Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, in my western New York community, there is no shortage of pride for our NFL Buffalo Bills. Taxpayers are currently investing millions into the existing stadium, and the community is engaged in discussions about future ownership and potential construction of a new stadium. Despite this, outside interests are making moves to pull the team out of Buffalo, and antiquated rules turn TV screens black on game day. Both threaten to take the team away from its loyal fan base. Our legislation, the Furthering Access and Networks for Sports Act, eliminates the antitrust exemption that gives NFL teams the ability to black out home games that haven't sold out and ensures that local fans will be able to watch their teams from home. The people of Buffalo have stood by our team. And the next owner of this franchise, the Buffalo Bills, must be one that will stand with this community for generations to come. (Mr. HARRIS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the passing of a legislator, colleague and friend, the Honorable Vincent J. Graber, Sr., who passed away on July 2, 2014. Vince Graber was a public servant of the highest caliber and during his career was among the most effective lawmakers in the nation. Following his service on the West Seneca Town Board, Vince was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1974, displacing a Republican incumbent who, after election to the state senate, would go on to be a close friend, colleague and ally within the powerful Western New York legislative delegation. In time, Vince rose to chair the Assembly's Transportation Committee; this is where he made his most significant mark. Vince led the way in New York and in the nation in authoring legislation designed to make it safer to be a passenger in a motor vehicle in the state of New York. From landmark legislation mandating the use of safety seats for children to authorship of the first-in-the- nation mandatory seat belt law, to legislation combating and reducing incidences of DWI, Vince Graber was a leader in transportation policymaking in the United States for better than a generation. It is not hyperbole to suggest that a great many Americans--thousands, to be sure--are alive today because of Vince's good work. Vince eventually rose to leadership in the State Assembly, ending his career as Speaker Pro Tempore, where he presided over the daily sessions of the Assembly. In so doing, Vince encouraged and facilitated an orderly and urbane atmosphere within the Assembly chamber, a sometimes difficult task in a legislative body known for occasionally raucous debate. I never served in the State Assembly with Vince, as his service predated my own service in that legislative body by a few years. But I came to know Vince well, first as a local elected official, and later as Vince would visit my office as a government relations official following his years of public service. Vince Graber was always knowledgeable and always prepared, and gave those to whom he was responsible--his family, his constituents and, later, his clients--the very best he had to offer. The son of the late Howard and Eileen Graber, Vince was a United States Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and was the recipient of countless honors and awards throughout his long career. Vince leaves behind a large and loving extended family, including his wife Patricia, their ten children and their own families. Mr. Speaker, our community, our state and, yes, this nation owes a great debt of gratitude to Vince Graber. His skill and his vision made New York a safer place for motorists, passengers and pedestrians. I was honored to call Vince Graber my friend, and I am similarly honored to remember and commemorate his many contributions here today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's obligation to our veterans should go far beyond simply thanking them for their service. We must also make sure that they are being properly cared for and supported when they return home. That is why I--like so many others--was outraged by the news that the VA health system had broken down. I am pleased that the House and Senate leaders have come together and drafted legislation to address some of the most fundamental issues to this crisis, like access to timely medical care, upgraded facilities, and consequences for misconduct and poor performance. Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful that future reforms to our VA medical system will include a unified electronic health records system between the VA and the Department of Defense. In today's hyperconnected world, we ought to be doing much better than shuffling large paper files between facilities. Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to put partisanship aside and take action to correct this crisis at the VA now.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my serious concerns with the Department of Energy's proposal to transport liquid nuclear waste from Ontario's Chalk River Research reactor to the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site, across several States and over the Peace Bridge, which is located in my western New York congressional district. Unlike spent nuclear fuel, which can be safely transported in solid form, in liquid form, it is more radioactive and complicated to transfer. Most concerning is that in the event of a spill, liquid highly-enriched uranium would be difficult to contain. A major contamination in the Buffalo-Niagara region could potentially have dire consequences on the Great Lakes, the Niagara region, and the greater Buffalo-Niagara population. Madam Speaker, a plan that carries this level of risk should not be done without a thorough review. The Department of Energy must undertake a formal environmental impact statement before proceeding.