Marcus Molinaro

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5754) to designate the United States courthouse located at 350 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, California, as the ``Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez United States Courthouse'', as amended.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on H.R. 5754.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5754, a bill to designate the United States courthouse located at 350 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, California, as the Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez United States Courthouse. Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez are remembered for their leadership in the 1946 Federal court case Mendez v. Westminster which desegregated public schools in California, which established the legal precedent for the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case. It is fitting that we acknowledge the late couple by naming this courthouse in Los Angeles after them. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 5754, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time, and I am prepared to close.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I join in supporting this bill recognizing the legacy of Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez by naming a United States courthouse in Los Angeles after them. This is an historic and appropriate recognition, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6248) to require Amtrak to report to Congress information on Amtrak compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 with respect to trains and stations, as amended.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material into the Record on H.R. 6248.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to see my bill, the Think Differently Transportation Act, come to the House floor. This is yet another item to pass the House that builds off the work that we began when I was county executive in New York State, in Dutchess County, New York, the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative. ThinkDIFFERENTLY is a call to action to break down barriers and create opportunities for those living with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities. The Think Differently Transportation Act does just that. The bill requires that Amtrak submit to Congress and the President an annual report with an expected timeline for bringing Amtrak trains and stations into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Amtrak stations and trains should be fully accessible for all Americans of every ability and fully compliant with Federal law. The ADA was passed in 1990 and established a 20-year timeframe for intercity rail stations to be accessible to those with disabilities. As of July 2023, sadly, Amtrak has only brought 30 percent of the 385 stations it is responsible for into ADA compliance. This is simply unacceptable and creates far too many barriers for every person of every ability, making this bill necessary. The Think Differently Transportation Act is a strong bipartisan bill that allows Congress to have appropriate oversight of Amtrak to ensure it complies with its obligations under the law. The bill is an important step forward that Congress can take to address accessibility barriers to travel by rail. I also wish to take this time to acknowledge the original co-lead of this bill, the late Congressman Don Payne, Jr., who, as we know, passed away last month. It was an immense pleasure to work with him, and I would like to think that the passage of this bill would act as some small honor to him and his legacy to helping individuals with disabilities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague across the aisle for her leadership. I too wish Representative Payne, for many reasons, would still be here to at least celebrate this important next step. There are far too many barriers in the lives of those living with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities. They shoulder a 70 percent unemployment rate. Access to transportation and the ability to move around, as every American would hope to, creates such enormous barriers to opportunities. This Think Differently Transportation Act will help to ensure that Amtrak follows the basic expectation that the ADA sets into law, through regular reporting to both Congress and the President on Amtrak's progress, or lack thereof, toward ADA compliance for its trains and stations and all those they serve. This bill represents an important step toward improving Amtrak's service for customers of every ability. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5799) to designate the checkpoint of the United States Border Patrol located on United States Highway 90 West in Uvalde County, Texas, as the ``James R. Dominguez Border Patrol Checkpoint''.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material into the Record on H.R. 5799.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5799, a bill that honors the service and sacrifice of Border Patrol Agent James R. Dominguez by naming the United States Border Patrol checkpoint in Uvalde County, Texas, after him. Border Patrol Agent Dominguez served our country for more than 12 years. On July 19, 2012, Agent Dominguez stopped to clear debris out of the roadway when he was tragically struck and killed by a passing car. It is fitting that we honor Agent Dominguez by naming this Border Patrol checkpoint after him. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 5799, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Tony Gonzales), who is the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this bill to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. Border Patrol Agent James R. Dominguez by designating the United States Border Patrol checkpoint in Uvalde County, Texas, as the James R. Dominguez Border Patrol Checkpoint. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Gonzales, for his advocacy. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO

