Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today, during National Volunteer Week, to recognize Bob Williams, a man who has gone above and beyond in the call to serve his community and fellow American. I first met Bob and learned of his story when he visited my office in his role as the American Cancer Society's Ambassador for New York's 27th Congressional District. Bob, a cancer survivor himself, does not simply advocate on the fight against cancer, he lives it. Bob is a volunteer with the American Cancer Society's ``Road to Recovery'' program which links patients in need of transportation to cancer treatments with volunteers willing to donate their time and the use of their car to provide free transportation. With remarkable devotion and an overflowing heart Bob has made trip after trip--well over 500 in total--providing patients with comfort and companionship as they drive the over 120 mile round trip route between Chautauqua County and Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Quickly the miles added up and with more than 100,000 miles under his belt Bob recently rightfully earned the title American Cancer Society Western New York Volunteer of the year. Through the ``Road to Recovery'' program Bob has provided transportation to over 1,600 people, relieving patients of the fight to find a ride to treatment and allowing them to focus on the fight against the disease. Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to honor Bob Williams, a man who with humility and compassion has set an example for us all on the enormous difference one person can make. Bob's volunteerism is admirable and inspiring and I am pleased to acknowledge his many contributions this Volunteer Week.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mary Pettys, a beloved member of the Western New York community who died tragically when Continental Flight 3407 crashed outside of Buffalo on February 12, 2009. This accident was a horrible and shocking tragedy for the Pettys family as well as for so many of us in Western New York. Mary ``Belle'' Pettys was the third of ten children, and when her mother passed away in 2006, Mary nurtured and comforted the whole family, supporting her father and her nine siblings. She was a loving and selfless woman, devoted to her 38 nieces and nephews. Family was always Mary's priority. She was sister and aunt, godmother, confidant, matriarch, and companion--a rock for her family. What makes her loss all the more sorrowful is that Mary was engaged to be married this spring to William Adamski. William called his beloved fiancee a ``woman of chance'' who had a passion for playing slot machines and even made appearances on the ``Price Is Right'' and ``The Tonight Show with Jay Leno''. Although the two will never be able to celebrate their marriage, we are thankful for the years of love and happiness they shared. Mary Pettys graduated from Canisius College with a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree, which she put to use in her long career in healthcare services. Mary was a devout parishioner of Queen of Heaven Church in West Seneca. Donations were made in her honor to the scholarship fund established in memory of Mary's mother at Mount Mercy Academy in South Buffalo. We are grateful for the spirit, great strength and contributions that Mary shared with our community throughout the years. As was stated at the Memorial Mass held in Mary's honor, ``Mary was the ``Soul'' of the Pettys family. There is no more pain for her anymore, only for those of her loved ones left behind. We will soldier on knowing that Mary wouldn't want it any other way. Her indomitable spirit and smile will remain with us forever.'' It is my honor to pay tribute to Mary Pettys' life and legacy, a remarkable woman who will be missed beyond measure. Our hearts and prayers remain with Mary Pettys and her family, as with all of the victims of Flight 3407.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, the first annual Lawmakers versus Lobbyists Charity Hockey Game took place 2 weeks ago on Friday, March 6. The game was played at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, the practice facility of the NHL's Washington Capitals. The game was a fundraiser for the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club of Washington, D.C. The club is a developmental program that provides local, inner-city youth with an opportunity to participate in an organized ice hockey program. More than $25,000 was raised for this organization. The Lawmakers team was led by Senator John Kerry, Congressman Anthony Weiner--who played goalie with his cat-like reflexes--Congressman Patrick Murphy, and me. Also, Bob Fisher, the assistant manager of the Cloak Room, participated in the Members' team. The Lobbyists were led by Nick Lewis and Jeffrey Kimbell. Lobbyist Captain Nick Lewis and Lawmaker Captain Tim Regan squared off for the ceremonial opening face-off. The Lawmakers won a hard-earned 6-4 victory in this inaugural contest. The real winners, however, Mr. Speaker, of this game were the kids from the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club. I yield to Mr. Murphy.