Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Vera Medley Foster, who passed away on February 25, 2015 at the age of 90. A selfless servant to the underprivileged youth in Western New York, Mrs. Foster was a prominent member of the community. Vera Medley Foster was born on November 3, 1924 in Helena, Arkansas. During her early life she lived on expansive land with her family, where she was brought up learning wholesome values from her family and schooling. She went on to marry her high school sweetheart, the late Bernard Austin and moved to St. Louis in the 1940's to open her own ice cream parlor and sandwich shop. After Ms. Foster's endeavors, she found herself settling in Buffalo where she met her life partner Mr. Clinton Modis Foster. Together they had three children whom she devoted her life and love to. While raising her children she returned to her entrepreneurial roots and opened a beauty salon in her home. Her salon became a staple of the community and the influence of her kind heart began to touch more people. As her children grew older she became more involved in the community with the Parent Teachers Association of Buffalo Public School #23; the Delavan- Moselle Community Center and the Wider Horizons Tutoring and Enrichment Program. Ms. Foster's influence did not stop there; later she became involved with the City of Buffalo's leadership and served on mayoral cabinets. She served as an advocate for the youth of the City and set up many for success through the Mayors Summer Youth program. Ms. Foster served on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park Steering Committee, as well as on the board of directors for the Masten Boys and Girls club for 32 years. Her passion for business never faded, as time went on Ms. Foster founded and served as president of the North Fillmore Business Association. Ms. Foster was beloved by the community she served. She has been honored by over one hundred proclamations and awards from the City of Buffalo and organizations. Ms. Foster also has been honored with a day in her name, August 3, 2013 was proclaimed as Vera Medley Foster Day, and shall always be remembered as such. Her name is also engraved in the streets of Buffalo with Vera Medley Foster Way in the heart of the city. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor the life of Vera Medley Foster. I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing our deepest condolences to the Foster family, and to celebrate the exemplary work she did to enrich the communities of Western New York.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Georgia Henley upon the joyous occasion of her 90th birthday, which will be celebrated with her family, friends, and church family on March 22nd, 2015 at Unity Church of Buffalo. Ms. Henley was born in Mobile, Alabama on March 21st, 1925. In 1945, during the period of the ``The Great Migration'' Ms. Henley and her husband joined the millions of African Americans leaving the rural South to find better opportunities in the Northeast. This journey landed her in our beloved Queen City, Buffalo, NY. After a divorce in 1954, Ms. Henley was left to raise 5 small children and often worked 6- 7 days a week, from 4 AM and not finishing sometimes until 9 PM. Her strong determination coupled with her propensity for unconditional love allowed her to provide for her children and in turn her sacrifice has blessed her with 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 5 great- great-grandchildren. A longtime member of Unity Church of Buffalo, Ms. Henley will also be celebrating her 50th Anniversary of church membership. She is deeply devoted to her church and community and has served on the Unity Church Board, Erie County Senior Services Advisory Board, and received the Network of Religious Communities Religious Service Award. Ms. Henley is well-known for her generosity and spirit. She has said, ``The most important thing and the greatest blessing I've received in life is learning to love unconditionally.'' Ms. Henley continues to demonstrate this power to love in life, despite challenges and hardships. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to celebrate the life of Ms. Georgia Henley. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Ms. Henley a very happy birthday and congratulate her for reaching this exciting milestone. I wish Ms. Henley and all those who worship with her at the Unity Church of Buffalo all the best for years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and accomplishments of heroic member of the Western New York community, Dunkirk Fire Chief Keith Ahlstrom, on the occasion of his retirement after a remarkable career. Since joining the Fire Department in 1979, Ahlstrom has provided wonderful leadership, serving as chief for the last 8 years. His team of 25 paid firefighters and numerous volunteers work together to provide safety for the residents of Dunkirk. Ahlstrom follows his brother, who also recently retired from the fire service, but his 35 years of committed work will not be forgotten. Along with his tenure as Fire Chief, Keith Ahlstrom also served as valuable member of the community, spending time as a high school baseball umpire and serving as the most senior Chautauqua County legislator. Ahlstrom looks forward to spending time with his children and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to deeply thank Keith Ahlstrom for his dedicated years of service and sacrifice for his community. We wish him all of the greatest happiness in his future.