Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, 1 month ago today, my community of Buffalo was targeted by a racist mass shooter. The lasting toll and trauma of gun violence is evident and perhaps most compelling through the words of Buffalo students in Ms. O'Rourke's class. Taniya wrote, ``I want to be able to go to school and earn my education without the fear of possibly not making it back home because of the color of my skin.'' NasZair describes feeling vulnerable because he is Black and worries, ``Will my family be safe when we go to the supermarkets?'' Journey says, ``I am 13 years old. It is unfair for a middle schooler to regularly think about these things.'' She asks, ``What will you do and the government do to stop these attacks?'' Brianna pleads, ``I want someone to do something. I want the government to do their job. Too many mass shootings happened in such a small amount of time.'' For students and families in Buffalo and other communities forever changed by mass shootings, now is the time for Congress to do its job and take action to end gun violence.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, on June 8, 2022, I was unable to be present for the recorded vote on Roll Call No. 235. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question (H. Res. 1153).

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the sacrifices of Walter J. Kowalczyk, a U.S. Army Private who earned a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and a Presidential Unit Citation while serving in the battles following the Invasion of Normandy. Walter Kowalczyk was born in Niagara Falls in 1916 to Franciszek Kowalczyk and Sophie Smiech, Polish immigrants who had moved to the United States just a few years prior. Walter enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 23, 1941 as part of the Third Battalion, 334th Regiment, of the 84th Infantry Division, more commonly known as the ``Railsplitter'' division. He served in the European Theater of Operations from December 8, 1944 until September 26, 1945, during which his unit supported troops in Normandy in the aftermath of D-Day. While serving as a paratrooper in Europe, Private Kowalczyk participated in the battles of Ardennes, Central Europe, and Rhineland. The campaign in Ardennes, otherwise referred to as the ``Battle of the Bulge'', was carried out from December 16, 1944 to January 25, 1945, and was the last German offensive which resulted in tremendous loss of life. Later, Private Kowalczyk's unit was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism, gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps under unusually difficult and hazardous conditions during the Battle of Rhineland where he was wounded in action. The citation notes that the unit was assigned to the mission spearheading the advance between the Roer and Rhine rivers. The battalion encountered and defeated considerable enemy resistance, but advanced 42 miles along the banks of the Rhine River in 12 days. During the advance they captured and defended a strategically important German town, as well as several other cities, towns, and villages. Despite little rest and aggressive attacks from the enemy, the Third Battalion, 334th Infantry's conspicuous bravery and dauntless determination played a critical role in the Allied Forces advancement deep into Germany. Private Kowalczyk was honorably discharged from the military on October 10, 1945 after more than four years of service. After serving, he returned to Niagara County and worked for Tam Ceramics before retiring in 1981. In Western New York he was a member of United Steel Workers, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Lewiston Fire Company No. 1, Power City Lodge, Italian Daughters and Sons of America, and St. Peter's Church. An avid sportsman, he participated in the 3F Sportsmen's Club and became a charter member of the North American Fishing Club. Additionally, he was an active member of the local veteran community, joining Portage Post 146 of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Polish Legion of American Veterans. Private Kowalczyk married Sophie Saleski with whom he had three children: Carol, Chester, and Paul. They also had four grandchildren: Sarah, Michael, Teresa, and Jacquelyn as well as greatgrandchildren: Geffory, Maylianna, and Antonio. Walter sadly passed away on November 12, 1993 with the shrapnel that resulted from enemy fire during the Battle of Rhineland still in his body. His legacy continued, however, as his son Chester and grandchildren Sarah and Michael all served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Madam Speaker, I take this moment to recognize the bravery of World War II Army Private Walter J. Kowalczyk.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, in the House Oversight and Reform Committee this morning, we heard compelling testimony from individuals that had been directly affected by gun violence. The Buffalo Police Commissioner, Joseph Gramaglia, and also Zeneta Everhart provided testimony that is clear and compelling. The Buffalo shooting that took place, the shooting started at 2:30 in the afternoon and ended 2 minutes and 3 seconds later; one shooter, one weapon of mass destruction, 13 people shot, 10 people dead. We need sensible gun safety legislation in this country. When you look at the need for background checks, that doesn't violate anybody's constitutional rights; but it affirms the right of people to live freely, to live safely, to live in a prosperous way in our neighborhoods and throughout the country.