George Latimer

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, 100 days: irresponsible tariff imposition, confusing businesses, and tanking the stock market; illegal seizure of citizens without judicial process; dramatic cuts to the delivery of Social Security benefits and veteran benefits; abandoning environmental protections for clean air and clean water; destabilizing families, hospitals, and nursing homes with pending Medicaid cuts; and siding with a ruthless aggressor, Russia, rather than the victim, Ukraine. Mr. Speaker, 100 days: exonerated violent criminal behavior from the January 6 insurrection; unethical efforts to end investigations on allies and donors; firing talented, career-committed professionals and replacing them with blind loyalists; insulting Canada, Mexico, Denmark, and the European Union; disruption of programs; threats to universities, law firms, State and local governments, the Federal workforce, and the media; and threats to elected officials. The American people gave the MAGA movement a narrow majority 6 months ago, but now they are having second thoughts. There is no golden age ahead, just a recession. Contrast this with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who, in 100 days, saved America.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great appreciation that I rise to recognize Dr. Stephen A. Ferrara, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN of White Plains, New York for his outstanding leadership and contributions as President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Dr. Ferrara is a dedicated health care leader with over two decades of experience, including extensive work as a practicing nurse practitioner, health policy advocate, and academic leader. In addition to his role as President of AANP, he also currently serves as Associate Dean of Artificial Intelligence and Professor at the Columbia University School of Nursing where he has focused on health information technology and the implementation of evidence-based practice. Dr. Ferrara previously served as the Executive Director of the Nurse Practitioner Association New York State, where he played a key role in removing state barriers to NP practice. Dr. Ferrara has been recognized for his leadership as a Fellow of AANP, the American Academy of Nursing, the National Academies of Practice and the New York Academy of Medicine. The American Association of Nurse Practitioner is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners, representing the interest of the over 431,000 licensed nurse practitioners in the United States who are delivering care in nearly 1 billion patient visits per year. As President of AANP, Dr. Ferrara has played a pivotal role in amplifying the voice of nurse practitioners at the national level. He has worked to ensure that policymakers recognize the essential contributions of NPs in improving access to comprehensive, patient-centered care across all health care settings. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Stephen Ferrara for his distinguished term as President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and in expressing our gratitude for his exceptional service to patients, students and the nurse practitioner profession.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I recently visited the Bronx VA Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. This center serves many in my district, and I am grateful for the quality care they provide and for the groundbreaking research happening at this facility. When a young person signs up to join the military, Americans make them a promise that we will take care of them for the rest of their lives because they have put on the uniform of this country and risked their lives for all of us. That is why it is perplexing and unconscionable that this administration has proposed devastating cuts to VA healthcare and benefits, eliminating 80,000 staff who provide healthcare and benefits to veterans who have earned them. More than a quarter of VA staff are veterans themselves. Cuts to the programs that provide home loan assistance to veterans, even cutting staff of the suicide crisis line that saves lives--for what? This message does not say: Thank you for your service. This is a slap in the face for those who have served. My Democratic colleagues do not support these cuts, and this is an ideal moment for bipartisanship, where our Republican colleagues can join us in pushing back.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Evelyn Paula Nelson Young, a respected and beloved member of the Mt. Vernon community who passed away at the age of 102 earlier this year. Born in 1922 in Charleston, South Carolina, Evelyn excelled academically as an honor student and athletically as a standout member of the girls' basketball team. Her academic success led her to the profession of teaching, first in Charleston, then at the prestigious Alabama State University Laboratory School, and, finally, in Mt. Vernon, New York. She dedicated 40 years of teaching Mt. Vernon's elementary school children, making sure that they could read, write, and comprehend before they were promoted to the next grade. Our thoughts are with Evelyn's family, including her son, Clinton Jr., and her daughter, Mary, who have both dedicated so much of their lives to our community in public service. Evelyn once said: I can't complain, thank the good Lord. He has been so good to me. I am truly blessed. Mr. Speaker, we are all blessed to have known Evelyn and the Young family. May we all aspire to live such long and rewarding lives as she did.