Claudia Tenney

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal. Construction first began in 1817 in Rome, New York, with the first completed portion connecting two cities in the 22nd Congressional District, Rome and Utica. The Erie Canal was transformative in establishing New York as the Empire State. The canal opened the interior of our Nation, allowing westward expansion and the free flow of goods. With a drastic 90 percent reduction in shipping costs, the canal established our region as a hub of economic activity in the early 20th century and made New York the busiest port in the entire Nation. In addition to the vast economic impact, the Erie Canal had an important cultural effect. Nearly 80 percent of upstate New York's population lives within 25 miles of the canal. From Albany to Buffalo, today, the Erie Canal is designated as a National Heritage Area, continuing its rich legacy. This Saturday, a first dig celebration in Rome, New York, will recognize this historic and monumental achievement in both New York's and our Nation's history. In the words of the famous Erie Canal song: ``You'll always know your neighbor, and you'll always know your pal, if you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal.''

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets, who recently invited me to throw out the first pitch at their Fourth of July celebration. Previously known as the Binghamton Mets, this is the first season that the Rumble Ponies have galloped onto the field at NYSEG Stadium with their new name. Binghamton, New York, has the unique distinction of being the carousel capital of the world. While there are fewer than 170 antique carousels in the United States and Canada, 6 of them are in Binghamton and the surrounding region. It is this proud local distinction to which the Rumble Ponies owe their name. I also had the pleasure of watching the game with Jeff Wilpon, the owner of the New York Mets. I know I speak for everyone in the Southern Tier when I say that it is time to ``Saddle up for Funn.''

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my condolences to the families of the 15 marines and one Navy corpsman who tragically lost their lives last week. These servicemembers were among the most elite in our armed services, with six marines and the sailor from the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion located at Camp Lejeune. The other nine were based out of Stewart Air National Guard Base located in Newburgh, New York. Many of them had been deployed and served in conflicts in the Middle East. These American heroes valiantly served and placed the needs of our Nation first. As the parent of a marine now deployed in the Middle East, it is with a heavy heart that I offer my condolences to the friends and families of these exceptional Americans. The greatest worry of family and friends is the tragic loss of a loved one who is serving; thus, it is important to honor and remember these brave men and the sacrifices they made to preserve our way of life. We thank them and remember them for their service and sacrifice. Semper fi.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Chairman, my constituents are discouraged. They are fed up with political elites who have failed to represent them, and with special interest groups who, too often, put impractical dogma before practical policy. In the Rust Belt region I represent in upstate New York, the impact of this has been devastating: devastating job losses, economic stagnation, and the massive out-migration of people and jobs, the largest in the Nation. In my district, Mr. Chairman, decline has bred despair, which has spurred a host of other problems. In light of all this, I was elected to Congress with a strong mission to reverse the tide and to revitalize our upstate communities to the greatness and innovation they once experienced. I am the voice for my constituents who have been left behind, and I am fighting to bring my district back on path toward individual prosperity and economic revival. Mr. Chairman, my amendment uniquely achieves both. There is nothing new or groundbreaking about my amendment. Simply put, it reinstates a domestic sourcing provision for stainless steel flatware that was in law for 30 years without issue. My amendment adds stainless steel flatware back into the Berry amendment. For 30 years, American-made flatware was covered under Berry. However, the provision was removed in 2006 after Oneida Limited, the only Berry-compliant manufacturer, ceased domestic operations. In the void left by Oneida's departure came Sherrill Manufacturing, a company in my district that, since 2008, has produced 100 percent American-made flatware. And since 2008, Sherrill has been among the top providers of flatware to the Department of Defense and GSA, fulfilling more than $6.8 million in Federal contracts over an 8-year period. All these products are being produced in the formerly closed factory using refurbished Oneida Limited equipment, and also providing jobs for many of the same employees who lost their jobs from Oneida's closure after decades of service to that same closed factory. In fact, GSA has repeatedly found Sherrill's flatware to be offered at fair and reasonable prices, which is why the agency already purchases flatware from Sherrill, independent of any domestic sourcing requirement. Some domestic sourcing requirements may raise costs. No evidence has been submitted to support the claim that my amendment