Marcus Molinaro

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chairman, there is adequate capacity for colleges and universities across this country to identify the source of funds such as this. In fact, we know all too often that there are individuals even working within the Federal Government who have ties and have associated themselves with actions of Hamas. We have the technology to do so. And simply expecting that universities do their due diligence and then disclose to the American people, students, and supporters of those universities is certainly not a bar too great for them to meet. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Tioga Central and Waverly High School football teams. They are making history. This is the first time two football teams from upstate Tioga County, New York, are competing simultaneously in State title games. Tioga football's resounding 63-16 victory in the semifinals marks their third consecutive State title game appearance. With 39 consecutive wins, they are not only chasing a third straight State championship but also their fourth title since 2015. Just as remarkably, Waverly football's dominant win of 42-0 in the semifinals earned them a spot in the Class C State final for the first time in school history. This historic moment is a testament to the dedication of our student athletes, the guidance of their coaches, and the unwavering support of our community. I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating these young athletes, their coaches, their families, and the entire Tioga County community.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Dear God, Mr. Speaker, my future former colleague is divorced from reality. He has manufactured his entire life to defraud the voters of his district of an honest choice for a Member of Congress. He has lied to donors and to colleagues, taking advantage of election law, using campaign funds to personally benefit himself, and he has defamed not only his office but the institution itself. I was not elected, nor any of us, to defend a precedent. I was elected to defend the United States Constitution. My colleague, in the most truthful thing he said today, said, we don't want to be compared to him. My colleague is damn right. I do not want to be compared to him. The voters that sent me here expect an independent voice, expect us to use the rules of the House, and expect us to stand up for the very decency and laws of this country in protecting the Constitution. He has lost the right to serve in this House, and I will vote to expel him.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership and yielding for this important bill. I also extend my appreciation to the ranking member, my colleague from the great State of New York, for her ongoing support. I am proud to speak to this bill this afternoon. Small businesses know that, all too often, more than perhaps any other in this country, when it comes to Federal regulations and the Federal Government, the left hand not only doesn't know what the right hand is doing but the left hand doesn't know there is a right hand. Because of that, it creates a great deal of burden and confusion for small businesses. My bill, H.R. 4668, the POST IT Act, is an important step to make it easier for small business owners to comply with Federal regulations that might otherwise be difficult for them to locate in the first place and then to understand. I am grateful to Ms. Scholten for working together with me on this bill. This bipartisan legislation simply requires Federal agencies to post follow-up guidance on the SBA's Office of the National Ombudsman's website for any regulation that will have a significant impact on small businesses. While there are official guidance documents that are released when rules are initially finalized, over time, agencies often release additional materials related to compliance. This leads to updated policy statements and technical clarifications that ultimately lead to a labyrinth of regulatory confusion and oversight by enforcement. The POST IT Act ensures these updates will be housed in a centralized location so small business owners can worry less about abiding by government regulations and focus more on running their businesses, employing our neighbors, and investing in our communities. There are over 33 million small businesses in the United States of America, which, as we all know and celebrate often, serve as the backbone of the American economy. The thousands of small businesses I represent in upstate New York are vitally important to our communities, supporting local services through their taxes paid, supporting employees and their families, and making an honest living for themselves. If Federal agencies are going to create new regulations for small businesses to comply with, we should seek to make it easier for them to understand and follow those rules, to relieve them of that burden so they are not further burdened with confusing requirements. This commonsense bipartisan legislation will help small businesses avoid unnecessary headaches. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Ms. Scholten, for her leadership on this bill. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Barry R. Feirstein and the memory of Holly Peyton Good Feirstein, who both worked to create the `Pay it Forward' campaign which has positively impacted the lives of those in the autism community by raising over $97,000 for the Anderson Center for Autism. Barry is also the 2023 recipient of the V.V. Anderson Community Service Award that recognizes his outstanding contributions to helping those living with autism. Barry is a graduate of Brooklyn College and Harvard Business School. He was a two-term Chairman of Brooklyn College where he worked tirelessly to create the Barry R. Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, one of the few remaining film schools in a working studio. Barry spent his career as founder of Feirstein Capital Management where he concentrated his efforts to help others make solid financial investments. He is currently on the Weill Cornell Deans Council and the Board of Autism Speaks. His contributions to local communities in New York, through both the `Pay it Forward' campaign and the Barry R. Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, will not be soon forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing Barry R. Feirstein being honored with the 2023 V.V. Anderson Community Service Award. This award is a fitting honor for the profound difference he and Holly Peyton Good Feirstein have made in the lives of those with autism through their `Pay it Forward' campaign.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Lula ``Mae'' Parker-Harris, a pillar of the Dutchess County community who was beloved by all who knew her. Mae recently passed away on August 27, 2023, at the age of 79. Mae attended public schools and was educated at Dutchess Community College. She spent her career at various organizations including Dutchess Community Day Care Center, Wassaic Developmental Center, and Astor Head Start. Mae was known throughout the community for her selflessness and integrity. A devoted member of the Smith Metropolitan AME Zion Church, she was committed to civil activism, social responsibility, and equity and equality in and around her community. Her contributions to Poughkeepsie, NY and Dutchess County will endure for generations to come, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing the life of Lula Mae Parker-Harris, a remarkable woman who made a lasting difference in her community.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chairman, let me highlight three amendments within the en bloc that are particular to communities in districts like mine. First, financial literacy is critically important, particularly in rural communities like the ones I represent in upstate New York. The best path forward for someone to achieve independence is obviously hard work and good financial decisionmaking. Amendment No. 1 encourages the Department of the Treasury to continue to invest in financial literacy initiatives for students and, in particular, reach young people in rural communities like those in upstate New York. I was shocked, Mr. Chairman, upon becoming a Member of Congress, that there are constituents within many districts across the country, in particular in upstate New York, who were not receiving actual mail delivery. I know this is perhaps not unique to my district. However, with thousands of individuals who have moved into upstate New York, the Catskill region communities, the post office has yet to acknowledge their very existence, whether it is simply offering them a physical mailing address or delivering their mail. Amendment No. 71 that I have submitted would address this glaring oversight and, quite frankly, incompetence within Sullivan County in upstate New York in my district, where the United States Postal Service has completely ignored these constituents and where thousands of them are not yet able to receive mail. Therefore, this amendment highlights the need that the American taxpayer should be entitled to the constitutionally recognized delivery of mail service. Lastly, amendment No. 23 addresses for senior citizens spam calls and targeted fraud cases. The FTC data shows that consumers lost an estimated $8.8 billion to scams in 2022. My amendment encourages the FTC to coordinate with other agencies like the DOJ and the FCC to ensure our data is protected and seniors are not victims.

