Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to the continuing resolution. Instead of fighting the war on cancer, this bill declares war on cancer research and those who undertake it. The National Cancer Institute Director, Dr. Harold Varmus, said it best in December when he warned that the proposed cuts would have dire and lethal consequences. He is right. The proposed $1.6 billion cut to the National Institutes of Health would undermine the most successful innovation model the world has ever seen. The classic view of innovation is that government funds basic science while industry comes up with new innovative products based on that science. This model has worked well. Over the past 40 years, 153 new FDA-approved drugs and vaccines were discovered through research carried out at public institutions with Federal funds. In the last 20 years alone, one out of every five important medical advances approved by the FDA was invented in a federally funded lab. Those inventions, which included 40 new drugs for cancer, are currently generating more than $100 billion a year in sales for drug and biotechnology firms. This includes drugs like Herceptin for breast cancer; Avastin for lung cancer; and Gleevec for gastrointestinal stromal tumors that inhibit and/or block cancer cell growth. This research in cancer alone supports over 1,300 clinical trials each year for promising new therapies for more than 200,000 cancer patients. President Nixon, a Republican, recognized the importance of a sustained public commitment in basic research when he signed the National Cancer Act in 1971. Last year, under President Obama, $5 billion was provided to the National Cancer Institute to continue that mission. This funding bill would take us back years, decreasing the National Institutes of Health budget by 5 percent, disrupting this tremendously successful innovation model. The only failure in cancer research is when you quit or you're forced to quit because of the lack of funding. Our sustained commitment to biochemical research is vital to the community I serve in western New York, where approximately $100 billion in Federal funding supports research each year. Institutions like Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Hauptman Woodward Medical Research Institute, the University of Buffalo, and companies along the Buffalo campus all rely on this funding to conduct research and translate that research into new treatments and products to improve quality of life. The cuts proposed would not only hurt these institutions and small businesses, it will hurt the entire Buffalo community that is now beginning to realize the tremendous economic benefit of this research. Alleviating suffering due to diseases like cancer in our lifetime should be Congress's goal. This continuing resolution falls dangerously short of that.

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, last night the President spoke to Congress and to the Nation about the need for increased funding for biomedical research, both to improve the quality of life of our Nation's citizens, and to generate new economic investment. He is right, and we must heed his call on this initiative. Cancer research is a vital part of our Nation's biomedical research enterprise, but our Federal commitment to this promising field has not kept up with the rapid place of scientific innovation. In fact, when you take into account medical inflation, our funding commitment to the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health has actually been cut over the past 7 years. We can, and must, do better. We will only see new, promising cancer therapies that increase survival and life quality through a sustained, multi-year commitment of Federal funding for cancer research. There is only one failure in cancer research. It's when you quit or you're forced to quit because of lack of funding. When Federal cancer funding is cut or not sustained over the long term, we lose not only promising cancer research, but we also lose talented cancer researchers. President Nixon recognized this 40 years ago when he signed the National Cancer Act. At that time, less than 50 percent of cancer patients lived 5 years beyond their diagnosis. Today, with advances in early detection, healthy lifestyles, and new cancer therapies, the survival rate is 65 percent for adults and 80 percent for kids. That would not have happened without a significant investment in Federal research funding. The National Cancer Act led to a continued, sustained investment in cancer research that funded the research community to develop a new generation of smart drugs that help thousands of cancer patients every single day. Smart drugs are highly targeted to attack fast-growing cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. Drugs like herceptin for breast cancer, avastin for lung cancer, gleevec for gastrointestinal stromal tumors inhibit or block cancer cell growth. In fact, less than 10 percent of cancer deaths are attributed to the original tumor. It's when cancer metastasizes, when it grows, when it advances to a vital organ the cancer becomes lethal. All this could not be more important to the community that I serve in western New York. Buffalo, New York, gave the Nation and the world cancer research when the New York State Cancer Laboratory was first established by Dr. Roswell Park in 1897. Roswell Park Cancer Institute continues that mission today. And the research put out by doctors has led to many breakthroughs that alleviate suffering due to cancer every single day. Roswell Park is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers around the country that are the engine for our Nation's war on cancer. An important part of Buffalo and western New York's future relies upon the success of research completed at Roswell and companies at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus coming to market, creating new small businesses, and high-quality jobs. If we don't have a sustained investment in cancer research moving forward, the promise of that research and the jobs it will create will be lost. The time to act is now. Cancer is estimated to cost our Nation $263 billion in 2010 alone, according to the National Institutes of Health. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support a renewed commitment to cancer research because there is no better time than now. Alleviating suffering and death due to cancer in our lifetime should not only be Congress's goal; it should be America's goal. And we should insist on a huge Federal investment toward that goal.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, since 1970, health care costs have increased an average of 9.9 percent a year, far outpacing inflation and creating a drag on our economy by increasing the expense of new hiring and undermining new business investment in this Nation. This trend is unsustainable. Yet while costs are increasing, the quality of coverage is declining. Last year, the inability to pay medical bills caused 62 percent of all personal bankruptcies in this country, even though the filer had health insurance in 75 percent of these cases. That is 868,000 American families who went broke last year simply because they got sick, did not have insurance or their insurer refused to cover their bills. This is unacceptable. I often say that health care reform needed a start, not a finish, and that we will be amending and improving the law for years to come. However, the bill before us today takes us back, not forward, with no persuasive plan to reduce costs, improve quality and coverage. This challenge deserves a more serious response. I urge opposition to the bill.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, the outpouring of support from every corner of western New York for the victims of the attack in Tucson has been overwhelming and inspiring. It is on behalf of western New York that I offer our prayers to my friend and colleague, Gabby Giffords, and to all the injured and our sympathies to the families and friends of Gabe Zimmerman, John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and Christina Taylor Green. Some are suggesting that violence-themed political rhetoric contributed to this tragedy. I think it would be wise to reflect on how we characterize our political opponents and how we conduct our debate. Undoubtedly our debate could benefit from more light and less heat, from more humility and less hostility. But this attack was carried out by a man who appears to have been severely mentally ill, and we may never understand why he did what it is he did. Our best response to this atrocity is to reject fear and intimidation and to embrace the work in our communities with joy, openness, and dedication. That is the type of public service that Gabby believes in, and I urge my colleagues to follow her example.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, throughout my time in Congress it has been my privilege to meet many of the people involved in running this great institution. Albert Caswell, who works with the Capitol Visitor's Center to give tours for the Wounded Warriors and Make a Wish organizations, is one of those people. I rise today to ask that a poem written by Mr. Caswell, honoring one of Buffalo's greatest sons, Tim Russert, be added to the official record. Russart All on the canvass of our lives . . . What, are of our gifts as realized? That we so paint all in our lives . . . That, which so shows all of us while in our times . . . As when we are gone, that which so surely shines! Russ . . . Art . . . A Man of Faith, Who Thou Art! A Thing of Beauty! A Truly Great Man, Full of Heart! A Fine . . . Fine . . . Fine Kind Work of Art! All in what you have painted, Tim . . . All in your life's part . . . Oh yes, in your lifetime Tim . . . you so stood apart! From all the rest! First and foremost, it was your love of family, playing The Greatest Part! Whether, it was Big Russ . . . Like . . . or that lovely wife Maureen . . . As you so showed us all, life's greatest theme . . . As your life's Mission, as such . . . All in your life's ministry, all in your decisions as bestowed upon us . . . To drink from that cup of life, not sip . . .or think twice . . . To live each new day full, and on your way and burn bright! A Man, from humble means . . . Who, never forgot from where he had come, who inspired all . . . this one! But to live, That Great American Dream . . . As through your choices, and your most warm inner voices . . . Where character, faith, and hard work so convened! A poster child, with that warm smile . . . As all the while, of what America really means! As all in your life was seen . . . God, Faith, Family, and our Country 'Tis of Thee . . . As you wore them all upon your sleeve . . . When, we Met The Press . . . In Your Search For the Truth . . . All in you Tim, we so met the very best! For in your short, but great lifetime . . . This your nation, you would bless! For politics was your life . . . And now, You and Murrow . . . share the same light! And in this your world of gotcha . . . No man of honor, has ever burned more bright! Because, all our leaders knew there be a fight . . . But, it would be an honest and fair . . . what was right! For it was your Great Love of Life . . . Go Buffalo! Go Bills! That cries out to all of us this sad night! To remind us, in what we saw . . . To carry a smile! To love God, Country, Work and Family . . . with all your might! To Be The Best, in all you do! To go for it! To help your friends, to be true! And that was but Tim, that was but you! To have a heart of a child, to ever carry it and wear a warm smile! All in your life's quests, as viewed . . . A Missionary Man . . . Who's Life of Faith, painted a masterpiece far out across this great land to view! A Mission, that our Lord had put you upon this earth to do!