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, on February 9, the nomination of Judge Eugene Fahey of Buffalo to a seat on the New York State Court of Appeals was confirmed. I have known Gene for many years, starting when we were colleagues on the Buffalo Common Council. Gene went on to judicial service, first as a city court judge and later as a trial and appellate justice of the New York State Supreme Court. Gene's decisions include a landmark ruling affirming the validity of New York's marriage equality statute. As colleagues on the council, Gene and I had many conversations about public service, though rarely about where our respective careers might take us. It is with tremendous pride that we now see Gene taking a seat as an associate justice on the most celebrated, top-level State court in the United States. His service will be a great credit to those whom he is sworn to serve. Mr. Speaker, in Justice Eugene Fahey, the New York Court of Appeals gains a towering intellect, a booming voice, a compassionate heart, and an accomplished lead guitarist. My best wishes go to Gene; his wife, Colleen; and their daughter, Ann.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Paul Volcy, a former Buffalo City Court Judge and decorated Vietnam veteran. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Volcy sought out adventure and faced the challenges soon wrought by life's thrills with an enterprising spirit and ``can-do'' attitude. Mr. Volcy was born and raised in the South Bronx, before moving back to his mother's homeland of Puerto Rico. After completing a semester at the University of Puerto Rico, Mr. Volcy soon realized his current pursuits were boring and unfulfilling. This realization led him to join the U.S. Army in 1966. He began his tour in Vietnam as a first lieutenant, but was soon promoted to captain. His bilingual ability and training in the Vietnamese language helped him function as a troubleshooter for his colonel in Saigon, and when supplies diminished, he had a unique ability to fill up shortages. At the end of his tour, which also included field duty, he was awarded a Bronze Star. After his military discharge, Mr. Volcy completed his Bachelor's Degree at the University of Puerto Rico and then returned to the United States to earn his law degree from the University at Buffalo. Post- graduation, he briefly worked in private practice before recognizing his call to public service. Mr. Volcy became an attorney in the office of Buffalo's corporation counsel, working there for five years on civil rights cases, and then an additional two years in the New York State Attorney General's Office. In 2001, then-Mayor Anthony Masiello appointed Mr. Volcy as a City Court judge. After completing his term, Mr. Volcy returned to the Attorney General's Office in Buffalo, where he spent 10 years in the Court of Claims, specializing in defending against medical malpractice and in personal injury cases. He retired as an Assistant Attorney General in 2011. Complementing his passion for service was his knack for organizing and community activism. Mr. Volcy was a leader in the Buffalo Hispanic community and helped to found the Western New York Hispanic and Friend's Civic Association, an organization committed to social justice and empowerment of Buffalo's growing Hispanic community. Mr. Volcy was admired for his dedication to and tireless efforts toward empowering the Hispanic community. He enjoyed a wonderful life with his wife Susan and his daughter Suzanne. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr. Paul Volcy. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Volcy and his contributions to the Buffalo community.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Ms. Aunjanue Ellis to the annual Black History Month event ``Moving Forward and Setting the World,'' organized by the Canisius College Academic Talent Search Program. The Moving Forward and Setting the World event will feature the African-German Art Exhibition from Homestory, Germany to honor Black History Month. The Canisius College Academic Talent Search Program, the host of this event, has shaped positive impact on many Western New York communities. The program is among eight federally funded TRiO programs established under Title IV of the Higher Education act of 1965. The Academic Talent Search Program provides educational, social and career support services for individuals with disadvantaged backgrounds in local schools and community service organizations. Ms. Aunjanue Ellis, who I welcome to this event, is a famed actress who will star as the lead character in the 2015 miniseries ``The Book of Negroes.'' Ms. Ellis has also been a star in award winning films such as ``The Help,'' ``Men of Honor,'' and ``Ray.'' Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to welcome the accomplished Ms. Aunjanue Ellis. I ask you to join me in thanking Ms. Ellis for speaking at this valued local event. I wish Ms. Ellis continued success in her acting career, and to continually see Ms. Ellis in influential roles.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Ms. Ona Brown to the annual Black History Month event ``Moving Forward and Setting the World,'' organized by the Canisius College Academic Talent Search Program. The Moving Forward and Setting the World event will feature the African-German Art Exhibition from Homestory, Germany to honor Black History Month. The Canisius College Academic Talent Search Program, the host of this event, has shaped a positive impact on many Western New York communities. The program is among eight federally funded TRiO programs established under Title IV of the Higher Education act of 1965. The Academic Talent Search Program provides educational, social and career support services for individuals with disadvantaged backgrounds in local schools and community service organizations. Ms. Ona Brown, whom I welcome to this event, has recently been named one of the top five speakers in the world by Toastmasters International. With more than fifteen years of public speaking experience Ms. Brown works with her consulting firm World Network Now to inspire and empower individuals around the world. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to welcome the accomplished Ms. Ona Brown. I ask you to join me in thanking Ms. Brown for speaking at this valued local event. I wish Ms. Brown the best on her mission to change the lives of individuals across the globe.