Ritchie Torres

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to celebrate the life and work of a Bronx icon, Barbara Holmes. As her daughter put it, ``She fought for the rights of her children, her neighbors and their children, her neighborhood and colleagues. No matter the fight she continued to fight a good one.'' This sentiment captures the light and good she brought into the world. Barbara always fought for what was right. In the 60's, the Board of Education teachers went on strike. Barbara organized school parents to make sure that not a single child was stopped from getting their education. Later in the 70's, as she attended Bronx Community College, her rights were violated. This led Barbara and her colleagues to stage a weeklong sit-in on campus to ensure their right to attend college was respected. Barbara touched the lives of countless individuals in her community as the President of the Community Council of Police Service Area 7. In her role, she was dedicated to assisting residents of NYCHA Developments with a wide range of challenges, particularly those related to public safety. As Tenant Association President, Barbara consistently went above and beyond. She organized programs to provide food for families in need, as well as toys and school supplies for children. Barbara accomplished all of this while tirelessly working to support the families and communities she served. Barbara was all about community and family. She worked for the benefit of others until the day she passed, and the entire community will be forever grateful. Her spirit will live on through the Barbara Holmes Impact Foundation and her entire Bronx family.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 429 of the 118th Congress, which was H.R. 7909 the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, I voted in error NAY, when I fully intended to vote YEA. I am here to set the record straight: I strongly support legislation that deports the worst violent criminals, including sex offenders. There should be zero tolerance for sex offenders in our society.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to celebrate Director Mike McGuire's incredible body of work as he retires from his position as Director of the Mason Tenders' District Council PAC and from Laborers' Local 79. During his 28 years as Director, Mike worked to protect and strengthen safe, local, well-paying union jobs. Mike navigated the competitive New York City construction industry with grace, all while putting the worker before anything else. This passion stemmed from his 44 years in Laborers' Local 79 where he worked diligently for other members both on and off job sites. Labor protections and unions are paramount, especially in New York's most dangerous large industry. Mike advocated his hardest for the safety of the individuals tasked with building our communities. I thank him for all of his amazing work and look forward to hearing about his next chapter.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the history of, and the amazing work carried out by the New Testament Temple Church of God (NTT). A Church that has always put community and congregation first, even in its name. In 1976, Jamaican Immigrant, Reverend Albert Edwards and his family founded the church in affiliation with the Church of God. To honor Jamaican naming preferences New Testament was added into the name, and the church added temple to honor the former Synagogue whose space the church bought. The church was officially named the New Testament Temple Church of God in 2013 to reflect the church's rich history. In 1983, the church purchased the location on Seymour Ave. where it resides today. NTT has always carried the Lord's work across the community. Originally, Edwards attended a church with his family outside of the Bronx, but soon found the travel distance to be too long. So, Reverend Edwards opened his home to provide a space to for a small fellowship to worship. As the congregation grew, so too did the services provided. Since becoming Senior Pastor in 1994, Bishop Paul Peart helped the church establish a non-profit called the Good Neighbors Community Outreach Agency (est. 2002). The organization provides so many social services within the church and to the broader community. Services have included GED courses, computer access, preschool, after school, housing assistance, food assistance, clothing provision, and a host of other critical community services. NTT played a key role in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the community will be forever thankful for that. The church was deemed an essential organization and provided food pantry services to families. During the pandemic NTT went from assisting 200 families per week to over 2,000 families per week. Without their services many individuals would have been without food, NTT also partnered with United Way of NYC to provide other essential supplies to the community during the pandemic. Currently NTT is responding to increased migration by hosting up to 120 asylum seekers per week. Giving them access to kitchen and dining facilities, as well as clothing and other necessities. Importantly NTT provides asylum seekers with local community connections. I thank the New Testament Temple Church of God and reiterate their motto. G.R.O.W.T.H.S Through Joyful Service. G--Glorifying God, R-- Religious Life, O--Outreach Evangelism, W--World Missions, T--Training of Disciples, H--Hospitality, S--Supportive Ministries. I look forward to hearing about NTT's continued community leadership.