George Latimer

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, the guarantee of free and fair elections is the very bedrock of our democracy. However, from the moment this term began, he has made every effort to subvert the electoral process for political gain. We continue to hear the big lie about the 2020 election and pressure lawmakers across the country to redraw congressional districts for political purposes. We saw insurrectionists pardoned. Most recently, he has called for the party to nationalize voting in the United States. That is why, this week, I introduced the POINT Act, because our elections must remain insulated from bad-faith actors who seek to undermine the will of the voters. This bill would prohibit the President and senior members of his administration from knowingly engaging in election interference or using Federal resources to interfere with an election. It prohibits: the deployment of our military and Federal officers, if such is likely to disrupt an election; postal confiscation of all mail ballots; and ICE or National Guard from looming at the polls. Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that we strengthen the guardrails of our democracy against anyone who seeks to abuse power for political gain.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the magnificent jewel located in the heart of the village of Mamaroneck, the Emelin Theatre. The Emelin is a nonprofit organization that brings world-class performing arts to all of Westchester, as well as nearby Connecticut. The events at the Emelin cover all genres of music, comedy, dance, family theater, and film. In the next few weeks alone, there will be performances highlighting Motown, flamenco dance, southern rock, jazz, cabaret standards, and numerous community events that will be hosted in their spacious environment. The professional staff, led by Taryn Sacramone, ably directs and manages all of the component parts of the Emelin's mission, and community commitment to the Emelin is exceptional, led by Mark Ettenger, board president. The generosity of the board of directors and the Friends of the Emelin provide the additional resources needed to keep this asset thriving decades after its inception. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we recognize the tremendous presence of the Emelin in our Westchester world. Recognizing New Rochelle Bar Association

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, in this Chamber, we speak of this American experiment in democracy that is 250 years in the making under principles forged in our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the laws of the judicial rulings that have followed. Yet, these principles will die on the vine of history if they aren't taught and absorbed by each new generation of Americans. One effort to keep those ideas alive is found in the New Rochelle Bar Association's unique outreach in the New Rochelle school system, the Lawyers in the Classroom program. The New Rochelle Bar has signed up members skilled in all elements of the law to speak to elementary and middle school students in the nearly 10 schools in the district and make constitutional principles come alive--amendments with numbers that represent important principles: the First Amendment, the Second Amendment, the Fourth Amendment, and the 10th Amendment--helping young people understand, in everyday language, what these principles mean in everyday life. In addition to the educators at the schools of Trinity, Jefferson, Columbus, Barnard, Webster, Davis, Ward, Albert Leonard, and Isaac Young, let me recognize some of the long list of lawyers who have dedicated time for this project: Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert, Andy Spatz, Suzanne Berger, Jennifer Pasquantonio, Regina Matos, David Lacher, Artem Djukic, Adam Sattler, Laurie Korngold, Jeffrey Levin, Michele Tombini, Barry Salman, Stephanie Vetch, Susan Kettner, Frank D'Onofrio, Michael Schiffer, Julie Kattan, Christina Hall, Milton Kreppel, and so many more--a real all-star lineup on the frontline team for democracy. Congratulating Barry and Barbara Reiter

