Paul Tonko

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I believe that leaves the individual of focus this evening, the chairwoman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers).

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Representative Deluzio lending his voice on the House floor to speak to some of the injustice out there. Certainly, representing a district that has immense amounts of rail, it is important for us to address safety, consumer ridership, and also the economy. Over these past months and years, we have seen far too many hardworking Americans struggling to get by and crippled by costs. Recent data shows that more than one-quarter of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. We need to be sensitive to all of these perspectives as they relate to working families. Meanwhile, corporate greed and wealth disparity are at an all-time high. One of the countless recent examples of billion-dollar corporations putting profits over people's lives came during and after Hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall, wreaking death and destruction across the southeastern United States. In their wake, complaints of price gouging poured in as families trying to flee the devastating storms reported skyrocketing costs for airline tickets, gas, hotel rooms, and more. Despite many States having anti-price-gouging laws--these vary from State to State--the largest corporations can often easily avoid liability. That is why, last month, I joined a dozen of my Democratic colleagues in a letter led by Senator Elizabeth Warren calling for a Federal anti-price-gouging law to protect American consumers. Unchecked corporate greed has hurt everyday Americans for far too long. Democrats are ready to face this issue head-on. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that President-elect Trump and Republicans share the same commitment. Rather than working with us to drive down the cost of living and make big corporations pay their fair share, they have announced their plans to expand the Trump tax scam. Expanding this unpopular law will only further cement massive tax breaks for Trump's billionaire buddies like Elon Musk while sticking the working-class people who voted for him with higher costs on everyday goods through his half-baked tariff scheme. Experts from both sides of the aisle have said plainly that if these GOP policies are implemented, they will send prices surging and claw back any progress we have made to stem inflation. These are not the types of policies that the American people signed up for. Republicans and Democrats alike need to stand together to enact a bipartisan tax plan that would lower taxes for working- and middle- class families while ensuring everyone pays their fair share, including Trump's billionaire buddies. If they aren't willing to join us in this effort to support middle- class Americans, we will fight back however we can, and that is a promise. Of course, it involves all sorts of angles that speak to the doability for working families, making certain that regulations speak to the needs of consumers for rail safety, growing the economy, and providing efficiencies so that American families are justly served. We need to do a lot of business in the upcoming session, and we need to do it with American families in mind, those working families who struggle in the economy. We need to make improvements and let fairness be our guide. I thank Congressman Deluzio for his leadership on behalf of working families and on behalf of safety. I know we both have districts that require that sort of laser-sharp focus. It is an honor to serve with him. I thank him for raising his voice and boldly speaking for justice for our American consumers.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 474.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the tremendous work and lasting contributions made by Carm Basile, CEO of the Capital District Transportation Authority, as he retires from a 43- year career connecting our capital region communities. Starting at CDTA as a transportation planner in 1981, Carm steadily moved up the ranks with his signature determination to improve the lives of those he served. Through trials and tribulations, pandemic and recovery, Carm has spent the past 15 years growing and strengthening the Authority in his role as CEO. From developing bus rapid transit lines, to starting Albany's first bike share program, to expanding services into Montgomery County, Carm has steadily guided CDTA into the 21st century. As Carm moves into the next chapter of his life, I thank him for keeping our capital region moving and moving forward. I pass on congratulations of the entire 20th District to Carm for a well-earned retirement. We wish him well.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 440.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding individual who exemplifies the best of New York's capital region, a leader and educator whose commitment to her students has changed lives for the better. That individual is Ms. Colleen Keough, a second grade teacher at Hamilton Elementary School in Schenectady who earlier this month was recognized by the New York Board of Regents as the New York State Teacher of the Year. In 16 years with the Schenectady City School District, including 13 at Hamilton Elementary, Ms. Keough has been a relentless champion for her students in the classroom and beyond. She has made her classroom a safe, fun, and supportive place for every student to learn, and she has helped build community with students' families through the monthly PTO events she started with a colleague. A teacher is someone who drives students' academic progress, but a great teacher is so much more. Colleen Keough is one of those great teachers. I thank Ms. Keough and congratulate her again. Her heart, her leadership, and her dedication serve as an inspiration to her students and to us all. She has enabled her students to discover their gifts, their abilities, and their passions. We thank her.