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. I thank my colleague for the time and for his leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Seniors Protection Act. Since 1975, seniors have depended on a cost-of-living adjustment to meet their rising expenses. Through an automatic formula, they have received a cost-of-living adjustment every year, without fail, until last year. Now, for a second year in a row, at a time when seniors have seen their savings and home values drop and prices for their prescriptions and other bills rise, they will also see their benefits frozen yet again. I believe we must examine the COLA formula to ensure that it meets the needs of seniors; but, in the meantime, we must provide an increase to their benefits today so they can pay their expenses. I strongly support this legislation, which will provide a one-time payment of $250 to Social Security recipients in the upcoming year. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John ``Jack'' E. Bair, a proud veteran, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather who passed away on November 17th, 2010. Mr. Bair was born on May 9th, 1928 in Ripley Township, Minnesota. He was the youngest of Basil E. Bair and Lela Beth Bunnell's four children. Jack joined the United States Army in 1943, serving our country for 31 years and eventually retiring in 1974 as a Chief Warrant Officer Four. For his service to his country, Chief Bair was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean War Service Medal. He played a critical role training his fellow soldiers in the deployment of the National Air Defense Systems as well as the implementation of the Nike and Hercules missile systems. During the course of his life Mr. Bair lived and served in South Korea, the South Pacific, Turkey, Alaska, Colorado, California, Alabama, and Minnesota. After his retirement from the Army, Jack settled with his family in Ashland, Oregon and eventually moved to his home in Cibolo, Texas. Jack was an avid reader and a feared billiards and cribbage opponent. He excelled in hunting, fishing, water skiing, bowling and pinochle. Jack is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mardell Rae Bair, his daughter Genie Jones and her husband Mike, his daughter LeyAnn Pyne and her husband Kevin, his son John T. Bair and his wife Amy, his daughter- in-law Dawn Bair, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He happily joins his brothers, Eugene and Robert Bair, as well as his sons, Daniel and Jason Bair. Jack Bair lived a life of honor and service to both his country and family. He passed on the importance of hard work and doing things right the first time to all those he met. Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow members to join me in honoring the life of John E. Bair and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John N. Walsh, Jr., who passed away recently at the age of 89. As a child, Mr. Walsh was a student at Buffalo's School 64 and Nichols school. He later graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., and continued on to Yale where he majored in history and played center field for the baseball team. From 1942 to 1945, Mr. Walsh served in the Navy as an ensign on a sub chaser in the Pacific. He was at the invasion of Okinawa on April 1, 1945, the same day his wife gave birth to their first child. Mr. Walsh spent an additional seven years in the Navy before retiring as a lieutenant commander. In addition to his lifelong work at Walsh Duffield Insurance, Mr. Walsh served on innumerable corporate and civic boards. He was the former director of National Fuel Gas and Tops Markets and was on the boards of both Marine Midland Bank and Buffalo Savings Bank. He was chairman of Buffalo's Chamber of Commerce committee and a critical leader in the work leading to the construction of Ralph Wilson Stadium. He also led campaigns to build Nichols School's hockey rink, its former science center, as well as other fundraising projects throughout western New York. Mr. Walsh was president of the James H. Cummings Foundation board and held directorships at Hospice Buffalo, Millard Fillmore Hospital, and the YMCA. He was chairman of the boards of the Greater Buffalo Association of Insurance Agents, Nichols School, United Fund, Child and Family Services, NCCJ, AAA, Millard Fillmore Hospital, the Saturn Club, and the Bishops Lay Advisory Council. A devout Catholic who was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, Mr. Walsh was named to serve on numerous religious committees. He headed the Bishop's Lay Committee on behalf of Bishop James McNulty, the Schools Review Committee at the request of Bishop Edward Head, and was honored with a diocesan nomination and papal appointment as a Knight of St. Gregory and Knight Commander. Over his lifetime, Mr. Walsh had been recognized as a Buffalo News Outstanding Citizen and the Chamber of Commerce's Man of the Year. He held season tickets for both the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. With his family, Mr. Walsh received the United Way's Volunteer of the Year salute and the Seymour H. Knox Humanitarian Award. Mr. Walsh was married to his wife, Sarah, on July 3, 1943. They recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary at their family vacation cottage on Georgian Bay, Ontario. In addition to his widow, he is survived by three sons, John N. III, Michael, and Theodore B. K. ``Barney''; a daughter, Sally Demaree ``Demi'' Walsh Ayres; three sisters, Eleanor Wertimer, Gerry Clauss, and Sheila Parizeau; and his brother, Edward. John Walsh, Jr. was a World War II veteran, businessman, father, and proud western New Yorker. Madam Speaker, I was honored to know Jack Walsh and am honored to call members of his family my friends. I ask you to join me and our colleagues in honoring Jack's life and legacy, and to wish his family Godspeed in the days and weeks ahead.