Thomas Suozzi

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the Republic Day of Kazakhstan and recognize its declaration of sovereignty on October 25, 1990. This pivotal moment paved the way for Kazakhstan's eventual independence from the Soviet Union and symbolizes the nation's enduring commitment to self-determination, prosperity, and peace. From its earliest days, Kazakhstan pursued a forward-looking vision rooted in partnership, openness, and modernization. Its early alignment with the West, especially in developing a free-market economy, has shaped its remarkable transformation. Over the past three decades, Kazakhstan has emerged as a thriving nation with a dynamic economy, an active international presence, and a strong and growing partnership with the United States. The U.S.-Kazakhstan relationship is grounded in shared values and mutual respect. As we mark Kazakhstan's national holiday, we reaffirm our commitment to deepening cooperation between our two nations to meet global challenges and advance peace, security, and prosperity. Kazakhstan's commitment to transparency, the rule of law, and an open investment climate has made it a magnet for American business. U.S. companies remain the largest source of foreign direct investment, helping drive Kazakhstan's diversification and sustainable development. This alignment supports the country's broader goal of becoming a resilient, innovative economy and a hub for regional growth. Kazakhstan continues to stand as a pillar of stability in Central Asia and a leader on the world stage in nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament. Despite external challenges, Kazakhstan has remained a peaceful and stabilizing force in Central Asia--a reliable partner and a model of pragmatic, balanced diplomacy. Kazakhstan is the economic footprint of the United States in Central Asia--a partnership that is long-term, resilient, and mutually beneficial. Recently, Kazakhstan took another decisive step in its economic modernization. The national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, signed a landmark $4.2 billion agreement with Wabtec Corporation--the largest locomotive order in recent history. This transformative deal is more than an investment in Kazakhstan's infrastructure; it is a powerful endorsement of American innovation and manufacturing leadership. It will support thousands of good-paying U.S. jobs and strengthen America's manufacturing base, underscoring the mutual benefits of our growing economic partnership. Kazakhstan is taking bold steps to position itself as a key Eurasian transit hub. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the Middle Corridor), which begins in Kazakhstan and runs through Azerbaijan to global markets, is strengthening supply chain resilience for the U.S. and its partners. Another vital area of expanding cooperation is rare earth minerals. The United States and Kazakhstan are working together to build a reliable and diversified supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials essential to major U.S. industries, including aerospace, defense, clean energy, and semiconductors. Rare-earth minerals from Kazakhstan can help power the next generation of U.S. innovation, driving the transformation of the American economy built around AI, advanced manufacturing, and nuclear energy. Energy collaboration also remains a cornerstone of our partnership. Earlier this year, Chevron's $48 billion Future Growth Project at Kazakhstan's Tengiz field began production, underscoring the scale and depth of U.S. investment in the country's energy future. The Tengizchevroil venture--operated by Chevron represents Central Asia's largest oil development, ensuring reliable supply and creating thousands of high-skilled jobs. These projects embody the long-term, mutually beneficial nature of U.S. Kazakhstan energy cooperation. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is undertaking an ambitious program of national renewal. Over the past three years, the country has implemented far-reaching political and economic reforms unprecedented in the region. Among the key changes is the introduction of a single seven-year presidential term, a step designed to enhance democratic accountability and political stability. Our nations also share a strong commitment to interfaith dialogue. Kazakhstan--ethnically rich and religiously diverse--has long championed peace and tolerance. Earlier this year, Astana hosted the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, welcoming over 100 delegations from 60 countries under the theme ``Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future.'' This same spirit of openness and engagement also guides Kazakhstan's approach to the global economy. Kazakhstan's active membership in the World Trade Organization reflects its ongoing commitment to international norms and open markets. As such, it is time for the United States to grant Kazakhstan Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) by repealing the outdated Jackson-Vanik Amendment. Doing so would cost nothing, yet send a powerful signal of strategic seriousness, eliminate lingering legal ambiguity for U.S. investors, and unlock the full potential of our bilateral trade and industrial cooperation. As we look ahead, the upcoming C5+1 Summit on November 6, 2025, represents a critical opportunity to reaffirm U.S. leadership and engagement in Central Asia. Marking the 10th anniversary of this important diplomatic forum, the summit should deliver tangible results--demonstrating that the United States values long-term partnership. We urge the Administration to seize this moment, build on the foundation of trust and shared interests, and work with Congress to achieve outcomes that advance stability, prosperity, and lasting friendship across our nations. Mr. Speaker, as Kazakhstan celebrates Republic Day, we honor the enduring friendship between our two countries and look forward to the continued growth of a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared progress, and a common vision for a peaceful and prosperous world.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for bringing attention to this important issue. I am going to talk about the State and local tax deduction in some detail, but first let me just say generally that what we are talking about is so important. We have so many of our friends on the other side of the aisle who are constantly talking about how the government spends too much money and how deficits are getting so much bigger. Here, under their tax bill that they are proposing right now, they are going to increase the deficit in the United States by $4.5 trillion. Now, that doesn't make any sense. Why would they propose something when they have people on their side who their singular most important issue is reducing the deficit, but they would increase the deficit by $4.5 trillion? Now, my colleague talked about the tax cuts from 2017, well, a lot of my residents didn't see a tax deduction. They saw a tax increase. The reason they saw a tax increase is because they capped the State and local tax deduction at $10,000. Let me just explain what the State and local tax deduction is. The State and local tax deduction was in place for 100 years, from 1913 until 2017. In 1930, they started the Federal income tax code in the United States of America. When they said we are going to tax people's income at the Federal level, a lot of Governors, mayors, and local elected officials said, no, they don't want a Federal income tax because that will stop them from raising the taxes at the State and local level. Since America's founding, government was mainly paid for at the State and local level through State and local taxes. The Federal Government was funded by tariffs, quite frankly, a very interesting topic for today. When the mayors and Governors protested, they said: We don't want to have a Federal income tax because you are going to hurt us. We don't want to pay taxes on the taxes we have already paid at the State and local level. The Federal Government said: Don't worry about it. We will put a deduction in place that says you can deduct your State and local taxes from your income, so you don't have to pay taxes on the taxes you have already paid. Okay, let's do that. They put it in place for 100 years. In 2017, they said we are going to cap this deduction that has been in place for over 100 years at $10,000. They took the long arm of the Federal Government and reached into local governments. They violated the covenant of federalism, and they