Claudia Tenney

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6441, the Women's Business Centers Improvement Act, legislation that I am honored to lead with my colleague, Representative Sharice Davids. Female entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses play a critical role in our Nation's economy. As a longtime small business owner myself, and the owner of a woman-owned business, I understand the challenges women- owned small businesses face, especially in rural communities. The Women's Business Center program at the Small Business Administration has been helping women overcome obstacles and build thriving businesses for over 30 years. With more than 150 locations across the Nation, the Women's Business Center program provides over 150,000 female small business owners annually with resources and guidance, helping them to identify opportunities for growth. The bipartisan Women's Business Centers Improvement Act will strengthen the Women's Business Center program, increase authorized funding, and enact commonsense taxpayer protections and oversight provisions to safeguard public dollars and ensure that the program efficiently serves the American people. Additionally, the bill will expand the cap on grants made available under this program, which will better support our women entrepreneurs. These improvements will help the Women's Business Centers program run efficiently and expand into more communities, like those underserved communities particularly in my district and Ms. Davids' district and all across New York and our Nation. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan women-owned small businesses bill and vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6441.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize seven amazing students from the Camden Central School District Track and Field team, who recently traveled to Mayfield, Kentucky, during their February break to help residents after a devastating tornado ripped through the State 2 months ago. Led by Coach Phil Lucason, seven members of the team volunteered their time: Lizzy Lucason, Will Carver, Ryan Beaulac, Joe Doran, Nate Hurd, Ivy Murphy, and Dillon Melchoire. Incidentally, Dillon made a special stop at the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky on the way back to sign a letter of intent to run track for them next year. But these students worked in a large distribution center helping hundreds of residents per day, who were seeking food and other household supplies. The students also spent time working alongside contractors who were rebuilding the many buildings devastated by the storm. Their tireless efforts on behalf of those whom they had never met is a beautiful example of selfless service. The 22nd District is so incredibly honored to have these excellent students representing us and showing just how willing our community is to help people in their greatest time of need. I thank them for their tremendous service to our community.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to represent New York's 22nd Congressional District, which is home to generations of Burmese refugees, dating back to the first family arriving in the early 2000s, and where nearly 5,000 Burmese refugees reside. On February 1 of last year, Burma's military seized power in a violent coup, ending 5 years of flawed, but promising, democracy, dragging Burma back into a brutal military rule. Over the last year, the world has watched in horror as the military targeted innocent Burmese men, women, and children. The latest estimates indicate that over 1,700 people have been murdered and more than 13,000 arrested by the junta. In the face of this violence and repression, the resilience of the people of Burma is no less than inspiring. The legislation we are considering today is an important step forward in standing with the people of Burma and holding their perpetrators accountable. The BURMA Act will impose mandatory sanctions on the military regime, as well as entities that continue to support it. While the White House has begun to take steps to reimpose the sanctions regime that the former Democratic administration prematurely lifted, it is time that the Burmese military is again sanctioned as a matter of law, especially now that the United States has finally recognized that their crimes against the Rohingya amount to genocide. Now, more than ever, I urge all to remain committed to the people of Burma's quest for democracy, for peace, and freedom, and to oppose this affront to human dignity. I thank Chairman Meeks and Congressman Chabot for championing this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support this measure. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, America stands as free people against dictators and despots. It is part of our values, and it is an important signal to the world that the United States stands firm against autocrats, whether in Burma or Russia. Last Friday, China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, showed the world how true this is. He met with his counterpart from the Burmese junta regime and said that the Chinese Communist Party would back the Tatmadaw ``no matter how the situation changes.'' We are at a critical point in history. Authoritarian regimes like China are partnering with their autocratic allies around the world to make the globe less free; to undermine human dignity and individual freedom; and to oppress those who stand up and have the courage to speak out as the Burmese people have. It is sickening, and it is one more reason why this legislation is so timely. It is critical that America stands united in supporting the people of Burma and championing their fundamental human rights in the face of military oppression. I will continue to be a voice for this community as we fight to oppose this affront to the people of Burma's dignity and freedom and quest for peace. I, once again, urge my colleagues to support this measure. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and celebrate Vincent Augostini, who lost his life due to complications from neurofibromatosis on January 27, 2022. Vince, as his friends and family called him, was born in Johnson City, New York, on September 7, 1979. He was the seventh child of his mother, Dolores, and father, Louis. Vince was a quintessential upstate New Yorker. He loved New York and especially the southern tier, where he spent his entire life in his cherished hometown of Johnson City, New York. Vincent enjoyed all things New York, from our terrific sports teams to our delicious and unique regional food choices. He loved rooting for the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. He savored hearty chicken spiedies, a Binghamton specialty, and enjoyed extra-crispy Buffalo chicken wings. When he was not watching the Yankees or the Giants, Vince was also a huge fan of professional wrestling. However, few things brought him as much joy as following the New York Yankees, and God loves Yankees fans. Decked out in Yankees gear, with a large Yankees logo displayed proudly on the back window of his van, Vince made several sacred trips from Johnson City to the Bronx to watch his beloved Bronx Bombers play. For his 34th birthday, Vince trekked to the Bronx to watch the Yankees take on their biggest rivals, the Boston Red Sox. Before the game, Vince had the special honor of being escorted onto the field at Yankee Stadium, a high pride for him. He continued to attend every Saturday home game at Yankee Stadium until his declining health made it impossible for him to travel. But the one thing Vince cherished most in the world was his devoted and loving family. As the youngest of seven siblings, the Augostini siblings were a source of mutual love, support, and inspiration to each other. From family reunions to holidays and birthdays, Vince spent countless hours with his family, especially his mother, Dolores, with whom he shared a special bond. As Vince's health inevitably declined, Dolores devoted her life to providing him with loving care. The relationship Vince and his mother shared was the epitome of unconditional love. Even when his health began to deteriorate rapidly, Vince was more worried about his own mother than even about himself. In his final moments on Earth, and as his family tearfully expressed emotional and final good-byes, Vince mouthed the words to all of his brothers: ``Please help Mom.'' Vince was selfless. His courage in the face of a difficult battle to fight a lifelong and terribly debilitating disease is beyond inspiring. Most importantly, despite all the pain he endured throughout his life, Vince was unwavering in his compassion and care for all of those whom he encountered. Vince was forever grateful for the kindness of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Vince was the 500th kid chosen from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York. In November 1997, Vince had the amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring his brothers and father to Chicago to meet Bulls superstar, Michael Jordan, the greatest of all time. Vincent was truly generous at heart and wanted to make sure other children got the same opportunity, which is why he was a frequent donor to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York as well as the Neurofibromatosis Foundation. Vince spent most of his last 2 years at the Willow Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. However, this did not stop him from doing what he loved: watching sports, eating spiedies and chicken wings, and, of course, loving his family and friends. The Augostini family wishes to express their immense appreciation to the staff at Willow Point for the loving care that was provided to Vince through his final days on Earth. When the pandemic restrictions prohibited visitors, the staff at Willow Point made extraordinary efforts to ensure that Vince was treated as a family member and had constant virtual access to his own family at home. Sadly, Vince passed away on January 27, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Although neurofibromatosis created many challenges for Vince, he refused to let his disability affect his spirits or his passion for life. He never let the disease define him. Vince will always be remembered for his infectious smile, his charming sense of humor, and his zest for life. As President Abraham Lincoln said, in the end, it is not the years in life that count; it is the life in your years. In the short 42 years of his life, Vince made every single day count. He lived every day with kindness and gratitude. Vince's perseverance and tenaciousness were an inspiration to his family, friends, and all of those who were lucky enough to know him. I ask today that all of my colleagues join me in observing a moment of silence to remember the incredible life of Vincent Augostini. To the Augostini family, please know that we send our deepest condolences and prayers. May Vincent rest in peace.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, on International Women's Day it is fitting that I rise today to honor and remember Mrs. Betty Griffo of Rome, New York, who served our community with distinction. Mrs. Griffo passed away this January at the age of 94 surrounded by her loving family. Betty was a hardworking seamstress for 15 years and a woman of great faith, having been a long-time member of the Church of Saint John the Baptist, where she impacted so many lives through her intentions and rosaries. Betty's personal struggle to fight and defeat cancer is a stirring example of her courage and tenacity. Betty's compassion for others is revealed by her commitment to help so many others through her involvement in the Relay for Life organization. Betty's legacy of community service has been passed down to her son and my longtime colleague and friend, New York State Senator Joseph Griffo. Betty instilled her wisdom, tenacity, and compassion in Joe, who employs those key qualities each day that he serves us in government. We are so grateful to Betty, her late husband Joe, and their son, Senator Joe Griffo, for their kindness and generous service to our community. My deepest condolences to the Griffo family on the loss of Betty Griffo, a beautiful mother, aunt, sister, and deeply devoted community volunteer. Recognizing Logan Henyan

