George Latimer

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Madam Speaker, if you watch the news regularly, you probably have witnessed an increasing number of attacks on places of worship. In the past year, members of the Temple Israel Synagogue in Detroit; Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis; Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi; the Islamic Center of San Diego; and many others have had their greatest fear come true--an attack on their institution due to their religious affiliation. When one house of worship is targeted, people of every faith ask themselves: Will the next time be at my mosque, church, shrine, or synagogue? We must find respect amid our diversity and ensure that we continue to defend the fundamental freedom to practice one's religion in this country just as the Founding Fathers intended and as generations of Americans have fought to preserve. Let us honor the lives of those lost by recommitting ourselves to a country where every person of every faith can worship without fear.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the men of The American Legion Post 128 in Rye, New York, for their patriotism and their true sense of civic duty. This post, comprised of veterans of military service, is just one part of The American Legion Department of New York, and it is led by Commander Fred de Barros and Adjutant Tim Moynihan. Their commitment to American values will be on display this Memorial Day weekend as they host the annual parade and ceremony on the Village Green in Rye. The ceremony will feature a presentation of the annual Americanism award this year to a deserving Rye resident, Laura Pellegrini, along with high school students who have participated in the annual essay contest. The post members last weekend placed American flags at the graves of veterans at Greenwood Union Cemetery. Every year, they conduct Veterans Day services on the Village Green in November, and also a used flag disposal ceremony and other patriotic recognitions. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we acknowledge and recognize The American Legion Post 128 and the Ladies Auxiliary for their service to city and to country. Remembering Congressman Eliot Engel

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and accomplishments of my predecessor, Congressman Eliot Engel, who passed away on April 10, with particular focus on his representation of the Bronx and Westchester, and his leadership on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. A product of the Bronx, Eliot was a fixture in New York politics for as long as I knew him and zealously represented the diverse constituencies that characterized metro New York, and at various times the Bronx, Westchester, and Rockland Counties. Originally winning election as a third-party candidate, he first served in the New York State Assembly from 1977 to 1988, and thereafter as a Member of Congress for the Bronx and Westchester until 2020. Eliot supported liberal policies at home. He fought vigorously to protect Kosovar Albanians and for the United States to recognize Kosovo as an independent nation. Last week in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, at the urging of my colleague Ritchie Torres, leader Brian Mast, and Ranking Member Greg Meeks, we passed a bill to honor Congressman Engel's life and legacy by renaming the U.S. Chancery in Pristina, Kosovo, the Eliot L. Engel Building. While naming a building for someone will never replace having them in the room with you, it is my hope that this effort will allow his work, his leadership, and his legacy to live on for years to come. May his memory be a blessing.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that is hitting families in every corner of our country--the unyielding rise of inflation. This month, the Consumer Price Index climbed to 3.8 percent, and that number isn't just a statistic. It shows up every time you fill your gas tank, check out of the grocery store, or open your utility bill. The pressure on your paycheck is real, and it is growing. Hardworking people are stretching every dollar. But, instead of tackling this affordability crisis head-on, my colleagues here in the House continue to bring forward legislation that does nothing to lower costs. We are continually obsessed with culture war and emotional issues, choosing personal political gain over good governance, and ignoring the prevailing crisis that is facing our country. It is time to give Americans the relief they deserve and restore affordability in everyday life.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express our collective national dismay over the President's big, beautiful ballroom. While Americans struggle daily with ever-increasing bills for food, gasoline, and utilities, President Trump dishes billions in payouts to Capitol rioters and no-bid contracts on vanity projects: fountains, reflecting pools, a triumphal arch, the Kennedy Center, and, most infamous of all, the White House ballroom, a monstrous homage to the age of Emperor Nero. Unsurprisingly, we now find the ballroom will cost American taxpayers $1 billion for the benefit of one man. I ask myself: How can Americans be expected to keep funding the lifestyles when prices for necessities continue to climb? Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents of New York, we say: Enough. I encourage my colleagues to take this sentiment to heart and reject the latest appropriation request. This is clearly the wrong priority at the wrong time.