John Katko

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I ask that we all take a deep breath right now. Everybody breathe for a minute and everybody stop the theatrics, and everybody stop the arguments that are not relevant to this issue. This is a very solemn moment. We are here to talk about something that is very important to the entire of our Government and the entire of our country. I ask that we think about the officers and their families and conduct ourselves accordingly. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. I was proud to join Chairman Nadler and Representatives Herrera Beutler, McBath, and Scott in introducing this important bipartisan bill. This legislation addresses a seemingly simple issue that I have no doubt everyone in this Chamber agrees with. No mother or mother-to-be should have to choose between being a parent and keeping their job. This commonsense notion is, unfortunately, not the reality in many places in the United States. Before my home State of New York passed a law prohibiting discrimination against pregnant workers, I heard far too many stories of pregnant women facing discrimination in the workforce and having to choose between a healthy pregnancy and a paycheck. There was Yvette, a single mother of three, who worked in the same grocery store for 11 years. Having suffered miscarriages in the past, she knew her pregnancy was high risk, and she gave her employer a doctor's note with a lifting restriction. Instead, she was fired, despite the fact that an employee with a shoulder injury had been accommodated with lighter work. She lost her health insurance and had to go on Medicaid. She and her family survived on food stamps and savings. Then there was Hilda, an employee at a Dollar Tree who worked there for 3 years when she became pregnant. As her pregnancy progressed, it became painful to stand at the cash register for 8 hours to 10 hours at a time. Denied her request for a stool, she began to experience severe complications, including bleeding and premature labor pains, and was put on bed rest. With no paid leave, she and her family struggled to make ends meet. These women and others who have been subject to similar discrimination in the workforce suffered an unthinkable physical and financial toll. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act ensures that going forward, no woman will face this type of discrimination. This bipartisan bill provides pregnant workers with an affirmative right to reasonable--and I stress the word ``reasonable''-- accommodations in the workplace while creating a clear and navigable standard for employers to follow. These accommodations are minor, as simple as providing an employee with extra restroom breaks or a stool to sit on. This bill is not a hiring statute and does not amend or eliminate existing religious freedom protections. The arguments against this bill made by some Members of my own party are based on inaccuracies or wrongfully detract from the importance of this commonsense policy. This bill is a product of extensive bipartisan negotiation and collaboration with advocates and the business community. Reflecting the widespread support for this legislation, the bill has received numerous endorsements from the business community, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as well as over 180 women's health, labor, and civil rights organizations. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter of support from a coalition of business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, SHRM, and the National Retail Federation. May 13, 2021. To The Members of the U.S. House of Representatives: We urge Congress to pass H.R. 1065, the ``Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.'' This bill would provide pregnant employees with important workplace protections while also making sure employers have clear and flexible options to ensure pregnant employees can remain at work for as long as they wish. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, as reported by the House Education and Labor Committee, is a balanced approach that clarifies an employer's obligation to accommodate the known limitations of employees and job applicants that accompany pregnancy. This legislation uses an interactive, reasonable accommodation process similar to the Americans with Disabilities Act and specifies a pregnant employee may take leave only after the employer and employee have exhausted the possibility of other reasonable accommodations. This bipartisan bill is a strong reminder that through good faith negotiations, legislative solutions to important workplace questions and problems can be found. We believe that Congress should pass H.R. 1065 with no changes. Sincerely, Associated Builders and Contractors, BASF Corporation, College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, Dow, HR Policy Association, International Franchise Association, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation, pH- D Feminine Health, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Society for Human Resource Management, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. KATKO. Fundamental protections for mothers and soon-to-be mothers in the workplace are long overdue. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, critical legislation.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of John McAuliffe, a central New York native, visionary, and driving force behind the Onondaga Lake cleanup effort. In 2002, John McAuliffe was named program director for the Honeywell Company's $450 million cleanup of Onondaga Lake, one of the most polluted sites in America caused by Honeywell's predecessor. McAuliffe tirelessly worked with Federal and State environmental regulators and oversaw teams of engineers and technicians to clean up a lake laden with more than 165,000 pound of mercury and other toxic substances. Today, Onondaga Lake is the site of the Loop-the-Lake Trail, as well as the Lakeview Amphitheater, a popular music venue, and hosts thousands of boaters, fishers, and nature enthusiasts each year. It has also become a favorite place for bald eagles, especially in the winter months. The lake has experienced an extraordinary revival due to John McAuliffe's remarkable vision and unwavering commitment. Central New York owes John a debt of gratitude for an enduring legacy of doing something that many thought was impossible. I wish John a happy retirement.