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Morelle for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, the American people in my district and in my State have spoken clearly. This bill is voter suppression, pure and simple. It is brought to us under the guise of stopping illegal voting. When we analyze voting in Westchester County, where I was the county executive for a million people, we found no appreciable illegal voting. This is an opportunity for this majority to try to impose their will on the States that they don't already control. They want to end mail voter registration in my home State to satisfy other States' regressive laws. They want to require people who have voted legally for years to prove their citizenship if they not only change their name but if they move. A simple move requires them to drive to a county board of elections and prove that they are an American citizen when they have proven that over the course of 20 years or more of voting. This bill subjects local officials to hefty criminal fines if they register someone outside of these rules. This is an expensive unfunded mandate in Westchester, New York City, and all the States involved.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans just passed their budget plan, President Trump's big, beautiful bill, again. The first version didn't cut enough from critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP. This budget is a direct attack on the working and middle classes, all while handing more than $7 trillion in tax breaks to billionaires. Over 196,000 residents in my district are at risk of losing Medicaid coverage, including 73,000 children and 27,000 seniors in one district. Approximately 74,000 people who count on SNAP may not be able to put food on the table. People who are covered through the Affordable Care Act will see premiums rise by an average of almost $3,000 a year. This is what President Trump called beautiful? It is anything but. This budget won't lower costs. These cuts, coupled with the President's thoughtless tariff policies, will make life more expensive for our neighbors. We are making a beeline to a MAGA recession and perhaps a MAGA depression. This is reverse Robin Hood. Stealing from the lower and middle classes to benefit the wealthiest is un-American.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, Elon Musk said recently in a Joe Rogan podcast: ``The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy.'' He further said that empathy has been ``weaponized.'' This is consistent with his statement that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme, not the program that has saved the lives and the livelihood of countless Americans. This is the philosophy of the world's richest man, Elon Musk. Let me contrast that philosophy with that which was expressed in Matthew 25: ``For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you ministered to me, I was in prison, and you visited me. ``Then the righteous will answer, `Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick or in prison?' And he will answer, `When you did this for the least of my brothers, you did it for me.' '' Empathy: Not the weakness of Western civilization; the bedrock of Western civilization.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, 2 months ago on this House floor, I spoke against the foolishness of the President's proposed tariff schemes. I spoke knowing a bit about corporate reaction from my own business career. Now, the top financial minds of this country have spoken, in consecutive days of stock market tumbling, losing values for investors, including pension funds and 401(k) holdings. When is enough enough? When will the Republican majority stand up and tell him for once: ``Mr. President, you are wrong. Your policy is misguided.'' He has imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the EU, our friends. He has not imposed tariffs on Russia, arguing they are negotiating with Ukraine, but he imposes tariffs on Ukraine. We are now looking at the self-inflicted likelihood of a crippling recession, which could lead to a dramatic depression, all because of these policies that create chaos in financial markets across the globe. Mr. Speaker, $11 trillion has been lost in the stock market since January 20. This is a self-made problem based on the misguided impulses of one man. Unfortunately, we will all pay the price.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in Mount Vernon, New York, a packed congregation came together to honor the 50th pastoral anniversary for Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, the senior pastor of the largest African-American church in my home county, Grace Baptist Church. It is hard to grasp that Dr. Richardson has led Grace from the pulpit for one-half century, leading his flock through both good and difficult times. His pastoral reach goes beyond the congregation, across the city of Mount Vernon, the county of Westchester, New York State, and, indeed, the Nation. Grace Baptist has sponsored churches in Florida and overseas; his preaching and teaching has reached thousands more through social media. He is a leader, as well, in the National Action Network and the Conference of National Black Churches. There will be many more celebrations honoring Dr. Richardson throughout this pastoral year. Let me add my voice with so many others to congratulate Dr. Richardson and First Lady Inez Richardson for their lifelong achievements in Westchester, the Bronx, and all across our land.