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

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chair, the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States, CFIUS, is the chief body responsible for monitoring foreign financial influence in our Nation and the national security risk it poses. My amendment would direct CFIUS to evaluate the rising threat of U.S. agricultural operations owned by adversarial nations. Food security is national security, and recent reports have indicated a disturbing trend of increased ownership of farm operations by entities with ties to the Chinese and Russian Governments, which is alarming and dangerous. Whether it is actual farmland or advanced agribusinesses, adversarial control over these entities provides adversaries the opportunity to spy on our military assets, steal revolutionary ag technology and research, and undermine the United States food system. This issue has garnered bipartisan support on the Agriculture Committee because it is essential for the protection of American agriculture and for the protection of our family farms. CFIUS could be a critical tool in better evaluating this risk and improving our response to this threat. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to adopt this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chairman, sending a powerful message to our adversaries that America's food security is our national security is important and critical. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, with hours to go before the potential shutdown of this Federal Government, we are posed with a single question: Vote ``yes'' to continue to provide services and support to our military, to our defense, to our communities, to law enforcement; or vote ``no'' and shut the government down? That is the question. Being told, by the way, for years during the pandemic with the government shut down that somehow people should just sort of fend for themselves; being told for years how great that was, we have an opportunity in this very moment to confront what is a real crisis for real people. Keep the government functioning, continue to focus on appropriations, drive down Federal spending, but meet the needs and the expectations of the American people today. Vote ``yes'' to keep the government open. Vote ``no'' to shut the government down. I, on behalf of my constituents, will be voting ``yes'' to keep this government functioning.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, having listened for 45 minutes, I am amazed and confused as to what exactly my colleagues across the aisle thought we were doing in this very moment. In just moments, we have the opportunity to avert a Federal Government shutdown. It is a responsibility that we have to ensure that the people who work for this Federal Government have the support and the backing of those who employ them. It is critically important to the men and women who serve and sacrifice across the globe that they know that we have their backs. It is critically important that those in law enforcement, emergency response, and those all across this country know that in this moment we vote ``yes'' to keep this government functioning.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, after pouring trillions of dollars into the American economy, after ignoring the crisis at our southern border, after closing schools and forcing kids to learn from home, after denying life-affirming services to young people with disabilities, we have been lectured about how great these last 2 years have been for the American people. We have, in this very moment, the ability to avert a government shutdown and, at the same time, finally take some responsibility for reckless, wasteful Federal spending. There is no excuse to pick the pockets of hardworking American families who are already overburdened because of inflation, the high cost of gas, the high cost of groceries, the inability to access or find a job, and running up their credit cards. We have the ability now to avert a government shutdown, control Federal spending, and secure the border, an open border that is taking too many American children's lives because of fentanyl and destroying communities all across this country. The mayor of New York is saying the President has ignored his call and that inaction at the border is destroying the city of New York. We have, in this very moment, the ability to avert a shutdown, respect American taxpayers, and secure the American borders.

