Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, 5 years ago tomorrow, Continental Flight 3407 crashed in western New York. This was a tragedy that took so many people far too soon and changed a community forever. The cause of the crash was found to be pilot and crew error, with fatigue being a contributing factor. In an inspiring act of love, the families of those lost formed as impressive an advocacy effort as I have ever seen. Drawing strength and purpose from their loss, they successfully convinced Congress and the FAA to enact landmark aviation safety reforms. Their call for ``one level of safety'' has become a rallying cry for all of those who want to make sure that this kind of preventable tragedy is not visited upon other families and other communities. Madam Speaker, I and all of western New York stand united with the families of Flight 3407. We feel their loss and express our sympathy to them. We also stand in awe of their commitment and tireless effort to work on behalf of travelers everywhere. The entire American traveling public owes a debt of gratitude to these families who turned tragedy into purpose.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five outstanding members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Mary Cain, Kala Crawford, Kelly Kell, Staci McElroy and Bianca Smiley. 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. Hailing from Niagara Falls, New York, Mary Cain attended Niagara Catholic High School and majored in Health & Wellness. During her years on the basketball team, Mary played the position of guard. Kala Crawford enrolled at Buffalo State coming from her hometown of Middle Springs, New York and as a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. Kala played guard for the Buffalo State Bengals and will be earning a degree in Business. During her time at Buffalo State, Kelly Kell played guard and studied Public Communication. Her hometown is Port Ewen, New York, and she attended Kingston High School. Staci McElroy traveled to Buffalo State from Saratoga Springs, New York, and graduated from Saratoga Springs High School. On the team, she played guard, and off the court, studied Psychology. A graduate of Sweet Home High School and native of Amherst, New York, Bianca Smiley played forward at Buffalo State. She will be earning her degree in Criminal Justice this year. 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 two members of the senior class at Buffalo State College, Chris Castren and Justin Mitchell. Both students are members of the men's varsity basketball team at Buffalo State and will graduate this spring. I commend Chris and Justin for their dedication to academics and athletics and congratulate them at the culmination of their college careers. Chris Castren hails from Voorheesville, New York, where he attended the regional public high school. Upon graduation, Chris will have earned a degree in Elementary Education. On the basketball team, he excelled playing guard. Justin Mitchell is a native of Buffalo, and graduated from Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School in South Buffalo, New York. At Buffalo State, he pursued a degree in Sociology and held the position of forward on the team. Participating in collegiate athletics while enrolled as a full time student is notoriously demanding. In spite of the unique challenges faced by student athletes, Chris and Justin have excelled during their time at Buffalo State. They have shown extreme discipline in balancing both commitments and are leaders to their peers and teammates. 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 exceptional Buffalo State Bengals and in congratulating them as they obtain their undergraduate degrees. Their work ethic, determination, and spirit will ensure their success, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the accomplishments of a virtuous woman, a professional homemaker, positive role model, counselor, proud mother, grandmother of nineteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren, Ada Lucille Williams on the occasion of her 90th Birthday. Ada Lucille Williams was born on February 29, 1924, in Vicksburg, Mississippi to her proud parents, Robert and Flora (Bass) Williams. Raised by her maternal grandmother, Hettie Bass, Ada grew up in the segregated South. She often recounts the life and struggles of African Americans during this time, noting that she and other black children walked to school, while white children rode past them on the school buses. Black children were responsible for purchasing their own books, while white children were provided with school books by their district. It was then she learned the valuable lessons about team work. She shared her textbooks with other children who were not fortunate enough to have them. This was an early lesson in creatively making ends meet. Ada married the late James Louis Williams on September 2, 1942. They had nine children. Lucille and James migrated from Vicksburg to Niagara Falls, New York. Lucille joined the New Hope Baptist Church where she participated in the Missionary Society. Besides raising her children and grandchildren, Lucille participated in the March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy campaigns, and the Center Avenue Parent Teachers Association. Affectionately called, ``Ma Williams,'' she is a founding member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as Church Mother, Kitchen Committee Chairperson, Missionary Society President, Youth Choir Advisor, willing worker and provider of religious instruction. Ada's favorite Scripture is Proverbs 22:6, ``Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.'' Her devotion to serving others is inspired by her deep spirituality. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor this special lady, an incredible citizen who commits her life to the betterment of others. I am thankful for Ada's many years of service to the community and I wish her many more good and prosperous years.