said: We are going to make you pay taxes on the taxes you have already paid to your States, to your cities, to your towns, to your villages, to your school districts. We are going to tax you on the money you have already paid in taxes at the State and local levels. That caused some people's taxes to go up, especially in high-tax States that happen to be Democratic States, such as in New York, New Jersey, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Hawaii. They caused people's taxes to go up because they could no longer deduct their State and local taxes. It is not fair. In fact, people have moved away from our States to other lower tax States. Why are taxes higher in my State and in your State compared to, say, Florida and Texas? They are higher because in New York State and in California, we insure our children. We have the lowest rates of uninsured children in the United States of America and the lowest rates of uninsured adults in the United States of America, whereas Florida and Texas have the highest rates of uninsured children and uninsured adults. Our taxes are higher in our States because we pay our teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public workers in public employee unions and other union workers higher wages. They don't like unions in Florida, Texas, and other low-tax States. It is not fair that in States like mine and yours, Mr. Thompson, and other Democratic States, we are net donors to the Federal Government. We send more money to the Federal Government than we get back. A lot of our colleagues criticize our States. They say it is so ineffective the way we are running our States. Why is it that we are doing so well economically that we are the biggest net donors to the Federal Government? We send more money to the Federal Government in income taxes than we get back in Federal contracts and Federal programs. In fact, most of the red States in the United States of America are net takers, and most of the blue States are net donors, so it is not fair. It is very different from State to State in our country, but in my State, for example, and in Mr. Thompson's State, similarly, if you have a teacher and a police officer who are married, their income could be over $150,000, $200,000 a year. In our States, because the taxes are higher, because the cost of living is higher, the cost of housing is higher, so that $150,000 to $200,000 a year is not a wealthy person. That is a middle-class person. I talked to a friend of mine from Oklahoma, and I told him that person making $150,000 between the husband and wife is middle class. They said: $150,000 a year? If they lived in my State, they would be living in a gated community. They would belong to the country club. That is not what it is like. It is different from place to place. We set up these different State and city governments throughout our country to be laboratories of democracy, to run their States and their cities the way they see fit, to tax them as they see fit, and the one way that they used the Federal income tax code to move forward was to have a State and local tax deduction that was ripped away from them in 2017. Some of my colleagues on the Republican side have said they will not support this new tax bill unless we restore the State and local tax deduction. We would like to see a complete repeal of the cap. We would like to have you be able to claim all of your State and local taxes. We passed it three times when the Democrats were in charge. We passed it once, complete repeal; twice, complete repeal; third time, $80,000 cap. Some Republicans have proposed a cap of $25,000. Five Republicans have stood up and said $25,000 is not acceptable. I want to commend them for standing up for their residents and taxpayers against their party and saying they will not support this bill. President Trump came to my State, actually right near my district in Nassau County, where I used to be the county executive. He spoke at a campaign rally in the summer of 2024, and he said we have to restore the State and local tax deduction. Now, he is the one who took it away. He said that we have to restore the State and local tax deduction. Well, let's hold the President to that. Let's commend our five colleagues who are standing up against their party to say they want to raise the State and local tax deduction. Let's be fair to these middle-class families. Let's be fair to these States. Let's be fair to these mayors, Governors, and county executives. Let's be fair to our firefighters and teachers. Let's be fair to make sure that these States that are net donors to the Federal Government are treated with the proper respect and dignity that they deserved throughout America's history and stop penalizing them for trying to serve their residents the best way they can. Again, I appreciate the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the extraordinary sacrifice of Corporal Steven Crowley, a United States Marine who, at the cost of his own life, valiantly safeguarded nearly 100 employees of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 21, 1979. His legacy stands as a testament to the highest ideals of duty, courage, and selfless devotion to our Nation. Born on March 27, 1959, Corporal Crowley was raised in Port Jefferson Station, New York, alongside his four brothers and three sisters. From an early age, his character and integrity were evident to all who knew him. Those in his community recognized in him a rare and noble spirit-- one defined by kindness, strength, and an unwavering commitment to others. Eileen Carlson, the mother of his best friend, recalled him as the ``neighborhood son,'' and his older brother Richard described him simply as ``an excellent person.'' A gifted athlete, he excelled in cross-country running at Comsewogue High School, demonstrating the same perseverance that would later define his service in uniform. In 1977, Corporal Crowley answered the call to serve, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He completed Marine Corps Recruit Training, earning the coveted title of Marine, and after two years stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he was selected for the prestigious Marine Security Guard program, ultimately being assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. On November 21, 1979, disinformation regarding U.S. involvement in the siege of the Grand Mosque of Mecca sparked a violent uprising outside the embassy. As the situation escalated into an uncontrollable mob, Corporal Crowley remained at his post, steadfast in his duty. As waves of rioters arrived--hurling stones, scaling walls, and ultimately breaching the compound--he did not waver. The mob, armed and growing in number, launched direct assaults, set fire to embassy buildings, and pressed forward with deadly intent. Yet, in the face of overwhelming chaos, Corporal Crowley stood resolute, holding his post until he was tragically struck by sniper fire. Because of his unwavering bravery, the embassy employees were able to reach safety. For his valor, Corporal Crowley was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. He now rests among America's heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Though 45 years have passed since that fateful day, his memory endures. His name and sacrifice have been immortalized: in 2006, the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group dedicated a classroom in his honor; in 2009, Steven J. Crowley Memorial Park was unveiled in the Town of Brookhaven, New York; and in 2023, the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group renamed its student barracks in tribute to his legacy. Today, I urge my colleagues to reflect on the magnitude of his sacrifice. On behalf of a grateful community and a grateful Nation, we offer our deepest respect and gratitude to Corporal Steven Crowley. May his courage and dedication never be forgotten.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 400th birth anniversary of Mata Gujri Ji, who in 1704, at age 81, was the first female Sikh civil rights activist to face imprisonment, torture, and execution, all for the sake of liberty. Sikhs around the world celebrate her life during the Safar-E-Shahadat--the last week of December--which is the holiest week for Sikhs. As a member of the Sikh Caucus, I join the worldwide Sikh community in recognizing this important quadricentennial anniversary. Mata Gujri Ji was the mother of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the wife of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. When Guru Gobind Singh Ji was nine years old, the monarchy of that time started clamping down on religious freedom and civil liberties. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji stood up to the monarchy's oppression and, as a result, faced imprisonment. Mata Gujri Ji stood by his side and encouraged him to continue fighting for freedom. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was given an ultimatum. He could either abandon his struggle against the monarchy or face execution. Mata Gujri Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji encouraged Guru Teg Bahadur Ji not to abandon his principles. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was later executed. Mata Gujri Ji continued to fight for civil liberty as she raised Guru Gobind Singh Ji. She was a pillar of strength for the Sikhs of her time and many from around the world sought her advice. Mata Gujri Ji taught Sikh women that they should be both kind and courageous. In December 1704, the monarchy imprisoned her and her younger grandchildren, 9-year-old Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and 7-year-old Baba Fateh Singh Ji. They were kept in the Thanda Bud, or the cold tower, where government officials went to escape the hot Indian summers. That month, the Thanda Burj reached deadly freezing temperatures. Mata Gujri and her grandsons were not given food, water, or warm clothing and endured daily torture. During their time in the cold tower, a devotee named Moti Mehra Ji bribed prison guards to sneak in warm milk for Mata Gujri Ji and her grandsons. Once the regime discovered this, Moti Mehra Ji's entire family was publicly executed. During their imprisonment, Mata Gujri Ji reminded her grandsons about the bravery of their grandfather and their duty to remain courageous in the face of cruelty. Mata Gujri and her grandsons refused the government's attempts to bribe them, and as a result, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh Ji were sentenced to death by suffocation in a brick wall. While Mata Gujri Ji was in prison with her younger grandsons, her older two grandsons, and 40 Sikhs, also gave their lives fighting tyranny at Chamkaur Sahib. They faced a brutal winter and constant hunger, yet refused to surrender their struggle for liberty. Each year, Sikhs gather at Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib in Sirhind, India, for the Safar-e-Shahadat Smagam, founded by Giani Harpal Singh Ji, to find inspiration by sitting in the thanda burj, where Mata Gujri and her grandsons once sat, and listening to accounts of their bravery. Mata Gujri Ji gave her life defending the right for others to be treated with dignity. Her steadfast courage in the face of darkness remains an inspiration for all those who stand for freedom. Today, the Third Congressional District of New York joins the Sikh community in honoring Mata Gujri Ji and all of the brave sacrifices which took place during the Safar-E-Shahadat.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call Vote No. 388, my vote was mistakenly not recorded. I would have voted NO.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Green and Congresswoman Clarke, my good friend, for their leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of a bill I authored with Congressman Strong, the bipartisan SHIELD Against the CCP Act. The Chinese Communist Party is intent on promoting authoritarianism by weakening America from within. They seek to take our greatest strengths: pluralism, diversity, free speech, capitalism, and representative government, and use them against us. China uses our freedoms, our social media, and our open society to sow chaos and division in our country. They know we cannot solve difficult problems in an environment of fear and anger, so they encourage fear and anger. They promote the most extreme sides of our thorniest debates. Whether it is Black lives matter versus blue lives matter, or transgender versus evangelicals, or Israel versus Gaza, the Chinese Communist Party promotes the most extreme positions on both sides of the debate, not with an objective of winning a debate but of fomenting dissent in America. Add to this theft of our intellectual property, threats to our critical infrastructure, and trying to intimidate U.S. citizens through transnational repression. We must act. The fact that today we are promoting bipartisan legislation is our greatest possible response. Democrats and Republicans can work together to combat this threat. Our bipartisan bill counters the Chinese Communist Party with strength by, one, building the capacity of the Department of Homeland Security to fight predatory economic and trade practices; two, preventing identity theft; three, strengthening our border security; four, providing the Department of Homeland Security with adequate resources to protect our critical infrastructure; five, improving cybersecurity; and, six, fighting transnational repression and criminal organizations. The FBI Director has stated that the CCP, the Chinese Communist Party, poses a broad and unrelenting threat. The Chinese Communist Party is also engaged in a brutal campaign of transnational repression, targeting democracy advocates, Tibetans, Hong Kongers, Uyghurs, and other ethnic minority groups. The Chinese Communist Party actually targets Americans, including my constituents. Just before Thanksgiving, after years of fighting for his release, I received the incredible news that my constituent, Kai Li, was finally released to the U.S. after more than a decade of wrongful imprisonment in China. If we are to honor the years Mr. Li spent Chinese detention, then we must remain clear-eyed about the CCP threat and redouble our efforts to counter it. Among their provocative tactics is transnational repression, which can be illustrated through the torment of Dr. Gulshan Abbas and her family. In 2018, Dr. Abbas was taken to a Uyghur forced labor camp. What was her crime, Mr. Speaker? Her sister, Rushan Abbas, an American, spoke out against the Uyghur genocide during a panel discussion here in America, then her sister was put in prison in China. Think about it, Mr. Speaker. The CCP is not only carrying out mass detention, torture, forced sterilization, and forced labor against religious minorities within China, but also imprisoning family members of American citizens to suppress free expression here in America. Let me be clear: the United States cannot waver in the face of this unrelenting strategic adversary. Today, we must demonstrate our resolve by supporting the SHIELD Against CCP Act which will help ensure that our government has a strong and unified response to the Chinese Communist Party's aggression. Working with Congressman Strong demonstrates that when we work together, we will succeed. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Lawler, and I thank all of my colleagues for standing here together today. Mr. Speaker, 8 years ago, I met a 14-year-old Solomon Schechter School freshman at the local Salute to Israel event at the Sid Jacobson JCC on Long Island. His name was Omer Neutra. When I met Omer's parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra, in December of 2023, they described Omer as a likable, big, goofy kid who excelled in sports and who other kids liked to be around. After graduating from the Solomon Schechter School, Omer, whose grandparents were Holocaust survivors, decided before going to Binghamton University, he would join the Israel Defense Forces. Instead of staying for just a year, he worked his way up to become a tank commander. On October 7, 2023, Omer was the victim of the surprise attack by the Hamas terrorists. For over 420 days, Omer's parents and his brother, Daniel, have done everything they can with the love and support of hundreds of thousands of others to free their son from captivity. Every day, they soldiered on through alternating deep sorrow and brief bursts of hopefulness. They went from crushing anxiety to steely determination. Just a few days ago we learned that this young man, this bright light, this courageous idealist, made the ultimate sacrifice. Omer had not been alive for the past 423 days. He was murdered on October 7. Now all of his family's alternating emotions have been replaced with deep grief. We who know them grieve with them. We thank God for the gift of his life. We pray for the Neutras, and tonight we rededicate ourselves to Omer's just cause. We resolve to move forward, guided by his example, his courage, and his memory, and may his memory be a blessing. ``The People of Israel Live,'' ``Am Yisrael Chai.''

