Timothy Kennedy

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Citi Global Community Day, an annual event held throughout the globe, where Citi workers and volunteers come together to support and give back to the neighborhoods and communities where they live and work. For more than two centuries, Citi has shown up for those in need. Citi colleagues, alumni, partners, clients, family and friends dedicate their time and skills through hundreds of events year-round, and also come together globally for the annual Global Community Day campaign. Through their collective efforts, they help address critical community needs, support local organizations, and drive meaningful change across the globe. Structured to address specific community needs including literacy, housing, environmental protection, nutrition, and health care, Citi Global Community Day has provided quality volunteer opportunities that empower participants to make a meaningful and lasting impact in communities around the world. Over the last two decades, more than a million volunteers have come together to contribute their time and skills, supporting communities around the world through hands-on service and meaningful engagement. This year, the Citi Buffalo team will have four hundred volunteers packing 50,000 meals for Western New York families in collaboration with U.S. Hunger to be distributed to community partners, including the Buffalo City Mission and FeedMore Western New York. This critical effort will help address food insecurity by providing essential meals to families and community members in need across the region. Today, we thank the volunteers and colleagues of Citi as they celebrate Citi Global Community Day. The organization's unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering neighborhoods and communities across the globe. Citi Global Community Day continually adapts to meet the needs of our community and future generations by inspiring their limitless potential, and I join all Western New Yorkers in thanking all who are participating.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the Bennett-Wells American Legion Post 1780's 80th Anniversary. This historic milestone is a testament to the enduring strength, spirit, and service of African American Veterans throughout our nation. Founded on June 2, 1946, in honor of Private James Bennett and Lieutenant Johnson C. Wells, the first two African American soldiers from Buffalo, New York, whose lives were lost in the line of duty during WWII. The Post was organized to meet the needs of African American Veterans throughout Western New York who didn't have a place to gather. Over the decades, the Bennett-Wells American Legion Post 1780 has served as more than a veterans organization--it has been a cornerstone of fellowship, advocacy, and community service for generations of veterans and their families. The Post has remained committed to honoring the sacrifices of African American servicemen and women, while creating opportunities for mentorship, civic engagement, and support throughout the Western New York community. Through its programs and community outreach, the Bennett-Wells American Legion Post 1780 has continued to provide critical support services such as veteran assistance, youth mentorship initiatives, and remembrance ceremonies honoring fallen service members. Community members throughout Western New York cherish the Bennett-Wells American Legion Post 1780's resilience and unwavering dedication to preserving local history, and ensuring that the contributions of African American veterans are recognized and passed down to future generations. The Post's continuous drive to support both the African American community and the wider Western New York community has allowed the organization to strengthen ties while upholding its founding mission of honoring service and sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the Bennett-Wells American Legion Post 1780's 80th anniversary, may we all take pride in its history, leadership, and service, and may we look forward with hope to all that it will continue to be. On behalf of a grateful community, we thank the Bennett-Wells American Legion Post 1780 for its leadership, inclusivity, and example. Its extraordinary contribution to Buffalo's rich tapestry of cultures has served as a beacon of light and we are all better because of it.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the history of western New York: the 100th anniversary of The Buffalo Criterion. Founded by Frank Merriweather, Sr., and his wife, Carmelita, The Criterion is the oldest Black-owned newspaper in western New York and the oldest Black-owned business in Erie County. For over a century, four generations of the Merriweather family have carried forward a simple but powerful mission: to tell the stories that too often go untold and to ensure that Buffalo's Black community has a voice that is heard loud and clear. Frank Merriweather, Sr., a graduate of the Tuskegee Institute, who studied under Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver, understood that journalism would be a force for justice, opportunity, and change. That vision has endured for 100 years and counting. From the extraordinary leadership of Frank Merriweather, Jr., to Evelyn Patterson Merriweather, Frank Merriweather III, Dr. Eva Doyle, and countless dedicated journalists, photographers, and community leaders, The Criterion has chronicled the triumphs, struggles, and aspirations of generations of western New Yorkers. When our community faced tragedy following the racist terrorist attack at Tops on Jefferson on May 14, 2022, The Buffalo Criterion helped to tell Buffalo's story to the Nation and the global community. In a moment of profound grief, it became a source of truth, moral clarity, strength, and healing. That is what The Criterion does. It leads. For 100 years, The Criterion has spoken truth to power, preserved history, amplified local voices, and strengthened our community. Today, we honor its extraordinary legacy and congratulate everyone who has played a role and helped to make The Buffalo Criterion an enduring institution in Buffalo and throughout western New York. I congratulate them on a century of work, and here is to many, many more years to come.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of a remarkable young western New Yorker and St. Joe's student, Dominic P. Strangio of Niagara Falls, whose courageous battle with cancer came to an end on April 22, 2026, at just 16 years old. Dominic was a beloved son to Frank and Sara, a devoted big brother to Sofia and Frankie, and a treasured grandson, cousin, teammate, classmate, and friend. Though his time on this Earth was far too short, the impact he made on those around him will endure for generations. Dominic was a proud Marauder, attending St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute. As someone who walked those halls myself, I know firsthand the values St. Joe's seeks to instill: faith, brotherhood, compassion, and service to others. Dominic embodied those values in every sense. The entire St. Joe's community mourns this immeasurable loss alongside the Strangio family, united in both grief and gratitude for having known such an extraordinary young man. On the baseball field, Dominic was someone his teammates could depend on. Off the field, he loved hanging out with his cherished friends, going on fishing trips with his papa, and spending Sunday afternoons at his nonna's kitchen table. He found joy in the simple gifts of life and treasured every moment spent with his brother and sister. It was not only how Dominic lived his life before his diagnosis that inspired so many. It was how he faced adversity. Throughout his illness, Dominic demonstrated courage and grace far beyond his years. Guided by his faith, he remained selfless, optimistic, and resilient. He never complained. He continued to think of others even as he confronted challenges that few adults could ever imagine. Dominic's strength became a source of inspiration to his family, friends, classmates, and our entire community. Mr. Speaker, while Dominic's years were few, his example was immense. May we all carry forward his kindness, faith, resilience, and love for his family. To Dominic's parents, Frank and Sara; his brother, Frankie; his sister, Sofia; and all who mourn this tremendous loss, our Nation and our community mourn with you. St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us. Live, Jesus, in our hearts forever. May Dominic Strangio rest in peace. Celebrating 100th Anniversary of The Buffalo Criterion