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, Rabbi Irving ``Yitz'' Greenberg, a visionary scholar, teacher, author, and lecturer whose career spanning more than 65 years has profoundly influenced Jewish thought and practice while relating deeply to universal human values. His pioneering work, grounded in the core value of choosing life and improving society through goodness in every action, carries insights that resonate far beyond any single religion or tradition. Rabbi Greenberg envisions a future shaped by a profound reverence for life in all its forms, inspiring us to build a more unified, compassionate, and humane world. Central to this vision is the traditional Jewish belief in Tzelem Elokim--the conviction that all humans are created in the image of God, underscoring the inherent dignity and worth of every person. Rabbi Greenberg's contributions extend far beyond ideas and scholarship to the institutions he has created and shaped, institutions that continue to embody his vision, often challenging traditional norms to inspire growth and progress. As leader of the Soviet Jewry movement, rabbi of a Modern Orthodox synagogue in Riverdale, and co-founder of SAR academy, a day school in my district of the Bronx, Rabbi Greenberg has served the Jewish community in numerous capacities. He has been a professor and chair of the Jewish Studies Department at City College of New York, president of CLAL and the Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation, and executive director of the President's Commission on the Holocaust. His leadership extended to chairing the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. In fact, Rabbi Greenberg was among the first to teach college-level courses on the Holocaust in the mid-1960s. As a Modern Orthodox philosopher, Rabbi Greenberg has addressed the profound challenges posed by the Holocaust, framing it as a transformative moment that altered the relationship between man and God, and shattered the Jewish world, one that had to rebuild itself and create a new, life-affirming reality. His narrative of Jewish life in a post-Holocaust world emphasizes resilience, responsibility, and the power of moral action. He described this period as the ``Third Great Era'' in Jewish history--an era marked by Jewish self-determination. This era would be defined by Jews taking full responsibility for their own destiny, from the establishment of the State of Israel to the creation of new Diaspora institutions that would celebrate and sustain the full spectrum of Jewish religiuos and ethnic identity. Now, at 91, Rabbi Greenberg explores this core principle of Tzelem Elokim in ``The Triumph of Life: A Narrative Theology of Judaism'', a profound magnum opus that encapsulates the breadth of his teachings. Greenberg's vision emphasizes justice, compassion, and dignity, with the sanctity of life and the divine image inherent in every human being at its heart. Throughout his career, Rabbi Greenberg has remained steadfast in his commitment to these values, in partnership with his wife, Blu, a trailblazing writer and founder of the Orthodox feminist movement. Together, Rabbi Yitz and Blu Greenberg's progressive values have been central to the educational philosophy of SAR Academy, the school they founded in Riverdale, NY. Inspired by the Open Education movement, they envisioned a school with no walls, one that would foster creativity, independence, and collaboration through open spaces and a student- centered approach--a vision in this deep belief in the divine potential inherent in every individual. Today, more than fifty-six years later, SAR continues to embody Rabbi Greenberg's vision, recognizing the divine spark in each and every individual child. The school challenges students to live Torah values while fostering creativity, empathy, and a commitment to building a better world. Rabbi Greenberg has remained steadfast in his mission to advance Judaism as dynamic, inclusive, and responsive to the challenges of the modern world. He has consistently advocated for the inclusion of women and LGBTQ individuals in religious life, while also championing interfaith dialogue as essential to fostering compassion and understanding across communities. In these dark and challenging times, Rabbi Greenberg's message serves as a beacon of hope. His teachings remind us of the transformative power of goodness and respect for every individual in shaping a brighter future for all.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, America stands in solidarity with Char Bar, which, as the only kosher restaurant in DC, was the target of antisemitic vandalism right on the eve of the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht. Although the purpose of the attack was to strike terror in the heart of the Jewish community, the leadership and loyal clientele of Char Bar refuses to be cowered by hate. It has no intention of shying away from its proud Jewish identity. An attack on Char Bar as a Jewish business is an attack on all of us. Every American has a moral obligation to fight antisemitism whenever, wherever, and among whomever it appears. The Jewish diaspora should have no greater friend than the United States of America.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, a proud American and a proud New Yorker, Jerry Woloz had a profound impact on the lives of many in the fields of education and social services. He devoted his life to lifting up the most vulnerable among us and educating the next generation. For several decades, he served with distinction as a social studies teacher and dean in the NYC public school system, educating students about the critical importance of our democracy and inspiring them to be civically engaged and claim our democracy as their own. Education is the noblest profession. Jerry Woloz made it his life's work, and we are all better for it. Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn Woloz, and his two sons Michael and Jason, as well as his two beautiful grandchildren Gabriel and Olivia. The People's House is eternally grateful to Jerry Woloz for leaving behind a world better than the one he found.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the majority of Americans who feel as I do, I commend the Isreali Defense Forces (IDF) for ridding the world of one of its most wretched war criminals, Yahya Sinwar. As the mastermind of October 7th, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, Sinwar orchestrated the murder, maiming, mutilation, rape, torture, and abduction of Israelis as well as Americans. The IDF's triumph over Sinwar's reign of terror sends a resounding message to the rest of the world. The fate of the Middle East no longer belongs to the antisemitic wars of the past. It belongs to the Abrahamic peace of the future, a peace forged in the crucible of Israel's formidable fighting force. The heroes of the IDF have shown Israel to be one of the few liberal democracies willing to fight for liberal democracy and one of the few Western nations willing to fight for Western civilization. May God Bless the IDF. Am Yisrael Chai (The People of Israel Live).