will do that. This alone should allay any concerns that taxpayers would be on the hook for overly expensive flatware, should my amendment be adopted. But if it isn't enough, then there is this: My amendment retains all existing waivers under Berry, which means that, if Sherrill's flatware becomes too expensive or is of poor quality or insufficient quality, the DOD can find other sources. Ultimately, Mr. Chairman, whenever we can create domestic sourcing opportunities that reduce our military's dependence on imported goods and strengthen domestic supply chains without significantly raising procurement costs, we should. And this is what my amendment does. Reinstating the Berry amendment's domestic sourcing requirement represents a clear continuity in Federal procurement policy, not a stark divergence. As I said, this provision was in effect for 30 years. Thus far, there is one Berry-compliant manufacturer that happens to be in my district and there should not be a problem with that, as we hope many more producers return to the United States, where their businesses were founded to provide robust competition. I also support this amendment for the simple reason that it is good policy. It gives a leg up to a robust domestic supply chain that spans five States while reducing our military's logistical dependence on imports. Moreover, for the 30-year history of the Berry amendment's flatware provision, there was only ever one domestic producer. Under the Berry amendment, this is all that is required. And in Sherrill's case, we know it is a producer that has a track record of offering flatware at market rates. Mr. Chairman, in districts like mine across the country that have rusted-out factories that line the landscapes of far too many of my communities, today we have an opportunity to fix this problem and restore the once great Empire State and our Nation to the manufacturing strength it once enjoyed. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), my colleague, for some comments.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of New York State Trooper Joel R. Davis. Trooper Davis was tragically killed in the line of duty on July 9, while responding to a domestic disturbance call in the town of Theresa, in upstate New York. Another victim was also tragically killed in this terrible accident. Trooper Davis was a father, son, husband, and a friend to many. He was deeply involved in his community, and also served as the commissioner of a local youth league baseball team. Trooper Davis was well-respected by all those who worked with him and beloved by everyone. As New Yorkers, we stand in solidarity to mourn the life of Trooper Davis, a dedicated public servant and a life that was too soon lost. At this heartbreaking time, we offer our condolences to his family, community, and colleagues alike. It is at times like these that we come together and pause to extend our gratitude in all law enforcement in our State and across the Nation who risk their lives every day to protect us and to keep us safe. We are grateful for their dedication, service, and bravery of outstanding members like Trooper Joel Davis, who will rest in peace.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Debbie Kryczkowski, who was elected Department (State) President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of New York at the 96th annual convention in Binghamton, NY. Debbie is a 33-year member of Lee Unit 1794 of Oneida County, a past unit president, and life member. Debbie remains very active in her Unit, presently serving as Secretary. Debbie continues volunteering for various unit functions. Debbie has chaired many committees on the county level and county offices, and is currently serving as Constitution & Bylaws Chair. Debbie received department awards as the County Chairman of Leadership, Empire Girls State, Membership and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. Debbie served as 5th District President, District Membership Chairman, Sergeant at Arms, and a District representative at Department Conventions and member of two Department Convention Committees. On the Department level, Debbie served on Junior Activities, Executive Board, Public Relation, National Security, Children & Youth and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation and is currently the Membership Chairman. Debbie is a graduate of the National American Legion Extension Institute and National American Auxiliary Leadership Correspondence Course. She was the Public Relations Instructor and is an Alumni of the American Legion Auxiliary College. Debbie is a Chapeau Passe' of the Oneida County Salon No. 31. Debbie is spending the year promoting and raising money for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in our Armed Forces. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. Their National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief camp has been held annually since 1994. TAPS also conducts regional Survivor Seminars and Good Grief Camps at locations across the country. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is a not-for-profit organization and is not part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense. On a personal level, Debbie received her eligibility through her brother, a Vietnam and U.S. Army Veteran Philip Racquet. She has five brothers, who are all Vietnam Veterans, and has three sisters. Her deceased father, Phillip E Racquet, was a WWII Army Veteran of the European Theater. Debbie's son is Retired Tech. Sgt. Robert Kryczkowski, Jr. of the United States Air Force. Debbie has five grandsons: Kevin, Nathan, Zachary, Rylan, and Christian. She is a volunteer with the Hemlocks at Rome Hospital and Rome Rotary Club as a Board of Director. Debbie recently retired from M&T Bank to devote her time to her family and her American Legion Family.