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Madam Speaker, let me celebrate young Stella Apicella, a sixth grader at Blind Brook Middle School in Rye Brook, as she prepares to become a bat mitzvah on May 30. I have seen Stella grow up over the years, the daughter of Joe Apicella and Tara Rosenblum, two prominent Westchester residents. Stella is growing as a confident, thoughtful, and compassionate young woman. She loves basketball--go Knicks--soccer, dancing, and fashion. She is a talented public speaker through debate club and by sharing the stage at times with her prominent mother. Most importantly, Stella gives back to her community. She stands up for others, and she always looks out for the underdog, qualities that will serve her well far beyond this special day. Stella, mazel tov on this great accomplishment. Madam Speaker, from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I send my best to her.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, let me recognize the outstanding work of the Rye Senior Advocacy Committee, a group appointed by the mayor of Rye, consisting of committed volunteers working to advocate for the needs of seniors in the community and bringing together business, nonprofit, and government resources in common causes. Led by Nancy Haneman and Michele Thomas, the committee members have championed projects to provide emergency supplies to seniors, hosting a biannual Senior Summit to be held this year on October 1 and addressing education on healthcare, transportation options, and so much more. Barbara Brunner, a committee member, has labored mightily to achieve grants to advance these priorities. Organizations like the Rye YMCA, the Rye Fire Department, and SPRYE are welcomed partners. From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I salute the Rye Senior Advocacy Committee and look forward to assisting their efforts in the days to come.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Kennedy for his compassion and his humanity. This tragedy occurred in Buffalo, and it was a racist crime against Black people in Buffalo. This crime is a crime against humanity, people of all ethnic backgrounds, and it is a crime that could happen in any place across this country. My home is 375 miles away from the site of this crime. Yet, we, too, are affected by the same policies that have allowed this tragedy to happen. The young man who committed this crime, motivated by racism and radicalized on the internet, drove 200 miles, half the distance between my home and Congressman Kennedy's home. He drove 200 miles to particularly target this supermarket in an African-American neighborhood. What depth of depravity causes a human being to do that? All of us, whether our skin is white or black, whether we trace our heritage to Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, or Europe, have to see this as a crime against all humans. It is dehumanizing to take a weapon of mass destruction into a supermarket to kill people who are shopping, who are just there doing the average thing that we all do every day. As my colleague from Michigan pointed out, there is legislation in this Chamber that needs to become law. It needs to have support not just from people of color but from those of us who represent every area and every demographic in this country. The next victims could be anywhere in this country. It is important to understand that the people of Buffalo have allies all across New York State. We grieve with them. We stand by our brothers and sisters from Buffalo, as we do those in all the sad places that Congressman Kennedy referenced. Mr. Speaker, we must make a commitment that, out of this tragedy and on this anniversary, there will be a resolve to make sure this doesn't happen again. We have to act quickly. The efforts to warp people's minds and to convince them that violence is the future of America are moving very quickly, even as those of us who believe in peace and brotherhood have to respond. I thank Congressman Kennedy for his leadership and friendship.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the exceptional life and times of Burton ``Burt'' Corwin, a longtime resident of Larchmont who passed away peacefully at the New York State Veterans Home at Montrose on April 29 at the age of 83. Burt was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and he graduated from Bethel Park High School. Burt attended Lehigh University where he graduated with honors and fulfilled his ROTC requirements, then commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He went on to receive a master's degree and a Ph.D. Burt served in the U.S. Army at the Pentagon and then served his country as a captain at Long Binh in Vietnam. He received a Bronze Star for his service. His business career with IBM spanned 33 years in varied roles. He later taught part time in the MBA programs at Fordham and Iona. Most importantly, he served as commander of the David Potts, Jr. VFW Post 1156 in Larchmont for 10 years. Under his leadership, the post focused on service to veterans and service to the community. He also served on the board of the Westchester Board of Veterans Services and was a member of The American Legion. Throughout his life, Burt was praised for his great intellect, leadership, gentle nature, intention to get it right, and sense of fairness. He was a peacemaker, and he abhorred pettiness. He cared about people and demonstrated it throughout his life. His family and friends will miss him terribly. Burt is survived by his wife, Deirdre, his two sons, and his stepdaughter. From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, we salute Burt Corwin and his life of service and dedication to his family, neighbors, and country. Prices at the Pump

