Joseph Sempolinski

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of my constituent, David Kane. Dave, who has lived a distinguished life, will be 93 in March 2023. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Military's 3rd Right Aviation Section on the 38th Parallel. Dave continued his public service as a corrections officer in Dannemora, New York, and worked on the levees around Elmira, New York. Dave is a loving husband to his wife, Beverly, and father to his daughter, Peggy. He is an outstanding citizen of New York's 23rd Congressional District and is worthy of praise.

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI. Madam Speaker, this week marks the anniversary of the Treaty of Hartford. Prior to 1786, the States of Massachusetts and New York had a territorial dispute regarding whether the territory of what is now Greater Western New York would be part of Massachusetts or New York. On December 16, 1786, the Treaty of Hartford resolved this dispute. As part of the treaty, land in Greater Western New York became part of New York State. However, Massachusetts retained the right of preemption, that is, the right to negotiate any land purchase from the Iroquois Confederacy members or Haudenosaunee, especially the Seneca people who then resided and continue to reside on it to this day. Later in 1788, Massachusetts sold this right of preemption to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham. Early agreements such as the Treaty of Hartford and the still-binding Treaty of Canandaigua shaped the future of Greater Western New York. The beginning of this region's association with New York State started this week, in 1786. The region continues to be a vital and unique part of the northeastern United States and the Seneca Nation, with a unique economy, culture, and character.

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Chemung County, New York, legislator Brian J. Hyland. Brian was an extraordinary, talented, kind, and interesting man. He was appointed to the Chemung County Legislature in 2011. Brian was a dedicated public servant and worked tirelessly to help his constituents. There was no job too big or too small for Legislator Hyland. Brian was also a teacher and mentor at Tioga Tae Kwon Do in Waverly, New York, where he used more than 60 years in martial arts to teach hundreds of students how to be the best version of themselves. He was a businessman, a community leader, and, above all else, a family man. His wife, Suzanne, was the love of his life. He took immense pride in his six children, including my legislative director, Tom Hyland. He cared deeply for his sister and helped all those around him to succeed. Brian will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Brian J. Hyland. Brian was an extraordinary, talented, kind, and interesting man and these traits allowed him to touch so many lives in so many different ways. Brian was a dedicated public servant and worked tirelessly to help his constituents. Appointed to the Chemung County Legislature in 2011, Brian used his decades of business management and life experience, and his unending charm to go above and beyond for his community. There was no job too big or too small for Brian. Brian was also a teacher and mentor at Tioga Tae Kwon Do, in Waverly, New York, where he used more than sixty years in martial arts to teach hundreds of students how to be the best versions of themselves. He was a businessman, a leader in the community, and above all else, a family man. Brian was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, son, son-in- law, and brother. His wife Suzanne, was the love of his life, he took immense pride in his six children, he cared deeply for his sister Patricia, and he helped all those around him to succeed. Brian will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise because of my concern with the havoc that President Biden and the congressional Democrats' soft-on- crime policies are wreaking on our country. This administration's approach to crime has only emboldened criminals who exploit these weaknesses. In a recent poll, Gallup found 56 percent of Americans think local crime has increased, which is more than any time in the past five decades. I come from a primarily rural district, and unfortunately, we have not been immune from this rise in crime. Members of my community are concerned for their family's safety. Failed ideas like so-called bail reform, defunding the police, and putting violent offenders back onto our streets have created a powder keg. According to a recent study by Just Facts, if homicide rates were to continue at the rate of increase in President Biden's first year in office, over your lifetime, the chance of your life ending by homicide is 1 in 179. We have tied the hands of our heroes in law enforcement while untying the hands of criminals. We must act now to reserve these policies for the safety and security of our communities.

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I share the concerns of my friends and neighbors in the 23rd District of New York, who have told me about their struggles just to get by due to this administration's reckless and disastrous policies. President Biden's radical agenda has created an energy crisis that hurts every American. In the last 12 months, over a third of American households have sacrificed basic necessities so they could pay an energy bill. Unfortunately, this will only worsen as the Energy Information Administration projects that families will spend a 25-year high for their energy this winter. As Americans deal with the burden of higher energy prices and out-of- control inflation, the so-called Inflation Reduction Act added more restrictions on Federal oil and gas leasing. For the good of the American people and the safety of our Nation, we must act now. Open our domestic oil and gas leases and stop the burdensome regulations that are an assault on U.S. energy development. I represent one of the most beautiful areas of America, but one that gets very cold in the winter. This is a life-or-death issue for those of limited means in the district I represent.