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the dedicated service of Joseph Sciame, who retired in January after an extraordinary 61-year career at St. John's University in Queens, New York. Beginning as an undergraduate student in 1958, then as an employee in 1962, Joe devoted his life in service of the St. John's community. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure many lifetimes over. Over the course of his six-decade career, Joe held numerous leadership positions in the university administration, including as the Vice President for the Office of Community Relations and, most notably, as the inaugural Vice President for Financial Aid. He has also previously served as the Chairman of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. In these roles, Joe has expanded opportunities for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds to receive a world-class education. Having personally awarded millions of dollars in financial aid to thousands of students, many of whom would otherwise not have access to a college education, Joe's impact has been nothing short of life changing for so many. In addition to his lifelong devotion to the St. John's community, Joe served our country in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967, and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. I speak for a grateful Nation in thanking him for his courageous service. As the Advisory Board Chair of the Italian Cultural Center and a National/State President Emeritus of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Joe has been a proud champion for the Italian- American community and a devoted leader in the Catholic community for his entire life. Joe's remarkable leadership and boundless empathy will continue to inspire all those who were lucky enough to call him a mentor. He is the type of once-in-a-lifetime academic administrator that a student dreams of meeting, that a parent wishes for their child to encounter, and that a colleague strives to emulate. Thanks to his lifetime of work, Joe has left the Queens community, our country, and the world a better place than he found it. Earlier this year, Joe was awarded the St. John's University Medal of Honor, which is the highest honor the university can bestow upon an alumnus--a fitting and well-earned accomplishment. ``I hope it's been a life well lived,'' he remarked earlier this year. Well, Joe, it certainly has. On behalf of our entire community, I thank Joe for his lifetime of service.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the Republic Day of Kazakhstan and recognize its declaration of sovereignty on October 25, 1990. This pivotal moment paved the way for Kazakhstan's eventual independence from the Soviet Union and symbolizes the nation's enduring commitment to self-determination, prosperity, and peace. Kazakhstan's early alignment with the West, especially in fostering a free-market economy, has significantly influenced its development over the past 30 years, Kazakhstan has transformed into a thriving nation with a strong economy, a growing international presence, and a robust partnership with the United States. The relationship between Kazakhstan and the United States is rooted in shared values of democracy, shared economic prosperity, and mutual respect among nations. As we celebrate Kazakhstan's achievements, we reaffirm our commitment to working together to address global challenges while promoting peace, security, and economic development. Kazakhstan is dedicated to promoting religious tolerance and pluralism. The country hosts a triennial conference, the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, to foster cooperation and respect among the world's major faith traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Shintoism, and Taoism. Kazakhstan's commitment to the rule of law and fostering a welcoming environment for foreign investors has made it an attractive destination for U.S. companies, which have become one of the largest sources of direct foreign investment. This progress aligns with the country's broader goals of sustainable development and economic diversification, further cementing its role as a key player in Central Asia. Kazakhstan continues to be a pillar of stability in Central Asia, emerging as a global leader in nuclear non-proliferation, peacekeeping, and fostering regional cooperation. As a net contributor to peace and security not only in the region, but also globally, Kazakhstan is committed to addressing global challenges and promoting international stability. At the sixth consultative meeting of the Central Asian Heads of State, Kazakhstan emphasized its vision of a ``Renaissance of Central Asia.'' This process is seen as a critical step in positioning the region as a self-reliant and influential force in an evolving global landscape. Kazakhstan leads the region in its readiness to serve as a strong U.S. partner, positioning itself as one of the most cooperative allies in the region. In 2023, President Biden met with the Presidents of Kazakhstan and four other Central Asian nations at the inaugural C5+1 Summit during the United Nations General Assembly. Since its inception in 2015, the C5+1 platform has strengthened U.S.-Central Asia cooperation, advancing shared goals of regional security, economic resilience, and sustainable development. The New York Declaration, adopted at the Summit, reflects shared priorities in security, economic, and energy partnerships, underscoring the mutual commitment of the United States and Central Asia to enhancing regional cooperation and connectivity. Following the Summit, Kazakhstan has demonstrated its commitment to key initiatives by promoting the B5+1 platform, advancing the Critical Minerals Dialogue, and launching the ``C5+1 on Disability Rights'' initiative. The United States and Kazakhstan remain committed to accelerating regional cooperation and connectivity. This includes expanding trade routes, such as the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, and fostering a more favorable business environment for U.S. private sector trade and investment in Central Asia. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's commitment to political and societal reforms is highly commendable. Despite external pressures, Kazakhstan has remained a peaceful and stabilizing force in Central Asia, exemplifying its dedication to democracy and Western ideals. On October 6, 2024, Kazakhstan held a national referendum on constructing a nuclear power plant. This event marked a significant step in shaping a new socio-political culture and exemplified the ``Listening State'' concept, where the government actively engages with citizens on critical issues. Kazakhstan remains a trusted partner, both regionally and globally, particularly as an active member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This long-standing partnership highlights the importance of advancing efforts to establish Permanent Normal Trade Relations, ensuring that Kazakhstan's economic growth is fully acknowledged and supported within the global marketplace. As we look to the future, the United States and Kazakhstan are poised to deepen their partnership through continued dialogue, trade, and collaboration on shared goals. Together, we are committed to fostering peace, security, and prosperity, not only in Central Asia but on the global stage.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Polish American Congress, which was established by over 2,600 individuals and representatives of Polish organizations in Buffalo on May 28, 1944, just days before the Normandy Invasion. The purpose of the Polish American Congress was to fight for a free and sovereign Poland which had been attacked in 1939 by Nazi Germany, the Slovak Army, and by the Soviet Union. As a result of the Second World War, Poland lost between five and 11 million people due to the genocide committed by the occupying forces and border changes. After the Yalta Conference of 1945, Poland fell under communist rule and lost 20 percent of its territory. It was then that the Polish American Congress was founded and committed itself to helping the Polish nation. The achievements of the Polish American Congress include: 1948: advocacy for legislation that allowed 140,000 Polish displaced persons and veterans of the Polish armed forces, who fought against Nazi Germany, to settle permanently in the