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act. I was proud to introduce this legislation alongside my good friends and tremendous leaders on mental health issues, Congresswoman Napolitano and Congressman Beyer. Every year during Mental Health Awareness Month, I stand before this body to highlight the mental health crisis facing our Nation and the urgent need for action. This year, however, the issue is more critical than ever. As the coronavirus pandemic impacted nearly every aspect of our society and daily lives, we saw devastating increases in the number of Americans suffering from mental health issues. One report by the Centers for Disease Control last June indicated that 40 percent of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health or substance use, with nearly 11 percent of adults and over 25 percent of those aged 18 to 24 years old having seriously considered suicide. Those are stunning numbers. The threat of this pandemic was not solely a physical or financial one. It has taken a toll on the mental health of millions upon millions of Americans, and they need our support. I am pleased that the bipartisan Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act takes important steps to provide individuals in crisis with lifesaving aid and resources by improving and strengthening the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Since its creation, the lifeline has been significantly underfunded and plagued with issues, like long call wait times and lack of consistency. This bill increases the authorization from $12 million to $50 million, and dedicates 80 percent of that funding to local suicide crisis centers that are the backbone of the lifeline, like Contact Community Services in Syracuse, which literally saves lives every day. The legislation also implements important quality assurance measures including the requirement to eliminate call wait times and implement evidence-based practices like follow-up and referrals to other health services that are required. For too long, the mental health and suicide crisis in our country has gone unspoken, underfunded and under- recognized. It is time we address this crisis as what it is: a crisis. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2981 and other important mental health bills on the floor today.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of legendary Syracuse University Football Player and treasured member of the Syracuse community, Mr. Floyd Little, who passed away on January 1, 2021. Floyd Little played for the Syracuse Orange Football Team from 1964 to 1966 and donned the number 44. This iconic jersey number was assigned to some of the most accomplished Syracuse University running backs including Jim Brown and Ernie Davis. Like these legendary athletes, Little achieved great success during his college playing career, earning three All-American Titles and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. After leaving Syracuse, Little was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 1967 and quickly emerged as a star in the National Football League (NFL). In his nine seasons in the league, Little was selected to five Pro-Bowls, amassed over 12,000 all-purpose yards, was the league's rushing leader in 1971, and was later inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2010. Outside of football, Floyd Little was a compassionate and kind- hearted man who dedicated much of his life to community service. He leveraged his success to give back to others and empower his neighbors. Little became a distinguished speaker for charities and fundraisers across the country and frequently donated his time to numerous philanthropic endeavors. He was particularly proud to support the annual Tom Coughlin Jay Fund fundraiser, which raises money to fight childhood cancer, and worked extensively with the Walter Camp Football Foundation, which provides athletic opportunities to youth across the country. Like his success in football, Little earned countless accolades in recognition of his generosity and commitment to serving others. Little and his family returned to the Central New York region in 2011 out of a desire to serve his alma mater and the community he loved. Central New York has undoubtedly benefitted from his presence over the past decade, and we all join his friends and family in mourning this loss. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring Mr. Floyd Little. Little's athletic legacy is one that is permanently cemented in record-books and Syracuse culture, and his crowning achievements will live on for generations to come. More importantly, however, Little will be remembered as an incredibly generous man who lived his life in service to others. His charitable work remains in the hearts of the thousands of people he helped throughout his life, and he will be remembered as a towering figure who came to be admired wherever he went.