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate a dynamic couple, Barry and Barbara Reiter, as they plan to celebrate their 70th birthdays together later this month. Barry and I were in Mount Vernon High School together all those years ago. He is a tad younger than I am, but he and Barbara have given years of community service over and above their professional careers and in raising their family. Their service in volunteer emergency services for their town and Barry's service on the town council are just two examples. Mr. Speaker, take it from one who knows that age 70 is an achievement in life and an opportunity to continue to serve, and Barry and Barbara will. From the floor of the House of Representatives, happy birthday to Barbara and Barry Reiter.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding work of the men and women who lead the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Every month, they hold a Zoom meeting for all of their members and provide the latest information of value to the businessowners and retailers who provide goods and services to the people of Mount Vernon. The guest speakers cover substantive topics such as access to capital, tax preparation, availability of grant programs, healthcare, personnel issues, tariffs, and much more. Every month, I join in virtually to give a Federal issues update. The same is true for county officials such as County Executive Ken Jenkins and Shari Rosen Ascher. The chamber is led by Omar Fields, chairman of the board; Anita Hunt, board secretary; and former Mount Vernon Councilwoman Lisa Copeland, who serves as president. They do a tremendous service to the people and to the businesses of the city of Mount Vernon. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, February is Black History Month, when we take special note of the historic achievements of African Americans who have helped shape today's America. Black history is American history and for decades has been ignored by racism. Now, as we identify and remember both those famous and some unfamiliar names from decades past, there is today a movement to whitewash history and to minimize those names. However, there are efforts to ensure we never forget the role played by our Black sisters and brothers. Bronx Councilman Kevin Riley is sponsoring one such effort, the fifth annual Black History Month Living Legends Luncheon honoring our neighbors on Wednesday, February 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Mall at Bay Plaza food court. It will highlight Black leaders from Co-op City, Edenwald, Wakefield, and other parts of the north Bronx who have helped the community and thereby made history. Mr. Speaker, I thank Councilman Riley for making Black history come alive for today's generations in the Bronx.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the community service provided by the men and women of the Yonkers-East Yonkers Rotary Club. Every day, they live out their voluntary efforts of the Rotary Four-Plus-One Test, ensuring truth, fairness, good will, benefit, and fun in their activities under the banner of service above self. Recently, the club raised needed funds for their community service projects, completing a 25-hour-plus marathon filibuster, assisting families in need. The club is led by President Alan Gray, President-elect Anne Murphy, Vice President Jeffrey Landsman, Immediate Past President George John, and other key officers: Greg Arcaro, Christian Fassetta, Philippe Charles, Matt Koppe, Alix Schnee, and many more. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute the Rotary Club of Yonkers-East Yonkers, and I wish them continued success in all of their good works.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a milestone in the life of Derrick Thompson, city council president of the city of Mount Vernon on his 50th birthday celebrated this week. He will be doing the celebrating on Saturday night of his journey so far. He is a graduate of the Mount Vernon Public School System and now a professional in education in that very same school system. Twice-elected to the Mount Vernon City Council, he is serving for the second time as its presiding officer. Happy Birthday to Derrick. There is much more ahead for him and the people he serves. We salute Derrick from the floor of the House of Representatives. Saluting the Community of White Plains

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, the city of White Plains, Westchester County's seat of government, is a dynamic city of over 60,000 people, with major corporations headquartered there, such as Heineken USA, Atlas Air, and Danone North America; a shopping mecca with major regional businesses; as well as small businesses and large national stores such as Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom's. There is a vibrant community with restaurants, entertainment, and more. There is also a vibrant network of neighborhoods that link the residents of the community: Battle Hill, Fisher Hill, Gedney Farms, Rosedale, Reynal Park, Highlands, North Street, Carhartt, Gedney Meadows, and more. They are linked by an organization that is the envy of other communities in Westchester: the White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations. The group meets monthly to discuss the concerns of each of the diverse neighborhoods, and they meet with local elected officials to address the issues that arise. They link together for the active and festive elements of community life, and it reaches into the larger whole. Let me salute the current leaders of the association: President Michael Dalton, Vice President Sharon Woodford, Treasurer Tom Osbeck, and Secretary Michael Sanchez, along many other active local association presidents. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute their community-minded activism. Recognizing Tajian Nelson

