Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Willie Ann Huff, who on July 15, 2023, will celebrate her 90th birthday. Mrs. Huff is the daughter of the late Sarah and Willie Vinson, and the eldest of 11 children. Willie Ann Huff has 5 children of her own, Gloria, the late James Vinson, Edward, Timothy, and Debra. She is also the grandmother of 12, the great-grandmother of 30, and has 4 great-great grandchildren. Mrs. Huff is known for many things and one of them is her pineapple- coconut cakes, her gift giving spirit that she shows to all, and hosting the best Christmas parties and cookouts for her entire family. She is also known for her sharp sense of style, with the hats, furs, and suits to match her signature Obama purses and Cadillac. Above all else, Willie Ann Huff is a brave fighter, surviving multiple bouts with cancer. I hereby take official note of the joyous occasion of Mrs. Willie Ann Huff's 90th Birthday and invite all citizens to join me in wishing her the happiest of birthdays.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer in the United States, taking more lives than prostate, colorectal, and breast cancers combined. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual lung screenings for adults ages 50 to 80 who are at risk, but currently just 6 percent of eligible Americans are screened each year. That is why we are introducing the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act. This bipartisan bill will reduce barriers to preventive care by requiring public and private insurance to cover annual screenings for those who are eligible. Early detection is our best protection against all cancer deaths, and this legislation extends coverage for those who are at greatest risk. I ask my colleagues to join me, along with Representatives Castor and Fitzpatrick, in supporting this lifesaving legislation. Together we can take another step toward ending cancer as we know it.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the colleagues and friends of Matt Hout in honoring him for his decades of dedicated service as an educator, lifeguard and union leader in Western New York on the occasion of his retirement. For the past twenty-five years, Mr. Hout has been a member of the faculty in the Cheektowaga Central School District. Having taught biology, life sciences and chemistry, Mr. Hout helped young people better understand and appreciate the wonder and mystery of the natural world all around them, and prepared them for careers for which STEM skills are no longer optional, but necessary. Prior to his work with the Cheektowaga Central School District he taught in various other Western New York school districts, as well as at my own alma mater, SUNY Buffalo State. Mr. Hout's commitment to his students, his colleagues and his community did not stop when the dismissal bell rang. Whether coaching swimming teams, supervising the weight room or chaperoning functions like proms to visits here to our nation's capital, Mr. Hout gave freely of his time and commitment to his students. Mr. Hout has also been a lifeguard in the New York State Parks for forty years, having made possible safe and healthy recreation for thousands of New Yorkers and having saved more than a few lives. Mr. Hout has been an effective advocate for his profession as an officer of the Cheektowaga Central Teachers Association, a unit of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, and for his fellow lifeguards as regional vice president of the New York State Lifeguard Corps Union, another AFT unit. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Hout, his wife Denise, and his adult children Courtney and Nicholas all the best as he begins his well-earned retirement after an extraordinary career in which he dedicated himself to his students, his colleagues and his community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend Richard Lipsitz, Jr., as he receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Western New York Area Labor Federation's Annual Award Dinner. A steadfast champion for working men and women, Richard began his labor organizing career in 1973, and rose through the ranks at SEIU and the Teamsters union, eventually leading Western New York's Area Labor Federation for a decade. From picket lines to shop floors and from union halls to the halls of power, Richard has been a forceful voice for working men and women, always working to improve and defend workers' living standards and working conditions. As leader of the ALF, Richard repeatedly demonstrated his talent for building consensus among broad and diverse constituencies so that policymakers and the public at-large would see what united the labor movement, not what could potentially divide it; this has led to real, tangible successes in public policy and organizing. His talent and diligence would make this difficult work of consensus-building look easy, though surely this was not always the case. Richard remains a trusted and thoughtful advisor to labor leaders, elected officials and civic leaders in Western New York and far beyond. His crystal-clear insight, far-reaching perceptiveness and his deep understanding of labor, economics and government make that advice invaluable. I am pleased to join the Western New York Area Labor Federation in thanking Richard Lipsitz for his lifetime of dedication to the cause of working men and women. We are all the better for his good work.