Marcus Molinaro

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, let me first clarify. I live in the State of New York where Mayor Eric Adams and the city of New York decided to declare itself a sanctuary city. It opened its arms to individuals from across the globe. The city of New York decided to transport individuals--treating them not as human souls but simply as property--to be displaced to upstate counties. There is no screening. There is no criminal background check. In many cases, there is no monitoring or any coordination between the city of New York and those other communities, communities that made no such decision, no such choice. Earlier, my colleague across the aisle suggested that the Governors who engage in similar activities should simply coordinate and communicate with those other cities. Well, how about the city of New York communicating and coordinating with the rest of the communities? My colleague suggested that Governors should merely turn their attention to the President and simply ask for assistance. Ironically, Mayor Eric Adams made exactly that request and was met with deafening silence. My colleague across the aisle suggested that this is a manufactured crisis. It is a humanitarian crisis at our border that too many of my colleagues in power, by the way, for several years chose not to pay attention to. The President ignored the situation, and now communities across the country are faced with a humanitarian crisis. I am sponsoring the bill not because I don't care about the souls. I spent 12 years locating and identifying real shelters for individuals, unaccompanied minors. I sponsored the bill because families and communities in New York State and in New York City know their schools are not empty. These are centers of education, academics, and athletics. During the summer months, these are the places, by the way, that single moms send their children to get the services and support they need. Lunches are provided. For kids like my own, therapies for those with disabilities are provided. For 2\1/2\ years, we turned our back on those very children. These families are frightened, upset, and agitated by a government that doesn't pay attention to the concerns they have and instead displaces their children when the city of New York and the President and the White House have the capacity to address this problem where it exists. Mr. Speaker, I was intending to speak on a number of provisions within the FAA reauthorization, and I would like to try to get to just two. Within this FAA reauthorization bill, the Access and Dignity for All People Who Travel Act, which I lead, ensures those with disabilities who need special seating accommodations receive them. Too often, those with disabilities are ignored. This bill rectifies that. Another bill within the FAA reauthorization is the Future of Aviation Act.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I was here earlier today, and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle--and I heard it again repeated just moments ago--were talking a lot about what this bill isn't. I am very familiar with what this bill is not. It isn't a fix to IDEA, although children like my own living with disabilities would love for us to effectively engage in that. This isn't a bill about ensuring vocational training, yet we want vocational training. This isn't a bill about other aspects of education. It is about one basic thing: Our schools are not to be used for shelters. We wouldn't be here today, nor would I be compelled to present this legislation, were it not for a failure of this Federal Government--by the way, I acknowledge it is for generations. This administration is not taking seriously the crisis at our border, a true humanitarian crisis. Earlier today, I heard my colleagues on the other side of the aisle argue that Governors across this country shouldn't be in the business of moving undocumented immigrants from one State to another State. While I might share, and I do, from a very compassionate perspective--I spent 12 years as a local elected leader responsible for finding housing and shelter for unaccompanied minors. It was my job to take those individuals seeking asylum and find them locations, all in accordance with Federal law, shelters established under Federal law for the purposes of caring for people. We would not be here today, nor would this bill be even necessary, were it not for the reality that the city of New York made a choice. The city of New York made a decision to be a welcoming, sanctuary city and, by definition, welcomed individuals from around the world, irrespective of their status. Then, when they were confronted with this very real crisis that the White House and the Federal Government have ignored, the city of New York chose to declare that schools within New York City could be used as shelters. In one elementary school in Brooklyn, the gymnasium was being prepared to house migrants during the school year while children were in class. This led to after-school activities, including sports, being canceled. Additionally, in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to house as many as 1,500 migrants at three different State universities in Albany, Buffalo, and Stony Brook. We wouldn't be in this position if the city of New York worked effectively to address the crisis within the city. Additionally, I heard earlier today that Governors from other States should have simply asked the President for financial help. Well, the