John Katko

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, transnational criminal organizations and drug cartels are taking full advantage by highlighting the weak border security posture of the administration while profiting from this crisis. The administration continues to roll back commonsense border security measures, thereby feeding into a false narrative for would-be migrants and encouraging them to come to the United States to seek asylum. Many migrants who make this dangerous journey to the United States will not be eligible under the Federal law for asylum, forcing them to seek other ways to enter the United States. We know for a fact that cartels control who crosses the U.S.-Mexico border. They charge migrants exorbitant fees knowing that some will never be able to repay, leading many of the migrants with only one option: to work off their fees.

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, this work often leads them into a trafficking situation here in the United States. Drugs, such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other fentanyl-laced drugs, are pouring across the southern border and destroying our communities and ending the lives of thousands of Americans every year. This year alone, for the first time, more than 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses. That is directly related to the border. It has to stop. I appreciate the focus of my colleagues on this critical homeland security issue, especially my colleague from New Mexico, who knows firsthand the impact the border crisis is having on our communities.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the homeland security legislation being considered on the floor today. Specifically, I would like to acknowledge the two Republican-led bills. First, H.R. 4209, the DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act sponsored by my good friend and colleague, the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism, Representative Pfluger. This important piece of legislation is critical to addressing the rampant challenge of illicit cross-border tunnels used by cartels to traffic people, drugs, and other illicit commodities into the United States. Make no mistake: we must take action to address the crisis levels of fentanyl flowing into our communities. So far this year, Customs and Border Patrol has seized enough fentanyl to kill 2.4 billion people. Let me say that again. They have seized enough fentanyl to kill 2.4 billion people, or the entire U.S. population, seven times over. Enabling frontline law enforcement to detect and mitigate the use of these tunnels by passing this legislation is an important step we can take to secure the border. I would also like to thank my other good friend, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Meijer) who leads the Subcommittee on Oversight, Management, and Accountability for introducing H.R. 4476, the DHS Trade and Economic Security Council Act. The COVID 19 pandemic uncovered many weaknesses in our supply chains. This first became apparent in the early days of the pandemic when the United States struggled to get such basic things as personal protective equipment. More recently, larger issues have surfaced among multiple industries as they struggle to meet demand due to supply chain issues. These issues are so large and profound that they very much impact our national security. This measure codifies two recommendations made by the Homeland Security Advisory Council on how we can strengthen our Nation's economic security while at the same time combating the growing influence of China on the United States economy. I commend my colleague, Representative Meijer, for introducing this bill, and I am very proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation. As COVID-19 has galvanized bipartisan concerns about the Nation's economic security, now is the time to act. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support both of these important pieces of legislation.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5615, the Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Act. The DHS Urban Area Security Initiative provides critical funding to high-risk urban areas. Since UASI funding is risk-based, there are urban areas that develop and support certain counterterrorism capabilities using the grant funding but don't remain on the high-risk list and therefore don't consistently receive funding every year. This legislation simply directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit to Congress a plan to make Federal assistance available for at least 3 consecutive fiscal years to certain urban areas that did not receive funding under UASI. This plan will inform Congress about the needs and concerns of certain urban areas that may not consistently receive such funding. I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 5615, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5616, the DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2021. This legislation requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to Congress on an annual basis on the accreditation status for each basic training program within the Department. It also requires congressional notification within 30 days of a lapse of accreditation for any Department basic training program. This legislation will help bring needed congressional oversight to DHS basic training programs by ensuring that DHS is transparent about any accreditation shortcomings and properly addresses them. Madam Speaker, I urge members to join me in supporting H.R. 5616, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill, I think it is a good bill, and I commend my friend for bringing it to the floor. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5681, the Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act. This bill authorizes adjustments to the job classifications of officers assigned to the Homeland Security Investigations unit operating in the Tohono O'odham Nation, also known as the Shadow Wolves. The Shadow Wolves are the Department of Homeland Security's only tracking unit that is entirely composed of Native Americans. The Shadow Wolves were established by congressional mandate in 1974 to combat rampant smuggling that was occurring from Mexico into the United States through the Tohono O'odham Nation. For the past 40 years, the Shadow Wolves have been patrolling a 76- mile stretch of the border, utilizing a combination of high-tech equipment and the traditional art of tracking passed down from generation to generation on the Nation. The Shadow Wolves take their name from the way the unit operates, like a wolf pack, relying mostly on their ability to track. They use a technique called cutting for sign, which closely observes and analyzes any physical evidence left by smugglers. I was fortunate enough to personally observe this impressive technique during my visit to Arizona last year. The Shadow Wolves' professionalism, skill, dedication, and presence have proven critical for border security and are essential in building Tribal stakeholder trust and engagement. And for an elite unit, their operations couldn't be more impressive. Between 2010 and 2020, Shadow Wolves' efforts led to 437 criminal arrests, and the seizure of over 117,000 pounds of narcotics, 45 weapons, 251 vehicles, and over $800,000 in U.S. currency. In recent years, the Shadow Wolves' mission has evolved from tracking into more investigative work. Unfortunately, the current hiring authority for the Shadow Wolves' program does not allow current Shadow Wolves to be reclassified at the appropriate level for investigative work, even if they have all the prerequisite experience. Further, this lack of authority has led to pay inequities and limited upward mobility for current Shadow Wolves officers. Without the passage of this critical legislation, the entire Shadow Wolves program is at risk of becoming nonoperational as current officers retire. My bill, the Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act, allows current Shadow Wolves to be reclassified as GS-1811 special agents upon the successful completion of training. It also addresses pay equity for current Shadow Wolves and allows new Native American applicants to be added to the unit. This bill also requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a strategy to retain existing Shadow Wolves and expand comparable units along the international land borders both north and south of our country with the approval of appropriate Tribal governments. Every day, the Shadow Wolves carry out a difficult and dangerous mission under increasingly challenging circumstances. Every day, they report for duty and help secure the border across arduous desert terrain and rugged mountainous areas. Today is the day that we in Congress honor their efforts and modernize the Shadow Wolves program. Passage of this legislation will provide long-term viability for a truly unique and necessary border security program and a pathway for future Native American applicants. This act has strong bipartisan support in the House and the Senate, as well as support from the Department of Homeland Security and, of course, the Tohono O'odham Nation. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a resolution from the Tohono O'odham Nation Legislative Council in support of the Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act. Resolution of the Tohono O'odham Legislative Council supporting federal legislation to reclassify homeland security investigations tactical officers ``shadow wolves'' as special agents Whereas, the Constitution of the Tohono O'odham Nation vests the Legislative Council with the authority to ``promote, protect and provide for public health, peace, morals, education and general welfare of the Tohono O'odham Nation and its members'' and to ``consult with the Congress of the United States and appropriate federal agencies regarding federal activities that affect the Tohono O'odham Nation . . .'' (Constitution, Article VI, Section 1(c)(2) and Section 1(j)); and Whereas, the Tohono O'odham Nation (``Nation'') is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on approximately 4,500 square miles in southern Arizona, with approximately 65 miles of its border on the International Boundary with Mexico; and Whereas, over many years, the Nation has cooperated with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to stem the flow of narcotics and undocumented immigrants while maintaining the Nation's opposition to a physical wall (Resolution No. 17- 053); and Whereas, since 1974, the Nation has allowed the U.S. Customs Service to staff a facility in Sells, and in return the U.S. Customs Service employed up to 25 Native Americans as Customs Patrol Officers; and Whereas, around 1985, the U.S. Customs Service organized these Native American Customs Patrol Officers into a select unit which came to be known as the ``Shadow Wolves,'' which utilized the unique knowledge and skill of Native Americans to track and interdict smugglers crossing the lands of the Nation; and Whereas, the Shadow Wolves have gained an international reputation as a small but highly effective interdiction unit of the U.S. Customs Service; and Whereas, U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema is proposing a bill to authorize the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to reclassify the members of the Shadow Wolves unit from tactical officers to special agents; and Whereas, this reclassification could improve the pay scale for Shadow Wolves, improve their ability to enforce immigration and customs laws, and better investigate and track cross-border illegal activity; and Whereas, the Nation's chairperson, Border Security Delegation, Appropriations and Domestic Affairs Committees have reviewed the