Mr. MOLINARO

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

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent that the request for a recorded vote on amendment No. 154 be withdrawn to the end that the amendment stands disposed of by the earlier voice vote thereon.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month. The mental health of our Nation and mental health crisis remains the greatest public health crisis of our lifetime. In 2022 alone, we lost 50,000 Americans to death by suicide. Among younger populations, that statistic is even more alarming. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 14, and the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24. No community, no family, no neighborhood is immune, and addressing this crisis requires bold and persistent bipartisan efforts from Congress, State, and local leaders. We have made great strides in increasing access by rolling out the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and making other investments in mental health programs. However, there is significantly more to be done. We have to continue to raise awareness, reduce the stigma, address and ensure anyone who needs help is able to get the treatment and the care they deserve, regardless of neighborhood, ZIP Code, or community. Mr. Speaker, this is the public health crisis of our lifetime, and we must rise to the challenge.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Joan Kaplan Davidson, a philanthropist and champion of conservation in New York State who recently passed away at the age of 96. Joan spent her life advocating for the restoration and conservation of New York's treasures and her legacy is one of vision and action. She served as the leader of the J.M. Kaplan Fund, as the New York State Commissioner of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, and gave her time to countless non-profit boards and committees. I had the pleasure of working alongside her to designate the Hudson River as New York's first Heritage River and to work to advance numerous local waterfront development plans and historic preservation projects. Joan chose to make a profound impact through the power of small, decisive actions, and her work has inspired me and countless others. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring the enduring legacy of Joan Kaplan Davidson, a woman who made a profound difference in the Hudson River Valley and New York State.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Homer Fire Department in Cortland County, New York. The Homer Fire Department was established on April 10, 1873 as part of the Village of Homer. Since then, the all-volunteer department has worked tirelessly to protect the citizens of Homer and has served as a backbone of their community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing the Homer Fire Department on their 150th anniversary. It is my sincere privilege to honor all the volunteer firefighters who have kept Homer safe since 1873 and continue to do so today.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I missed the vote because I was meeting with constituents. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 379.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Madam Chair, I will speak briefly to two amendments that were included in the MILCON appropriations bill. Specifically, one, amendment 24 ensures the funding for Veterans Health Administration, it ensures that we are dedicated to assisting veterans with disabilities and those with mental health and substance abuse challenges. Of course, as a Nation, we owe a great deal of gratitude to these men and women, and regardless of whether these are emotional or physical scars, this amendment ensures that we continue to provide appropriate access. Additionally, amendment 25 ensures funding for the VA electronic health records which, of course, is critically important to our veterans, that we continue to modernize the system to help transitioning veterans access and receive top-quality care at VA facilities. At the same time, we need to ensure the safety and effectiveness of updating this program. The VA and Congress must work in lockstep to create a system that better serves our veterans and taxpayers. Madam Chair, I thank my colleagues for consideration of these amendments.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chairman, I extend my thanks and appreciation to Chairman Sam Graves, the Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves, and Ranking Member Larsen for bringing together, through hearings, countless meetings, and 2 days of markup, a tremendous bipartisan piece of legislation meant to improve American aviation and grow American jobs. I am grateful that there are nine of my legislative priorities found within the bill, and I will identify just a couple. The Access and Dignity for All People Who Travel Act, which I was proud to lead, ensures those with disabilities who need special accommodations will receive them. Too often, those with disabilities and their special accommodations are ignored. This bill will ensure that right is protected. Another bill that is included is the Future of Aviation Act, which allows public airports that receive AIP funds to use those moneys on infrastructure for the use of advanced air mobility, including eVTOLs, electric aircraft charging, and further building out airport infrastructure. The future of aviation is upon us, and aviation, as we know, is quickly evolving. Having overseen one of New York's busiest general airports and now representing several regional airports within my district, advanced air mobility will help reconnect rural communities, reinvigorate tourism, improve ease of movement from rural to urban areas, and enhance quicker transportation of goods and people. Lastly, I will mention the AIR Act. This bill raises the grant funding for workforce development programs for pilots, aircraft mechanics, and more. This reauthorization bill includes $45 million a year for these grants, a major increase to the current funding level, and will ensure the next generation of workers in the aviation industry are well prepared. Mr. Chair, for this and many other reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. It is a great example of the bipartisan work that can be achieved here, and I am grateful to Chairman Graves for his leadership.

Mr. MOLINARO

Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, this allows public airports that received funding to use the additional funding for the use of advanced air mobility, including eVTOLs and electrical aircraft charging, and additional building out of their infrastructure. Lastly, the bill includes AAM that will help reconnect rural communities, reinvigorating tourism, improving ease of movement, and connecting rural communities to regional airports.