same is true in the case of Eric Adams. He, in fact, did ask the President and the Federal Government for emergency action and additional financial assistance to contain the crisis within the city of New York and not export it to other parts of the State, and he was met with deafening silence. This is a crisis of significance, and I respect, truly respect, this desire to be a compassionate people, but it is not compassionate. It is not compassionate to displace schoolchildren or to close down schools and convert them into shelters. Earlier today, I was told that that never would happen while students were there. Well, schools during the summer months and entering into fall all across this country are used as centers of community. In some of the most vulnerable neighborhoods in America, gymnasiums are used for after-school and summer activities, athletics. The cafeteria is used for nutrition and school lunches and breakfasts, all there to meet the needs of needy families. For children like my own, schools across this country in the summer months are used to provide therapies and services to those with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities. I understand what this bill is not, and based on my 30 years of experience in public office, it is not meant to be cruel to anyone. There are families in neighborhoods and parents and single moms and dads in urban centers all across this country who just want the school used for their children. They want their government to take responsibility for their actions, whether it is a city that welcomes people from around the world or the Federal Government responsible for containing and addressing this humanitarian crisis where it begins, at our borders. Like all the other families across this country, I simply ask that Congress state this very clearly. This isn't about defunding anyone. This is about making clear that schools are for a single purpose, centers of community, education, and opportunity for our neighbors. They are not shelters. That is what this bill affirms, a very basic sentiment. It is one that I confront, no matter how many words others try to put in our mouths, from a very compassionate perspective. Our kids have already lost too much, and schools should be used for the purpose of educating and empowering kids in our neighborhoods.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chairman, I rise both in appreciation and support of my amendment included in the en bloc, which will require a study to identify potential vulnerabilities in U.S. military systems and infrastructure that could be exploited by adversarial AI applications used by China, Russia, and other adversaries. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for his leadership in this House and for supporting a number of amendments that were included and adopted yesterday. These amendments will support military families and their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensure the DOD guarantees full access and coverage to life-saving opioid overdose reversal drugs, and requires our Nation's biodefense strategy, along with helping the Army meet its goals to modernize aircraft and more. Mr. Chair, I extend my appreciation.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Frank Suits who passed away on June 22nd of this year. Frank was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and husband who will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Frank will long be remembered for the many meaningful contributions he made to his business and community. He successfully ran the Suite- Kote Corporation for many years while also serving on the Homer School Board and many other Homer-based community programs. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring the memory of Frank Suits. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind. May his life and memory always be a blessing.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I missed the vote because I was attending a prior personal family obligation. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 285 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 286.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MOLINARO. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I appreciate the opportunity this afternoon to speak on my amendment to the underlying bill, which, as we know, does help to unlock the growth and prosperity of our Nation's small businesses and their employees. My amendment is simple and straightforward. It will ensure that small businesses and employers, particularly those in rural communities across the country, are made aware of tax-advantaged flexible health insurance benefits. Employers, especially in the rural areas like the ones I represent in upstate New York, should have the tools to provide their employees with various options to lower their healthcare costs and to access quality care. As a member of the House Committee on Small Business, I know the unique challenges businesses in rural communities and those businessowners and employees face every day. With a comprehensive focus on rural areas, we can help ensure that all businesses, regardless of their ZIP Code, have equal opportunity to provide affordable, high- quality healthcare benefits. Madam Chair, I appreciate the opportunity to speak to this amendment. I urge its consideration, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO. Madam Chair, I yield 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).