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, not quite 2 months ago, March 21 to be specific, I filled the tank of our family car at the local gas station three blocks from my home. It was near empty in the gas tank. The price for regular gas was $4.19 per gallon, $4.59 for plus, and $4.99 for super. Twenty gallons later, I paid $85.80 and headed back home. This past Monday night before coming here to Washington by Amtrak, I did the same thing: $4.79 per gallon, $4.99 for plus, and $5.59 for super. It was 60 cents more per gallon in just 50 days. The same gas cost me $95.80, $12 more than it did 50 days before. It was even higher back in March than it was in January. If I needed a full tank once a week and prices were to freeze at today's rate, I would be paying $600 more per year. That is a 15 percent increase. With a congressional salary, I can afford it. But what about the waitress? What about the factory worker? What about the home healthcare aide, the truck driver or the firefighter? What about the nurse or the clerical worker? Are they getting a 15 percent pay raise this year? Many of these people don't know much about the Strait of Hormuz. They don't know much about the shifting rates of tariffs. Maybe they care, maybe they don't, but they care that it costs more today on May 13 than it did on March 21 or on January 1. Mr. Speaker, you can't blame this on Biden, although you will try. You can't blame this on Obama or Hillary or, for that matter, FDR, Grover Cleveland, or any and every Democrat that ever existed. The fact is that on January 19, 2025, the Strait of Hormuz was open. The fact is on January 19, 2025, there were no across-the-board tariffs on products, including those from our friends, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Japan. They are all rethinking what friendship means now. Let's see what it costs me to gas up on June 23 or on September 5 or perhaps on the morning of November 3. Mr. Speaker, you can gerrymander all you want. Everyone sees the signs in neon lights all over their town: $4.19, $4.39, and $4.79. You can't gerrymander that.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an organization in my district that is turning asphalt into opportunity. Sustainable Westchester, a pioneering regional nonprofit serving the Hudson Valley, has launched a bold new initiative called Black Gold. The concept is innovative: install solar canopies over the vast parking lots that dot our region, transforming the pavement into clean power and energy savings at a time when we are all feeling the squeeze. Parking lots are some of the most underutilized spaces in America. Black Gold changes that. It generates renewable energy, reduces grid strain, shades vehicles, and creates good-paying jobs with critical help from Sustainable Westchester. This is exactly the kind of homegrown innovation that drives economic development and fights climate change at the same time. Mr. Speaker, Black Gold isn't just good energy policy. It is smart economic policy, and it is happening in my district in the Hudson Valley. I urge those interested to visit sustainablewestchester.org for more information on this vital initiative.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, veterans give so much to our country, and it is up to us to take care of them when they become civilians. That means quality, easy-to-access care at VA hospitals and outpatient facilities and benefits for a disability diagnosis, purchasing a home, or learning skills to rejoin the workforce. In Congress, I am committed to maintaining these benefits for veterans and preventing any action that would require additional hurdles to receive these earned benefits. One major bill I am supporting is top of mind for veterans: H.R. 1970, Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act, will direct the VA to reimburse State homes for the cost of certain costly medications provided to veterans who receive nursing home care. Last year, I visited the Bronx VA medical center to speak with staff and veterans about the high quality of services and research provided there. It is clear that the VA staff are doing everything that they can to care for and improve services for veterans. We will push back against any cuts by this administration that renege on our commitment to our veterans.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, permit me to recognize the powerful presence of Generations Church located in downtown New Rochelle and in Mount Vernon, as well, which has fostered a dynamic and vibrant Christian community of worship, prayer, faith, and service led by the excellent Bishop Ray Mott, lead pastor. He is ably assisted by his wife, Pastor Sherrie Mott, and many others, including our friend, Elder Mark McLean. Generations ministries includes networks for men, G-Men program; women, WIN, Women's Integrity Network; NextGen Kids; and NowGen Youth, touching all age groups. Sunday morning worship services, Saturday morning prayer, and GC Youth evening meetups all involve the congregation in an active faith commitment. From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, we salute Generations Church and their positive impact in our hometown areas.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, last week Americans and Armenians came together to remember Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. We must continue to honor the more than 1.5 million Armenian lives that were senselessly taken and recommit ourselves to remembering the Armenian genocide as a historical truth with clarity and moral responsibility. We, as a country, must do more to ensure that atrocities like the Armenian genocide never happen again. That is why I have cosponsored H.R. 6840, the ARMENIA Security Partnership Act, to both strengthen the U.S.