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) for yielding. The transportation sector is the largest source of climate pollution in our United States and also a major emitter of other dangerous pollutants. It should not surprise anyone that EPA has finalized a rule to fulfill its obligation to protect Americans from harmful air pollution. Unfortunately, this resolution will nullify a rule that, by all analyses, will save lives, save Americans money, and bolster our domestic manufacturing. It is, indeed, expected to result in up to $99 billion in net benefits annually, including major consumer savings on reduced fuel costs and vehicle maintenance that can range up to $6,000 over the life of a vehicle. Madam Speaker, just the other night, I attended the annual gathering of the Alliance to Save Energy as they recognized heroes in our communities who have moved forward with innovation and efforts to clean the environment and to make the air we breathe more safe. It was interesting to watch these innovators, these start-up agents, members from the business and industrial communities, all talking about progress, significant progress that has been made simply by responding to demands for a safer and cleaner environment. It is why this rule has worked in conjunction with the industry and the union workers, to make certain that there is a rule that can indeed be responded to. Putting aside all of the public health, environmental, and economic benefits, we should see this rule as an opportunity to further drive technological innovation. EPA's rule is in line with market trends for light-duty vehicles. More and more Americans are choosing to go electric, thanks in large part to incentives, incentives like those in the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Even more of these vehicles, because of that and their components, will be made in America. In the years ahead, we expect the cost of EVs to come down and come down significantly, the performance and range of EVs to improve, and consumer demand for EVs to continue to grow. This resolution will create tremendous uncertainty for American auto manufacturers, undermining the nearly $200 billion in private-sector investment that has been made into our domestic EV and battery supply chains since the start of the Biden administration. Those investments are already creating hundreds of thousands of high-quality jobs. Automakers want and need to know which standards they need to design and build their vehicles to. EPA's rule provides the certainty required to develop and produce American-made, clean-vehicle technologies. That certainty is a theme constantly brought to my attention by those who come and visit with us to advance progressive policy. For over a century, America has been the greatest auto manufacturing nation in the world. We know other countries are competing to produce the next generation of zero-emission vehicles, and I believe there is a bipartisan agreement that the United States should not be dependent on China for EV technologies. Here is where we depart: Republicans want to pretend that EVs are not coming, even though all the consumer trends say otherwise. The majority is okay with China dominating this market if my colleagues on the other side of the aisle can stop Americans from going electric. House Democrats know that increased adoption of EVs is going to benefit America, Americans' health, our environment, and our wallets. We believe that, if America competes, America wins. We will embrace the changes that are occurring in this sector and make certain our manufacturers have that regulatory certainty necessary to drive us forward to a cleaner and, indeed, a healthier future. That certainty is provided by the standards Republicans want to undo today. Madam Speaker, for the sake of promoting American innovation, addressing our pollution challenges, and supporting our long-term national economic competitiveness, I urge Members to oppose this resolution.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 40th anniversary of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, or EESI. For four decades, EESI has provided valuable educational opportunities, policy analysis, and support to Congress and so many others all around the country. EESI was founded as a caucus in Congress by a bipartisan group of Members, including Dick Ottinger from the great State of New York in 1975. In the 1980s, it became an independent nonprofit focused on educating Members and staff, convening stakeholders, and advancing science-based solutions for climate, energy, and environmental challenges. Many Members attended their annual Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo, which brings cutting-edge energy companies to the Hill to show off the latest innovations. Over the years, I have been proud to collaborate with EESI so many times, and I truly value their work. To EESI's staff and supporters, I congratulate them on this 40th anniversary, and I wish them many more years of being such an important partner to Members of Congress, moving upward and onward with additional innovation through the years.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 403.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 7637 and H.R. 7700, both of which are being considered this afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I am surprised that Republicans went home for Independence Day, reflected upon all that great holiday means, and, as their first order of business back in D.C., brought up these redundant, anticonsumer bills. Let it not be said that House Republicans don't care about people's rights. These bills support the rights of Chinese manufacturers to dump cheap, inferior products into the U.S. market. These bills support the right for utilities to bill Americans more just for keeping their refrigerators plugged in or running their dishwashers. Strong efficiency standards reduce energy use and are proven to save Americans hundreds of dollars each and every year. These bills support the right of landlords to stick their renters with low-performing appliances. Strong efficiency standards raise the bar for everyone. DOE's efficiency standards are required by law to be cost-effective, and they result in major savings for every American household. They also reduce energy demand, which makes our electric grid more reliable. The refrigerator and dishwasher standards, which would be undone by the bills before us today, reflect the consensus of energy efficiency advocates, consumer advocates, and American home appliance manufacturers. That is right: Our own domestic manufacturers recognize the benefits of these standards and truly support DOE's rules. We have wasted enough time. We have wasted enough energy already. Let's not stand in the way of the Department of Energy and American manufacturers that want to support the development of the next generation of innovative, cost-effective, and energy efficient appliances. Mr. Speaker, I encourage Members to do the proconsumer and patriotic thing by rejecting these bills today.