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule for the House to consider commonsense measures to protect our communities and our kids from massacres caused by weapons of mass destruction. In Buffalo, on May 14, the shooting started at 2:30 in the afternoon. In 2 minutes and 3 seconds it was over: 10 people were killed, 3 injured, 11 African Americans, 1 shooter with a weapon of mass destruction. I don't want anybody's guns, but we should at least be able to be supportive of background checks to ensure that people that shouldn't have a gun possess a gun. That uplifts the integrity of gun ownership by taking a responsible position and does nothing relative to constitutional rights, and represents a collective responsibility.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Thomas Willett, a Buffalo native who barely survived when the ship he was serving on hit an enemy mine while he was serving our great nation as a Seaman First Class in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Mr. Willett was born in Buffalo, New York in 1926 where he attended high school before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1943 at the age of 17. He spent most of his service in the Asiatic Pacific Theater during World War II. He was stationed on the USS LSM-169 where he participated in numerous battles including the Battle of Corregidor, Luzon and Manila Bay-Bicol Operations where he achieved the rank of Seaman First Class. On February 15, 1945 the USS LSM-169 struck a mine off the coast of the Mariveles Harbor in the Philippines. A massive explosion caused fires on the ship but Seaman First Class Willett was on the other side of the ship and miraculously survived. The USS LCS-48 and the USS PC- 1133 came to the rescue and saved as many service members as possible. Unfortunately, some service members lost their lives. Although he survived, after being pulled from the water and helping to rescue others, Seaman First Class Willett suffered shrapnel wounds and hearing loss due to the explosion but continued his service until he was honorably discharged from the Navy on April 14, 1946. Upon returning home and graduating high school, John worked at Buffalo's grain elevators while attending college at night on the GI bill and got married. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves on February 9, 1951 and spent the next few months training at Camp Pendleton in California during the Korean conflict. He officially was discharged from military service on September 1st of the same year he returned home to Buffalo to be with his wife and four children. He is still married to his wife of 73 years, Mildred and his family eventually grew to 12 children, 31 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He worked in the Aerospace industry for almost 40 years, retiring from MOOG to pursue woodworking, athletics and volunteer work including Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, to name just a few. I am proud to recognize the bravery of World War II Veteran John Thomas Willett.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, this past weekend, my community of Buffalo, New York, was ravaged by an act of domestic terror. A white supremacist used a weapon of mass destruction to brutally murder 10 Black people who were just going about their business at the Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue. Three others were wounded. The victims were ages 32 through 86. They were mothers and grandmothers. They were fathers and grandfathers. They were young adults. They were good people of faith, a retired teacher, and a retired police officer. This premeditated act was planned to be broadcast to the world on social media showcasing this massacre as the playing out of a vile racist fantasy. I rise today with my colleagues to honor those who have been lost. To honor them and to help heal our broken community, I urge all of my colleagues to think about what we can do to fight hate. We have the power, through our words and our votes, to promote civility, tolerance, and kindness. And we have the choice to do better and to work together to fight the evil that exists around us and throughout the world. Today, we bow our heads in silence, but tomorrow--tomorrow--we raise our voices loudly against hate.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the National Transportation Safety Board found that pilot error was a major factor in the 2009 fatal crash of Flight 3407. In the months following the tragedy, the families of Flight 3407 fought for safety standards and improvements, which were signed into law and have saved lives. Now an application is before the Federal Aviation Administration to cut the minimum standard for pilot training in half. We are calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to categorically reject this request and any attempt to circumvent pilot training requirements. Families in my western New York community will never have their loved ones back, but we can ensure that every family moving forward is stepping onto an airplane with a fully trained pilot.