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I want to salute and recognize Ms. Tajian Nelson, who is Westchester's first African-American female commissioner of the County Board of Elections as she celebrate her 50th birthday this week. Tajian has been long active in government and the public arena in various leadership positions, and at her tender age she has many more years of advancement and achievement in success ahead of her. Congratulations to Tajian. We are all part of her fan club right here on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to salute the outstanding work of The Woman's Club of Larchmont, Inc., for their fine contributions to the Larchmont community. Celebrating their 100th year last year, they have embarked on their second 100 years with programs to promote education, literature, the arts, to provide philanthropic financial support to nonprofits and charities, and engender a healthy public dialogue on local critical issues. This year, The Woman's Club is led by Anne McAndrews, a former mayor who serves as club president. Other top leadership posts are held by Joyce Callahan, Ronnie McGovern, Sophie Kent, Theresa Fanelli, Marsha Kirchoff, Jenny Carter, and so many other outstanding women of the community. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we recognize the outstanding achievements of The Woman's Club of Larchmont, Inc.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano as he continues into the 15th year of his leadership as chief executive of Westchester's largest city and the third largest city in the State of New York, Yonkers. Mayor Spano is the longest currently serving mayor of a major city in New York State, guiding a municipality of over 200,000 residents and running the largest police department, fire department, sanitation department, parks and recreation programs, senior citizen centers, every area of municipal services, and more. Mike and I served side by side in the Westchester County Board of Legislators, and we worked together in the New York State Assembly. As mayor of the largest local government, we worked closely together during my tenure as Westchester County Executive on a myriad of programs, from reducing crime to improving green spaces for all to enjoy. Mayor Spano has shepherded the improvement of Yonkers' public education programs with higher graduation rates and new school construction. He has shepherded an economic development boom in the city, including, among other things, an expansion of the film industry, giving Yonkers the nickname of Hollywood on the Hudson. Mayor Spano has overseen the expansion of housing, both affordable and market rate, attracting new residents. From the floor of the House of Representatives, I salute a leader who proves that government can still work and achieve for everyone when led by a true leader. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mike Spano for his service.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, in the ever-changing landscape of community media, I am pleased to salute the 17th anniversary of the launch of Scarsdale10583, the online source for local news and information in the village of Scarsdale and in the neighborhoods of Hartsdale and Edgemont in the town of Greenburgh. Joanne Wallenstein, an advertising and marketing professional with a background in magazines and internet experience, is the driving force for the team that includes Wendy MacMillan and Stacie Waldman. All three are committed Scarsdale volunteers for organizations like the local PTAs, the League of Women Voters, and numerous other community groups. This gives them the grassroots contacts and feel for what is happening every day that they report on regularly. They report on what is happening by being there in person at event after event. The publication is truly local: high school sports stories, local meetings, recreational activities, and neighborhood associations and their activities. We recognize the hard work of Joanne and her colleagues, and from the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute this terrific effort to bring the whole of the community together. Recognizing Village of Dobbs Ferry

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the outstanding programs provided by the village of Dobbs Ferry that benefit the senior citizens of that community. Under the able leadership of Abby Connett, in a new center designed for their use, Dobbs Ferry Seniors serves hundreds of seniors annually with a daily nutrition program at lunchtime 5 days a week and activities and programs to engage seniors of all ages. There are fitness classes daily, from tai chi and dance to chair yoga and mental fitness programs; my favorite, sports trivia; and a variety of board games, mah-jongg, bridge, Rummikub, along with the classic senior staple, bingo. Abby and her talented crew host annual events, as well, such as an art show in May and the recent 20th annual Seniors Week in October with multiple activities. There are trips planned to shopping locales and tourist sites, as well. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute the work of the Dobbs Ferry Seniors and the active and energetic members who show that age is more than just a state of mind. Recognizing Bronx Community Board 10