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

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chair, as we pause this week to recognize the men and women in law enforcement who sacrifice and serve our communities across America, it is important that we take additional steps to provide for their safety, for the protection of their colleagues, and to enhance public safety in communities across our country. I listened intently to the debate that ensued regarding the base bill. I, for one, am interested in governing. Governing is terrifically important. I might remind my colleagues across the aisle that the Congress legislates. We adopt laws that then the executive, as part of governing, must actually enforce. What we have seen systemically over the last 4 years is this administration and this President have surrendered the southern border to drug cartels. This administration and this President have made it easier for individuals, nearly 12 million after 4 years, to enter into our country unchecked, unvetted, and, in many cases, allowed to avoid the law. Now, add to that, if we are to govern in this country, we not only need the President, but we need States like New York and Governors like Kathy Hochul to actually enforce the law, and yet this administration and the administration in New York are making it consistently harder for law enforcement to do their job. New York State alone is now seeing over 200,000 undocumented individuals, and that is in New York City alone. Why? Because New York State and New York City declared themselves sanctuary cities. If we are to govern in this country and actually enforce the law, you would need States like New York and cities like New York to actually enforce the law, but in New York, they don't allow for the deportation of undocumented individuals even after they assault police officers. We saw this in New York City only weeks ago. Why? Because it is illegal in New York for law enforcement to interact with Federal law enforcement, ICE. Consistently, the State of New York has been allowed to make it easier and easier for individuals not only to enter into our country illegally, but to commit crimes. New York has cashless bail. This is a consistent effort to put people back on the streets without any intervention, without any enforcement of law, and because of it, we consistently see an increase in assaults against law enforcement and American citizens. Eighty percent of those who are transported from the border to other cities and States across the country aren't being transported by other States, they are being transported by the President and the Federal Government. Again, if we are to govern, the President needs to follow the law. My amendment requires a report to Congress to speak on the number of migrants who were detained for assaulting a police officer over the past 5 years. We can't actually enforce the rules if we don't have the data. This amendment wouldn't be necessary at all if the Biden administration took actions to secure the border and States like New York didn't flaunt the law and create their own to avoid the law and make communities like mine less safe. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to adopt this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the support from my colleague across the aisle. I might remind her some moments ago she encouraged that we ought to be governing. The problem is that Congress has adopted legislation that should be enforced at the border. Congress has established rules, as have States, to ensure that law enforcement is protected, yet States are permitted to avoid that law. Presidents like this one are permitted, apparently, to simply ignore the law. The base legislation is necessary because we continue to see an escalation in violence against law enforcement officials, while at the same time, there is an abandonment of security at our border and the allowance of States like New York to simply avoid any responsibility for bringing criminals to justice. The base bill is necessary. The amendment is necessary. I appreciate the support for the amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Sock Out Cancer Day, which will take place on June 2. Cancer affects millions of families from all walks of life, and Sock Out Cancer Day reminds us that we are all alike in facing this formidable foe. The Sock Out Cancer organization has captured this message by selling pairs of multicolored socks which symbolize over 25 different forms of cancer. With the proceeds, the organization has helped survivors and families pay for food, transportation, and housing so they can focus their energy on healing and recovery. Mr. Speaker, Sock Out Cancer has become a beacon of hope for those facing the fight of their lives. I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing this June 2 as National Sock Out Cancer Day.