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the floor and missed roll call vote number 227. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 227 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2478.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Willie Underwood III of Buffalo, New York, who was sworn in to serve as the 181st president of the American Medical Association on June 9, 2026. A respected urological surgeon, public health expert, and advocate for equitable care, Dr. Underwood has spent over two decades serving patients in Buffalo and is the second urologist and third Black physician to serve as AMA president. Dr. Underwood is a graduate of Morehouse College and earned his master's degrees from the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, and the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Dr. Underwood completed medical training in general and urological surgery at The University of Connecticut Health Center and was one of the first five urologists to be admitted into the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program. During his inaugural address as AMA president, Dr. Underwood reminded us that advocating for patients also means advocating for the physicians who care for them, ensuring they have the support, resources, and environment needed to meet the growing demands of this moment. Dr. Underwood's leadership comes at a critical moment, as doctors and patients alike face rising costs, workforce shortages, and shrinking Federal support. With Dr. Underwood at the helm, the AMA is in strong, steady hands, and I know that together we can build a healthcare system that works for both patients and providers. Western New York is proud to call Dr. Willie Underwood III one of our own, and we are excited for the rest of the country to share in the benefits of his work. On behalf of a grateful nation and community, I congratulate my good friend Dr. Willie Underwood.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Mother Christine Ashley Davis, affectionately known as Granny, who passed away on April 18, 2026, at the age of 99. Born in Macon, Georgia, on September 4, 1926, to Adrian Ashley and Mamie Holliman, she built a life centered around compassion and service. She brought those values to Buffalo in 1945, becoming a deeply respected leader in our community. Singing every Sunday in the choir at Calvary Baptist, dedicating herself to the missionary board at White Rock Baptist, and later becoming a beloved spiritual mother to multiple fellowships, she served God not only in word but in action. Christine mentored generations of believers and brought that same devotion to her professional life, working for decades as a senior receptionist at several community centers across the region and also spending time with the Erie County Board of Elections. Beyond her contributions to our great region, her greatest joy was her family. She and her late husband, Willie A. Davis, Sr., raised 12 wonderful children, laying the foundation for a remarkable family legacy that grew to include 38 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-great-grandchildren. Her family and friends will forever remember her radiant smile and the genuineness of her spirit. She was a woman who loved to dance and spend time with her friends, particularly playing cards with her loved ones, a pastime she enjoyed while wearing a backward baseball cap. Mother Christine Ashley Davis showed us all how to live with immense kindness and respect for others. On behalf of a grateful community and nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in offering sincere condolences to her family as they reflect and celebrate on her extraordinary life. May Granny, Mother Christine Ashley Davis, rest in peace. Congratulating Dr. Willie Underwood III

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Immigrant Heritage Month, I rise today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Westminster Economic Development Initiative, better known across Buffalo and western New York as WEDI. For two decades, this extraordinary organization has been a driving force for opportunity and empowerment in the City of Good Neighbors. Through its work in education and economic development, WEDI has helped thousands of western New Yorkers of all ZIP Codes, backgrounds, and languages build stronger futures. From literacy programs that prepare young people for success in school to small business initiatives, like the West Side Bazaar, that provide entrepreneurs with mentorship and access to capital, WEDI opens doors and expands opportunities across our community. What makes WEDI so special is that it recognizes the talent and potential already present in our communities and provides people with the tools they need to thrive. In neighborhoods too often overlooked, WEDI has created pathways to economic mobility, empowered working families, and helped build a more inclusive and equitable Buffalo. Today, we celebrate 20 years of impact, leadership, and service. I thank everyone at WEDI for their unwavering commitment to western New York and for helping to ensure that the American Dream remains within reach for every member of our community. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate WEDI on this anniversary. Onward to even more.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Buffalo Juneteenth Festival, one of the great cultural traditions in western New York and one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the United States of America. Since 1976, countless participants have marched in Buffalo to celebrate the day in American history when word finally reached Galveston, Texas, in 1865 that President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation more than 2 years prior. For those who were forced to wait, every day carried a profound human cost, but alongside injustice, Juneteenth is a story of what formerly enslaved men and women built with their freedom. Despite extraordinary obstacles and oppression, these Americans fought to claim their place in our democracy. In the process, they expanded the promise of America itself. Generations of Black Americans confronted and overcame barriers that were designed to exclude them, including Jim Crow's literacy tests, poll taxes, and racial violence, refusing to surrender the belief that America could become more faithful to its founding ideals. The struggle for Black America did not end in 1865 with the passage of the 13th Amendment, 14th Amendment, and 15th Amendment; with the civil rights movement; or with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It continues right now, as we bear witness to the concerted, intentional campaign to take our Nation backward. The dismantling of the Voting Rights Act is allowing States across the South to enact racist gerrymanders and dilute Black political power. Moments like these remind us of the significance of Juneteenth and that our democracy is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance. That is why Buffalo's Juneteenth Festival is so important. For 50 years, this gathering has continued the unfinished work of building a more just and inclusive nation. I extend my deepest gratitude to President Carrone Evon Crump, the festival committee, the volunteers, and the community leaders, whose dedication has sustained this extraordinary Buffalo institution for 50 years. As we commemorate this golden anniversary, may we all remember Juneteenth's call to protect freedom. celebrating 20th anniversary of westminster economic development initiative