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Madam Speaker, we all know that hate has always been a part of the human existence, but we see so many hate crimes today. Late Sunday night, vandals defaced the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Long Island with vile hate and bigotry against the Hindu community. I have seen Hindus many times, and many of you have as well, when they place their hands together and they bow and they say ``namaste,'' ``I bow to you.'' When they do that, they are recognizing the divinity in the person in front of them. They are showing their respect for the person in front of them. We really need to recognize that with all of our fellow human beings, that we are all special, made in God's image, and we need to treat each other with more respect. What is happening that we see these acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate happening so often? Is it because of the inflammatory rhetoric we hear all the time? Is it because of extremism? Is it because of the lack of accountability? What do we need to do to address this problem because hate is not the answer. Love is the answer. In the short term, we need to hold vandals, criminals, and people who commit hate crimes accountable. We need law enforcement to work to apprehend these criminals, and we need prosecutors to prosecute them to hold them accountable because people can't just say whatever they want regardless of the impact it has on other human beings. In the long term, we need to do a much better job educating people about the importance of love and of respect for other people. On Monday, I stood in unity with the BAPS community gathering with State and local officials, people from different religions, Democrats and Republicans from the Federal, State, and local level. We spoke out for the values that the people of the BAPS community stand for, that Long Islanders stand for, that New Yorkers stand for, and that Americans stand for. Let's remember the importance of mutual respect and love and the role they play here in our country and in our world. Love will always win out.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Kelly for yielding. Madam Speaker, I am surprised nobody mentioned Billy's stamina. He could keep going and going and going. We would spend time with him, and the next day he would be going just as strong as ever. He was a remarkable guy. The death of Bill Pascrell and his absence from the Chamber could really represent the beginning of the end of an era. In this day and age of hyperbole and histrionics, in this time of performance politics without accomplishing things, Bill Pascrell's attitude of get something done for the people we serve will be sorely missed. Don't get me wrong. As we heard from everybody here tonight, Bill was a performer. He loved to sing. He loved to read poetry, write poetry. His outsized personality and his in-your-face attitude were very memorable, but Bill would always focus on getting things done for his constituents. There is an old Italian expression: ``Guarda le mani, non ascoltare la bocca.'' ``Watch the hands, don't listen to the mouth.'' Bill's hands got a lot of things done for a lot of people. I was lucky to have a great relationship with Bill, despite only serving in Congress for less than 7 years and he for 28 years, but we immediately bonded over our shared Italian heritage, our shared experience as small-town mayors, our shared alma mater of Fordham, our shared advocacy for labor, law enforcement, and most publicly, our shared advocacy for the restoration of the State and local tax deduction. As a result, he was always more generous to me than I deserved. I loved Bill Pascrell. He always reminded me of the old-school political leaders in my family and from my hometown. As the demographics of his district changed over the 28 years since he served as mayor to this day, today in Congress, he still won all of his primaries and all of his general elections overwhelmingly because his constituents would always ``guarda le mani,'' ``watch the hands'' and what he got done for the people. He always worked for the people. Rest well, good and faithful servant.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). BAPS is a worldwide Hindu denomination dedicated to fostering faith, inspiring service, and promoting better living. Over the last 50 years, BAPS has opened over 100 Hindu Temples or ``mandirs'' across the United States. The Revered Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), established the first BAPS mandir in the United States of America on August 4, 1974, in New York City. BAPS mandirs bring His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj's words, ``In the joy of others lies our own'', to life, by supporting those in need, organizing health fairs, food drives, and disaster relief work. BAPS mandirs offer a welcoming spiritual space for thousands of families, as well as worship, fellowship, education, community, and social activities for the youth and elderly. At this time, I also wish to reaffirm the shared values of democracy, religious pluralism, and respect for human rights, between India and the United States. The United States and India have a strong partnership as the world's oldest and largest democracy, respectively. Both countries share the values of pluralism, human rights, liberty, and respect for the rule of law. The people-to-people connections between the United States and India are stronger than in any other time in history. Indian Americans embody the American dream, and flourish in all areas of American life. Indian Americans come from diverse backgrounds, including Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Jews, Zoroastrians, Jains, and Bahai's. These hardworking communities enrich the fabric of our nation. I wish our friends at BAPS a joyful anniversary.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Roy, the histrionics and the hyperbole are not working. You said so yourself. It is not working. It is not working. The bottom line is that we face issues that are very serious in our country, including the border. There is a crisis there, and we have to address it by doing what we are doing today and tomorrow related to the foreign aid bill. We have to work together. We have to find compromise. We have to find bipartisan solutions. Every problem we face in our country is complicated, and you cannot solve complicated problems in an environment of fear and anger. People have to sit down and work with each other. I know Mr. Moore is a very good man. There are a lot of good people on the Republican side as well as the Democratic side. Let's work together to solve these very serious issues we face in our country. We had a bipartisan solution by one of the most ethical, honest, hardworking conservative Republicans in the United States Senate, James Lankford. We didn't go forward with that bipartisan bill because President Trump and others said that we don't want to give Biden the victory, that we want to campaign on the chaos.

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, they said we don't want to go forward on that bill because we want to campaign on the chaos, and we don't want to give victory to the Democrats. It is not a victory for Biden or for the Democrats. It is a victory for the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, for us to move forward as a country, we have to work together. I see the people up here in the gallery. People watch television, and they read the newspaper. They are sick of this. They don't want us fighting with each other. They don't want us with the histrionics and the hyperbole. They want us to sit down and negotiate a settlement. H.R. 2 was tried before. It didn't work. Let's say you get everything you want. Let's say Trump gets elected. Let's say that you win the House, the Senate. I don't want that to happen, obviously, but let's say you get everything you want. You won't get enough votes in the Senate. You will still have to negotiate a bipartisan compromise. People have to learn to get back to the basics of legislating, negotiating, and working together to solve the problems that the people of America demand that we solve.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 325th anniversary of Vaisakhi on April 13, 2024, and the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who espoused the values that we as Americans cherish, including liberty, equality, and religious freedom. Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa community in 1699, and its sole purpose has been upholding the dignity and human rights of everyone, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, or social status. Sikhism teaches that all human beings are inter-connected as one human family, with one Creator who lives through everyone. Sikhism also teaches that every person has innate dignity and deserves to be treated with respect and kindness. Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught that the highest form of worship is to love and care for humanity. For this reason, the Khalsa community cares for God's creation without any distinction. Guru Gobind Singh Ji preached his belief in pluralism and freedom of conscience during a time of religious intolerance. He lived by a maxim that captures one of Voltaire's philosophies. ``I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.'' His father, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, adhered to the same principles and was even executed because he protested the government's forced removal of the Janeu, the sacred thread. Even though as a Sikh, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji himself did not believe in wearing the Janeu, he protested for the right of Hindus to wear it. He was executed because he refused to give up this principle when given an ultimatum by the intolerant monarchy of his time. Guru Gobind Singh Ji followed in the footsteps of his father and promoted interfaith dialogue. Not only would Guru Gobind Singh Ji build Sikh Gurudwaras, but he also built Muslim Mosques and Hindu Mandirs. When asked which religion he felt is the most excellent, Guru Gobind Singh Ji would respond ''Just as my faith is the most excellent for me, yours is the most excellent for you.'' He taught that religious labels do not matter in God's eyes. Guru Gobind Singh Ji was also a major proponent of education and women's rights. He was an intellectual who authored many influential works and poetry that is still read today. Much of his poetry is included in the Sikh prayers. He encouraged people of all identities and backgrounds to study, which was very rare at the time. Women were given the equal rights to become soldiers in the Khalsa army, which was an army comprised completely of volunteers. According to Sikh writer Bhai Vir Singh Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught that ``it is a sin to be cruel, but it is a bigger sin to tolerate cruelty.'' This was during a time where being religious meant that you left society to primarily focus on meditation. Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught abandoning a suffering world in the name of religion is selfishness disguised as prayer. He preached that religiosity meant fighting against cruelty and uplifting the downtrodden. Regarding issues of war and peace, the Khalsa army adhered to a humanitarian code fostered by the Guru Gobind Singh Ji. They were outnumbered in every battle they fought, yet their spirit was unmatched. Wars were only fought for human rights. Battles were often fought to rescue young girls who were kept as slaves and forced to leave their religion. Sikhs would make sure to not only give food, water, and first aid to their soldiers but also to enemy soldiers. No land was ever conquered, no loot taken, and no prisoners of war were ever caught. Additionally, all the Khalsa army arrows had gold on them. This was to make sure that if an enemy soldier was injured, they could afford treatment, and if they died their family was not left penniless. Guru Gobind Singh Ji's own sons fought on the front lines of the battlefield. All four of his sons gave their lives fighting. His younger two sons were captured and executed at age 7 and 9, along with his elderly mother. Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Khalsa army sacrificed everything in the name of freedom. When a Sikh decides to become a part of the Khalsa community they go through the baptism ceremony called the Amrit Sanchar. They vow to serve humanity and fight for social justice. They also give up all ties to caste. Guru Gobind Singh fought against the caste system because he believed it undermined the principle of unconditional human equality. The Khalsa of yesterday fought as soldiers on the battlefield. The Khalsa of today fights for justice as teachers, doctors, lawyers, and political activists. They are very much a part of the American fabric and embody the spirit of freedom. The Khalsa community serves humanity in their Gurudwaras, the Sikh place of worship. Gurudwaras feed thousands a day in their free kitchens called ``langars.'' This practice was founded on the belief that no human should ever go hungry. These community kitchens are places where people from all cultures and religions are welcome to eat for free. The community has taken the concept of selfless service to great heights and continues to provide free humanitarian aid in natural disasters all around the world. By creating the Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh Ji broke all barriers and united the human race, as one family. Today, the Third Congressional District of New York joins the Sikh community in celebrating Khalsa Sajna Diwas and honors the contributions that Sikhs have made to the District and the Nation.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Jerry and the New York delegation, all my colleagues, and my friends and supporters who are here tonight. Mr. Speaker, I never thought I would be back here, but the Lord works in mysterious ways, and God made a way when there was no way. I thank God for blessing me with this great responsibility, and I thank God for my best friend and partner for 30 years, my wife, Helene. She hates that. Mr. Speaker, on the night of my election victory, I promised the people of Long Island and Queens I would deliver a simple message to this Chamber: Wake up. The people are sick and tired of the finger- pointing and the petty partisan bickering. They want us to work together. They want you guys to work together, too. What are you doing? You are supposed to be clapping for that. Mr. Speaker, I know there are so many good people in this Chamber on both sides of the aisle, but people are worried about the cost of living; they are worried about the chaos at the border; they are worried about Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine. They look to Congress, and what do they see? The extremists get all the attention. We are letting ourselves be bullied by our base. We aren't getting anything done. We need less chaos and more common sense. The last few months, I have talked with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, and they all ask the same thing: What about me? What are you doing for me? Enough with the theater and the drama, enough with the hyperbole and the histrionics, enough with the shutdowns and the put-downs. The people aren't paying us to make things worse. The people pay us to be in the solutions business. Mr. Speaker, you and I came to Congress together in 2017. I remember when you founded the Honor and Civility Caucus. You said at the time it was to restore collegiality and encourage productive dialogue. Sign me up. Sign me up right away. Mr. Speaker, I know you believe in collegiality and productive dialogue. We need more of that and less of the hot air fanning the flames of anger that happens much too often in our country these days. Mr. Speaker, after my recent election you said something I must gently take exception to. You said: Tom Suozzi ran like a Republican. Now, I know you meant that as a compliment. Let me be clear. Mr. Speaker, I am a true blue, dyed-in-the-wool Democrat; but more important, like you, Mr. Speaker, and the men and women in this Chamber, I am a true blue, dyed-in-the-wool American. Like any patriot of the greatest country on Earth, I am willing to compromise to try and solve problems like the chaos at the border. The bipartisan Senate bill doesn't have everything I wanted. I believe that Dreamers and TPS recipients should be granted a pathway to citizenship, and millions of others should have a path to legalization, but I will support a bipartisan compromise. To not do so will keep the border open, will endanger peace in Israel, and will empower Vladimir Putin. I know compromise is hard in this town, Mr. Speaker, but bring a bipartisan compromise to the floor, and I guarantee it will pass. All of the issues we face in this country are complicated, every single one of them, and you can't solve anything in an environment of fear and anger. We can't fix them with a tweet or a press conference or even a speech. I know many of you in this Chamber. I know a whole lot of you. You are inspired to do this work because of the command: Love thy neighbor. Let's actually do that. Let's do the hard work and get back to the solutions business. Sadly, many of the people in America believe Democrats and Republicans can't work together. They have told me, Tom, wake up. You have to face the real world. The real world is not something we must simply face. The real world is something that we as free men and women actively create. We make the real world. I love this country. My father came here from Italy as a young boy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during World War II, and went to Harvard Law School on the GI Bill. It is hard to imagine today, but he faced rampant discrimination as an Italian immigrant, and no one would hire him, even though he went to Harvard, so he started his own law firm. At 28 years old, he ran for city court judge and became the youngest judge in the history of New York State. What a country. My father lived a great American success story like many of the stories in this room, and I will do everything I can to honor my father's legacy. More importantly, I will do everything I can to honor this Nation's legacy. We all know what politics has become. Let's think about what it could be. While I may be the only one being sworn in today, what if we all see this as a fresh start? What if we all took this chance to break some of our bad habits? What if today we remembered why we ran for office in the first place? Let's get back into the solutions business. God bless the men and women of this Chamber. God bless the important work we do. God bless the United States of America.