Mr. MOLINARO. Madam Chair, this amendment, as a reminder to my colleagues across the aisle, is simply meant to broaden access and educate small business owners all across this country as to the benefits that are available to them to access affordable, quality healthcare. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Letizia Tagliafierro who passed away on May 23rd of this year. Letizia was a devoted public servant and native of Saugerties, New York, who will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Letizia will long be remembered for her dedication to public service. Throughout her career, she worked tirelessly for the people of New York in the NY State Assembly, Erie County District Attorney's Office, and as NYS Inspector General. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring the memory of Letizia Tagliafierro. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate her life and the legacy she leaves behind. May her life and memory always be a blessing.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Brent Gawron who passed away suddenly on May 14th of this year. Brent was a devoted father, husband, and Fire Chief of North Chatham, New York. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Brent will long be remembered for his contributions to the town of North Chatham. A true leader, he spent his life serving his community. Together with his wife, Erinn, he built a strong and loving family. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring the memory of Brent Gawron. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind. May his life and memory always be a blessing.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Eramo, an Army officer from Oneonta, New York, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in Alaska. Chief Eramo exemplified the bravery and selflessness that is required of our men and women in uniform. He knew the dangers that came with his service, and he dedicated his life to protecting our country and safeguarding our freedoms. As we mourn his passing, we also recognize the sacrifices all of our servicemembers make every day. They put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and we are forever grateful for their service. May we always honor the bravery and sacrifice of Chief Eramo and all those who have given their last full measure of devotion to a grateful Nation.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, should we do more? Of course, we should do more, but fentanyl is pouring into our country not only at our ports of entry, but across our borders. We did do more a week ago bolstering border security. Fentanyl is taking too many American lives, and I rise today in support of the HALT Fentanyl Act. This bill will help to combat the spread of fentanyl-related substances by permanently listing it as a schedule I drug, recognizing its deadly effects, giving our communities yet one more tool in a growing and necessary toolbox. The smallest amounts of these drugs can kill even just one person, and laced with other substances, they are taking countless lives. Accessibility and lethality of these drugs have fueled countless fatalities. Fentanyl poisoning is the number one cause of death among adults 18 to 49 years of age, more than cancer, more than heart disease, and more than car accidents. In upstate New York, the opioid crisis is devastating our communities, and it is being fueled by fentanyl. This is the public health crisis of our lifetime. In my home State, my district in Sullivan County, New York, has the highest opioid death rate in the entire State. That is why we are also pushing for Sullivan County to be designated a Federal High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. The truth is, every community in America is a victim to the fentanyl crisis, every family is on the front line of this opioid crisis, and we must give law enforcement and communities every tool necessary. I am proud to support this bill. I am proud to support law enforcement and their efforts to intercede and give them the tools to keep fentanyl out of our communities and off our streets.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month. One in six students is experiencing childhood mental health disorders. Among adults, that number jumps to one in five. Our Nation is facing a mental health crisis, and it requires urgent action. For too long, mental health has been a topic that people have been afraid to openly discuss. It carries with it a stigma that has prevented people from getting the care they need. I know this firsthand. Having been raised by a single mom with undiagnosed depression, I know the challenges that many families face. While grateful for her love, I knew the struggles that she lived with. Talking about mental health simply isn't enough. We must work hard to break down and break through barriers and encourage more people to seek the help they need. That requires us as a nation and as communities to invest more and to help ensure anyone who needs mental health treatment can access it. I spent much of the last 12 years as a local elected official building up the most comprehensive community-based mental health model in the country. It is now, today, the model that New York State uses, and it is critically important that we expand the reach and the ability of individuals to access community-based mental health treatment. In upstate New York, we have incredible providers like the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier. Unfortunately, these providers are stretched thin and face growing demand. They need our help. That is why we must increase Federal commitment to mental health programming and incentivize mental health education to boost the pipeline of qualified practitioners. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, we must increase our commitment to addressing the mental health crisis in our communities. This is an issue that transcends party and politics. By working together, we can build communities where everyone has the support they need to live out a full, healthy, and fulfilling life. Honoring National Police Week