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today, I will meet with the Niagara Military Affairs Council here in Washington, D.C., to discuss the future of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is critical not only to western New York, but to our Nation's security. The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station employs over 3,500 people and has an annual economic impact of over $200 million. Next month, the station will start construction on a new C-130 flight simulator, which I was proud to fight for with the western New York delegation. Additionally, Customs and Border Protection has chosen the base as the preferred location for construction of a new Border Patrol station. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to fight to make sure that the mission at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is preserved and that it is allowed to diversify through innovative partnerships. Continued investment in the base and expansion of the mission ensures that the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station will remain a fixture in our community for many years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable James B. Kane Jr., distinguished veteran and former chief administrative judge for the New York State Supreme Court, Eighth Judicial District of Western New York, on the occasion of his 90th Birthday. Born July 21, 1924 to Helen and James B. Kane Sr., Judge Kane enlisted in the Army Air Forces at 18 years of age. Quickly, this young man from Navaho Parkway in South Buffalo, New York found himself over Europe as a navigator on a B-17 ``Flying Fortress'' bomber. Shot down twice over a span of thirty missions, First Lieutenant Kane was one of two survivors of a nine man crew that had just bombed a German rail yard and survived another attack close to Berlin. His calm, cool courage under fire earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, an Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters and other notable recognitions by the time this he was 20 years old and back home in Buffalo. He then enrolled in Canisius College, working as a City of Buffalo firefighter and using the G.I. Bill to pay his tuition. Georgetown Law School was the next stop for this veteran. Following graduation, the practice of law and the art of politics would set the path for this outstanding jurist as he rose from Buffalo City Court to Erie County Family Court to serving with great distinction on the New York State Supreme Court, during which time his leadership and steady hand as chief administrative judge for the Eighth Judicial District earned praise in all corners of the community. His more than capable stewardship earned him many honors including awards from Canisius College as well as the Erie County Bar Association. While Judge Kane's outstanding and lifelong commitment to the law and public service is worthy of recognition, it is his devotion to family which earns him our highest praise and greatest appreciation. A devoted husband to Marie for more than 60 years, the Judge and Mrs. Kane are the proud parents of 10 children and 14 grandchildren. His only brother, Donald, passed away earlier this year but their unbreakable bond remains a strong and shining example to their families and all who saw them together of the true meaning of brotherly love. On July 20, the family and friends of this extraordinary man will gather at the home of his son, Orchard Park Village Judge Daniel Kane and his wife, Dr. Kathleen Kane, to celebrate and congratulate Judge James B. Kane Jr. for 90 years of exemplary leadership and dedication to his country, community, family and faith. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, I am proud to offer my best wishes for continued health and happiness to Judge Kane, his wife, Marie and his loving, large and very proud family.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the First Shiloh Housing Corporation for its efforts in transforming the Ellicott Town Center and its surrounding neighborhood. Two decades ago, the 14-acre former public housing property was abandoned and was the center of an unsafe, high-crime area. Today, the Ellicott Town Center is an almost fully occupied, mixed-use development with a diverse community of residents in patio homes, town houses, apartments, and a senior citizens center. This past Saturday, I was honored to attend the First Shiloh Housing Corporation's ``celebration of ownership'' to reflect on how far this neighborhood has come and to mark the beginning of its next chapter. Mr. Speaker, the Ellicott Town Center is the result of public-private partnership, including Federal low-income housing tax credits, and it has stimulated new private sector development and economic opportunity. This is the type of work that the Federal Government should be involved in doing. Congratulations to the First Shiloh Housing Corporation, its board of directors, and its church members on their success in taking back a neighborhood and rebuilding a community.