Claudia Tenney

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the dramatic struggle for freedom and human rights that we are witnessing in the country of Iran. The oppressive, theocratic regime in Iran has a bloody track record of abuses and has long neglected its citizens' most basic rights and needs. The Government of Iran has squandered the precious resources of its people by supporting proxy armies throughout the Middle East and wreaking havoc across the globe instead of providing for the basic needs of its citizens. Courageous Iranians are proving each day that they are no longer willing to accept the indignities and repression from the ruling elite. It is tragic, but not shocking, to see the regime in Iran respond to the recent wave of protests with violence, cutting off communications, media, and, predictably, blaming the United States of America. I am a cosponsor of H. Res. 676, a resolution passed by the House of Representatives yesterday in support of the rights of the people of Iran to express themselves freely, and condemning the oppressive Iranian regime for its crackdown on legitimate protests. I stand with the brave Iranians who are facing down the violent and brutal regime for the sake of liberty.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Law enforcement officers courageously put their lives on the line to protect our homes, our businesses, and our schools. They are truly the unsung heroes of our communities. We are grateful to the men and women in blue who service the front line of defense here at home. Today and every day, we must stand with our members of law enforcement and their families to honor the sacrifices and the contributions they make to ensure that our families remain safe. I also especially thank the United States Capitol Police force, who work each day to ensure that Members, staff, and visitors to the Nation's Capital are safe and secure. Let us not forget to honor the service and sacrifice of all who serve in law enforcement, especially in New York State: our New York State Police, the New York State Park Police, county, city, and village police forces, and, of course, corrections officers throughout the great State of New York.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a new record in Oswego County, New York. The town of Redfield now has the record for the most snowfall in 48 hours. An astonishing 62 inches of snow fell in this idyllic town along the Salmon River with only 550 people near Lake Ontario. While subzero temperatures and blizzard conditions keep most people inside our homes, National Weather Service observer and constituent Carolyn Yerdon braved the elements to announce the record shattering news standing atop a 5-foot snow bank. The total snowfall breaks the world record of 57 inches in a 48-hour period set in 2008 by Bennetts Bridge in Oswego County. Home to some of the harshest winter conditions in the country, upstate New York experiences heavy lake-effect snow, high winds, and bitter temperatures all season long. As snow blankets our region this winter, we are grateful to our first responders, who continue to go above and beyond and keep our roadsides safe, to protect and rescue some stranded vulnerable citizens--yes, in 5 feet of snow, you can lose people--and providing assistance to all our communities. A special thank you to Carolyn Yerdon, our special National Weather Service employee. May I just say her favorite words: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express deep disappointment in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/ES-10/L.22 and state my serious concern over the anti-American and anti-Semitic behaviors of the United Nations. Today, the United Nations continues its ugly legacy of singling out Israel for condemnation. According to the NGO, UN Watch, 86 percent of the U.N. General Assembly resolutions criticizing countries between 2012 and 2015 have targeted Israel. It is a sad and confounding sight to watch Syria, North Korea, Cuba, and other human rights abusers degrade our ally, Israel, and attempt to nullify a decision made by the United States regarding our own Embassy. I applaud Ambassador Haley for her resolute remarks and strength of spirit as she stood against rogue regimes for democratic values and American interests. I look forward to working with the administration and my colleagues in Congress to reassess our foreign aid commitments and realign them with our values and our strategic interests.