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, this afternoon I look forward to addressing the Great Lakes Environmental Summit. The history of Buffalo is deeply rooted in the Great Lakes, as easy access to Lake Erie fueled a thriving manufacturing industry. Our future is also bright thanks to growing public and private investment in the waterfront. Moreover, the Great Lakes support 1.5 million jobs and $62 billion in wages per year. A report by The Brookings Institution found that every $1 invested in restoration generates $2 in economic benefit and up to $4 in economic activity through jobs, development, and increased property values. But in order to realize these benefits, we must protect from outside threats, like nutrient runoff, invasive species, and harmful algae blooms. I commend the work of advocates like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Environmental Protection Agency, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeepers, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and my colleagues on the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force for taking action on protecting and preserving this vital natural resource.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, last month, the Social Security Administration announced proposed plans to close the Social Security field office in Amherst, New York, among other regional offices. This proposal is both unnecessary and ill-conceived and threatens the ability of seniors, international students, and individuals with disabilities to access critical services. In response to this, I plan to introduce the Social Security Administration Accountability Act, which would require that the Social Security Administration provide Congress and local communities with adequate notice and justification for field office closings. This bill would require that Congress receive a report which includes caseload data, service population, and staffing levels at field offices, as well as the process by which offices are selected for closing. Mr. Speaker, the recent FY 2014 budget appropriated an additional $11.7 billion to the Social Security Administration for administrative expenses, which should provide the financial stability to alleviate the need to close field offices across the country. I urge my colleagues to support this request.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleague from Pennsylvania in recognizing that today, February 4, is World Cancer Day, a day in which we raise awareness about the impacts of cancer worldwide and join forces to work together to find a cure. If America does not lead the world in cancer research, there is no leadership in cancer research in the world. A newly released report from the American Cancer Society says that the death rate from cancer has decreased by 20 percent over the past two decades. Thirty years ago, less than 50 percent of those who were diagnosed with cancer lived beyond 5 years of their diagnosis. Today, it is 65 percent for adults and 80 percent for children. Cancer research needs to be sustained if it is to be effective. Ten years ago, 25 percent of all those grants that came into the National Cancer Institute were funded. Today it is less than 8 percent. We are not only losing important research but also losing talented researchers who leave the field because of a lack of public funding for cancer research. Historically, there were three ways to deal with cancer. You could cut it out through surgery, you could burn it out through radiation, or you could destroy it through toxic chemicals or chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was developed in Buffalo in 1904 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. After those traditional cancer treatments, with some debilitating side effects, a new generation about 15 years ago was developed to treat cancer called targeted therapies. These are therapies that attack fast-growing cancer cells without destroying healthy cells. These targeted therapies led to promising new therapies in breast cancer, like Herceptin, which treated a very difficult cancer, late-stage cancer. Also Gleevec, which was highly effective in treating leukemia. Today, the prestigious journal Science just declared that in 2013, the most important science discovery was something called immunotherapy. Immunotherapy uses several strategies, including vaccines, to treat the body's immune system to naturally fight cancers. What the promise is in many clinical trials that are occurring throughout this Nation, including Buffalo's Roswell Park Cancer Institute, is longer remissions without the debilitating side effects. We have a lot to learn about cancer. It is not one disease; it is hundreds of diseases. Lifestyle plays a very important part in the incidences of cancer, both here in the country and throughout the world. Eighty-nine percent of all lung cancers are due to smoking. Thirty percent of all cancers are a direct result of tobacco use. In our lifetime, one in every three women will develop invasive cancer in their lifetime. One in two men will develop invasive cancer because men smoke more. We need to know that early detection is also important as well. Less than 10 percent of cancer deaths are attributed to the original tumor. It is when cancer moves, when it advances, when it metastasizes to a vital organ is when cancer becomes lethal. It is when cancer cells crowd out healthy cells and render that organ which we need to live useless. So today on World Cancer Day, we are reminded about all of the work that has been done, all of the progress that has been made, and all of the progress still yet to be made. We also learned that while it is World Cancer Day, America has a unique role in the history, currently and prospectively, in developing the next generation of cancer treatments.