Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Buffalo Police Officer Craig Lehner, who lost his life in the line of duty this past week. On October 13, tragedy struck. Officer Lehner went missing while performing underwater recovery training in the Niagara River. For 5 days, State, local, Federal, and Canadian agencies heroically assisted in the search and recovery. Officer Lehner lived a life of service to his country and to his community. A resident of south Buffalo, Lehner was a 9-year veteran of the Buffalo Police Department, a 16-year National Guardsman who served in Iraq, and a member of the canine unit. Those who knew Officer Lehner knew how much he loved his job and the people of Buffalo. Buffalo is the hardest working city in America, the city of good neighbors. In the past several days, there has been an outpouring of support for Officer Lehner's family and the Buffalo Police Department. I want to extend thanks to the many brave first responders who worked around the clock in recovery efforts. Officer Lehner, thank you for your service, and may you rest in peace.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and the President said that their plan would not benefit the rich and would grow the economy. They called it the Mnuchin rule. If you make $730,000 a year in America, your income would rise by 8.5 percent, which is $129,000 a year, or $10,750 a month. That is your tax cut under the Trump plan, a direct violation of what we were told. We are also told that this plan was a middle class miracle. If you make $67,000, your income will rise by 1.2 percent, which is $670 a year, or a whopping $56 a month. This is not a miracle. This is an illusion. This plan will increase the deficit by $2.4 trillion over the next 10 years. I am wondering where the deficit hawks are. We were told that these tax cuts would pay for themselves. News flash: tax cuts don't pay for themselves. In fact, economists from Goldman say these tax cuts will have virtually no good impact on the economy. The Treasury Secretary and the National Economic Adviser are both immediately from Goldman. This tax cut is a fraud being perpetrated against the American people and against the American middle class.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Chairman, any budget requires an examination of how and who pays for it and how that budget impacts the economy. We were told by President Trump and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin that there would be no new tax cuts for the wealthy; and that this budget, and its blueprint, is a middle class miracle. That was last Wednesday. One week later, this Wednesday, the facts are in. If you make $730,000 in America, next year your income will rise by 8.5 percent, or $129,000, or $10,750 a month. If you make $67,000, your income will rise by 1.2 percent, or $670 next year, or a whopping $56 a month. This is no miracle. This is fraud being perpetrated against the middle class. We are told that tax cuts pay for themselves through the magic of dynamic scoring. Their budget will increase the deficit by $2.5 trillion over 10 years. Where are all the deficit hawks? Where are any of the deficit hawks? Goldman alumnus Mnuchin and Gary Cohn, the National Economic Adviser, said that this bill will grow the economy. Goldman economists said that their budget will have no good impact in terms of growth in the Federal budget over the next several years. Finally, infrastructure. The infrastructure budget for America, a nation of 300 million people, for the next 10 years is about the same as we spent rebuilding the roads and bridges of Iraq and Afghanistan over the last 10 years. This is unacceptable. We can do much better.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, Las Vegas, Nevada, 3 days ago-- 59 people dead, 527 injured, one shooter. It was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. modern history. Pulse nightclub, Orlando, Florida, 2016--49 people dead, 58 injured, one shooter. Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Connecticut, 2012--20 kids aged 6 and 7 and 6 adults, all dead, one shooter. The one shooter killed his mother and then killed himself. I have heard it said that the best gun control is a steady hand. Perhaps, but a steady hand requires a healthy and sound mind. Assault weapons are designed to kill people, and to kill lots of people quickly. Their availability made massacres in Las Vegas, Newtown, and Orlando possible. In the days ahead, we will learn much more about the shooter and his guns than about his victims--once again. My hope is that this Congress will use this information wisely and find the courage to respond appropriately. In this way, and only in this way, do we actually honor the victims.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise once again to recognize the millions that fight each day against dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is a group of debilitating medical conditions that result in a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system. This system is responsible for ``automatic'' bodily functions such as respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature control, things that many of us have the luxury of taking for granted. Dysautonomia continues to significantly impact people of any age, gender, race or background across our nation, including many individuals living in Western New York. As is, dysautonomia can be extremely debilitating and often accompanied by the unseen symptom of social isolation. Some forms result in death, causing tremendous pain and suffering for those impacted and their loved ones. The stress on the families extends as well to the financial hardships that deserve recognition and better solutions. I am proud to affirm that the outstanding character and strong moral fiber of those in the Western New York community who have provided the much needed support for the victims suffering from dysautonomia. It remains especially crucial for the community to recognize, rally around and support those so affected as they