Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Dick Griffin, a towering figure in Buffalo's legal community and one of our leading citizens. Dick worked to make Buffalo a more just place as a champion of the civil rights movement in the courtroom and as a trusted adviser to national and local civil rights leaders. An attorney for 64 years, he was admired and respected widely for his talent, capability, and legal mind, so much so that later in his career, he was called upon to arbitrate some of the toughest regional legal issues, including that of compensation for the victims of the tragedy of Flight 3407. He cared deeply about his community and played an active role in civic and philanthropic efforts to improve parks, public spaces, and whole neighborhoods. We mourn the loss of Dick Griffin today and extend our condolences to his wife and my friend, Dr. Jane Griffin, and their children Mary, Anne, Thomas, and Richard.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Kevin Hays. Kevin was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 28. He fought a 7-year battle against it that was courageous and inspiring. He made it his mission to raise awareness about the second leading cause of cancer deaths in America. Kevin founded the Colon Corps, led the Blue Hope Hard Hat Initiative, and got involved with the American Cancer Society and the National Colorectal Cancer Alliance to promote early detection and screening. Kevin was a gifted, nationally recognized messenger, charismatic and kind, with a mischievous smile and a great sense of humor. To his beloved wife, Hilary, and his beautiful family and loved ones, cherish your memories of Kevin and know that there will always be light to guide you from the love he gave you. I stand here today to recognize the many lives saved thanks to the advocacy of Kevin Hays and to carry his message of love and encouraging colon cancer screening forward.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, the Buffalo-Niagara region faces a serious and tragic rise in gun violence, as does the entire country. It has devastated neighborhoods and torn families apart. Crime data released this week confirms that this is a local problem and a national problem as well. In 2020, the number of murders in our country spiked by 30 percent, a record increase. This year, the Department of Justice created the Violence Prevention and Elimination Response Task Force, called VIPER. Its aim is getting illegal guns off our streets and stopping violent criminals. VIPER has been remarkably successful at stemming gun violence and saving lives. Buffalo has seen a 50 percent decrease in homicides since the program started. Each person lost to gun violence is another human denied a lifetime of opportunity and a family left behind. VIPER is continuing through October, but the Department of Justice needs to make this a permanent program to stop gun violence in Buffalo and throughout the Nation.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark National Emergency Nurses Week and to honor the contributions of Anita Dorr. Anita was an emergency room nurse at the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, New York. She observed that emergency rooms could do better in the many types of crises coming through emergency room doors. She developed the crash cart, which has drawers that contain defibrillators, life-supporting drugs, and other essential items for crisis care. The crash cart is now universally used in medical settings around the world and has saved countless lives. Anita also cofounded the Emergency Nurses Association to advocate for nurses and support their training across America. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring emergency nurses as well as Anita Dorr's lasting contributions to the medical field and to my community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, the Republican Party is, in fact, the party of debt and deficit. Ronald Reagan, a Republican, grew the deficit to $152 billion. Bush 1, a Republican, grew that deficit to $290 billion. President Clinton, a Democrat, wiped out the entirety of the deficit and gave $128 billion surplus to Bush 2, a Republican, who turned that $128 billion surplus into a $1.4 trillion deficit. Obama, a Democrat, cut the Bush deficit of $1.4 trillion to $600 billion, from which Trump, a Republican, grew that deficit to $1 trillion. Over the past 60 years, Democrats have created 21 million more jobs than Republicans. Annual economic growth is almost double. The Democratic Party continues the clean up the mess that the Republicans have made. And the Republicans are running away from the mess that they are responsible for.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility and disparities of the American healthcare system, particularly in underserved communities. Through the American Rescue Plan, Congress is seeking to close these disparities to make healthcare more accessible, with greater quality, through Federally Qualified Health Centers. The American Rescue Plan funding released this week builds on this model, supporting improvements to facilities across the Nation, including $2.2 million in new funding for western New York. Health centers serve as trusted messengers and providers to connect with hard-to-reach patients. Investing in these health clinics' infrastructure will deliver healthcare savings, better health outcomes, and overall healthier communities throughout America.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act authorizing funding for the National Maritime Heritage Grants Program. The competitive matching grant program, intended to enhance public awareness, education, and appreciation for United States maritime history, has not issued grants for the last serve years due to lack of funding. The Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park in my community is home to several decommissioned Naval vessels that serve as floating museums, allowing visitors to be immersed in the incredible stories of historic military battles and brave U.S. soldiers. Without resources, ships like these across the country are deteriorating and, in some cases, are literally sinking. I ask my colleagues to support our amendment authorizing $10 million for the National Maritime Heritage Grants Program and join me in protecting irreplaceable maritime history from being lost forever.