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Deepak Bansal. Dr. Deepak Bansal is a dedicated and respected community activist and leader who is well-known for his charitable endeavors. He has always maintained a close relationship with the local community and is very passionate about giving back to it. After completing his dream of a Masters in Philosophy and a Doctorate in Metallurgy at the prestigious University of Kurukshetra India, he migrated to the United States 25 years ago. He is currently a Real Estate Associate Broker and is always willing to help new immigrants of the South Asian community in achieving their goals. He has a significant following in the South Asian community, which includes people of Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi origin. As the current President of the United States chapter of the Human Rights Commission of India, Dr. Bansal has the utmost respect for the families of the first responders who gave their lives protecting our freedom to enjoy our life. Dr. Bansal is the president of the Indo- American Association for Change (IAAC), an organization supporting and serving the families of firefighters and our law enforcement community. Dr. Bansal was the president of the India Day Parade 2021 and has continued to work for the organization. Dr. Bansal volunteers each year with Toys for Tots, an organization where U.S. Marines collect and distribute toys to children for holiday celebrations. Dr. Bansal has organized seminars on the environment, education, and health awareness. He is always standing with the vulnerable to protect their rights for justice. Dr. Bansal's community service has won him numerous citations, proclamations, and honors from elected civic leaders around New York State. Dr. Bansal is a loving and respected man who is always ready to serve the community. He recently was honored by Ram Dass Athawale, the Minister for Social Justice of India. While studying, Dr. Bansal also did social work, which he continues to do to this day in the United States. He is the Vice-chair of Friends for Good Health, an International Organization devoted to helping people around the world with preventive care at no cost to those in need. His position at the organization spearheads a food drive every year. Dr. Deepak Bansal always says he is happy to serve the community.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Bobby Kalotee. Dr. Bobby Kalotee is a hardworking and dedicated individual who has grown from humble beginnings as an immigrant to a respected civic leader and proud United States citizen who epitomizes the American dream. Bobby has served the people of Nassau County, Long Island, and New York State over the past four decades as the Chairman of various political parties, a community activist, and an ambassador on overseas missions of charitable work. Dr. Kalotee believes that serving others is a true honor, devoting time to build a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous world community. He is relentless in his quest to help people address their problems and concerns, regardless of origin or social status. Dr. Kalotee was appointed to Nassau County Human Rights Commission in 2016 by a unanimous vote of the Nassau County legislature, and enthusiastically approved by the Nassau County Executive. Bobby is one of the longest serving Directors for Nassau University Medical Center. In addition, Bobby was appointed to Stony Brook University's Brookhaven National Labs from 1997 to 2007, as Director/Vice Chair of the Counsel. Dr. Kalotee also serves on the board of New York Institute of Technology where he received an honorary Doctorate in science in 2001. He was also the Chairman of Spartan Health Science University Saint Lucia where he received an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy 2016. Since 2005, Dr. Kalotee has served as the International Chairman of Friends for Good Health, a philanthropic organization that has sent teams of leading healthcare professionals to provide vital medical services in the world's most affected regions. On one recent such mission, Dr. Kalotee and his team served over 7,000 people in numerous cities across El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Under the leadership of Dr. Kalotee, Friends for Good Health has expanded to a worldwide organization with Co-Chairs in over 127 countries. Dr. Kalotee has personally directed missions in providing disaster aid to El Salvador, Malawi, Haiti, India, Pakistan, the Dominican Republic and others. Dr. Kalotee has always been very active in civic, social, charitable, and political life, believing that politics is not a spectator sport but requires proactive participation and advocacy, and that voting in an informed and educated manner is a privilege and the civic duty of every responsible citizen. He has served as Chairman of the Nassau County Independence Party, Vice-Chairman of New York State Independence Party, and National Executive Director of the Independence Party of America. He was a National Chairman of the Reform Patty from 2007 to 2010. Dr. Kalotee holds the rank of Major in the New York State Guard, Division of Military and Naval Affairs and as a General in the U-- S,Disaster Relief Command. He was appointed as a special liaison to South Asia by the President of Malawi, the Hon. Joyce Hilda Banda, and currently serves as a special advisor to the Grenada Mission at the UN Mission. As the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, Dr. Kalotee has the privilege to personally witness many local, state, and worldwide elections and has been invited to attend inaugurations of several heads of state all over the world. Dr. Kalotee believes that serving others is both a commitment and a passion for humanity and that one must devote countless time in order to achieve a healthy, peaceful and prosperous world community. Dr. Kalotee was a guest speaker several times at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and in Geneva, speaking on issues of education and health to the world community. His life experience of responsibility and understanding the importance of a better tomorrow was evident in his messages. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kalotee has played an instrumental role in helping to combat the virus with leaders around the world, working with doctors, nurses, first responders, support staff and political leaders to formulate plans to keep communities safe--locally, nationally and internationally. He spearheaded efforts to provide thousands of face masks, shields, gloves, and temperature and mask-sensing kiosks which were delivered to hospitals, schools, and nursing homes at no cost. Above all, Bobby responds time and again to an innate need to serve. He believes that protecting others is the greatest reward an individual or organization can achieve, and his organization's motto is that ``There is no better gift one can give to humanity than good health.'' I thank Bobby for his kindness.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the great honor to be joined in this Chamber by many brave Americans and their family members who were held hostage when student militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Iran on November 4, 1979. For 444 days, 52 brave Americans were held hostage and held captive against their will. On behalf of those brave Americans, I rise in support of my bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 52 hostages of the Iran hostage crisis. As it currently stands, almost 300 Members of this Chamber have pledged their support for this legislation, a showing of true bipartisanship in an oftentimes divided Chamber, and the bill has received overwhelming support in the Senate, as well. Despite mock firing squads, beatings, solitary confinement, lack of food, and psychological torture, these American hostages maintained their strength and resilience. Back at home, we remember that Americans remained united in their support for these hostages, with many tying yellow ribbons around trees in signs of solidarity. I was 17 years old in 1979, and I well remember, as many Americans do, that the Iran hostage crisis was a painful time in our history, but that pain cannot stop us from recognizing the true pain and sacrifice by these special Americans. On behalf of the entire Congress, I give special thanks to the chairman of Commission 52, Brock Pierce, and Ezra Friedlander, the project manager, for helping to gather support for this bill. It is truly a public service. Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage of this bill so we can immediately send it to the President's desk to be signed into law.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I am joined in the gallery today by six former hostages and the families of 11 former hostages who are here to represent the 52 former hostages who were taken by Iranian student militants when they stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979. I rise today in support of my bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 52 hostages of the Iran hostage crisis who were released after 444 days of captivity over 40 years ago. As it currently stands, almost 300 Members of this Chamber have pledged their support for this legislation--a showing of true bipartisanship in an oftentimes divided Chamber. Despite mock firing squads, beatings, solitary confinement, lack of food, and psychological torture, these American hostages maintained their strength, resilience, and loyalty to their country. I was 17 years old in 1979, and I remember well--as many Americans do and many in this Chamber do--that the Iran hostage crisis was a painful time in our history. But that pain cannot stop us from recognizing the true pain and sacrifice by these special Americans. On behalf of the entire Congress, I give special thanks to Brock Pierce, the chairman of Commission 52, and Ezra Friedlander, the project manager, for helping gather support for this bill. It is a true public service. Mr. Speaker, I urge swift passage of this bill as soon as it is passed in the Senate. Mr. Speaker, let's give a round of applause to these folks who have joined us here today.