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, in 2009, Flight 3047 crashed in Clarence, New York, killing everyone on board and one person on the ground. The 2010 FAA reauthorization bill took bold, bipartisan action to address the flight safety issues that caused this tragic crash. This included the 1,500-hour pilot training rule, which significantly increased the number of required flight training hours from just 250 to 1,500 hours. Since then, commercial aviation fatalities have decreased by 99.8 percent. The new FAA reauthorization legislation introduced last week includes a provision allowing an additional 150 hours of the 1,500-hour standard to be completed in a simulator. Madam Speaker, we oppose this change. It veers off the course from the reforms we fought so hard for. We cannot falter on the safety standards that this body of Congress has fought alongside the Flight 3407 families to achieve. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in calling for this provision to be removed from the bill in its entirety.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, the United States is experiencing an affordable housing crisis, and western New York is not immune. Older communities like Buffalo and Niagara Falls have aging houses with good bones, but the high cost to rehab these properties, compared to their value, causes them to fall into disrepair. As a result, neighborhoods are plagued by blighted homes and vacant lots. That is why we introduced the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, which closes the value gap these neighborhoods face with a tax credit to encourage investing in single-family homes to revitalize these communities. Over the next 10 years, this bill could help build or rehabilitate 500,000 homes and create more than 700,000 construction jobs. For the families whose dreams of homeownership feel unattainable, this can be a game changer. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Representative Mike Kelly and me in supporting this legislation for communities across the Nation and the families who want to see them thrive long into the future.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on May 30, 2023, I was unable to be present for the recorded votes on Roll Call No. 238, 239, and 240. Had I been present, I would have voted: YES on H.R. 2792, Small Entity Update Act, as amended; YES on H.R. 2795, Enhancing Multi-Class Share Disclosures Act, as amended; and YES on H.R. 2796, Promoting Opportunities for Non-Traditional Capital Formation Act, as amended.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and accomplishments of David Evans, Jr., on the 20th anniversary of his passing. He was an exemplary young man who lost his life serving our country. David enlisted in the Army after graduating in 2002 from Kensington High School, in Buffalo, N.Y. His dream was to become a military police officer and FBI agent. He was killed in an explosion May 25, 2003 while on duty with the 977th Military Police Company, guarding a ammunitions site in Diwaniyah, Iraq. His mother, Esther Macklin, stated that at first, she questioned his decision to join the military, but once he had his mind made up, there was no changing it. ``I had to let David go and become the man he wanted to become.'' She went on to state, ``I'm so very proud of him, even now, I've come to accept the loss. I have faith that God has my son now.'' David had hoped that the military would lead him to a career in law enforcement. He had a calling to public service that led him to intern at Buffalo City Hall while still in high school. He also liked hip-hop music, basketball, football and cross country running. Most of all, when speaking of David, his friends, family, and teachers all brought up his smile. People talked about how infectious it was, and that when you looked at him, it made you want to smile too, and no matter what the circumstances were, he was happy and always wanted to look on the bright side of everything. Today, I ask that you join me in remembering and honoring the life of PFC David Evans, Jr., an exemplary young man who is remembered and missed by many.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize the 40th Anniversary of an indispensable non-profit in our Niagara Falls community, Heart, Love & Soul. Since 1983, this organization has tended to those struggling with poverty in the north end of Niagara Falls. As a hunger-relief and social care agency, the dedicated members of this group give needed attention to every part of those who need it most. At its most fundamental level, Heart, Love & Soul has provided the community with wide-reaching food assistance programs and human services at no cost. This includes meals, groceries, case management, showers, laundry facilities, and haircuts. It began on March 14, 1982 when members of a prayer group gathered at the former Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church on South Avenue. They discussed what they could do to help residents who were struggling with food insecurity. Led by a church parishioner, John Porecca, the members of this group decided to pursue an entire organization dedicated to serving those in need. After settling on a name and filing the papers to be incorporated, they began operations out of a former grocery store on Pierce Avenue. With financial help from Savino Nanula, they later purchased the building, which served as Heart, Love & Soul's first food pantry. The key element to Heart, Love & Soul's achievements throughout the last four decades has been its consistency in finding conscientious and diligent staff and volunteers. The men and women who run this organization are not only adept at helping people in need, but also recognize the value in raising funds to ensure their longevity. With twenty staff members and many more volunteers, every day is a new day to help a neighbor. And for forty years, every day has been a resounding success. Heart, Love & Soul represents the very best of what dedicated citizens can do for their community, and I know all Western New Yorkers are looking forward to their continued prosperity.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on May 24, 2023, I was unable to be present for the recorded votes on Roll Call No. 233. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on H.J. Res. 39, Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Commerce relating to ``Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord with Presidential Proclamation 10414.''