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Logan Henyan, the Congressional App Challenge winner for New York's 22nd Congressional District. Logan is not your typical App Challenge participant. I say that, not because he isn't well versed in coding, he certainly is. I say that because Logan is only an eighth grader at Chenango Valley Middle School. Logan's ``Study Buddy'' app is a student-to-student application. It provides students with much-needed assistance, and it does so while building lasting friendships. New York's 22nd District has a rich history in the technology sector. It is the birthplace of industry giants like IBM and Singer-Link. The tradition continues now at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, New York, the Marcy Nanocenter, and perhaps most importantly, in the minds of the next generation of inventors and innovators like Logan. And so I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating Logan Henyan and all the competitors in this year's Congressional App Challenge. Thanks to these young people, our future is a bright one. Recognizing National TRIO Day

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National TRIO Day, which recently took place on February 26. National TRIO Day recognizes the vital support and assistance that students around the country receive through federally funded TRIO programs. TRIO identifies students from disadvantaged backgrounds and provides them with the skills, training, and support to excel academically and personally. This National TRIO Day, my team attended a TRIO Day celebration at the newly named Utica University, a great institution in the heart of my district. Students who benefited from TRIO-funded programs shared their experiences alongside faculty mentors and community members. We are honored that in our community, Utica University operates a Student Support Services program that guides 140 low-income and first- generation students through their academic development. The program ensures students meet basic college requirements and successfully complete their post-secondary education. All of this is made possible by TRIO grants. It is a privilege to see firsthand the positive impacts of the TRIO program in our community. Thank you to Utica University President Laura Casamento, a friend, for her vision and leadership. I strongly support TRIO's mission, and I applaud my colleagues in this Chamber for their continued bipartisan support of this proven program.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we all believe that all people have inherent dignity and possess equal human rights. We all reject violence directed at individuals on the basis of their race, religion, biological sex, or sexual orientation. The problem with this bill, however, is that it borrows language from two existing laws: the Global Magnitsky Act and the so-called Section 7031(c) sanctions, and then creates a new reporting mechanism that is not focused on the human rights of all, but rather the human rights of particular groups. I don't see why we should focus on some human rights violations more than any others. Every person's human rights are of equal value and certain violations of those rights should not be subordinate to others. Furthermore, the bill's broad language has the potential to sweep in nonviolent conduct and impose visa restrictions on individuals engaged in that conduct. For example, it speaks about ``complicity'' and ``cruel treatment,'' vague terms. Is a parent overseas who rejects her minor child's wish for a sex change operation complicit in cruelty? Is the Pope engaged in ``degrading treatment'' when he expresses opposition to same-sex marriage based on the tenets of his religious faith? Mr. Speaker, there are no safeguards in the bill that address these situations. When free speech, religious freedom, and parental rights' protections were proposed to be added to the bill, the Democrats balked and voted against it. They preach tolerance until they are asked to vote on it. Regardless of the author's intent, which I think is good, there are people that will use the bill to target their political and ideological opponents in the culture wars. The bill's author will say that there should be no problem since it just uses the very same language as other human rights statutes, but those existing provisions already address and punish the conduct this bill targets. So, the real question is, why is this bill so necessary? In the committee report, Democrats acknowledge the bill is redundant. But in search of some--any, perhaps--rationale, they claim that not enough sanctions have been rolled out that cover crimes committed against LGBT-identifying individuals. That is simply not true. We know, for example, under the Trump administration, groups and individuals from Chechnya were sanctioned under Global Magnitsky for human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and the torture of LGBT-identifying individuals. The former Gambian President was also sanctioned after having rounded up people based on sexual orientation and after making shocking statements against LGBT-identifying individuals. These sanctions, as I said, were imposed under the Trump administration, but even more have been imposed, using the Global Magnitsky Act, under President Biden. We know, based on a recent Global Magnitsky report to Congress that came out a few weeks ago, individuals last year in places like Cuba, Uganda, and even Bangladesh have been sanctioned, and all are associated with groups or conduct targeting LGBT-identifying individuals. So, this bill is clearly unnecessary. It reflects and represents the administration's aggressive attempts to push the envelope regarding culture war issues at every possible juncture, not only domestically but abroad. That is distracting and requires diplomats to devote time and resources to culture war issues at the expense of attention paid to China, Russia, Iran, the quagmire in Afghanistan, and the crisis at our southern border. It is disappointing that as Ukraine is on the verge of being invaded by Russia, as North Korea continues to conduct ballistic missile tests, as illegal aliens stream through our southern border--some on our terror watch list--the majority has decided now is the time to bring this bill forward. The State Department agrees. It has reviewed the Global Respect Act and recommended extensive changes, signaling it, too, sees this bill as superfluous, potentially misguided, and definitely duplicative. Other groups have said much the same, including The Heritage Foundation, the Center for Family and Human Rights, Concerned Women for America, and the Family Research Council. Although I agree with the sentiment that human rights violations of any kind are deplorable and despicable, the devil is really in the details on this bill. We oppose this bill for the reasons I have stated. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, I yield back balance of my time.

Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's passion, and I support his support of condemning and sanctioning these terrible acts against the LGBT community. I just wanted to let the Speaker know, in the newest Global Magnitsky Act report, which was just released a few weeks ago and covers 2021, sanctions were imposed on Cuban police; in Uganda, the Chief of the Military Intelligence; also in Bangladesh, the Rapid Action Battalion. All of these were associated with LGBT causes, which means this act is being used to sanction those who commit acts of violence of any kind against people of the LGBT community. I just wanted to make sure that the gentleman is aware of that. The State Department is already reporting and already doing this, and it is being done. Though I support everything that he is stating here, it is already being done. In the interest of good legislation, we don't want to overburden our bureaucrats and people that are working on these issues. Also, reporting, they have indicated that additional reporting requirements only take more time out of the organization. I do appreciate the messaging from the gentleman from Rhode Island. It is very important that we signal to the world that we condemn acts against the LGBT community. The problem is, we already have this, and we already have the ability and two tools that are very effective and used internationally to condemn these acts. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, again, I support the underlying idea behind the bill, and I really appreciate the passion of the sponsor and those speaking out on behalf of it and protecting the human rights of all individuals living abroad and holding violators accountable. But as I have said, we have a strong difference of opinion about whether a bill that is duplicative of current law is necessary. I think the Global Respect Act, at the moment, the way it is drafted is counterproductive insofar as it would create a separate regime aimed at protecting human rights of some rather than human rights of all. And I fear it could be used to target the left's political opponents in the culture wars. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, just to respond a little bit to the sponsor, and, again, I can't say enough that we support and echo the sentiments of protecting the rights of the LGBT community around the world and at home. But this bill actually mirrors the Global Magnitsky Act, and the language is the same. So it is kind of hard to argue we should just have another set of standards and require even more reporting from a State Department that is overwhelmed by issues around the world when we already have this. Mr. Speaker, if you look at these instances, the State Department doesn't disclose necessarily what the nature of it is because of the confidentiality, but if you actually go into a Google search and look at the reporting in each of these countries, they are all based on conduct against people with LGBT leanings, and that is why the act was used. The State Department preserves confidentiality. So in the end, yes, we are using this act right now, today, to condemn and to sanction this activity against the LGBTQ communities around the world. So I oppose the en bloc of amendments. While some of the amendments are well-intentioned, they are ultimately duplicative and unnecessary, again, just like the underlying act. They require the Department of State to do what it is already doing in practice. For example, the Gottheimer amendment No. 2 requires a study examining risks to LGBTQI individuals. The State Department publishes its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices each year, including this data, and they just provided another report recently. Human rights officers who are stationed at our embassies and consulates around the world meet routinely with local activists and local officials to gain this information. They talk to individuals on the ground to compile these reports, which are detailed and comprehensive. Each regional bureau in the Department is involved in this process. This amendment, therefore, calls for the Department to do what it is already doing, and is burdensome on the Foreign Service officers and career officials. Other amendments, like the Harder amendment No. 7, also very well- intentioned and also messaging in a very positive way, show that the Democrats know they have overreached on the bill. The Harder amendment prevents sanctions against any individual based solely upon religious belief. I agree with this sentiment, but at markup, Democrats rejected a very similar religious freedom and free speech amendment offered by Representative Scott Perry. The rationale was: Well, this bill just isn't about that. Well, it seems one of their colleagues disagrees. While I appreciate the Democrats are willing to acknowledge some of the flaws in the bill, the Harder amendment is also insufficient. The amendment speaks only of religious belief. It does not speak to situations in which religious adherents manifest or express their beliefs in daily life. So under Representative Harder's amendment, a person who expresses belief in the traditional family, or in conventional human biology, could still be sanctioned because sanctions would not be based on beliefs but, rather, on actions. This amendment is not as robust as the measure that Representative Perry put forward at markup, and we have no choice but to oppose it. This en bloc does not contain amendments that would enhance the legislation, in our opinion. Instead, these amendments seek to add safeguards to a bill that, as I have explained, is duplicative, unnecessary, and even dangerous insofar as it can be used by the left to target political opponents in the international culture wars. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman so much for yielding. It is just an honor to serve with you and also to serve with our great colleague, Byron Donalds from Florida. I thank the gentleman for hosting this very important Special Order to celebrate and recognize Black History Month. Upstate New York has a strong abolitionist history, and I am honored to highlight the stories of our region's abolitionist heroes today. These individuals played a pivotal role in bringing our Nation's founding ideals to fruition following the brutal failure of slavery in our early days. Not many people outside New York realize just how rich our history is within the abolitionist movement. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to visit a few of these sites with Congressman Owens back in October which we later recalled and memorialized on the House floor in January in another Special Order. Many of these sites, such as the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark and the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum, are located in the heart of my district in Peterboro, Madison County, New York. The Gerrit Smith Estate is named for Gerrit Smith, a wealthy New York landowner and one-term Member of the House of Representatives, who, coincidentally, represented the 26th District, as I do now. Smith put his wealth to good use by fervently supporting the abolitionist movement. He truly put his wealth behind his beliefs and promoted the rights of individuals to have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For nearly 40 years, Smith dedicated his whole heart to the abolitionist cause. Other notable abolitionist heroes such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, all made their way to the Smith Estate at one point or another to participate in Smith's good work. Peterboro, New York, became a haven for fugitive slaves because of Gerrit Smith's courage and undying vision for a better, more equal America. Gerrit donated much of his farmland to escaped slaves so they could become self-sufficient and avoid slave hunters. Gerrit Smith also supported Frederick Douglass' newspaper, The North Star, and gave him what would be the equivalent of about $7,000 a month in today's dollars, and kept that newspaper going to inform the public about what was happening in the abolitionist movement. His home became a stop along the famous underground railroad where people would come for shelter, food, and support. Hundreds of enslaved people found their way to freedom because of Gerrit Smith's valor and generosity. Down the road in Peterboro you will find the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum. This fixture of the community is located in the same building where the first-ever meeting of the New York State Anti-Slavery Society was held in 1835. Because of their importance to the movement, both the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark and the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum now are listed as 2 of the 22 sites on the New York State Underground Railroad Heritage Trail. The abolitionist Reverend Henry Highland Garnet once told an old friend by the name of Frederick Douglass: There are two places where slaveholders cannot come. There is Heaven, and there is Peterboro. We are so proud to have Peterboro in our district. I am so honored that I got to stand there below that sign with my great colleague, Burgess Owens from Utah. Gerrit Smith and the New York State Anti-Slavery Society surely are to thank for that. We also want to celebrate Black History Month and recognize the many accomplishments of so many Black Americans. Another one of them just outside my district is Harriet Tubman, where she spent a lot of her later years, a woman who lived to be 92; and you have heard Congressman Owens talk about her and me as well in Special Orders, but truly a remarkable person. We stood in awe of Harriet Tubman's accomplishments, her tenacity. She was strong, she was compassionate, she was courageous, she was kind. And not only did she serve as a conductor of the underground railroad, among so many accomplishments, she also freed countless slaves. She worked as a scout, a spy, and a nurse in the Union Army. At her core, Harriet Tubman was a woman of such deep compassion and care for everyone around her. In her later years, she helped so many who came through her home in Auburn, New York, providing them shelter, medical attention, and just undying love. Despite the obstacles she faced, Harriet Tubman never gave up nor was she ever consumed by anger or cynicism. She led with integrity and was incredibly resilient. She is a tremendous role model for all of us today. As I have said before, the way to improve our Nation is not to cynically tear down our institutions or erase and rewrite our history, but rather to take inspiration from the ideals of our Founding, and those who persevered with great courage to fight for a better future against so much that was against them. People like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman are just great Americans, tremendous Americans and part of our history, and so many contributed to their ability to achieve the goals to finally eradicating slavery and bringing us where we are today in celebrating Black History Month for such a long period of time in our country, as Congressman Clyburn mentioned earlier. I just want to thank Congressman Donalds and also Congressman Owens for their great leadership on behalf of our side of the aisle, and also just on representing and protecting our institutions of freedom, human rights, individual rights, and all that they do as great Americans. I am honored to be able to be here with them today. I thank you so much again for your great generosity.