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today it is our honor to recognize the contributions and service of the Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post No. 1928 as they celebrate their first annual dinner this April. American Legion Post No. 1928 was chartered in 1986 and for the last 36 years has honored the American Legion's foundational pillars of programs and activities that support Americanism, National Security, Children & Youth, and Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation. Just a few months after the Post was founded by Hispanic American veterans in Western New York, the Legion was renamed the Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post No. 1928, in honor of their fallen Vietnam War veteran, friend and brother affectionately known as Gabe. As a member of the United States Army's 25th Infantry Division, Gabriel Rodriguez spent over a year in the Qui Nhon region of the Republic of Vietnam. But his service didn't stop there. Upon his return home he joined the New York National Guard where he would serve from 1971 to 1977. Gabe suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of his wartime experiences which led to his passing in 1981. To honor his legacy, the Gabriel A. Rodriguez Post serves as a place of comfort and community for all veterans including those experiencing PTSD today. The Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post members' commitment to serving veterans and the community is impactful and unwavering. They helped lead the national push to award the Borinqueneers the Congressional Gold Medal, organized food distribution events during the pandemic, and regularly reach out to help fellow veterans receive the benefits and medals they've earned. Madam Speaker, for the members of the Gabriel A. Rodriguez American Legion Post No. 1928, a commitment to service didn't end following their honorable discharge from duty. It continues today and our community and country are better thanks to their ongoing care and efforts.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jean Hamil for her position as National President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States Auxiliary. Jean Hamil has had a rewarding career in serving the Auxiliary in a plethora of capacities and her work has impacted veterans across the United States, including those veterans who are a part of our very own community in Buffalo. Jean Hamil's father, George W. Nunnery, is a Korean War Veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1973. Her father's service allowed her to become a Life Member of the East Seminole County Auxiliary 10139. In addition to working as the Auxiliary, District and Department President, Jean Hamil has worked on the national level, serving as a National District Council Member and the National Director of the Membership Program. She is also a life Member of the VFW National Home for Children and a member of the Military Order of the Cooties Auxiliary, which works to serve struggling families. In addition to being National President of the VFW Auxiliary, Jean Hamil is employed by the Food Safety & Environmental Compliance for A. Duda & Sons, Incorporation as a Manager. By combining her lifelong passion of supporting our veterans, with her hobby and love of quilting, Jean Hamil formed a small group called the ``Quilting Angels.'' The group creates quilts for veterans at the Orlando VA Healthcare Center, Quilts of Valor-Orange and Seminole counties, as well as for children who are located at the Safe House center and seniors in Seminole County. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the hard work of Jean Hamil. Her hard work and dedication to our veterans throughout her rich career is something to truly admire, and something to continue to be grateful for as she continues her service as the National President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States Auxiliary.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today we recognize the exceptional members of the Military Medical Team completing a mission at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC). During their time in Buffalo, New York, this team of dedicated and talented physicians, nurses, respiratory technicians, and support members have extended great compassion, risked their own health, and provided life-saving care to our friends, family, and neighbors. Western New York was one of several deployments made by this unit through a Department of Defense effort providing assistance to civilian hospitals in over 100 cities across the nation since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Time and again, members of the United States military answer the call when our country and our people are in need. Frontline healthcare workers here at ECMC and throughout the nation have made great sacrifices throughout the pandemic. We are deeply grateful to these members of the United States Navy for the expertise and support they provided during this national health emergency. Our community and country are healthier, safer and stronger thanks to their service.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today we honor the tremendous legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted. April 26, 2022, marks the 200th anniversary of his birth, a day to celebrate and reflect on the great impact he had in my home community of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, New York and across the country. When we visit and admire our national parks, we owe a great gratitude to Frederick Law Olmsted, as he was one of the first individuals to promote the idea of national parks in his 1865 Yosemite Report. He is remembered as the premier landscape architect in the United States during the 19th century and is considered to be the founder of landscape architecture in the United States. His work and designs included a plethora of different types of landscapes. He worked to develop parks and parkways, college campuses, planned