continue their hard fought battle against this disease. Dysautonomia awareness is monumental in the early detection of the disease due to the fact that most patients take years to be properly diagnosed. Dysautonomia International, a non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of patients living with dysautonomia, encourages communities to deepen their understanding and be mindful of this challenging condition especially during Dysautonomia Awareness Month each October. The tireless efforts of the dysautonomia community to increase research and accessible services will be recognized on Sunday, October 1 in my Congressional District as the color turquoise will bathe Niagara Falls and the Peace Bridge in the light of care, concern and continuing the fight to improve the lives of individuals living with this chronic condition. Currently, Dysautonomia International is funding research to develop more substantial treatments to help patients get diagnosed and treated earlier, save lives, foster support for individuals and families and hopefully find a cure for all forms of this condition in the future. It is imperative that we also recognize the contributions of the professional medical community, patients, family members and advocates who are working to educate our citizenly about dysautonomia throughout Western New York. They are deserving of our gratitude, recognition, respect and greater understanding. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize Dysautonomia Awareness Month. I ask that my colleagues join me in support for those suffering from the devastating medical condition and encourage them to spread awareness across our nation throughout and beyond the month of October.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and welcome the USS The Sullivans DD-537/DDG-68 Association to my hometown of Buffalo, New York on September 20th, 2017 as they celebrate their 27th reunion at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. On November 13, 1943, following the First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal during the Second World War, five brothers tragically lost their lives at sea when a Japanese torpedo struck and sunk the USS Juneau while sailing the Solomon Sea. Upon learning that George, Francis, Joseph, Madison, and Albert Sullivan had all perished, President Roosevelt honored their memory by renaming DD-537 in their namesake as USS The Sullivans. Since the Second World War, two ships, DD-537 and DDG-68 have proudly shared the name USS The Sullivans and the motto of ``We Stick Together'' in order to exemplify the courageous and enduring spirit of the Sullivan brothers. For over 70 years a USS The Sullivans has patrolled the world's waterways, thus preserving the peace and promoting international stability. In the years since it was decommissioned, DD-537 has called the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park home. Located in Buffalo's Canalside district, USS The Sullivans DD-537 has served as a floating monument to the Sullivan brothers' enduring legacy as well as to the countless men and women who have served aboard a USS The Sullivans since 1943. Mr. Speaker, it is again with great pride that I welcome the 27th reunion of the USS The Sullivans DD-537/DDG-68 Association to Buffalo, New York as they celebrate the storied legacy of their vessels in the company of fellow veterans and current service members

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, with POW/MIA Recognition Day on September 15, I rise to honor Corporal Frank Louis Garguiolo, a veteran of, and prisoner of war during, the Second World War. He embodies the best of the Greatest Generation. The son of immigrants, Frank was born in 1923, the youngest of seven siblings. He grew up in Cheektowaga and attended Buffalo schools. Tragedy struck young, and Frank's father passed away when he was just 12. Frank then went to work to support his mother and family. At 19, Frank enlisted in the United States Army, serving with the 3rd Infantry Division. His tour saw him through many major battles in North Africa and Europe. Corporal Garguiolo was captured by Axis forces and subjected to brutal forced labor for over half a year. Eventually, he was rescued by his brothers in arms from the 3rd Infantry Division. Today, at age 94, Frank is a fixture in his community and happily lives in the same house his father built. Mr. Speaker, we must do everything we can to bring our heroes home so they can live out their lives like Corporal Garguiolo has.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 60th wedding anniversary of Joseph and Elaine Giallanza, which will be celebrated on September 21, 2017. Born in the 1930s Depression-era times, Joe and Elaine were married on September 21, 1957. Once married, Joe and Elaine employed a tremendous professional and personal work ethic, eventually founding the Giallanza Corporation, which developed and built residential housing throughout Western New York. But from their home in Elma, Joe and Elaine enjoyed their most prized possessions--the members of the large family they were proud to call their own. Joe and Elaine raised six children: Michael, Theresa, Thomas, Mary, Peterson and the late Joseph Giallanza. Theirs was a warm home full of laughter and affection, bound together by the examples of love, faith and hard work that Joe and Elaine set for their children. Today, Joe and Elaine are the proud grandparents of 13 grandchildren who will help them celebrate their anniversary on September 21. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me and all of our colleagues to wish Joe and Elaine Giallanza a very happy and healthy 60th wedding anniversary, and to extend to the Giallanza family the very best of health and happiness in the days, months and years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, Wells Fargo is the Nation's third largest bank, with nearly $2 trillion in assets. In the past several months, Wells Fargo has engaged in blatant and systemic fraud perpetrated against millions of its own customers by opening fee- generating accounts without customer authorization, changing mortgage terms without customer knowledge, and forcing Wells Fargo auto loan customers into costly insurance products they did not need or want. Mr. Speaker, Wells Fargo has demonstrated a blatant, egregious culture of corruption, costing their customers tens of millions of dollars in unauthorized fees and financial hardship. Today I am calling on the Federal Housing Administration to ban, to immediately declare ineligible, Wells Fargo from participation in the Federal mortgage guarantee program. Wells Fargo has violated its public trust and that of millions of its own customers and clients.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on September 6, 2017, I was not present for the recorded votes on roll call no 442, 443, and 444. Had I been present, I would have voted: On Roll Call vote no. 442, H. Res. 500, on ordering the previous question, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3354) making appropriations for the Dept. of the Interior; providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules, I would have voted NAY. On Roll Call vote no. 443, on agreeing to the resolution, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3354) making appropriations for the Dept of the Interior; providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules, I would have voted NAY. On Roll Call vote no. 444, on approving the Journal, I would have voted YEA.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on September 5, 2017, I was not present for the recorded votes on roll call no. 439 and 440. Had I been present, I would have voted: On Roll Call vote no. 439, the motion to suspend the rules and pass, the Financial Stability Oversight Council Insurance Continuity Act, I would have voted YEA. On Roll Call vote no. 440, on the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, to direct the securities and Exchange Commission to allow certain issuers to be exempt from registration requirements, and for other purposes, I would have voted YEA.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and heroism of Lt. Thomas J. Crotty of the United States Coast Guard. A decorated veteran of the Second World War, Lt. Crotty will finally be laid to rest in the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, 75 years after going missing in action in the Pacific Theater. Lt. Crotty was born in Buffalo, New York in the year 1912, and grew up on the city's South Side. The youngest of seven siblings, Crotty stood out as a natural athlete and leader. In 1929, he coached his American Legion baseball team to a national championship. After graduating high school, Crotty applied to the United States Coast Guard Academy. A standout cadet, Crotty excelled at basketball, football, and served as class president during his tenure. In 2014, the United States Coast Guard Academy honored Lt. Crotty's legacy by dedicating their football season to his memory. Upon graduation in 1934, Lt. Crotty went into active duty with the United States Coast Guard, quickly demonstrating his leadership capabilities and skills. He became the Coast Guard's leading expert on demolition, explosives, and mines. In 1941, his unique skillset earned him orders to report to the Philippines to assist with defensive efforts, a decision that would put Lt. Crotty on a crash course with history. On December 10th, Japanese forces overran the Philippines just days after their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Under brutal assault from air and land, Lt. Crotty helped assemble a resistance with his fellow servicemen. Together, they launched daring raids in broad daylight against Japanese forces in order to secure supplies, ammunition, and fuel. His rag-tag band of heroes was instrumental in the defense of Manilla, Corregidor, and American supply lines. At the Battle of Bataan, Lt. Crotty served with distinction. Manning the artillery against oncoming forces, he fought until American forces were eventually surrounded on April 9th, 1942. From there, Lt. Crotty was made a prisoner of war in the infamous Cambatuan prison camp. It was there, after so many months of sacrifice, that he tragically fell ill to disease. On July 19, 1942, his brothers-in-arms administered last rites. He was then buried outside the camp; it was there in an unmarked grave that his remains laid for three-quarters of a century. In coordination with the United States Coast Guard, we were able to locate Lt. Crotty and bring him back home to the United States. Lt. Crotty exemplified the qualities and virtues of heroism and service. His service need not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to honor Lt. Thomas J. Crotty and help bring his family some amount of closure. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring and remembering the countless American men and women who answered the call to duty. We must do whatever we can to support families who have loved ones missing in action by assisting in efforts to bring our heroes home.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, according to the national environmental officials, for the first time this year, toxic algal blooms have formed on the shores of Lake Erie. This toxic accumulation of algae represents a direct threat to the people of western New York, but they also threaten the surrounding Great Lakes communities, representing 20 percent of the world's freshwater drinking supply. This past year, toxic blooms have been so extreme that they have infiltrated clean drinking water sources, turning once clean waters into toxic swamps. These hazardous blooms threaten the local economy, which is dependent on fishing, recreation, and tourism. Furthermore, they represent a critical danger to wildlife present on Lake Erie. At a time when the House is considering defunding environmental efforts, I would remind my colleagues of the tremendous progress that we have made to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to clean up our Nation's lakes and rivers. This is no time to turn back.