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I want to celebrate a Northeast Bronx staple, Butler Memorial United Methodist Church, a place that has continued to be a center of community and worship for more than 100 years. The Butler congregation initially met at the Williamsbridge Colored Men's Association in 1912. The service was led by Reverend Gilbert Wilson. After years of community service, the Church's membership increased, the church school had outgrown the available space, and expansion was urgently needed to the needs of the community. In 1961 the Church broke ground on their current location, and in 1962 the congregation marched to the new Church. In November of that year, the congregation held the cornerstone laying service in their new house of worship. As the congregation continued to grow, so too did the services provided by Butler. In 1981, the Church established a scholarship program to assist community youth, later other additional scholarships were offered. The church began offering Thanksgiving services, and 8 a.m. services to accommodate increased parishioners. Butler added more programming for community members including a weekly newsletter, bible study classes, an additional choir, and a Nurses' unit. In 1995, Butler began its expansion program to provide services to individuals across the Borough. After years of careful planning and hard work, Butler broke ground on their new educational facility in 2012. The groundbreaking was followed by a 12 years of dedication and hard work to provide this service to the community. Under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Allen Pickney, Butler's 10th pastor, Butler completed the final phase of their expansion project, their Butler Memorial United Methodist Church Educational Wing. I want to say thank you to the entire Butler community for providing spiritual, physical, and educational support to families around the Bronx. I look forward to hearing about the Church's future successes.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the exemplary leadership and community service demonstrated by Javier Cuebas. He has dedicated over two decades to community advocacy, public service, and the empowerment of underrepresented voices. His advocacy and public service have earned him the prestigious Commitment to Service and Leadership Award from the Friends of Puerto Rico organization. Mr. Cuebas served as the National Latino Advisor for President Biden's campaign during the 2020 election. He played a vital role in launching a comprehensive and culturally competent outreach campaign aimed at securing Puerto Rican votes. As chair of Grupo 21, Mr. Cuebas championed the increased diversity in the Federal Government's executive branch, presenting over 200 candidates to the current administration and mobilizing national support for Senate confirmations. His work has uplifted individuals who had not been included in the political process. Throughout his career, Mr. Cuebas has advised various government agencies and non-profit organizations including the COVID response and the National Institute for Drug Abuse, helping to address issues ranging from Environmental Justice to treatment of migrants at the border. His portfolio is astonishing and always focuses on supporting people. Javier Cuebas has contributed to so many through his work on Capitol Hill, assistance in three presidential elections, and his work as a bilingual spokesperson and political commentator. His work exemplifies the spirit of advocacy and commitment that uplifts our society. I want to say thank you to Mr. Cuebas and I look forward to his many future successes.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the outstanding service and leadership of Assistant Secretary Carmen G. Cantor. With over three decades of commitment to public service, she has made significant contributions to U.S. territories and the international community as a whole. Her work as Assistant Secretary has earned the prestigious Commitment to Service and Leadership Award from the Friends of Puerto Rico organization. Ms. Cantor's career has spanned across the federal government where she succeeded at every stop. She worked as an executive within multiple bureaus of the State Department. She also held significant positions such as Director of the Office of Civil Rights for the Foreign Agricultural Service and Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at the Federal Maritime Commission, where she championed equal rights and opportunities. Currently, Ms. Cantor works as the Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs. She carries out the Secretary of the Interior's responsibilities for U.S. territories, administers federal assistance under the Compact of Free Association (COFA), and oversees international engagement, thereby advancing the Department of the Interior's mission and U.S. foreign policy. Assistant Secretary Cantor was born in Puerto Rico and raised in the city of Mayaguez, she earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Puerto Rico and a master's degree from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, embodying the values of education and perseverance. I want to thank Assistant Secretary Cantor for her tremendous dedication to public service. I look forward to watching her continued success.