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3076, the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress the power to establish post offices and to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for executing that task. Yes, the U.S. Postal Service, like the Department of Defense, is a constitutionally created entity. As a lawyer and longtime small business owner and publisher of a direct mailed newspaper, the importance of access to our unique system of universal mail via the United States Postal Service is a game changer. Affordable and reliable mail service has given small businesses and entrepreneurs a level playing field that would be eliminated if the Postal Service were to be replaced by other more expensive private options. Seniors and vulnerable citizens rely on the Postal Service for access to prescriptions. Small businesses and farmers rely on the post office to provide reliable and affordable daily delivery. Families across America, and especially rural America, need the Postal Service to stay connected here and around the world. This bill ensures the U.S. Postal Service can continue delivering universal mail services for years to come by alleviating financial burdens and increasing transparency and accountability. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 1440.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember Mrs. Shirley Waters of Rome, New York, for her outstanding leadership and service. Sadly, Mrs. Waters passed away this December at the age of 100, leaving a legacy of service whose impact is felt throughout our entire area. Shirley and her late husband, George Waters, have been devoted pillars of our community. The Waters family has owned and published the Rome Daily Sentinel newspaper since 1928. Shirley served as the vice president until her retirement in 2012. Our family also published a newspaper in central New York, and I have always been inspired by Shirley's endless energy, good humor, and, yes, strong opinions on many subjects--a woman after my own heart. I have also always been inspired by Shirley's tenacity and commitment to informing our community with depth and integrity, something that the Rome Daily Sentinel has always done throughout its history. In addition to being a publisher, Shirley was a beloved mother of five who was active in her church and a member of our local artist community. Shirley's paintings hang in galleries in our region and live on to evoke wonder and inspire serenity to so many. Shirley was also an honored member of the Order of Saint Barbara, as well as an honorary member of the Northeast Air Defense Sector. Shirley even helped secure the B-52 bomber displayed in Rome at the entrance to the former Griffiss Air Force Base, which she obtained from the national B-52 museum committee. On behalf of our community and those in the news business who are committed to serving the public as true members of the fourth estate, we are grateful to Shirley Waters for being our standard-bearer. We are also grateful to her for her distinguished service to our community beyond her role as a newspaper publisher. Her legacy will continue to live on in so many important ways, from the great newspaper she leaves, the Rome Daily Sentinel, to her work which she also loved, to her works of art that are exhibited throughout our region, and her strong belief in our region's greatness and history. My deepest condolences to the Waters family on the loss of this wonderful, venerable wife, mother, grandmother, and tenacious community leader with a wonderful sense of humor. Recognition of Trooper Kevin Beach

Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rome Police Chief Kevin Beach who will retire at the end of January after an incredible career and true devotion to public service. Kevin first joined the Rome Police Department in September of 1994, following in his father's footsteps. Kevin's father, Bruce, also served the department for many years. Kevin showed leadership early on the job and was promoted quickly to the rank of detective after only 6 years. In 2005, Kevin was appointed detective commander and then deputy chief in 2007. In 2008, he was appointed as the youngest police chief in the history of the city of Rome. At just 36, Kevin had served the department for only 14 years but was picked for the top spot because of his exemplary track record and strong leadership skills. Kevin's hard work, dedication, and love for the city was evident every day he was on the job. During his tenure as chief, the department introduced community programs such as Shop with a Cop, Law Enforcement Day, and the creation of a Community Impact Unit. Kevin has also successfully navigated the department through difficult times through the COVID-19 pandemic and the national defund the police movement. Kevin, thank you for your lifetime of service and commitment to the city of Rome. We are grateful for your devotion to service on behalf of your community. I also want to thank you for your friendship and sage counsel to me and so many others during your important work as our chief. May you enjoy a productive and healthy retirement. Recognition of Trooper David Draudt

Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, it is often said that law enforcement officers work for a cause, not applause. This is certainly true and today I would like to recognize a trooper from the southern tier of New York's 22nd district who deserves our applause. Trooper David Draudt went to work on the morning of November 29 with the intent to protect and serve. Yet, on that day Trooper Draudt not only protected and served his community, but he also called on his extensive training to courageously save the life of an unresponsive 2- year-old boy who had choked himself into unconsciousness. Trooper Draudt didn't lace up his boots that morning intent on saving a life. But that is exactly what he did. Law enforcement officers do not have the opportunity of choosing who or what they encounter each day. They rely on their training and their knowledge and their experiences to respond with honor, courage, and integrity and, of course, compassion to whatever situation may arise. On November 29, that is exactly what Trooper Draudt did. Today, our cause is applause; applause not just for Trooper Draudt who saved the life of a child, but to all who answer the call to serve.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, it is Groundhog Day again on the House floor. Yet again, our Democratic colleagues continue to gaslight the American people by claiming that despite record turnout in recent elections, Republicans are scheming to steal the sacred right to vote from our fellow citizens. What is their solution to the problem, which they assure you is very real? It just so happens to be a partisan Federal takeover of elections that empowers unelected bureaucrats in Washington to oversee local elections and overturn popular voting protection laws. That is not democracy; that is a violation of our Constitution. The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, which was deceitfully added to a NASA leasing authorities bill in the dead of night, is a transparent attempt to diminish the voting power of law-abiding American citizens. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are right about one thing. Democracy and the principle of ``one citizen, one vote'' are indeed being threatened. The Democrats are, in fact, cynically championing this effort in spite of the fact that the Democratic voters in New York State, a highly blue Democratic State, rejected the very provisions in the John Lewis Voting Rights Act by a substantial margin in a referendum vote just this past election. With every attempt to allow noncitizens to vote and with each push to ban commonsense voter identification laws, Democrats in Congress and in places like New York City attack and erode election integrity. By the way, Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution clearly states and protects the rights of our States to determine voting laws and practices. However, the legislation before us today would force upon the Nation a laundry list of damaging Federal policies, creating chaos and insecurity in our elections, making it easier to cheat, and overriding basic election integrity measures. This assault must be stopped. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this misguided legislation.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, once again, we find ourselves on the floor of the House of Representatives debating legislation to enact the great takeover of elections by partisan Federal bureaucrats and their friends across the aisle and prohibit the most basic voting rights and security measures entrusted to the States and the American people. The so-called Freedom to Vote Act: John R. Lewis Act, which Democrats hope to attach as a rider to nongermane legislation, will undermine the very integrity of our elections, not improve and increase access to voting, a mission we all share. The right to vote is sacred and represents the most important expression of self-governance as American citizens. This legislation will further erode the confidence of the voters who have already lost faith in our ability to ensure free and fair elections. President Biden and his allies in Congress are yet again pushing unconstitutional legislation to ban popular voter ID laws and mandate ballot harvesting. This includes States that have already passed these commonsense laws to bolster election integrity and guarantee that each citizen is guaranteed one vote in each election, not more than one. This legislation also burdens the American taxpayer with the obligation to fund political campaigns, even for those whom they don't support. Worse, this pair of bills will open the door for noncitizens to vote, thus undermining and diluting the power of sworn citizens to control their government. In my home State, Democrats--one-party rule in New York City; one- party rule in Albany--are already enacting these radical policies that drive a dagger into the heart of self-governance. This deliberate act to erode our democracy and to weaken the voting power of American citizens is not only wrong; it is unconstitutional. Article II of the New York State Constitution explicitly states that: ``Every citizen shall be entitled to vote at every election . . .'' Section 5-102 of New York Election Law states: ``No person shall be qualified to register for and vote at any election unless he'' or she ``is a citizen of the United States . . .'' Finally, the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution also protects the right of all eligible citizens to vote. Subversive legislation, such as the law allowing noncitizens to vote signed recently into law in New York City, and most of the provisions that we are debating today, will, if passed, undermine the core principles of freedom and individual rights that are enshrined and protected by our constitutional Republic. In fact, a recent ABC News/Ipsos poll found that a mere 20 percent of the public was very confident in the integrity of our election system. Our democratic principles and the belief in the idea of ``one person, one vote'' are under attack. When our citizens lose faith in the integrity of our elections, this is what happens. We are at a crossroads.