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Alma Walton upon the joyous occasion of her 90th birthday, which was celebrated with her church family on February 22nd, 2015 at Mt. Zion Church of God Holiness in Buffalo, New York. Mrs. Walton was born in Lexington, Georgia on February 28th, 1925, to her beloved parents Mrs. Annie Sue and Mr. Johnny Wymbs. In 1943, she married Thurmond Walton, and the couple settled in Buffalo the same year. Mrs. Walton has five children, three boys and two girls, and is the proud and adored grandmother of seven. A longtime member of Mt. Zion Church of God Holiness, Mrs. Walton serves as ``Mother'' of the church, as well as president of the Sick Committee. She is deeply devoted to and valued by her church community, and is known as ``Mother Walton'' by her fellow members. Mrs. Walton attends Sunday school faithfully and formerly served as an usher. Mrs. Walton is well-known for her generosity and spirit. She enjoys sharing her love of gardening and cooking, as well as community service. Mrs. Walton makes lap robes for patients at the VA Medical Center, and has volunteered at many food pantries in the city of Buffalo. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to celebrate the life of Mrs. Alma Walton. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mrs. Walton a very happy birthday and congratulate her for reaching this exciting milestone. I wish Mrs. Walton and all those who worship with her at Mt. Zion Church of God Holiness all the best for years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize three outstanding members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Hillary Kollar, Olivia Luciani, and Ashley Wallace. 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. Hillary Kollar played for Buffalo State as a Guard and majored in Fashion Merchandising. Hillary comes from Johnstown, New York where she attended Johnstown High School. A graduate of East Syracuse Minoa High School in Syracuse, New York, Olivia Luciani studied Public Communication while at Buffalo State and also played as a Guard for the basketball team. Ashley Wallace comes from Lockport, New York and attended Starpoint High School. Ashley was a Forward who majored in Childhood Education at Buffalo State. 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

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five outstanding members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Roderick Epps, Justin Best, Chris Thompson, Larry Rivers, and Chris Cartwright. 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 on the completion of their college careers. Roderick Epps studied Health and wellbeing while at Buffalo State and comes from Uniondale, New York where he attended Uniondale High School. Roderick played the position of Guard during his time on the basketball team. While at Buffalo State Justin Best majored in Economics & Finance and also played the position of Guard. Justin's hometown is Sleepy Hollow, New York, and he graduated from Sleepy Hollow High School. An economics major, Chris Thompson played for Buffalo State as a Forward. He hails from Far Rockaway, New York where he attended Channel View High School. A fellow Forward, Larry Rivers studied Criminal Justice during his time at Buffalo State. A native of Syracuse, New York Larry attended Fowler High School. Chris Cartwright comes from Binghamton, New York and is a graduate of Binghamton High School. He is a communications major and played at Guard for Buffalo State. 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

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today marks the sixth anniversary of the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 in western New York, which forever stole the lives of husbands and wives, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers. Since that tragic day, the families and friends of those taken banded together as a new family to give others what their loved ones didn't have: a safe flight home. They descended in red by the dozens on Capitol Hill, turning pain into persistence, purpose, and progress. They saw success in the passage of the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act, which establishes the ``one level of safety'' standard. This ensures that all commercial airlines, regardless of size, are held to the same high-quality training and rest requirements. Still, there is no rest for the brave families. Last week, I joined them on Capitol Hill to support reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration bill and to speak out against recent industry pushback on safety qualifications. With heavy hearts we remember the people of Flight 3407 and their courageous families. The flying public is safer today because of their work and persistence.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those who, in the face of violent opposition, bravely stood for what is right. This March will mark the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, Turnaround Tuesday, and the final Selma to Montgomery voting rights march. In 2013, I had the honor of joining Congressman John Lewis to visit some of these historic sites, including the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where nearly 8,000 foot soldiers marched to demonstrate against the denial of African Americans' right to vote. The sacrifice and perseverance of the Selma foot soldiers inspired the Nation, and in August of that year, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, I, along with many of my colleagues, am a proud original cosponsor of H.R. 431, which would award the highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, to the foot soldiers of the voting rights movement. The bravery of the civil rights activists demonstrated half a century ago was remarkable, but we must not forget how much still needs to be done.