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, today, the House will consider legislation to prevent the highway trust fund from going broke. This action is critical, as a broke highway trust fund will result in no highway trust fund and will further result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs this construction season. Unfortunately, the measures under consideration in the House and Senate are weak, temporary fixes. To effectively address America's crumbling infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers estimates the need for $3.6 trillion by 2020. Historically, this type of bold investment has created jobs and transformed the American economy. When the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law, only 7 percent of the funds dealt with infrastructure projects. These projects accounted for nearly two-thirds of jobs created under the Act. Congress is failing the American people by not making the investments we need to stay globally competitive. Let's invest in American workers and American manufacturers and make a real commitment to nation- building right here at home.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Federal Aviation Administration's proposal to update flight simulators to more accurately warn of emergency situations. Though these situations are rare, when they occur, the result is catastrophic. In my own western New York community, Continental Flight 3407 tragically crashed in February of 2009, killing all on board, because the pilots did not know how to compensate for loss of speed caused by ice on the plane's wings, which caused an aerodynamic stall. Among the provisions included in aviation safety reforms passed by Congress in the wake of the Flight 3407 crash are requirements that pilots undergo additional ground and flight training in order to prepare for catastrophic events. I urge the FAA to act quickly to approve and implement these new simulators to comply with the law and give pilots the best possible training for the safety of the flying public.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the First Shiloh Housing Corporation for its inspired and visionary role in the successful conversion of the Ellicott Mall Development to an impressive mixed-use neighborhood including patio homes, town houses, apartments and a senior citizens center. Today, we come together in a community celebration to reflect on how far this neighborhood has come, and embrace the bright future ahead. Over twenty years ago, this area was an eight-tower, crime-ridden housing project in the heart of the City of Buffalo. Today, under the decades-long stewardship of the First Shiloh Baptist Church and its member-led Housing Corporation, this community exemplifies the good work happening to transform our hometown. From disinvestment to investment, from rundown to a return of residents filled with pride and optimism, its metamorphosis is truly remarkable. We owe a special debt of gratitude to the unique public-private partnership that came together in the early 1990's to harness the power of the federal low-income housing credit program which provided the financial foundation that fueled overdue demolitions, renovated apartments and private residences guided by the spirit of the newly formed First Shiloh Housing Corporation. The First Shiloh Housing project began laying this foundation in 1992 when the Church, along with Norstar Development and the city of Buffalo, took matters into their own hands through a development strategy that included the residents. Putting people first was the guiding principle of the first president of the First Shiloh Development Corporation, Clemmon H. Hodges, whose name now graces the community center. With $40 million of reconstruction completed in 1998, First Shiloh added management and maintenance to its services to assist the rebirth of the neighborhood, now known as Ellicott Town Center. Today, surrounded by a downtown, waterfront and growing medical campus, this neighborhood is attracting increased commercial attention as a once shuttered hospital is now undergoing a $20 million renovation in close proximity to the Ellicott Town Center. With a richly deserved sense of accomplishment and confidence in the future, I am honored to join together with the board of directors of First Shiloh Housing Corporation under the leadership of the Reverend Jonathan R. Staples and President Grace Tate for this well-deserved community celebration. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with the residents, families, stakeholders and fellow officials to offer congratulations and deepest appreciation for the faith and fortitude of First Shiloh Baptist Church. Thank you for allowing me to share this success story as it begins its next chapter.