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of provisions of the Build Back Better Act that will help substantially our seniors in western New York. The bill moving through the House recognizes the importance of human infrastructure, of care infrastructure, and this includes making big investments in our seniors. The bill provides Medicare coverage for hearing, dental, and vision benefits. It provides a Medicaid funding increase so seniors can live safely at home. It recognizes the importance of caregivers by providing a tax cut to support families who struggle to care for their loved ones. It addresses critical shortages in our health workforce so seniors, when they are in a nursing home or hospital, have access to the best professionals available. And it will cut prescription costs by using the leverage of the Federal Government to get a better deal for Medicare beneficiaries. These are all important investments in our seniors and those who love them, and they need our support. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the provisions as Congress moves toward passage.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of Niagara County Legislator Dennis Virtuoso. Dennis is a dedicated public servant who is retiring after 30 years of service and 15 terms in the Niagara County Legislature. Dennis is one of just two members to serve three decades in the Niagara County Legislature. As a longtime Democratic Caucus leader, he spent much of his time in office serving in both majority and minority leadership. During the early 2000s. Dennis spent four years as Majority Leader and the last 16 years as Minority Leader. Throughout his tenure, Dennis vowed to keep the Niagara County Legislature transparent and honest. When he first ran for office, he promised that he would never vote for a property tax increase. Thirty years later. Dennis has kept this promise. Dennis sponsored several resolutions during his time on the Niagara County Legislature. Most notable was a resolution, that passed, allowing Niagara Country residents to speak before the Legislature; previous policy did not allow residents to have a voice. He also sponsored a resolution that put in place an Animal Abuse Registry that requires registration for anyone convicted of animal cruelty. The registry now serves as a model for the rest of New York State. Additionally, Dennis sponsored resolutions to reserve parking spaces for Purple Heart recipients. Of his many accomplishments, Dennis is most proud of his speech before Congress in the late 1970s. At the time, he was the president of United States Steel Workers of America Local 12256. Dennis's testimony led to immediate action by President Jimmy Carter ordering NIOSH and OSHA to help the 500 employees at the Hyde Park/Bloody Run Landfill in Niagara Falls who were suffering from cancer and blood-related diseases due to chemical exposure. The workers were able to obtain necessary medical testing and landfill was subsequently closed. While serving as County Legislator, Dennis also worked full-time as a Niagara Falls building inspector, eventually becoming the city's director of inspections. His true passion though, is working for the people of Niagara County. Dennis is the son of Carmella and the late Armand Virtuoso, a two- time Purple Heart recipient and World War II veteran. He and his wife, Gina Virtuoso, have two sons and a daughter. Dennis is a Navy Seal, Vincent works at the Niagara Falls Water Plant, and Gina is a nurse. Dennis is passionate work over the past 30 years gave the people of Niagara County a voice in government. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to recognize Legislator Dennis Virtuoso's well-deserved retirement from the Niagara County Legislature. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dennis for his leadership and service.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor of my own alma mater, Buffalo State College, to recognize 150 years of education and service to the Western New York Community. Buffalo State College, a member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, opened in 1871 as the Buffalo Normal School to train teachers for the area's growing public school system. Now the largest comprehensive four-year college in the SUNY system, Buffalo State educates over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. In addition to their renown Special Education program, the school offers 79 undergraduate majors, 11 post baccalaureate teacher certification programs, and 64 graduate programs. Education is perhaps one of life's greatest gifts and for the past 150 years, Buffalo State College has committed to providing access to quality public higher education, giving a countless number of students the opportunity for engaged and applied learning. As an alumnus myself, I have seen first-hand just how great of an institution Buffalo State really is. Its ability to improve and evolve each year with ever changing educational practices deserves the highest honor. Buffalo State is known for its strong community connections and commitment to life-long learning. Graduates become scholars, leaders, and global citizens. The educational community encompasses a diverse range of students and faculty. It is this commitment to diversity and inclusivity that has made Buffalo State into the institution it is today. This diversity creates a learning environment where all people are welcome and helps to foster the growth of a knowledgeable, understanding community. It is attributes like this that have enabled Buffalo State to become a pristine institution within the Western New York Community for many years. I sincerely congratulate the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Buffalo State College on being a part of the school's storied history, and I look forward to seeing how Buffalo State continues to grow and develop throughout the future. Go Bengals.