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, today the New York Power Authority took an important step toward righting a historic wrong by providing funding to remove the Robert Moses Parkway in Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is a national treasure, drawing millions of visitors each year. However, with the construction of the Robert Moses Parkway in the 1960s, the New York Power Authority created both economic and physical barriers to Niagara Falls in arguably the greatest waterfront in the world. For Niagara Falls, it is not about tearing something down; it is about building something up. Removal of the parkway is a critical step in giving this city the waterfront it deserves and unleashing the limitless economic potential that comes with it. The New York Power Authority did the right thing, and the future of Niagara Falls will be better because of it.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3397, the Veterans' Records Reconstruction Act. In 1973, a fire at the National Personnel Records Center in Overland, Missouri, destroyed as many as 18,000 military records. While efforts were made to reconstruct these records, many records were left incomplete, which makes it difficult to determine veterans' eligibility for service recognition. This legislation would create guidelines and allow alternative methods of authenticity verifying veterans' records using unofficial sources, thus creating a pathway toward getting due benefits and recognitions for veterans whose files were destroyed. Mr. Speaker, while this legislation does not completely solve the problem of missing records, it is a way for our Nation to thank veterans for their service by helping them to best have a chance to receive the recognition that they are due. I want to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Lois Capps, for her leadership in introducing the legislation. I urge its swift passage.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, the Peace Bridge, located along the northern border of my western New York district, facilitates the transport of over $30 billion in commerce annually. However, increasing wait times and delays pose a significant threat to our Nation's economy. While I am encouraged by the start of the preinspection pilot at the Peace Bridge for commercial vehicles, which would allow trucks entering the United States to be prescreened on the Canadian side of the border, I am concerned about staffing levels with Customs agents at the border. I have called on Customs and Border Protection to increase staffing levels at the bridge to facilitate easier accessibility at northern border crossings and also encouraged the FY 2014 Homeland Security appropriations budget to include full funding for Customs and Border Protection officer staffing requests. The streamlined flow of people and goods across the border is critical to the western New York economy and to the Nation's economy. I am committed to fighting to preserve and improve our relationship with Canada and our economic relationship.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge Edward O. Watts, Sr., director of Watts Architecture & Engineering, who passed away on October 31, 2013 in Buffalo at the age of 70. A native of the State of Alabama, Mr. Watts attended school there, graduating from Camden Academy. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Tuskegee University, and went on to gain his master's degree from Baldwin Wallace College. Mr. Watts began his career at Lockheed Martin in Atlanta as a design engineer, and moved on to work for DuPont in Cleveland, Ohio, before being transferred to Niagara Falls. He was able to follow the American Dream and start his own business, now known as Watts Architecture & Engineering. The company began with just one employee--Mr. Watts himself--and now employs about 100 people. Recently, the firm celebrated its 25th anniversary. Mr. Watts received many business and design awards for his work, perhaps the most prominent being the U.S. Small Business Administration Graduate Firm of the Year Award in 2010. Dedicated to giving back to communities that helped him grow, Mr. Watts was a member of the Tuskegee University Alumni Association, and frequently returned to the school to raise funds to upgrade the engineering department and for scholarships. He helped fund the Watts Family Scholarships at Alabama State University in honor of his mother, who was a graduate of the university. Mr. Watts also generously contributed to schools in his native Western New York. His company provides scholarships every year at the University at Buffalo for minority students, one for the School of Engineering and one for the School of Architecture. Mr. Watts completed the University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, and for more than 10 years he returned as a mentor for numerous business owners. Mr. Watts was a member of the Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church and served on its board of trustees as church treasurer. His favorite pastime was playing the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama--a passion he pursued at home as well. He organized the Watts Open Golf Tournament for his employees as well as the American Institute of Architects/American Council of Engineering Consultants of Western New York Golf Tournament. Mr. Watts's dedication to his community was equaled by his love for his family. Together, he and his wife of forty-four years, Lydia, raised two sons, Edward and Jonathan. Mr. Watts was close with his siblings, Dr. Vivian DeShields, Claudette Camp, Dr. Geraldine Bell, and Harold Watts. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to recognize Mr. Watts's incredible contributions to Buffalo's architecture and engineering community, as well as his admirable philanthropy. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, and am truly appreciative of all his great works.