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman McIver and all of my colleagues that have joined me here this evening. The western New York community, the national community was impacted in a gut-wrenching way on May 14, 2022. I vividly remember the minutes, hours, and days after the shooting. As it occurred, I was with my family out of town when I received a call from Zeneta Everhart, then my director of diversity, equity, and inclusion in my New York State Senate office, who is now president pro tempore of the Buffalo Common Council, representing the Masten District. She herself had just received the most awful phone call any parent can imagine. Her only child, Zaire, an employee at Tops, called her screaming and crying. ``Mom, Mom, I have been shot.'' Zaire had been doing what any parent would want their child to be doing: He was helping an elderly customer load her groceries into her car. That is when the first shots were fired in the parking lot. Zaire was shot and went to the ground, unable to get himself up, and in that moment, finding the courage and strength in being able to remove himself from the situation and run for help. Time stood still. Nothing prepares a parent for that call and nothing prepares a friend on how to best be there to provide comfort and support. Zaire was the only Black person shot that day who survived. By the grace of God he survived. He had been hit in the neck and the shoulder with a hollow point bullet shot by an AR-15 rifle. He is now alive and thriving, giving all glory to God, but the physical and emotional scars will live with him and his family forever. Frantic phone calls to friends, family, colleagues in government, and law enforcement followed for me as we struggled to understand what had happened. I immediately got into my car, left my family, and drove 5 hours back to Buffalo. I had to see my friend. I had to be with our community, and I had to make sure that she and they knew that they had the support of our entire community every step of the way. When I arrived back to Buffalo to be with Zeneta and our neighbors as we processed the gravity of what had just occurred, our whole city was going through the same process, feeling an excruciating combination of emotions: despair, heartbreak, rage, anger, confusion, but also resolve. In the face of one of the most unimaginable tragedies and hardships that the City of Good Neighbors, Buffalo, New York, had ever experienced, we received support not just from each other but statewide, nationally, and even internationally. We saw an almost immediate call to action to enact gun violence prevention legislation at the State level in the New York State legislature just days later. It was legislation that I was incredibly proud to help craft and pass. We demanded action federally, including when I joined Zeneta here on the Hill as she testified before the House, along with the son of Ruth Whitfield, another victim, former Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield, and the families of the victims of the Uvalde massacre, which spurred the first Federal gun violence action in decades. We saw a devastated community finding the resolve to come together as one with compassion, solidarity, and resilience. We met hatred and evil with love and friendship because love always conquers hate. There were food donations for a neighborhood that was reeling and had lost its only supermarket. World Central Kitchen was on the ground within days, ensuring that a grieving community could break bread together over a hot meal and begin to process the trauma they had endured. We had visits from President Biden and Vice President Harris, reminding us that an entire nation stood by our side. We saw memorials sprout up almost immediately, a raw display of the pain that we felt. We saw the creation of a 5/14 Memorial Foundation and Living Memorial and Healing Center, dedicated to honoring the lives of those lost and supporting the victims' families. As we buried our 10 neighbors, we honored each of them for the lives that they lived. We committed to ourselves that their memories would not be forgotten and that their legacies would live on. I personally promised each family at every funeral that their loved ones would not die in vain, that their memories would spur us as a community and, ultimately, as a nation into action to prevent further tragedies like this from occurring. Under Councilwoman Everhart's leadership, Buffalo has established an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, showing that even in the face of Federal inaction, communities can still take charge of their own future. We continue to witness a never-ending pursuit of justice for the innocent victims who were gunned down. Today, while the trauma for many still lingers, we are reminded of that resolve, the unwavering sense of community and dedication to one another, united in mourning but motivated by the shared desire to enact change. Part of that change, as mentioned by my colleagues, is enacting gun violence prevention legislation. Mr. Speaker, in memory of Lieutenant Salter and his fellow victims who died on this day 4 years ago, I am proud to lead the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act. This bill, which I am proud to co-lead with Congresswoman Grace Meng, bans the sale and ownership of enhanced body armor--hard-shell, military-grade, rifle-resistant body armor that was used to carry out the Tops mass shooting. This is body armor that should only be in the hands of our military and law enforcement. On 5/14, the terrorist acted in just 123 seconds to murder 10 innocent individuals and severely injure 3 others, all thanks to the enhanced body armor that protected him from Lieutenant Salter's shots and an assault rifle that allowed him to fire rapidly. No civilian should have access to military-grade body armor, equipment that is designed for war, not our streets. The Lieutenant Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act ensures that no civilian can possess military-grade body armor ever again--armor that has been used in mass shootings across the United States: Sutherland Springs, Texas; Aurora, Colorado; Boulder, Colorado; San Bernardino, California; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The list goes on and on and on. Through this legislation, we can ensure that enhanced body armor never falls into the wrong hands again. With the support of 27 of my House Democratic cosponsors, currently, and growing, I call on the U.S. House of Representatives to pass this critical, commonsense legislation. The legislation and our action must not end there. Gun violence legislation can help stop mass shootings. We have deep wounds in this country that we must work on together to heal. While gun violence legislation can help stop mass shootings, I believe, with every fiber of my being, that we cannot discuss May 14, 2022, without acknowledging the underlying cause--the scourge of white supremacy, a legacy of our Nation's original sin of slavery. Before the advent of this Nation, families were torn apart and trafficked across the Atlantic in unimaginably torturous conditions to be sold to the highest bidder, treated like livestock. Making it all worse, it was legal. From the three-fifths compromise to the Fugitive Slave Act to the Dred Scott decision, an entire legal framework was set up to enforce white supremacy, and I am just scratching the surface. Even after the Civil War, when slavery was abolished at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives, and despite the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, that legal framework continued under the guise of Jim Crow laws--grandfather clauses, poll taxes, literacy tests--all legal but deeply immoral. It continued in the shadows through hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan. It took our country another century to pass the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. Yet, still, that original sin remains. It remains in the tacit racism we see through redlining and food deserts. It remains with the Supreme Court's evisceration of the Voting Rights Act, allowing States to break up communities of color and silence their voices. It remains with the vile concepts like the great replacement theory, often peddled by anti-American voices on the far right, including people in Congress whom we serve with today. With the advent of social media, we have thrown gasoline on the fire, allowing this toxic worldview to spread even faster, with dire consequences. That hatred led a man to plan this massacre in Buffalo 4 years ago. He purchased his weapon and body armor. He modified his rifle and purchased some of the deadliest ammunition available, crossing State lines. He researched his target, drove nearly 3 hours, and opened fire. He bears responsibility for his actions, and he will never see the light of day as a free man again. We must raise our children