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on Memorial Day, we honor veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. Many veterans return home with lasting effects on their health and well-being. This Congress should honor their service by making sure they have access to quality healthcare, food, and housing. The default on America act undermines this commitment. To preserve tax cuts for billionaires, their plan would cut veterans' benefits and programs by 22 percent. We are told that if they don't get everything they want, they will force a default, sending our economy into a spiral. Under President Trump, the debt ceiling was raised three times. Now, by holding veterans' and other American priorities hostage, they are putting politics over people. I urge my colleagues to honor our commitment to those who have served and end this manufactured crisis.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Robert Freeman on receiving the 30 Under 30 award presented by Business First of Buffalo to individuals who have impactful careers and accomplishments in their industry. Mr. Freeman started his education at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, and continued his education there earning a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo's School of Law. During his time at the University at Buffalo, Mr. Freeman was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, and a recipient of the Milton Plesur History Honor Award. Mr. Freeman is a partner at Nesper, Ferber, DiGiacomo, Johnson & Grimm, LLP, where he has been since Oct. 2019. There, he focuses his practice on commercial and residential real estate law. Some of his previous work experience includes internships with the New York State Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District, and the Erie County District Attorney's Office. Outside of work, Mr. Freeman is actively involved with Saints Peter and Paul's Chapter of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is an on- ice volunteer with the SABAH program. Also, he is a member of the UB Law Alumni Association and sits on the Town of Amherst's Employee Suggestion Merit Award Board. He is a proud recipient of the Father Nelson Baker Service Award and is an Eagle Scout, Today, I ask that we recognize and give thanks to leaders in the Western New York Community, such as Robert Freeman for his continued dedication and selfless service to his community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, May marks National Preservation Month. This year's theme is ``People Saving Places.'' This Congress can do that by supporting the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act. This bipartisan bill, which I introduced with Congressmen LaHood and Blumenauer, builds on the success and lasting benefits of the Federal historic tax program. Over the last two decades, my western New York community has seen over $1.2 billion of investments in more than 250 rehab projects made possible thanks to historic tax credits. Across the Nation, historic tax credits have driven $122 billion in private investment and supported millions of jobs. By restoring and expanding the historic tax credit program through the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act, we give the country an opportunity to rebuild stronger and communities the tools to invest in the revitalization of their neighborhoods.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize today's guest chaplain, my friend, Pastor Craig Pridgen. Pastor Pridgen serves as the senior servant at True Bethel Baptist Church in Niagara Falls. Through his ministry and community service, he is an energetic and effective advocate for those who have none, who have been doubted, underappreciated, and forgotten. Buffalo born and raised, Pastor Pridgen has led efforts to promote opportunity through a church-led workforce program, as well as understanding and equality through his position on the board of the National Federation of Just Communities. He has also supported community-building and wellness initiatives as president of the Niagara Falls Ministerial Council and a senior adviser for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. We are grateful to have Pastor Craig Pridgen in the House Chamber for today's opening prayer, and so very fortunate to have him leading by example in all of western New York.