communities, estates, cemeteries, and recreation areas. In our very own community, we see his impact reflected in the Buffalo Olmsted Park System; the first of its kind in this country which today is recognized on the National Register for Historic Places, and in his design of the State Reservation at Niagara, the first and oldest State Park in the United States which preserved public access to the mighty and splendid Niagara Falls. It was not just the landscapes themselves that were impressive, but Olmsted's philosophy behind his work and designs which were visionary and have stood the test of time. He believed that landscape designs should promote community, advance democracy, provide recreational opportunities in urban environments, nurture and invigorate public health, and encourage the development of livable communities. This philosophy was carried out well into the 20th century by Olmsted's associates, sons, and successor firms, leaving a tremendous legacy of historic landscapes that continues to benefit all Americans and visitors. Madam Speaker, Olmsted's landscape designs are inclusive, enduring, and embrace the restorative value of parks which continue to play a valuable role in society today.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to sound the alarm on an urgent situation that requires the Federal Government to deploy an emergency response. A retired U.S. Navy vessel at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park is sinking. Without help, the USS The Sullivans, which was part of an elite class of World War II destroyers and is a national historic landmark, will be lost forever. The visual of a partially submerged ship in Buffalo's harbor provides a vivid warning that irreplaceable military history is in jeopardy if we don't act. This isn't the only vessel in need of support. Maritime heritage grants, national preservation programs, and the Department of Defense are potential sources of funding to help these vessels. Dedicated sailors operated these vessels to defend our Nation. It is our turn to protect their stories and the lessons they provide to future generations. We, as a Nation, cannot abandon them or these ships.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of the Council of Heritage and Arts of India (CHAI). CHAI is a local nonprofit organization that promotes Indian culture, arts, and heritage here in Western New York. Their annual dinner and dance brings together friends and family to celebrate the organization's cultural and community relations. Formed in 2018, CHAI serves the Western New York Community by building bridges among Indian and non-Indian communities. Their work recognizes the important role that culture plays in nation-building and represents a set of shared values, goals, and practices. CHAI helps the Western New York Indian American Community better understand its needs and provides access to critical government resources. Additionally, they have worked with Western New York's international community, in partnership with government officials, to assist with and resolve immigration issues. CHAI puts an emphasis on their charity work. During the pandemic, they raised more than $7,000 toward PPE for hospitals and frontline workers in the Buffalo area. The practice of ``anna danna'', or ``offering of food'', is common within Indian society and continues to be an important aspect of their culture. In addition to PPE, CHAI also provided groceries for international students at the University of Buffalo who lost their jobs due to the pandemic. CHAI operates under the guidance of Executive Director Sibu Nair and a dedicated executive committee. The organization has tremendous community and government support, which allows them to complete major community projects in addition to their distinguished charitable work and community relations efforts. CHAI recently installed a monument for Mahatma Gandhi in the Town of Amherst. The memorial is a gift to the town that symbolizes peace and friendship. It serves as a landmark for the Western New York Indian- American community and further connects the United States and Indian democracies. In 2022, CHAI will initiate the development of an Indian Heritage Center here in Western New York. This year, CHAI is gathering to celebrate the Indian American community here in Western New York at their annual dinner and dance. Family and friends of CHAI will come together to showcase the organization's success in serving the community and helping to provide resources to those in need. CHAI's mission to celebrate the diverse heritage of India has helped many people across the Western New York Community, because of their commitment to cultural beliefs and values. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing CHAI's work serving the community, connecting our cultures, and celebrating our democracies.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, restaurants have been hit particularly hard during the pandemic, taking on increasing costs while facing huge revenue losses. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provided $28.6 billion for restaurants nationwide and delivered over $85 million to restaurants in my community. Still, the demand was greater than the resources made available by Congress, with over 175,000 eligible restaurants that applied for grants through the program going entirely unfunded. This week, we have the opportunity to fill that gap, support small businesses, and save jobs by passing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act. I am proud to support this bill and encourage my colleagues to do the same. After a long, difficult period of isolation, people are coming together and going back to restaurants, but we need to make whole these restaurants that have lost money based on nothing that they have done.