to view their fellow human beings with dignity, with kindness, with empathy, and with acceptance. If we don't, then the list of hate-motivated shootings will continue to grow. More cities will be added to the list after Buffalo, El Paso, Pittsburgh, Charleston, and Orlando. Nobody believes that we can legislate hatred away, but the policies advanced here in Washington have cascading effects across our country. When we allow communities of color to be silenced, we are strengthening hate. When we stick our heads in the sand and push forward a rose- colored version of our history and whitewash our history, we only enable bigotry to take root. When we refuse to learn from the lessons of the past, we are dooming ourselves to a future filled with violence, and that is something we can control. It is something we can legislate. I invite my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and from all political points of view to join us in this fight, or else this carnage will only continue. Mr. Speaker, in honor of these beautiful souls, these wonderful and beautiful souls that were lost, I would like to read into the Congressional Record a little bit about each of them. Lieutenant Aaron Salter, Jr., a hero and public servant who saved lives that day as he confronted the shooter without hesitation. He was a loving husband, father, friend, and colleague to many over his years in public service. In his spare time, he was a musician. He took a keen interest in cars. He enjoyed taking trips with his family. He will be remembered not just for the selflessly heroic actions he took that day to save lives but for the person he was and his contributions to our community. His memory lives on in each of us as a shining example of citizenship, bravery, and love. Andre Mackneil was at the supermarket on that fateful day to buy a surprise birthday cake for his 3-year-old son, Andre Mackneil, Jr. He never came home with his son's birthday cake. Andre loved basketball, playing the guitar, writing poems, and listening to music. But most of all, he loved his family. He loved his children. He loved his siblings. He loved his grandchildren. Today, 4 years later, Andre's loved ones are forced to reckon with grief every day as they navigate his absence. Celestine Chaney was a devoted mother to her son, Wayne, a loving grandmother of six, and the youngest of four sisters. She was survived by her partner and fiance, Raymond Johnson. A fighter in every sense of the word, she had beaten breast cancer and survived multiple brain aneurysms, odds that would have broken most. But on a day like any other, while picking up ingredients for the strawberry shortcake she was making for her family, she was taken from this world far too soon. Geraldine Talley, known as Gerri to her friends and family, was 62 years old. She was a devoted member of our community who worked at a nonprofit assisting people with mental illness and related substance abuse issues. She loved to cook for her family and friends. She was at Tops on 5/14 shopping for a few ingredients for a weekly waterfront picnic with her fiance. Gerri left behind her children, Genicia Smith and Mark Tally, Jr.; a stepdaughter, Marquish Jacobs; four siblings; and her beloved fiance, Gregory Allen. Katherine Massey, known to many as Kat, was 72 years old. Kat worked for 40 years for Blue Cross Blue Shield and was always committed to the betterment of our community. She was a longtime campaigner against gun violence, founding We Are Women Warriors with her friends Betty Jean Grant and Dr. Eva Doyle. She was a regular contributor to the Buffalo Challenger and The Buffalo Criterion. Kat was also an active resident in Buffalo's Fruit Belt neighborhood, helping to form a block club and successfully fighting for the creation of a new public park on her home street of Cherry Street. She is survived by her siblings and her nieces and nephews. Heyward Patterson was 67 years old. He was in his truck waiting for a friend he drove to Tops to pick up groceries, something he often did for those in need. A deeply devoted servant of God, Heyward was a deacon at the State Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Buffalo. According to his fellow churchgoers, Deacon Patterson was often the first one to arrive and the last to leave. He helped open and close the church, clean, shovel, and he volunteered in every capacity, including in the church's soup kitchen. He is survived by his three children, his beloved wife, as well as his parents, siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Margus Morrison, a beloved and devoted father, built his life in Buffalo raising his children with his companion of 25 years, Regina Patterson, and serving as an aid for the Buffalo public schools. Margus was just 52 years old when his life was stolen from us. He was known as a reliable and steady presence in our community who was always there when his loved ones needed him. Margus' family and friends remember a kind and generous person whose sense of humor and unwavering support defined every moment they shared with him. Pearl Young, was a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and the devoted wife of Oliver Young, Jr. A graduate of the University of Buffalo, Pearl served as a substitute teacher at Buffalo Public Schools for 20 years. In her free time she was active with the Good Samaritan Church of God and Christ in Cheektowaga where she taught Sunday school and volunteered at the parish's food pantry. She was the loving mother of James, Pamela, Damon and sister of Annie Ruth Winston and Jean Craig. She was a grandmother to 10 and a great- grandmother to 7. Roberta Drury was 32 years old. She moved to Buffalo to help care for her brother who was recovering from his battle with leukemia. She was murdered while picking up groceries for him. Robbie, as she was called growing up, was the kind soul defined by her unwavering love for family and a smile that was known to light up a room. She was survived by her parents, her grandfather, her beloved siblings, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, and friends. Ruth Whitfield was the mother of our community. Ruth Whitfield was 86 years old. She was a longtime parishioner at Durham Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church where she sang in the choir. She was a devoted wife, caring for her husband and soulmate of 68 years, Garnell Whitfield. Earlier that day on May 14, Ruth had visited her husband at the nursing home just as she had done every day and had made a stop at the grocery store on her way home. She left behind her husband and their children along with nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and five great-great- grandchildren. May all of their souls rest in peace. Our city, our State, our community, and our country mourn with them, but we are driven in their memory to do better for all of us and for future generations that we will never meet. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for joining me here today to honor the souls that we lost on May 14, 2022, 4 years ago today. I want to thank the Congressional Black Caucus and the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force for joining in as well in commemorating this fourth anniversary of the Tops Friendly Markets massacre. Today, we honor the victims and their families, and we urge this body to pass meaningful gun violence prevention legislation to ensure we live in a country free from tragedies like 5/14. May God bless their souls. May God bless all of us. May God bless the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Kelly for her remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. McIver).

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Ivey very much for his remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Kelly).

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman McBath for her extraordinary courage and leadership in taking that pain of hers and her family's and turning it into triumph and turning it into positive action for our communities and our Nation. We are indebted to her. Mr. Speaker, I now yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ivey).

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Latimer for his remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath).

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Latimer).