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. Madam Speaker, I want to read into the Record a poem by an American poet who happened to live in my district in the 1800s. This poem was brought to my attention by my sister, Rosemary Lloyd, and the poem was brought to her attention by a historian from my college, Boston College, Heather Cox Richardson. In this poem Walt Whitman spoke about America's choosing day. We see the confrontations and divisions we have in our country right now, but in 1884 there were great divisions in this country, less than 20 years after the Civil War, and there was great disruption among the political parties to decide how we would move forward. Madam Speaker, I want to read Walt Whitman's poem into the Record. It is a great guidance for all of us today. If I should need to name, O Western World, your powerfulest scene and show, 'Twould not be you, Niagara--nor you, ye limitless prairies-- nor your huge rifts of canyons, Colorado, Nor you, Yosemite--nor Yellowstone, with all its spasmic geyser-loops ascending to the skies, appearing and disappearing, Nor Oregon's white cones--nor Huron's belt of mighty lakes-- nor Mississippi's stream: This seething hemisphere's humanity, as now, I'd name--the still small voice vibrating--America's choosing day, The heart of it not in the chosen--the act itself the main, the quadrennial choosing, The stretch of North and South arous'd--seaboard and inland-- Texas to Maine--the prairie States--Vermont, Virginia, California, The final ballot shower from East to West--the paradox and conflict, The countless snowflakes falling--a swordless conflict, Yet more than all Rome's wars of old, or modern Napoleon's: the peaceful choice of all, Or good or ill humanity--welcoming the darker odds, the dross: Foams and ferments the wine? It serves to purify--while the heart pants, life glows: These stormy gusts and winds waft precious ships, Swell'd Washington's, Jefferson's, Lincoln's sails. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated service of Angela Licata as she nears the conclusion of her term as President of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. Angela has spent more than thirty years of her career at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, which each day delivers more than one billion gallons of fresh, clean drinking water to the taps of nine million customers throughout New York State. Over the years Angela has played key roles in contributing to New York City's PlaNYC blueprint for sustainable growth, identifying climate change adaptation strategies, launching analyses of sustainable water rate structures, and managing capital expense budgets to ensure appropriate investment in the infrastructure necessary to provide safe and reliable water service. In addition, Angela has been a leader among her colleagues at the nation's drinking water utilities. Since 2014 she has served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), an organization representing the nation's largest publicly owned drinking water systems. She began her term as President of AMWA's board in 2020. During her time on the board she has testified before Congress on the challenges posed by lead service lines, actively participated in initiatives to increase diversity in the water sector, and outlined innovative approaches to achieving collaboration between climate scientists and the water utility community. This month, Angela's term as President of AMWA's board will come to an end. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join with me today in recognizing Angela Licata for her service to AMWA, the people of New York, and the water sector as a whole. I am proud to count Angela among my constituents, and I wish her continued success and happiness in her career.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Judge Sterling Johnson who passed away on October 17, 2022. Judge Johnson will be remembered as a devoted family man, advocate for individuals suffering from AIDS, dedicated jurist, special drug prosecutor, member of the New York City Police Department, U.S. Marine veteran and mentor to the next generation of young attorneys. At a time when AIDS was still considered a terrifying death sentence, Judge Johnson fought relentlessly for the humane treatment of individuals suffering from AIDS. In 1993, he ordered the government to immediately shut down a Guantanamo Bay detention facility that was full of Haitian refugees who had been found eligible for asylum but were denied entry into the United States solely because they had H.I.V. or AIDS. He likened their living conditions to ``an H.I.V. prison camp''. In another remarkable case, Judge Johnson ruled that New York City had failed to provide necessities to thousands of residents who were poverty stricken and suffered from AIDS. These necessities included emergency housing, food stamps and Medicaid. He ordered a federal magistrate to make sure that the AIDS stricken population had access to these benefits. In this way he used his power to alleviate the suffering of thousands of society's most vulnerable members. Prior to his time on the bench, Judge Johnson was a member of the New York City Police Department. While serving in this capacity, he received his undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College and graduated in the top ten percent of the Brooklyn Law School Class of 1966. Judge Johnson left the police force the following year to accept an appointment as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York based in Manhattan where he prosecuted more than 7,000 criminal cases. He also served as the City's special narcotics prosecutor and was named executive liaison officer for the Drug Enforcement Administration's Presidential Drug Advisory Council under President Gerald Ford. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush nominated Judge Johnson for the United States Court for the Eastern District of New York. During his 30-year tenure on the bench, Judge Johnson ruled in over 500 cases. Judge Johnson also served as the executive director of the NYPD Civilian Complaint Review Board, investigating allegations of police misconduct and brutality. Judge Johnson was a founding member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement. The New York Chapter of this organization is named in his honor. He was also instrumental in founding the National Black Prosecutors Association. Judge Johnson was also a sought-after guest lecturer and gave speeches at universities around the world. Despite his demanding career, Judge Johnson always made time to mentor young attorneys. His office was full of young lawyers seeking his wisdom and advice. He instilled the values of duty, dedication, discipline, integrity, and social justice in the next generation of lawyers. He would often say ``If you are early, you are on time. If you are on time, you are late.'' He deeply believed that one must be a leader, take initiative, and zealously chase one's ambitions. When Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson started her career, she asked Judge Johnson if she should become a judge. As a result of his guidance and encouragement, she went on to make history as the first black female Supreme Court Justice. In addition to his distinguished career, Judge Johnson also raised a remarkable family. He was a devoted husband to Barbara Johnson and a loving father to his children Sterling III, Alicia and Jennifer, and daughter-in-law Wendy Johnson. Judge Johnson was especially close to his son-in-law, David Daniels. Judge Johnson was lovingly called G.Pa by his grandchildren Jessica Barnes and F. Attiyya Akinwole; and was a doting great grandfather to his adorable great grand puppies Jibe, Oba, and Enzo. Judge Johnson enjoyed fishing and playing solitaire. We take solace in the thought that Judge Johnson has been reunited in heaven with his daughter Alicia and dog Oba. I offer my deepest sympathy and prayers to Judge Johnson's family and hope that the knowledge that he is remembered so dearly by his friends and colleagues will bring comfort during this difficult time.

Mr. SUOZZI

Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for giving me the opportunity to speak in support of H.R. 1433, the reauthorization of the Helen Keller National Center for Youths and Adults Who Are Deaf- Blind in our country. Let me start by thanking not only the chairman but Congressman Pocan and all of my colleagues who, on a bipartisan basis, have shown overwhelming support for this legislation and the national center. The Helen Keller National Center for the Deaf-Blind, located in my district, is the only center of its type anywhere in the Nation. People from all over the country travel to the center for help, and they have regional support centers, as well. In my first 2 weeks in office, back in 2017, I visited the Helen Keller National Center for the first time. I heard stories from people whose lives were changed and whose families' lives were changed because of the miracles that were brought into their lives by this exceptional national treasure. People's lives have been changed dramatically because of the work of this center supported by this Congress for 55 years, since 1967. We need to continue to support the center. I thank my colleagues for the great work that they have done in supporting it and continuing to increase its funding year after year. Let us keep working together on a bipartisan basis to serve the people of our country, especially this vulnerable population. Imagine what it would be like to be deaf and blind. This is truly a national treasure, and I thank my colleagues for their support.