Elise Stefanik

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chairman, America's forests are one of our greatest natural resources: building our homes, empowering local economies, providing for sportsmen and women, and even supplying energy for Fort Drum, in my district. Unfortunately, our vast forests are under constant threat from the scourge of invasive species. These intruders bring not only ecological harm, but damage the economic viability of the communities that rely on these forests. Forests face added pressure when the invasive species attacking them are resistant to known remedies, face no known natural predators, and are spread easily by human land use. My district is home of the Adirondacks. With 6 million acres of parkland, I am deeply concerned with the spread of invasive species. One particular example of an invasive pest that is destroying American forests and threatens the Adirondack Park is the hemlock woolly adelgid. This sap-sucking insect is causing the widespread death and decline of hemlock trees not only in the Adirondacks, but in the eastern United States. Since its arrival in the U.S. in the 1920s, the hemlock woolly adelgid has spread rapidly from New England, all the way down to the Great Smoky Mountains, feeding on eastern hemlock and Carolina hemlock in 17 States. This invasive species has few natural enemies in the eastern States, and native trees are neither resistant nor tolerant to their feeding. Without natural defenses, the hemlock woolly adelgid and other invasive pests pose a significant threat to the long-term health of our forests. That is why ongoing research is needed to produce solutions and to account for the unique biology of these organisms and the way they impact the larger forest ecosystem. In addition to research, we must work to restore our damaged forests. My amendment before the House would modernize the competitive forestry, natural resources, and environmental grants program. This amendment realigns the priorities of the grant program to focus on researching the characteristics and ecosystem-wide impact of these species, while also allowing for restoration projects of native forests that have suffered severe levels of mortality caused by invasive species. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support this very commonsense amendment.

Ms. STEFANIK. I yield to the gentleman.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Staff Sgt. Cain Pavlak on being named the 10th Mountain Division Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Each year, Fort Drum holds a competition for the prestigious title of Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. The competition features an Army Physical Fitness Test, land navigation, marksmanship competition, an obstacle course, a six-mile road march and other strategy and endurance tests. This year, the title goes to Staff Sgt. Cain Pavlak, a cavalry scout for the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team in the 10th Mountain Division. On behalf of the 21st District of New York, I would like to congratulate Staff Sgt. Cain Pavlak on winning this esteemed title. We are thankful to Staff Sgt. Pavlak for his dedicated service to the United States.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, our national forests are among our greatest natural resources. Unfortunately, these forests are under constant threat from invasive species and disease. You do not have to search far to find a forest battling invasive pests, disease, or invasive vegetation. The Healthy Forest Restoration Act was created as a way to help respond to these persistent threats. My amendment before the House would simply add invasive vegetation to the Healthy Forest Restoration Act for the purposes of the designated treatment areas. Invasive vegetation chokes out our native trees by competing for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. Species like kudzu climb our trees and infrastructure and threaten the health and safety of the areas where it uncontrollably spreads. When native trees are threatened, it is not just the ecosystem that is damaged. Local economies and sportsmen and those that use our land for other forms of recreation all suffer from degraded forestland. Adding this designation increases the effectiveness of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act by taking a more encompassing view of the threats facing our forestland. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Keeseville Volunteer Fire Department on the grand opening of its new fire station. The Keeseville Volunteer Fire Department has been providing firefighting and EMS services for the Towns of Chesterfield and AuSable since it was first established in 1878. For the past 140 years, the Fire Department has fought to protect and serve the people of these communities. Most recently, Keeseville's volunteer firefighters provided excellent first-response services to hundreds of families who lost power from a windstorm. As a member of the Clinton County and Essex County Mutual Aid Systems, the Fire Department also assists with emergencies throughout both counties. In late 2015, the public voted in a referendum to renovate and expand the Fire Department's outdated fire station. The project added four new bays, creating enough room to fit all the Fire Department's vehicles inside the station. Additionally, the structural foundation was reinforced and the parking lot expanded and repaved. With these improvements, our dedicated firefighters will be better suited to continue to serve their community. On behalf on New York's 21st District, I would like to congratulate the Keeseville Volunteer Fire Department as it opens its new fire station. We