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart as we commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Tops Supermarket shooting in my community of Buffalo, New York. On May 14, 2022, 4 years ago today, a racist white supremacist terrorist traveled more than 2\1/2\ hours to the only grocery store in a predominantly Black neighborhood on the east side of Buffalo to carry out a targeted act of pure hatred. Motivated by racism and hate in his heart, the gunman entered Tops Friendly Markets with enhanced body armor and an AR-style rifle. He shot 13 people, 10 of them fatally. On this solemn anniversary, we remember the precious souls we lost 4 years ago today: Andre Mackniel, beloved father and brother; Celestine Chaney, a cancer survivor and grandmother to six beautiful children; Geraldine Talley, a proud mother, a sister to eight siblings, and an aunt; Heyward Patterson, a deacon at the State Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Buffalo; Kat Massey, a civil rights activist, volunteer, and fierce advocate for gun violence prevention; Margus Morrison, a father and an aide for the Buffalo Public Schools; Pearl Young, a teacher in the Buffalo School District and pillar in her church community; Roberta Drury, an active community member, sister, and caregiver; Ruth Whitfield, a devoted caretaker, wife, mother, and grandmother; and Lieutenant Aaron Salter, Jr., a public servant, retired Buffalo police officer, and a hero who sacrificed his life that day to serve those around him. In just 123 seconds, those 10 innocent lives were stolen from us, marking one of the darkest days in Buffalo's history and in America's history. The perpetrator, radicalized by white supremacist content online, fired a barrage of 50 shots, hellbent on one goal: killing as many Black community members as possible, all while live streaming it to the world. It was a sick and twisted act of hatred and racist violence in America. Today is a difficult day for our community, for the people of western New York, and for our country, as we mourn those we lost due to this senseless act of racist gun violence. Yet, the carnage on that day could have been far worse if it weren't for the heroic actions of Lieutenant Aaron Salter, Jr., a 30-year veteran of the Buffalo Police Department. That afternoon, Lieutenant Salter was working as a security guard at Tops Friendly Market. When he heard the gunshots, Lieutenant Salter acted without hesitation and leapt into action to protect our community, firing at the shooter and hitting his target, but because this hate-filled terrorist was armed with enhanced body armor and tactical gear, Lieutenant Salter's shots did not penetrate, and he, too, was murdered. Lieutenant Salter died a hero, buying other patrons precious seconds to hide or escape as a result of his unwavering courage and his willingness to protect those in harm's way. Mr. Speaker, I want to ask those listening here throughout the Capitol Complex and at home to join me to pause for a moment of silence to honor the 10 individuals who should be with us here today. Mr. Speaker, because of this hateful act, Buffalo joined an ever- growing list of communities that have been scarred by mass shootings. From Newtown to Monterey Park, to Parkland, to Uvalde, and so many places in between, countless communities across our country, and to Buffalo, we are united today in mourning and in commemoration as we work to ensure that we one day will live in a world where these hateful acts will not happen. When Columbine happened 27 years ago, there was a national promise that we would do everything possible to prevent another tragedy like it, but, yet, entire generations of children have now grown up with the normalization of mass shootings. That reality cannot become normal. We must not allow this to become a permanent reality. On the fourth anniversary of this tragedy in Buffalo, we must use this opportunity to advocate for the advancement of commonsense gun violence prevention legislation in the name of every single person we have lost because of a lack of it. We must condemn acts of hateful, racist violence in all forms, and we must come together as Americans to ensure that our supermarkets, our places of worship, our schools, and everywhere else in our community are free from the scourge of gun violence. This body has a moral obligation to take action. Our charge, on both sides of the aisle, must be to enact the commonsense reforms that the vast majority of Americans overwhelmingly support in order to keep our community safe and prosperous. We must enact a permanent assault weapons ban and make sure that military-grade body armor is only in the hands of our Armed Forces and law enforcement. We must crack down on ghost guns, straw purchasing, and deadly accessories that turn handguns into semiautomatic weapons. We must close the Charleston loophole. We must expand red flag laws. We must strengthen our mental health support networks. We must reaffirm our commitment to ending the gun violence epidemic that plagues this country once and for all. Today, you will hear from Members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. My colleagues from all over the country will join me in honoring the victims of the Top Supermarket shooting, condemning racially motivated violence in all forms, and calling for an end to the gun violence epidemic that plagues this country. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to yield to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib).