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1433, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Helen Keller National Center Act. This center is unique. In fact, it is the only one of its kind. Since 1967, the center has helped individuals with combined vision and hearing loss by providing them, as well as their families and service providers, with specialized, intensive services to help them lead successful and independent lives. This includes, but isn't limited to, career and technical education. Simply put, the center offers hope and dignity to those it serves. This center is on the forefront of research in developing new and innovative ways for those that are deaf-blind to live a full and independent life. The end goal is allowing those with combined vision and hearing loss to work and thrive in communities of their choice. The Helen Keller National Center is living up to the legacy of its namesake. Helen Keller is the epitome of perseverance. She overcame every obstacle to lead a successful life that impacted the lives of so many. She once wrote, ``A happy life consists not in the absence but in the mastery of hardships.'' There is so much we can learn from Helen Keller's commitment to serving others despite her own trials. This bipartisan bill will ensure that the Helen Keller National Center continues to help deaf-blind youth and adults triumph over adversity, just as Helen Keller did more than 50 years ago. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and, in doing so, empower those who are deaf-blind to live full, successful, and independent lives. This bill will help ensure these students and adults have all the resources they need to reach their fullest potential. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of reauthorizing the Helen Keller National Center Act. Helen Keller's story is an example of determination and hard work. Not only did she overcome her difficulties, but she worked tirelessly to better the lives of others. In doing so, she showed the world there were no boundaries. That is how the center looks at its work and those who it serves. As a parent of a child with a disability, this issue is very near and dear to my heart, so I am glad to have this time today to share my thoughts and experiences. I know firsthand the importance of each child with a disability having every possible opportunity to succeed and thrive. Any parent of a child with any disability can tell you that their top priority is to provide the very best for their children's education and growth. I will work tirelessly in and out of Congress for the disability community. This is one of many reasons why I support this bill. Today's bipartisan legislation will allow the center to continue its invaluable research and developmental programs in several areas, including communication techniques and teaching methods. All of this leads to improved program offerings and, ultimately, better lives for deaf-blind Americans and their families. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1433. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act. I applaud our colleagues in the Senate for approving this bill this summer by unanimous consent. I also acknowledge our colleague, Mr. John Katko, for his work on a companion bill in the House. S. 3157 directs the Secretary of Labor to conduct a study on barriers to employment for legal immigrants and refugees who earn their professional credentials somewhere other than the United States. The study will also include policy recommendations for better helping these immigrants and refugees obtain skill-appropriate employment in the United States. Obstacles for foreign-educated immigrants and refugees who are legally in the United States but are unemployed or underemployed include language barriers, credential recognition difficulties, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of professional networks to offer assistance. This underutilization of skills, or brain waste, is costing the United States billions of dollars per year in lost individual earnings, economic output, and tax revenue. The healthcare sector is especially impacted by this challenge. Two million immigrants with college degrees in the United States have been relegated to low-wage jobs or unable to find work, often because of licensing, credential recognition, and other barriers. This leaves immigrants and refugees unable to contribute fully to the economy, reach their full potential, or secure the American Dream. In addition to providing recommendations for addressing these challenges for individual immigrants and their families, S. 3157 will benefit all Americans and our economy. With too many jobs still going unfilled and a rapidly evolving labor market, it is vital we address this issue now. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 3157, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko), my friend.

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI

Mr. SEMPOLINSKI. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Katko for that wonderful introduction. I thank my fellow New York State delegation members for joining me. I thank the Minority Leader for being here. It is an honor to be the Representative of the people of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes. I am blessed to have my family with me. My parents are here; they have given me everything. My in-laws, who have always treated me like family, are here. I would not be standing here without the support of my wife, Angie, who is my soulmate and best friend. I am also joined by my daughters. My younger daughter Maddie is with us. She is my bright-eyed, little sweetheart; she is 2. And I am joined by my older daughter Jojo. She is clapping. I think other Down syndrome parents will understand what I mean when I say that in the person of Jojo I am joined today in this Chamber by my hero. Over the last few months, I have been repeatedly asked, ``Why would you run when you will only serve for 4 months?'' My answer has always been, ``It would be an honor to serve for 4 minutes.'' Most people in history have had to live their lives under despots and tyrants, but not here, not in America. That is the freedom our ancestors purchased for us at such great cost. We choose those who speak for us. To do so is a sacred thing. We have so many challenges right now as a Nation. Rising prices steal from those who can least afford it. Crime puts fear in all of our hearts. And, sadly, so many feel that they are not heard by their Government. I can tell the people of the 23rd District, without doubt, they are heard. I am blessed to be from one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I pray that I can be worthy of the people who have sent me here to speak for them.