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, over 34 million people in the United States have diabetes. Nearly a quarter require insulin to stay alive, but the cost of insulin is bankrupting American families, and that must change. According to research conducted by RAND, Americans pay an average of $99 for a unit of insulin while Canadians spend just $12. This study looked at insulin prices in 32 other countries. It found that the cost of insulin was always higher, often 5 and 10 times more expensive for people living in the United States versus that of people living in other countries. That is why I rise today in support of legislation that would cap the maximum cost of insulin at $35 a month. Insulin is necessary and lifesaving. It shouldn't be costing families their life savings.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise on National Vietnam War Veterans Day to honor U.S. Army Specialist Roger Dearmyer, a western New York native and Purple Heart recipient who passed in December 2021. Roger deployed to Vietnam in 1966 with the Fourth Infantry Division of the United States Army. Spending much of his deployment in the jungles of Vietnam, he was injured in action in April 1967. Roger returned home and served as an Erie County sheriff's deputy for 31 years. He remained active in the veteran community as a member of the Fourth Infantry Division Association and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 187. In 2019, we presented Roger with the medals he earned while serving, including a Purple Heart, a Vietnam Service Medal with a triple Bronze Star attachment, and a Combat Infantryman Badge. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Roger Dearmyer, a man who lived a life of service to his family, his community, and his country.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, this week, the House will consider a bill to provide both humanitarian and military aid to the people of Ukraine. We must fortify President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people from an unprovoked attack on an independent country. We must also protect ourselves. Putin has weaponized oil and natural gas export profits, profits that he stole from the Russian people, parking oil profits throughout the world in oligarchs. Right now, the United States imports 22 million barrels of Russian oil every single month. This is 60 percent of the money that Putin used to leverage his invasion, and it must stop. Our country needs long-term energy independence. There are 211 lithium-ion battery plants in the world. Mr. Speaker, 156 are in China, and just 12 are here in the United States. We need to get tough on China, but we need to get tougher on ourselves about China. Everyone will benefit from an America that is producing electric vehicles and one that is truly energy independent. It is time to get serious about this. American jobs and national security are on the line.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on the issue of access to effective therapies for Parkinson's disease for our veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 110,000 veterans have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. While the exact causes of Parkinson's are unknown, many veterans developed the disease after exposure to Agent Orange and other chemicals while serving our Nation. PD is a lifelong and progressive disease for which there is no cure, and frustratingly little progress has been made in recent decades in the race to find new effective treatments for Parkinson's. The most powerful and common drug for Parkinson's, levodopa, was developed in the 1960s. But one of the strongest tools we have to fight Parkinson's isn't a drug, it's exercise. Exercise can help manage, slow, or even prevent the progression of Parkinson's symptoms, and help PD patients stay active and avoid isolation in their communities. While many types of exercise have shown to be beneficial for PD patients, boxing has become an increasingly popular exercise for improving the physical, mental, and emotional health of those with PD, and more and more gyms are offering boxing programs specifically for those diagnosed with it. One such gym in my district, Parkinson's Boxing in Kenmore, New York, is dedicated solely to helping those with PD and similar disorders. But for many veterans with PD, these kinds of programs remain financially out ofreach. We owe it to our veterans and active-duty service members to provide resources for them when dealing with the detrimental effects of toxic substances and degenerative diseases like PD. That is why I have introduced a bill, H.R. 6774, the Boxing Therapy for Parkinson's Access Act, 'that would require the VA to cover boxing exercise classes for veterans who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or similar movement disorders. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to highlight this issue and how we can better help our veterans access the therapies that we know can make a difference in their fight against Parkinson's disease.