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University at Buffalo Bulls on their tremendous 2008 season. For the first time in their history, the Buffalo Bulls secured the Mid-American Conference Championship and competed in a championship bowl. It was fifty years ago that the Bulls last earned a Bowl appearance, when the 1958 team valiantly passed on their chance at the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, FL to protest of the segregation laws then in effect. Although the Buffalo Bulls were narrowly defeated in the third annual International Bowl in Toronto, Ontario, they inspired over twenty five thousand Buffalo fans to drive the ninety miles north to cheer on their team. On behalf of the people of the 27th district, I would like to express our pride and thanks for the hard work and the perseverance of these players and their coaches. We look forward to many more championship challenges in the years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Thank you, Mr. Arcuri. I, too, want to join you in commending our colleague, Chris Lee, for going back to assist in the recovery effort. I spent time with the Congressman on Saturday, where we toured the site with several other officials. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in offering sincere condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the crash of Flight 3407. What was for many to be a joyous reuniting of family and friends became a time of unspeakable grief and sorrow. An ordinary evening in a home in a suburban Buffalo neighborhood became a family's tragic nightmare. The victims of this tragedy need our support and empathy during this difficult time in their lives. My community has demonstrated great strength and compassion as it mourns the loss of 50 lives of those loved ones, many of whom were vibrant members of the western New York community. Our community's response has included professional and spiritual counseling, as well as donated meals and thousands of letters offering sympathy and support. The families will undoubtedly experience difficulty and sadness in the days ahead, but I am confident that the loving embrace of the western New York community will continue to comfort and sustain them. Mr. Speaker, I also ask that you join me in thanking the first responders, including many police and firefighting agencies, who worked through the night and each succeeding day in the recovery effort. Their work is an ineffably beautiful tribute to the decency of the human spirit and to their professionalism. They deserve our respect, our admiration, and our deepest gratitude. Mr. Speaker, this tragedy and the loss to the Buffalo community is profound, but the love and support of our community is much greater. I am thankful to those dedicated individuals who responded to this disaster and to those who are offering counseling and support to the families and workers still trying to come to grips with this terrible tragedy. We will never forget those we lost that night. I am pleased to join my colleague, Chris Lee, in offering support to all of those who knew them and who loved them. I thank Chris Lee for bringing this resolution to the floor.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I am certain that everyone knows by now approximately 50 people lost their lives in a tragic plane crash last night in western New York. This crash occurred in the hometown of our colleague, Chris Lee, who has left Washington to assist in efforts ongoing in western New York. I know that the whole House joins Mr. Lee, Mrs. Slaughter, Mr. Massa, and me in offering our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed in this tragic event and in offering tremendous gratitude to the firefighters, emergency personnel, and other first responders who bravely worked through the night and are still working today to deal with this accident. I would now yield to my western New York colleague, Mrs. Slaughter.

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I ask the House observe a moment of silence for the families and the victims of this tragic event.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House to join me in honoring a great Western New Yorker--one of many who are intentional Western New Yorkers, those who have chosen to live in our region as opposed to natives like myself. I rise today to honor Kathleen Callan as she ends her tenure as Executive Director of the Erie County Democratic Committee. Kathy is a New Jersey native; a product of the Philadelphia, PA suburbs, educated first in local schools and later at American University in Washington, DC, where she earned her undergraduate degree. After high school experiences that included internships with then-Senator Bill Bradley and Congressman Rob Andrews, Kathy and her husband Tim moved to Western New York in 1995, as Tim studied for his PhD at the University at Buffalo. Following a lengthy stint at the Western New York chapter of the American Lung Association which was marked by successful lobbying for passage of clean indoor air and anti-smoking legislation at the county and state levels, Kathy assumed the Executive Director's position upon the election of Chairman Len Lenihan in 2002. From January 2003 to just a few days ago, Kathy served tirelessly as Executive Director, managing the day to day operations of the busiest and most successful county Democratic Party organization in upstate New York. Kathy's record of successful contributions to candidates for public office runs the gamut of offices in New York State. From trustee positions in the smallest villages of Erie County, to countywide offices like Comptroller and County Clerk, to state legislative and congressional officeholders