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today we recognize a hero in our community, Sergeant Earl ``Butchie'' Schuster, who valiantly served our country in Vietnam. Here at the pregame ceremony at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, thousands of Western New Yorkers will learn of Sergeant Schuster's fortitude and gain an appreciation of his commitment and service. Born and raised in South Buffalo, Sergeant Schuster was born in 1948 and graduated from South Park High School. Butchie was drafted into the United States Army where he completed basic training. He then joined the 5th Infantry during the Vietnam War. While serving in Vietnam, Butchie was involved in several battles, served as a ``Tunnel Rat,'' and was ultimately wounded by the enemy in April of 1969. He received medical treatment before returning to combat with his fellow soldiers. He received the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery and heroic service and the Purple Heart for the injuries he sustained in battle. He was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device. Butchie was honorably discharged from active duty in 1970 and returned home where he began his 42-year career as a Local 6 Union Ironworker in Buffalo. Fittingly, in the mid-1980s, Butchie was one of the first ironworkers to begin construction on Sahlen Field--the location at which we honor him today. Please join me in thanking Sergeant Schuster for his outstanding service to our country. He joined our military at a time of heightened tension in our nation, and as so many of his family and loved ones here today know, this type of appreciation is long overdue. I know his children, Brian and Wendy are watching today with love in their hearts. Butchie represents the very best of our Vietnam veterans, and it is my distinct honor to join our entire community in thanking him for his devotion to duty.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Robert Freeman on receiving the 30 Under 30 award presented by Forbes to individuals who have impactful careers and accomplishments in their industry. Mr. Freeman started his education at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, and continued his education there earning a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo's School of Law. During his time at the University at Buffalo, Mr. Freeman was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, and a recipient of the Milton Plesur History Honor Award. Mr. Freeman is a partner at Nesper, Ferber, DiGiacomo, Johnson & Grimm, LLP, where he has been since Oct. 2019. There, he focuses his practice on commercial and residential real estate law. Some of his previous work experience includes internships with the New York State Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District, and the Erie County District Attorney's Office. Outside of work, Mr. Freeman is actively involved with Saints Peter and Paul's Chapter of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is an on- ice volunteer with the SABAH program. Also, he is a member of the UB Law Alumni Association and sits on the Town of Amherst's Employee Suggestion Merit Award Board. He is a proud recipient of the Father Nelson Baker Service Award and is an Eagle Scout. Today, I ask that we recognize and give thanks to leaders in the Western New York Community, such as Robert Freeman for his continued dedication and selfless service to his community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago, a racist, hateful individual traveled to my community of Buffalo, New York, to commit mass murder at a supermarket on Jefferson Avenue. Armed with an AR-15 assault weapon, he shot 13 people, killing 10 of them in less than 2 minutes. It is often said that the best way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. Retired Police Officer Aaron Salter, Jr., the security guard on duty that day, was a good guy with a gun, but he was outgunned by the bad guy with a bigger gun, and his weapon was no match for the military-grade body armor the shooter wore. Body armor designed for war zones has no place in our neighborhoods. The Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act prohibits civilians from buying and selling enhanced body armor. It protects communities as well as law enforcement answering the call when public safety is at risk. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this commonsense safety bill for the Buffalo community and for the many others who have forever been changed by mass shootings.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Anne Joynt on receiving the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award, presented by the University at Buffalo's Law Alumni Association for her contributions to the betterment of the Buffalo community. Ms. Joynt started her education at the State University of New York College at Geneseo, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School. During her time at the University at Buffalo, Ms. Joynt was inducted into the Order of Barristers because of her moot court work and served as co- editor of the Human Rights Law Review. Ms. Joynt is a partner at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC, where she has spent her entire legal career, having joined the firm directly out of law school in 2005. There, she focuses her practice on representing people who have suffered injuries due to exposure to asbestos, as well as those injured by childhood lead poisoning, motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, and defective products. Outside of work, Ms. Joynt is actively involved with many different organizations, including the UB Alumni Association where she served on the Board of Directors from 2013 to 2021 holding many different positions including, President, Vice-President, Assistant Secretary, and Co-Chair of the Annual Dinner Committee. Also, Ms. Joynt has served as the Chair of the UB Law mentoring program and has been a law student mentor since 2008 until present. Additionally, she has served as a member to the minority Bar Association of Western New York Foundation, Inc., The National Federation for Just Communities of WNY, Inc., Girls on the Run Buffalo, SUNY Geneseo Regional Board