Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the impact and celebrate the life of the late Quinton Roseboro Smith. Affectionately known by his loved ones as ``Smitty,'' this native son of South Carolina made the City of Buffalo his home at an early age. Through the many years that followed his move north, Quinton was able to leave his mark in our community--whether it was at church, the hair salon, or through the lens of his camera, Smitty's lovable spirit followed him everywhere. A student at Buffalo Public Schools 31, 75, and 87, Quinton would later become a student at Burgard High School. It was there that he was given the chance to study aviation mechanics and pursue a career with the United States Air Force. Upon Smitty's discharge from the military, he worked for decades at the General Motors Tonawanda Engine Plant. However, it was his passion for cutting hair and the beauty industry that was clearly evident throughout his other ventures. He started cutting hair at age 13 with his cousin, Israel ``June'' Blackmon. He cut hair while stationed in Alaska with the Air Force, and he eventually took night classes at Culver Beauty College while working at GM. So, after gaining his license, it was not long before he opened Studio 322. This hair salon was not only an instant success, but it was something that he shared with the love of his life, Mary. Smitty was a devout Christian and irreplaceable member of St. Paul's A.M.E. Zion Church. Quinton's commitment to Buffalo could be tangibly felt by countless people, not just those who frequented Studio 322. His actions toward others created a legacy that will long outlive him. Survived by his 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild, there is no shortage of loved ones to recount their fond memories of Smitty. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Quinton for his commitment to the Western New York area and for the warmth he provided to so many. He will be dearly missed.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Chair, I thank the ranking member for yielding. I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1. My community of Buffalo and Niagara Falls are all too familiar with the devastating consequences of decisions that put polluters over people. Toxic waste dumped by Hooker Chemical in the 1940s contaminated the Love Canal neighborhood of Niagara Falls. President Jimmy Carter declared a Federal health emergency, and Congress passed the Superfund Act with Love Canal becoming the first cleanup site. In 1968, the Buffalo River caught fire due to industrial contamination and was considered biologically dead. Atrocities like this led to the approval of the Clean Water Act in 1972 and have required hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. After residents sounded the alarm for years, in 2013, Tonawanda Coke was found guilty of deliberately releasing cancer-causing benzene into surrounding neighborhoods, a violation of the Clean Air Act. The Superfund Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Clean Air Act were each put in place after historically unchecked pollution impacted the health of our waterways, communities, and families. H.R. 1 removes safety protections, lessens accountability for violators, and diminishes public input. If this bill were in place 10 years ago, western New York neighbors would have had no recourse to address the carcinogens and toxic substances released into the air by Tonawanda Coke. We can't let polluting history repeat itself. I am voting ``no'' on H.R. 1 and encourage my colleagues who care about the health and future of our communities to do the same.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Roseanne Butler-Smith on her retirement from many years of dedication and service to Western New York's Public Libraries. Roseanne began her career in 1987, working part-time at the Lancaster Public Library and was appointed a full-time librarian in January 1988. She continued her career moving throughout our vital public libraries, serving as Library Director for the Cities of Tonawanda, Clarence and Amherst. She also served as a member of the New York State Library Association, American Library Association, and Public Library Association. Throughout her time, she always put the needs of the library patrons first, ensuring that these public resources could continue to provide meaningful service to the members of their communities. During her time as Library Director for the Town of Amherst, budget cuts eliminated funding for the Williamsville Public Library. Roseanne was responsible for helping to keep its doors open through various creative fundraising efforts. These included hosting the Winter Gala. This annual fundraiser started in 2012 and has grown tremendously over the years, successfully raising thousands of dollars for the Williamsville branch. Other fundraising efforts included hot dog sales at the Glen Park Arts Festivals and raffle events. Roseanne even delayed her retirement to ensure she could oversee the completion of the Audubon expansion--an anecdote that perfectly encapsulates the commitment she showed to our library system. Today, I ask that you join me in celebrating Roseanne Butler-Smith on her retirement and unwavering dedication to Western New York. She has made extraordinary contributions over her career, ensuring that these libraries stay open and operating for all members of the community to enjoy. I'm confident that Roseanne's retirement will be marked by spending time with her husband Gordie and their children, traveling, and as always, settling down with a good book.