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Quinn Caroline Flaherty of Cheektowaga, and her tremendous achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout. In 2019, Scouts BSA officially started accepting young women into its ranks. Becoming an Eagle Scout is a difficult and involved process and necessitates being a Life Scout for at least six months, earning at least 21 merit badges, demonstrating Scout Spirit and troop leadership, and creating an Eagle Project. The first young women to become Eagle Scouts were accepted in 2020. Quinn is a hard worker, dedicated to Scouting. She earned more than 40 merit badges, and was chosen by her peers to hold the position of Senior Patrol Leader. She splits her time between three different units, including a BSA Troop, Sea Scout Ship, and a Venture Crew. Quinn's Eagle Project was largely centered around the COVID-19 Pandemic. While taking a COVID test, she remarked to her family that the hardworking staff looked like they needed a good meal. In a combination of looking to support frontline workers and the suffering restaurant industry, Quinn raised more than $10,000 to support local restaurants, providing more than 1,000 meals to essential workers and first responders. For her dedication to Scouting and her efforts to support the community, Quinn was nominated for Eagle Scout of the Year by the Allegheny Highlands Council. Quinn's education never suffered despite her dedication to the Scouts BSA program. She remains a straight-A student, a class officer at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, and earned the service award for her class with more than 100 hours of volunteer work over the past year. I am proud to know Quinn personally and can speak to her sterling character. Quinn has loving and supportive parents, Michael Flaherty and Summer Przybylak, and a doting stepfather, Tom Przybylak, who himself earned his Eagle Scout in 1994. I am confident that their proud guidance and support helped Quinn earn this remarkable achievement. In her Eagle Scout Letter of Ambition, after noting her family history in Scouting, Quinn stated, ``I joined Scouting because I wanted to do something different, and a girl joining a century-old all-boy program was about as different as you could get.'' Quinn closed her letter by saying, ``I am a girl with dreams, a girl with plans. I am a girl with hope for the future. Now I get to add Eagle Scout to that list.'' Madam Speaker, Quinn certainly does get to add that to the list. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Quinn Caroline Flaherty of Cheektowaga on her achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout, and thanking her for her service to our community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lewis Webber, the President of Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) Chapter 4-6, for a lifetime of fighting for the working class. Lewis Webber was born days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941 so he was always ready for a good fight. Advocating for the workers at Bethlehem Steel was in his blood, as many of his relatives, including his father, were employed there. Growing up in a union household, he and his brother heard all the stories from their father about the strikes at Bethlehem Steel, including the famous 53- day 1952 Steelworkers strike, ending with a victory for the hard- working Steelworkers. It was not a surprise that both Lewis and his brother would also go on to work many years of their lives at Bethlehem Steel. Lewis started working at Bethlehem Steel in October of 1964. He was a member in three separate unions: United Steelworkers, Truckdrivers Local Union, and the United Autoworkers. As a member of the United Steelworkers, he recalls fighting to make sure that the proper withholding was taken out of the employees checks. Later, in 1985, Mr. Webber officially won a grievance against Bethlehem Steel, providing 22 workers an additional $238 a week for two years, and a pension for the rest of their lives. When Bethlehem Steel shut its doors, the Western New York community was devastated; however, that didn't stop Lewis Webber from continuing to fight for those who had worked there. He joined the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), Chapter 4-6 and put the skills he learned from earlier battles to work as he rose in the ranks of leadership becoming Trustee in 1997, Vice President in 2007, and President of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees, Chapter 4-6 in 2008. There are 430 members of SOAR, Chapter 4-6 who rely on his leadership today. Lewis Webber always says that you can never fight these battles alone. His number one supporter was his wife, Beverly who unfortunately passed away in 2011. She was also Secretary of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees, Chapter 4-6. His children Rosemary, LuAnn, and Kathleen, grand-children, and great-grandchildren are always by his side, fighting the good fight. Mr. Webber joined our fight over a decade ago to help former Bethlehem Steel employees receive compensation under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP) and he continues to work with my office to ensure eligible retirees receive the benefits they deserve. Over $300 million has been paid out to workers and their families after they were exposed to radiation while working at Bethlehem Steel. Lewis Webber offered many words of advice, including ``I am not doing this to make people millionaires; I am doing this to get them what they need to get by in this world. I am not doing this to help just the Steelworkers; I am doing this to help all Americans,'' and, ``Always fight using your brains, not your fists. At the end of the day your knowledge of the contract will be more likely to help you win the battle.'' His words demonstrate his commitment to his fellow workers and his lifetime of experience advocating for the interests of Steelworkers. Many Bethlehem Steel retirees and their families who live in Western New York are better off because Lewis Webber has never stopped and will never stop fighting for them. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the lifelong commitment that Lewis Webber has shown to the former employees of Bethlehem Steel, the greater Western New York community, and the United States as a whole.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4502, a funding package that prioritizes workers, families, and communities. This bill delivers in a major way for Buffalo and western New York. It will fight cancer in underserved neighborhoods by helping Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center establish a lung cancer screening registry. It preserves local history at the Buffalo Naval Park and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. It trains our future workforce by investing in training programs at the West Side Bazaar, the Buffalo Sewer Authority, and Buffalo State's Small Business Development Center. It will better connect our community to nature, something the pandemic has shown to be a critical life-quality asset, at the Shoreline Trail and The Riverline projects. Budgetary documents are a statement of our values. This package says our children, veterans, families, and communities are our most important investments.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and accomplishments of the Executive Director of the Homeless Alliance of Western New York, Councilman Dale Zuchlewski, for the long- lasting impact he's sure to have had on many lives. Graduating from SUNY Buffalo State College in 1977, Dale started his career as a legislative aide for the Buffalo Common Council, eventually becoming a compliance monitor for the City of Buffalo. During his tenure as a compliance monitor, Dale worked to ensure that applicable federal laws and policies were followed, that women and minority workers were hired and treated fairly, and much more. In 1991, he was elected to the Buffalo Common Council, serving four terms. During his time on the Council, he chaired the Community Development and Education Committees, and was instrumental in kickstarting the revitalization of Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo. In 2000, Councilman Zuchlewski became a project manager for the City, working extensively with nonprofit organizations and the federal government to secure grants for helping the homeless and otherwise disadvantaged populations of Buffalo. In late 2010, Dale became the Executive Director for the Homeless Alliance of Western New York. I've had the pleasure of working with Mr. Zuchlewski extensively during my time in Congress and have thankfully been successful in directing federal funds towards the organizations dedicated towards alleviating homelessness in Western New York. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Mr. Dale Zuchlewski for his dedicated service towards those less fortunate, the Buffalo area, and the greater Western New York Community.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Gaile Amigone. Gaile has been an art teacher at Nardin Academy Elementary in Buffalo since 1993. Her 30-year tenure has left an indelible imprint on Nardin Academy. A 1975 graduate of SUNY Buffalo State College, Gaile spent much of her career teaching elementary art to kindergarten through eighth grade students. As a result of her encouragement to develop their creativity and talent, many of her students have gone on to study art at the high school and college level. Aside from her classroom duties, Gaile was actively involved in the school community. She served as the director for yearly theatre productions presented to the Nardin Community and their families. She also dedicated her time to conducting After School Art Enrichment Programs for students who were interested in additional studio art immersion and instruction. Gaile routinely welcomed her former students back into her classroom where they shared their growth and development with her, as well as their appreciation for her foundational role in their success as artists. It is clear that she has made a significant impact on many students' talents, creative abilities, and passion for the arts. Wife of attorney Nicholas P. Amigone III, mother of three sons, and grandmother to nine grandchildren, Gaile is retiring with a legacy of dedication to the artistic and cultural enrichment of young minds. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Mrs. Gaile Amigone for her service to the Nardin Academy community and the positive impact she has had on generations of Nardin students.