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Chair, had I been present, I would have voted No on Roll Call No. 285.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the members of the Albany Marching Falcons for their inspiring performance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the D-day invasion in France. Earlier this month, the Marching Falcons, made up of middle and high school students from the Albany City School District, had the opportunity to perform in Falaise, where the Battle of Normandy took place 40 years ago. Band members also took part in a personal ceremony on Omaha Beach, where they honored deceased friends and family members who served in the Second World War. Bryan Cady, the marching band's director, supported his students through each step of this journey, leading fundraising initiatives to secure the necessary resources for this beautiful trip. Despite facing several challenges once they arrived in France, the band continued to march on with pride and resilience, looking and sounding totally professional. I am honored that these students were able to represent our capital region in this powerful celebration. To the Albany Marching Falcons, I offer my most sincere gratitude for their continued perseverance, and I extend my congratulations on an incredible performance.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional career of Schuylerville resident Colonel Richard Goldenberg as he retires from the U.S. Army National Guard after 36 years of distinguished service. In his 13 years as the public information officer for the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, he has been the steadfast voice of more than 20,000 men and women serving in the New York National Guard, the Naval Militia, and the New York Guard, where his leadership in community relations and strategic information support has been vital during overseas deployments and disaster response missions. Colonel Goldenberg's impact on our capital region has extended well beyond his service in the National Guard. As adjutant of Jewish War Veterans Post 105 and commander of the Jewish War Veterans Capital District Council, he has honored a legacy of service and brotherhood, presenting the annual Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award. Colonel Goldenberg has also been a cherished partner in our efforts to honor veterans, joining me in seeing off hundreds of capital region veterans on Honor Flights to Washington, D.C. Colonel Goldenberg's legacy of service, leadership, and dedication will continue to inspire each and every one of us. I congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement and wish him Godspeed.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted NO on Roll Call No. 253. Amendment No. 22 Offered by Ms. Greene of Georgia

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to mourn the tragic loss of two soldiers of the National Guard who called our capital region in New York home. On March 8, 2024, Chief Warrant Officers 2 Casey Frankoski of Rensselaer and John Grassia of Rotterdam tragically perished in a helicopter accident in Texas. They deeply embodied a commitment of service to others. Chief Warrant Officer Frankoski was on the cusp of achieving a bachelor's degree in emergency management and was connected to many community organizations, including serving as a volunteer firefighter and a member of the Environmental Conservation Corps. Chief Warrant Officer Grassia served as a cybersecurity analyst with the New York State Department of Homeland Security and, most recently and proudly, as a New York State trooper. This week, these heroes were brought home and met with the honors and recognitions deserving of their incredible bravery and sacrifice. My heart goes out to the vast universe of family, friends, and loved ones left behind and shattered by this truly terrible loss. They have left us too soon but will forever be remembered and treasured by all who loved them. Their memories and their service will serve as a beacon for all in our capital region community and beyond.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 88. personal explanation

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students of South Glens Falls. Here they go again, as they celebrate another year of extraordinary commitment to their community. Earlier this month, they hosted their 47th annual South High Marathon Dance, a student-led event to raise money for worthy causes, from dedicated community organizations to local families in need. This year they raised nearly $750,000, adding to an astonishing total of more than $11 million raised since 1978. I was honored to join them at this year's event where I saw firsthand the enthusiasm and compassion that keep this tradition alive. United by music, dance, and a spirit of giving, these leaders of today and tomorrow demonstrate the power that lies in a commitment to community and a desire to do good--tremendous good. To the students of South Glens Falls, I extend my congratulations on another incredible year of giving and my heartfelt thanks for filling me with inspiration and hope for our collective future. Go Bulldogs. They are a loving and caring inspiration and strength for our future.