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of a dedicated and caring city of Buffalo employee, Carole Vaccaro. Public service is both a difficult and fulfilling career. Carole Vaccaro served her term with her head held high and a smile on her face the entire way. Carole began her career with the city of Buffalo on March 7, 1988, assigned to the Parking Violations Bureau. Carole's spirit of understanding and her pleasant demeanor were widely recognized in the office. Carole had the task of receiving complaints from parking violators, but never failed to approach her job with a refreshingly pleasant and helpful attitude. Carole was rewarded with a promotion in July of 1995 to the Department of Assessment and Taxation. She quickly became known in her new office for the same pleasant attitude and efficient manner of accomplishing any task which served her so well in her previous position. Carole's dedication and work ethic were beyond reproach. She was the first to arrive at the office, often by 7 a.m., long before the official opening at 8:30 a.m. In addition to her strong work ethic, Carole always made time to promote positive relationships among her coworkers. A birthday, wedding anniversary, job promotion, or even an anniversary of one's first day on the job was a cause for a celebration with Carole's famous baked goods. Carole is the consummate example of a giving spirit. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Carole for her 22 years of exemplary service on behalf of the western New York community. Carole will always be remembered for putting a friendly face on Buffalo's City Hall. Buffalo, the City of Good Neighbors, is proud to call Carole one of her own.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to the Flake amendment. The best way to reduce deficits is to create jobs. The Darwin Martin House in Buffalo is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's singular architectural masterpieces and is currently undergoing an ambitious project to restore it from a period of neglect to its original grandeur. The reason for its inclusion in the bill before us today is because restoration of the Martin House is important to the economic future of Buffalo and western New York. The Martin House currently attracts tourists from all over the world. This investment will help create 200 jobs and $18 million in annual economic activity for a million-dollar investment. Urban areas like Buffalo are leveraging our vast historical and architectural resources to create a new economy in cultural tourism. This project will play an important role in enhancing the economy and life quality of western New York. Mr. Chairman, I strongly oppose this amendment, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support western New York and join me in opposition.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in support of this legislation tonight. I also want to thank Chairman Jim Oberstar, whose commitment to safety across the various modes of transportation is unchallenged. I want to thank Chairman Costello, Ranking Members Mica and Petri for their leadership. I want to thank my western New York colleagues, Chris Lee and Louise Slaughter, for joining me and all of us in this effort. I want to thank Representatives Jerry Nadler, Tim Bishop, Mike Arcuri, and Mike McMahon. All are from New York, and all of them serve on the Transportation Committee. As has been mentioned tonight, we are really here for one reason-- that is a group that has become known as the ``families of 3407.'' It is an incredible and courageous group of people. To them, we extend our appreciation, our respect, and our admiration. We know all too well the passage of time will never fully heal the tragedy of their deep personal losses nor will these flight safety provisions, which will be approved at this late hour. We are here tonight because of these families, families who persevered, who carried themselves over the past 18 months in a most dignified manner. Befitting the cause that they dedicated themselves to and for the people they loved, they became friends with one another. They worked through Congress with both perseverance and persistence but also with patience, and they were guided in their work by the light that still shines from those they loved and lost. With that, Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Karen Bauman and to acknowledge her dedication to the teachers, students, and people of Western New York. Mrs. Bauman passed away suddenly on June 30, 2010 at the age of fifty-eight. Karen Bauman was born on October 5, 1951 in Buffalo, New York. She was the younger of two children born to Frank and Sophia Hlavna. She graduated from Hamburg High School in 1969 and continued her education at Bryant and Stratton College. After finishing school, Karen found a job working for Liberty National Bank. It was at this bank where Karen met her future husband, Thomas Bauman. They were married in 1979, and when their children were born, Steven in 1980 and Joseph in 1984, Karen decided to stay home to raise her family. Karen became uniquely involved in education when her oldest son, Steven, began kindergarten in 1986. She started volunteering at St. Mary of the Lake School several times a week, but