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Congressman Williams, for reminding us of the unyielding sacrifice and tragic loss that far too many in law enforcement and their families face far too often in this country. Now to the families of Michael Hoosock and Michael Jensen, again, to honor the memory of their loved one, two heroic men in upstate New York who gave their lives in service to our community, is not only commendable, it is sadly becoming all too necessary. Yet again, we rise on another night to recognize and to memorialize lives of two American heroes, in this case two officers in upstate New York who gave the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their community. Yet again, another city and county mourn the loss of two of their finest. Yet again, another two police officer families suffer unspeakable loss. These two men, Michael Hoosock and Michael Jensen, committed a lifetime of service to Onondaga County and the city of Syracuse in New York. They were routinely carrying out their obligations to a community when--yet again, the same headlines we have seen consistently over and over again throughout New York and throughout this country--they fell victim to an assailant who began shooting at and killing them both. The loss of these brave young officers is a tragedy that those families, and sadly too many families across New York and across America, see. They will never forget their loved one who was patrolling the streets and keeping us safe when their lives ended too soon. It is still a tragedy that should never have occurred. I have spent the last 30 years in service in upstate New York. When the State legislature, led by a single party and the Governor, embraced criminal justice reforms, they ignored the very fact that they were making our communities less safe. They ignored the fact that countless members of law enforcement, district attorneys, and those of us who have engaged in the criminal justice system for so long have said: that cashless bail would result in a more dangerous community, cashless bail would result in more victims being created, and cashless bail would end the lives of law enforcement because it would tie the hands of police officers. They ignored us. Yet Democrats in Albany and the single-party rule in New York continues to pass reckless policies just like cashless bail, the HALT Act, the Clean Slate Act, and countless other policies that are making it more and more difficult for law enforcement to do their job. Because of it, we have seen not only a rise in crime in our communities, but we have seen an increase in violence committed against police officers and the death of law enforcement officials all too often. How much more would it take? How many more children won't have their fathers to come home to and their moms to love? How many more families have to have an empty chair at the dining room table? How many more police organizations across New York must stand shoulder to shoulder in a somber line mourning the loss of one of their colleagues before the State of New York gets serious? Of course we want a system that respects the right of a presumption of innocence, but we need a system of laws that provides the resources, support, and tools necessary for law enforcement to protect us and so that they may protect themselves as their jobs only get more and more dangerous. I proudly represent communities in upstate New York just like my colleague, Mr. Williams, and my colleague, Ms. Tenney, who want to remind the leaders in Albany, New York, and in Washington that the violence that we have seen and the loss of lives that we have experienced isn't only occurring in big cities. Nevertheless, it is, sadly, occurring in communities big and small like those we represent. We have an obligation to the men and women who sacrifice for us to keep them safe, and now we have the families of Michael Hoosock and Michael Jensen to whom we owe reforms that make the jobs of the men and women they left behind even safer. So I, again, commend my colleague, Mr. Williams, for reminding us of the loss of these two men, the sacrifice they made, and that we are indebted to their families who now live on with great loss. I hope that their loss is not in vain and that the message that we get not only from tonight but from these tragedies that occur over and over again is that those who are entrusted in States like New York to make laws and keep us safe finally get serious about it. Mr. Speaker, to those men and women who serve in law enforcement across America and across New York, may you truly, genuinely come home to a community that supports you and the families who love you.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues across the aisle are spending a great deal of time arguing against a piece of legislation they claim has no purpose, is meaningless, and only denounces the policies of the Biden administration. The policies of the Biden administration are due denouncing. There is little question that if this were a fire, then the executive would send the fire department. If it were a hurricane, the executive would send FEMA, but because this is a crisis of this President's making, he has chosen not to offer any response but to allow the crisis to continue. I remind my colleagues across the aisle that, yes, sure, the immigration system is broken. I wasn't here to break it. A couple of my colleagues have been here long enough to fix it several times over. The law as it relates to securing our border is clear: We are the legislature. We adopted the law. The President and the executive branch have the responsibility to execute the law. Instead, he has surrendered the southern border to drug cartels that are not only trafficking deadly drugs, synthetic opioids, and fentanyl but also trafficking human lives. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle are like some sort of delusional Wizard of Oz: Pay no attention to the crisis at the border. Pay no attention to the chaos in our cities. Pay no attention to the students taken out of schools so that cities like New York can shelter immigrants and migrants that they welcome. Don't pay attention to any of it. Look over there to Donald Trump. Don't look behind the curtain. That is because, Mr. Speaker, you will find that this President, with the stroke of a pen, could reestablish the executive orders and take the emergency action necessary to secure our border, protect our citizens, and save lives. Instead, this President has allowed a crisis, and it is worth denouncing over and over again because it has caused chaos, led to crime and the loss of lives, and fueled instability in our communities.