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today we recognize and congratulate Rhonda Frederick on her retirement after decades of dedication and service to the Buffalo community. Through her leadership at People Inc., Rhonda has been an indispensable advocate for those with disabilities. After 43 years working in almost every facet at People Inc., Rhonda was instrumental in starting and developing many programs offered by this essential non-profit. She started her career working in group homes and day services, eventually earning her role as CEO and President. As COO, she built and cultivated important relationships with multiple regulatory and funding agencies including the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), NYS Homes and Community Renewal, NYS Department of Health, and NYS Office for the Aging. She played a key role in starting People Inc. Senior Living, which now has over 20 apartment buildings for older adults who meet federally mandated income guidelines. The growth of People, Inc. to its current state of 150 group homes, countless programs, and strong partnerships shows her commitment to realizing an ambitious vision for this organization and our community. Outside of her extensive official career, Rhonda is extremely active and involved in the community. Currently she serves on the Boards of Hilbert College, New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSIDD), Special Olympics NY, Amherst Meals on Wheels, and Accountable Health Community Inc. She is the President of Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY (DDAWNY) and is involved with WNY iCan Bike--a program that provides tailored and unique opportunities in recreational activities for people with disabilities. Rhonda's unwavering dedication to the Western New York community makes her worthy of an easygoing and laid-back retirement, but if her career is any indication, she will continue to devote her time to improving senior and disability services. For that and all her efforts over an illustrious career, Western New Yorkers owe Rhonda Frederick a debt of gratitude.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, last week the Buffalo Fire Department lost a brother, and western New York lost a hero in the line of duty during a four-alarm fire on Main Street in the city of Buffalo. Jason Arno was a 3-year member of the Buffalo Fire Department serving at Engine 2, one of the busiest companies in the city. A son, a brother, a husband, a father, and a friend, Jason was committed to putting his life on the line each day for the community that he loved. As our city mourns this tragic loss, we are once again reminded of the bravery and the sacrifice it takes as a first responder. While Jason is laid to rest this Friday, our hearts are heavy. Our thoughts are with the Arno family, the western New York community, and his brothers and sisters of Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282. The city of good neighbors and a grateful nation are forever indebted to firefighter Jason Arno for his selfless sacrifice.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Michael N. Coppola. He was an outstanding man of character who touched the lives of countless people and contributed to the betterment of the Buffalo community. He was born at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo, New York on August 25, 1948. He was the oldest of 10 children of Angela Coppola and Dr. Joseph R. Coppola. He attended Christ the King School in Snyder, New York, moving on to Canisius for high school. He continued to attend Canisius through college, where he earned a degree in Business Administration and Management. He was honored as an Outstanding Graduate by Canisius College in 2016. At the age of 16, Michael Coppola began working as a stock boy for Tops Markets. Over the next 33 years, he climbed the ranks within the company, eventually earned the title of Executive Vice President of Marketing. He was considered an innovator in the supermarket industry, even opening up the first Tops International Store in order to meet the demands of the diverse cultures living within the City of Buffalo and the metropolitan area. Michael Coppola was regarded as a dear friend, mentor, teacher, and inspiration both within and outside of the Tops company. It gave him great joy to guide and mentor others throughout his life and career; his lifelong motto was ``Choose Love.'' Before his passing, he was able to organize a reunion with his former Tops colleagues, further strengthening his local community. His leadership and dedication to God, family, and community will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Michael Coppola passed into the arms of the Lord on August 21, 2022. On the day of Michael Coppola's funeral, Byron W. Brown, Mayor of the City of Buffalo, proclaimed October 29, 2022, as ``Michael N. Coppola Day'' in the City of Buffalo and joined his family and friends in celebration of his life and selfless legacy. Michael Coppola leaves behind to cherish his children Jennifer, Jill, Michelle, the late Joseph, and Jeffrey; his grandchildren the late Angelina, Serena and Arabella, Ryan and Miranda, Zach, Hailee and Addison; his siblings Leonard, Joe, Jack, the late Mary, Peter, Paul, Robert, Richard, and Donna--and a host of other family members and loving friends.