it wasn't until 1990, the same year her son Joseph started kindergarten, when she was hired full time. She stayed in her position as an aide for twenty years. During her many years of service, Karen had the privilege of teaching many children, leaving an everlasting impression on their lives. One of her students, Nicole Santiago, wrote, ``She was one of the sweetest women I have ever had the good fortune to know. The things she has taught me will stay with me for the rest of my life. I will miss her so much.'' Everyone who knew Karen remembers how her smile and laughter would brighten up the room and how she was always involved with various school, parish, and community functions. Whether it was serving as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary of the Lake Church or helping out at various school functions at St. Mary's School for the Deaf, Karen dedicated her life to service and volunteerism. Karen believed in living a Catholic life and she passed that on to her two sons. Mrs. Bauman is survived by her husband, Thomas Bauman, her sons, Steven and Joseph, her brother, Larry Hlavna, as well as one niece and six nephews. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Karen Bauman for her dedication to others and tireless service to the Western New York community. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring her life and extending her family our deepest condolences.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I made an error in how I voted on rollcall 471, passage of H.R. 5730, the Surface Transportation Earmark Rescission, Savings, and Accountability Act. I intended to vote against this legislation and I would like to make the record clear as to why. For 50 years, my community in Buffalo and Western New York has long struggled with the vestiges of economic decline. The public has also been denied proper access to Buffalo's waterfront. This bill would rescind funding that would directly improve public access to the waterfront and support our community's economic revitalization. Providing public access to the waterfront has been my top goal throughout my career as a public servant. While I understand the frustration with project funding that was long ago authorized, yet remains unspent, and the need to focus on deficit reduction, I will continue to insist that the agencies responsible for the deployment of these funds advance these initiatives without further delay. It is for this very reason that I opposed and intended to vote against this bill.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Statler Center, a program of the Olmsted Center for Sight, on its tenth anniversary of service and commitment to blind, visually impaired and disabled individuals across the nation to achieve their highest level of independence. The Elizabeth Pierce Olmsted, M.D. Center for the Visually Impaired was founded in 1907 to serve the needs of blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages who reside in the eight counties of Western New York. It remains the only agency within its region specifically mandated to provide comprehensive blind rehabilitation, health-related and human services to this highly specialized population. Consistent with the agency's mission to assist blind and otherwise disabled individuals achieve their highest levels of independence in their homes, communities and places of work, the Olmsted Center founded the Statler Center program in response to a critical need to create meaningful career opportunities for blind and physically challenged working age adults who are capable and motivated to live productive self-sufficient lives. Now in its tenth year of operation, the Statler Center remains the first and only program of its kind in the nation, annually drawing students from throughout the United States and world. It offers an intensive ten-week curriculum that includes classroom instruction, technology training, job readiness skills and comprehensive and continuous placement and career advancement services upon completion of the program. While the national unemployment rate for people without disabilities is upwards of 9%, physically or visually impaired individuals suffer at a strikingly higher rate of 70%. The Statler Center is instrumental in combating this disparity as their job placement rate is currently 82% with a starting salary that is well above minimum wage. In addition, the staff works intensively with Statler students and graduates throughout the entire application, job search and employment orientation process. Its active and extensive network of corporate partners in both the public and private sectors has resulted in this unprecedented job placement rate in a variety of positions in hospitality and customer service. A cost-benefit analysis conducted by the State University of New York at Buffalo concluded that the ``benefits of training blind and physically disabled persons for employment in the hospitality industry far outweigh the costs.'' The analysis found that ``Statler Center graduates have employment rates significantly higher than national averages for persons with disabilities'' with a return on investment for training the disabled found to be as high as $51 for every $1 invested. A member institution of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, The National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service is located within this exciting 1200 acre world-class location in downtown Buffalo, New York where the focus is on clinical care, research, education and entrepreneurship. On Thursday, July 29, 2010, the generous support of the center's contributing national and local foundation, community partners, staff, faculty, and most of all our dedicated students will be deservedly recognized as the 10th Anniversary of the Statler Center is celebrated. The festivities will begin with the graduation of the 34th Statler Class. These graduates will then join the more than 340 alumnae who are working in an array of jobs including: front desk clerks and managers in New York, night auditors in Michigan, PBX operators in California, customer service agents in Florida and a proprietor of a new hotel in Costa Rica opened by a truly entrepreneurial graduate. The Statler Center's job-readiness training and follow-up advisement helps students become, and remain productive, valued employees and it is my honor to pay tribute to this outstanding program for ten years of exemplary service to individuals and their families. The efforts of this organization continue to make a difference in people's lives and are deserving of the highest recognition.