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday I had the great pleasure of attending the ceremony celebrating Reverend Lamont S. Granby's 15th pastoral anniversary. As the esteemed reverend of Bronxville's First Baptist Church, he serves as the first African-American pastor in the church's 160 years. During the service, we heard a reading from Jeremiah 3:15: ``Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.'' Reverend Granby is one of those shepherds. He has led his flock at the First Baptist Church with patience and understanding for these 15 years. He is well known throughout the Bronx and Westchester communities and has been a role model for the young people in our community with a steady, guiding presence. He is the dynamic leader of the 47th Precinct Clergy Coalition bringing together faith leaders from across the North Bronx. At a time when there are many wolves in sheep's clothing claiming to be leaders, it is an honor to celebrate a true community leader, Reverend Lamont Granby. Here is to many more years serving the community of Westchester and the Bronx.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, Elon Musk's so-called department of government elimination is closing the Social Security hearing office in White Plains in May, just like that. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins offered the Federal Government county space that would be more cost-effective. The offer was turned down because this isn't about saving the government money. This is about thoughtlessly cutting critical services in the name of ideology. This weekend, Commerce Secretary Lutnick said his 94-year-old mother- in-law wouldn't miss her Social Security check if it didn't show up. Mr. Lutnick is a billionaire who can easily provide for her, while most seniors rely on their monthly payments. This weekend, more than 250 people in my district voiced their concerns at a rally to save Social Security. I will take their words over a billionaire's mother-in-law. More than 10,000 of my fellow boomers become eligible every day for Social Security. This is not the time to be closing offices, cutting staff, and ending phone service. There are ways to make Social Security more efficient. This ain't one of them. Scaring seniors and threatening to end their economic lifelines isn't about efficiency. It is a mockery of efficiency. Remember, we told you so.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, at a time when food prices are rising and it is harder for families to make ends meet, we should not be cutting food assistance programs, but that is exactly what is happening. Earlier this month the administration announced a billion-dollar cut to local purchasing for schools and food banks. Local farms who rely on these programs for consistent purchases of their food no longer have an important market, and it means that locally grown, more nutritious food is no longer available for food banks and schools. Just yesterday, USDA announced that it was ending part of the Farm to School Program. This program for years incentivized local food procurement for school meals. Dozens of schools in Westchester and the Bronx rely on these programs as a way to provide healthy food to students. Similarly, Feeding Westchester and City Harvest do yeoman's work to provide food for families and kids in need at the best value. If fresh food is no longer available, our community will suffer. These cuts must be reversed and quickly. Time is of the essence when it comes to our children having enough to eat.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, the House just voted to pass a radical, partisan government funding bill. I voted ``no'' because it lets Elon Musk decide how this money is going to be spent by Federal agencies. There is a lot wrong with this bill. This bill fails to lower the cost of housing and instead cuts rent subsidies for low-income Americans, including seniors and domestic violence survivors, by $700 million. This enables President Trump and Elon Musk to cancel transportation infrastructure projects already underway. These projects are reducing traffic congestion and improving subway systems. This reduces the emergency food program by $20 million at a time when food prices are on the rise. This allows Musk and Trump to fire thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration. It cuts funding for healthcare for veterans who are exposed to toxins, and so much more that is worse. We needed a bill that protects the middle class and makes life less expensive for residents in Westchester and the Bronx. This continuing resolution is the opposite of that. Remember, I told you so.