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, also known as the GI Bill, has since provided tens of millions of returning Active-Duty veterans with help buying a home, starting a business, and going to college. Also, in addition to doing the right thing, the GI Bill fundamentally transformed the American economy from an industrial-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. I was proud to support H.R. 3218 this week that would renew this commitment. The bill provides expanded educational benefits for servicemembers and their families, including the elimination of time restrictions on education credits for veterans who reenter civilian life in 2013 or after. GI benefits should not come with an expiration date. Our veterans deserve our respect unexpired for their service to our country. This bill affirms that obligation.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the Republican House bill is a disaster for the American people. The process by which the bill was voted on, Members had very little time to review the text. As a result, we were forced to vote on legislation without the benefit of facts, on a bill that affects a $3 trillion annual industry. That is why I have joined Congresswoman Jayapal in introducing H. Res. 441, to require a review by the Congressional Budget Office before a bill comes to the floor. Members of Congress should have as much information as possible to make a smart decision on major legislation affecting 18 percent of the American economy. This resolution would simply affirm the time-honored principle that facts do matter and that a fair, honest, and transparent policymaking process is essential to a healthy and thriving democracy.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, The Buffalo News, in a feature story this week, highlighted the impressive development of the once dormant urban streets in Buffalo, New York; streets like Niagara Street, Main Street, and Ohio Street. What these road projects have in common in their resurgence is a smart and targeted Federal commitment to infrastructure that has been successfully leveraged to yield significant private investment and achieve the maximum benefit for our community and for the Nation. Buffalo--long ago humbled by economic devastation--is now a national model for communities nationwide in showing how infrastructure investments can create jobs and improve the life quality of communities. Infrastructure investment creates jobs in the construction trades and supply and materials industry immediately and unleashes the investment of the private sector in a cause-and-effect economic response. Buffalo has come a long way, and we still have a long way to go. The lessons of our success can and should be shared with the Nation through this institution.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sister Maralynn Sciarrino as she steps down from her position as Director of the Mercy Speech Center after 49 years of extraordinary service. Sister Maralynn's skill as a speech pathologist and her caring presence provided countless children from Western New York with the skills and confidence necessary to be articulate and successful in school and in life. Founded in 1956 by Sister Maureen Kelly, Mercy Speech Center provides professional evaluation and speech therapy to children with speech and language disorders. The Center puts the needs of children first as it provides services to families who may not have been able to afford such personal attention. Sister Maralynn has devoted her life to helping and serving others since joining the Sisters of Mercy at the age of 18. She taught elementary school for several years before beginning her career at The Mercy Speech Center in 1962. Focused on helping children overcome speech and language disorders, Sister studied speech pathology and audiology at the Catholic University of America, eventually earning a masters degree. Sister Maralynn put that degree to work as she helped children with speech and auditory processing challenges when no one else could, earning the love, respect and gratitude of all those lives she so positively impacted. Sister Maralynn founded the Magic Penny Program at the Center which combines basic speech therapy with a literacy program, enabling students to develop their speaking abilities as well as their reading abilities. Her innate ability to connect and communicate with children contributed to her success as a speech pathologist and the invaluable impact of the Mercy Speech Center. Known for her laughing eyes, bright smile and the kindest of hearts, Sister Maralynn remains a gift to education and a valued member of her community. She changed lives and her own life serves as an example of how one person truly can make a difference. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize Sister Maralynn Sciarrino and her impactful career at the Mercy Speech Center. Sister Maralynn's life of service to the youth of Western New York is inspirational, impressive and worthy of recognition. I am proud to honor Sister Maralynn and wish her continued health and happiness as she begins the next chapter of her remarkable life.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, with the Congressional Budget Office reporting that 22 million people would lose healthcare coverage and premiums for those who keep their coverage increasing by more than 20 percent next year, it is not surprising that the Republican Senate bill was pulled due to a pervasive lack of interest and support. Hit hardest under the pulled Senate bill were low-and middle-income Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 and people with preexisting diseases like cancer and diabetes. The time has come for this Congress to use the leverage of a massive purchaser of healthcare--the Federal Government--and authorize a Medicare buy-in for Americans between the ages of 50 and 64. With the leverage of 60 million-plus beneficiaries and low administrative costs, a Medicare buy-in option for the 50 to 64 population will drive down costs and drive up the quality of healthcare. We have an obligation to the American people.