legislation and recommend support. Now, therefore, be it Resolved that the Tohono O'odham Legislative Council supports federal legislation to reclassify Homeland Security Investigations Tactical Officers ``Shadow Wolves'' as special agents. The foregoing Resolution was passed by the Tohono O'odham Legislative Council on the 06th day of MARCH, 2020 at a meeting at which a quorum was present with a vote of 3,175.7 FOR; -0- AGAINST; -0- NOT VOTING; and [02] ABSENT, pursuant to the powers vested in the Council by Article VI, Section l(c)(2) and (j) of the Constitution of the Tohono O'odham Nation, adopted by the Tohono O'odham Nation on January 18, 1986; and approved by the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary-- Indian Affairs (Operations) on March 6, 1986, pursuant to Section 16 of the Act of June 18, 1934 (48 Stat.984). Tohono O'Odham Legislative Council: Timothy Joaquin, Legislative Chairman, 6 day of March, 2020. Attest: Evonne Wilson, Legislative Secretary, 6 day of March, 2020. Said Resolution was submitted for approval to the office of the Chairman of the Tohono O'odham Nation on the 6 day of March, 2020 at 4:54 o'clock, p.m., pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of Article VII of the Constitution and will become effective upon his approval or upon his failure to either approve or disapprove it within 48 hours of submittal. Tohono O'Odham Legislative Council: Timothy Joaquin, Legislative Chairman, on the 06 day of March, 2020 at 5:22 o'clock, p.m. Ned Norris, Jr., Chairman, Tohono O'odham Nation. Returned to the Legislative Secretary on the 6 day of March, 2020, at 5:32 o'c1ock, p.m. Evonne Wilson, Legislative Secretary.

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this critical legislation in support of our Native American friends and partners. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of S. 658, the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act. This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to work with the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium to help prepare for and respond to cybersecurity risks at the national, State, and local levels. I applaud Senator Cornyn for his steadfast dedication to this most important piece of legislation. Now more than ever, our State and local communities must be prepared to prevent, detect, and mitigate cyber threats. Unfortunately, many of us have had constituent businesses, schools, and hospitals, among others, that have been impacted by persistent and evolving cyber threats. This legislation will help provide training, exercises, technical assistance, and other important resources to State and local governments, critical infrastructure, and industry partners. I thank Senator Cornyn for his work on this important bill. I urge Members to join me in supporting S. 658, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of John Nolan, a dedicated police investigator and beloved father and husband, who passed away on December 24, 2021. John Nolan was a cherished member of the Central New York community, who attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School as well as Bishop Ludden High School. John was a classmate of mine at Bishop Ludden and we remained friends. From an early age, John aspired to be a Syracuse Police Officer and fulfilled his childhood dream after graduating from the Police Academy in 1986. With the Syracuse Police Department, John Nolan served with the Syracuse Police SWAT/Hostage-Crisis Negotiation Team, the Criminal Investigations Division, Investigations Bureau, and Cold Case Investigation Unit. He also devoted much of his time to mentoring the next generation of police officers, holding positions at the Syracuse Police Academy and serving as a guest lecturer at local universities and colleges. Following his retirement from the Syracuse Police Department, John continued his passion for investigative work by joining the Onondaga County District Attorney's office as a case investigator. As a former organized prosecutor, I had the pleasure of working alongside John Nolan. John was a consummate professional and had a dogged determination for justice. For his work, John received a number of awards including the 1991 Syracuse Post 41 American Legion Police Officer of the Year, the 2001 Post-Standard Award, the 2002 and 2003 CNYCOP Law Enforcement Commendations, the 2004 PBA President's Award, the 2007 and 2016 Meritorious Service Awards, and the 2018 District Attorney's Distinguished Service Award. Outside of his career in law enforcement, John was an engaged member of his community and a devoted husband to Patricia and father to Delaney. John championed an active lifestyle as an avid golfer, runner, and annual competitor at the Syracuse Mountain Goat Run, missing only one in over 35 years to attend his daughter's first communion. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring the life of John Nolan. A beloved member of Syracuse's law enforcement community, John will truly be missed. I ask my colleagues to keep him and his family in mind as we remember the contributions of this public servant.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Sheriff Barry Virts, who retired December 31, 2021 after 44 years with the Wayne County Sheriff's Department. A dedicated public servant, Sheriff Virts demonstrated a profound commitment to public safety throughout his career. Sherriff Virts is a lifelong resident of the Town of Rose in Wayne County, New York and graduate of North Rose-Wolcott High School. He earned an Associate's degree from Erie Community College and began his career in law enforcement in 1977 as a corrections officer for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Sherriff Virts was quickly promoted to road patrol deputy a year later, sergeant in 1985, and criminal investigations lieutenant in 1988. In 1999, he began overseeing the Wayne County jail as Chief Deputy. Following ten years with the jail division, in 2009 Sherriff Virts was elected Sheriff of Wayne County. At the outset of his term, Sheriff Virts placed a significant emphasis on improving support for victims and collaboration between various police departments. For his work, Sheriff Virts has received local honors and served on over thirteen community and advisory boards including the Wayne County Criminal Justice Council, Wayne County Jail Advisory, Victim Resource Center, Wayne County Diversity Task Force, Wayne County Pretrial Youth and Adult Diversion. He also served on the Council on Alcoholism & Other Addictions, Wayne County Fire Chief's Association, and the Wayne County Housing Consortium. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing the career of Sheriff Barry Virts and his commitment to public safety. I wish Sheriff Virts the best in his retirement.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my friend and colleague on the Homeland Security Committee for holding this important Special Order to let law enforcement officers all over the United States know this simple truth: We support you, and we have your back. For over 20 years, I served as an organized crime prosecutor on the Federal level, focusing on narcotics, gang, and corruption prosecutions, among many others, in central New York, along the southwest border, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, all over the United States, and all over the world. I worked alongside incredible men and women in law enforcement every day. They are some of the most courageous and selfless people I know, and they put their lives on the line to protect our communities. The officers I have worked with were assaulted. They were shot. Some were killed. Yet, time and time again, the officers showed up every day to do their jobs and dispatch their duties with honor and dignity, despite not being paid anywhere near what they should. Unfortunately, our brothers and sisters in law enforcement are hurting right now. Violence against law enforcement officers has become a troubling pattern across the United States, culminating most recently in violent shooting deaths of officers in New York City and Houston. Sadly, this violence is part of an upward national trend. According to the National Fraternal Order of Police, in 2021, there were 346 officers shot in the line of duty, and 103 were ambush-style attacks, which increased 115 percent over the prior year. Tragically, 73 officers were killed. According to the data from the FBI, this accounts for a 50 percent increase. These grim statistics represent the highest number of law enforcement who were intentionally killed since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. As ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee and chair of the American Security Task Force, I have heard directly from law enforcement officers about the challenges police departments face as crimes continue to rise. I have traveled across the country where the effects of the defund the police and go against the police movements are at their worst. In New York City, for example, the department was cut by close to $1 billion in 2020. In 2021, it broke the State record for annual homicides. They cut cops. They cut shifts. They passed laws in New York State that made it very difficult for officers to do their jobs and made it very easy for violent criminals to get back on the streets. In Portland, Oregon, a center for the defund the police movement, homicides are up 530 percent. That was because they cut their police department by 10 percent and eliminated the violent crime unit. Of course, that is going to happen. The increase in crime, coupled with recruitment and retention problems, will only compound the crime problems this country is currently facing. Instead of vilifying police, let's figure out how to make police departments better by investing in them. How can you possibly retrain police when you defund them? How can you implement new policies and get officers ready for those new policies when you cut their funding? It doesn't work. Today, we are facing troubling new challenges. Our law enforcement officers are being asked to do more with less, and it is putting their lives at risk. In addition to their crime-fighting responsibilities, our officers are on the front lines, facing the threat of terrorism and an unprecedented opioid epidemic. Homeland security is being degraded because defunded police and vilified police departments do not have sufficient resources for counterterrorism operations. It takes courage to wear a badge. It takes even more courage to respond to an emergency, to engage a suspect, to walk down a dark alley, or to confront a terrorist. For law enforcement, that is part of their job every single day. My committee and the task force are proud to stand with law enforcement as they continue to do this honorable work. I will always have their backs, and they will always have my thanks and admiration.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the generosity of Ralph Rotella, owner of Discount Shoe Repair in Syracuse and driving force behind Ralphy's Rescue Mission Shoe Drive. In 2010, Ralph Rotella was inspired to start Ralphy's Rescue Mission Shoe Drive after seeing a homeless person outside of his shop, walking in the cold with their toe sticking out. He made the decision to provide that person with a pair of usable shoes. From that day, Ralph began annually collecting, repairing, and donating shoes to the Syracuse Rescue Mission to help more people in-need. In Ralph's first year of operating the Shoe Drive, he donated less than 100 pairs of shoes. Each year since then, he has steadily expanded his operation, and in 2020, donated 23,187 pairs of shoes--one of the largest donations the Rescue Mission has ever received. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring Ralph Rotella for his determined efforts to aid underserved members of our Central New York community.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Marc Pietropaoli and the Victory Sports Medicine team of Skaneateles, New York, for performing the first fully FDA approved Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration (BEAR) Surgery in the United States. Across the United States, ACL tears have reached alarming rates. According to a 21-year study conducted by a team of doctors at the Mayo Clinic, 100,000 to 200,000 Americans will suffer an ACL tears in a given year. Previously, ACL tears had to be addressed through ACL reconstruction, which can be traumatic to the joint. This successful BEAR Surgery paves the way for improved outcomes, as it is expected to decrease the risk of re-injury and injuries to the opposite knee, feelings of post-recovery abnormality, and arthritis caused by the ACL injury. In Central New York, Dr. Marc Pietropaoli and the Victory Sports Medicine are on the cutting edge of orthopedic procedures. The successful BEAR procedure is among a long list of achievements this team has had and represents a new era of repairing ACL tears. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing Dr. Marc Pietropaoli and the Victory Sports Medicine team for performing the first fully FDA approved BEAR Surgery in the United States.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Perry Mastrocola, a dedicated public servant, a gifted attorney and educator, and a devoted and loving husband and father who passed away in early October. Perry served our nation for more than 27 years as both a Federal Special Agent and a Federal Prosecutor. During his distinguished career, Perry served as a special agent with the IRS Criminal Investigation division and later in supervisory roles in IRS offices in Cleveland and Charlotte. Perry had extensive experience investigating criminal tax offenses, money laundering violations, health care fraud, bank secrecy act matters, and other complex financial crimes. He retired as the Special Agent in Charge of the IRS office in Charlotte. Following his service in the Federal Government, Perry worked as a Senior Investigator and Analyst for U.S. Bank's Investigation and Enhanced Due Diligence departments. There, he was responsible for leading sophisticated internal bank investigations and preparing recommendations in cases involving fraud or other unusual circumstances. He later joined Flannery Georgalis, a leading litigation firm in Charlotte, as a Partner. Perry was multi-lingual and because of his unique and dynamic language capabilities, he worked with Italian and Mexican authorities on many important money laundering investigations. He also taught Anti- Money Laundering classes to Mexican law enforcement officers and was a keynote speaker in numerous Anti-Money Laundering and Bank Secrecy seminars for finance and law enforcement representatives around the country. Perry also taught undergraduate law classes at his undergraduate alma mater, Baldwin-Wallace University, for 14 years. Perry was a huge Ohio football fan, actively supporting a variety of teams from the Baldwin-Wallace Yellow Jackets to the Cleveland Browns. And he spent countless hours coaching sports teams for his sons, Vincent and Gabriel--because what mattered most to Perry was his family and especially his loving wife of 27 years, Kelly. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in remembering Perry Mastrocola, honoring his many years of service to our country, and keeping both he and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Chief Master Sergeant Bruce A. Fong who will retire from the United States Air Force on December 18, 2021, after more than 31 years of military service. Chief Fong is a native of Central New York and a graduate of Whitesboro Senior High School. He also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems from Columbia College of Missouri, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Chief Fong entered the active-duty Air Force under the delayed enlistment program in December 1979 and attended basic military training in July 1980 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Following Basic Military Training, he went on to technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas to become an Air Cargo Specialist. In September 1980 Chief Fong, then Airman Basic, was assigned to the 603rd Military Airlift Support Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. He worked in the ramp services section where he was responsible for the on/off-loading of cargo on military and civilian aircraft such as the Boeing 747, the Lockheed Martin C-5 Galaxy, C-141A/B Starlifter, C-130 Hercules, the McDonnell Douglas C-9 Nightingale, and the KC-1O Extender. Chief Fong became phase two qualified on the C-130 and C-141, which provided the ability to service the aircraft without the supervision of a loadmaster. During his time at Kadena Air Base, Chief Fong was involved many times in an extraordinarily successful joint service deployment exercise ``Team Spirit'' supervising the loading operations of military aircraft, often working with untrained Air Force and Marine Corps load crews. After two and a half years in Okinawa, Chief Fong had a permanent change of station to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, where he was assigned to the 436th Aerial Port Squadron. He worked in the special handling section and was responsible for the timely and accurate inventory of critical cargo using the Aerial Port Documentation and Management System. Chief Fong also participated in the NATO exercise ``Bright Star,'' where he spent time in Cairo Egypt assisting the 436th Airlift Control Element in the on/off-loading of sixty aircraft and officially recognized for his effort by the Airlift Control Element commander. After a 10-year break in service Chief Fong joined the I 74th Fighter