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Julio Roldan Concepcion, the Mayor of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. His leadership these last four years has helped to grow and improve Aguadilla for all members of the community. His and his Administration's hard work helped Aguadilla to earn the Beacon of Economic Growth Award, presented by the Friends of Puerto Rico Organization. Prior to his mayorship, Mr. Roldan spent his time helping and protecting his community. After high school, the Mayor joined the national guard to serve his country and community. Shortly after this, Mr. Roldan worked as a corrections officer to uphold the law in society. In addition to his work in the armed services and corrections, Mr. Roldan worked as an insurance broker assisting individuals understand and navigate the difficulties of the insurance industry. He eventually opened his own general agency where he even assisted individuals over the radio. One of Mayor Roldan's crowing achievements prior to his mayoral position was his assistance in Aguadilla's 2017 recovery efforts. In September of 2017 he carried out the distribution of more than 45,000 pounds of essential supplies to families and communities. After talking to and touring communities, Mr. Roldan announced his run for mayor in 2020. I want to thank Mayor Roldan for his lifetime of hard work, and for his work the past four-years for the people of Aguadilla. Furthermore, I want to honor the city of Aguadilla's 250th year and look forward to seeing their continued growth.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to partner with my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lawler), on a matter of urgent importance to our Nation. The United States is entering an age of ever-escalating political violence, as evidenced by the violent assault on the United States Capitol on January 6 and as evidenced by not one but two attempted assassinations of a former President. On July 13, the difference between an attempted assassination and a completed assassination was not the skill of the Secret Service. It was luck. If the gunman had been slightly more precise in his shooting, or if the former President had moved ever so slightly to his right, the former President would have been killed. The fact that America stood inches and seconds away from a national crisis is itself a crisis. The security of a major Presidential candidate, whether it be Democratic nominee Vice President Harris or Republican nominee former President Donald Trump, cannot be left to chance. Hoping for the best and lucking out is not a policy prescription for protecting a President or a Presidential candidate. Both the House and the Senate, both Democrats and Republicans, should be dedicated to a bipartisan, bicameral proposition that both major Presidential candidates of both parties are entitled to the highest level of Secret Service protection, not only for their sake, but for our Nation's. One final point is that the Secret Service urgently needs not only more resources but also deeper structural reforms. Only 30 percent of the Secret Service budget is dedicated to protective operations. The remaining 70 percent is spent on legacy functions that trace back to the Secret Service's time in the Treasury Department. The role the Secret Service plays in financial law enforcement does not reflect a rational allocation of resources and responsibilities. It is an accident of history and a relic of the past that should be reexamined by the United States Congress.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, the Neighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs, Inc. (NAICA), founded in 1974, has provided fifty years of determined service and dedication to the residents of New York City, and specifically to the Bronx, through its tireless efforts to support vulnerable individuals and families. NAICA has been a beacon of hope and strength in the community, offering a wide range of essential services, including transitional housing, supportive services, eviction prevention, legal assistance, and affordable housing to countless individuals in need. NAICA's steadfast commitment to social justice and housing equity has helped transform lives, creating pathways for stability, security, and prosperity for the most underserved populations in our city and the 50th Anniversary of NAICA marks not only a milestone of longevity but a celebration of its impactful work in improving housing access and preserving the dignity of all residents.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate R.A.I.N. (Regional Aid for Interim Needs) on providing incredible service to the Bronx, and New York City, for 60 years. R.A.I.N. started from humble beginnings as a home attendant service for elderly individuals who were being discharged from hospitals, who also lacked proper home care. Since then, it has expanded into a multi-service agency providing many crucial services to those in need throughout the Bronx and Manhattan including senior centers, home delivered meals, case worker visits among other irreplaceable activities. They have also partnered with the Bob and Dolores Hope foundation to foster Cucina Dolores, a community based mobile meals program for homeless and hungry persons in the South Bronx. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we also remember and pay homage to the life of Beatrice Castiglia-Catullo, affectionately known as Bea. Beatrice, who passed away in 2018, was the esteemed founder R.A.I.N. A nurse by training, she worked tirelessly for her patients and later on for those who benefited from R.A.I.N.'s services. R.A.I.N. would not have reached this milestone without the decade's long dedication and commitment from Beatrice and the rest of their outstanding team. In recent years R.A.I.N. has provided additional valuable programs and resources in the Bronx community. They have begun providing services to Alzheimer caregivers acknowledging the significant toll that the horrific disease has not only on those suffering from it but also those caring foi them as well. R.A.I.N. sponsors two housing facilities in the district where our seniors live comfortably and affordably. Finally, R.A.I.N. runs 17 centers across the borough where their critical work takes place. Thank you to President and CEO Dr. Anderson Torres for continuing Beatrice's essential work in our community. Congratulations to every member of R.A.I.N. and thank you to them for their service. I look forward to another 60 years of R.A.I.N.'s community service.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the remarkable Superintendent Jay Gooding, Sr. for being a pillar of our community for decades. Pastor Gooding was raised in the Bronx and continues to give back to his home in so many ways. Superintendent Gooding begin his pastoral journey when he preached his first sermon in 1993 at Miracle Revival Temple. Only three years later Pastor Gooding established the Fellowship Tabernacle Ministries Church of God in Christ. After 13 years of ministry, he was appointed by his father to serve as Pastor at Miracle Revival Temple. As Superintendent in the Church of God in Christ Pastor Gooding oversees 5 churches and serves as their Vice Chairman to the Urban and Civic Affairs Department. Aside from the positive impact of his ministry, Superintendent Gooding assisted a host of community organizations. He sat on the Board of Directors of the Bronx Business Alliance, served on community board 11, and currently works as the Director of Community Outreach for Jacobi Hospital's SUV (Stand Up to Violence) program. Pastor Gooding's work has touched so many different community members and I am forever grateful. I thank Superintendent Gooding for all of his wonderful work for the Bronx and the people who make up the community. I look forward to hearing about the Pastor's continued successes and positive impacts on the Bronx.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the Reverend Dr. Keith Elijah Thompson. A man of God who is known across the community as a man who inspires, teaches, and instills hope in those around him. Dr. Thompson started out by leading a small home-based bible study for members of his community. His passion for ministry grew and in 1980 he became the founder and pastor of Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle Word of Faith Ministry. Dr. Thompson's ministry continued to grow and later he founded the Brooklyn Miracle Gospel Tabernacle. As his ministry grew, Dr. Thompson's teaching and faith expanded. Dr. Thompson's community impact has been a blessing in the Bronx. In 2008, he founded the Bronx Resource Community Center. This faith-based community institution helps to improve the lives of community members through skills training, technology training, and other enrichment programs. In 2002, because of his dedication to others, May 24th was declared as Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle Day. Throughout his four decades of ministry, Keith Elijah Thompson has spread love, positivity, and community inside and outside of the Bronx. Again, I want to celebrate the work of Dr. Thompson and his ministry. As a community staple, I look forward to his continued positive impact.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the extraordinary career of Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan. Ambassador Erdan began his career in public service as an advisor, first to Ariel Sharon and then to Benjamin Netanyahu. In 2003, Ambassador Erdan was elected to the Knesset as a member of Likud. During his fourteen years as a Member of the Knesset, Ambassador Erdan served in a variety of ministerial positions. He was first appointed as the Minister for Environmental Protection following the 2009 elections. In this role, he worked to clean rivers, increase recycling, and protect Israel's coastline. In 2013, Ambassador Erdan was appointed the Minister of Communications and Minister of Home Front Defense. Subsequently, in 2014, he served as the Minister of Interior. Following the 2015 elections, Prime Minister Netanyahu appointed him Minister of Public Security. In this position, he combated terrorism, reformed cannabis law, and worked to protect children from online predators. In 2020, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Erdan would serve concurrently as Ambassador to the United Nations and the United States--a distinction not bestowed upon an ambassador since the 1950s. In 2022, he was elected the Vice President of the 77th General Assembly, a major honor for any diplomat. While serving as Ambassador to the United Nations, Ambassador Erdan has fearlessly advocated for Israel's interests in front of the assembly. In his role as Ambassador, I have had the pleasure of working with him and witnessing his commitment to Israel first-hand. I wish him the best in his next role and am confident that he will continue to be a strong advocate for the people of Israel.