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifted many mask wearing mandates due to the positive trends in the fight against COVID-19. Effective today, Canada's Ontario Ministry of Health is removing capacity limits and vaccination requirements for all settings. Increased vaccination rates in the United States, Canada, and around the world show that communities who have done the right thing and followed the science can return to a watchful sense of normalcy. Today, I am calling on the United States and Canadian Governments to follow the science-based directives of their health agencies and to fully reopen the Canadian border to travelers without COVID restrictions. Two years ago, the border between the United States and Canada closed with devastating consequences for both countries, economically and emotionally. Incredible progress has been made in the fight against COVID. It is time to move the remaining disjointed and prohibitive restrictions at the U.S. and Canadian borders.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2142, legislation designating the Central Park Post Office in Buffalo, New York, as the Indiana Hunt-Martin Post Office Building. It is fitting that consideration of this bill celebrating the life and service of an American trailblazer take place today during Black History month and upon Women's History Month. Born in 1922, Indiana Hunt-Martin moved to Niagara Falls as a child and graduated from Niagara Falls High School before joining the Women's Army Corps in 1944. Following enlistment, she traveled by railroad to Fort Oglethorpe in Georgia, where she underwent training. She recalled encounters with segregation as she traveled south: a train stop in Washington, D.C., where passengers were separated into railcars based on race; separate restrooms and drinking fountains; and fellow military members getting in trouble for refusing to sit in the back of the bus. Indiana Hunt-Martin was a member of the Six Triple Eight Central Postal Directory Battalion within the Women's Army Corps, the first Black female battalion and the only all-women battalion to be deployed overseas. The unit sorted and redirected millions of backlogged letters and packages sent to soldiers, working around the clock to deliver approximately 65,000 pieces of mail each shift. Indiana Hunt-Martin served this Nation selflessly and was honorably discharged from the United States Army on November 10, 1945. After the war, she worked for the New York State Department of Labor for 41 years, retiring in 1987. In addition to serving her country, she served her community through numerous veterans, church, and neighborhood organizations. In 2014, we had the distinct privilege of presenting her with the medals she earned while serving in the United States Army, including the Women's Army Corps Service Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel award for her service during World War II. The idea for this legislation was brought to us by Korean war veteran Sandi Williams, who serves as president and founder of the United Veterans of Buffalo. The bill has the bipartisan support of the entire New York congressional delegation, the Bennett-Wells American Legion Auxiliary Post, the Johnetta R. Cole AMVETS Post, the Jesse Clipper American Legion Post, and many others. From 1978 until her passing, Indiana Hunt-Martin frequented the post office on Manhattan Avenue in Buffalo weekly to purchase stamps, pick up mail, and send letters. There are post offices named for Presidents and famous celebrities, but I might argue that there would be none more fitting than the one paying tribute to the legacy of Indiana Hunt-Martin and her service to our country. I am proud to lead this effort, and I urge my colleagues to join me in approving this legislation.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Postal Service Reform Act. This legislation would finally eliminate the requirement for the Postal Service to prefund pension costs 75 years in advance. The mandate is punitive to the post office and to the people it serves. The unreasonable and unsustainable mandate risks the affordability of mail delivery for customers and it threatens the livelihood of hardworking Americans. The Postal Service employs 630,000 workers nationwide, including 100,000 military veterans, and 6,100 Western New Yorkers. Each and every day these workers deliver for their communities. We have an opportunity today to secure the future of one of the most historic and trusted agencies in the Nation. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, for generations, Americans and Canadians have owned homes on either side of the border, making many of our citizens neighbors in every sense of the word. The pandemic has hurt the connections between our two countries, often making it difficult for citizens to visit their properties. Recently, the Canadian Government proposed a 1 percent tax on residential real estate owned by non-Canadians. We believe this tax is not just an unfair fine on good neighbors but a violation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and international tax law. We are working with the Biden administration to advocate on behalf of Americans and urge Canada to reject this proposal. Its adoption could lead to a race to the bottom for both of our countries.