Wing, New York Air National Guard in February 1996 as a Drill Status Guardsmen. He was assigned to the 174th Logistics Readiness Squadron as a Traffic Management Specialist. In October 1998, Chief Fong was hired as a full-time military technician with the 174th Communications Flight. In his lengthy career within the organization, he held positions as a network administrator, network infrastructure technician, network control center supervisor, operations superintendent, and the finally as the Chief Enlisted Manager. As Chief Enlisted Manager, he was responsible for the training, readiness, and morale of all assigned enlisted personnel in support of combat and domestic operations. Chief Fong's other successful accomplishments include implementation of the following systems: Electronic Management Tracking System; Defense Biometric Identification System, and the Electronic Technical Order Distribution System, many of these accomplishments were firsts for the 174th Fighter Wing, the Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force. Chief Fong's other successes included installs and significant upgrades to the following base communications infrastructure and systems: Gigabit- Ethernet, Base Wireless Access, Base Area Network Modernization, NetApp Mass Storage, Network Control Center--Virtualization, Base Mass Notification System, and the Common Access Card, all told, totaling in the millions of dollars. In March of 2000, Chief Fong deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Following the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks on New York City, Chief Fong played an integral part providing back-end communications support during Operation NOBLE EAGLE, when the 174th Fighter Wing was tasked to fly Combat Air Patrol missions over New York City. In November of 2006, he deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. At the height of the COVID pandemic, Chief Fong served as a Liaison Officer between the Air Force and Army for four and a half months. He provided logistical support to the New York State Military Joint Task Force, which was the command-and-control hub for all Central New York. Throughout his career with the 174th Attack Wing, one of Chief Fong's crowning achievements and proudest moments has been serving as a Ceremonial Guardsmen with 174th Attack Wing's Base Honor Guard. During his time with the Base Honor Guard, he performed well over seven hundred active-duty, retiree, and veteran funerals, as well as participating in parades and other details supporting the base and community. This often involved working holidays, weekends, and traveling throughout 23 New York State counties, covering over 23,324 square miles. For his 31 years of service Chief Fong has earned numerous decorations which include: the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster; and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. His military unit awards include: the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with combat ``V'' device and five oak leaf clusters. His military campaign and service awards include: the National Defense Service Medal; the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with 7 oak leaf clusters; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal with one bronze campaign star; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal; Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border; the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with five oak leaf clusters; the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with silver hour glass and bronze mobilization ``M'' device; the Professional Military Education Ribbon with two oak leaf clusters; the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; and the Air Force Training Ribbon. Chief Fong is married to Cynthia Kellar; has two children, Andrew and Jessica; and three grandchildren, Noah, Brooklynn, and Grayson. He is an avid photographer, trained in martial arts, and has flown solo in a Cessna 152, 182 and a Piper warrior in pursuit of a private pilot's license. Chief Fong is proud of his service to his country and looking forward to retirement and his next adventure. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing Chief Master Sergeant Bruce A. Fong for his three decades of honorable service. I wish Chief Fong the best in his retirement.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the renowned 37-year career of NewsChannel 9 anchor Dan Cummings. For nearly four decades, Dan Cummings has been one of the most trusted names in local news and has earned a well-deserved reputation for his integrity and investigative prowess. A native of Cayuga County, Dan Cummings grew up in central New York and got his start in journalism working at local radio stations. In 1984, Dan Cummings joined the NewsChannel 9 team and, in 2008, began anchoring the morning news. Notably, Dan was the driving force behind ``Newsmakers,'' a weekly public affairs program. In these prominent roles, Dan Cummings has been celebrated for his ability to conduct smart, original reporting and communicate even the most difficult stories in a calm and straightforward manner. I have known Dan Cummings for many years. I can unequivocally say he is one of the most fair and genuine news professionals and is an extremely generous man who is actively involved in multiple charities. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring Dan Cummings for an incredible career in broadcast journalism and wishing him the best in his retirement.