are grateful for the firefighters' service, and hope that this new station will serve as a suitable home for many years to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Spc. Michael Lima on being named the 10th Mountain Division Soldier of the Year at Fort Drum, New York. Each year, Fort Drum holds a competition for the prestigious title of Soldier of the Year. The competition features an Army Physical Fitness Test, land navigation, marksmanship competition, an obstacle course, a six-mile road march and other strategy and endurance tests. This year, the title goes to Spc. Michael Lima, an infantryman for the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team in the 10th Mountain Division. On behalf of the 21st District of New York, I would like to congratulate Spc. Michael Lima on winning this esteemed title. Spc. Lima will now go on to represent the 10th Mountain Division in the XVIII Airborne Corps Soldier of the Year competition. I wish him the best of luck and want to extend my thanks for his dedicated service to the United States.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize North Country Community College on its 50th anniversary. North Country Community College opened its doors to students and faculty for its first classes in September of 1968. The College's first graduating class had only 17 people, with certificates in practical nursing and secretarial studies. Since then, North Country Community College has taught over 50,000 students from all over the world and offers more than 25 academic disciplines. The College also has an exceptional athletic history with multiple championship winning hockey and basketball teams, as well as over 130 outstanding athletes in the North Country Community College Athletic Hall of Fame. North Country Community College's impact on the North Country over the past 50 years cannot go unrecognized. As the only public college in the Adirondack Park, North Country Community College prioritizes extending opportunities to students in the area and providing them with skills to foster prosperity in the local communities. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to congratulate North Country Community College on its 50th anniversary and commend the College on its commitment to education in the North Country.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the North Country Mission of Hope on its 20th anniversary. In 1998, Sister Debbie Blow and a team of dedicated students from Seton Catholic School started a fundraising project to benefit victims of Hurricane Mitch in Nicaragua. What started as a small project grew to yearly mission trips to Nicaragua, ultimately becoming the North Country Mission of Hope. Since then, the North Country Mission of Hope has partnered with countless non-governmental organizations to create a network of support all the way from the North Country to Central America. While originally established to help hurricane victims, the North Country Mission of Hope has grown to support sustainable programs in education, healthcare, community and ecological development. Its service reaches some of the poorest areas of Nicaragua. Currently, the North Country Mission of Hope coordinates over 850 education sponsorships, nutritional feeding programs at 24 schools, and ships needed supplies at least twice a year. Through its tireless commitment to serving others, the Mission of Hope continuously achieves its goal of fostering hope and empowering relationships with the people of Nicaragua. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to honor the North Country Mission of Hope for its 20 years of service and thank its members for being exceptional ambassadors of the North Country. I look forward to watching the amazing things that the North Country Mission of Hope accomplishes for many years to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce. Since its founding in 1988, the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce has played a crucial role in promoting economic growth and helping small businesses flourish throughout Hamilton County. The Chamber understands the needs of local businesses and residents in its community, as shown through its work advocating for rural broadband and encouraging tourism in the Adirondacks. By establishing partnerships, shaping public policy, and providing programs and services for businesses in the community, the Chamber enhances the quality of life for all who live in the region. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to commend the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce on its unwavering commitment to the community. I look forward to watching the Chamber continue to succeed for many years to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Binley Florist and Garden Center on its 125th anniversary. In 1893, an English immigrant named Arthur Binley bought a small piece of land on Grant Avenue in Glens Falls, New York. He opened up one greenhouse with a retail shop inside that sold flowers and vegetables to the community. In 1930, Binley's son, also named Arthur Binley, took over the company and was soon after joined by Alexander Hirsch, an immigrant from Hungary. Hirsch attended horticulture college in Budapest and was eager to put his talents to use in the United States. Together, they turned Binley's into a thriving business. After an impressive 125 years in business, Binley Florist and Garden Center remains a staple in the local community, providing flowers for everything from proms to weddings. After so many years, Binley's is still owned by the Hirsch family. Alexander's son Wally Hirsch, continues his father's legacy with the help of his wife, Kate, and their son, Jeff. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate Binley Florist and Garden Center on its 125th anniversary. Binley's has played an important role in Warren County community life, and I look forward to watching Binley's continue to thrive in the years to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Derek ``Boomer'' J. Sprague. Boomer embodied what it means to be a citizen of the North Country. At work, Derek was incredibly skilled at Luck Bros, Inc., operating large machinery and moving heavy metals with ease. At home, Boomer was his children's biggest fan and could be found coaching their sports teams and cheering them on. In his spare time, Boomer took advantage of the beautiful North Country to fish, hunt, golf, and most importantly, spend time with the people he loved. Instead of focusing on material success, Boomer's family and friends knew him to value spending time with the important people in his life more than anything. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Boomer's family and friends, and especially his two children, by whom he will be greatly missed. It is clear that Boomer's happy spirit and love for life and for all he met will leave a lasting impact on his community. His memory will be forever cherished in the hearts of the many people he touched throughout his life.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Adirondack Winery on its 10th anniversary. Adirondack Winery has been a staple attraction of Warren County since it opened in 2008, when owners Mike and Sasha Pardy moved back to the area to open Warren County's first and only winery in Lake George. The married couple created a unique micro-winery, making wine in the back of their store from grapes sourced from multiple outside vineyards, a model that has proven its success. The winery started with only the Pardys and three part-time workers, and over the past 10 years has grown to approximately 40 employees. Adirondack Winery moved its winemaking headquarters to Queensbury and in addition to its original Lake George Tasting Room, opened a second Tasting Room in Bolton Landing. Adirondack Winery is truly loved by Warren County residents, visitors, and many across the country. They produce 17,000 cases of wine annually, and now ship to 35 states. It is easy to see why Adirondack Winery has gained such popularity. Adirondack Winery embraces and celebrates the North Country's beauty and is known for its trademark fruit-infused wines, diverse wine selection, and beautiful photography of the Adirondacks on its labels. Not surprisingly, Adirondack Winery has won more than 180 medals at competitions as well as TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence and awards voted on by local residents. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate Adirondack Winery on its 10th anniversary. Adirondack Winery exemplifies the North Country determination and spirit, and I look forward to watching the Pardy family business continue to flourish in the years to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1978, the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) has been instrumental in fostering economic growth in Saratoga County. By working to both retain existing businesses and attract new jobs and industry to the county, SEDC has helped build Saratoga County into the thriving region that we know today. As a private investor-led, non-profit consulting firm, SEDC works with nearly 300 employers on projects to improve the quality of life for residents. Over the past 40 years, SEDC brought over 18,000 jobs to Saratoga County and $16.5 billion in capital investment, significant achievements that I am proud to honor today. On behalf of New York's 21st district, I want to thank the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation for 40 years of hard work and dedication to improving the Saratoga community. I look forward to watching them continue to succeed for many years to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Town of Corinth as it celebrates its 200th Anniversary. The Town of Corinth was formally created in 1818 from the Town of Hadley, but was originally called Jessup's Landing after brothers Edward and Ebenezer Jessup arrived from England. To establish the area as a town, the town fathers gave Mrs. Washington Chapman the honor of officially naming the town. She opened the Bible by chance to the First Corinthians, and proclaimed the town to be called Corinth. Since then, the people of Corinth have worked hard to develop a prosperous community loved by all who live there. Located on the banks of the Hudson River in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, the surrounding lakes, streams, and woodlands of the quaint town provide beauty at every turn. For the past 200 years, the residents of Corinth have enjoyed life in this beautiful area of the North Country as they continue to develop and modernize their community. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate Corinth, New York, on its 200th Anniversary, and wish its residents all the best as they celebrate this momentous occasion.