Mr. MOLINARO. We know this as New Yorkers because, despite the protestation otherwise, the State of New York has opened its arms. Then, when thousands upon thousands of migrants find their way to the city of New York and are relocated to other parts like upstate New York, which I represent, the State starts to complain. Enough is enough. The President needs to wake up and take this crisis seriously. It is not progressive. It is cruel, and he must take action. Yes, his current policies are worth denouncing.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I would never question those who oppose this legislation's beliefs, their ideology, their religious faith. I do, however, question the motive. We are in a moment of choosing, and there are not two legitimate sides to this issue. The erection of encampments on college campuses isn't an expression of speech, it is a direct threat to Jewish students on college campuses. Those who spew hate and ignorance and anti-Semitism in multiple horrid forms aren't simply expressing a constitutional right; it is an infringement on the rights of Jewish students. Those who conduct themselves in this way are wrong. They harass Jewish students who are innocently attempting simply to study. I know it and I have seen it firsthand, as I have visited students at Cornell and Binghamton in upstate New York. These students who think that they are simply extending their freedom of speech aren't understanding the hate, ignorance, and violence that is emboldened by it. They are wrong to feel entitled that they can simply occupy buildings and public spaces and damage public property. They are wrong. Congress should not only establish a firm commitment to the basic definition of anti-Semitism, but it ought to speak with clarity that this is wrong. Perhaps if we had said that decades ago, we wouldn't see the escalation that we are seeing today. Perhaps if college presidents simply accepted responsibility for the safety and security of their Jewish students, we wouldn't see the violence we have today, we wouldn't need law enforcement on college campuses to protect students. My God, we don't and should never need that kind of enforcement to protect the rights of innocent students: not in tents, not occupying buildings, not threatening hate, violence, or ignorance. We shouldn't need that kind of enforcement to ensure Jewish students can simply be Jewish students. For that reason, I not only support the bill, I encourage my colleagues to do the same. Speak with clarity.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I celebrate today the distinguished career of Dr. Tim Ryan, who will soon graduate from his role as President to Chancellor of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). As he embarks on his retirement, Dr. Ryan will continue to serve as an advisor to the institution. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dr. Ryan's journey is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His early affiliation with the CIA as a student set the stage for what would become a lifelong relationship with the institution. For over four decades, Dr. Ryan's visionary leadership has spurred remarkable growth and international acclaim for the CIA He held various executive roles before his historic appointment as President in 2001, becoming the first alumnus to lead the college. Under his presidency, the CIA has become a global educational powerhouse. Today, the CIA boasts a diverse array of associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs across campuses in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore. These institutions have become epicenters of gastronomic education, nurturing future chefs, sommeliers, and hospitality leaders. Dr. Ryan's vision has firmly established the CIA as the preeminent culinary college in the world. Dr. Ryan's influence extends beyond the boundaries of education. His role in the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Culinary Partnership underscores his commitment to leveraging food as a means of fostering international relations and cultural exchange. His accolades, including the Presidential Medal from the World Association of Chefs Societies and induction into the James Beard Foundation's Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America, demonstrate his impact on the global food landscape. Commended as one of the 50 Greatest Pittsburghers of All Time, Dr. Ryan's philosophy is simple yet profound: ``100 percent of the world eats food''. This universal truth drives his mission to educate and inspire the next generation of culinary leaders, ensuring that the CIA remains at the forefront of the world's gastronomic scene. Dr. Ryan's contributions to the CIA, the food industry, and the broader community in the Hudson Valley of New York are immeasurable. His contributions have not only shaped the CIA but have also enriched the world's culinary heritage, making him a true pioneer of American cuisine. Mr. Speaker, I have known Dr. Ryan personally for many years. As an educator and culinarian, he has impacted over 30,000 individuals who have graduated from the CIA during his tenure as the president of the Culinary Institute of America. Dr. Ryan has an unwavering commitment to transforming the food industry and bettering the nation and world through education, practice, and scholarship. It is with great admiration and respect that we commend Dr. Tim Ryan for his extraordinary achievements and enduring legacy. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing the distinguished career and lasting impact of Dr. Tim Ryan, a leader who has left an indelible mark on American gastronomy, education, and the culinary arts. His legacy is not only reflected in the culinary professionals he has mentored, but also in his embodiment of excellence.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7985, the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act, which I am very proud to co-lead alongside my colleague, Representative McGarvey. I am grateful for his leadership and commitment to move the legislation forward and also to address an important need in our communities across this country. This bipartisan bill will provide much-needed clarity for our entrepreneurs with disabilities as they navigate the SBA's complex maze of over 50 different programs geared to support individuals with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities as they start a business. As of April 2022, 74 percent of adults with disabilities work outside the traditional workforce. Approximately 1.8 million of these adults with disabilities were businessowners themselves. From limited access to affordable capital to a scarcity of supports and services tailored to their unique needs, the SBA needs to step up and, frankly, provide much greater support in working to consolidate this fractured and complex system. Entrepreneurs of every ability should have a fair shot at pursuing their passion. As chair of the Small Business Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development, I remain committed, as I know my colleague, Mr. McGarvey, does, to empowering our entrepreneurs with disabilities to contribute more to Main Street and lead more independent lives. The absence of adequate reporting data on entrepreneurs with disabilities renders this eager and highly competent community to the sidelines. The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act would provide a comprehensive assessment of the needs of our entrepreneurs with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities and help inform lawmakers of legislative solutions to address the challenges these individuals face in order to break down barriers so they can pursue their own employment options and create opportunities to owning their own businesses. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank Representative Morgan McGarvey for his partnership on this bill. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to continuing to show America what it means to think differently, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for every individual of every ability.