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York as the college celebrates its 75th Anniversary. Since its founding, Le Moyne College has provided students with a renowned Jesuit education, preparing thousands of young men and women to reach great successes and live generously. True to the intellectual and religious tradition it was founded on, for over seven decades Le Moyne has provided its undergraduate students and graduate students with a well-rounded, liberal arts education. Equipped with a Le Moyne education, alumni from the college have become leaders across a wide range of sectors including business, medicine, government, and the arts and sciences. Today, Le Moyne has grown dramatically. It greatly expanded its academic programs and has a sprawling campus that boasts five academic buildings and 15 residential buildings, as well as a chapel, library, performing arts center, Jesuit residence, plaza and athletic facilities. While the school has remained committed to its core values, Le Moyne has always prided itself on being a trailblazer for progress. At the time of its founding in 1946, Le Moyne was the first Jesuit college in the United States to open as a coeducational institutional. And in 2014, Linda LeMura was named the college's 14th president, making her the first female layperson to lead a Jesuit institution in the United States. Under her leadership, President LeMura has raised the college's profile, prioritized inclusivity, and worked to foster an environment where Le Moyne students and faculty can learn and grow. Notably, during the pandemic, President LeMura took an unusual step to limit the spread of COVID-19 amongst the school's population and highlight the importance of being a thoughtful steward of the community by moving into a neighborhood popular with students living off-campus. For several months, LeMura became a friendly face in the neighborhood. She greeted students living nearby on her daily walks, helped them keep their lawns free of trash and debris, and reprimanded those holding gatherings that could spread the virus. In 2016, the college adopted the slogan `Greatness Meets Goodness' to highlight the college's lasting commitment to helping students reach heights in their career, while emphasizing the importance of integrity and compassion for all people. Le Moyne consistently encourages students to put Jesuit values in action by providing volunteer opportunities within Central New York and around the world, and harboring extensive networks at local nonprofits, shelters, kitchens, and schools. In 2020, Le Moyne launched its Erie 21 program, which helps veterans, immigrants, refugees, the underemployed and unemployed obtain internships and software development jobs with local employers by providing students with technical and computer coding skills. The impact Le Moyne students have had in our Central New York community and around the world is both far-reaching and impactful. It is exemplified by alumni like Jeanette Epps, the first Black female astronaut to serve as a crewmember on the International Space Station, who is conducting research that will benefit all of mankind. And Andrew Lunetta, who found his passion helping homeless individuals and families in Central New York while at Le Moyne, and has since founded Tiny Home For Good, a nonprofit that builds safe and affordable housing for those less fortunate. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring the 75th Anniversary of Le Moyne College. Over the past 75 years, the College has prepared thousands of students to become successful leaders in their careers and carry themselves with integrity. Le Moyne has been a cherished part of our community and I'm excited to see what the future holds for the college.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 15th Anniversary of SRCTec, a manufacturing and lifecycle management firm in Central New York that has developed and built some of the most groundbreaking technologies to solve defense, environmental, and intelligence problems. In its 15 years of operation, SRCTec has developed and manufactured high-quality, award-winning electromechanical products that have strengthened our nation's defense. The company holds the prestigious title of Tier 1 supplier to the U.S. Army and has received the Army's Top Ten Inventions Award for its stellar work to develop the CREW Duke system, which prevents remote detonation of improvised explosive devices. SRCTec also received the Army's Top Ten Inventions Award for its Lightweight Counter-Mortar Radio, which provides continuous surveillance of rocket, artillery, and mortar threats to American troops. Aside from SRCTec's commitment to quality manufacturing, the firm is also an active part of the Central New York community and has received numerous awards for corporate citizenship. SRCTec received the Partners for Education & Business Special Recognition Award for its work to engage local students and encourage them to pursue STEM field studies. SRCTec has also received the United Way of Central New York's Spirit of Caring Awards several times for its charitable giving and leadership development programs. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing the 15th Anniversary of SRCTec. Since its founding, the company has made tremendous contributions to Central New York and worked to improve our country's defenses through its visionary manufacturing products.