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, the passage of today's bill is the first step to providing desperately needed once-in-a-generation relief from the failed status quo, especially in New York State. Under this bill, the typical American family making $73,000 a year will see a tax cut of $2,059, and low- and middle-income New Yorkers can finally see an immediate raise in their January and February paychecks. As a single working mom and a person who cared for my elderly and aging parents, I and my New York colleagues fought an uphill battle to include provisions facing elimination that are vital to seniors, single parents, struggling families, and overburdened job creators, many of whom have left New York State in vast numbers. Despite the fact that these provisions faced the very real threat of elimination, our efforts were successful in securing the historic tax credit for a State like New York, with many of our Nation's most historic and most important national landmarks, expanding the SALT deduction--the State and local tax deduction--childcare and dependent care credits, and continuing the deductibility of medical expenses, to assist our most vulnerable seniors in defraying high medical costs. In New York's 22nd District, 99 percent of itemizers deduct less than $10,000 in property tax, the cap which represents the new deduction. Due to Albany's mismanagement, all the counties I represent are in the top 36 highest property tax rates compared with home value nationwide. This bill will provide relief on the Federal level, while, finally, finally, incentivizing Albany to respect taxpayers.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Wreaths Across America Day, a tribute held annually to honor and remember those servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great Nation. Since Congress designated Wreaths Across America a national day of remembrance in 2007, Americans have joined together at Arlington National Cemetery and in their local communities to honor our veterans who have passed on. This year, more than 1 million wreaths were laid at over 1,300 cemeteries throughout the country. 245,000 wreaths were placed by thousands of volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery. On Saturday, in a virtual blizzard, I had the distinct honor of joining the Rome-Utica Chapter of the Military Officers Association; the Navy ROTC students from Proctor High School in Utica, New York; and members of the Marine Corps League at Saint Peter's Church in Rome, New York. As we laid wreaths on the graves of our fallen servicemen and -women, we took a moment to say each veteran's name, to remember each individual's life of service, sacrifice, and the families they left behind. Divided by distance but not by spirit, on Saturday, millions of Americans came together in a common mission to honor and remember our fallen heroes.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed.

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, over the last 10 years, the community financial institution industry has undergone a dramatic transformation. Since 2006, more than 1,500 banks have failed, been acquired, or merged, due to economic factors and the overwhelmingly expensive regulation brought forth by the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act. During this same period, there has been a drought in de novo banks. In fact, only five new banks charters and 16 new credit union charters have been granted. Today, for the first time in over 125 years, there are fewer than 6,000 banks and, roughly, 6,000 credit unions serving all consumers in the United States. This is proof that the community financial institutions need smart, commonsense regulatory relief so they can properly serve local communities by assisting with small business startups and consumer credit. My bill, H.R. 3971, the Community Institution Mortgage Relief Act, would alleviate harmful burdens on small institutions across the Nation while saving money for low-income borrowers. This bipartisan measure would exempt small community-based institutions from mandatory escrow requirements. My bill will also provide relief from new regulations that have nearly doubled the cost of servicing loans, specifically to low-income borrowers. I know that certain institutions will wish to continue to provide the same escrow services to their consumers, and they are welcome to do that. By offering these real changes, smaller institutions--like the GOP Federal Credit Union, for example, in my district--can once again focus their full attention on relationship lending in the community without worry of government overregulation. Once again, the current law mandates that all institutions follow escrow requirements, which raises the cost of credit for those borrowers who can least afford it, while harming small local institutions. Mr. Speaker, I specifically thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) for working with me on this bill, and I appreciate his support throughout the process. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote for the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time, and I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling), the chairman of the Financial Services Committee, control the remainder of the time.