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a new friend I made last week as I was traveling through the 22nd Congressional District: April the Giraffe. April is a resident of the Animal Adventure Park in Harpersville, New York; and many of you may already know April as the star of the Giraffe Cam which garnered worldwide attention this spring. The Giraffe Cam captured April giving birth to her baby calf, Tajiri. The live video was watched by more than 1 million viewers worldwide. I am happy to report that April and I had a great meeting and that Tajiri is growing and doing very well in the Animal Adventure Park. I also had the unique opportunity to pose for a selfie with April from high atop a perch. She was much obliging, especially since I had some carrots to offer her. Most importantly, during my visit to Animal Adventure Park, which is a beautiful preservation of wild animals from around the world, I learned that over the last 30 years the giraffe population numbers have declined by over 40 percent, and giraffes are now listed in the category of ``vulnerable to extinction,'' an important reminder that we can all do more to preserve wildlife and to protect precious wild species such as April and her darling baby, Taj, that share the planet with us.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of the Utica Observer-Dispatch. Founded in 1817, the Utica OD was one of only 421 papers in the country, and the fifth newspaper founded in New York State. For the past 200 years, the Utica OD has kept our region informed through quality reporting on important issues impacting our local community. As an unwavering member of the fourth estate, the Utica Observer- Dispatch had a leading role in exposing the inner workings of our once organized crime-influenced city. For this dedicated service on this very issue, and its campaign for justice against corruption, the Utica Observer-Dispatch was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1959. I commend the Utica OD for its 200 years of steadfast reporting, and I encourage the Observer-Dispatch and its committed members of the fourth estate to continue with its stated mission, to keep our citizens informed through impartial investigative reporting. Also, on a personal note, when I was a teenager, I actually delivered the Utica Observer-Dispatch, and it was an honor to do it and a small way for me to start off my earning a living. So I just want to thank the Utica OD and congratulate them again on 200 years.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Established in Utica in 1929, CABVI, as it is known, provides a wide range of opportunities for the blind and visually impaired, helping them to acquire job skills and training, good wages and benefits, and a greater independence and quality of life. In their important mission, CABVI employs a segment of our population that experiences among the highest levels of unemployment in the country. CABVI also provides vital health and rehabilitation services for people experiencing vision loss. Their resources and services have improved the quality of life for many in our region, including my late father who spent the last 7 years of his life legally blind and confined to a wheelchair. My family is forever grateful to them for their care and kindness. Today I was honored to welcome to Washington my good friend Rudy D'Amico, president and CEO of CABVI; Robert Porter, public policy director; and Leta Laukitis, executive assistant. Joining them from the southern tier, colleague Ken Fernald, CEO of the Association for Visual Rehabilitation and Employment in Binghamton, New York. All joined by Jennifer Small, chief operating officer; John Ellzey, assistive technology instructor; Katie Lawson, switchboard operator; and Chervelle Amaker, purchasing agent and buyer. Mr. Speaker, I thank them for their important work and their continued dedication to our community. I look forward to continuing to advocate for them throughout my time in Congress.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Herkimer College. Established in 1966 as New York State's 29th community college, Herkimer College opened its doors for classes in 1967. The inaugural class consisted of 221 freshmen, and for the first 4 years, Herkimer College held classes on the upper floors of the old Remington Arms factory in Ilion, New York. In 1971, the college moved to its present-day location in the Village of Herkimer. Like the Village of Herkimer and Herkimer County, Herkimer College is proud to share its name with a Revolutionary War hero, General Nicholas Herkimer. As commander of the Tryon County Militia, General Herkimer valiantly fought at the Battle of Oriskany. To honor General Herkimer and Herkimer County's rich history, Herkimer College's athletic teams are nicknamed the Generals. Today, Herkimer College currently enrolls over 3,000 students and boasts more than 20,000 graduates. The college offers over 40 degree programs and is consistently ranked as a top 100 community college in the Nation. Over the course of five decades, Herkimer College's benefit to the local community is evidenced by over $75 million in economic impact in Herkimer County, annually. Today I recognize Herkimer College for an exceptional 50 years and offer my best wishes for many, many successful decades to come.