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to submit extraneous material in the Record.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, as we commemorate National Police Week, I rise today on behalf of a grateful western New York community and a grateful nation to mourn the passing of Buffalo Police Inspector Daniel E. Redmond, whom we lost on March 4, 2026, at the age of 86. Inspector Redmond's life was defined by service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the City of Good Neighbors, Buffalo, New York. Dan wore the badge for 39 years. He rose through the ranks from patrol officer to lieutenant to captain and, ultimately, to inspector, the highest civil service rank in the department. What defined Dan most was not the title he had but the choices he made, choices that helped him earn the respect of our entire city and community. Dan believed leadership meant standing shoulder to shoulder with the men and women doing the work. It meant being present when it mattered most. As an inspector, Dan could have taken the easy path. He could have worked steady days, avoided weekends, and spent his time behind a desk. Instead, he chose the night shifts and the hardest hours, often working the same shifts as the youngest officers under his command. That was the kind of public servant that Dan Redmond was. That was the kind of leader he was. Over the course of his career, he responded to some of the most difficult and tragic moments our city has ever faced. He was there in the aftermath of violence, in the chaos of crime scenes, and in the solemn heartbreak that follows unspeakable loss. Dan served as the initial command officer at hundreds of incidents, moments that would test anyone's strength, courage, and humanity. Through it all, Dan persevered because of his spirit and his virtue. Those who knew him best knew a kind and easygoing man who led with empathy. Dan cared deeply for his fellow officers. He made it a point to be there for them in their precincts, on the streets, and at the scenes that would stay with them long after their shifts ended. Dan understood that policing is not just about enforcing the law. It is about connecting with the communities that you are sworn to protect. Dan's legacy of service didn't end with him. His son, Daniel, and daughter-in-law, Lissa, both became Buffalo police detectives. His eldest grandson, John, currently serves as a Buffalo police officer. In Buffalo, the Redmond lineage is synonymous with the commitment to protect and serve, thanks to the example Dan set for his family. Outside his uniform, Dan was a devoted husband to his wife, Margaret, for 58 years. Their partnership was built on faith, love, and resilience. Dan was a proud father to Daniel, Mollie, and the late Peggy. He was a beloved grandfather to John, Kierra, Michael, Natalie, Mary Grace, Kyle, Kerilyn, Patrick, Lillian, and the late Margaret. In retirement, Dan found joy in the simple things, like riding his bike through the streets of South Buffalo, reading a good book, and watching a movie with the love of his life. Dan was a man of deep faith, a devoted member of St. Martin of Tours Church, and a steady presence in the neighborhood that shaped him. With Dan's passing, Buffalo lost one of our strongest advocates and guardians. On behalf of a grateful community and a grateful nation, I thank Inspector Redmond. I thank him for the nights he gave up so others could sleep safely. I thank him for the burdens he carried so others would not have to. I thank him for choosing the path of service. Mr. Speaker, Buffalo is safer and stronger because of Dan's work. May we honor his legacy by living up to the example he set to serve with humility and lead with integrity. May Daniel E. Redmond rest in peace.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of Kathleen Anne Koch, who passed away on March 17, 2026, at the age of 78. Kathy was a devoted wife and mother, a proud grandmother, and, above all, a relentless fighter for justice. Born on January 20, 1948, to Michael and Jeanne Honan, Kathy learned at a young age the importance of community, looking out for your neighbor, and never backing down from doing what is right. Kathy grew up in South Buffalo, where she met her husband, Wally. Together, they shared a marriage of 52 years filled with laughter, partnership, and an unwavering devotion to family. Kathy and Wally lived a true love story. They met at a New Year's Eve celebration near McKinley Parkway and got married shortly after at St. Teresa's Church. They were inseparable. They devoted every waking moment to one another and, in the process, created a lifetime full of beautiful memories. After receiving a degree in social work from D'Youville University, Kathy began a career as an employment counselor at the Erie County Department of Social Services. For decades, she helped people find dignity, stability, and economic security. She saw people not as cases but as neighbors, often celebrating their victories as if they were her own. She didn't stop there. Kathy frequently followed up to make sure that those she helped stayed on a path toward success. That is who she was. She never did the bare minimum. She poured her whole heart into helping others each and every day. She passed that calling on to her children, my dear friends, Melanie, Mike, and Walt, each of whom followed in their mother's footsteps and chose a life of service. Melanie became a supervisor of special education for the Buffalo Public Schools, helping students with special needs to reach their full potential. Mike, my former classmate and the best OT to come out of our class at D'Youville University, works as an occupational therapist, helping patients regain independence following traumatic injuries. Walt, one of the most selfless public servants I have ever had the privilege to work with, serves as deputy district director and senior caseworker in my Buffalo office, where he dedicates every day to the betterment of our community. Kathy instilled in her children a deep belief in the power of civic duty and the promise of our democracy. Inspired by leaders like President John F. Kennedy, Kathy believed that if you want to see change, you must fight for it. Kathy never missed an election. She never sat on the sidelines. She knew that one voice could make a difference, and she used her own for the betterment of our community. Kathy was a happy warrior in the fight for a better world. Her compassion was evident in the small, quiet acts that revealed the depth of her character. Kathy was also an avid Buffalo Bills fan who never missed a game. In 1974, when she was nearly 9 months pregnant with identical twins Mike and Walton, she went to Rich Stadium for a Bills playoff game. When the Bills lost their first Super Bowl, she forced her children to skip school to go to the rally in front of Buffalo City Hall to welcome her beloved Bills home. Kathy passed away on St. Patrick's Day, her favorite day of the year, surrounded by her entire family. Like many South Buffalonians, she was proud of her Irish heritage and loved celebrating her roots alongside those she loved. To Kathy's children, Melanie, Mike, and Walt, and her grandchildren, Norah, Nicholas, Noah, and Liam, our Nation mourns with you. Though Kathy will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in each of them in every life that she touched. Western New York is stronger because Kathy Koch was a part of it. May we honor her by carrying forward her fight for a better, more just world. On behalf of a grateful nation and on behalf of a grateful community, may Kathleen Anne Koch rest in peace.