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to submit extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Hensarling, and I thank the gentleman from California for his amendment and work on this bill. I think this amendment is acceptable, and adopting it will still allow the bill to provide some regulatory relief to our small community banks and credit unions, and it will also assist in helping our low- income borrowers in districts like mine, NY-22, where we have lost so many community banks. I think that this will help encourage lending and allow small community banks to again lend to people who are in lower income levels. I urge my colleagues to adopt the amendment, and I thank the gentleman again from California (Mr. Sherman), for his hard work on the bill and for this bipartisan effort. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 647, I call up the bill (H.R. 3971) to amend the Truth in Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to modify the requirements for community financial institutions with respect to certain rules relating to mortgage loans, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Vincent Scalise, the founder of the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center in Utica, New York. Sergeant Scalise has served our Nation in the Army National Guard for over 19 years and was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq with the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry. Sergeant Scalise has also responded to multiple natural disasters and homeland security missions, and was awarded the New York National Guard's Colonel Gouverneur Morris Citizen/Soldier Award. In 2008, Sergeant Scalise saw an opportunity in the vacant YMCA building in downtown Utica for a veterans outreach center to serve veterans and their families in times of need. His vision and hard work has created a safe and welcoming refuge for veterans and their families. Currently, the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center administers a Federal grant to aid veterans in danger of becoming homeless, and it has a food pantry onsite for veterans and their families, among a variety of other services. Work has begun to construct 18 onsite housing units, and the center has been awarded its fourth consecutive Federal veteran homeless prevention grant. I commend Sergeant Scalise for his dedicated service to our country, community, and fellow veterans, and I wish the center many more years of growth and success.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Georgia, Mr. Woodall, for yielding and for his great comments about bipartisanship. Mr. Speaker, over the last 10 years, the community financial institution industry has undergone a dramatic transformation. Since 2006, more than 1,500 banks have failed, have been acquired, or have merged due to economic factors and the overwhelmingly expensive regulation brought forth by the passage of Dodd-Frank. During that same period, there has been a drought in de novo banks. In fact, only five new bank charters and 16 new credit unions have chartered since that time. Today, for the first time in 125 years, there are fewer than 6,000 banks and roughly 6,000 credit unions serving all consumers in the United States. This is proof that community financial institutions need smart, commonsense, regulatory relief so they can properly serve local communities by assisting them with small business startups and consumer credit, particularly in a region like mine in upstate New York. It is important that we pass this rule today to consider my bill, H.R. 3971, the Community Institution Mortgage Relief Act. This bipartisan measure would offer real relief for institutions that are barely surviving in an excessive regulatory environment. I thank my colleague, Mr. Sherman, for assisting us in a bipartisan way to bring this bill forward and to make it even better than we originally conceived it. H.R. 3971 would exempt small community institutions from mandatory escrow requirements and would provide relief from new regulations that have nearly doubled the cost of servicing, with direct impact on the consumer for the cost of mortgage credit. I know that certain institutions wish to continue to provide escrow services to their consumers, and under current law and under this provision, they are welcome to do that. However, for the smaller institutions, like the ones in my district, like GPO Federal Credit Union, for example, that rely on relationship banking, customers that walk in the door and know who your neighbors are and know who your friends are and whose children serve on the same sports teams and go to the same schools, this bill will greatly help them and help our consumers continue with that relationship. By mandating that all institutions follow escrow requirements, it raises the cost of credit for those borrowers who can least afford it, and harms our small local institutions who can barely afford to stay alive. This is a great commonsense bill. It is bipartisan, as every bill I have ever proposed in this Chamber has been since my first year as a freshman, and I will continue to do so. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill. I again thank my colleague from Georgia for his work. I urge everyone to support this commonsense bill that will help our small community banks and our credit unions.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017, which passed the House with a bipartisan vote a few moments ago. As the Representative of a district with a large number of law- abiding firearm owners, I know many individuals who have concealed carry permits use their firearm for personal protection. This commonsense measure would also allow qualified law-abiding citizens who have obtained concealed carry permits to carry their firearms across State lines and in other States. Since 1991, the number of concealed carry permits has increased dramatically, while the violent crime rates have dropped nearly 51 percent, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Additionally, the fix on the so-called NICS provision of the legislation would add an extra layer of accountability to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for individuals who are legally prohibited from obtaining a firearm. As one of the leading advocates for Second Amendment rights in New York State, I was the first to introduce a full repeal of Governor Andrew Cuomo's gun-grabbing so-called SAFE Act. I firmly believe that our Second Amendment rights are God-given by the Constitution and something we need to defend each and every day.