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Food Bank of the Southern Tier in Broome County and Tioga County for being 2017's Food Bank of the Year, nationally. Out of 200 locations across the country, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier was ranked number one. Last year, our food bank distributed more than 9 million meals throughout the southern tier. Over 40 percent of those meals were given to children and 14 percent to seniors. Through their work with mobile food pantries and the BackPack Program, the food bank has increased access to healthy food for all, distributing 2.2 million pounds of fresh produce to southern tier families. Today, I would like to thank President Natasha Thompson and the incredible volunteers who have worked tirelessly in their mission to build and sustain hunger-free communities. Your work has had a profound impact on ending hunger in our community. Thank you again for your dedicated service to the families of the southern tier.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. I want to mention one thing that I think is really important. Both Congressman Faso and I served as members of the State Assembly prior to serving in Congress. One thing that we both know is that we are truly interested in helping people who are needy. It isn't about the people who are truly needy; it is about the people who are abusing the system and taking resources that are desperately needed by our seniors and by people who really are, as I said, truly needy. This is a way of providing more resources to them without having the fraud, the abuse and waste, the mismanagement in Albany, and forcing Albany into being more fiscally conservative, protecting our counties so that we can provide those services for our communities. I just want to make sure that we characterize that, because that is something that we all care about as people who take an oath of office, not just to uphold our Federal Constitution but also our State constitution. We take that seriously. I know we are all committed to helping those people, but also remembering that we need to respect the taxpayers. The taxpayers need to have proper management of their funds. I want to commend the gentleman for his work and efforts in making sure this comes to the floor and making sure we get this passed on the Federal level, because it has been a struggle for all of us through many years. Having this come to reality is going to be, honestly, one of the greatest mandate relief packages that I have experienced in my lifetime, and I am grateful.

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Faso for his leadership, and also for the great comments from Congressman Collins in the western New York district and for coming up with this really great piece of legislation. It is no secret that New York residents pay among the highest taxes in the Nation. Combined State and local taxes consume over 13 percent of the average household income. Decades of tax-and-spend policies have depleted the wallets of hardworking middle class families and forced many small businesses-- including family farms; once a tradition in New York--into closure, and driven lifelong residents out of our State in record numbers forever. These burdensome taxes, coupled with crushing regulations, have led to the worst business climate in the country. Small businesses, which create over 70 percent of the new jobs, face the threat of extinction in New York. Year after year, New York continues to be ranked the highest in out- migration in the entire Nation. Nearly 200,000 people have left the Empire State, and two of the worst hit regions--the Mohawk Valley and the southern tier--are located in the 22nd District. Additionally, the two largest cities in our district--Utica and Binghamton--are ranked last and second to last in economic growth. Hardworking families and our job creators desperately need tax relief. That is why I am working with the New York delegation and the Republican congressional delegation to lead the charge by cosponsoring the Property Tax Reduction Act sponsored by Mr. Faso and Mr. Collins and cosponsored by the rest of us. As a note, I would just like to mention that, as a former member of the State assembly, I did sponsor legislation very similar to the type of relief being proposed in this wonderful piece of legislation known as the Property Tax Reduction Act. That legislation was cosponsored in a bipartisan way with Democrats who also recognized the need to change the paradigm in New York State. The Property Tax Reduction Act will bring the largest local mandate relief initiative to my area in my lifetime, potentially saving the taxpayers in the 22nd District more than $167 million annually in unfunded State Medicaid mandates. This bill relieves county governments from the burden forced upon them by Albany bureaucrats led by our Governor. Currently, in New York State, the law requires approximately $2.3 billion, as was mentioned earlier, that is taken from our local county governments and given to the State for the Medicaid program. This amounts to about $140 million per week. In 2015, Oneida County was forced to divert more than 80 percent of the property tax levies to subsidize Albany's bloated budgets. This amounts to $54.4 million annually in