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to moving the previous question so that we can consider the bipartisan legislation I introduced, along with several of my colleagues, to address a crisis along the southwest border and provide resources for the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security who are serving on the front lines of this security and humanitarian nightmare created by the policies of this administration. Madam Speaker, the Border Surge Response and Resilience Act is a commonsense approach for preparing for future migrant surges and is a direct response to a recommendation of the bipartisan and effective Homeland Security Advisory Council, which I hope will be reconstituted by the current administration. I often hear from my friends on the other side of the aisle accusing Republicans of complaining about problems rather than offering solutions. Well, today, we are providing the opportunity to vote on a commonsense, bipartisan, and thoughtful solution. I just returned from my second trip to the border in recent weeks. Any of us who have traveled there recently can observe what is happening and can attest to just how bad the crisis on the ground really is. At the border itself, it is wide open. The wall construction has stopped. Border Patrol agents have told us if the wall is constructed, 80 percent of the drug-trafficking activity is focused and funneled to other areas where they can easily interdict the drug traffickers. Madam Speaker, I was a Federal organized crime prosecutor for 20 years before coming to Congress, and I worked on the border as a Federal organized crime prosecutor going after cartels. I can tell you that they own the border. If someone wants to cross the border, they have to pay. Chinese are paying $50,000 to $70,000 per person. Mexicans and Central Americans are paying $4,000 a person to come across. Every single day that this crisis goes on, the cartels are being enriched to the tune of at least $15 million a day. In the last month, it is highly likely they were probably enriched to the tune of close to $1 billion in a month. The Border Patrol agents are despondent. They are being pulled off the line, at least 40 to 50 percent at a time, in the Rio Grande sector alone to deal with the crisis. The drug traffickers are smart enough to know: If I throw 100 people across the border over here, all the agents have to come off and deal with them. And then that place that they came off from, we are going to go right across there with the drugs. In the Rio Grande Valley sector alone is a 2,000 percent increase in fentanyl coming across the border. Fentanyl is killing our kids all over this country. It is mixed with heroin; it is killing our kids. That is what the Border Patrol agents are telling us because all they want to do is to be able to enforce the laws on the books and to have the ability to do so. They do not have the ability to do so because of the administration's change of policies on January 22. They say there is a direct correlation. Yes, there are problems in Central America. They have been there for 20 to 30 years; they haven't changed. If I had kids down there, I would bring them up to the border, too. But there is a right way to do things, and there is a wrong way. Running across the border and creating this crisis is the wrong way. Madam Speaker, let me tell you what I saw at the detention centers like Donna. People are put in pens, for lack of a better term. Thirty, forty people are supposed to be in there. I saw hundreds. I sent a picture to my wife. There are so many kids. They were all wrapped up in aluminum blankets. You couldn't see anything other than the aluminum blankets. They were literally stacked next to each other like cordwood. Not a single child was tested. They are released from that facility because they just can't keep them there, and they are released without being tested. When we were at the border, we encountered a couple of people at the border at midnight. The next morning, on a flight to Dallas-Forth Worth, they were on that flight. No ID. No idea who they were. They put them on a plane without identification. They put them on a plane highly likely without testing because they said they are not testing right away. But when they do test, they know that 10 to 15 percent of these kids test positive for COVID. They are putting people in our communities all across this country, not telling those communities that they are coming, and they are coming. They are oftentimes not being tested for COVID and, obviously, probably positive. That is what is going on. In the Donna facility alone, we are spending millions of dollars a day to deal with this. There is nothing more tragic than seeing an 11-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted on her way up to the border and who is pregnant there. That is what is going on. That is the reality of the situation, and it is an unforced error that we didn't need to have. The administration, candidly, was caught short. But candidly, too, previous administrations were caught short with border surges. So, I am not here to complain about the situation. I am here to offer a solution, and the solution is our bill, which I mentioned. In addition to ensuring future preparedness along the border, this provision will create a $1 billion fund to be made available in support of our frontline enforcement personnel. It requires transparent metrics that were triggered when certain events happened, and it supports border security and law enforcement professionals. This funding would help prevent a humanitarian crisis from spiraling out of control, as it has on this one and on others before it, candidly. If you don't know this, I will tell you: The money that is being spent to deal with this crisis now is being taken away from the funds set aside for the salaries of our law enforcement professionals on the border. That is a fact. We are going to need a massive supplement just to make sure that our Border Patrol agents can get paid. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues, in a bipartisan fashion, to support the security of the United States. This is not about arguing over what President Biden did on January 20. This is about saying, going forward, when we have these crises--and they will occur again-- that we are ready next time, that there is money set aside, that there is a plan, and that when certain things happen, the money kicks in and we are ready to go. That is what I am asking my colleagues, to support the frontline men and women by supporting this provision.