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a former constituent and local legend, Bella, the white-tailed deer. Bella's saga as Pulaski's mascot began in 2009, when her mother was tragically hit by oncoming traffic. Alone, with nowhere to turn, a local farmer was kind enough to extend his barn to the motherless fawn. He took her in, cared for her throughout the cold months of winter, and named her Bella. Bella has spent her life happily wandering the streets of Pulaski, joining residents on walks with their dogs, meeting fishermen along the banks of the nearby Salmon River, and posing for selfies on the porches of residents throughout the village. The Village of Pulaski embraced and cared for Bella for 9 years. She was often seen wearing a bright orange dog collar so hunters would know who she was. Bella even had her own Facebook page with over 4,000 likes that kept residents up to date on her adventures and whereabouts. Sadly, Bella hasn't been seen for several months, and the consensus among residents and the local media is that Bella has passed on. Bella has brought joy to this beautiful community in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains and the Tug Hill Plateau region and all who had the pleasure of meeting her. She was a village mascot and a symbol of the reciprocity of kindness shown by so many in our community. One compassionate resident reached out to an orphaned Bella when she needed help the most, and Bella spent the rest of her life paying us all back with her cheerful greetings and the warm spirit which reflects the grateful Pulaski community.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Michael McDermott of Homer, New York. Mike is a veteran of the United States Navy, having served from 1964 through 1967, including 13 months of service in Vietnam. When Mike returned home from the Navy and Vietnam, he became active in the Homer community serving as a village trustee for 6 years and mayor for 6 years. Mike's true passion has been as an advocate for his fellow veterans through his service at the American Legion Post 465 in Homer where he has been a member for over 34 years. During his time with Post 465, Mike has served in many roles, including commander for 13 years. He also served as commander of the Cortland County American Legion. Mike is also involved in State and national leadership for The American Legion. He serves on the National Security Council for The American Legion and with the National and New York American Legion Press Associations. Most importantly, Mike continuously gives back to Cortland County's and Homer's veterans, hosting a veterans service fair and supporting veterans' causes throughout the village and county each and every year. We are grateful to compassionate citizens like Michael McDermott throughout our communities, and we are grateful for their service and dedication to our Nation's veterans. Thank you to Michael McDermott from a giving and warm community. We appreciate his service.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Erin Hamlin, a hardworking and outstanding constituent of the 22nd Congressional District, who has just qualified for her fourth consecutive Winter Olympic Games. Erin hails from a beautiful hamlet in Oneida County, known as Remsen, New York. Erin started her career in luge in 2005. Her first major international victory was achieved in 2009, in Lake Placid, at the World Luge Championships, where Erin earned a remarkable gold medal. At the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Erin became the first American ever--both male and female--to medal in a singles luge competition when she brought home the bronze for Team USA. Next year, Erin will represent Team USA in South Korea by again competing in the singles luge competition. Please join me in wishing the best of luck to our hometown rock star Erin Hamlin and all of Team USA in next year's Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Winfield Scott Jones, affectionately known as Bud, a respected constituent of the 22nd Congressional District, who dedicated his life to improving our community. After graduating from Syracuse University in 1963, Bud Jones worked as a physical education teacher at Pulaski High School for 33 years. During his tenure, Bud also served as the track and field coach and the basketball coach. Bud was named New York State Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Central New York High School Basketball Hall of Fame. Bud Jones was a shining example of the tremendous impact that one individual can have on an entire community. He was a gracious leader and a positive influence on the young men and women he taught and coached, always motivating them to strive for excellence. Winfield Scott Jones, affectionately known by all of us as Bud, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2017. It is with sadness that we mourn his passing, and we extend our condolences to his beloved family. We know that his spirit will live on in all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Our community is forever grateful for his service and profound impact on all of us.