Oneida County losses every year to cover the cost of their share of Medicaid. In Broome County, more than half of the county's $70 million in property tax revenue, about $37 million, was taken from the county last year and diverted to Albany--a loss of more than, as I said, $37 million. This is money that would otherwise go to reduce property taxes, fund our schools, make much-needed improvements to infrastructure, and support our first responders, among many other programs, that we need on a county level. Combined property and sales tax rates as a percentage of value rank many of New York's counties among the highest taxed counties in the Nation, with Oneida County being ranked 19 in the latest Tax Foundation survey. No other State in the country abuses its local governments and taxpayers quite like Albany does in order to fund its most expansive and really overly generous Medicaid programs in the Nation. New York's Medicaid program has the highest incidents of fraud, abuse, and waste in the country. If other States can provide high- quality healthcare to vulnerable citizens without taking advantage of local taxpayers, so can New York. The imposition of over $2.5 billion in Medicaid costs on to the counties is nearly seven times costlier than what counties in California pay, despite having higher enrollments and expenditures. The Property Tax Reduction Act requires Governor Cuomo and the State to pay its full share of the Medicaid program that it should be paying in full and that it also forces on to the county and local governments. This bill does not propose cuts to the programs in the 22nd District. Rather, it requires Albany to put its fiscal house in order. It requires Albany to take stock of the money that it has been using, sending these unfunded mandates to our strapped local governments. This legislation, as the sponsor has indicated, gives the State ample time to realign the budget, to rein in out-of-control spending, and to give the taxpayers relief once and for all at the county level. If Governor Cuomo chooses to hurt the citizens by slashing programs that upstate New Yorkers want and need with a mammoth State budget that was over $152 billion this year for fiscal year 2017, that is his choice, not something that has been brought on by that act. His failed leadership continues to produce budgets laden with unconstitutional executive pork and wasteful spending. In fact, let's just take a look at a couple of the items. Over $370 million in Albany's budget these past few years was spent on the corrupt and mismanaged StartUP New York program, which produced only one-third of the promised jobs. Over $1.3 billion in tax breaks have been handed over to Hollywood filmmakers in the last 2 years. In all, Albany spends over $8 billion in taxpayer money on a job-creation program with little results to show for it. The bill will simply force the State to work over a period of several years to responsibly reduce the unfair and unreasonable Medicaid liability that has been forced on to our counties. Upstate New York is in desperate need of property tax relief. This bill is the first step in making the relief a reality. County executives and local governments across the State have voiced their support of this legislation. While hardworking families struggle, Albany sits idly by. That is why we are taking the lead on the Federal level to help revive our region and bring business and people back to beautiful upstate New York. By giving county governments a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reduce property taxes, this bill will save millions of dollars and hard-earned tax dollars for working families. On behalf of the 22nd District, I just want to thank my colleagues for really taking the effort to bring this to the floor and showing true leadership in the face of difficult circumstances in finding a real solution, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us as taxpayers in New York to finally have some relief, to grow our business community, and to find some kind of dynamism in our economy. I thank again the sponsors, Mr. Faso and Mr. Collins.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor World Refugee Day, a day that is very special to the famous city of Utica, New York, in the heart of the 22nd Congressional District, a place that I have represented and lived my entire life. Utica was recognized recently as the home to refugees, and I am so honored to be a part of this great tradition in Utica. In quite an unusual portion of my background, I had the opportunity to spend time in the former Yugoslavia. I also was the sole employee at the former Yugoslav Consulate before the tragic war in Yugoslavia, which broke the country up in the early nineties. As a part of my commitment to and interest in the people from Yugoslavia, I was instrumental in helping bring a huge number of Bosnian refugees to Utica, New York, back in the early nineties and into the late nineties. And I am so pleased that I was able to have the opportunity, with my family business, to create the very first Bosnian newspaper in Utica, known as Mostovi, which means bridges in Bosnian. Today, the Bosnian refugees make up one of the largest, if not the largest, Bosnian refugee communities in the Nation. They have done a wonderful job in Utica in successfully starting businesses and contributing greatly to our community, along with many other refugees. I just wanted to take this moment to recognize Utica and to thank our tremendous Bosnian refugees for their contributions to our Nation and especially to our community because without them, we would never see the prosperity and the growth that we have seen in our small-business community from their ingenuity and their kindness and their generosity to us.