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable western New Yorker and my good friend, Edward Herndon, Sr., who passed away on April 19, 2026, at the age of 95. Ed's life was defined by service to our country, our community, and his family. Born in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, on November 10, 1930, to Hubert and Anna B. Herndon, Ed's journey led him to Washington, D.C., and then to western New York, where he would leave an indelible mark on our community and everyone he met. From an early age, Ed embodied the values of hard work, integrity, and faith in action. After graduating from Lackawanna High School, he answered the call to serve and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Ed served with distinction during two tours in Korea and Japan between 1946 and 1950, and he continued his service as an Air Force reservist until 1956. Ed's devotion to our country did not end when he hung up his uniform. At home, he found new ways to serve. He worked with the United States Postal Service, Western Electric, and the city of Buffalo, where his skills and leadership earned him appointment as director of real estate in 1957, a position he held for 16 years. Ed later served on the city Board of Assessment Review, where his approach said everything about him. He was knowledgeable, committed, and, above all, fair. He understood that property assessment is not just a number. It is a real consequence for a family or a senior on a fixed income, and he never forgot that. That sense of humanity was rooted in his faith. For decades, Ed was an active and devoted member of his congregation at St. Philip's Episcopal Church. Faith wasn't just something he professed. It was the life he lived. It showed in his integrity, his honesty, and his extraordinary ability to connect with people. Those who knew Ed the most will remember he had a rare gift for making friends, and he used it generously. Everywhere he went, friendships followed. Whether it was a next-door neighbor, a mail carrier, a police officer, or a Member of Congress, Ed greeted everyone with the same sincerity and respect, a big, friendly hello, a genuine smile, and often a welcoming hug. My own family knew this firsthand. My parents first met Ed at a St. Patrick's Day party, and a friendship was born that lasted decades. When my father served as the Buffalo commissioner of assessment and taxation, he worked alongside Ed on the Board of Assessment Review. He told me Ed was one of the finest examples of a public servant he had ever witnessed, a man who brought his full character to the job and was beyond reproach. Ed never missed a chance to celebrate life, either. Whether it was the Juneteenth Festival, Dyngus Day, or St. Patrick's Day, Ed was there to celebrate with his fellow Buffalonians. Nothing captured that spirit better than his 90th birthday, which was right in the middle of the COVID shutdown. What unfolded was a drive-up celebration unlike any other. Friends, colleagues, and loved ones from every corner of his life lined up to pass by, wave, and wish him well. There was Ed, sitting at the curb, greeting every single car with that same infectious smile, that same wave, celebrating right back. It wasn't a birthday party as much as a testament to a life well-lived. As extraordinary a servant as he was to the public, Ed's proudest legacy was his family. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Jean Ruth Watts. Together for 58 years, they built a beautiful family. He was father to seven children--Gladys, Brian, Eric, Joan, Edward Jr., Michael, and Gina--grandfather to 9, and great-grandfather to 18. Edward Herndon was the very definition of a public servant, patriot, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and leader who gave back more than he ever asked for in return. His story is one of deep devotion and quiet strength, and it serves as a reminder--a challenge-- of what it looks like to live fully and give generously. Through his service to our country, his dedication to western New York, and the boundless love he poured into his family and community, Edward Herndon's legacy will live on in our hearts as a shining example of our Nation's highest ideals. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful community and a grateful nation, may Edward Herndon, Sr., rest in peace. We loved him.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Catholics and all people of faith who are appalled by President Trump's recent attacks on Pope Leo. At a moment that demands moral clarity, His Holiness called on the President to remember what the Gospel teaches us: to pray for peace and for the dignity of all people. How did he respond? With insults, egotism, and images portraying himself as Jesus. It is blasphemous, deranged, and a total desecration of Christ's message. Sadly, we have come to expect these sorts of temper tantrums and outbursts from Donald Trump. This entire episode, coupled with his threat last week to wipe out an entire civilization, calls into question his mental fitness for office. His own former White House advisers, military generals, and even his staunchest supporters have called him insane. The Vice President and Cabinet must begin the process of invoking the 25th Amendment to remove the President from office. If they fail to act, this House must immediately begin impeachment proceedings. We must act now before he does any more damage to our Nation and the world.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 1706, to designate the United States Post Office on William Street in Buffalo, New York, as the William J. Donovan Post Office. This is a simple bill with a profound purpose: to honor an extraordinary American whose life of service helped shape the course of our Nation's history and the security of the free world. In 1883, William J. Donovan was born and subsequently raised in Buffalo's Old First Ward to first-generation Irish Americans, Timothy and Anna Donovan. Donovan attended St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, my alma mater, where he developed the leadership skills that would define the course of his life. From there, Donovan attended Niagara University before transferring to Columbia University. After earning his degree, Donovan spent 2 years at Columbia Law School, where he was a classmate of future President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Those beginnings shaped a man who would bring the values of western New York with him onto the global stage: courage, grit, and an unwavering commitment to something greater than himself. During World War I, Donovan was tapped to lead the 165th Infantry (69th New York), known to many as the Fighting 69th Regiment. Donovan proudly took the helm of the unit that once included dozens of Irish- American soldiers from Buffalo's Old First Ward, who bravely fought for the Union during the Civil War. As a Lieutenant Colonel, Donovan distinguished himself as a fearless leader under fire. In 1923, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism at the Battle of Landres-et-Saint-Georges where, despite sustaining three bullet wounds, he refused to leave the battlefield until all of his men were accounted for. It was this intrepid bravery that gave rise to the legend of Wild Bill Donovan, seizing the Nation's imagination and securing his place as an enduring American hero. Despite having already established a national reputation during World War I, some of Donovan's most consequential contributions to our Nation were still to come. After the Great War, Donovan served as U.S. attorney for the Western District of New York, where he became well known for being a vigorous crime fighter. He later served as an Assistant Attorney General under President Calvin Coolidge. In World War II, at a moment when the world stood on the brink of destruction, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt turned to his former classmate to build something entirely new--a centralized intelligence capability that could meet the demands of a modern global conflict. Donovan once again answered the call to serve our country, becoming the founding Director of the Office of Strategic Services, the OSS. Under his leadership, the OSS broke new ground. It coordinated intelligence gathering, carried out covert operations, and worked hand in hand with Allied forces and resistance movements across Nazi- occupied Europe. In recognition of his wartime heroics, Donovan was promoted to brigadier general in March 1943. By November 1944, he earned the esteemed rank of major general in the United States Army. His efforts helped turn the tide of the war and contributed directly to the Allied victory. Donovan knew that, in a rapidly changing world, intelligence would be central to protecting our Nation and advancing our interests. The foundation he built with the OSS became the blueprint for what we now know as the Central Intelligence Agency, positioning the United States as a global leader in national security throughout the Cold War and beyond and up through today. For these reasons, Donovan is rightly remembered as the Father of American Intelligence, and his legacy lives on in the institutions that protect our country every single day. William J. Donovan's legacy belongs not only to Buffalo and western New York, but to our entire Nation. This designation is a recognition that honors a true American hero, whose leadership, bravery, and foresight helped shape the world we live in today. I thank the entirety of the New York delegation for working with me in advancing this cause, and I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1706.