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible life and service of Paul Woods as he celebrated his 100th birthday on February 20, 2023. Along with defying the average lifespan and despite segregation, Paul Woods fought for our democracy in the Pacific Theater of World War II. As we celebrate Black History Month, I think there's no better example of American courage than Buffalo's own Paul Woods. Paul Woods was born in Alabama on February 20, 1923 in an era of racial oppression and segregation. When his father died, he and siblings were split at the gravesite among relatives. Paul Woods promised that he would raise his brother Sherman, and for the rest of his life ``Daddy'' has been taking care of people. Paul Woods joined the segregated U.S. Army in 1941 when he was just 17 years old. He often says that ``A bullet knows no race, rank, or status. We were all brothers on the battlefield.'' The bravery of Black units overseas belied their second-class status at home and helped lead to the abolition of racial segregation in the military in 1948 as well as the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 2012, Paul and 30 other World War II vets were flown to the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. Five years later, Wish of a Lifetime sponsored a trip to Australia where he visited the exact location of his service during World War II and was thanked by the U.S. Consul General. Today he is the World War II Coordinator for the Jesse Clipper American Legion Post 430. After helping to protect the Philippines, Paul Woods moved to the Buffalo region where he worked 16-hour days at Bethlehem Steel to feed his growing family. From Alabama to Australia, teenage recruit to war hero, and segregated soldier to seeing the first Black president, Paul Woods' life has spanned continents, a world war, and the fight for racial equality. The father of 15 will turn 100 on February 20, 2023, having seen multiple children and grandchildren serve in the same military his bravery helped to desegregate. Mr. Speaker, I'm thankful for the chance to honor Paul Woods, a longtime Western New York resident who helped free the Philippines despite enduring injustice at home. A proud member of Prince of Peace Church of God in Christ in Buffalo and husband to the late Mary T. Woods, Paul Woods' 6'4" stature is dwarfed only by his impact on his family, community, and country.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate Arthur O. ``Champ'' Eve, Jr. on being recognized with the Erie County Democratic Committee's 2023 Joseph F. Crangle Legacy Award. This award rightfully acknowledges Champ's name as one of the great leaders of our party and commemorates his service to our community and the Democratic Party. Champ rightfully earned this distinction through a lifetime of public service and commitment to others. Born to trailblazing leaders, Constance Boyles Eve and Arthur O. Eve, Sr., Champ was quickly taught the importance of family, hard work, and staying true to one's values. Champ is a proud graduate of Canisius High School and the University at Buffalo, though Buffalo State University holds a special place in his heart as he serves as Assistant Men's Basketball Coach and a mentor for the young student-athletes. Champ has been on the frontline of local, state, and national campaigns since becoming involved in politics at a young age, and he has never faltered in his commitment to the party. He is the founder and President of Unity Coalition, an organization that through his leadership has and advised and recruited candidates for local office, collected thousands of signatures, and planted hundreds of lawn signs. Throughout his years of involvement, Champ and Unity Coalition have been tireless campaigners for candidates including, President Barack Obama, Senator Hillary Clinton, Honorable Jeannette Ogden, Governor Kathy Hochul, and County Executive Mark Poloncarz. Currently, Champ serves as the Deputy Board of Elections Commissioner for Erie County and Vice Chair of the Erie County Democratic Committee. He shares his passion for politics and community service with his wife, Kim, and his seven children, Arthur III, Shiana, Laneesha, Eric, Louis, Melzetta, and David, as well as his treasured grandchildren. Mr. Eve's dedication to his country, community, family, and party is indicative of all that is great about Western New York. I am thankful for the opportunity to call Champ a friend and to honor him and the countless positive contributions he has made to our community. Today, those in attendance for the Chairman's Council Reception in Buffalo express their gratitude toward Champ, but our appreciation pales in comparison to the unwavering dedication that Champ has demonstrated for several decades. Champ undoubtedly deserves the Joseph F. Crangle Legacy Award, and I thank him for his commitment to bettering the lives of those in our community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, Joe Biden has been our President for 25 months. He said he would build an economy for working families in America. The largest infrastructure law in U.S. history: Done. The American Rescue Plan: Done. The CHIPS and Science Act: Done. The Inflation Reduction Act: Done. The United States economy added 517,000 jobs last month alone. The unemployment rate is 3.4 percent, the lowest in 54 years. Biden created 11 million jobs. That is 440,000 jobs every single month. According to Bloomberg Business, Biden is now on his way to becoming the greatest job-producing President in U.S. history. Mr. Speaker, 35 million Americans today have healthcare because of the Affordable Care Act, and 92 percent of all Americans have healthcare that is better and more affordable. Mr. Speaker, it is no wonder why our Republican House colleagues are now threatening to destroy the American economy by defaulting on the very obligations that they voted to create. We are better as a nation, and we are better as a Congress.