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. I thank the gentleman from California for bringing this issue to the House floor, underscoring the urgency of investing, through the National Institutes of Health, proper funding to find a cause and, thus, a cure for Alzheimer's. As the gentleman said, 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Death from Alzheimer's increased 68 percent between the years 2000 and 2010, while deaths from other major diseases decreased. The cost to the United States is over $200 billion a year. Without a breakthrough, treatment will cost $1 trillion a year by the year 2050. We are still seeking an adequate level of funding. For every $100 that the National Institutes of Health spends on Alzheimer's research, Medicare and Medicaid spend $26,000 caring for those who have the disease. In Congress we have two pieces of legislation: the Alzheimer's Accountability Act, which would ensure that Federal priorities and goals for Alzheimer's research actually reflect what scientists believe is needed; and the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act, which would provide Medicare coverage for the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and for care planning of newly diagnosed Americans. But all of this, as the gentleman from California pointed out, becomes localized and becomes very personal. The origins of Alzheimer's are unknown, but the end is absolutely certain. It ends in losing your cognitive ability, your dignity, and, ultimately, your life. In western New York, we have approximately 130,000 people who are impacted by Alzheimer's: 32,000 people who are afflicted, and 96,000 who love and provide care for the afflicted. That number is expected to triple by 2015. The Alzheimer's Association of Western New York works year-round to highlight the effect of Alzheimer's disease and to help people and caregivers touched by this disease. One of the people who was touched by this disease is Nancy Swiston, a constituent who lost her mom, Grace Swiston, who bravely fought the disease for 10 long years. Today, Nancy volunteers with the Alzheimer's Association of Western New York to be a voice for those suffering from the disease and the families who care for those with Alzheimer's. Nancy's story is one of too many families across the Nation we share, but we commit to fighting with her to raise awareness in funding for a cure that we will all embrace one day. I thank the gentleman from California again for committing us to this important issue.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today is World Cancer Day, a day to recognize the patients, survivors, caregivers, and those who raise awareness on their behalf. Cancer has touched every family and community in some way, and it is their stories that sustain the fight for increased funding for medical research. According to the World Health Organization, cancer has caused over 8.2 million deaths worldwide. By the end of 2015, more than 1.5 million new cases will have been diagnosed within the United States. Investing in medical research leads to advanced treatments and cures and has the potential to lower these devastating outcomes. It boosts the economy through job creation and new discoveries, and it allows America to maintain its position as a global leader in the fight for a cure. Yet, in the last decade, funding to the National Institutes of Health has been cut by nearly 25 percent. This is unacceptable. Last week, I reintroduced the Accelerating Biomedical Research Act with Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Peter King. It is a bill that invests in the fight against horrible disease. While today we recognize World Cancer Day, the goal must be to celebrate the day when we have a world without cancer.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and accomplishments of a distinguished member of the Western New York community, Bill Craver on the occasion of his retirement after a remarkable career. Mr. Craver has served our community working for the Buffalo Sewer Authority for over 31 years. Mr. Craver began working for the Buffalo Sewer Authority on June 6th, 1983 as a Millwright. Less than a year later he was promoted to Machinist. Prior to serving the City of Buffalo, Mr. Craver had worked at Van Nott Machinery, Buffalo Color and the Ford Stamping Plant, where he is held in high regard by his co- workers. At the age of 92, Mr. Craver holds the title of the oldest active employee in the New York State Retirement System and oldest employee in the Buffalo Sewer System, a record that will undoubtedly be difficult to top. Mr. Craver is a veteran of the United States and an honored recipient of the Bronze Star for his service in the Second World War. During World War II, he served in Okinawa and the Philippines, where his most gloried accomplishment was shooting down two enemy aircrafts off shore of Okinawa on April 15, 1945. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor the amazing accomplishments of Bill Craver during his career and for his service as a decorated Veteran of WWII. I am pleased to join his family members, colleagues and friends in congratulating him on his retirement. Mr. Craver has earned a great deal of respect from his colleagues and friends and has certainly earned my sincere respect and admiration for his integrity, commitment, and impressive work ethic. I wish Mr. Craver continued happiness and contentment in the future.