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, this weekend in Yonkers, I met four constituents who have recently been fired from Federal service. Their human stories force us to consider the painful toll created by the cut- and-destroy method of management by this administration. Departments are being slashed and eliminated and so are the lives of professionals who have devoted their entire careers to public service. Without any objective assessment, years of work are being trashed with bogus claims of fraud and corruption. The ax falls regardless of skill, merit, or accomplishment. It falls without regard to the human element of people, not merely statistics, who serve the public. It is heartless and cruel. Most corporations, even when downsizing, take into account the most productive employees and offices. They are strategic to achieve savings. Every new administration is entitled to look at our Federal agencies and see what efficiencies can be achieved. This execute-first style of management is not that. It creates a stain on America, and it does nothing to make government more efficient. We should be ashamed.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, the Republicans are trumpeting the dawn of a golden age of economic growth. However, this week, The Wall Street Journal had an editorial, ``Trump's Tariffs Whack Trump Voters'' with a subhead of ``Whatever happened to GOP concern for the working class?'' The Wall Street Journal said: ``President Trump won the Presidency a second time by promising working-class voters he'd lift their real incomes. Which makes it all the more puzzling that he's so intent on imposing tariffs that will punish those same Americans.'' The Wall Street Journal said: ``Tariffs are taxes, and Mr. Trump's latest tariffs are estimated to be about an annual $150 billion tax increase. Taxes are antigrowth. That is the message investors are sending this week since Mr. Trump let his 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico take effect.'' The Wall Street Journal said: ``Brace for higher prices on berries, bell peppers, and . . . beer. Target CEO Brian Cornell told CNBC . . . that tariffs on Mexico may force the company to raise prices on fruits and vegetables.'' The Wall Street Journal said all of these things, Mr. Speaker. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James Roger Rice, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, attorney, and a man of deep faith, who passed away on February 16, 2025. Roger was a standout student athlete at Hutchinson Technical High School and earned a full college scholarship to play basketball at King's College in Pennsylvania. He pursued his J.D. at the University of Buffalo where, after a fateful meeting, he met his future wife, Gail, on their first day at law school. They started a law firm together, Rice & Rice, which eventually included both of their sons, serving countless clients with integrity and compassion. Gail and their son Jared have both served as city judges in the city of New Rochelle. Roger's faith, instilled in him at a young age by his mother, was central to who he was. His commitment to his faith was evident in how he lived: serving his community and mentoring others. Roger left a lasting impression on the New Rochelle community in the 16th District, touching many lives, and will be greatly missed. Rest in power, Roger.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, there were reports last night that the Social Security Administration may reduce their staff by more than 50 percent. This will affect whether seniors receive all the benefits that they are entitled to. Mr. Speaker, as you know, 10,000 baby boomers every day become eligible for Social Security. How could they possibly keep up with that demand with a 50 percent reduction in staff? In my district, we have been told that the Social Security Administration is closing the White Plains hearing office. That will mean that people in Westchester and the greater Hudson Valley will have to drive longer distances at greater expense to fight for their benefits, and this is happening nationwide. This all comes in the same week as House Republicans passed their budget plan that would cut Medicaid by $880 billion. We were told this President would lower costs. Nothing I just mentioned lowers costs, and it actually throws people's livelihoods into chaos. I am committed to making Westchester and Bronx lives less expensive. Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to reverse course and do the same.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, America once liberated France from the Nazi regime, freed Kuwait from the grip of Saddam Hussein, and defended South Korea against North Korean aggression. However, this apparently is a new MAGA America, siding with the evil aggressor and blaming the victim. Ronald Reagan called Russia the evil empire, but Donald Trump knows better. George H.W. Bush called Russia part of the axis of evil, but Donald Trump knows better. Our U.S. vote in the U.N. supports the aggressor, Russia; not the victim, an independent Ukraine. Under President Trump, we are losing our moral standing in world affairs. Our enemies are watching. They are making alliances while we toss aside allies like Canada and Europe to satisfy the inconceivable love this President has for Vladimir Putin. Putin poisons his critics. That is who our new best friend is. I am new to this Chamber, but hear me, Mr. Speaker: Consequences will be tragic for those who love freedom worldwide if we don't return to true American foundational principles: freedom and democracy.