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the celebrated career of Wayne Mahar as he prepares to retire after 36 years of weather forecasting in central New York. Wayne is one of the most recognizable and trusted weather forecasters in central New York. When planning a hike, barbecue, tailgate, or family outing, central New Yorkers have relied on Wayne to share the weather for nearly four decades. Originally from Brunswick, Maine, Wayne Mahar began his career working for the National Weather Service. From there, he founded Precision Weather Service, a private weather consulting firm that builds forecasts for major events like the Major League Baseball All- Star Game, the Super Bowl, and red carpet events. In 1985 Wayne joined the CNY, Central New York, broadcast team in Syracuse, becoming the first full-time meteorologist in central New York. Here he brought a new level of seriousness to the profession by utilizing computer models and hard science to make his forecasts. Through this approach Wayne became known for accuracy, reliability, and his outdoor broadcasts from the CNY Central Weather Deck. An expert on severe weather events, Wayne was also there to deliver critical, lifesaving information to families during some of the most historic weather events in central New York, including the great blizzard of 1993 and the 1998 Labor Day storm. Outside of forecasting, Wayne has been a prominent fixture in our community. He is an avid hockey player, hosts regular workshops for young, aspiring meteorologists, and in 2008 he founded the Priscilla Mahar Animal Welfare Foundation. The nonprofit organization was named after his late mother and champions animal welfare causes, raising over a quarter of a million dollars for local animal rescues. For nearly four decades, families like mine have turned to Wayne Mahar when we want to know if there will be sun, rain, sleet, or just another day of lake-effect snow. While he will be dearly missed on our televisions, central New Yorkers can rest assured they will continue to see him. When he is not spending time with his children and grandchildren, Wayne has promised he will remain an active part of our community. Personally, I am glad to hear that because I still have not had the opportunity yet to putter a few pucks at him while he stands in the hockey goal, but I am going to do that before too long. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring Wayne Mahar for an incredible career in weather forecasting and wishing him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I missed the vote on Roll Call No. 344 on November 2, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 344. Additionally, I missed the vote on Roll Call No. 351 on November 2, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 351.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th Anniversary of Hueber Breuer, a legacy construction firm in Central New York that has developed and built some of the most impactful projects in the region. Since its founding in 1872, Hueber Breuer has remained a family-run business and is currently led by its fifth and sixth generations. Today, it is the largest, continuously operating, family-owned construction and contracting firm in Central New York. In its 150 years of operation, Hueber Breuer has played a key role in developing the City of Syracuse and Central New York. The company has helped build and restore many of the landmarks that define our skylines, such as the Landmark Theater, the Franklin Center, the Samaritan Center, and the Exposition Center at the New York State Fairgrounds. For the firm's stellar work. Hueber Breuer has received numerous awards including the Associated General Contractors of New York Safety Award, the American General Contractors Build New York Award, and the Preservation Association of Central New York Award of Merit. Aside from its construction projects, Hueber Breuer also aims to revitalize Central New York through philanthropic endeavors. These endeavors include an annual Community Volunteer Day, in which the company's employees volunteer for charitable organizations in the region. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing the upcoming 150th Anniversary of Hueber Breuer. Since its founding, the company has made tremendous contributions on Central New York through its visionary construction projects and dedication to the community.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Senior Master Sergeant D. Ginger Gersbacher, who retired from the United States Air Force (USAF) on July 29, 2021 after more than 29 years of military service. A native of Central New York and graduate of C.W. Baker High School and the State University of New York at Morrisville, Sergeant Gersbacher enlisted into the New York Air National Guard in June 1992. After completing basic training as well as technical school training as an Instrument and Flight Control Systems Specialist, she returned to Syracuse in January 1993 to serve in the 174th Attack Wing. Within the unit, Sergeant Gersbacher served as an Avionics Technician with the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and later accepted a part time position in the Maintenance Operations Center. While serving in these positions, Sergeant Gersbacher also returned to school to complete a Baccalaureate Degree in Computer Science from Columbia College, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Later, Sergeant Gersbacher was deployed and supported combat missions, participating in Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Northern Watch, and Operation Southern Watch. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, she volunteered for active duty and served with the 174th Attack Wing of the New York Air National Guard during Operation Noble Eagle, flying air patrol missions over New York City. Later, Sergeant Gersbacher reassigned as a maintenance analyst and was deployed three more times from 2006 to 2008, participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2014, Sergeant Gersbacher established the Inspector General Office of Inspections within the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, and maintained her position in the Inspector General's Office until her retirement. For her service, Sergeant Gersbacher has earned numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing Senior Master Sergeant Ginger Gersbacher for her nearly three decades of honorable service. I wish Sergeant Gersbacher the best in her retirement.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I missed the vote on Roll Call No. 319 on October 20, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 319. Additionally, I missed the vote on Roll Call No. 324 on October 20, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 324.