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, the Peace Bridge in my western New York district is the second busiest border crossing between the United States and Canada, making it essential that people and goods are able to move quickly and efficiently across the bridge. The second phase of a cargo preinspection pilot project at the Peace Bridge recently concluded and is currently under evaluation. While I have confidence that the bill will call for expansion of preinspection at the Peace Bridge, the pilot revealed several challenges which create delays and require immediate attention. Internet speeds on the Canadian side of the bridge exceed those on the American side, enabling faster screening. Radiation detectors on the American side are older and often inaccurate, resulting in false negatives that create delays. Finally, empty trucks are not required to provide a manifest, resulting in unnecessary secondary inspections for empty vehicles. Last week, I wrote to Secretary Jeh Johnson highlighting the urgent need to rectify these issues. We must improve the quality and state of the infrastructure and protocols at ports of entry across the country.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, inclement weather hindered my travel to Washington on February 2. Consequently I missed several votes in the House of Representatives. I would like to submit how I intended to vote had I been present: On Roll Call 51, the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 361, I would have voted YEA. On Roll Call 52, the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 615, I would have voted YEA. On Roll Call 53, the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 623, I would have voted YEA.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, cancellation of this week's vote of the Secure Our Border Act is a relief for northern border communities, including my western New York district. This legislation would require a biometric exit system at every border crossing which would duplicate inspections and significantly slow the flow of people and goods across the northern border. The Beyond the Border agreement already allows for exit data to be shared between Canadian and U.S. officials; thus, the implementation of this system at the northern border would be redundant at least. Already congested border crossings, such as the Peace Bridge in western New York, would see longer delays which would ultimately create disastrous economic effects and compound security concerns. A Peace Bridge authority official said that implementation of this program would effectively shut down the northern border. Investments in personnel and infrastructure should be made along our borders, but we must take into consideration the unique needs of northern and southern border communities and protect the strong economic relationship that is essential to the United States and Canadian economies.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, on Monday a bridge collapsed in Cincinnati, Ohio, killing one person and injuring another. This tragedy calls to mind the collapse of the Schoharie Creek Bridge in New York in 1987, which killed 10 people, and the collapse of the I-35 West bridge in Minneapolis in 2007, which left 13 dead. I don't know if more transportation funding would have prevented these collapses, but I do know that every second of every day seven cars drive on a bridge that is structurally deficient. There are 69,000 structurally deficient bridges in the Nation; there are over 99 structurally deficient bridges in western New York alone. These numbers are unacceptable. Congress is failing the American people by failing to address this issue. Last night we heard from the President a plan to increase funding for infrastructure. That is a start, but I say we can and must do more. I encourage my colleagues to pass an infrastructure bill that is large enough to address the real needs of this Nation.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, on January 6, I attended the funeral of the former Governor of New York, Mario Cuomo, in New York City. Consequently I missed several votes in the House of Representatives. I would like to submit how I intended to vote had I been present: On Roll Call 1, the Quorum Call of the House, I would have voted PRESENT. On Roll Call 2, the Election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, I would have voted for Representative Nancy Pelosi of California. On Roll Call 3, to Table the Motion to Refer H. Res. 5, Adopting rules for the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, I would have voted NAY. On Roll Call 4, Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 5, I would have voted NAY. On Roll Call 5, the Motion to Recommit H. Res. 5 with Instructions, I would have voted YEA. On Roll Call 6, Agreeing to H. Res. 5, I would have voted NAY. On Roll Call 7, the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 22, I would have voted YEA.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, 29 States, including my home State of New York, and the District of Columbia guarantee a minimum wage higher than that required by Federal law. These States recognize that $7.25 an hour is not enough to support an individual or a family of four's basic needs. No American who works full time should have to live in poverty. Because the minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation, today, it holds less buying power than it did in 1981. This is unacceptable. Raising the minimum wage will not only increase earnings for millions, but it will also increase consumer demand by bolstering the purchasing power of low-income Americans. Eighty-eight percent of those who would benefit from a Federal minimum wage increase are 20 years old or older and 55 percent are women. While New York is on track to increase its minimum wage to $9 by 2016, State-by-State increases are not enough. Sixteen States remain at or below the Federal level, and disparities between the States creates economic uncertainty. The time to raise the Federal minimum wage is now.