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to stand with our allies in Ukraine--action that my Republican colleagues have repeatedly failed to take. Over the 2 long years since Putin's brutal war against Ukraine, I have been heartbroken to hear the personal stories of so many Ukrainian Americans in my district and beyond who are living in fear for their families and their friends. Yet evidently heedless to this call to action on Ukraine from our constituents and from many of our Nation's allies, Republicans in the House continue to obstruct the Senate-passed bipartisan national security bill which would deliver military, economic, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Their GOP gridlock plays directly into Putin's hands. At the top of his State of the Union Address last week, our President, President Biden, said: ``If the United States walks away now, it will put Ukraine at risk. Europe at risk. The free world at risk, emboldening others who wish to do us harm.'' Enough is enough. It is past time to stop this gamesmanship and at last rise together to oppose tyranny and defend democracy. The Senate has acted. Put that Senate bill to a vote in the House. The world is watching.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I congratulate the remarkable team from Farnsworth Middle School in Guilderland, New York, in New York's 20th Congressional District, on its outstanding achievement in winning the grand prize at this year's national DiscoverE's Future City Competition. These students, together with educator Kelly Werner and volunteer mentor Jennifer Smith, showed extraordinary innovation, dedication, and skill in crafting their future city. Their vision and hard work exemplified the value of STEM education and showcased the limitless potential of our youth. I congratulate the Dutchman Ducks team and everyone involved in this impressive accomplishment and thank them for representing our great capital region with excellence on this national stage. I wish them all success in their future endeavors as they continue to electrify our world with ingenuity and passion. Let's hear it for today's leaders amongst the young people in this country.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to mourn the heavy loss of Matt Peter, a friend to all and a rising star in our community whose light was cut short far too soon. As a former chief of staff to the mayor of Albany, an Albany County legislator, and executive director of the Albany Parking Authority, Matt was a public servant in the truest sense of the word. His passion and love for his community shone through in everything he did, and he had a determination and the know-how to get things done to improve people's lives. He accomplished so much during his years as a legislator, from helping modernize the parking authority to championing policies that provide mental health and substance use treatment. While his impact will continue to resonate with all across Albany city and Albany County, Matt will be best remembered for his kindness, his intelligence, and immense spirit of service. My prayers and deepest condolences go out to his fiancee, Corinne, his parents, Bill and Nancy; his siblings, Brian and Sara; and all of his many family and loved ones. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible students and faculty from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for their stellar first-place ranking in the 2023 National Cyber League competition. The National Cyber League is a cybersecurity skills competition that reinforces learning, encourages collaboration, and develops students' necessary skills for future careers within the cybersecurity field. The students at RPI, coached by Dr. Brian Callahan, placed first in the Nation out of a pool of more than 8,500 students and more than 500 colleges and universities around our great country. Their achievement is truly remarkable, and I offer my hearty congratulations to these students and my thanks to the dedicated coaches and professors whose support and encouragement enabled this terrific success. I congratulate Team RPI, and I appreciate the great work they have done.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Master Sergeant Chuck Powers, an exceptional member of the Air National Guard, for his distinguished service and dedication to furthering the mission of the National Guard. A native of Albany, New York, Chief Master Sergeant Powers enlisted in the Air Force in December 2000. He has served for 23 years in the Active-Duty Air Force and now the New York Air National Guard in a broad range of assignments, including six deployments to Iraq, Oman, Afghanistan, and Antarctica in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Deep Freeze, and Operation New Dawn. Most recently, he served as a military personnel liaison for the National Guard Bureau Office of Legislative Liaison and Senior Enlisted Advisor, working diligently to improve the quality of life for our National Guard Soldiers and Airmen and to enhance the relationship between the National Guard and offices like mine. In November 2023, he took on a new role as the Senior Enlisted Leader to the National Guard Bureau Manpower and Personnel Directorate. Chief Master Sergeant Powers' responsibilities as legislative liaison have had an impact on the National Guard Bureau and the work of all congressional offices. He demonstrated expertise in developing technical solutions, which modernized how the National Guard Bureau Office of Legislative Liaison engages with Members of Congress. His attention to detail and responsiveness strengthened the relationship between congressional offices and the National Guard immeasurably. He formulated a congressional engagement plan and prepared National Guard leadership for over 60 meetings and hearings, informed Members on the National Guard Bureau's legislative priorities, and answered hundreds of congressional inquiries, which provided critical information related to the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Chief Master Sergeant Powers' efforts were also pivotal to improve quality of life for his fellow National Guard members, including the development of new guidelines for maternity and paternity leave. He embodies the qualities that one can expect from Non-Commissioned Officers. I am grateful to Chief Master Sergeant Powers for his service in support of my office and others in the furtherance of National Guard missions. I would also like to express my appreciation to his supportive husband, Jamie Richards. I wish this National Guard family all the best in their next chapter of service to our Nation.