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Command Sergeant Major Victor M. Rivera-Collazo (Ret.) on his induction into the Puerto Rico Hall of Fame. Victor is receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his major contributions to both Puerto Rico and the United States as a whole. Recipients of this prestigious award must have been born and raised in Puerto Rico, served with the United States Armed Forces, taken an active role in community service, and positively impacted the citizens of Puerto Rico, all while promoting Puerto Rican culture. Victor is the first living enlisted member of the Army to receive this award. Born in Naguabo, Puerto Rico, Victor enlisted in the U.S. Army in October of 1977. His 33-year career with the Field Artillery Branch included deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, and Kosovo, as well as overseas service in Germany. Victor retired from the 10th Mountain Division of Fort Drum in August 2010 and was awarded the Legion of Merit in recognition of his exceptional conduct. Additionally, from 2003 to 2015, Victor served as coach of the All-Army Softball Team, leading the team to seven gold medals at the Armed Forces Championship Games. After retirement, Victor served as the Baseball Chaplain for the Syracuse Chiefs and on the coaching staff of the SUNY Canton baseball team. Currently the Assistant Head Coach of the SUNY Canton Roos, Victor has been extensively involved with the Clemente Foundation, supporting Puerto Rico by organizing baseball clinics, comedy shows, and reconstruction efforts in the wake of Hurricane Maria. In particular, Victor worked to plan the inaugural Clemente Cup, which brought 10 collegiate baseball teams to compete in Puerto Rico and raised over $2 million. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank Command Sergeant Major Rivera-Collazo for his years of hard work and dedication to his community and to his country, and congratulate him on his well- deserved induction into the Puerto Rico Hall of Fame.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Town of Wilton as it celebrates its 200th Anniversary. The Town of Wilton was formally created in 1818 from the Town of Northumberland, and held its first town meeting in March of 1819 at the former Emerson's Tavern. Since then, the people of Wilton have worked hard to create a tight-knit community loved by all who live there. Wilton has an exciting history and several significant landmarks, including Grant Cottage on top of Mount McGregor, where Ulysses S. Grant died, and Camp Saratoga, currently part of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. For the past 200 years, the residents of Wilton have enjoyed life in this beautiful area of the North Country. Though there have been many changes over the years, the residents of Wilton still cherish the historical significance of the town, while also encouraging modern growth in the 21st century. Congratulations to Wilton, New York, for its 200th Anniversary. I would like to wish its residents all the best as they celebrate this momentous occasion.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 150th anniversary of the City of Ogdensburg. Ogdensburgh, originally spelled with an ``h,'' was created in 1749 as a small village on the southern bank of the St. Lawrence River. After the British withdrew in 1796, settlers arrived under the American flag and named the town after Samuel Ogden, a patriot during the American Revolution. The settlement became a village in 1817, but it wasn't until 1868 that it dropped the ``h'' from its name and became a city. Over the past 150 years, the people of Ogdensburg have dedicated themselves to making Ogdensburg a welcoming and prosperous community. Ogdensburg has grown significantly over the years, becoming an important link between the United States and Canada. In 1940, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King signed the Ogdensburg Agreement, which created the Permanent Joint Board of Defense. This agreement began a period of closer relations between Canada and the United States. More recently, the city became the site of the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge, which spans the St. Lawrence River and allows easy travel between countries. As the only city in St. Lawrence County and the only U.S. port on the St. Lawrence Seaway, Ogdensburg remains vital to New York State. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to congratulate the city of Ogdensburg on its 150th anniversary. I wish all its residents the best as they celebrate this important milestone.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Firefighter Edwin Uline, Sr. for seventy years of active service with the Ballston Fire Department. In 1948, at the age of eighteen, Ed joined Union Fire Company, one of two volunteer companies that make up the Ballston Spa Fire Department. He has been serving his community ever since. Ed worked his way up the ranks of the Department by serving as Company Foreman, Second Assistant Chief, First Assistant Chief, and finally as Fire Chief from 1965 to 1967 and again from 1980 to 1981. In addition, Ed served for fifty years as the Union Company's chief mechanic. Ed is a dedicated public servant, who also served his country in combat during the Korean War and was a driver and mechanic for the Saratoga County Department of Public Works prior to joining the Fire Department. Over the course of his career as a volunteer firefighter, Ed responded to countless fires and emergency incidents, notably the Saratoga Springs Convention Hall fire and the Saratoga Hospital fire of 1965. Ed was instrumental in standing up the neighboring Malta Ridge Fire Company, of which he is a charter member. Having devoted three quarters of his life to fire protection, Ed serves as an exemplary member of his community. On behalf of New York's 21st district, I would like to thank Ed for a lifetime of hard work and dedication to his community.