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TORRES of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 537, the Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act, sponsored by Representative Salazar and myself. Following the sacrifices honored over the weekend on the anniversary of the historic battle of Normandy, Congress today has the opportunity with this bipartisan bill to honor 60 diplomats from around the world in recognition of their courage, devotion, and sacrifice to rescue countless numbers of Jewish and other persecuted people during the Nazi occupation of Europe. The Holocaust was the genocide of over 6 million Jews and millions of others by the Nazis and has come to symbolize the depths of human cruelty, dehumanization, and mass violence. We remember the lives of over 10 million victims of Nazi Germany's persecution and mass executions, and today we recognize some of those individuals who demonstrated humanity and courage. The diplomats recognized by H.R. 537 and honored with this medal come from across the world. They faced a choice between being complacent with their then- Nazi occupiers or following their conscience. Risking their lives and careers, they chose humanity and became heroes. After the Nazis took control of Germany and waged war on Europe, diplomats and foreign officials were in difficult positions. The diplomats recognized today made the decision to directly confront their own governments, the Nazi occupiers, and sympathizers to protect and rescue Europe's persecuted Jews. From issuing visas and protective documents to establishing safe houses with hospitals, nurseries, and soup kitchens for Europe's Jewish population, these individuals often defied explicit orders from their superiors. Individually, these diplomats saved thousands of Jews from persecution. With H.R. 537, each of us can honor their heroism and affirm for the whole Nation how one person, one act of kindness, and one act of civil disobedience can make a difference. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 240, I voted NAY when I intended to vote YEA. I strongly support this amendment.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bipartisan legislation titled Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium- Ion Batteries Act. I am grateful for the support of Chair Rodgers, Ranking Member Pallone, and all the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee. I am also grateful for the partnership of Congress Members Yvette Clarke and Andrew Garbarino. At the core of our legislative progress has been the indefatigable advocacy of the FDNY, the Nation's premier fire department. The sheer speed and scale of the destruction that a lithium-ion battery fire can bring to communities like mine is nothing short of staggering. In the Bronx, we saw one of our few neighborhood supermarkets, 2096 Grand Concourse, reduced to complete rubble at the hands of a five-alarm fire caused by a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion battery fires are happening with greater frequency and ferocity in America. Indeed, New York City, in particular, has emerged as the epicenter of lithium-ion battery fires, which have grown exponentially, from more than 30 in 2019 to more than 40 in 2020, to more than 100 in 2021, to more than 200 in 2022. In the span of just 4 years, America's largest city has seen a 900 percent surge in lithium- ion batteries, creating an unprecedented crisis in fire safety. Poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries, largely imported from China, are hidden ticking time bombs waiting to detonate in American homes and communities. The fire hazard here has become too glaring to ignore. The House of Representatives is poised to pass bipartisan legislation that would finally empower the Consumer Product Safety Commission to set long-overdue mandatory safety standards for the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries in e-mobility devices. In passing legislation so urgently needed, we are upholding our most solemn obligation: public safety.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the celebration of the 25th annual Bronx Bankers Breakfast. The Breakfast is an opportunity for members of the Bronx finance community to come together to speak on the state of our community's economy, to honor members for their monumental work in the Bronx, and to share ideas on how we can continue improving the Bronx. A special thanks to the hosts of the event for all their hard work setting up this event. The Business Initiative Corporation of New York (BICNY). The Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC), and our esteemed Borough President Vanessa Gibson all play integral roles in our community and this event. BICNY is a community-based lending institution that helps Businesses in the Bronx access the U.S. Small Business Administration 504 loans. BICNY provides lower interest rate loans and long-term capital for a business community that has historically been ignored by investors. As of April of this year BICNY has facilitated over $365,000 in loans to small businesses in the Bronx community, with $330,000 in loans already closed. BICNY's work has also been impactful for small business workers. BICNY's assistance helped to retain 454 jobs and helped to create more than 1,600 jobs in Bronx small businesses as of April 1st. Since 1981, The Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC) has been supporting economic prosperity in the Bronx by providing access to funds for Bronx small businesses that have historically had trouble acquiring capital. BXEDC has over 820 million specifically allocated for the South Bronx. BXEDC has transformed the outlook for small businesses in the Bronx through their programs like the Bronx Business Continuity Loan (BBCL) program, with the average loan licensed being $72,000. BXEDC has also invested in creating a green future through working with local colleges and universities, awarding $1 million to Bronx Community College to create greener technology on campus, along with reviving downtown by allotting $1 million to the twelve Bronx Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). I am truly grateful to the members of these organizations that help the Bronx flourish economically. I look forward to seeing the growth and success of small businesses in the Bronx.