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Dennis DePerro, who passed away on March 1, 2021. Dr. DePerro was a champion of higher education, dedicating his life to helping students realize their full potential at universities and colleges across New York State. Since 2017, Dr. DePerro had served as President of St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, New York. In just four short years, Dr. DePerro established himself as a forward thinking and compassionate leader who cared deeply about the students, faculty, and staff he served. As President of St. Bonaventure, he expanded school enrollment, embraced new academic programs, and improved access to online learning. To those who were familiar with Dr. DePerro's work, his success at St. Bonaventure was no surprise. For eighteen years, he accomplished similar feats in my district in Central New York as Vice President for Enrollment at Le Moyne College and played a key role in bettering the college and advancing its core mission. Central New York is immensely grateful to Dr. DePerro for his many contributions to our community. Beyond his astounding work in higher education, Dr. DePerro enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his wife, Sherry, and two sons, Andrew and Matt. His memory lives on through his family and friends. We join all who knew and admired Dr. DePerro in mourning his life. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House join me in honoring Dr. Dennis DePerro. Throughout his career, Dr. DePerro touched many lives and was a blessing to the students, universities and colleges, and communities he served. The passion and commitment he espoused is an inspiration to us all, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy of work that will continue to positively impact students in Upstate New York.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I missed the vote on Roll Call No. 84 on March 17, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 84.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Gordon ``Gordie'' Lane, who passed away on February 23, 2021. In my district in Central New York, Gordie was a proud and tireless veterans advocate who spent decades working to ensure local veterans and their families received the healthcare and recognition they deserve. Gordie was a lifelong Syracuse resident, retiree of the Syracuse Police Department, and proud U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who served in Vietnam. After returning home from Vietnam, Gordie became acutely aware of the unique hardships facing many of his fellow veterans and the lack of support services available. To provide assistance and guidance, Gordie became a founding member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter No. 103, an organization that works to promote the general welfare of local Vietnam Veterans and provides support to those attempting to access benefits or services they are due. As a member of the organization, and later as its president, Gordie worked tirelessly with local officials, law enforcement, and veterans' hospitals to bolster access to critical resources and care for local veterans. Over the years, I had the distinct honor of working personally with Gordie and have partnered with him on a number of efforts to support our veterans community. In addition to his tireless work to address the needs of local veterans, Gordie also passionately worked to recognize their service. Notably, in 1984 Gordie acted as a driving force behind the creation of a local Korea-Vietnam Memorial to commemorate those who served. Today, this memorial serves as a lasting reminder of the great contributions and sacrifices made by local Vietnam and Korean veterans in Central New York. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Gordon ``Gordie'' Lane. Through his many years of advocacy, Gordie has undoubtedly made a positive impact in the lives of hundreds of local veterans. I ask my colleagues to keep him and his family in mind as we celebrate his life.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I will note, in response to my colleagues across the aisle, that there is nothing wrong with enforcing the immigration laws that are on the books. That is all we are talking about doing at the border, and keeping the border secure. Madam Speaker, yesterday, I visited the southern border, and what I saw was unacceptable, full stop. I witnessed the dangerous and rapidly growing impacts of Biden's border crisis. I spoke to Border Patrol agents on the front line of the crisis and witnessed firsthand what they are up against. Thousands of migrants are showing up every week, hanging onto the words and promises of President Biden's goal of relaxing border restrictions. Our Border Patrol agents are underresourced and overwhelmed. They have been put in an untenable situation, with little regard for their health or safety. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas recently announced the Department would begin allocating FEMA resources. FEMA is the agency that is in charge of overseeing the pandemic and delivering vaccines to our American citizens. He has taken resources away from American citizens to deal with this crisis on the border. If FEMA is involved, it is, by definition, a disaster. Last week, senior Department of Homeland Security officials told the committee that Customs and Border Protection doesn't have the capacity to test and quarantine migrants in their custody, and that there was no planning being done to ensure migrants are not released by the Federal Government at the border if they are COVID-19 positive. Thousands have been released. I saw with my own eyes hundreds of people in this facility. Not a single one was tested. And only half of the Border Patrol agents have been inoculated. We don't know how many have COVID-19, and quite frankly, I don't think they want to know. In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, it is the Department's job to ensure it doesn't release anyone who is COVID-19 positive. For this reason, I support efforts to defeat the previous question and bring up commonsense legislation to require that any individual released from CBP or ICE custody tests negative for COVID-19.