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life and legacy of Mr. Charles J. O'Leary, who is celebrating his 80th birthday this month. A current resident of Tonawanda, Mr. O'Leary was born and raised on the City of Buffalo's West Side and has both witnessed and endured some of the city and the nation's most tumultuous times. Born on December 12, 1933, Mr. O'Leary knows the true nature of what it is to be resilient in times of hardship, and in effect, what it means to be a true American. Mr. O'Leary proudly served my hometown and its residents as a dedicated public servant throughout his 37 year career with the City of Buffalo Fire Department. He completed his courageous tour of duty in 1993 as Captain of the renowned and respectfully remembered Engine 10 at Ohio and Ganson Streets in our most historic, industrial waterfront community. As impressive as his valiant professional life, Mr. O'Leary is to be commended for his commitment as a caring and active family man. In addition to celebrating this birthday milestone, he and his wife Elinor will soon be sharing their 60th wedding anniversary--a mark representing Mr. O'Leary's devotion and dedication as a husband and father to six children--Charles, Robert, Kevin, Eileen, Patrick and Paul. Mr. O'Leary now enjoys quite the extended family, with 20 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to acknowledge the life and accomplishments of Charles J. O'Leary. His good works, devoted public service and gifts as a family man will be celebrated with those whose lives he has so deeply influenced on December 20, 2013 and I am pleased and proud to offer sincere congratulations and best wishes to this good and faithful servant on this most happy occasion.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Buffalo's Parkside Community Association (PCA) for celebrating its 50th anniversary in association with the organization's years of dedicated community service. The PCA will celebrate this impressive landmark on Friday, December 6th at the greatbatch pavilion on the Darwin D. Martin House Complex of Buffalo. Throughout its storied and active past, the PCA has continually sought to meet the challenges that older urban neighborhoods often present. Some of these hurdles include absentee landlords, zoning and code issues, infrastructure deterioration and cutbacks in city services. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors which comprises 20 members who all serve on a volunteer basis. Each Board member is elected annually by a neighborhood membership of more than 500 individuals, families, and business owners. It is more than appropriate that the PCA's leadership consists of volunteers, as they are truly the backbone of the organization. Eight or more standing and ad-hoc committees consisting of neighborhood volunteers regularly contribute an impressive average of 130 volunteer hours per month. The PCA provides countless services to local homeowners and the surrounding community. In addition to providing referral and crime prevention services for neighborhood residents as well as assisting in the formation of block clubs and community meetings, the PCA also stages neighborhood tours, hosts programs including the Summer Arts Camp and Little Library Program, and manages committees on crime and safety, housing, and traffic. The PCA was instrumental with the opening of the Parkside COPS Satellite station which addresses quality of life issues, and helped to restore two vacant buildings along the major commercial boundaries. The organization has even assisted some homeowners with property improvements through low-interest loans. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to commend the Parkside Community Association of Buffalo on their 50 years of devoted service to their community. It is the admirable hard work and dedication from organizations like the PCA that maintains the strength and integrity of our neighborhoods. I wish the Parkside Community Association the absolute best in all their future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Buffalo, New York on celebrating the 90th anniversary of its devout faithfulness and dedication to the surrounding community. To commemorate this milestone, Mt. Olive will be hosting a celebration on December 8, 2013 in Buffalo's historic Lafayette Hotel. Under the visionary leadership of Pastor William Gillison, Mt. Olive Baptist Church has become a central pillar of Buffalo's African- American community through its good and tireless community works and initiatives to nurture educate and support generations of families. Known as one of the most active and ambitious churches in the region, Mt. Olive continues to build on its extensive and rich history. Its outstanding reputation is a testament to the inspiration of its leaders and parishioners. Mt. Olive Baptist Church was organized in 1923 under the leadership of the late Pastor James Hamilton, inside the gates of Semet Solvay Company Plant in Tonawanda, New York. In 1924, under the leadership of Pastor Clinton N. Polite, the Church moved outside the company gates. When Semet Solvay closed in 1941, Mt. Olive relocated Clinton Street in Buffalo where the first service was held on the first Sunday in May with five families. Reverend William Gillison was called to pastor Mt. Olive in June 1981, which marked the beginning of an unprecedented era of growth and community engagement projects within the Church. In February 1988, Mt. Olive purchased three and a half acres of land at 701 East Delavan Avenue and in 1992, additional acreage was added giving the church five acres for its new three million dollar home. Construction began in 1994 and upon completion, the new home of Mt. Olive Baptist Church included an impressive complex which seats 1200, 16 classrooms and an all- purpose hall for recreation and social occasions. It is of special note that this Church's decades long mortgage was paid in full in only six years. Under this extraordinary pastoral leader and faithful following, Mt. Olive continues to experience extensive growth spiritually, financially and munerically. Multiple ministries and a separate faith-based organization, the Mt. Olive Development Corporation, have been formed since 1991. Mt. Olive's First Leadership School, which is recognized by the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, was held in October 2007. In recent years a Health Ministry was instituted as was a Media Ministry with the addition of a TV studio. This year has also seen the construction of the William Gillison Fellowship Hall and the dedication of the YOMO (Youth of Mt. Olive) Athletic Field. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor, acknowledge and add my deepest appreciation to Pastor Gillison and the family and friends of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for 90 years of faith- filled service to its congregation, community, city and country. Its outreach to the least the lost among us provides us with a powerful example of faith and love that will only intensify to help our children be better prepared and be able to enjoy and embrace an enhanced quality of life.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, last month the President and CEO of FedEx Freight spoke at a conference for the National Industrial Transportation League. He warned that our Nation's roads, highways, and bridges weren't equipped to handle current or future needs. The American Society of Civil Engineers reports that there are 69,000 structurally deficient bridges in this country--meaning that every second of every day, seven cars are driving over a bridge that is structurally deficient--and that $3.6 trillion will be needed by 2020 to address our aging infrastructure. Despite this, the most recent transportation bill passed by Congress spends a pathetically weak $52 billion a year on infrastructure. Companies like FedEx understand the long-term benefits of efficient transportation of people and goods. The United States Chamber of Commerce estimates that we will experience $336 billion in lost growth over the next 5 years due to inadequate infrastructure. I urge my colleagues to understand that a robust infrastructure investment not only creates jobs but promotes pro-business policies that sustain and produce economic growth.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Daniel Scott McParlane. Dan, as he was known to friends, was a devoted civil servant and local town Democratic Chairman in West Seneca, working tirelessly to create a better West Seneca and Western New York. He passed away tragically on November 27, 2013, at the young age of 33. Dan was born in Buffalo on March 29, 1980. A bright, engaging young man, he was involved in community service even as a boy. Dan was in the Boy Scouts and held a job as a paperboy for the Buffalo News. Hailing from a strong Catholic family, he was an altar server at St. Martin of Tours church in South Buffalo. As Dan grew older, he graduated from West Seneca West Senior High School, and earned a degree in Business Administration from Medaille College. In 2007, he was hired as an Erie County Sheriff's Deputy, and excelled at the physically and mentally demanding job. Dan worked in both the Holding Center in downtown Buffalo and the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden. Dan was committed to his line of work, and had been recovering from injuries incurred while breaking up a fight among inmates at the Holding Center at the time of his passing. Dan dedicated his time and talents to many civic, political, and ideological clubs. In addition to chairing the West Seneca Democratic Committee, he was the former chairman of the Erie County Young Democrats. Other groups that benefitted from Dan's good works include the Police Emerald Society of Buffalo, the West Seneca Civil and Patriotic Commission and the National Rifle Association. A true civil servant, Dan drew inspiration from Presidents John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton. He took pride in helping others whenever he could, and enjoyed hunting and cooking in his spare time. Dan loved to spend time with his family, especially his loving parents, Diane and James J. McParlane Jr., his brothers, James J. III and Sean, and his grandmother, Mary Krnjaich. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to honor my good friend Dan McParlane. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our deepest condolences to Dan's family, friends, and colleagues. His good works and selfless devotion to his neighbors will inspire many others to dedicate themselves to strengthening their communities.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the New Markets Tax Credit program which is set to expire at the end of this year. This program has proven critical toward making successful investments in communities like my own in western New York. In the city of Buffalo, New Markets investments have leveraged over $180 million for projects, including restoration of historic Electric Tower and the development of the Innovation Center on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Thanks to New Markets Tax Credit-leveraged funding, construction is currently underway on Roswell Park Cancer Institute's new Clinical Sciences Center. Mr. Speaker, at a time when our economy is recovering from collapse, support for programs that yield economic development and job creation is more critical than ever. I have joined my colleagues in seeking a permanent extension of this program, and I encourage our other colleagues to join us in the same pursuit.