Mitch Bednarz, David Beard, Jacob Wagner, Dillon Weir, Nick Knowles, Luke Wilhelm, Kyle Bauer, Kyle Haettich, Jordan Mackiewicz, Jake Cooper, Nicolai Lowman, Dylan Kasic, John Speyer, Cody Chambers, Jake Wood, Corey Snyder, Jebadiah Braunscheidel, John Cantafio, Josh Wilson, Bradley Claycomb, Nick Fazzio, Jeremy Cuthbert, Daniel Cantafio, Robin Block, Nick Cooper, George Newcomb, Tremar Brice, Chris Ignasiak, Tavian Brooks, Dustin White-Wagner, Mike Glinski, and Trevor Stoddard earned West Seneca West the state championship, led by Captains Jesse Broad, Matt Myers, Vinny Draper, Coach Mike Vastola, Assistant Coaches Dave Recor, Matt Marinaro, Rob Lares, Joe Cantafio, Neil Raddu, and Rich Sanders, and Athletic Director Vincent Dell'Oso. The team's perfect record in 2017 is one that will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. Let me echo the words of Coach Mike Vastola who proclaimed it ``a great moment for fans, a great moment for the community and a great moment for all the guys that he was proud to coach.'' A moment every football player dreams of, winning the state championship after a hard-fought couple of years, is an accomplishment that this team should be very proud of. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the champion West Seneca West varsity football team. Their success reinforces timeless lessons learned by student athletes of the virtues of preparation, teamwork, and diligence. Congratulations to the West Seneca West varsity football players, coaches, staff and fans on this well-deserved, historic victory.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, each year we are reminded of the day that Continental Flight 3407 crashed in western New York. This tragedy forever changed our community and stole the lives of husbands, wives, sons, daughters, sisters, and brothers. In their grief, the families of Flight 3407 bravely turned their loss into a powerful force for change. With their leadership, Congress enacted strong and landmark aviation safety reform legislation. That reform exactly aligned with what the National Transportation Safety Board concluded: that the crash was avoidable, and that pilot error and failed training procedures were the causes. We have new leadership at the Federal Aviation Administration, and I strongly urge him to swiftly enforce the flight safety law. We, the members of the western New York delegation and the families of Flight 3407, will be watching closely.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished history of the Town of Amherst, New York upon the occasion of the town's Bicentennial in 2018. Throughout the next year, Amherst will reflect on and celebrate its 200th anniversary. On April 10, 1818, the Town of Amherst was officially created from part of the town of Buffalo, later known as the City of Buffalo. As the largest town in Erie County, New York, Amherst has a total area of 53.28 square miles. Amherst encompasses municipalities such as the Village of Williamsville, and the hamlets of Eggertsville, Getzville, Snyder, Swormville and East Amherst. In the nineteenth century Amherst was a prosperous farming community with seven grist mills, several saw mills, a tannery and boot and shoe factory and two forges with commercial activity centered in Williamsville. Amherst draws on its history in its modern development, with structures such as the Williamsville Water Mill complex finding new purpose today. From its beginnings as a primarily farming community, Amherst transformed into an urban area in the twentieth century with the creation of new subdivisions. Landmarks such as the University of Buffalo Campus North Campus and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital made Amherst their home. Today, Amherst is comprised of approximately 125,000 residents. Those who live in Amherst enjoy a four rink recreational facility that attracts national and international ice tournaments, a state of the art senior center, three libraries, and a State Park within its borders. The Town of Amherst will proudly mark its 200th Anniversary with a series of events throughout its Bicentennial Year, beginning on January 1, 2018 with a 200th Birthday Party. The celebrations continue with a gigantic Parade, historic walking tours, slogan contest, Interclub Service Club Luncheon and gala Bicentennial Ball. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the Town of Amherst's rich history and enduring contributions as we celebrate its Bicentennial. Congratulations to the Town of Amherst and its residents on this exciting and noteworthy milestone.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the rich and wealthy corporate winners of this Republican tax scam love company, and they just got the company of 14 United States Senators who will personally benefit from a new 20 percent deduction for wealthy real estate investors with no employees to pass that benefit on to. One Senator who voted against the bill, before he announced he was voting for it, stands to gain $7 million annually and personally. The Senator said he was unaware of the provision and that he did not read the bill. Mr. Speaker, the conference committee, the reconciliation process, was to narrow the differences between these two bad bills, not add new provisions that benefit rich Senators. This bad bill just took a dramatic and potentially illegal turn that should be fully investigated before a vote is taken today.