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, President Biden's knee-jerk reversal of productive, effective border security policies from the previous administration was a political calculation that has, quite frankly, backfired and created a humanitarian, security, and public health crisis. We can't allow our Nation's progress in overcoming the ongoing pandemic to be undermined by dangerous policies allowing individuals with COVID-19 to be released into our communities. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote to defeat the previous question.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I missed the vote on Roll Call No. 66 on March 9, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 66. Additionally, on Roll Call No. 68, I mistakenly voted YEA and would like to correct my vote to a NAY.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 66.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bill and Jane Fox of Fox Dealerships in Central New York as they settle into well-deserved retirements. For nearly fifty years, Bill and Jane, siblings and co- owners of Fox Dealerships, have operated a thriving local business and demonstrated great generosity and care for the community they serve. Growing up in Manheim, Pennsylvania, Bill and Jane gained an early appreciation for the automotive industry by spending their summers working with their father, a used car wholesaler. In 1976, Jane purchased her first auto dealership in Weedsport, New York, while her brother practiced law in Syracuse. Jane became one of the first female dealers in the Northeast and established herself as a leader in the industry. In 1979, Bill left his law firm to grow the family brand with the purchase of a second dealership in Auburn, New York. Over 40 years, Bill and Jane expanded their business, owning as many as 14 dealerships, and becoming a household name in Central New York. Across Central New York, the Fox family has also become well-known for philanthropy and investment in the community. Local schools, hospitals, and charities have all benefited from both Bill and Jane's time and resources. The siblings have also always shared a strong commitment to hiring local workers and promoting them to senior positions. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing Bill and Jane Fox. Together, they have made a tremendous impact in our region through their business and efforts to give back to the community. I wish them both the best in their retirements.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my dear friend Noreen Reale Falcone, who passed away on February 6, just shy of her 84th birthday. Quite simply, Noreen led a remarkable life. She was a lifelong educator, a passionate philanthropist, and a cherished community leader who lived her life in service to others. A Syracuse native, Noreen started her career working as an elementary school teacher. There she developed a passion for helping young people achieve their dreams and become well-rounded adults who strive to make the world more just and humane. Even before she started teaching, Noreen always focused on philanthropy. Her family recounted a time to me when she was a child and received a new bicycle for Christmas. Instead of keeping it for herself, she gave it to someone less advantaged than her. That is Noreen. In adulthood, she served on countless charitable boards, an incredible amount of boards that she was on. She also served as president of the board of trustees at Manlius Pebble Hill School and in a wide range of roles at her alma mater Le Moyne College. In recognition of Noreen's contributions to education and her service to the community, in 1998, Le Moyne named its library the Noreen Reale Falcone Library. Beyond her love for education and philanthropy, Noreen was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 60 years, Michael, better known as Mickey, 4 kids, and 13 grandkids. She so loved her grandkids and her kids that she actually put statues in her yard so when they weren't there in the later years, she could look out and be reminded of them when she sees these statues. That is the kind of person she was. She was also a woman of strong Catholic faith who was an active parishioner at St. Mary's of the Lake in Skaneateles and participated in service missions around the world. Remarkably, she was the first female ever elected president of the 900- plus-year-old order of the Knights of Malta, an incredible feat. Noreen will leave behind an enduring legacy that will live on through the many community works she championed and the countless lives, including mine, that she uplifted through her educational endeavors. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring the life and legacy of Noreen Falcone. May she rest in peace.