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of the residents of the Bronx who labor tirelessly on behalf of their neighborhood, active in Bronx Community Board 10. Most of the area is represented by my colleague, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez, places like Throggs Neck, Pelham Bay, Westchester Square, and the like. However, Community Board 10 also includes the major complex of Co-op City in my 16th Congressional District. Co-op City benefits from the leadership of Joseph Russo, chairman of the community board, and the excellent district manager, Matt Cruz. Co- op City residents on Community Board 10 include Board Secretary Nancy Rosario; Stephanie Woods, who chairs the Youth and Education Committee; and board members Janine Thomas, Stefani Hazell, and Maritza Fludd. The board has vibrant citizen committees engaged in every aspect of neighborhood life: economic development, housing and zoning, municipal services, parks and recreation, planning and budget, youth services, education, health and human services, and veterans services, with board members and community volunteers engaged together in dialogue and action to serve the overall region. I am pleased that Co-op City is a major contributor to the work of this board. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute Bronx Community Board 10 and its crew from Co-op City, serving the Boogie Down Bronx.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, every day I hear from small business owners about the challenges of operating in this economy. In the past year, small businesses have faced unrelenting attacks from this administration on everything from tariffs to immigration enforcement. According to a recent survey from the Small Business Majority, 47 percent of small business owners say that increased Federal immigration enforcement has had a negative impact on their business. Many small businesses have lost revenue or had to modify their operations because employees and customers are afraid to come to work or to patronize their business. When masked ICE agents in full tactical gear inflict violence against American citizens and then show up at businesses without identifying themselves, small businesses pay the price. Most businessowners support commonsense immigration reform to modernize the legal immigration system to make it easier for qualified workers to come into the U.S. legally, but in Minnesota, following the tragic shootings, more than 60 Minneapolis-based business leaders called for cooperation to de-escalate tensions and achieve durable immigration reforms. It is important for this body to hold Federal immigration officials accountable and ensure that small businesses do not bear the brunt of this administration's immigration enforcement abuses.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, during the government shutdown last fall, OMB Director Russell Vought announced that the Trump administration would be pausing billions of dollars in funding for the Hudson River Gateway Tunnel project. This critical project creates a much-needed passenger rail tunnel under the Hudson River, supplementing existing tunnels that were built over 100 years ago, and will deliver thousands of commuters in and out of New York every day in the busiest Amtrak corridor in the United States. For several months, the White House has held these funds captive over misleading claims that the project's contracting policies violate administration policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Last week, the Gateway Development Commission announced that construction will have to cease if President Trump does not swiftly restore the project's funding. If construction is delayed, thousands of union construction workers will lose their jobs, and timely completion of this project will be in jeopardy. Mr. Speaker, I implore the President to end this vindictive quest to hurt people in the Northeast and immediately unfreeze project funds to allow for the construction to resume.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, it is reported that members of the Trump administration have held meetings with representatives of a group from the Province of Alberta that want to break away from Canada and form their own nation. Why any American government would give aid and comfort to a group that would divide and destabilize an ally and peaceful neighbor like Canada is beyond reality. Yet, those who speculate we should invade and take Greenland by force are operating with Vladimir Putin's ambition to create some illegal and unholy American empire fueled by ideology to force Canada as well into submission to America. Making common cause in any way with those who would destroy the Canadian nation reminds me of Germany's efforts to encourage Mexico to attack the United States during World War I. Do we really think in our competition with China and Russia that alienating Canada and Europe is smart geopolitics? No. It is stupidity, letting arrogance blind us from rational policies. Stop before we do permanent damage too great to fix.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great concern about the current state of service in the Social Security Administration. Last year, the so-called department of governmental elimination, DOGE, diminished the agency's workforce, forcing thousands of employees to quit or be fired. This has left inexperienced staff to handle rising workloads and call volumes with minimal training. The Social Security Administration has also created new roadblocks to service in the name of efficiency and fraud prevention, requiring seniors and people with disabilities to complete some transactions in person or online, rather than by phone. Yet, reduced staffing levels at field offices have made it more difficult to schedule a timely appointment. In my district, the Social Security Administration closed the White Plains hearing office, forcing constituents in Westchester to travel farther distances at a greater expense to receive in-person service. I implore this body to hold the Social Security Administration accountable and ensure that our constituents receive good, convenient, quality service. We must immediately provide more funding and reinstate positions that were lost. We will be held accountable by the voters if we fail this task.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the civic commitment of an organization of active and concerned citizens in Scarsdale who labor to involve everyday residents in the important issues of the day, the Scarsdale Forum. The organization traces its roots back over 120 years to 1904, with a charitable and educational mission at its core. The forum sponsors events and seminars addressing the issues, choices, and solutions that directly impact the community. The floor committees study substantive issues, produce reports for discussion, and interact directly with elected officials. The leadership team, President Jill Spielberg, Vice President Karen Brew, along with Elaine Weir, Madelaine Eppenstein, and a large cadre of talented neighbors in key roles, provide a strong base of abilities all committed to the benefit of Scarsdale. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute the men and women of the Scarsdale Forum who have made the level of voluntary, active citizenship envisioned by our Founding Fathers come to life in the village of Scarsdale. Trump Administration's Attacks on Families

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the Trump administration's recent attack on childcare and family assistance. This administration has decided to freeze funding for three critical programs in New York and four other Democratic States. As usual, they are putting their politically motivated agenda on full display. The targeted programs include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Child Care and Development Fund, and the Social Services Block Grant program. This move threatens over $3.4 billion in annual funds that New York depends upon to provide critical resources, including childcare, public assistance, domestic violence services, homeless shelters, and emergency payments for families and children. This action only serves to intensify the massive affordability crisis that New York and the rest of the country continue to face. Playing politics with people's lives, let alone vulnerable children and families, is unacceptable. While this administration continues its cruel and vengeful behavior, my Democratic colleagues and I remain committed to protecting vulnerable children and families. Polio Resurgence and Rotary