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the Trump White House and the U.S. Treasury Secretary continue to issue formal reports about the Republican corporate tax cut plan. These reports are devoid of fact or credibility and have been categorically rejected by each and every respectable tax expert. These tax cuts will pay for themselves and fuel $2 trillion in economic growth over the next decade. Not true. Tax cuts have never come close to paying for themselves, not once or ever in human history. Corporate tax cuts will trickle down to increase annual household income in America by between $4,000 and $9,000. No one believes this or them. For the White House Council of Economic Advisers to say this is official misconduct and a blatant fraud perpetrated against middle America. Mr. Speaker, this big, corporate tax cut is a massive giveaway to corporate America and a major takeaway from middle America.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the Republican corporate tax cut bill is a massive takeaway from middle America and a massive giveaway to corporate America. The Treasury Secretary says that these tax cuts will pay for themselves, and more. News flash for the Treasury Secretary: Tax cuts don't pay for themselves. They never have, not once, in human history. What does pay for itself are Federal historic tax credits. When Federal historic tax credits are used to renew historical buildings, $1.20 for every $1 in tax credits is generated. When historic buildings are renewed, including in my community of Buffalo, New York, Main Streets across America are restored, jobs are created, and new business income and property tax revenues are generated. The Federal historic tax credit does, in fact, pay for itself, and more, by helping cities and communities to become economically independent and self-sufficient.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and welcome the newly constructed naval ship, the USS Little Rock, to my home city of Buffalo, New York, where it will be docked until its formal commissioning on December 16. For the first time in the history of the United States Navy, the commissioning of the new USS Little Rock will take place alongside the original USS Little Rock, which served during the Second World War and for the last 40 years has stood tall as an honored exhibit at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to thank the brave men and women of the United States Navy and crew of the USS Little Rock, past and present, for their service. On behalf of Buffalo and western New York, it is an honor and a privilege to serve as the site from which the USS Little Rock will embark on its next mission. This new vessel will make a formidable addition to the United States Navy fleet, and its dedicated crew, tasked with protecting our Nation's coasts and waterways, will ensure the ship lives up to its motto: ``Back with a Vengeance.''

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, it has been said by the U.S. Treasury Secretary that tax cuts pay for themselves. He says that not only will these corporate taxes pay for themselves, they will add an additional $2 trillion in economic activity. Nobody believes that. There is no credible report that supports that contention. What do pay for themselves are tax credits, particularly the Federal historic tax credit. That is one that returns generously to the Federal Treasury. The Federal historic tax credit returns more to the Treasury than it costs. In fact, $25 billion in credits have returned $29 billion to the Federal Treasury; $5 of private investment is made for every dollar in the Federal historic tax credit program. Nationally, $132 billion in private investment has been made because of $25 million in Federal historic tax credits. Over 43,000 buildings in downtown areas like my community of Buffalo, New York, have benefited tremendously from this valuable program. It is eliminated in the House bill; it is eliminated in the Senate bill; and the conference should restore it as an issue of fairness.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Community Missions, Inc. (CMI) of Niagara Frontier's Executive Director, Ms. Robyn Krueger on the occasion of her 40th Anniversary of dedicated service to those in need throughout the City of Niagara Falls and beyond its borders. Since 1925, Community Missions' guiding principle to provide ``Compassion in Action'' remains a clarion call to all those who lead, work, volunteer and engage with individuals and families to reach their full potential. This organization has expanded its reach beyond its initial population of homeless individuals to now include 19 programs within four divisions known as Crisis & Community Services, Mental Health Housing Services, Mental Health Recovery Services and Youth Services, reflecting the changing needs of the community throughout the decades. Community Missions' vision to help people find their place in the world is certainly personified in its long-time Executive Director, Robyn Krueger. Hired in 1977, she began her career with CMI as a live- in houseparent to six adolescent males in the City of Niagara Falls. She graduated from SUNY at