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the unmatched service of Mrs. John W. Williams, who will be honored at the 15th Pastoral Anniversary of the True Love Disciples of Christ Church for her outstanding contributions to the Eastern Star, New Zion, and Memorial Missionary Baptist Churches. Working to foster the development and education of children, Mrs. Williams began teaching at her local Sunday school at the age of sixteen. Receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Arkansas, she dedicated herself to the tutelage of children by working in the Indianapolis public school system for over a decade. Mrs. Williams has exhibited unwavering commitment to her family and community, standing alongside her husband throughout his career as a Pastor in the Buffalo community. Demonstrating steadfast fortitude throughout times of adversity, she was a pillar of support for her husband during his battles. Finding comfort and strength in Philippians 4:13 (``I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me'') she overcame her own battle with breast cancer in 2011, inspiring her community with her tenacity. Devoted to her work at the Eastern Star, New Zion, and Memorial Missionary Baptist Church in Buffalo, NY above all else, Mrs. Williams has served countless hours working in the parish. Leading workshops to instill Christian values in the community, she has sought to share her passion with others in the ministry, especially the youths. Currently serving as the Supervisor of the Deaconess Board, Director of Christian Education, Office Manager, and Personal Secretary to the Pastor and Youth Director, she involves herself in the many facets of the ministry in order to further their work. In honor of her accomplishments and dedication, she was nominated in June 2013 for the Leading Ladies Award, given to those in the Christian Community who work to make a difference in their community. On March 16, 2014, she was awarded the First Lady of Faith Award in recognition of her unwavering faith. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to also recognize Mrs. Williams today for her remarkable service in the Buffalo community. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest thanks and admirations to her work and accomplishments.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. I appreciate Mr. Reed yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the amendment, which seeks to modestly increase the funding to the nondefense environmental cleanup program. Passage of this amendment, as Mr. Reed has said, will ensure nuclear cleanup sites across the country receive adequate funding, thereby protecting communities from the harmful effects of radioactive waste. In western New York, as Mr. Reed has said, the West Valley nuclear waste processing plant was established in 1966 in response to Federal calls to commercialize the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. When the facility terminated its operation only a few years later, it left in its wake more than 600,000 gallons of high-level radioactive waste, a hazardous and unfortunate legacy that the community is still dealing with today. This is a public safety and environmental hazard that we cannot ignore. The leakage of a plume of radioactive material at that site into groundwater underscores the danger posed by the proximity of the facility to streams that drain into Lake Erie. If this radioactive waste were to make its way into the Great Lakes, the effects would be devastating. Simply put, it is the responsibility of the Federal Government to make sure that cleanup proceeds expeditiously. Mr. Chairman, it is critical that we maintain our commitment to West Valley and other nuclear sites across the country by continuing to support remediation efforts. I am proud to work with my friend and colleague, Congressman Tom Reed, on this issue, and I urge support of this important bipartisan amendment.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mrs. Carmela Trippi who will be celebrating her 105th birthday on July 1, 2014. Throughout the last century, Mrs. Trippi's unwavering service has left and continues to leave an indelible imprint on our community and on her family. Carmela has bore witness to some of the most dramatic events in our nation's history--including two World Wars, the Great Depression, the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, the Civil Rights Movement, conflicts in the Middle East, and both waves of the Women's Rights Movement. However, she did not sit idly by. Mrs. Trippi has participated in politics and government for nearly eight decades, serving as a Democratic Committee woman and clerk to the Hon. Henry Nowak. She is a past president of the Greater Women's Democratic Club and is a current member of the Delaware Club and the Frontier Democratic Club. At age 104, she continues to be active on campaign trails of local elected officials. The family life of Carmela proves to be inspirational as well. A lifelong Buffalo resident, she is a proud and prolific matriarch with four children, fifteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Thus far, Carmela has led a remarkable life and shows no sign of stopping. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few minutes to recognize Mrs. Carmela Trippi. The unbridled generosity and energetic spirit of this great woman exemplify truly meaningful public service and commitment. Mrs. Trippi's accomplishments in community service, family life, government, and politics through many unfathomably difficult years show that she is a leader and trailblazer for all.