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the incredible life and service of World War II veteran Paul Woods. Mr. Woods joined the United States Army in 1941. During the war, he bravely fought for America's freedoms abroad and racism at home. Mr. Woods is known to say: ``A bullet knows no race, rank, or status. We were all brothers on the battlefield.'' On February 20, Mr. Woods will celebrate his 100th birthday. It is my honor to celebrate this American hero and to thank him for his selfless service on behalf of a grateful Nation.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, on May 14, 2022, a racist mass shooting took place at a supermarket in my home community of Buffalo, New York. Armed with an assault weapon, the shooter killed 10 people and injured three more in just 2 minutes and 3 seconds; one shooter. We continue to mourn, and we continue to struggle to move on. Sadly, we are not the only community facing this challenge. Horrific mass shootings have taken place in Uvalde, Texas; Highland Park, Illinois; Colorado Springs; Raleigh, North Carolina; Monterey Bay and Half Moon Bay, California. Last year we passed the bipartisan Safe Communities Act. This was an important step, but more needs to be done. As we mark National Gun Violence Survivors' week, we must honor those impacted by shootings by continuing to deliver legislation that will save lives. I am proud to support a Federal assault weapons ban, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on January 11, the failure of the Notice to Air Missions system grounded thousands of flights across America. This malfunction created air travel chaos for days. This system is essential to safe flight operations and needs to be reformed. The Notice to Air Missions Improvement Act takes a proactive approach to make much-needed upgrades. Many of the airline safety measures implemented over the past 15 years were borne out of the lessons we learned following the crash of flight 3407 outside of Buffalo. We must not wait for another tragedy to make the necessary steps to protect the flying public. I support this bipartisan bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, Buffalo and western New York have had our fair share of challenges over the last year: A racist mass shooter murdered innocent people at a local grocery store. A blinding blizzard took the lives of dozens of our neighbors 2 weeks ago. And what should have been an exciting Monday night football game turned into a nightmare for Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin and his family. Our community is grateful Damar is recovering at home with his family now. Today, I rise to celebrate the people and the spirit of Buffalo. We are more than neighbors, we are family. We are a family that sticks together, works together, and rallies around our teams and one another in good times and in bad. Madam Speaker, I am proud of the way Buffalo works through our struggles, and prouder still to call this place with a big heart home. Our best days are immediately in front of us. Go Bills.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the United States and Canada enjoy a shared border and shared values. We are friends and trading partners. Unfortunately, in recent years, we have seen a layering of restrictions that hinder binational movement. This not only makes it hard to cross a bridge, but it hinders binational cooperation. It separates us from one another. It stifles trade and diminishes life quality. Confusion, hassles, and delays prevent travel and inhibit travel plans. As President Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meet today to discuss our future, I urge them to leverage our strengths to craft solutions that make it easier for us to connect between two countries, fostering better connections, a better economy, and a better life quality.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, Charles Rettig, the former IRS Commissioner, who was appointed by the Trump administration, said early last year that the United States is losing $1 trillion in unpaid taxes every year. He said the agency lacks the resources to catch tax cheats. Most of the unpaid taxes, he said, are a result of evasion by wealthy and large corporations. With this legislation we are considering today, it is clear that the GOP once again is putting tax-evading profits over people. Mr. Speaker, I am asking my colleagues to join me in rejecting this legislation to protect working families that play by the rules and fight fairly every day.