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor World War II Navy Veteran, and a friend of Buffalo, the late Johnnie Hodges, Sr. Hodges who served as a light of inspiration to his local community, and I am proud to bring recognition to his life and legacy today. Mr. Hodges was a trailblazer. He began his service with the United States Navy on January 8, 1944 and following training in Bainbridge, Maryland, was stationed aboard the USS General Harry Taylor. Hodges served as a Stewards Mate Third Class on the troop transport ship during World War II, taking part in missions across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans until his honorable discharge on June 17, 1946. His participation, along with many other African Americans in the Armed Forces, led to the desegregation of the military and planted the seeds for Civil Rights Movement in the United States. He was also the first ever African American Foreman at Bethlehem Steel, a mill which was once the second largest producer of iron in the United States. In addition to his work at Bethlel Steel for 35 years, his wife, Flora, and he were entrepreneurs, owning a successful delicatessen. Johnnie was known for his kindness which never went unrecognized by those around him. When he came back from serving our great country during World War II, he raised 6 children with his wife Flora. Johnnie was known to always be helping others, from teaching teenagers how to fix their cars, to helping a young neighbor with his newspaper route. Johnnie also served his local community by working as a bus driver for Buffalo for 25 years. When he had fallen behind in mortgage payments as he was caring for his sick wife and was eventually evicted from his home, the local community rallied in support of Johnnie, and raised over 100,000 dollars in less than 24 hours to send Johnnie back to his home. This generosity by family, friends, and strangers, is a true testament to the kind of man Johnnie was, and his lifetime of kindness was quickly repaid when he was in a time of need. These actions also demonstrated why Buffalo is known as the ``City of Good Neighbors.'' Madam Speaker, please join me to bring recognition to such a significant member of the Buffalo community. It is an honor to be able to recognize Johnnie Hodges, Sr. today. He helped to make our world a better place with his participation in World War II which strengthened our democracy and freedom, and our community a better place by being a true pillar of service and sacrifice. All those who were lucky enough to have known him will greatly miss his generous spirit and forever remember his lasting legacy of kindness.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the remarkable life of Anna Mae Jones, a military veteran, teacher, dedicated community leader, and devoted wife and mother. Anna Mae led a long, exemplary life committed to service for her community and country. Her sacrifice and dedication to our American values made Anna Mae the truest embodiment of a patriot. Anna Mae was born in Saratoga Springs, New York on September 6, 1916. Raised in Tonawanda, she attended D'Youville College, earning her teaching degree in 1938. When the United States entered World War II, Anna Mae put her teaching career aside to enlist in the war. She strongly believed it was her civic duty, and a true honor, to be able to serve her country. Anna Mae joined the Women's Army Auxiliary and served in New Guinea from 1943 to 1945. Specializing as the chief clerk to the Provost Marshal, Anna Mae was able to utilize her organizational skills as a teacher to help the war effort. Her commendable service record is evident through the numerous awards, medals, and honors Anna Mae was given. As a Second Lieutenant, Anna Mae was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Women's Army Corps Service Medal, and two Overseas Service Bars. It was during her time serving that Anna Mae met the love of her life, Lieutenant John Joseph Jones II. The two were wed in 1946 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Tonawanda. Anna Mae and John began their wonderful life together in dutiful service to our nation, assigned to bases in the United States and Europe. Together, they raised three beautiful children. Anna Mae and her family returned to settle in Tonawanda in 1955. Anna Mae began her work as a special-education teacher at Central School in Tonawanda. Anna Mae dedicated her career to enhancing the learning experience for her students, ensuring they got the upmost out of their education. She frequently took her students on camping trips to teach them about nature and even started a summer school program for students in the special education department. Anna Mae was a true pioneer in the special education field, and the students of Tonawanda are forever grateful for her and her work. After her retirement in 1981, Anna Mae's devotion to service remained steadfast, further immersing herself into the community and civic organizations around her. She sought to make a lasting, meaningful impact in the community she cared so deeply for, and so she did. Anna Mae was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, the Ladies of Charity, the Women's Army Corps, and the Tonawanda Women's Democratic Club. Additionally, she served as Chaplain of the American Legion Post No. 264 in Tonawanda for 27 years, earning the Legion of Honor Award. Furthermore, Anna Mae was an active member in the Legislative Branch of the AARP, served as a board member of the Waterfront Revitalization Committee, and was an active member of the Historical Society of the Tonawandas for 50 years. Three years prior to her passing at the age of 103, Anna Mae was honored at the Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Anna Mae and her exemplary work in serving our country. We cannot afford to forget the powerful example citizens like Ms. Jones set for us. Let the memory of her lifelong service to something larger than herself summon our better angels to do our part as well.