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, over the past few years, Buffalo's Inner Harbor has undergone a startling transformation. This summer, Canalside will host over 1,000 public events, drawing in a million visitors. The same possibility exists for Buffalo's Outer Harbor. The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation will host public meetings, starting tonight, to support public discussion about the future of the Outer Harbor. The successful growth of Canalside has been attributed to Federal highway dollars and the New York Power Authority's $279 million Federal relicensing settlement, which is now financing the reconstruction of Buffalo's long-neglected waterfront. Likewise, putting in place the infrastructure to bring western New Yorkers to the water's edge at the Outer Harbor will open it up to public access and private development. A good start would be to remove the structurally deficient Skyway Bridge and to build a new pedestrian- friendly Buffalo Harbor Bridge, which is now in its final stages of environmental review. Buffalo has several waterfront master plans. Each say the same thing: Get to work. The attraction to Buffalo's waterfront is the water itself. It is our responsibility to build the infrastructure to make that vision a reality.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the work that Buffalo State has done to enhance and facilitate education in Buffalo. They have done this through the creation of the Buffalo State Challenge. This initiative was first implemented in the fall of 2010 and will now usher in its first graduating seniors in 2014. This program enlists students in their freshman year from McKinley High School of the Buffalo Public Schools and Oracle Charter School, and serves them throughout their four years of high school. Buffalo State has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to the community through its efforts to stem the rising tide of high school drop outs. The ``Challenge'' program not only seeks to aid students within the community during high school, but aims to set these students up to take advantage of their potential through higher education. Students participating in this program who graduate with an 85 or higher average and have combined SAT scores of 1000 or higher in reading and math are awarded a $1,500 scholarship to attend Buffalo State. Education is the key to success, and Buffalo State has acknowledged its understanding of this concept through the ``Challenge'' program. Given the means to succeed, students will succeed and Buffalo State is giving students the means to accomplish this. These achievements make me proud to honor my alma mater for its involvement in working towards making higher education a realistic possibility for so many students. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging Buffalo State's efforts to help make higher education more accessible to many students within the local community and also the outstanding accomplishments of the participants of the Buffalo State Challenge. I am grateful that there are institutions like Buffalo State working so hard to help improve the area that I represent.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the remarkable Mrs. Eileen (nee Higgins) Meegan on the occasion of her 95th birthday, Tuesday, July 1st, 2014. The daughter of proud Irish South Buffalo residents, Eileen is the last surviving sibling of five children. In 1939, Eileen fell in love with and married a fellow native of South Buffalo, Ray Meegan. Eileen has always been the consummate caregiver. She had the difficult role of wife to a soldier and police officer. Ray served the people of the United States in the First Cavalry during World War II, and the citizens of the City of Buffalo as a Buffalo Police Officer; in all of this, Eileen was by his side. Economically, many people at the time struggled. Mrs. Meegan held her family together and thrived. The couple was together for 39 years, until Ray's death. They raised four happy and successful children--Celine, Daniel, Sean, and Dorothy Delores (Dee)--all of whom have remained important members of the Western New York community. Their sons Dan and Sean have even followed in their father's footsteps, serving in the Buffalo Police force. At age 94, Eileen is in great health and continues to have a very strong mind. She has many special talents. Mrs. Meegan created and sewed her own wedding gown from scratch. She still enjoys cultivating a beautiful garden, and loves baking and cooking for her family. I am inspired by the resilience and continued spirit of this great woman--a true example of a loving wife and mother. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to speak on the behalf of this momentous occasion in the life of a proud Western New Yorker, Mrs. Eileen Meegan. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the legacy of Mrs. Meegan, and wishing her many more years of good health and full life experiences.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, since 2008, the ``Inside Tim Russert's Office'' exhibit has been on display at the Newseum here in Washington, D.C. This week the exhibit is in the process of relocating to the Buffalo History Museum in western New York. This unique mix of personal and professional pieces of Tim's life will represent a homecoming, as he was born, raised, and began his career in Buffalo, New York. Even after moving to Washington, D.C., he never forgot his hometown and his dedication to his beloved Buffalo Bills. Whether working in politics or in journalism, Tim Russert made western New York proud as he exemplified the values that he learned right in our own community: love of family, faith, community, and country. Mr. Speaker, it has been my honor to work with the Russert family, the Buffalo History Museum, and the Newseum in making this homecoming a reality. We eagerly await the debut of this expanded exhibit in the fall, including additional pieces that reflect Tim's south Buffalo roots and the story of Buffalo, the city he never forgot.