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lewis Webber, the President of Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) Chapter 4-6, for a lifetime of fighting for the working class. Lewis Webber was born days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941 so he was always ready for a good fight. Advocating for the workers at Bethlehem Steel was in his blood, as many of his relatives, including his father, were employed there. Growing up in a union household, he and his brother heard all the stories from their father about the strikes at Bethlehem Steel, including the famous 53- day 1952 Steelworkers strike, ending with a victory for the hard- working Steelworkers. It was not a surprise that Lewis Webber and his brother would also go on to work many years of their lives at Bethlehem Steel. Lewis started working at Bethlehem Steel in October of 1964. He was of a member in three separate unions: United Steelworkers, Truckdrivers Union Local, and the United Autoworkers. As a member of the United Steelworkers, he recalls fighting to make sure that the proper withholding was taken out of the employees checks. Later, in 1985, Mr. Webber officially won a grievance against Bethlehem Steel, providing 22 workers an additional $238 a week for two years, and a pension for the rest of their lives. When Bethlehem Steel shut its doors, the Western New York community was devastated; however, that didn't stop Lewis Webber from continuing to fight for those who had worked there. He joined the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), Chapter 4-6 and put the skills he learned from earlier battles to work as he rose in the ranks of leadership becoming Trustee in 1997, Vice President in 2007, and President of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees in 2008. There are 430 members of SOAR who rely on his leadership today. Lewis Webber always says that you can never fight these battles alone. His number one supporter was his wife, Beverly who unfortunately passed away in 2011. She was also Secretary of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees, Chapter 4-6. His children Rosemary, LuAnn, and Kathleen, grand-children, and great-grandchildren are always by his side, fighting the good fight. Mr. Webber joined our fight over a decade ago to help former Bethlehem Steel employees receive compensation under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP) and he continues to work with my office to ensure eligible retirees receive the benefits they deserve. Over $300 million has been paid out to workers and their families after they were exposed to radiation while working at Bethlehem Steel. Lewis Webber offered many words of advice, including ``I am not doing this to make people millionaires; I am doing this to get them what they need to get by in this world. I am not doing this to help just the Steelworkers; I am doing this to help all Americans,'' and, ``Always fight using your brains, not your fists. At, the end of the day your knowledge of the contract will be more likely to help you win the battle.'' His words demonstrate his commitment to his fellow workers and his lifetime of experience advocating for the interests of Steelworkers. Many Bethlehem Steel retirees and their families who live in Western New York are better off because Lewis Webber has never stopped and will never stop fighting for them. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the lifelong commitment that Lewis Webber has shown to the former employees of Bethlehem Steel, the greater Western New York community, and the United States as a whole.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, today the House convened the first public hearing of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol and the very essence of American democracy. In shocking, raw, and real testimony, four brave police officers shared stories of their harrowing experiences that day. United States Capitol Police Sergeant Gonell, an 8-year veteran of the United States Army assigned to some of the most dangerous duties during Operation Iraqi Freedom, said he was more afraid to work at the Capitol on that day than he was in his entire time serving his country in Iraq. The video is hard to watch, and the testimony is emotional, but the committee's work promises truth and transparency. The events of January 6 would have yielded more death and destruction were it not for the United States Capitol Police. We are grateful for them and to the committee for working to provide the answers and accountability needed to make sure this event never happens again.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, last year, in my hometown of Buffalo, New York, we experienced a 90 percent increase in gun violence; 355 people were involved in this. As of July of this year, 46 people have lost their lives to gun violence. This morning, the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force heard from experts in community violence interventions. These experts affirmed what we know; that gun violence in our country is tearing families and neighborhoods apart. Their testimony adds support for our efforts to provide $5 million in the American Rescue Plan Act funding to groups in Buffalo to prevent and reduce violence before it occurs. This funding will support trusted messengers, good messengers, credible messengers; a coalition of peacekeeping organizations who will work on our streets to stop violence before it occurs. Congress passed the American Rescue Plan to deliver relief to communities ravaged by the pandemic. Now our communities are facing a spike in violence that began during the pandemic. Madam Speaker, they need help, and they need help now.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, for the past 16 months, the United States' border with Canada has been closed to nonessential travel, tearing loved ones apart, preventing people from accessing cottages that they own, devastating businesses and local economies on both sides of the border. This week, the Canadian Government announced plans to reopen the border to fully vaccinated Americans on August 9. On January 21 of this year, we were promised a plan would be developed by the United States to address travel to Canada within 14 days. Madam Speaker, 180 days have now passed. We are still waiting for that plan. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publicly advised that fully vaccinated Americans are free to safely resume all pre-pandemic activity. It is time for the United States to align its border policy with the science, with the facts, and with the data. Action is long overdue. Open the U.S. border to our Canadian neighbors.