Buffalo with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1985 and completed several selected graduate studies in the Counseling and Educational Psychology Department. Ms. Krueger was named Executive Director of CMI in September of 1994. For the more than two decades since she assumed this role, CMI continues to open its doors to better reflect the changing needs of the community. As CMI provides almost 50 percent more meals than it did 10 years ago, it is clear those needs are growing. In 2016 alone, Community Missions provided 11,104 nights of shelter, 89,366 meals, 6,744 individuals with clothing, 2,295 care days in Youth Services, 46,888 care days in Recovery Services, 73,994 care days in Housing Services and 182 opportunities for Faith Development. Ms. Krueger's extensive professional and community involvement spreads beyond her duties as Executive Director as she serves on a variety of local, county and state committees, boards and associations in leadership and active roles. These include the Association for Community Living, Homeless Alliance of Western New York, Juvenile Detention Association of NYS, Niagara Behavioral Healthcare Network, Niagara County Juvenile Justice Taskforce and NYS Association for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, Inc. A member of the Who's Who among Outstanding Business Executives, this determined administrator is a graduate of Leadership Niagara's Class of 2004. Her achievements have earned her the 2006 Anthony J. Cuccurullo Award from the New York State Juvenile Detention Association, the 2011 Niagara Award for Management from the YWCA of Niagara Frontier, and the 2013 Killian Vetter Individual Achievement Award given by the Homeless Alliance of Western New York. Other well deserved recognitions include the Woman Vanessa Scott Ministries ``I Shall Wear a Crown'' Award given for Ministry Service, the Dominion Life Christian Center ``Lion of Judah'' Award for longevity of service to the community, and the 2016 Niagara University President's Award-St. Vincent de Paul. Ms. Krueger's commitment to service clearly includes putting others first as her heart, humanity and deep faith are integral to her leadership style. She publicly proclaims so often that ``operating such a diverse organization would not be possible without the help of our dedicated staff, along with the unwavering support of our community.'' These are more than mere words as for 25 years CMI recognizes their volunteers and supporters for their countless hours of commitment, care and concern for their neighbors in need with its Annual Compassion in Action Awards Brunch. CMI continues to strengthen its public, private and non-profit partnerships, with institutions such as United Way of Niagara County and Niagara University, as it is actively engaged in the planning, programs and intervention strategies presented at the Annual Poverty Conference. The leadership of Community Missions and the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center have joined forces to increase recovery and understanding with a focus on the annual Interfaith Community Prayer Service. Under Ms. Krueger's direction, these works and other ongoing collaborative efforts have earned Community Missions the Catholic Charities 2003 Community Partner and the 2009 Niagara USA Chamber Community Advocate of the Year Award. On Wednesday, November 29th, 2017, the Community Missions family including staff, board members, volunteers, supporters and friends will gather to observe 92 years of service to the Niagara Frontier. The highlight of this event will be the heartfelt acknowledgement of Robyn Krueger's 40 years of helping countless families and individuals reach their full potential. It should be noted that the 40th is traditionally known as the ruby anniversary, as the symbolism behind that crimson stone rests in its inner flame that represents a living and vibrant love. It should be said that Ms. Robyn Krueger possesses that inner flame as her professional career and personal commitment represents a living and vibrant love for Community Missions, her faith and her fellow human beings. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the significant contributions and good works of Ms. Robyn Krueger as her 40th Anniversary is recognized during this ``Season of Thanks'' celebration, and to thank her and Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc. for making a real difference in our world.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, this is nothing more than a hit job on middle America to pay for a massive tax cut for corporate America. The only certainty from this charade is slower economic growth, more income inequality, and exploding budget deficits. When you take away tax relief from sick people who were born into illness and for whom insurance doesn't provide enough coverage, that is a hit on middle America. When you remove help for people who are just trying to make college affordable, who are trying to make themselves better, that is a hit on middle America. And when you take away healthcare from 13 million Americans and raise the cost for millions more because you needed another $300 billion to give more to corporate America, that is a hit on middle America. And when 152,000 people from my community and millions more from New York lose 100 years of protection from State and local taxes, protection worth more than $8,000 per household, that is a hit on my community, it is a hit on New York State, and it is a hit on each and every community in America. And when you take away the essential needs of middle America to feed the rapacious needs of corporate America, it is a hit on fundamental fairness, and that, Mr. Speaker, is a hit on all of America.