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I address this Chamber today as a longtime member of Rotary International. Rotary's top priority is eradication of the deadly disease, polio. Its members have invested billions of dollars and countless volunteer hours in polio vaccination campaigns in countries around the world. In 1988, Rotary helped to create the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, and the vaccine alliance, Gavi, with additional critical funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development, which no longer exists. Yet the entire effort is threatened by the administration's plan to defund key GPEI partners. Just at the time when this disease is closer than ever to being eradicated, the risk of outbreaks is greatly increased. We must do all in our power to protect the gains already made, and finish the job, including appropriating the funds required. People from my generation remember the terrible consequences of polio, often paralysis and even death for those with this highly contagious disease. Many Americans still live with long-term post-polio syndrome. Still, outbreaks continue around the world and other countries that are just a plane ride away. Complete eradication depends on continued vaccination of children everywhere and constant surveillance. Founded in Chicago in 1905 with the motto of Service Above Self, Rotary International is the headquarters organization for a vast number of Rotary Clubs. It is one of the largest nonreligious and nonpolitical civil society membership organizations. It provides people-to-people assistance reaching the community level with vital programs. Rotarians have a wide range of political and partisan leanings, but they are united in their commitment to serve their communities and they share a common determination to end polio. We must hear their voices, and we must not let them down.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I want to go on record standing beside my colleague, Congressman Pat Ryan, opposing plans by ICE to establish a facility in New York's Hudson Valley in the town of Chester, Orange County. The proposed site, currently an empty warehouse formerly used by Pep Boys, is opposed by Republicans and Democrats of that area, including Republican County Executive Steve Neuhaus, a U.S. Naval Reserve officer, and State and local officials on both sides of the aisle. The mission to warehouse large numbers of humans is the exact opposite of what the President and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem constantly proclaim: to root out the most dangerous thugs and criminals. In fact, ICE is targeting the least violent people in the greatest numbers, who pose minimal pushback, with the real mission to scare all immigrants, legal or otherwise. America has existed for 250 years without mass detention centers, but apparently, Noem and her cohorts plan for a different America to start the next 250 years, one where masked, unmarked agents seize people without judicial warrant, whisk them away to remote detention centers en route to uncertain final destinations. When such things have been done in other countries they are called pogroms and ethnic cleansing. This is not America.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute the exceptional life of M. Christina Selin, known as Chris to all of her friends, a resident of New Rochelle, and a tremendous community leader. Chris is, by profession, a lawyer with a practice in business and commercial law. She is an active member of the New Rochelle Bar Association as part of that commitment to the law, but Chris' work goes well beyond that. She served for over a decade as a councilwoman on the New Rochelle City Council, representing the city's South End, service as president of the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation, active in her neighborhood Sutton Manor Residents Association, and an ever-present participant at major community events, like the summer concerts and all of the other programs that always happened with Chris present and participating. In testimony to her community impact, she was named grand marshal for the 2025 New Rochelle Thanksgiving Day Parade, the largest such parade in the county, and she has received numerous awards and recognitions. This week, Chris celebrates her 80th birthday at a soiree at Alvin & Friends, the popular downtown New Rochelle establishment, where she will be surrounded by friends and well-wishers. Mr. Speaker, from the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute this neighbor and friend who is making a tremendous contribution every day to her profession and to her home community.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, there is a dynamic energy going on in my Westchester backyard in the world of scouting in the village of Port Chester. It deserves our attention and appreciation. Boy Scout Troop 400 and Troop 420 are growing in membership and service. Under the tremendous leadership of Modesto ``Moe'' Acevedo, the young men and women of this community have flocked to involvement like never before. Based at the Port Chester Carver Center, home to many other worthwhile efforts, Troop 400 serves boys and Troop 420 serves girls. This is a recent change in Scouting America policies. They are reaching kids growing up in an urban village, who are now learning the joys of outdoor life such as camping and hiking, expanding their sense of citizenship with merit badges in a host of disciplines that make for better adults and better citizens. The troops draw from the heavily Hispanic youth of Port Chester and have developed incredible numbers of qualified Eagle Scouts who have taken their oath to Eagle and completed worthwhile Eagle Scout projects that benefit the community. I have attended five separate Eagle Scout Courts of Honor to see five outstanding young people in the last year alone make their first mark on responsible leadership. Moe assures me there are more on the way. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute Moe Acevedo, his team of Scoutmasters, supportive parents, and community leaders in Port Chester that have shown Troop 400 and Troop 420 to be a sign that scouting is thriving in the 21st century.