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the urgent crisis facing dairy farmers across my district. The low price of milk, labor shortages, and dwindling access to new markets are just some of the many challenges faced by the hardworking family farms in my district. Additionally, the Margin Protection Program has failed North Country dairy farmers by providing little to no return on our farmers' buy-in. Recently, I was pleased to support the Bipartisan Budget Act, which contained many urgent reforms to this program, such as raising catastrophic coverage for the first tier of covered production for all farmers, reducing premium rates to help farmers buy coverage, and waiving costly administrative fees for underserved farms. Agriculture is truly the backbone of our North Country economy, and generations of farmers have helped make dairy production a way of life for many families that I represent. In Congress, I will keep fighting every day to strengthen our family farms for future generations.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Moreau Community Center for its outstanding service to New York's 21st District. Founded in 1977, the Moreau Community Center in South Glens Falls serves the residents of Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. The Center is one of the largest human service agencies in the area, and seeks to meet the multigenerational needs of the community in a compassionate and inclusive environment. To fulfill this mission, the Center offers a wide variety of quality programs, activities, volunteer opportunities, and services which support youth, seniors, and the community at large. The Center runs an emergency food pantry that serves more than 80 families each month, and operates a clothing thrift store run by volunteers. I applaud the good work of the Moreau Community Center, particularly in light of the fact that April is National Volunteer Month. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to thank the Moreau Community Center for its dedication to bringing our community together. We commend its incredible service, and look forward to its future endeavors.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Clinton County Firefighter's Association on its 70th anniversary. The Clinton County Firefighter's Association and Mutual Aid System were established by Fire Chief Levi Todriff of the Chazy Fire Department with their first meeting taking place on July 18, 1948. Clinton County's Mutual Aid System is proud to be the only Mutual Aid System in the United States that is inter-county, inter-state, and international, as it spans not only throughout upstate New York, but also to Vermont and Canada. For 70 years, firefighters and other first responders throughout the region have been risking their lives to protect their communities. They have battled large fires, some in subzero temperatures, aided in flooding relief efforts, and saved both people and livestock. In my district, we are proud of our first responders and respect the sacrifices that they make to ensure our communities are safe. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I want to thank the Clinton County Firefighter's Association for its dedication to serving Clinton County and beyond. Our courageous firefighters have provided a crucial service for the past 70 years, and I look forward to hearing about their success in the years to come.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Margaret Perkins, a Civil Air Patrol volunteer from New York's 21st District who is being honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. Margaret was born on November 17, 1917, and attended Rochester Institute of Technology, Skidmore College, ahd Columbia University. After training to fly aircraft at the Lewis Lavery Air School in Round Lake, New York, Margaret received her pilot's license from the Civil Aeronautics Authority in 1943 at only twenty-four years old, and became the first female licensed pilot in Saratoga County. As a member of the Civil Air Patrol during World War II, Margaret flew anti-sabotage missions to ensure the security of dams and other structures. She also shuttled single-engine military observation aircraft between airports at the request of the U.S. Government. In gratitude and recognition of her service in the Civil Air Patrol during World War II, Margaret is being honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. The Medal is the highest civilian award presented by the U.S. Congress as its highest expression of national appreciation for outstanding contributions. It is no doubt that Margaret contributed significantly to U.S. success in World War II, and I am extremely proud to rise today in honor of her achievements. New York's 21st District is forever grateful for Margaret's courageous service to her country.

Ms. STEFANIK

Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize North Country Public Radio on its 50th anniversary. North Country Public Radio (NCPR) is a public radio network with a mission to inform, enrich, and connect the community. Based out of Canton, New York, the network is the NPR affiliate for the North Country, providing NPR programming as well as music and award-winning regional news coverage. In addition, NCPR serves as the emergency broadcast system for many communities within the North Country. After starting with a single transmitter covering St. Lawrence County, NCPR debuted on the air in 1968 and has since expanded to operate 34 transmitters today, serving not only the entire Adirondack North Country region, but also western Vermont and southeastern Ontario. NCPR provides a particularly important service to my district, delivering invaluable content to the people of the North Country. The hard work of NCPR employees has greatly expanded the options available to North Country residents, whether they are looking for entertainment programming or for news and information. On behalf of New York's 21st district, I would like to thank NCPR for prioritizing the enrichment of our community during its 50 years of broadcasting.