and Justices of the State Supreme Court, several dozen public officeholders--myself included--owe Kathy a tremendous debt of gratitude for her intellect and instinct, her dedication and loyalty, and her tireless commitment to public service. For that latter point, Madam Speaker, I do not wish to belabor, but instead to amplify. Over the past six years, Kathy worked literally scores of 80, 90 or 100-hour workweeks, dependent of course upon the time of year and the political calendar's requirements, in order to ensure that candidates for public office had the services they needed. As myself a former Secretary--a lifetime ago, it seems--of the very party she served so proudly, I can honestly say that no staff member of our local organization ever worked as hard, or as effectively, as Kathy Callan has. So, Madam Speaker, it is with a somewhat heavy heart that we bid farewell to Kathy as Executive Director of the Erie County Democratic Committee, although I am certain that we will see her often. I hope the House will join me in wishing Kathy and her husband Tim good luck and Godspeed in all of their future endeavors, and again congratulate Kathy on a job superbly done.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Chairman, the Republican substitute would eliminate $550 billion in targeted investments, including tens of billions of dollars for road and bridge construction for economically distressed areas throughout the Nation and for cities like Buffalo, Lackawanna, Dunkirk and Jamestown, New York. This past Monday, American companies announced more than 70,000 job cuts, including 20,000 cuts at Caterpillar. Caterpillar makes heavy equipment for road and bridge construction in America and throughout the world. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will jump start the economy and stave off a deeper and longer recession with road and bridge construction that will create hundreds of thousands of jobs immediately and help American companies like Caterpillar create a demand for the machinery that will be required to build new bridges and roads and energy-efficient buildings for the 21st century. With these investments and a tax cut for 95 percent of America's working families, I urge support of the American Recovery and Reinvestment bill for 2009.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate David May of West Seneca, N.Y., the American Trucking Association's 2008 National Truck Driver of the Year. David, a relay and city driver for Con-way Freight, should be proud of this impressive accomplishment and commitment to keeping our nation's highways safe. The National Truck Driver of the Year award is the greatest honor a professional truck driver can achieve. In his 27 years on the road, David has driven over 1.4 million miles without getting in an accident. This is a great accomplishment for David, and we are proud to claim him as our own. David has served as a committed and influential leader by serving as America's Road Team Captain in 2005, the driver representative on the CDL Advisory Committee in Washington, DC, and as a participant in the 2007 National Conference of State Legislatures Summit. He has spoken with the public and colleagues about the importance of improving highway safety and has addressed numerous groups including legislators and school children. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success to David May for maintaining such high standards and encouraging others to do the same. This remarkable accomplishment should inspire us all to pursue our goals with devoted persistence.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and yield myself such time as I may consume. I would first like to thank our distinguished colleague, Mr. Royce from California, for introducing this important piece of legislation. For over 50 years, the United States and the Republic of Korea have enjoyed a strong security partnership and a close friendship. Our alliance helped check the spread of communism in Asia throughout the Cold War, and in the post-Cold War era, our relationship has continued to serve as a backbone of maintaining peace and security throughout the region. As hosts to 28,000 United States military personnel that work side- by-side with the South Korean military, South Korea is a key element in the security presence of our Nation in Asia. We have continued to work closely with Seoul in Six Party Talks aimed at the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The bill before us strengthens the vital security relationship with our close friend by adding South Korea to the list of countries in the Arms Export and Control Act that receive expedited congressional review of armed sales of 15 instead of 30 days. South Korea will now rightly be listed among our closest allies, including the NATO countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, with respect to foreign military sales. This is a significant symbolic recognition of the critical importance of South Korea to the United States' national security and peace and stability throughout east Asia. I strongly support this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5443) to improve defense cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the United States.