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act. These past few years, I have been honored to champion this legislation on behalf of the more than 1 million Americans living with Parkinson's. I first learned more in-depth about Parkinson's from a friend who suffered with the disease. When the opportunity arose to partner with Congressman Bilirakis on this meaningful effort, I jumped right in and made it my personal mission to get this done on behalf of the millions of people living with Parkinson's. Mr. Speaker, currently, there are no treatments to cure, prevent, or significantly slow down its progression. Parkinson's is the second most common neurological disease and is, unfortunately, growing and growing fast. Mr. Speaker, I will highlight that there is hope on the horizon. Earlier this year, researchers discovered a new biomarker for Parkinson's disease. This is an exciting step forward, but much more research and coordination is needed. Our bipartisan, no-cost legislation will, for the first time, unite our Federal Government in a mission to cure and prevent Parkinson's, alleviate financial and health burdens on American families, and reduce government spending over time. This pioneering legislation is greatly needed. This bill will bring Federal stakeholders and non-Federal experts together to implement a national plan to prevent and cure the disease, improve diagnosis and treatment options, and lessen the burden for caregivers and their families. The bill's text is modeled off the successful National Alzheimer's Project model which brought together many parts of our Federal Government to improve the Federal response. Once signed into law, this bill will do for Parkinson's what the national plan did for Alzheimer's and bring together coordination, care, and research all to help those with Parkinson's, as well their loved ones. This will help bring a strong focus on a cure, a treatment, and also prevention. It will shine a needed light on the suffering related to Parkinson's. Sadly, we recognize that environmental triggers are likely a part of Parkinson's, but so much is still unknown. More research and more coordination are critical to getting answers to these questions. I thank The Michael J. Fox Foundation for everything that it does, but especially all of the work that they provided on behalf of this bill. I thank the New York-based groups and advocates who stood by my side demanding action on this bill and giving a face to Parkinson's. That mission and their journey was over a series of years. Together with patients, with families, and with medical professionals we learned about the challenges of Parkinson's and why this bill is so desperately and urgently needed. I thank my good friend, Gus Bilirakis, for working on the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act with me. It is an honor to work with the gentleman on this, and I know how much this means to him personally. I thank him for his relentless work to push this forward. The loss of his brother and mother-in-law in this last year, indeed, has been a devastating blow for their family. I admire how my friend has channeled that pain and committed to making a difference so that we can bring hope to those with Parkinson's. I thank Chair Rodgers and Representative Pallone for staying with us and finding the resolution to move this meaningful bill forward. I thank Congressman Guthrie and Congresswoman Eshoo for their support, as well. Additionally, I thank our committee staff for their hard work on bringing this together. Special thanks go to Tiffany Guarascio, Una Lee, Waverly Gordon, Shana Beavin, and Jacquelyn Bolen for all of their efforts. From my personal office, I thank Emily Silverberg, our legislative director, for the resolve to continue until we pass that finish line. I thank Congressman Bilirakis' team, especially Chris Jones, for her hard work on this effort. I also thank our good friend, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. We love Jennifer. She has been there. She has faced a devastating diagnosis, and she not only joined this fight but became one of the most vocal advocates fighting for the Parkinson's community. Mr. Speaker, as many of us know, Congresswoman Wexton was first diagnosed with PSP this year which she describes as a kind of Parkinson's on steroids. Today and every day, Jennifer gives a face to Parkinson's, and she is changing the future for those who have not yet received the diagnosis and those who will benefit from the National Plan to End Parkinson's. I thank my friend for her advocacy and for bravely sharing publicly about her journey. I value her friendship and am in awe of her determination and her journey. I understand that receiving a Parkinson's diagnosis has got to be truly devastating for individuals and their loved ones. It is, indeed, incumbent upon Congress to ensure Americans know they will be supported during this frightening and life-altering time. Our legislation does just that and offers a dose of hope. This is a commonsense, compassionate bill that will establish a robust response to address Parkinson's and ensure that patients and their families receive the care that they need and deserve. By moving this forward, we will make a positive difference, improve lives, and even save lives. For the millions of Americans living with Parkinson's, as well as their loved ones, I hope this brings much-needed hope. Hope has finally arrived. Hope is on the way, and that has been the message of this whole effort. To all my colleagues, I thank them for their strong support and commitment to the Parkinson's community. I urge my colleagues to support this meaningful bill. It will make a difference totally to those who are impacted and to the Nation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from the Commonwealth of Virginia (Ms. McClellan), who is a great supporter of this legislation.