of Directors, and the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York. Today, I ask that we recognize and give thanks to leaders in the Western New York Community, such as Anne Joynt for her continued dedication and selfless service to her community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Robert Freeman on receiving the 30 under 30 award presented by Forbes to individuals who have impactful careers and accomplishments in their industry. Mr. Freeman started his education at the State University of New York College at Buffalo, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, and continued his education there earning a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo's School of Law. During his time at the University at Buffalo, Mr. Freeman was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, and a recipient of the Milton Plesur History Honor Award. Mr. Freeman is a partner at Nesper, Ferber, DiGiacomo, Johnson & Grimm, LLP, where he has been since Oct. 2019. There, he focuses his practice on commercial and residential real estate law. Some of his previous work experience includes internships with the New York State Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District, and the Erie County District Attorney's Office. Outside of work, Mr. Freeman is actively involved with Saints Peter and Paul's Chapter of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is an on- ice volunteer with the SABAH program. Also, he is a member of the UB Law Alumni Association and sits on the Town of Amherst's Employee Suggestion Merit Award Board. He is a proud recipient of the Father Nelson Baker Service Award and is an Eagle Scout. Today, I ask that we recognize and give thanks to leaders in the Western New York Community, such as Robert Freeman for his continued dedication and selfless service to his community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, after 3 long years of COVID restrictions, on May 12, the United States' northern border finally reopens fully to our Canadian neighbors. This is a turning point in rebuilding the relationships and economies along the U.S.-Canadian border. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, domestic and international travel spending reached $3.1 billion in my western New York district alone. As we emerge from a global health crisis and celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, let's seek out opportunities to encourage and ease travel in the United States. This includes adequately funding Federal agencies to support travel, investing in infrastructure, and modernizing NEXUS and passports to improve the travel experience. Together, we can highlight U.S. destinations ready to be explored and grow the economy.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to recognize The Amherst Police Club for their continued dedication to community service and safety. This is a model organization that serves as much- needed support to the heroes in our community. In 1819, Timothy S. Hopkins was elected the first supervisor for the Town of Amherst. He appointed two Constables, Joseph Hershey and Palmer Cleveland. These two men patrolled the present boundaries of Amherst (as well as portions of Cheektowaga). By 1883, the number of Town Constables had been increased to five. In 1924, the Town of Amherst Police and the Village of Williamsville Police merged, and by 1938, the department had grown to thirteen men. Since that time, the Town of Amherst Police has only continued to grow and meet the needs of their citizens in large part due to the help and representation of the Amherst Police Club. The Amherst Police Club, Inc., is a non-profit organization that represents the sworn police officers of the Town of Amherst. They give back to the community and sponsor numerous charitable causes, events, youth sports teams and youth activities that have a positive impact and touch the lives of those they serve and protect. They also host annual events for the community to benefit the Amherst Police Benevolent Association. The representation of our sworn police officers requires a deep understanding and appreciation of dedication to service, and for that, Amherst Police Club fits the bill. I ask that you join me in recognizing and giving thanks to outstanding organizations in the Western New York area, especially to the Amherst Police Club as they are honored today for their continued dedication and selfless service to their community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today the Amherst community recognizes Town Justice Geoffrey Klein and his wife, Robin Klein, for their dedication to community service. Both lifelong residents of Amherst, they have been married for 48 years and have been continuously dedicated to bettering the lives of those around them. The foundation of any American community is the man or woman that selflessly gives their time to volunteer for others, and today Geoffrey and Robin receive some long overdue gratitude for that exact type of devotion. Justice Klein graduated from Williamsville High School in 1968 before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he served in Vietnam, Okinawa, South Korea, the Philippines, and State-side. He was honorably discharged in June 1971 with the rank of Lance Corporal. Shortly after, Justice Klein went on to join the New York State Police Academy and graduated in 1974. He then served as a New York State Trooper from January 1974 through June 1994. During that time, he enrolled in a B.A. program at the State University of New York at Buffalo, later earning a degree in Political Science in May of 1981. Further