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the INVEST in America Act. This bill makes long overdue investments in the Nation building here at home and would deliver for my community in Buffalo and western New York. It includes funding to convert the historic DL&W train station into a multiuse transportation hub. It supports the transition of a North Tonawanda highway near the Erie Canal into a walkable neighborhood. And it will transform an abandoned rail line in Buffalo into the vibrant Riverline trail. The INVEST in America Act will add more than $400 million in annual funding to New York to fix bridges and roads, an increase of over 30 percent. This bill does not, however, fix neighborhoods destroyed by highway building in the decade of the 1950s. We need to do more to restore those communities in those neighborhoods that were destroyed many years ago. Now is the time to invest in America.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, for 34 years my community of Buffalo, New York, and our Canadian neighbors in Fort Erie, Ontario, would mark the first week of July with the Friendship Festival. This event that invites citizens of both countries to cross our shared border and celebrate with music, culture, food, and festivities highlights the strong and lasting bond between the United States and Canada. There will be no cross-border celebration this year on Canada Day and Independence Day. Not due to the pandemic, but due to the failure of both countries to plan for a safe reopening of the U.S.-Canadian border. For friends and families living along the northern border, crossing isn't an annual event, it is a way of life. Vaccines provide the bridge that allows people to come together again. We need leadership to open those bridges and let us reunite.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act, introduced by my friend and colleague, Joe Morelle. This bill creates an $80 billion national competition that could direct new resources for communities like Rochester, Buffalo, and western New York to foster innovation and create new jobs and opportunities. I am also a cosponsor of the Endless Frontiers Act, a version which passed the Senate with the support of our Senators, that would create similar opportunities and competition. For too long, Congress has lacked the vision to nation-build here at home. Now we can enact a plan to compete with China and foster new opportunity and growth. Groups like the Northland Workforce Training Center, the M&T Bank's technology hub, and the Thomas Beecher Innovation Center are leading the way in creating tech ecosystems in my region. Enacting this bill could help propel these entities to achieve their full potential for the benefit of the entire community that could last for generations. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, yesterday, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to vote in Roll Call number 162 on H.R. 1443. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call number 162.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, it was recently announced that the European Union is lifting travel restrictions to allow Americans to visit once again. Over a year under the crush of a devastating global pandemic, highly effective vaccines have made this game-changing moment possible. Still, our border between the United States and Canada remains closed, leaving people unable to access their property and keeping loved ones separated for over 15 heartbreaking months. This move by the EU would allow my Buffalo neighbors to take a 9-hour flight to Paris, France, but they can't take a 90-minute drive to Paris, Ontario. The administration has set a goal of returning to a pre-pandemic sense of normalcy by July 4. For many living along the northern border, normalcy includes the ability to cross to check on their property and to see their family again. It is time to open the U.S.-Canadian border.

Mr. HIGGINS of New York

Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of the Western New York-based non-profit organization known as ``Buffalo Blues'' and their remarkable service and dedication to the Veteran community. Buffalo Blues is a non-profit dedicated to using the power and reach of music to help Western New York Veterans and military families through fundraising and charitable donations. Founded by Bob James, Buffalo Blues forms an impactful partnership between the music community and Veteran groups. Musicians that partner with Buffalo Blues experience professional growth while also helping to raise funds and advocating for the needs of the Veteran community. On May 6, 2021, Buffalo Blues announced that--with the help of over 200 musicians--they were able to donate over $100,000 to 18 Erie County charities serving WNY Veterans and military families. Through live musical performances, merchandise sales, and online livestreamed concerts, these 200 musicians used their talents to both raise funds for these local charities and bring attention to the issues that often face the Veteran community. In addition to raising funds, Buffalo Blues has been gathering data on the needs of Veterans and Military Families. This research helps to ensure that the money they raise goes to where it is most needed in the veteran community. When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered opportunities for live, in- person performances, Buffalo Blues adapted with the changing times. Knowing that the difficulties that Veterans and military families face weren't going anywhere, they found an innovative solution by livestreaming musical performances online until it was safe to return to the stages of Western New York. Madam Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity to speak today, and ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the persistence and dedication of Buffalo Blues and their affiliated musicians. Their continual advocacy for and service to Veterans and military families is commendable, and we thank them for their efforts.