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize and to express my gratitude to the following individuals from New York's 22nd Congressional District who upon graduation from high school will serve in the military: Kevin Riggs, NYS Army National Guard; Kayla Thompson, NYS Army National Guard; Alexander J. Leggett, U.S. Army; Sayre P. Palmer, U.S. Navy; Joseph S. Podhayski, U.S. Army; Nicolas Tarbox, NYS Army National Guard; Justin Mallory, U.S. Army National Guard; Johnathan D. Sbarra, U.S. Air Force; James L. Wachter III, U.S. Air Force; Kristian R. Woolston, U.S. Air Force; Corey Mies, U.S. Marines; Joseph M. Maerkl, U.S. Air Force; Garrett M. Miller, U.S. Air Force; Tyler M. Thorick, U.S. Air Force; Kaitlin R. Johnson, U.S. Air Force; Gabriel Woods, NYS Army National Guard; Joshua M. Ledford, U.S. Army; Zaccuary A. King, U.S. Navy. Marissa Urban, NYS Army National Guard; Joshua P. Cortes, U.S. Navy; Monique M. Szczpanski, U.S. Marines; Timothy J. Thompson, U.S. Air Force; Nathan S. Gibson, U.S. Air Force; Nicholas V. Scherrer, U.S. Army; Briana Tillotson, NYS Army National Guard; Jarret Gates, U.S. Marines; Ethan M. Parker, U.S. Army; Jason M. Spear, U.S. Army; Rachel M. Van Alstine, U.S. Navy; Talia A. Jones, U.S. Army; Morgan R. Vymislicky, U.S. Air Force; Krystal Doane, U.S. Army; Seth A. Dickson, U.S. Navy; Gunnar C. Ford, U.S. Air Force; Thomas J. Fuimo Ill, U.S. Air Force.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the passage of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act. This important legislation will create a culture of accountability at the VA and begin the process of restoring the VA's sole mission of providing high- quality care for our Nation's veterans. For far too long, the VA has been plagued with scandal. From years' long wait lists to out-of-control bonuses, the VA needs real reform. In their selfless service to our great Nation, our veterans have sacrificed so much to protect us. They shouldn't be plagued with difficulty accessing the care that they need and deserve. As the mother of an Active-Duty U.S. Marine, I am sympathetic to the needs of our veterans. It is among my top priorities to make sure that we advocate for a better, more accountable VA. On behalf of the veterans of the 22nd District of New York, I am pleased to see this legislation pass with bipartisan support. Today, we are correcting a wrong that has hurt too many of our Nation's heroes. I look forward to seeing the President sign this measure into law and have full confidence in VA Secretary Shulkin's ability to implement the important reforms contained in this critical piece of legislation.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and to express my gratitude to the young men and women who are answering the call to serve in our military upon graduation from high school this year. Throughout New York's 22nd Congressional District, countless men and women are serving our country. We are thankful to those who will now join them in the armed services. They have taken upon themselves a duty and a responsibility far greater than themselves. General MacArthur famously said: ``Duty, honor, country: those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, and what you will be.'' We as a community and as a country are thankful for their dedication and service. We wish them tremendous success in their service to our great Nation. I also wish to acknowledge specifically the Conklin Kiwanis Club's ``First to Say Thank You'' program that was held to honor the men and women of the Southern Tier who are joining the military service. From the 22nd District, there are 35 individuals who are being recognized, and their names will be permanently commemorated in the official Congressional Record. I congratulate them and thank them.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Hensarling for this important bill. I rise today in support of H.R. 10, the Financial CHOICE Act. As a single parent and small-business owner, I know from my own experience that the only way for hardworking Americans to achieve financial independence is by building an economy from Main Street up, not Wall Street down. The CHOICE Act not only imposes the toughest penalties in history for financial fraud on Wall Street, it saves taxpayers $30 billion. The CHOICE Act also eliminates taxpayer-funded bailouts while providing choices for consumers and a real opportunity for economic growth. As an upstate New Yorker, our region suffers from economic challenges caused by excessive regulations, such as the Dodd-Frank Act, that have crushed small businesses. Yet small businesses create nearly 70 percent of the new jobs. This bill will increase access to capital for small businesses and startups--our job creators. It will increase job opportunities and positively benefit New York's 22nd District. Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to vote to support our job creators and to vote for the Financial CHOICE Act.