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend and a friend to many, Jonathan Dandes, who tragically passed away on February 22, 2026, at the age of 72. Born and raised in Queens, New York, he chose to put down his roots in the City of Good Neighbors, helping to cultivate Buffalo's identity and catalyze its resurgence for over four decades. He was a champion for our city and provided our community with a steady, trusted presence in numerous corners of civic life. In the world of local sports and entertainment, Jon was an institution. He was instrumental in the development of Sahlen Field, helping to bring professional baseball into the heart of downtown Buffalo, ensuring that generations of families could come together and create lasting memories. As president of Rich Baseball Operations he elevated the fan experience, strengthening community ties and made baseball in Buffalo a point of pride. He chaired and supported organizations that continued to define the Buffalo Niagara region, including Shea's Performing Arts Center, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Visit Buffalo Niagara, and the Erie County Medical Center, among many, many more. At the University at Buffalo, Jon served as the longest tenured member of the UB Council, being appointed by four of New York's Governors, first in 1994, and most recently, to his fifth term, dedicating decades to strengthening higher education and expanding opportunity for future generations. He was a proud alumnus, a trusted adviser, and a relentless advocate for UB's mission to serve as a driver of innovation and public good. In each role, he brought not only sharp insight and strategic vision but a genuine love for his community and its people. Just as importantly, Jon believed in uplifting others. He mentored countless young professionals, guiding them, encouraging them, and helping them discover their own paths to leadership. Jon was also keenly aware that a strong community is built through compassion. His work with organizations like the National Kidney Foundation, Upstate New York Transplant Services, and Erie County Jewish Family Services reflected a deep commitment to caring for others, especially those in need. Through it all, he remained grounded in what mattered most: his family. He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Marcy; the proud father of Leo and Arin; and a beloved grandfather to Luca and Leif. Jon's legacy lives on in the community he helped build, the lives he touched, and the spirit of service he embodied. When western New Yorkers spend an afternoon with their family rooting on the Bisons, that is Jon Dandes' legacy in action. When their loved ones receive lifesaving care at ECMC, we can thank Jon Dandes for his tireless work to strengthen our region's only Level I trauma hospital. And when the next generation of UB grads decides to stay in Buffalo and call western New York home, that, too, is a testament to Jon's unwavering vision and leadership for our region. Western New York is a better place to live, work, and raise a family because Jon Dandes decided to call it home. Today, we honor not just what he accomplished but who he was: a leader, a mentor, a neighbor, and a friend. May we carry forward his example, his signature generosity, energy, and unwavering belief in the community he cherished. On behalf of a grateful city, State, and Nation, may Jonathan A. Dandes' memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of my dear friend, Mr. James E. Neenan, who passed away on January 30, at the age of 96. Jim was a first-generation Irish American and a man of great moral character. His experiences as a young man helped to forge the values that would guide the rest of his days: hard work, humility, humor, faith, and an unwavering devotion to family. When his country called, Jim answered, serving in the United States Army during the Korean war. Like so many veterans of his generation, Jim returned home not seeking recognition but simply the opportunity to build a life rooted in purpose and community. That is exactly what he did, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all whom he encountered, reflecting the very best of the City of Good Neighbors, Buffalo, New York. At St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, my alma mater, thousands of athletes, including myself, knew Jim as Coach Neenan. Although small in stature, he was a giant on the football field, teaching proper technique to young men, many of whom went on to successful collegiate careers and a number who went on to play in the NFL. Jim also coached tennis, but Coach Neenan taught far more than just the fundamentals on the courts or on the field. He taught discipline, teamwork, and respect. Above all, he instilled in countless young men that character mattered more than the scoreboard. Generations of Marauders carried those lessons with them long after the final whistle or graduation day. We remember a coach who listened and challenged us to be the best versions of ourselves. For all he gave to his students and athletes, Jim's proudest role was that of being a husband, father, and grandfather. Jim shared 66 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Anita, a partnership built on love, loyalty, and mutual respect. Together, they raised three children, Jim, Mark, and Margaret, and took great joy in their grandson, Michael. Jim was the husband who never missed a chance for a small act of affection, the father who never missed a game or a milestone, and the grandfather who always had time for a round of golf or a Fighting Irish game on a Saturday afternoon. Those who knew Jim also knew his remarkable energy and discipline. Even well into his later years, he remained committed to physical fitness, convinced that staying active was essential to living well. It was typical of Coach Neenan: always focused on improvement and always leading by example. Those qualities carried over into his faith. After retiring, he made a habit of walking to church every day, a simple but powerful reflection of the humility and gratitude that defined his life and his devotion to the Lord. On a personal note, I will never forget the sight of Coach Neenan regularly walking hand in hand through the neighborhood with his beautiful and loving wife, Anita. There are some people who pass through our lives who truly embody our Nation's highest virtues. Jim Neenan was one of those people: a veteran, neighbor, educator, coach, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a mentor whose influence echoes through generations of Marauders and families across western New York. On behalf of a grateful community and Nation, I extend my deepest condolences to the Neenan family. May we all strive to live with the same humility, generosity, and resolve that defined Coach Neenan. May James E. Neenan rest in peace. Go St. Joe's.

Mr. KENNEDY of New York

Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of James A. Lewis IV, who tragically passed away on January 26, 2026, at the age of 46. James was the beloved son of Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III and Lady Zandra Lewis of Miracle Missions Full Gospel Church. He was a loving brother to Lisa, Colby, Tamara, Jamila, and Jermaine. He was a trusted friend. Above all, he was a devoted father to Jadah and grandfather to JaKai James Smith, instilling a love that will forever run deep within them. For James, his friends, family, and community were everything. On Sundays, one didn't have to look far to find James. He would be at the grill, apron on, with tongs in hand and a smile on his face, graciously making sure everyone had a full plate. It was a simple demonstration of his kind and generous spirit. One of the quiet ways he showed love was by making sure everyone was taken care of. He carried that same spirit of service into every facet of his life, including his work at the Erie County Medical Center and Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo. He helped keep patients safe, supported frontline caregivers, and ensured that healing could happen. James went on to build a business of his own, starting a cleaning company, driven by excellence and commitment to service. Through his work, James supported community institutions of all sizes and helped create spaces where opportunity and hope could flourish and take root. James measured his success by whether his family was cared for, whether his work was done well, and whether he lived in accordance with his faith. Today, his legacy lives on through his beloved family. In them, his strength endures; and his spirit carries forward. The backbone of this Nation is built by those like James A. Lewis IV, people who serve quietly, love fiercely, and build community one act of kindness at a time. May we honor him not just for what he did but for who he was. May we carry forward his example by loving our families more intentionally, serving our communities more faithfully, and remembering that greatness is often found in everyday acts of devotion. Our community and our Nation grieves with the Lewis family. May memories of his life and the knowledge that he is now in the arms of the Lord comfort them. May James A. Lewis IV rest in peace.