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I honor and recognize the life and legacy of George Gould. Born in Buffalo in 1935, George was a graduate of Bishop Timon High School, where he was a standout athlete. He attended St. Bonaventure University, where he played basketball, and Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, where he played baseball. He went on to serve two years in the U.S. Marine Corps, from 1957 to 1959, at Camp LeJeune, S.C., where he was a member of the football and baseball teams. Raised in the Old First Ward on Mackinaw Street, George Gould and his wife Kathryn later moved to the close-knit South Buffalo community to raise their family. Alongside his friend John Scanlon, George was one of the founding members of the Old First Ward South Buffalo Democratic Club and was honored as the influential political organization's Man of the Year. George Gould was a scooper with the International Longshoremen's Association from 1960 to 1985 and served as a firefighter with the Buffalo Fire Department from 1963 to 1985. Mayor Griffin appointed Mr. Gould Director of Auditorium and Stadium Operations at War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, and Pilot Field. He held that position from 1981 to 1994. To those who knew George best, his wife, Kathryn, his children, Kevin, G. Patrick, Brian, Elizabeth, Sheila, and Kerry Gould and his seven grandchildren, extended family members and to his many friends, George was known as a mentor and a true friend. George's dedication and service to the City of Buffalo and his support for the neighborhood will never be forgotten. Therefore, I am honored to recognize his legacy today.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the VA Employee Fairness Act. We rely on the work of dedicated healthcare professionals to care for our veterans who risk their lives for our country. Yet, our laws do not provide an adequate voice for those workers to ensure care is of the highest quality. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us why that voice is necessary. This bill changes that by granting all VA healthcare providers the same collective bargaining rights. It means that healthcare workers can have a greater say in protecting patients, ensuring clinical competence, and setting wages and benefits. It would provide rights for over 100,000 VA doctors, nurses, dentists, and chiropractors, including more than 350 nurses at the Buffalo VA Medical Center. I am proud to be one of 218 cosponsors of this bill on the floor today, and I urge my colleagues to please support it.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate progress in America's pledge to provide liberty and justice for all Americans. Today, President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law. The legislation ensures equal rights and protection for married couples regardless of the color of their skin, where they live, or whom they love. This act is long overdue and necessary as threats remain to undo the hard-fought ruling giving same-sex couples the fundamental right to marriage equality. I am honored to have cosponsored this bill, and I am proud this day has finally come.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker and her remarkable seventeen-year career with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Clotilde began her work with the Community Foundation in 2005, becoming President and CEO in 2007. Under her leadership, she oversaw this philanthropic organization's growth from $159 million to $850 million in total assets. Furthermore, she was a visionary and understood the value of establishing partnerships with other community organizations such as Say Yes Buffalo, Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable, and the WNY Impact Investment Fund. This expansion has allowed the Buffalo community to be more strongly supported and guided, and none of it would have been possible without the stewardship that Clotilde has provided. Clotilde's contributions to the community and work as a philanthropist have been recognized at all levels, from local community organizations to international organizations. She was appointed to the White House Council on Service and Civic Participation and named co- chair of the U.S. Committee of the United Nations International Year of the Volunteer. She has also presented at the U.S. Partnership on Mobility from Poverty Summit supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Washington, D.C. and the Asia Forum on Philanthropy for Better Cities in Hong Kong. Furthermore, she was awarded the President's Award for Service, a civic award bestowed by the President of the United States to honor volunteers that give hundreds of hours per year helping others through the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. Clotilde has previously been named The Buffalo News Citizen of the Year Award, the Buffalo Niagara Executive of the Year, and received the Distinguished Citizen Award from her alma mater, Canisius College. Highly honored and recognized for her commitment to moving this community forward in a strategic way, Clotilde has led the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo to enhance our environment and educational opportunities, and further invest in our rich and diverse local arts. Clotilde is the indispensable pillar of the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo, and she will be missed dearly after her retirement; however, her legacy, work, and success will inspire community members for years to come. During my time in Congress, it has been a pleasure to work with the Community Foundation under the leadership of Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker and I commend her for her professionalism, vision, and impressive leadership on behalf of a grateful community in the Western New York.