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the 73rd anniversary of D-Day as well as to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. These two conflicts were critical in changing the course of World War II. Seventy-three years ago today, the eyes of the world watched as Allied forces, under the leadership of General Dwight Eisenhower, stormed the beaches of Normandy. For 4 years, Europe was enslaved in tyranny by the Nazis. To liberate the people of Europe, these brave men parachuted into pitch-black fields and vaulted towering cliffs, all while undertaking heavy enemy fire. Two years prior to the D-Day landings and 6 months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. emerged victorious in one of the most significant and decisive battles in naval history, known as the Battle of Midway. The U.S., under the command of Admiral Nimitz, was able to ambush and destroy four Japanese aircraft carriers. Thanks to the heroic bomber pilots and crews of the U.S. Navy, this battle changed the tide in the Pacific theater. The United States and the world are eternally grateful for the heroism and sacrifices that our servicemen and -women displayed over 70 years ago today in an uncertain war.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the passage of the Veterans Administration Scheduling Accountability Act. All too often, I hear from veterans across the 22nd District of New York who have waited months, and some years, to have their claims addressed. In their service to our great Nation, our veterans sacrifice so much. They should never die waiting for care they deserve and need. That is why the House took important steps to reform the scheduling and appeals process while expanding access to the important resources that our veterans depend on. This bill will hold every VA accountable. We seek to correct a wrong that has hurt so many of our veterans. On behalf of the veterans in the 22nd District, I thank my colleague, Representative Jackie Walorski, and my colleagues in the House, for putting our Nation's heroes first and unanimously passing this important piece of legislation right before Memorial Day.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the AbilityOne Program and its countless contributions to our communities and to people with disabilities. Through this important program, community-based nonprofit agencies across the Nation have employed more than 45,000 people who are blind or differently abled. The AbilityOne Program harnesses the purchasing power of the Federal Government to buy products from these agencies, which have made it their mission to employ and train the blind and disabled. Established in 1983, the program continues to empower those with disabilities by providing gainful employment to a segment of our population who typically experience one of the highest rates of unemployment in the Nation. These critically important employment opportunities have led to increased independence and enhanced quality of life for scores of disabled Americans. Recently, I had the opportunity to tour an AbilityOne participant in the 22nd District of New York: Human Technologies Corporation located in Utica. This facility employs nearly 600 people on an annual basis. As a critical part of our community, I am honored to serve this AbilityOne agency and their team of dedicated employees, who continue to make a significant economic impact on our region through the creation of quality products and services to government agencies across all sectors.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of millions of people worldwide, whose lives have been irreparably harmed by the scourge of human trafficking. Tragically, human trafficking is a $32 billion industry. This horrific practice is often difficult to detect, yet there are nearly 21 million victims of human trafficking throughout the world each year. It is estimated that 55 percent of these victims are women and young girls. Sadly, most incidents of human trafficking go unreported, while the victims suffer in silent pain. It is for these reasons that we must raise awareness of this terrible practice and work to combat the growing threat against these vulnerable people. As a member of the State assembly, I championed bipartisan measures to combat this modern-day form of slavery, including the Trafficking Victims Protection and Justice Act. Yesterday, to continue this fight, I worked alongside my colleagues in the House to pass bipartisan measures to eliminate the scourge on humanity at the Federal level, and also today. Millions of men, women, and children are suffering at the hands of human traffickers and sex abusers. Thus, it is our duty to hold those who commit these vile acts accountable and to ensure justice for all.

Ms. TENNEY

Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct honor to rise today to recognize National Police Week, honoring our heroes of the thin blue line. During this week each year, our Nation joins together to honor our brave men and women in blue. In their mission to serve and protect, our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each day, keeping our families and our communities safe from harm. Day in and day out, we witness the countless sacrifices made by the men and women who serve as our front line of defense here at home. We stand to recognize their service this week. We also pay tribute to those who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. I would like to specifically thank the dedicated officers serving throughout the State of New York. From the New York State troopers to the county sheriffs and to our local law enforcement, the heroism and bravery of the men and women in blue continues to inspire us all.