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleagues, to honor the life and legacy of Governor Mario Cuomo who passed away on January 1 at the age of 82. When we think of Governor Cuomo, we think of him along with his son-- now Governor Andrew Cuomo--and then his counsel Tim Russert from Buffalo driving in a car, riding from the airport to the Moscone Center in San Francisco, still writing new sections of his historic keynote address at the 1984 Democratic National Convention which catapulted him forever as a prominent figure within the Democratic Party. Less remembered than his speeches but just as admirable were his writings. He wrote extensively on the American Dream his immigrant parents achieved, and the numerous causes that he cared about, ``Diaries of Mario M. Cuomo,'' ``Reason to Believe,'' ``Why Lincoln Matters,'' and ``More Than Words,'' which is a collection of 31 speeches he wrote going back to 1974. As a student of government, a teacher of government, and now as a practitioner, in 2006, I went to see Governor Cuomo, former Governor Cuomo, who was practicing law in Manhattan at a place called Willkie, Farr, and Gallagher. Remember, I had 15 minutes scheduled with him and left 2 hours later. I told him that his writings, going back to 1974, were as relevant today as they were when they were written. They were timeless; they were classics. My favorite story is the one that he told about how he came to edit the book, ``Lincoln on Democracy.'' In 1988, Governor Cuomo met in Albany with a delegation from the teacher section of Poland's Solidarity Union, which was the leading advocate for bringing democracy to Poland when it was under Communist rule. The teachers told the Governor that they were building an archive of influential and insightful writings on democracy. They asked if he could recommend writings by American thinkers that had influenced his approach to public service and democracy. Cuomo immediately identified Abraham Lincoln as his favorite source of wisdom. The Polish delegation said, ``Governor, Lincoln's writings and speeches are not available in Poland.'' In fact, they were banned. Cuomo promised to give them the speeches that they needed in order to appreciate what he had come to appreciate in Lincoln. Cuomo says, ``Delegation, come over here.'' He pulled out the 378- page index of the collected works of Abraham Lincoln--not one mention of democracy in those works; so together with Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer, he wrote, edited, and published ``Lincoln on Democracy,'' a book that to this day is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the uniquely American approach to democracy and governance. True to his word, the Polish version of the book appeared in Warsaw in early 1990 before its English version was available in the United States. Mario Cuomo's gift was that he forced us to think for ourselves. He forced us to consider our history, and he forced us to recognize our responsibility to build a foundation that is better than the foundation that those who came before us built for us. That is the true meaning of the American Dream, and it was embodied by a unique individual who was an unlikely successful lawyer, an unlikely Governor of New York, Mario M. Cuomo.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, there are 329 ports of entry across the United States, four of which are located in my district of western New York. These border crossings provide opportunity for trade and commerce, require sufficient levels of security, and provide enormous economic benefits to our Nation. Today, I asked the Subcommittee on Homeland Security of the Committee on Appropriations to include funding for the programs necessary to ensure the free flow of people and goods at the northern border. Specifically, funding is needed to sustain the recent increase in Customs and Border Protection officer staffing levels. This increase offers significant economic benefits by reducing wait times. Also, I asked for funding to support the Preinspection Pilot program, which will expedite the flow of traffic by moving primary cargo inspections to Canada at crossings in Buffalo, New York, and Blaine, Washington. Madam Speaker, I will continue to push for these and other measures to integrate the economies of our border communities with our Canadian neighbors. I urge the committee to support them as well.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Florida became the 36th State to legalize marriage equality. Now more than 70 percent of Americans live in a State where sexual orientation does not dictate who can be married. Our Nation was founded on basic principles of freedom and equality, and no law should discriminate against individuals on the basis of who they are. We have come a long way since 2004 when Massachusetts became a pioneering State in the fight for marriage equality. But the fight is not over. I am a proud to be an original cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, reintroduced in the House yesterday. This legislation will allow same-sex couples to receive equal and fair treatment under Federal law regardless of their State's marriage laws. As we begin the 114th Congress, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to make sure that we have laws in place to end discrimination toward individuals, regardless of their gender, race, religious background, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I attended the funeral of the former Governor of New York, Mario Cuomo, in New York City. Consequently I missed several votes in the House of Representatives. I would like to submit how I intended to vote on these roll call votes had I been present: On Roll Call 1, the Quorum Call of the House, I would have voted PRESENT. On Roll Call 2, the Election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, I would have voted for Representative Nancy Pelosi of California. On Roll Call 3, to Table the Motion to Refer H. Res. 5, Adopting rules for the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, I would have voted NAY. On Roll Call 4, Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 5, I would have voted NAY. On Roll Call 5, the Motion to Recommit H. Res. 5 with Instructions, I would have voted YEA. On Roll Call 6, Agreeing to H. Res. 5, I would have voted NAY. On Roll Call 7, the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 22, I would have voted YEA.