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor an organization, WNY Heroes, whose programs continue to be a lifeline for our local military veterans. Founded in 2007, its mission of preventing homelessness quickly expanded to a wholesale outreach organization that has aided countless veterans. They continue to work tirelessly in support of veterans, and this week we celebrate the grand opening of their new location in downtown Buffalo. At the outset, WNY Heroes was designed to assist Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, but the need grew as veterans of all eras came in search of help. They soon broadened their reach to all that served our nation. WNY Heroes has become an instrumental voice in our community. and their effort toward veterans and their families by providing immediate financial assistance is nothing short of remarkable. More than ever, the demand for their services is growing. Their program, ``Heroes' Bridge,'' offers veterans with financial assistance. Through medical referral, ``Pawsitive for Heroes'' has paid for over 140 veterans to be paired with a trained service dog. ``Operation Backpack'' raises money every year to buy new school supplies for the children of veterans. 1,200 veterans from four local counties are sufficiently fed because of their program, ``Feed a Veteran.'' They connect veterans with appropriate resources and services through the Veterans Health Administration every day. WNY Heroes fills a void in the treatment of our veterans--one that should not exist. Sacrifice abroad is often met with hardship at home. Founder, Chris Kreiger, and the WNY Heroes team knows this firsthand, so they act to fix it. This organization's success serves as a much- needed inspiration, and each of the aforementioned programs is critical in the lives of our local heroes. Their new location in Buffalo should help them to reach more veterans in a more effective manner. On behalf of everyone in the Western New York community, I would like to thank and congratulate WNY Heroes for the services they have provided to our bravest men and women.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor a man, Jerome ``Jerry'' Schad, and his lifetime of remarkable work. Jerry has been a pillar within the Western New York law community for nearly five decades and a personal friend of mine. Though Jerry's retirement is imminent, the work that he has done in private practice and public service will long outlive his career. A graduate of Geneva College, Duquesne University, and the University at Buffalo Law School, Jerry was admitted into the New York State Bar Association in 1972. As a partner at Hodgson Russ LLP, Jerry spent nearly thirty-four years in litigation for his firm. His work mainly focused on tort, commercial, and civil litigation regarding compliance with disability law. In his storied career, he litigated in the New York State Supreme Court and handled appeals to the Third and Fourth Appellate Divisions of the Supreme Court. After retiring from private practice in June of 2005, Jerry began his journey in public service. Beginning in 2012, as Majority Counsel to the Erie County Legislature, Jerry advised the Democratic majority on a wide variety of pressing legal issues. In 2013, Jerry began working as one of three Commissioners of the Erie County Water Authority. He would continue this work for three terms, and it would include taking the role of Chair in 2018. Meanwhile, Jerome Schad has been the steady force and bedrock of the Amherst Democratic Committee for the last decade. Today, Jerry is recognized for all the work he has done to advance its position and interests. With his newfound free time, I trust that Jerry will cherish more moments with his six children, twelve grandchildren, and his loving wife, Priscilla. Not to mention, it can be safely assumed that Jerry will more frequently be seen around Western New York's golf courses. As a long-tenured and vital leader of our community, he deserves this time to enjoy the things he loves most. On behalf of countless others, I would like to thank Jerry for all his efforts through an exceptional career.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the $2.8 million included in the National Defense Authorization Act for the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. This funding will support construction of a new combined operations and alert facility at the base. The project is important to the 914th Air Refueling Wing and national readiness. A strong and efficient 914th is good for the country and for western New York. The air reserve station is Niagara County's largest employer, generating $300 million in economic impact on the local economy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this funding and enhance mission response.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor a pillar within the city of Buffalo, ELIM Christian Fellowship. ELIM has had unwavering support for all of Western New York since its creation in 1999, and their congregation is now celebrating their twenty-third year of service. I would like to congratulate them on their perseverance through struggles and wish them a successful night of celebration. Under the leadership of Senior Pastor T. Anthony Bronner. ELIM Christian Fellowship was founded as a non-denominational and bible- based ministry, inviting people of all communities. According to Senior Pastor Bronner, ``The name ELIM conceptually means a place of refreshing, reviving, and renewing for weary travelers and has proven to be a fitting symbol of spiritual revitalization and restoration. It is known for its spirit-led praise, worship, and intercessory prayer. People from all races, religions, age groups, and denominational affiliations engage weekly to see God's Face.'' On the Fellowship's first day of worship, over seven-hundred men, women, and children gathered