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with many of my colleagues in honor of National Police Week. I join Members across this country in recognizing the brave men and women who serve in Federal, State, county, and local law enforcement. I especially acknowledge and recognize the men and women of law enforcement throughout upstate New York, the county, State, and local men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. Sadly, however, they don't get the recognition that they deserve, and appreciation, while well deserved, is simply not enough. New York State passed cashless bail reforms that have allowed dangerous criminals to be released and remain in our communities and on our streets, reoffending, creating new victims, undermining law enforcement, and diminishing public safety. These laws make it harder and more dangerous to be a law enforcement official or a police officer. It is no wonder our police officers are leaving the profession in record numbers. Here in Congress, we are moving this week to pass bills to show our support and appreciation for law enforcement and to prove again that we have their backs. We defend those who defend us and vigorously oppose the defund and defame the police movement, not just because it is the right thing to do but because it will further protect our police officers and enhance community safety. Mr. Speaker, we recognize all of those men and women who serve and sacrifice every day, and we are grateful to them and their families. May they always come home to a family that loves them and a community that supports them.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize April 2 as Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson Education and Sharing Day. April 2 is the Rebbe's birthday, and Rabbi Schneerson believed that education was not just about acquiring knowledge but also about developing a strong moral compass. He saw education as a tool for building a healthy and prosperous society, one that values compassion, justice, and kindness. His vision has inspired countless individuals around the world to pursue excellence in education and to better serve their communities. Through his tireless efforts, the Rebbe established over 5,500 educational and social institutions across the United States and in more than 100 countries. These institutions have empowered young people to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on society. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in celebrating Education and Sharing Day by reflecting on the Rebbe's legacy and commitment to education. Recognizing Autism Awareness Day

Mr. MOLINARO. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Autism Awareness Day, a day that promotes understanding and acceptance of individuals on the autism spectrum. Autism is a complex neurological disorder that affects millions of individuals across the United States. It is also a spectrum disorder, which means each person's challenges can vary significantly. As the father of four children, one of whom lives on the autism spectrum, this is deeply personal to me. April 2 is my daughter Abigail's birthday. Happy birthday to her. Before coming to Congress, I founded the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative in my home State to break down barriers and open opportunities for individuals with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. In Congress, we are working in a bipartisan way to expand on this effort. I started by introducing the Think Differently Database Act, which creates a comprehensive website of resources for individuals with disabilities. This is just the beginning. We must do more to increase funding for autism research, expand access to early intervention services, and support families through education and outreach programs. These efforts will promote greater inclusivity and understanding and help every person of every ability reach their fullest potential. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Autism Awareness Day and continue supporting this critical work of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone of every ability.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chairman, my amendment simply requires a study to look at the impact that a ban on natural gas appliances would have on electricity prices. In my home State of New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed to implement a ban on gas-powered appliances, including gas stoves, beginning in 2025, less than just 2 years from now. The notion that the State is going to tell New Yorkers that they can't use the most affordable option to heat their homes or cook their dinner is beyond belief. This proposal will undoubtedly increase the demand and cost for electricity, which is already incredibly expensive for my constituents in upstate New York, all spending hundreds, even thousands of dollars more for their electricity. My amendment will shed light on the costs of Governor Hochul's proposal and what that cost will have on New Yorkers, and by extension, all Americans. This is not a partisan issue. My Democratic colleagues should join me in seeking transparency and identifying the effects that this proposal and others like it will have on the cost of electricity. H.R. 1, the bill in chief, delivers on our commitment to lower energy costs for the American people, and I wholeheartedly support it. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. With due respect to all my colleagues, there is a State that is proposing to ban gas appliances. In fact, New York is not only planning to ban simply through new construction, but will require that transition within 2 years, even retrofitting or making changes to construction of existing homes. In the case of New York, we know already we shoulder the highest burden, highest cost of not only taxation and electricity costs, but this will just add insult to injury. I encourage my colleagues to support my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Armstrong).

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Binghamton University Men's Hockey Team on winning the DII AAU College National Championship. Binghamton University won with a commanding 6-3 victory over Fairfield University. This capped off an astonishing season in which Binghamton finished with a 23-5-1 overall record and a perfect record in the national tournament. These young men have dedicated countless hours to their sport while balancing a rigorous academic schedule with grueling practices and games. Making this championship even more special, the team bounced back after sustaining several injuries last year. This is a moment that this team and our community will remember for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing the Binghamton University Men's Hockey Team on this well- earned title. Congratulations to the National Champions.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Chatham, New York Panthers Varsity Basketball team for their recent attainment of 2nd place in the New York State Class C Regional Final. After a magical run this season, they deserve to be recognized for their hard work and perseverance. This achievement is a record for Chatham, a feat that they should be very proud of. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing Chatham for this remarkable achievement.