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James Roger Rice, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, attorney, and man of deep faith, who went to be with the Lord on February 16, 2025. Born on January 1, 1950, in Buffalo, New York, to James Albert Rice and Frankie Jones Rice, Roger was raised in a home shaped by Christian values, instilled in him by his mother. Roger was a standout student- athlete at Hutchinson Technical High School in Buffalo, where he excelled on the basketball court, earning All-City honors for his skill and leadership. He earned a full basketball scholarship to Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where he played the game with heart, discipline, and excellence--qualities he carried into his career and family life. Beyond his own playing, he became a dedicated youth basketball coach, pouring into his sons and other youth. For many, he was more than a coach; he was a guiding force, building lifelong friendships and lasting lessons both on and off the court. While pursuing his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Buffalo, Roger's life took a beautiful turn when he met Gail, the love of his life, on the first day of law school. Their first date was legendary-- crossing borders to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. That fateful meeting led to a lifetime of love, partnership, and purpose. They married in 1978; two sons were born of this union. In 1982, Roger and Gail took a leap of faith, founding their own law firm, Rice & Rice, Attorneys-at-Law. Their firm, which later included both sons, became a pillar of the community, serving countless clients with integrity, wisdom, and compassion. With the founding partners' retirement in 2019, Rice & Rice closed after more than 35 years of service. Roger was a storyteller and no-nonsense advice giver, who could be both profoundly wise and hilariously unpredictable, often in the same conversation. He was known for his affectionate teasing and clever nicknames. He loved food, music, movies, and showing off his dance moves. Above all, Roger was a family man. He took immense pride in the achievements of his wife, children, and grandchildren, celebrating their victories and supporting them in every endeavor. His love for his family was unwavering, and his presence was a source of strength, encouragement, and wisdom. Roger's faith was central to who he was, and he often spoke about the help, direction, and friendship of the Holy Spirit in pivotal moments of his life. After his marriage, he became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church of Tuckahoe where he was ordained as a deacon. Over the years, he also worshiped at Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle, and, until the time of his passing, was a founding member of Renaissance Church in Harlem. His commitment to his faith was evident in how he lived serving his community, mentoring others, and walking in integrity. Roger was pre-deceased by his parents Frankie and James Rice; brother Lawrence C. Brown; sister Frances Marshall; daughter-in- love, Danielle Williams Rice; and his parents-in-love, Mabel and Herman Whitaker. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, cherished by his wife, Gail Rice; his sons, Jared and Jordan Rice; his daughter-in-love, Jasmine and Jessica Rice; and his treasured grandchildren, Jocelyn, Jayden, Jameson, and Josiah Rice. He is also survived by his siblings- in-love Sandra and Glen McGhee, Quincy and Gail Brooks, and Joyce and Keno Johnson, and Margo Clarke; uncles and aunt Prince Allen Whetstone and Arnold and Esther Brooks; nieces and nephews Paula and Charles Barber, Spencer and Helen Rodriguez, Luis, Alexander, and Jasmine Rodriguez, Taila and Edward Faustin, and Darren and Christine Brooks. Additionally, a host of great-nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends, colleagues and Rice & Rice family, and former clients who will forever remember his kindness, wisdom, and generosity. Roger Rice was well-loved and lived well. He will be deeply missed, but his footprint will endure forever in New York's 16th Congressional District.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans just passed their budget plan. Like many House Democrats, I am clear-eyed about this plan and how it will affect families in Westchester and the Bronx. This budget is a direct attack on the working and middle class, all while handing more than $4.5 trillion in tax breaks to the wealthiest in our society. The cuts needed for these tax breaks will mean over 196,000 residents in my district are at risk of losing Medicaid coverage. This includes 73,000 children and 27,000 seniors. This budget plan also threatens 74,000 people who count on SNAP to put food on the table. Republicans have promised to lower costs for everyday Americans, but this budget won't do that at all. Instead, it will make life harder and more expensive for constituents and Americans across the country. As this process moves forward, I will join with Americans to fight for fairness and opportunity for every American.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, the new administration, as it indiscriminately cuts services, has announced that it will not keep the Social Security Administration's hearing office in White Plains, New York. Closing this hearing office with no local replacement is unacceptable to the community it serves, and it covers multiple congressional districts. Seniors and people who are disabled come to this office from Westchester and the other counties of the Hudson Valley to fight for their benefits. With this closure, residents, likely on a fixed income, will have to travel much longer distances: to Albany, to New Haven, or to the south Bronx at greater expense, in some cases 4 hours one way on public transit. This is a financial and logistical hardship for people already fighting for support. With the Westchester County government, my office and I have identified sites in White Plains close to the current office that are available. This would keep government services in the community where it belongs. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge the new administration to reconsider driving constituents away from convenient services and to work with Members from New York State to find a solution before May.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Rod and Shirley Saunders, who have both dedicated decades of their lives to serving the Bronx community. Rod is a former president of the African American Association of Co- op City and the Wakefield Kiwanis Club. In 2004, Rod was appointed by the Bronx borough president to serve on the NYC Department of Education's Community Education Council. Since 2015, he has served as a member of the Riverbay Corporation's board of directors and is currently serving as president of the board. Shirley cofounded the African American Association of Co-op City and served as board secretary and chair of the security committee for the Riverbay board of directors. Shirley volunteered for almost a decade with the Girl Scouts as a volunteer mom, helping out Daisies, Brownies, and Girl Scouts. She is currently serving our community as deputy city clerk of New York for Bronx County. They are the Co-op City power couple. It is an honor to recognize Rod and Shirley's service to the Bronx today, and a grateful community thanks them.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I am a proud New Yorker, and today I speak as a proud American. An American tragedy has played out in California, and those who have lost their homes and their lives are first and foremost Americans. This Nation has an obligation to help all of our fellow citizens. For those who claim America first, its is not America first except for California, America first except for Massachusetts or New York. We owe a debt to help our fellow Americans in California without political considerations or restrictions. When a hurricane tears through Florida, do we say let's see the Governor's plans to harden infrastructure before we help Floridians? Do we say let's see what local Florida zoning laws allow for buildings near the coast before we grant aid? When tornadoes devastate Texas, do we say how do they make schools less vulnerable before we give Texans assistance? When Floridians are suffering, I see Americans. When Texans are suffering, I see Americans. As a New Yorker, I support aid to Florida, Texas, and California when they need it without politics.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, this institution has a choice: Either to be an independent deliberative body or to be a rubberstamp for foolish policies. What man desires to punish our neighbors, to insult and intimidate our closest ally Canada, when they have done nothing to warrant this action? Levying a tariff is an economic tool to be used carefully and strategically to deal with bad actors on the international scene who willfully undercut American fair trade. This 25 percent tariff that is proposed on Canada is counterproductive and mean-spirited. Its application to Mexico is equally devastating to us. It will raise prices for everyday Americans. When they go to the stores, the prices of over 1,200 goods will rise, with no rise in their paycheck. It will impact goods sold by American companies in Canada and Mexico as they impose retaliatory tariffs to defend themselves. American families, not foreign leaders, will bear the burden. The President himself acknowledged Americans would face some pain. Wall Street and Main Street alike know that the prices of agricultural products, cars, steel, and gas will rise. All of this is a self- inflicted wound, and it is all unnecessary. This institution needs to listen to Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan spoke eloquently and warned American politicians not to do this.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Gus Williams, a basketball great and New York 16th Congressional District native from Mt. Vernon, New York. Gus was born October 10, 1953, in Mt. Vernon, and his basketball talent made him one of the greatest players to ever hail from my hometown. On the basketball court, Gus got the nickname ``The Wizard'' for his acrobatic style, speed, and incredibly accurate midrange jump shots-- none of which I have. He led the Mt. Vernon Knights high school basketball team to a 22-1 season, winning State championship and State Player of the Year in 1971. He went to the University of South California, where he was Most Valuable Player in 1975, went onto an NBA career with the Golden State Warriors, and then signed with the Seattle Supersonics. In 1979, Gus led the NBA Supersonics to their NBA title, averaging 28 points in their final games. The Sonics retired Gus' No. 1 jersey in 2004. I am grateful that I got to go to high school with Gus Williams, to have seen his magic and his skill in person before the rest of the world had the opportunity. He will be deeply missed in the Mt. Vernon community, but his memory will live on.