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, today I am extremely proud to rise to honor the Visiting Nursing Association (VNA) of Western New York and recognize their 125 years of exemplary health care delivery in our community. The VNA was one of the very first visiting nurse charities here in the United States. Over the years it has grown to be one of the largest home health care agencies in the nation, providing a range of services for all ages. In 1885 Elizabeth Coe Marshall, a Buffalo teacher, founded what became the VNA when she recognized the need and collected donations to support a traveling nurse to serve the ill and indigent. Today the VNA of WNY is 900 nurses strong and provides a broad array of services that range from counseling new nursing mothers to providing health care that allows seniors to remain in the comfort of their own home. This devoted group serves 6,500 patients each and every day and makes more than one- half million home visits each year. Over the decades the VNA of WNY has continued to adapt to meet the latest needs and incorporate today's technology. This has included rising to the demand to deliver H1N1 vaccines and integrating telemedicine into home care delivery. Madam Speaker, it is with most sincere gratitude that I pay tribute to the Visiting Nursing Association of Western New York for their leadership in health care and 125 years of service and dedication to this great community.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the work of Leonard M. Sciolino upon his retirement as Director of the City of Buffalo's Division of Parking Enforcement. A very good friend, Lenny has had a long and successful career in public service. Lenny started as a staffer at the Buffalo Common Council, serving under then-Council President George K. Arthur. It was in this position that I came to know Lenny well, as he served as a council staffer during my full tenure as South District Councilmember, from 1988 to 1993. Following the successful election of Tony Masiello as Mayor of Buffalo, Lenny was appointed to his current position, where he has been the architect of many technological advances. As a member of the International Parking Institute Lenny has participated in numerous Central Business District Surveys and Parking Studies citywide and nationally. In addition, Lenny pursued and implemented numerous technological changes in his department, including Optical Imaging and Scanning and solar-powered pay stations with radio frequency. Active in the Democratic Party for many years, Lenny has served as a committeeman, a city Zone Chairman, and has involved himself in dozens of local campaigns. Lenny has many things for which he is very proud, but his proudest accomplishments are those involving his family. Lenny and his wife Linda are the parents of sons Lenny III, and Kevin, and are proud grandparents of four grandchildren, Lenny IV, Milena and Francesca, and Jack. Madam Speaker, I hope that you and our colleagues in the House will join me in wishing Godspeed to Len Sciolino upon the occasion of his retirement, and wishing Len, Linda and the entire Sciolino family the best of health in the months and years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Ms. Fedora Manzoa. Ms. Manzoa served her constituency faithfully and justly during her tenure as the Portland Tax Collector. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Ms. Manzoa served her term with her head held high and a smile on her face the entire way. I have no doubt that her kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Ms. Manzoa is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to her today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Suzanne ``Sue'' Overdorf for her years of service as a devoted teacher, wife, mother and influential community member. Sue deserves the utmost admiration for her service as a dedicated mentor and role model to the youth of the community. As Sue's friend, I am honored to recognize her many achievements. Suzanne Mae Fox was born on April 11, 1943 in South Buffalo, New York. She began her education at St. Thomas Aquinas elementary school, later graduating from Mount Mercy Academy in 1960. Sue went on to study at Buffalo State College for two years before beginning her teaching career at St. Bonaventure Elementary School. Sue continued on the path toward teaching excellence when she pursued her degree in education at St. Rose College in Albany, graduating summa cum laude in 1979. Sue married her high school sweetheart Ted ``Ozzie'' Overdorf 46 years ago. While living in Lansing, Michigan they began their family which continued to grow when they relocated to Albany. In 1979 Sue, Ted and their six children moved back to their hometown of Hamburg, New York where Sue taught and coordinated CCD at St. Peter and Paul Parish and Nativity Parish in Orchard Park. The Overdorf family grew