at the former Buffalo Christian Center in downtown Buffalo. Many of the original members were also attendees of the Regional Morning Prayer Movement. It drew in people of all kinds from many different communities. This Regional Morning Prayer continued uninterrupted since its inception, even through the COVID-19 pandemic. ELIM moved from the Christian Center to Turner Carroll High School in February of 2000. After only six months of occupancy, membership grew from 700 to over 1600. Due to the growth in membership at ELIM, in June 2000, they had the opportunity to purchase a property across from The Central Park Plaza for a new Worship and Youth Center. When the Center opened in August 2000, more than 700 members, several communities, and political leaders attended the trailblazing ceremony. In that same year, ELIM members and visitors had the opportunity to meet with First Lady, Hillary R. Clinton, and hear her words of encouragement. Also, under the leadership of Senior Pastor T. Anthony Bronner, ELIM Christian Fellowship, created a chapter in Rochester, NY in November 2002. The expansion was a major evolution for the Fellowship and expanded the tightly knit community. The expansion also demonstrated an expansion in its mission and who that mission can reach. With the evolution in leadership, ELIM saw a large increase in permanent members due to holding worship at an unconventional time in the afternoon. In September 2004, ELIM finally officially obtained a worship center in the heart of Rochester, cementing their welcomed expansion. Then on April 30, 2006, ELIM had the privilege of opening a new worship center with a service of thanksgiving. Many community leaders and congregational members celebrated the event with prayer and a march from the Central Park Plaza to the new edifice. Moving forward to 2008, the Consecration and Ordination Service for leader Bishop T. Anthony Bronner occurred with the Fellowship members as witnesses. Everyone was extremely excited and joyful over Pastor Bronner's initiation into the Bishopric. Undoubtedly, ELIM faced an unprecedented amount of hardship, but years of struggle were made worthwhile when ELIM Christian Fellowship just recently made its final payment on its multimillion-dollar mortgage. Now the ministry can move forward and serve the community without hesitation. They have a permanent home. Our community is grateful for the leadership of the ELIM Christian Fellowship and for their dedication to guiding countless Buffalonians in faith and service.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer in the United States, yet only 6 percent of people eligible get screened, and that number decreases among underserved populations. Prevention and early detection are the best protections against lung cancer. That is why we have introduced the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act. This bill expands coverage for and improves access to lung cancer screening. It also provides new coverage for tobacco cessation, as smoking is a major cause of lung cancer. Our bill builds on the work of Buffalo's Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. I ask my colleagues to join me and Representative Castor in supporting this legislation that will enhance the goals set through the President's Cancer Moonshot to save lives and end cancer as we know it.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Germain Harnden and her remarkable 42-year career. Germain has dedicated her career to safety, health training, education, and advocacy for workers. For the last decade, she has served as the executive director of WNYCOSH. Before beginning her career at WNYCOSH, Germain studied at the University of Buffalo. She worked as an editor of the Humanist Magazine at the Center of Inquiry, and she would go onto enroll in the Cornell Cooperative Extension Labor Studies program, where she took several courses on collective bargaining, labor history, and mediation. Germain worked as a certified mediator and volunteered in numerous community mediation cases. In 1978 and 1979, Germain participated with Cornell Extension staff and other labor activists in the formation of what would become the WNY Council on Occupational Safety & Health. She helped organize the first kick-off event of WNYCOSH at a winter safety and health conference, which drew over 300 labor union participants. Germain took an official staff position at WNYCOSH in 1979 and was instrumental in creating safety and health training under OSHA's New Direction grant program. In 1980, she also worked on advocating for the Right-to-Know legislation, which would become the nation's first law in the country to require employers to provide workers with information on the chemicals they were working with and protective measures to reduce or eliminate hazardous exposures. Throughout the 1980s, Germain organized safety workshops and seminars. Germain served as WNYCOSH Program Director from 1986 until 2012. Germain wrote all WNYCOSH grants, including the annual contributions, and organized worker training which regularly draws 6,000 participants each year. Her work as Executive Director allowed WNYCOSH to continue its significant presence in the Buffalo area. Germain's career was focused on bettering the lives of workers in our community, and I will always be grateful to her for those efforts. On behalf of countless workers, I sincerely thank Germain Harnden for being a dedicated community leader, advocate, and vital player in Western New York for over four decades.