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Ben Margolius and Mr. Al Eaton, founders of the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group. Ben is a veteran of the Army, serving as the chief of joint operations for the U.S. Transportation Command and holding leadership positions at USCENTCOM, USEUCOM, and USTRANSCOM. Al is a veteran of the Navy and, like my son, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, having served as a naval flight officer on P-3 Orions, performing antisubmarine warfare and surface surveillance missions. After their military service, Ben and Al saw a great need to provide help to veterans where other agencies could not. This started informally, with Ben and Al getting donations and support where they could, until the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group was formed officially in August of 2011. Today, Ben and Al's work has brought over 70 community partners together to assist veterans and their families, with 425 veterans receiving $65,000 in assistance since 2016. Thank you, Ben and Al, for your service and for all that your organization has done to help our veterans. Go Navy. Go Army.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Joe Fraccola of New Hartford, New York, my hometown. Joe was drafted into the United States Army in 1968, serving in the Vietnam war. On June 7, 1969, Joe was injured during an enemy rocket attack, earning the Purple Heart medal. After returning home from Vietnam, Joe worked for the United States Postal Service and became active in veterans advocacy in central New York, serving as the commander of Central New York Chapter 490 Military Order of the Purple Heart. Under Joe's leadership, the chapter has visited wounded soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines at Walter Reed; supported military honors at funerals and events; assisted in honor flights to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and helped to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam. Joe is also active in the Vietnam Veterans of America and supports our local Gold Star Mothers. Our community owes Joe our gratitude for his service and sacrifice for this country and for all he has done to support veterans and their families after his service.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Richard Synek, a veteran of the United States Navy and founder of Feed Our Vets. Rich served in the Navy during the 1980s and was serving aboard the USS Peterson during combat operations against Libya in 1986. After his military service, Rich worked for the United States Postal Service, serving as postmaster for several local post offices. During his time as postmaster of the Vernon Center Post Office, Rich encountered a World War II veteran who could only afford to buy one stamp and food for half the month. After befriending this veteran, Rich bought him groceries so he and his wife could eat. Shortly after, Feed Our Veterans was formed. Since 2008, Feed Our Veterans has served over 20,000 veterans and their families, providing over 445,000 pounds of food for those in need. Our community is grateful to Rich for his service in the Navy, but especially for his continued compassionate service to our fellow veterans.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Frank Doolittle of Bainbridge, New York. At 104 years old, Frank will be awarded the Nation's highest honor for a civilian, the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the Civil Air Patrol. At a pivotal time in our Nation's history, Frank dedicated himself to service here at home. In 1944, in the midst of World War II, Frank volunteered to join the Civil Air Patrol squadron in Sidney, New York. His unit was active and often tasked with finding C-47s that went down in the Northeast. In addition to being on call 24 hours a day, Frank taught classes ranging from navigation to meteorology 3 nights a week. During World War II, members patrolled the country's coastline from Maine to Mexico, watching for enemy submarines and potential saboteurs while conducting search and rescue missions. On Saturday, November 11, Veterans Day, I will have the distinct honor of presenting Mr. Doolittle with the Congressional Gold Medal. Since 1776, only 300 of these medals have been awarded. I ask everyone to join me today in thanking Frank Doolittle and all serving the Civil Air Patrol for their service and dedication to our country.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rachel Champney, a markswoman who was recently awarded the 2017 Rimfire World Championship title in the ladies limited division. A 15-year-old sophomore at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School, Rachel began shooting only 2 years ago but has developed a deep love and respect for the sport. She learned how to shoot through local marksmanship programs before being encouraged to compete nationally by members of the Trenton Fish and Game Club. Now, Rachel can fire through six targets with deadeye accuracy in under 3 seconds. With Rachel's success has also come a passion to share her advocacy for gun safety. Rachel spends her free time teaching new shooters, including her family and friends, proper firearm safety measures. As Rachel grows as a markswoman, she continues to grow as a community leader. Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment, Rachel, and I hope to have the honor of shooting with you in the near future.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Bottini, a generous and dedicated constituent of the 22nd Congressional District of New York. In 2010, after a fruitful 29-year career, Mary retired and began to volunteer her time at the Oneida County Historical Society, where she was recently named Volunteer of the Year for 2017. Mary is an active member of our community, a grandmother of three, and a passionate purveyor of our history. Her commitment and civic engagement are the impetus for this well-deserved award. Oneida County has a rich history, and it is through the efforts and hard work of volunteers like Mary that its heritage and collective memory is preserved. Mary serves as a shining example of what it means to give back. Please join me today in thanking Mary for her commitment to our community and her years of exceptional service.