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Armand G. Virtuoso--a decorated veteran, entrepreneur, and exemplary family man--who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, at the age of 91. Born in Niagara Falls, NY on August 25, 1922, Mr. Virtuoso displayed the type of selfless dedication to his country that has facilitated the exalted reputation tied to the U.S. Armed Forces throughout our nation's history. In the line of duty as a private in the U.S. Army, Mr. Virtuoso narrowly escaped with his life after being ambushed by a solidified position of German snipers. For his profound and demonstrated resiliency, he was awarded the Purple Heart. Mr. Virtuoso married Carmela Infantino in September of 1947 at St. Charles Church in Niagara Falls--a faithful commitment lasting 67 years. He worked for the Olin Mathieson Corporation for 25 years as the company which processed chemicals, metals and ammunition, exhibited extensive growth and prosperity during and immediately following World War II. Mr. Virtuoso and his wife moved to Las Vegas in 1972 where he established and successfully operated Niagara Upholstery until his retirement. Mr. Virtuoso displayed the same type of dedication to his faith as he did to his career and family. He was a devoted Catholic and a committed member of St. Thomas More Parish in Henderson. He was also a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #247. Mr. Virtuoso enjoyed bingo, going to the casino, ballroom dancing, and most of all the precious time he was able to spend with his family. Mr. Virtuoso is survived by his wife, Carmela of Henderson, NV; sons, Armand, Dennis, and Joseph Virtuoso; his grandchildren, Gina, Nicklas, Dr. Armand III, Vincent, Joseph Jr., Michael, Dennis Jr. (DJ) and Sierra; his great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Joshua, Kaden, Fallon and Mason; his sister, Adeline Kilkenny of Niagara Falls; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of Armand G. Virtuoso. Whether through his harrowing journey of military perseverance or his loving devotion to his family and friends, Armand Virtuoso strived to achieve excellence in every aspect of his life, and ultimately left behind a legacy to be both honored and emulated.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, this morning, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is in my home neighborhood of South Buffalo to announce a $225 million redevelopment of a former steel-making plant that will bring 850 new jobs to Buffalo. This project announcement will transform a 200-acre former Republic Steel site into a new clean energy and research campus that will breathe new life into a formerly contaminated industrial area that is situated along the Buffalo River and that has been economically dead for the past 30 years. This announcement, along with $75 million in Federal and private investments to clean up the Buffalo River and shoreline, is creating a dynamic new economy in Buffalo, an economy marked by new waterfront development and clean-energy manufacturing. Energy independence and hundreds of new jobs in the new economy are remaking Buffalo, New York; and this project should serve as a national model to grow the economy and for nation-building right here at home.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Also, I want to say that as a freshman Member here several years ago, Barry made me feel very special, and I thought that it had to do with the fact that I was from a place called south Buffalo, which is very much like South Boston but without the edge or the accent. This favorite son of South Boston defined this institution with a sense of order, most certainly, but with a sense of pride and purpose and humor as well. An avid Boston Red Sox fan and Boston Bruins fan, and just an all-around wonderful person who made everyone here, hundreds of Members that have served, feel very special, as you did that first day that I arrived. So, Barry, I thank you, as a Member of this House, and I want to commend you for your years of service and wish you well in the years ahead of you.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, orally administered anticancer drugs are becoming the standard care for certain types of cancer as a promising alternative to traditional chemotherapy, which is administered through the vein. They are also driving some of the most exciting research in fighting cancer as 35 percent in the oncology pipeline are oral chemo drugs. Unfortunately, insurance policies have not kept pace with the science. Typically, IV chemotherapy is covered as a medical benefit while oral chemotherapy is covered under the prescription drug component. This creates a disparity in coverage and a financial disincentive to choose oral chemotherapy. Cancer patients should choose a course of treatment based on what they and their doctors believe will work best. That is why I have introduced the Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act. It would require insurance plans to provide coverage for oral chemotherapy at a cost no less favorable than that of traditional chemotherapy. My bill has 68 bipartisan cosponsors. I urge my colleagues to join us to support the development of these promising new treatments to patients who need them.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge Edward O. Watts, Sr., director of Watts Architecture & Engineering, who passed away on October 31st, 2013 in Buffalo at the age of 70. A Western New York native, Mr. Watts grew up in Grand Island and graduated from Camden Academy in Alabama. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Tuskegee University, and went on to gain his master's degree from Baldwin Wallace College. Mr. Watts began his career at Lockheed Martin in Atlanta as a design engineer, and moved on to work for DuPont in Cleveland, Ohio before being transferred to Niagara Falls. He was able to follow the American Dream and start his own business, now known as Watts Architecture & Engineering. The company began with just one employee--Mr. Watts himself--and now employs about 100 people. Recently, the firm celebrated its 25th anniversary. Mr. Watts received many business and design awards for his work, perhaps the most prominent being the U.S. Small Business Administration Graduate Firm of the Year Award in 2010. Dedicated to giving back to communities that helped him grow, Mr. Watts was a member of the Tuskegee University Alumni Association, and frequently returned to the school to raise funds to upgrade the engineering department and for scholarships. He helped fund the Watts Family Scholarships at Alabama State University in honor of his mother, who was a graduate of the university. Mr. Watts also generously contributed to schools in his native Western New York. His company provides scholarships every year at the University at Buffalo for minority students, one for the School of Engineering and one for the School of Architecture. Mr. Watts completed the University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, and for more than 10 years he returned as a mentor for numerous business owners. Mr. Watts was a member of the Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church and served on its board of trustees as church treasurer. His favorite pastime was playing the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama--a passion he pursued at home as well. He organized the Watts Open Golf Tournament for his employees as well as the American Institute of Architects/American Council of Engineering Consultants of Western New York Golf Tournament. Mr. Watts's dedication to his community was equaled by his love for his family. Together, he and his wife of forty-four years, Lydia, raised two sons, Edward and Jonathan. Mr. Watts was close with his sisters, Dr. Vivien DeShields, Claudette Camp, and Dr. Geraldine Bell.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the Sal Howard and his service to the City of Buffalo. A dedicated employee with an indefatigable spirit, Sal has worked for the City of Buffalo for 31 years. Sal began his long career with the City of Buffalo during the tenure of Mayor Jimmy Griffin. Due to the death of his father, Benjamin, Sal left high school to provide for his mother, brother, and sister. Through the Mayor's Summer Youth Program, Sal worked fixing snow plows and lawnmowers to aid his family. After working for the Mayor's Summer Youth Program, Sal accepted a position with the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter, transporting dogs back and forth to the veterinarian, among other responsibilities. Sal's next step came with a position in the City of Buffalo's Engineering Department. As part of the Clean Sweep initiative, Sal drives trucks to help clean city streets, remove debris, and beautify our neighborhoods. In addition to his day job, Sal serves as a New York State licensed armed security guard. Sal's work ethic is second to none. The Howard family has an impressive history of civil service. Sal's father Benjamin was a sanitation engineer for the City, and his mother Columbia worked as a custodian for the Board of Education. His sister Sarah currently is a bus aide for the Board of Education and his brother Bernie worked for the City until his passing. Sal's dedication to our community extends beyond his job. A devoted Catholic, he is an usher and Eucharistic Minister at St. Columba-Brigid Roman Catholic Church, on the corner of Hickory and Eagle Streets in Buffalo. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to acknowledge Sal's commendable career and service to our community. I am grateful for his good works and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, earlier this month, the Federal Communications Commission chair put forth a proposal to end government support for sports blackouts. This is a welcome step in the fight to end blackouts once and for all. In my home community of western New York, there is a threat of a blackout for the next two home games. This means that, despite overwhelming community support, money spent on merchandise, and tax dollars being spent for stadium improvements, Buffalo fans will not be able to see their NFL team on television. On Tuesday I introduced the Furthering Access and Networks for Sports, or FANS, Act, which would eliminate these harmful blackouts once and for all. Senators Blumenthal and McCain introduced identical legislation in the Senate. Madam Speaker, blackout rules are unfair, outdated, and alienate fans. I will continue to fight until sports teams do the right thing for their fans.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding recipients of the 2013 Main Street Business and Professional Association, Inc. Awards. The Main Street Business and Professional Association, Inc. is an association of business and professional men and women living in, owning, or operating a business or service in the Niagara Street Community. They are dedicated to improving and aiding in the development of the community. The members of the Association work together to make Main Street a progressive and serving community of which one can be proud. This year's awardees embody these noble values. The recipients of the 2013 Main Street Business and Professional Association, Inc., Awards are the Chu's Dining Lounge, Dr. Margaret O'Keefe, Dr. David Taylor, Matt Green, Joseph Hotchkiss, Jim Haid, Robert Pascoal, Niagara Falls Clean Mob, Mitch Alegre, Austin Collins, Laurice Russell, and Kayla Carrisquillo. Each of these impressive individuals has made significant contributions in various career and community endeavors. I am proud to see such dedicated, hard-working individuals be recognized tonight, and applaud their efforts to better our community. Mr. Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to recognize the recipients of the 2013 Main Street Business and Professional Association, Inc., Awards, and those who work tirelessly for this valuable organization. Their achievements are commendable and their devotion to our community is inspiring. I wish each and every one of them the best in all their future endeavors.