continuing his education at SUNY Buffalo's School of Law and Jurisprudence, he earned his J.D. in May of 1985. From there he has served as a practicing attorney and was appointed Amherst Town Justice in January 2000, a position he still holds today. Justice Klein presides over criminal, drug, veterans, vehicle and traffic, domestic violence, and property management courts. This is in addition to his instruction as a Criminal Justice Professor at Erie County Community College from 2000 through 2010. Justice Klein's entire career has been service-oriented. On top of his professional accomplishments, he has continued his community service in his free time, including, membership with the Jolly Boys of Williamsville, Scholarship Committee Chairman, and Chair of the Ride Committee. He is also currently on the Amherst Youth and Community Coalition. In the past, he was a little league baseball, football, and softball coach for over a decade. Justice Klein also served on the Amherst Senior Center Advisory Board, Amherst Museum Advisory Board, and Amherst Youth Court from 2000 through 2014. Robin Klein graduated from Williamsville North High School in 1972. She has spent her life contributing to those around her in the Western New York region. Robin has extensive community service memberships and accolades, including, President of the Women's Auxiliary Board of John R. Oishei Children's Hospital. She has been a Republican Committeewoman since 1985, and she is currently a board member (and past president) of the Amherst Republican Women. Robin has taken part in many other organizations including Habitat for Humanity, where she took part in painting rooms and planting trees. In 2008, she was recognized with the Amherst Youth Board's Service to Youth Award. Additionally, Robin was a past member and president of the Parent-Teacher Association of Williamsville School District for 17 years, and a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. On top of the positions and memberships she has held, Robin also generously donates her time and energy (along with Justice Klein) to pickup day-old baked goods from Tops Markets and deliver them to food pantries and the Friends of Night People, which she has been doing once a month for the last ten years. Geoffrey and Robin have two children, Rebecca and Matthew, and are blessed with two grandsons, Carter and Cameron. Today, I ask that we recognize and give thanks to leaders in the Western New York volunteer community, especially today as Geoffrey and Robin Klein are honored for their continued dedication and selfless service to their community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor one of western New York's greatest athletes, Randy Smith. A natural competitor, he came to Buffalo to play basketball, soccer, and track and field at Buffalo State before he was drafted into the National Basketball Association by the Buffalo Braves in the third round. An underdog from the very start, Randy Smith became the heart and soul of the Braves, holding records and becoming the most valuable player in the 1978 NBA All-Star Game. Randy Smith embodied western New York's hardworking spirit and community pride. He often spent time playing basketball in local parks and visiting city schools, serving as an inspiration and mentor to kids across the community. Randy Smith passed away at the age of 60 in 2009. During a time when our community is still healing from heartbreak and loss, we must continue to keep his legacy alive. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Buffalo Braves all-star Randy Smith and his commitment to becoming the good neighbor to the City of Good Neighbors.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2811. Under President Biden, we have created 12 million jobs, including 800,000 manufacturing jobs, and unemployment is at a 54-year low. The previous administration lost 3 million jobs in 4 years, including nearly 300,000 manufacturing jobs. This irresponsible proposal on the floor today would tank our economic recovery and hurt hardworking families, and it would not be good for my western New York district. Throughout the pandemic, this Congress worked together to keep families strong amidst unprecedented uncertainty. It is shocking how anti-family this bill is. This bill will lead to less healthcare for parents and children. More kids will go to bed hungry because their parents can't afford food. It would cut healthcare for veterans, hurting not only them but their families and caregivers, as well. Congress raised the debt limit nearly 80 times since 1960--the majority of those taking place under Republican Presidents. It is time for the GOP to stop playing games with the livelihood of American families. I ask my colleagues to join me in rejecting this proposal and instead pass a clean bill that prevents the first default in our Nation's history.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, day in and day out, our dedicated letter carriers and postal workers deliver to America for America, but processing and delivering the mail should never leave these workers stranded, threatened, or at risk of losing their lives. However, that is what appears to have happened during a massive winter storm that hit Buffalo and western New York in December. After numerous personal accounts of unsafe conditions for postal employees, we are calling on the Office of Inspector General in coordination with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to investigate. Weather emergencies happen, especially in Buffalo in the wintertime. We need a clear process to protect America's postal workers when they do.