with the addition of 2 more children and in 1993, now the mother of eight, Sue continued her teaching career at Mount Mercy Academy and Bishop Timon St. Jude High School. Sue demonstrated great love and dedication to her roots by teaching the young men and women in the neighborhood where she was raised. One year later, Sue became a religion instructor and senior class moderator at Bishop Timon St. Jude High School. Sue was a beloved and respected teacher who served as a role model and spiritual guide for her students. She retired on December 1, 2009, after 16 years of devotion. Sue continually went above and beyond the norm during her teaching career. She found time while raising a family of eight children to found the Peace Club and the Thanksgiving for Others and Christmas for Others programs at Bishop Timon St. Jude High School. There, she was also awarded the Franciscan award twice and was received into the Franciscan Order Holy Name Province as an affiliate. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize Sue Overdorf for her service as a devoted teacher, counselor, friend, wife and mother, excelling in all areas. Sue was a guide as a religious educator to her students, and also showed her values through her charitable and extracurricular activities. Her involvement in community life benefitted everyone around her. It is my honor to congratulate Sue Overdorf, a woman I am pleased to call my friend, for a career filled with such accomplishments.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Ms. Deanna Wheeler. Ms. Wheeler served her constituency faithfully and justly during her tenure as the Ellery Town Assessor. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Ms. Wheeler served her term with her head held high and a smile on her face the entire way. I have no doubt that her kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Ms. Wheeler is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to her today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. David Wilder. Mr. Wilder served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Chautauqua County Legislature, serving district 4. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Wilder served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Wilder is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Carl Vilardo. Mr. Vilardo served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Westfield Town Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Vilardo served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Vilardo is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. William Sweeney. Mr. Sweeney served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Harmony Town Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Sweeney served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Sweeney is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to help raise awareness of myeloma. Myeloma is a cancer in the bone marrow affecting production of red cells, white cells, and stem cells. It is also commonly known as ``multiple myeloma'' since it affects multiple areas of bone marrow. Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer after lymphomas. Each year approximately 20,000 Americans are diagnosed with myeloma and 10,000 lose their battle with this disease. At any one time there are over 100,000 myeloma patients undergoing treatment for their disease in the U.S. Although the incidences of many types of cancers are decreasing, the frequency of myeloma cases continues to climb. Once thought of as a disease of the elderly, it is now being found in increasing numbers in people under 65 and it is not uncommon to find patients in their 30s. As the oldest and largest myeloma foundation, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure. This dedication has led to dramatic and important advances in treatment for multiple myeloma in the last few years. Unfortunately, the needless disparity in coverage between oral and intravenous (IV) chemotherapy has left many patients unable to utilize many of these breakthroughs. I believe myeloma patients and their doctors should be able to take advantage of the treatment that is best suited for each patient, and not have to select their treatment based on insurance coverage. This is why I introduced my bill, HR 2366, The Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act of 2009. The Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act works to eliminate these inequities for cancer patients whose insurance has differences in the way oral and intravenous chemotherapy treatments are covered. This is an important issue for myeloma patients, their families, and every American battling cancer. Madam Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the exemplary work being done by the IMF to improve the quality of life of myeloma patients and their families and their efforts to find a cure in the fight against cancer.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the years of service given to the people of Chautauqua County by Mr. Richard Slawson. Mr. Slawson served his constituency faithfully and justly during his tenure as a member of the Hannover Town Council. Public service is a difficult and fulfilling career. Any person with a dream may enter but only a few are able to reach the end. Mr. Slawson served his term with his head held high and a smile on his face the entire way. I have no doubt that his kind demeanor left a lasting impression on the people of Chautauqua County. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals with a desire to make this county the wonderful place that we all know it can be. Mr. Slawson is one of those people and that is why, Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to him today.