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased today to honor the accomplishments of Officer Stephen L. Lanza of the Buffalo Police Department. He is truly one of Buffalo's finest, a loving son, an outstanding dad, a great brother, a wonderful neighbor and a loyal friend and a dedicated police officer. Throughout Lanza's service as a Police Officer, he exemplified the term ``public servant.'' After being appointed to the Buffalo Police Department in 1985, Lanza spent the next twenty-three years of his life dedicated to the people and city he was sworn to protect. For twelve of those years Steve served as a delegate to the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association and unselfishly volunteered as a delegate to several committees, including the Political Action Committee where he interviewed political candidates assessing who was most committed to public safety and making Western New York a better community. Our community owes Officer Lanza a debt of gratitude for his tireless dedication to making South Buffalo a finer and safer place to live. He is currently a member of the International Police Association, Region 1, the 901 Social Service Organization West Seneca Chapter, and President of the Italian American Police Association. Lanza also contributes to the Federation of Italian American Societies and as a religious education instructor at Queen of Heaven Roman Catholic Church. He is also an avid political activist and volunteer. Madam Speaker, I want to thank you for this opportunity to honor Officer Lanza for his dedicated service career on the Buffalo Police Department. I ask my colleagues to please join me in wishing Officer Stephen L. Lanza and his family continued good health and happiness in the years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sister Margaret Ann Coughlin, RSM, on the joyous occasion of her 50th anniversary of religious life. I am especially pleased and proud to acknowledge her Golden Jubilee as a Sister of Mercy because Sister Margaret Ann remains such an integral part of my family, celebrating with us in good times and offering herself as a steadfast tower of strength and comfort in our most challenging times. There are many families that claim Sister Margaret Ann as their own as her selfless outreach to those in need is well known and deeply appreciated. It was also my good fortune to accompany Sister Margaret Ann to the White House ceremony honoring Pope Benedict's XVI first visit to the United States. While Sister refers to the Papal Visit as the highlight of her religious life, it was I who was honored to have shared this experience with this woman dedicated to the very principles Pope Benedict spoke of on that historic April day. Calling for a more compassionate, free and just society, Sister Margaret Ann's work personifies those principles as she lives a faith-filled life. Born to William S. and Margaret McDonough Coughlin on March 13, 1940, Frances Lillian Coughlin was the youngest child of this loving and legendary South Buffalo family. She joined her only brother, William (``Yappo'') and her sisters, Mary Joan, Patricia, Marjorie and Rita at the family home on Stevenson Street. She was just a teenager when her parents died within 12 months of each other and she went to live with Mary Joan, her brother-in-law, Jerry Flanagan, and their young family on Downing Street. Such would be the life story of the Coughlin's and so many other members of the ``Greatest Generation''--the family would always be there in some way to take care of and take in those who needed help and a home. These lessons clearly left an imprint on young Frances' heart as her vocation led her to join the Sisters of Mercy on September 15, 1958, the same year she graduated from Mt. Mercy Academy. Continuing education remains a cornerstone of Sister's hard work and growth as a member of this religious community. She earned degrees from Trocaire and Medaille Colleges in the 1960s and received her master's in pastoral studies from Loyola University in 1990. She earned continuing education credits from Notre Dame University and became a board certified chaplain in 2001 from the NACC (National Association of Catholic Chaplains). In her earlier years, Sister taught at several Catholic schools in Buffalo and served as the music minister at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School in Orchard Park. She was the pastoral care minister at Mercy Hospital prior to her current work as a pastoral caregiver to the children and families of Our Lady of Victory Basilica Baker Home for Children. Sister Margaret Ann has also been recognized by her high school alma mater with the justly deserved ``Spirit of Mercy Award.'' Not an easy life, Sister has suffered great loss and battled life threatening illnesses which may have weakened her physical health yet has certainly strengthened her sense of empathy and her ability to listen, counsel, comfort and console. A teacher and a preacher, Sister lives her life as an example of God's mercy and love in word and action. The love, laughter and gifts of Sister's life have certainly influenced the lives of so many others who belong to her extended network of family and friends, especially her beloved nieces and nephews and their children, who lovingly call her ``Aunt Sister.'' Sister Margaret Ann's Golden Jubilee will be celebrated with family and friends on Sunday, September 14, 2008, at the Monsignor Nash Council Knights of Columbus in South Buffalo. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that the House of Representatives join with me and those whose lives have been lifted in hope and faith because of the life work of Sister Margaret Ann Coughlin in congratulating her on this significant anniversary. We extend our best wishes for her continued health and happiness and our deepest thanks to this woman of faith for her outstanding service to others.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fredonia, New York's own Olympic champion, Jenn Stuczynski. On Monday, August 19, Jenn won the silver medal in the pole vault in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She admirably represented Western New York, and we are proud to call her one of our own. Born and raised in Fredonia, New York, Jenn's heart has never left her hometown. Her love for sports began while she was a student at Fredonia High School. Although she became a dedicated athlete at an early age, Jenn did not take up pole vaulting until her senior year of college. Four years of tireless practice, patience, and persistence later, Jenn made it to the Olympics, and she was not about to leave empty handed. Jenn's story of winning the silver medal is one that can inspire all of us to ask more of ourselves and to reach higher than many, maybe even ourselves, thought possible. Jenn's hard work, dedication, and spirit embody the best of Western New York. She is an inspiration to athletes and to all who witness her commitment and strength of character. Jenn's community in Fredonia knows her as a hometown girl who will not forget her roots, no matter what heights her gifts and hard work take her. Her masterful grace as a champion pole vaulter is also matched only by her confident yet modest nature. Unlike too many star athletes, Jenn understands the importance of character, community, and family. Jenn's values were instilled by her loving family and community. I commend the Chautauqua County for rallying around their Olympic daughter and her family with support and pride. When the community raised the money needed for Jenn's parents to watch their daughter win the Olympic silver medal, we witnessed a tremendous spirit of devotion and community pride. The communities of Fredonia and Dunkirk threw a fund raising drive to get Jenn's parents to Beijing, and held a rally to send her off to the Olympics. The effort of this devoted community are yet another reason why I am proud to represent Western New York. I applaud her parents, Mark and Sue Stuczynski, and wish them the best as they share this achievement with their daughter. They should be proud of having raised one of Western New York's greatest ambassadors. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Jenn, her parents, her family, and Jenn's hometown and her community of Fredonia as they celebrate this wonderful accomplishment.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the many personal and professional accomplishments of Augustine Olivencia. Mr. Olivencia, known by one and all as ``Chito,'' is a true leader for all western New Yorkers. Professionally, Chito has served for many years as Superintendent of Ellicott Creek Park in the town of Tonawanda, and his service in that role has been exemplary. But Chito has truly made his mark as a dedicated activist within his beloved Hispanic community. In fact, for public officials living throughout western New York, many conversations with Chito both begin and end with a playful but serious reminder that the Hispanic community remains a growing constituency in western New York, and that collectively the community remains a force with which to be reckoned. Chito serves as Chairman of the Board at the Augustine ``Pucho'' Olivencia Community Center in Buffalo. Named for Chito's late father, the Olivencia Center works to provide the community with educational and recreational services and preserve the culture of this proud community. Every year, Chito chairs the Community Center's Annual Greased Pole Festival, a weekend of events. In addition, each January Chito hosts the annual Three Kings Day celebration to educate and entertain children from the throughout the community and beyond. In addition, Chito serves as President of Nosotros, the largest Hispanic political organization in western New York, which owns the Fiesta Latina show that airs in the evenings on WHLD-AM. Chito has also volunteered his time to the renowned Sts. Columba-Brigid Roman Catholic Church by hosting masses for a year after a fire destroyed the Church in 2006. Chito's desire to learn about other cultures is vast. In June 2004, Chito was the local Project Interchange Designee by the American Jewish Committee Buffalo-Niagara Chapter. In that capacity, Chito traveled to Israel as part of the cultural exchange program. During the trip, he met with civic and political leaders in Israel, briefing members of the local AJC chapter upon his return. Lastly, I cannot end this speech without a few words about Chito's long career in Democratic politics. Chito has been a Democratic Committeeman in Erie County for longer than many current committee members have been alive, and his allegiance to the Democratic Party is legendary. From elections to the Buffalo School Board to Congress and the White House, Chito's commitment to the political process and to enhancing suffrage throughout the Hispanic community has been remarkable. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Chito Olivencia for all that he has done for the western New York community, and join me in celebrating his retirement from active service in Erie County government.