-Armenian alliance and hold Azerbaijan accountable for their continued human rights abuses. I am proud to stand with the Armenian-American community today and every day as they bravely demand justice, accountability, and fight against those who seek to erase their history. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting these critical pieces of legislation that guarantee the safety and acceptance of the Armenian people 111 years after the atrocities started.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, let me recognize the outstanding work of the White Plains/Greenburgh branch of the NAACP, led by the energetic Janice Griffith, and powered by women and men in these two communities who have stood up for diversity, equity, and inclusion at a time when these policies are under assault and elimination by this Federal administration. The branch reaches into the Fairview section of Greenburgh, the urban neighborhoods of White Plains, and well beyond that into rivertown villages and suburban cul-de-sacs. Standing up for affordable housing, better healthcare, educational resources, and economic growth for Black Americans, the youth, our seniors, and for all of those who are in need, the White Plains/Greenburgh branch of the NAACP has celebrated our past and has pointed us forward to the future. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute the White Plains/Greenburgh branch of the NAACP for their timeless and important tremendous civic contribution.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the work being done by Premiere Athletes and the WE Love Sports Foundation led New Rochelle native, Lawrence Posey. Lawrence is a former athlete and passionate community leader who understands the impact when you gather communities around the love of sports. I have fond memories from my childhood of playing baseball and football with the other kids on the block after the streetlights came on and before my parents called me in the house. These moments taught me valuable lessons of teamwork, time management, and responsibility. Today, these kids play games on the same streets and on the fields as I once did, learning the same valuable lessons. I commend Lawrence and WE Love Sports and Premiere Athletes for making it possible for every child to have the opportunity to succeed and have fun as kids should on and off the field.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, as I have recognized the excellent staff members who are working with me in this, my freshman term, may I also recognize and thank the young people, college students and recent college grads, who have labored in the inglorious role of intern doing day-to-day grunt work necessary but often boring. They have given months of their young lives on my behalf, and I am grateful. They include Pearl Vinard, Emma Balber, Annie O'Connell, Marion Karp, Jacob Niedzielski, Reese Chamberlain, Cheyenne Etemadi, Lauren Flum, and Zachary Couzens. I trust this experience was a good one for each of them and that in the years to come they will achieve great professional and personal success. Project 2027

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, we have spent 1\1/2\ years watching this majority implement Project 2025. I think it is time for us to discuss Project 2027, the things that this House can and should do under new leadership. Let me highlight a priority for 2027: Stop insider trading by Members of Congress, the Cabinet, the President and Vice President, and their families. We will never gain the faith of the American people proclaiming that we have their best common interest at heart when they see examples of elected and appointed officials putting their own personal economic interests at heart. My hometown in New York's 16th Congressional District includes many of the most successful financial minds on Wall Street, but it also includes everyday, hardworking people who don't have any holdings on Wall Street. Let's make sure the playing field is fair, not stilted in favor of those who have access to information not available to all. Let's prove we mean what we say. If this majority in 2026 won't act, then let a new majority act in 2027. Canada

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, permit me to jump forward and to provide unsolicited advice to a person I do not know. On January 22, 2027, that will be the third day of the Presidency of the 48th President of the United States. I encourage that person to fire up Air Force One and fly to Ottawa; invite Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to meet them on the tarmac and give them a big public hug; motor together to the Canadian Parliament, address the collective legislature, and tell them: America, your friend, has come home; announce the end of Canadian tariffs and open up a dialogue on the issues between us. In so doing, you will not only be sending a message to Canada, but you will be sending a message to England, to France, to Germany, and to Japan. We will begin to restore the respect that we have lost in the capitals of the free world.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the workforce cuts taking place at FEMA. We all remember the images from Hurricane Sandy--Coney Island torn apart in our backyard in the New York area, families climbing onto rooftops to escape rising floodwaters. We remember the lessons of the California wildfires, when entire neighborhoods were crumbled. We remember the parents in Texas who never got to pick up their daughters after a mudslide overtook their summer camp. These are real devastations, not hypotheticals, and they are growing in strength and frequency. Yet, this administration is diminishing the very workforce that is tasked with helping survivors rebuild, even questioning the value of the assistance FEMA provided when people had nothing left. We must urge this administration to protect its essential workforce and pray that no community we call home is vulnerable when the next disaster strikes.