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a proud American who has the distinct honor of serving this great body. As a Member of Congress, we take an oath to defend the Constitution because at times it needs defending. On January 6, the Nation watched as insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, threatened the safety of countless individuals, and successfully, albeit it temporarily, disrupted our process. In the midst of the attack, hundreds of Capitol Police officers heroically upheld their duty to defend the United States and protect those who work here. Many officers were severely injured and beaten, including one of my former interns. Tragically, one officer, Officer Brian Sicknick, succumbed to the injuries he sustained. To Officer Sicknick's family, I extend my deepest condolences. Know that we are praying for you. To all Capitol Police officers, we are deeply thankful for your bravery. Because of you, thousands of lives were protected, and the people's work was able to resume. Now, just as the Capitol Police protected us, Congress must match that courage and protect the Constitution, our democratic processes, and this Nation. The President's role in the insurrection is undeniable. Both on social media ahead of January 6 and in his speech that day, he deliberately promoted baseless theories, creating a combustible environment of misinformation and division. To allow the President of the United States to incite this attack without consequences is a direct threat to the future of this democracy. For this reason, I will vote to impeach this President tomorrow. The bill before us tonight is a nonbinding resolution, which requests the Vice President to invoke the 25th Amendment, a step he has already said he will not take. It is merely a symbolic gesture, and I will oppose that resolution. After last week's attack on the Capitol, it is clear our Nation is more divided than ever in recent history. We began this great experiment over 240 years ago. To preserve it, we must remember that our faith, race, or political party is not what unites us. What unites us is that we are Americans. I would encourage members of this body, and everyone at home, to remember that simple truth.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Judge Martha Walsh Hood, who has been a New York Family Court Judge in Onondaga County for 20 years. Judge Walsh Hood has been a dedicated public servant and a strong advocate for Central New York families throughout her career, and I am honored to know her. After graduating from Syracuse University College of Law in 1979, Judge Walsh Hood began a long and respectable career as a lawyer. In 2000, Judge Walsh Hood was appointed as a Family Court Judge for New York's fifth judicial district and was subsequently designated as an acting State Supreme Court Justice. Additionally, she was the Presiding Justice of the Onondaga Integrated Domestic Violence Court, which she helped found, until June of 2005. Throughout her career, Judge Walsh Hood has displayed a strong commitment to preserving the integrity of the law and advocating for the children and families of Central New York. She has repeatedly demonstrated the strength of her character through her fairness, unmatched work ethic, and her dedication to public service. During her time at the New York Family Court, she helped create and organize the annual National Adoption Day celebration in Central New York. Each year on National Adoption Day, judges from courts around Central New York volunteer to finalize numerous adoptions and celebrate their new families while raising awareness of the thousands of children in foster care. Judge Walsh Hood generously volunteers each year to organize this important event as a demonstration of her commitment to Central New York families. Outside of her career, Judge Walsh Hood is a dedicated wife to her husband, Paul, and a loving mother to her two children. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing the distinguished career of Martha Walsh Hood. A dedicated public servant, I wish Judge Walsh Hood the best in her retirement.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career of Ron Lombard, as he retires after nearly 40 years in Central New York news. Ron is giant in local media. A key player in developing the region's first 24-hour news station, he helped revolutionize the way Central New Yorkers get their news, and throughout his career has inspired and mentored some of the region's most celebrated reporters and media professionals. Ron Lombard grew up in Central New York and graduated from Solvay High School before going on to study at Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications. After graduating in 1981, he began his career working as a reporter for WCBA in Corning, and in Central New York at WFBL, WSEN, and WSYR. Eventually, Ron secured a position at WSYR as the Assignment Editor, and later, at the age of 31, began working at WIXT-TV as the News Director. In 2002, Ron took over as News Director at Time Warner Cable as the company embarked on an ambitious project: launching a 24-hour news channel in Syracuse. Ron was instrumental in the development and direction of the station, working long hours to make this dream a reality. In 2003, in recognition of this work, Ron was given the honor of pushing the button to bring the new station to air. Since its debut, Time Warner Cable, now Spectrum News, has become one of the most trusted and reliable sources of news for Central New York, providing around-the-clock coverage to a market that has more than 600,000 subscribers. Under his leadership, Ron guided the news team through periods of rapid growth and change, all while upholding the station's commitment to accuracy. Ron oversaw and helped professionally support a staff of over 70 photographers, reporters, assignment desk editors, and producers. Outside of work, Ron is dedicating to giving back to his hometown. He is deeply involved with the Brewerton United Methodist Church, and for many years served on the boards of Leadership Greater Syracuse and the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, which supports children who have suffered from abuse. He is a proud husband to his wife Deb and father to his daughter, Abby. At Spectrum News and throughout his career, Ron has been known for his outstanding work ethic, impeccable reputation, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of reporters and media professionals. His impact is far-reaching and will be celebrated for years to come. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing the distinguished career of Ron Lombard. A revolutionary figure in Central New York news, I wish Ron Lombard the best in his retirement.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John ``Jack'' Reale, Sr., who passed away at the age of 91 on November 24, 2020. Mr. Reale was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a respected and accomplished engineer in our community. A lifelong Central New Yorker, Mr. Reale was born during the Great Depression into a family of Italian immigrants on the North Side of Syracuse. He attended North High School and went on to study electrical engineering at Syracuse University. He graduated with Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and completed several Ph.D. courses. In 1958, Mr. Reale was hired as a radar antenna designer by General Electric. An innovator by nature, Mr. Reale holds four U.S. patents and one international patent for his radar antenna designs. He designed the PAR radar antenna, which revolutionized radar antenna design, and the PAR radar, which became the largest radar instillation in the world. Later in his career, Mr. Reale designed the antenna for the Over-the- Horizon radar, which is currently the largest radar in the world. Today, many of Mr. Reale's designs are still in use, serving to detect and track ballistic missiles and protect our nation against foreign threats. Outside of his career, Mr. Reale was an active member of his community. After retiring, he began a weekly luncheon club for retired engineers. He thoroughly enjoyed playing handball, golf, and tennis, and was an active member of Our Lady of Pompei Church and the Men's Holy Name Society. Mr. Reale was a loving husband to his wife, Jeanette, and role-model to his five children and eight grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing Mr. John Reale, Sr. A cherished member of our Central New York community, Mr. Reale will be deeply missed. I ask my colleagues to keep him and his family in mind as we celebrate his life.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. S. 4902 would designate the U.S. courthouse in Salt Lake City, Utah, as the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse. Senator Hatch served the citizens of Utah and our Nation for many years. First elected to the U.S. Senate in 1976, Senator Hatch served in the other body for 42 years during seven different Presidential administrations. Prior to his retirement, Senator Hatch served as President pro tempore and was third in line for Presidential succession from 2015 to 2019. Senator Hatch has a longstanding record of bipartisanship, having cosponsored or sponsored more than 750 bills that became law. His leadership as chairman of three major Senate committees helped pave the way for critical financial, judicial, and health legislation. I think it is fitting to honor the dedication and service of Senator Hatch by naming this courthouse after him. I say that as a Federal prosecutor of 20 years. Madam Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Stewart).

Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In closing, Senator Hatch was one of the longest-serving members of the U.S. Senate, often working on a bipartisan basis to get the work of the American people done. This bill will honor and recognize his dedication and decades of service to this great Nation. Madam Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career of central New York broadcasting legend Roderic Woodruff Groat, and to celebrate his retirement after more than 50 years on television in our community. Better known as ``Rod Wood,'' he is a household name in central New York and a trusted source of news throughout our region. For five decades, he has been there to deliver the news to families throughout our community. Before beginning his career in broadcasting, Rod proudly served in the U.S. Army with the 504th Military Police Battalion. In 1976, he worked on NewsChannel 9, and has been a fixture at the station ever since. Outside of work, Rod is extremely devoted to his family. He stood in support of his wife, Nanette, through her 9-year battle with cancer, and proudly celebrated 52 years of marriage before her passing earlier this year. Together, Rod and Nanette raised 5 children and were blessed with 10 grandchildren. The dean of central New York broadcasting, our community will truly miss welcoming Rod Wood into our communities and our homes every evening. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring Rod Wood for a remarkable 50-year career in journalism. I wish him all the best in his retirement.