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize June as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. Worldwide, at least 44 million people are living with Alzheimer's disease. The number is expected to rise to 76 million by 2030. In the United States, 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. Those who are affected by this disease know that the costs are high. The disease affects or hits both the afflicted and those who love the afflicted. It is a disease whose origins are unknown but whose end is absolutely certain. It is a disease that takes your mind, your dignity, and eventually your life. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and is the most expensive disease, costing our Nation $214 billion in 2014 alone. Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to take action on finding a cure for this fatal disease by supporting the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act to improve diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's and to commit to making a strong investment in funding research to find a cure.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Juneteenth. Each June 19th, we celebrate Juneteenth to commemorate the announcement of the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is a celebration of African American freedom, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on opportunities for self-improvement and set goals for the future. This past weekend, I was honored to take part in the 39th annual Juneteenth Festival in Buffalo. Started in 1976, this festival has grown over the years to become one of the largest of such celebrations in the world and has established its position as an important tradition within the Buffalo community. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Juneteenth today to celebrate our Nation's rich African American history and express my thanks to those who organize these important community celebrations of culture and heritage.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, the highway trust fund will be broke by the end of July. This is right in the middle of road construction season. In Erie and Niagara counties, we have almost 400 bridges that are structurally deficient. This is unacceptable and just a small representation of the crumbling infrastructure nationwide. Congress should be increasing our investment in nation-building right here at home, not cutting back; but, Mr. Speaker, doing this at the expense of the United States Postal Service by eliminating Saturday delivery is not the answer. This is a one-time fix that does not actually provide a long-term solution to our Nation's transportation funding problem. Furthermore, this hurts small businesses and other Americans who rely on the ability to receive paper mail on Saturday. It eliminates jobs for postal workers and would create a significant loss of mail volume and revenue for the Postal Service. Reports today indicate this plan may be dropped, and I hope that is the case. I urge my colleagues to reject this misguided proposal and explore more reasonable and effective solutions to restore the highway trust fund.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize John H. Glose, Jr., who will be honored at the 6th annual Mount Mercy Academy 5K Race in Buffalo, New York for his admirable community involvement and dedication to Mount Mercy Academy. John has played sports since grammar school, and pursued soccer, volleyball, and track through high school and college teams. After earning his bachelor's degree in 2005 and a master's degree in 2010, John translated his passion to volunteer coaching and cultivating the talents of young people. John serves as a vital part of the Erie II BOCES Baker Road Alternative High School as a Physical Education and Health teacher. Here, John founded the Goodwill Transition Basketball League that gives the students at alternative high schools a chance to be a part of a school basketball team and learn the life lessons that team sports can teach them. In addition to these commitments, John was the Head Coach of the varsity soccer, basketball and tennis teams at Mount Mercy Academy. At Mount Mercy, he conceived of and implemented the Wounded Warrior Game to raise awareness of the sacrifices of members of the armed forces. This endeavor has raised over $5,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project Foundation. Among the teams lucky enough to receive his guidance are the travel soccer teams of the South Buffalo Soccer Club, Mount Mercy basketball teams' summer leagues, and Mount Mercy basketball summer camp. John runs the Councilman Chris Scanlon Summer Basketball and Soccer Camps as a community outreach program for South Buffalo boys and girls. John continues to be very active playing in adult basketball, soccer, kickball, football, and volleyball leagues; he is an avid runner and participates in many road races across WNY. In addition to John's good works, I am proud to call this tireless educator, coach, mentor, and rising leader in the community my nephew. John is the son of my sister Trish Glose and her husband John Glose of West Seneca, New York. John helps students and athletes develop their full potential in sports, in academics, and in life. He promotes excellence in all aspects of life, expecting sportsmanship, a strong work ethic, community service, and a commitment to education from his team members. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the incredible and relentless work of John Glose, Jr. His dedication is inspiring, and I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest thanks for his efforts and accomplishments.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that yesterday the House adopted my amendment to prevent communities that have experienced recent population loss from being excluded from the Community Development Block Grant program. Since the creation of the Community Development Block Grant program in 1974, HUD has designated ``entitlement communities,'' which included cities with a population of at least 50,000. For 40 years, HUD has allowed cities that have had their populations fall below 50,000 to continue to participate in the program. Unfortunately, HUD signaled a desire to change course and to remove these cities from the program. This would have devastated 127 cities in 31 States, including the city of Niagara Falls in my congressional district. The Community Development Block Grant program has become a foundation for community and economic development across the Nation and in western New York. I am pleased that communities who rely on this funding will continue to have access to this critical resource.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jeffery M. Conrad, who will be recognized at the 6th annual Mount Mercy Academy 5k in Buffalo, New York for his tireless commitment to the local community. Jeff Conrad has been involved in community service since the age of 19, when he gave his time to serve on the Connor-Kait-Harrity Race Committee. This experience led to his founding of the Jack's 5k. He has served as a dedicated committee member of the Mount Mercy 5k since its inception. Jeff has also played a vital role as coach of both Varsity Cross County and Track and Field teams at Mount Mercy. In addition to his invaluable volunteer work, Jeffery is a former South District Councilmember in the City of Buffalo, and served as a valuable member of my staff when I served as a Member of the NYS Assembly. Currently, Jeffery is the Western New York Regional Director for the Center for Employment Opportunities, which assists individuals on parole and probation to find employment. He also holds the position of the Chair of the Erie County Legislature's Safe Neighborhood Committee. In addition to these great works, Mr. Conrad has been recognized many times over by community organizations. In 2011, he was selected to the 20th Anniversary Business First ``40 Under 40'' class for his work within the public and in government. In 2008, Jeffery was awarded the Tom Sands Community Service Award and the Goin' South Civic Pride Award for his efforts with Mount Mercy, Bishop Timon-St. Jude School, and myriad other worthy regional groups. A lifelong resident of Buffalo, Jeff is married to Lisa (Nasca) Conrad, and they are raising two wonderful children together--Jeffrey and Giada. Mr. Speaker, Jeffery Conrad is an exemplary citizen and his service is worthy of our highest recognition. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Conrad and thanking him for his utmost dedication and continuing service to our local community.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the service and dedication of Mrs. Barbara Kelleher Fitzgerald, who is being honored as an integral part of the community at the 6th Annual Mount Mercy Academy 5K in Buffalo, New York. Barbara is a Mount Mercy alumna from the class of 1978, and has since been completely committed to several volunteer event committees at Mount Mercy Academy and has served on the Mount Mercy Academy Alumnae Board. As a teacher for over 30 years she has touched the lives of many. She began her career at St. Thomas Aquinas school. For the past 22 years she has worked as a Pre-K and Kindergarten teacher at Hamlin Park School #74. The dedication she shows to the children she serves is unmatched. Among her many community action roles, Barbara has been the president of the Mercy League of Mercy Hospital, the St. Thomas Aquinas Home School Association, Bishop Timon St. Jude Parent Guild, Mount Mercy Academy Parent Guild, and continues to be an active member of the Notre Dame Academy Parent Guild and Sports Committee. Barbara has volunteered as a coach for St. Thomas Aquinas and Notre Dame Academy as well as the South Buffalo Soccer Association. In addition to these great works, Barbara is a founding member of the Women's Conclave, a discussion group in the local community designed to empower women to handle their unique challenges of life. Amid her involvement in these influential leadership positions, Barbara identifies her children as her greatest accomplishment. Their family--Barbara, Barry, Barry Jr., Kevin, and Mary Kate--resides in South Buffalo. Barb credits her commitment to community service to the example set by her parents, Patrick and Barb Massett Kelleher and her late aunt Sister Mary Annunciata Kelleher. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the incredible legacy of Barbara Kelleher Fitzgerald. I am inspired by her boundless capacity to give of herself to the community and to her family. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Kelleher Fitzgerald for her years of service to the Western New York community and wishing her and her family the best in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.