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my outrage over the conditions that are in place at the growing number of immigrant detention centers established by ICE and the Trump administration nationwide. Aside from holding individuals without judicial warrants, oftentimes detaining American citizens illegally, the centers clearly have not prioritized incarcerating just rapists and violent criminals as advertised. Reports from coast to coast reference centers where Members of Congress have visited and found insufficient bathroom access, inadequate sleeping accommodations, and general overcrowding, all dismissed by the management of ICE. In a month where this President has picked a fight with the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church worldwide, and put himself on the social media meme as if he were a divine figure, these policies are far from divine, Christian, or humane. Obsessed by putting one's own name on buildings to assure everlasting fame, I assure you this name will never be forgotten as the architect and advocate of a system of inhumanity. The world is watching.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Purchase College of the State University of New York system, also known as SUNY Purchase. Purchase College is a top 10 public college nationally recognized for its arts programs and its rigorous programs in the liberal arts and sciences. As the only 4-year public college in Westchester County, SUNY Purchase College delivers a high-quality, affordable education and supports first-generation student success. Purchase College harbors graduates who thrive on the world stage as actors, musicians, filmmakers, and artists, and they have meaningful careers as psychologists, nonprofit leaders, doctors, scientists, lawyers, researchers, and educators. This is a testament to the programs available to the students and the resources provided to alumni long after graduation day. They have just announced a special partnership with Rockland Community College. I am pleased to recognize SUNY Purchase College for the work they do for their students and the wider community.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the urgent need to address the worsening air pollution problem in this country and in my home area of New York. Like many Americans, I remember the blanket of orange smoke that covered our skies throughout the summer of 2023 as a result of the horrific Canadian wildfires. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with students from Columbia University advocating for the creation of clean air centers and air filtration systems for low-income individuals and those with preexisting conditions like congenital heart disease. We all have a moral duty to protect the well-being of Americans across this country from all forms of pollution, from the East Coast to the West Coast and in between. From the floor of the House of Representatives, I urge my colleagues to take action to address the growing severity and protect Americans from dangerous air pollution. Vote ``no'' on bills that will make it easier for polluters to pollute.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the exemplary programs for senior citizens offered by the village of Rye Brook. Based at the Posillipo Center on Garibaldi Place, the Rye Brook seniors enjoy a wide and varied program that involves luncheons for nutritious purposes and companionship with a host of different programs: arts and crafts, games, special trips, and a schedule of special events for holidays like Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter. The senior coordinator who also serves as the deputy village clerk, Liz Rotfeld, is ably assisted by Angie Storino. Free transportation is provided for seniors who no longer are able to drive and still want to attend these events. These programs have garnered support all across the village government, by Mayor Jason Klein, the village board, the outstanding village administrator, Chris Bradbury, and the assistance of this community. From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, we salute the Rye Brook Senior Program and the village of Rye Brook for their service to the senior residents of their community.

Mr. LATIMER

Mr. LATIMER. Madam Speaker, let me recognize the outstanding work of the Co-op City branch of the NAACP for its many contributions to the life of African Americans in their area. The branch is ably led by president Leslie Peterson, and she is aided by Tracy Edwards, Brenda Brown, and Anika Green-Watson and has been connected and involved in numerous programs in their community. The branch meets on the fourth Sunday of each month in their offices in the Einstein, room 36, with interesting programs and speakers. The branch has also hosted and sponsored major events during February's Black History Month, the January celebration of the life of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King and in June for Juneteenth. The group joins other NAACP branches, notably the next-door Williamsbridge NAACP, for events like Know Your Rights seminars. Their advocacy of national NAACP legislative priorities bring them to lobby their elected officials on matters promoting education, healthcare, and antidiscrimination policies. From the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I salute the Co- op City branch of the NAACP for their persistence and their moral leadership at a time when it is needed the most. Saluting Senior Citizen Council of Tuckahoe and Bronxville