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, Boricua College is a cutting- edge higher education institution founded in 1974, by members of New York's Puerto Rican community. It is a majority minority institution, primarily serving Latino nontraditional students. Not only is Boricua College important for the population it serves but is also unique in its approach to education. Its focus on humanistic learning is one of a kind and creates a distinct learning environment serving a unique student population. Boricua College provides an environment for historically excluded nontraditional students to reach their potential, while giving them space to explore their own cultures and the cultures of their peers across their three New York City campuses, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the South Bronx. The college has an extensive faculty consisting of many Latino academics, providing a wide array of perspectives, and creating possibility models for the students attending Boricua College. Their unique approach to education uses the Five Ways of Learning method. These include individualized attention, colloquium, experiential studies, theoretical studies, and cultural studies. By focusing on all five of these, Boricua College students receive a well- rounded, practical, and meaningful education experience. Leadership development is also central to the mission of the college. Boricua College engages and empowers all their students through encouraging the development of students' critical thinking skills and cultural competency to ignite the spark of leadership in their entire student population. I would like to Congratulate Boricua College on 50 years of providing outstanding education and I look forward to seeing the institution's continuous dedication to their students and the community.

Mr. TORRES of New York

Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Victor G. Alicea, Ph.D., is the founding President of Boricua College. He began his tenure at the College in 1974. During his time at Boricua College, he has proven his steadfast leadership and commitment to moving the institution forward at a time of unprecedented challenge to the health and financial well- being of colleges and universities across the nation. ``The present is the only pathway that connects our past with our future,'' Dr. Victor G. Alicea, is often heard to remark. Always present in the ``here and now'' Victor Gabriel Alicea has worked tirelessly for the education and flourishing of all people of New York City. He is the founder and president of Boricua College for the past 48 years. Dr. Victor G. Alicea was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and spent his childhood in New York City's East Harlem ``El Barrio'' and in Harlem. Victor Alicea has worked throughout his life combining intellectual strength and his vast knowledge of education and human polity with the caring he has for people. He has participated and led numerous institutes in public administration, group dynamics, community organization, health and mental health care services and is a practicing social worker, educator, planner, consultant to various community development programs and is a psychotherapist in private practice. One of President Alicea's foremost commitments has been to New York City, a city he loves. He has served on Mayor Dinkins's Advisory Committee on Appointments. In 1990 Dr. Alicea was appointed Vice Chairman of the New York City Planning Commission by Mayor David Dinkins, and in July, 1995 was named to a second term by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, finally serving for eleven years. He also served on Mayor Giuliani's Special Panel on the Health and Hospitals Corporation, and was appointed by Governor Pataki as a Commissioner of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and served as Secretary of the Board of Directors of Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association, Inc. Currently serves as Member of the Board of Trustees of the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). In 2022, Dr. Alicea completed 48 years as the founding President of Universidad Boricua/Boricua College during which time the College has grown from one floor in a building in Williamsburg Brooklyn, and 26 students, to three campus centers with 800 students and 40 full-time faculty members, in three buildings including a campus in Manhattan, and the recently completed $47 million campus building for the Bronx Campus, making it a tri-Borough College, the progression has been from graduating three students in 1976 to over fourteen thousand by 2023. Dr. Alicea's recent inclusion in City & State's 2023 Higher Education Power 100 list is a testament to his unwavering commitment to serving our community and advancing education. As the longest-serving president of a private college in New York State, Dr. Alicea's legacy is one of transformative leadership and a tireless pursuit of excellence. There are many more years to come for this colossal intellectual giant to serve the people of this great City. Typical of this self- reflecting man that his greatest pride and pleasure has been how much he has learned from the faculty and staff who helped to create the College, and the thousands of students and families that have been touched by Boricua College.