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, 8 years ago, Western New Yorkers witnessed tragedy due to inadequate pilot training. A poorly trained pilot crashed a commercial jet into a neighborhood in our community, ending the lives of those on board and one on the ground. Since then, the victims' families of Flight 3407, who suffered unimaginable loss on that day, have turned their grief into a powerful citizens' fight to strengthen pilot training and flight safety rules. The families of Flight 3407, who are here today, led the charge urging Congress to pass landmark flight safety legislation in 2010, including rules that could have prevented the tragedy that they all suffered. Since then, there have been 7 years of no fatal commercial crashes on domestic U.S. airlines. Now the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization is nearing and some want to beat back this tremendous progress. Let's be clear, what is being proposed is a rule change that will allow less experienced pilots to fly commercial jets again. The safety of the flying public should never be compromised again. I am prepared, along with the Western New York delegation and with the 3407 families, to protect these reforms once again, because we know the painful lessons of accepting anything less.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas as they have gathered in my hometown of Buffalo, New York for their Congregational Chapter meeting from June 19-June 29. More than 300 Sisters of Mercy from various parts of the continental United States as well as from the Philippines, Guam and Latin America will elect an Institute president and leadership team, determine priorities, renew their vision and respond to the changing needs in their mission during this two-week summit. Inspired by the life of Jesus and its founder Catherine McAuley, the Sisters of Mercy are women of faith who have committed their lives to God and use their resources to serve, advocate and pray for those in need throughout the world. Arriving from Ireland at the invitation of the Bishop of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1843, the women originally dedicated themselves to the service of people who were poor, sick, and uneducated. As membership grew throughout the United States, the organization's influence expanded to issues in education, health care, and social services. The work of the Sisters of Mercy is inherently woven into the historic fabric of the growth of Buffalo and Western New York as these devoted women taught in numerous Catholic schools. They opened, led and cared for others in our Catholic hospitals as well as being highly engaged in numerous charitable organizations. The Sisters' profound influence on those they taught, those they tended to who were suffering physically, mentally, spiritually, those they helped bring into this world, and those they comforted as the end drew near has deepened across generations. Today, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas operate under the core values of Spirituality, Community, Service, and Social Justice focusing on the critical concerns of the earth, immigration, nonviolence, anti- racism, and women. They sponsor or co-sponsor 77 schools from early childhood education to the collegiate level and partnered with the Global Catholic Climate Movement to urge world leaders to commit to climate action. This commitment to action on climate change is one I strongly share and support. For decades, the United States set the world's public policy standard on critical environmental issues; a tradition that ended when this Administration backed away from the Paris Climate Accord--a pledge joined by more than 190 countries to reduce emissions toward the goal of cleaner air and a healthy planet. This reversal does not demonstrate the leadership that is characteristic of America, nor does it protect the health and safety of people today or those for generations to come. In solidarity with the communities in which they minister, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas' commitment to everyone's right to clean water will take another strong, steady and significant step forward; actually many hundreds of steps forward, as the Sisters will participate in a Contemplative Walk down Main Street to Canalside, the center of Buffalo's resurgent waterfront, where the Buffalo River flows into Lake Erie. The ``Walk for Water'' on Friday, June 23 will be led by representatives from the Native American community who will add their voices and vital historical perspective to the urgent need to protect and preserve our natural environment. As the Congressional Representative who secured the funding for the infrastructure needed to make public access at our water's edge a reality, this ceremony is especially significant as we find ourselves, inexplicably, fighting to ensure the federal dollars used to restore our Great Lakes remains in place. The Great Lakes contain 95 percent of America's fresh surface water and drinking water supply to more than 40 million people in North America. Currently under threat of drastic cuts, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is a joint effort between the U.S. and Canada to restore the Great Lakes by cleaning up pollution, promoting shoreline health, combating invasive species and protecting fish and wildlife. Over the last decade the federal government has invested $32.38 million in Great Lakes funding in and around the Buffalo River Area of Concern and is credited with the ecological and economic turnaround of the Buffalo River. Now more than ever, we need to demonstrate the value both environmentally and economically of Great Lakes investments, and come together to fight for the continuation of this program and others that enhance the quality of life for this and future generations. And so, joined by the Interfaith Climate Justice Community, Climate Justice Coalition and like-minded public officials, the Sisters will add water from their regions to one container. This blended water will be sprinkled over the Sisters, over the land and then poured out into Lake Erie. Once again, with humility and humanity, these valiant women are leading by example. This symbolic mixing of waters from lands served by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas represents active and unified engagement in this crucial crusade to protect, promote and preserve our natural assets for all people. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas for adding another historic milestone to the legacy of the Buffalo waterfront. And to extend immeasurable gratitude for all they have sacrificed, shared and stood for in the past, and for all they will continue to stand up for today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on June 21, 2017, I was not present for the recorded votes on Roll Call Nos. 311, 312, 313, 314, and 315. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on the motion to table the appeal of the ruling of the Chair; NAY on the motion on ordering the previous question on the rule for providing consideration of both H.R. 1873 and H.R. 1654; NO on agreeing to the resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 1873; AYE on agreeing to the Carbajal of California Part A Amendment and; NO on the passage of the Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the Senate bill that was unveiled this morning, much like the House Republican healthcare bill, is a repulsive scam perpetrated against the American people. On page 30 of the bill, section 120, under Executive Compensation Tax Cut, UnitedHealthcare will get a tax cut, under this bill, representing $15.5 million. If that is not egregious enough, the fact is that UnitedHealthcare is under investigation today by the United States Department of Justice for defrauding the Medicare program of billions of dollars over the last 7 years. This should be rejected today and, decisively, by all decent Members of this Congress who believe there is a moral responsibility to ensure that the legislation passed here is fair and just.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the active and impressive life of my friend Matthew `Matty' Ferrentino as he celebrates his 90th birthday on June 21, 2017. Matty Ferrentino is the son of Italian immigrants and was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. He and his wife Joan now live in West Seneca, NY. Matty graduated from University at Buffalo in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in physical education. During his time at the University at Buffalo, Matty played football for the UB Bulls, starting all four years as offensive guard and defensive linebacker. In 1950, Matty earned Little All-American status and led the UB Bulls as co-captain in their fifth straight winning season. After his time at UB, Matty began working at the Ford Stamping Plant as a guard and retired in 1994 as a Production Manager. Matty and his wife Joan raised three children: Dan, Judy, and Rob and now have five grandchildren: Dani, Baylea, Conner, Drew and Gracie. In September, Matty will become a great-grandfather for the first time. Physical activity has long been a part of Matty's life. In addition to leading the UB Bulls during his time at school, Matty boxed in the U.S. Army and as an amateur outside of the army. Even today, Matty remains active working out at LA Fitness. I am honored to be among the many friendships that Matty has developed through the years at the gym. His discipline and perseverance is an inspiration to us all. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the accomplishments of my friend, Matty Ferrentino. I look forward to celebrating his 90 years of life with family and friends who have traveled from near and far on June 23, 2017. I wish Matty and his family health and happiness in all the days to come.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, soon President Trump will announce plans to reinstitute an almost 60-year U.S. embargo on Cuba. This embargo was lifted by President Obama in 2014, and today, over 75 percent of Americans support continued normalized relationships with Cuba. The new, open relationship with Cuba has helped grow the U.S. economy, and the President's plan to close Cuba will cost the U.S. economy over $6.5 billion. Roswell Park Cancer Institute in my home community of Buffalo, New York, is today partnered with the Center for Immunotherapy in Cuba to clinically test, in the United States, CIMAvax, a lung cancer vaccine giving advanced lung cancer patients new hope. The Roswell Park-led clinical trial, approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, was only possible because of normalized relationships with Cuba. President Trump wants to destroy that relationship, and this Congress needs to stand up to this President and on behalf of the millions of Americans who benefit, including millions of cancer patients, from open relationships between the United States and Cuba.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, thousands of Russians took to the streets of Moscow's Red Square to protest President Putin's party of crooks and thieves. The protesters chanted that they want to make Russia free and that they want to live in a modern democratic state. They want democracy. Today, in America, here in the Nation's Capitol, another Trump official is testifying before Congress on Russia's interference with U.S. elections for the fourth time in as many weeks. There is no doubt that Russia interfered. This we know. Did Russia interfere in coordination with Trump officials? With whom and to what extent? This is what the American people deserve to know. Today, in America, the talk is how Putin tried to dishonor American democracy to do one thing, to keep his people from wanting it, the very democracy that is uniquely America's. And yesterday, in Moscow, was about what Putin couldn't do. He couldn't keep young Russia from taking to the streets of his capital city denouncing him as a crook and a coward and demanding American democracy.