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased today to honor the accomplishments of Detective Gary Edenhofer of the Cheektowaga Police Department. Detective Edenhofer began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer on the midnight shift. He is now retiring as a detective after 31 years with the force. Throughout his career Gary has worked on several high-profile cases including robberies and homicides. The Western New York community is greatly appreciative for the increased security Detective Edenhofer has offered them. Gary Edenhofer leaves behind a great legacy, as his career is marked by several highlights. In 1989 he was recognized by the Town Board for arresting suspects who had burglarized a gun store. He also received commendations in 2005 for his work investigating the abduction of a man left locked in a car trunk. Madam Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity to honor Detective Edenhofer's career with the Cheektowaga Police Department, and I ask you to join me in wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor a longtime businessman and civic leader in the great community of Sunset Bay, New York. Sam Bova has owned and operated the Sunset Bay Beach since the mid 1990s, consisting of two prime waterfront attractions: the Sunset Bay Beach Club, and Cabana Sam's Sunset Bay Grill. As a businessman, Sam's business provides seasonal work to more than 150 people, and is the source of a tremendous amount of seasonal fun in the area of northwestern Chautauqua County. His management of the Beach provides a tremendously enjoyable atmosphere for local residents as well as those who choose Sunset Bay as their summertime vacation destination. More than just as a businessman, however, Sam Bova has been a dedicated member of the community in northern Chautauqua County, tirelessly dedicating his time and resources to dozens of local and regional charities. Of particular note is an issue very close to my own heart, Sam has a particular affinity for charities associated with the fight against cancer, and has devoted tremendous efforts in support of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Carly's Crossing for Childhood Cancer, the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Leukemia Society. Moreover, Sam's support of our men and women in uniform is well known throughout the community; he has been a consistent supporter of local, regional and state police efforts, local fire and emergency services personnel, and is particularly interested in helping returning veterans to find jobs and opportunities back home in Western New York. While summertime is always a special time in Sunset Bay, the summer of 2008 is a special time for Sam Bova. Sam celebrated his 50th birthday recently, once again in the company of his faithful employees, close friends, and uniformed members of our local police, fire and emergency services agencies. As I said before, Sam holds a very close connection to men and women in uniform, and he seeks to honor their service to our country every day. That is why I have requested that a United States Flag will fly over the United States Capitol in Sam's honor, and I plan to present that flag to him, to be flown at Sunset Bay, so that he and all those who visit Sunset Bay may continue to honor the brave men and women who serve our community and our nation so well. Madam Speaker, I hope that you will join me in honoring a great Western New Yorker and a great friend of the community in northern Chautauqua County. Here is hoping that Sam Bova will put another 50 great years into his business and supporting the many charities he helps each day.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Terry Niebel's long career as elections commissioner in Chautauqua County, New York. Terry's more than 27 years of service is a brilliant example of commitment and devotion to one's community. Terry was first elected in April 1981 and, at the age of 28, became the youngest Republican election commissioner in New York State. Since that day, Terry has served six four-year terms, becoming the longest serving election commissioner in Chautauqua County's history. Terry has overseen several changes over the course of his career as election commissioner, including computerization of office files and election-night reporting. His expertise in election procedure, wise and fair sense of judgment, and gracious spirit will be missed in the Chautauqua County Election Commission. Terry has been a true public servant in every sense of the word. He is a devoutly proud Western New Yorker, and his dedication to the people of Chautauqua County is commendable; his service, exemplary. Terry Niebel's work should inspire us all to serve our communities and fellow man with dedicated hearts and committed lives. I hope that you will join me, Madam Speaker, in offering congratulations to Terry and join me in wishing Terry and his family the very best of luck and Godspeed for years to come.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1128) expressing support of the goals and ideals of National Carriage Driving Month.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of the resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6226) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 300 East 3rd Street in Jamestown, New York, as the ``Stan Lundine Post Office Building''.