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, New York State contributes $41 billion, annually, to the Federal Government in taxation. The House Republican corporate tax bill cut is being funded by tax increases on middle America and on western New York. The elimination of the State and local tax deduction would be a major hit on local taxpayers. In fact, in Erie County, 89 percent of middle- income households claimed the State and local tax deduction in 2015, deducting $1.6 billion in already-paid local taxes. The average State and local tax deduction in Erie County was $12,866. This corporate tax cut is being funded by tax hikes on middle America and on western New Yorkers and should be rejected.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the White House Council of Economic Advisers issued a report recently asserting that, by cutting the corporate rate from 35 to 20 percent, every American household will see their income increase by $4,000 to $9,000 next year and those years after. The U.S. Treasury Secretary also said that these tax cuts would pay for themselves and produce $2 trillion in growth over the next decade. In fact, Mr. Speaker, tax cuts have never paid for themselves--not once or ever--in human history. The White House has a problem in that nobody believes them, not the Congressional Budget Office, not the Tax Policy Center, not the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Business School, and not even Goldman Sachs, from which both the Treasury Secretary and the National Economic Adviser came to the White House. In fact, each of these nonpartisan institutions that studies and reports on tax and economic policy have stated explicitly that these corporate tax cuts will have near zero impact on future economic growth and add at least $1.5 trillion in new deficit over the next decade. Once again, Mr. Speaker, this is fraud being perpetrated against middle America.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the Tax Policy Center, the Wharton School, and virtually every rational economist have reviewed the House Republican tax cut plan and the results are clear: no new good economic growth, big debt and deficit, and big tax cuts for corporations and very rich Americans. Three million wealthy Americans will get a tax cut next year of $220,000; 250 million not-so-rich Americans will get a tax cut of $221. If you make $730,000, your income next year will increase by 8.5 percent. If you make $150,000, it will increase by 1 percent. Where are all of the deficit hawks? Where are any of the deficit hawks? This tax plan is nothing more than fraud being perpetrated against middle America. I ask my colleagues to reject this plan.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, no family or community should have to relive the devastating loss we felt on February 12, 2009, the day Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed in western New York, killing all aboard and one on the ground. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Flight 3407 families and a bipartisan collection of Members of Congress, new flight safety standards have saved other families from similar pain, achieving 7 years of no commercial airline fatalities. Yet some, including the new nominee to the National Transportation Safety Board, are questioning the need for these hard-fought, commonsense flight safety and training standards. You have a right to know which airline is flying your plane, you have a right to know that your pilot is well rested, and you have a right to know that the pilot is adequately trained to handle any challenges that might occur in flight. For these rights and for enhanced safety, you can thank the families of Flight 3407 for their work in reaching these standards, and you can join me in fighting to make sure that we keep them.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Olivia Smith-Blackwell as she receives the Golden Stethoscope Award from the Erie County Chapter of the New York State Academy of Family Physicians at the 2017 Cheplove Dinner. As we celebrate local leaders in family medicine, Dr. Smith-Blackwell's career and accomplishments deserve recognition. Dr. Smith-Blackwell's career demonstrates her depth and breadth in the field of medicine, including experience in public health, hospital administration, and clinical care. Her first endeavor out of medical school was to serve our community as Associate Medical Director of the Medical Assistance Program at the Erie County Department of Health, earning a promotion to Medical Director two years later. For thirteen years, Dr. Smith-Blackwell continued her public role as the Western Regional Health Director for the New York State Department of Health's Office of Public Health. She brought her skills next to Sheehan Hospital, where she was President & CEO until 2002. Dr. Smith-Blackwell then moved on to open Meadow Family Medicine in North Tonawanda, where she continues to provide primary care to patients in our community. Her educational background is equally as varied and impressive. Dr. Smith-Blackwell received her medical degree from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, now known as the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at Deaconess Hospital in Buffalo in 1979. For her undergraduate degree, she attended the University of Pennsylvania. After earning her M.D., Dr. Smith-Blackwell went on to attain a Masters of Public Health from Columbia University. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to join Dr. Smith-Blackwell's husband. Roger Blackwell, her family, colleagues and friends to recognize the impressive contributions she has made in the medical field as she receives the Golden Stethoscope Award. So many in Western New York have benefited from her care, and I am grateful she chose to dedicate her life to bettering the well-being of our community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, Medicare is the best public option that already exists to improve the Affordable Care Act and to provide immediate relief to Americans on the individual market. Next week, the Nation's State insurance commissioners will make public insurers' price gouging increases for next year, including a 60 percent increase in Georgia, a 50 percent increase in Florida, and the remaining States up to a 50 percent 1-year increase. A Medicare buy-in option for younger Americans is the only hedge against these price spikes that every American will look to Congress for relief from. Congress has been negligent in their 7-year near obsession with repeal and replace. You can no longer blame ObamaCare. Mr. Speaker, I urge every Member of Congress to support the Medicare Buy-in and Healthcare Stabilization Act and Medicare X legislation. It is time to unleash the market power of Medicare to lower costs, improve quality, and push back on private insurers' aggressive pricing.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Mr. Robert T. Scott of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute. Throughout his 47 year career at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, Mr. Scott has served in numerous roles. He joined the faculty as a Religion and History Teacher in 1971, served as Vice Principal for Student Affairs for twenty years before becoming Principal, and--since 2004--has been the school's first lay President. In each role, Mr. Scott's countless contributions and genuine care for the St. Joe's community impacted thousands of young men and their families. He is present every day, all day, and is simply an institution who has personally guided our school's mission for decades. His tireless fundraising efforts remain focused on student financial aid to ensure that a St. Joe's education is affordable and accessible. Since the beginning of his tenure, Mr. Scott has lived the Lasallian Mission in the footsteps of the Founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, St. John Baptist de La Salle. He has completed the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies, the Lasallian Leadership Institute, and held numerous leadership positions throughout the Christian Brothers network in the United States. As a testament to his life of service, he became an Affiliated Member of the Brothers in June 2001--the order's high honor. In 2009, his leadership ofthe school's capital campaign, entitled Pride in our Past . . . Faith in our Future, generated more than $13 million to construct a state-of-the-art Science Facility, a modern Athletic Complex, and a new residence for the Christian Brothers. After an overwhelming response to the campaign, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name the athletic complex in Mr. Scott's honor. With his constant support and encouragement, notable innovations in both curriculum and physical space have taken place. Recently, the library was converted into a digital learning space and course offerings in the STEM fields continue to increase. Currently, an acquired building adjacent to campus is being converted into an Innovation Center. His greatest influence, however, has been on the young men who passed through the halls. During the last four decades, St. Joe's students' lives have been deeply influenced, shaped, and cared for by Mr. Scott. After attending Catholic grammar and high school in Western New York, Mr. Scott received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. He began graduate studies in Hebrew and the Old Testament at the University of Dayton before serving for two years in United States Army. He finished his Master's Degree in Religious Studies at Canisius College in 1975. Today, Mr. Scott serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse and the Elmwood Franklin School in Buffalo. He is a past member of the Board of Trustees of Mt. St. Mary Academy, Holy Angels Academy, and the Nativity Miguel School. Mr. Scott has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 49 years. He is the proud parent of Jason and Tracy, and grandparent of Tracy's children, Noah and Sarah. Mr. Speaker, I honor and recognize Mr. Scott for his selfless service to the young men of St. Joe's and the community of Western New York.