Brandon Williams

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to honor Janet Aaron, Supervisor of the Town of Skaneateles, as she marks 40 years of service to her community. Ms. Aaron's municipal career began in 1983 when she served at the Village of Skaneateles as a part-time clerk. In 1988 she became Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Skaneateles, serving under Juanita Newell. Ms. Aaron was elected Skaneateles Town Clerk in 1994 and served successfully in this position until 2017. During her tenure as Town Clerk, Ms. Aaron obtained $59,000 in grants for the Town Records Management Program, became a Certified Municipal Clerk, served as President of the Onondaga County Town Clerk's Association, and also served as the District Director of the New York State Town Clerks Association. As Town Clerk, Ms. Aaron worked with 7 town supervisors, several town councilors and a number of board and committee members. In 2017, Ms. Aaron was elected Skaneateles Town Supervisor, starting her first term in 2018. In her career as Supervisor, Ms. Aaron has a host of achievements to her credit. Some of the many accomplishments realized under her leadership include upgrades to Austin Park, repair of the Soldiers and Sailors monument at Lakeview Cemetery, updates to the Mandana Boat Launch, establishment of the Town of Skaneateles Facebook Page, updates to the Comprehensive Plan, and new signage and branding throughout the Town. In addition, Ms. Aaron helped organize the Skaneateles Watershed Municipal Partnership, formed a Hamlet Committee, and oversaw the refinancing of the joint fire department bond with the Village of Skaneateles saving over $100,000 over the life of the bond, Always focused on the needs of residents, Ms. Aaron lobbied Spectrum to provide internet to parts of Skaneateles's rural community and oversaw the purchase of town streetlights and conversion to LED, saving the lighting district over $30,000 per year. Ms. Aaron worked tirelessly to continue services during COVID-19 by developing protocols, providing protection for employees and residents that included remotely connecting employees to the office so they could work during the pandemic to meet the needs of residents. As a dedicated advocate of the town, Ms. Aaron helped to acquire grant funding for Smart Cities security cameras, hamlet planning, shared services, and most recently the water district, securing $4.4 million, the largest grant the community has ever received. Ms. Aaron is a third-generation member of the Skaneateles community. Her grandparents owned Pine Grove Dairy which provided door to door milk delivery in both the village and town. Ms. Aaron graduated from Skaneateles Central School and then attended Cayuga Community College earning her degree in Business Administration. She was married to the love of her life for 40 years until his passing in 2012. Her family includes a son, stepdaughter and 4 grandchildren. In addition to her work for the village and town, Ms. Aaron has dedicated many hours to volunteer work with various organizations including the Skaneateles Historical Society Janet Aaron's love for her community is evident in her decades of municipal and volunteer service. On behalf of New York's 22nd Congressional District, I offer my sincere appreciation and congratulations on the occasion of her retirement.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to honor the Capitol Theatre in Rome, NY as it celebrates its 95th Anniversary this year. The idea for the Capitol Theatre was conceived by brothers Myron J. and Joseph S. Kallet. Kallet Theaters, Inc., of Oneida, New York partnered with the M.E. Commerford Amusement Company of Scranton, Pennsylvania to open the theater on December 10, 1928. It was designed by Leon H. Lempert, Jr. and was the first building in the city of Rome, New York, to be built as a movie house and the first to offer ``talking pictures''. The opening program included the feature film Lilac Time, starring Colleen Moore and Gary Cooper. Until 1974, the Capitol Theatre operated as a first-run movie house, and then for the next eleven years was used on occasion for special events. The facility was officially re-opened on the 57th anniversary of the theater, December 10, 1985, by Capitol Civic Center, Inc., a non-profit formed by volunteers. In November of 2020, a major restoration project was begun to restore the Capital interior to its 1939 period. In July of 2021, the restored theater reopened, and in January of 2022 the renovation project was completed with a recreation of the markee and blade sign. The theater still hosts its 1928 original installation Mo11er theater organ which was restored in 2002 and has been used since then to accompany silent movies. Today, Capitol Theatre auditorium is part of the Capitol Arts Complex which is the centerpiece of the ``Rome Arts District''. Live stage plays, dance shows, classic movies and special events are all hosted at the Complex. Also included in the Complex is the two screen Cinema Capitol which offers first-run independent movies. The Capitol Arts Complex currently hosts over 900 performances annually. It is truly an honor, on behalf of New York's 22nd Congressional District, to congratulate the Capitol Theatre on the occasion of its 95th Anniversary. I wish them continued success for many years to come.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I am pleased to be joined by my wife, who has supported me through this journey. She is in the gallery. I will say that I love you because I can do that in real time. Judith Kay Alguire was born in Duncan, Oklahoma. Her father was a self-educated carpenter who never finished high school. She changed schools frequently as their family chased the postwar housing boom all over the Southwest, and she landed in Roswell, New Mexico, for her senior year in high school. She married at 18 and narrowly missed earning a science degree in college. Instead, she took a job as a medical technician while she was 5 months pregnant right here in D.C. to allow her husband to attend law school. Working up to the moment of labor and returning to work just 2 weeks later would be par for the course--whatever it takes, family first, never counting the cost. What makes Judy remarkable is her powerful intellect. She reads medical journals for fun. Growing up poor, power and wealth don't impress her. Every person is measured by their own merits. Raising children made her funny--well, humorous, I mean. Although, you may understandably imagine the effects of five strong personalities and having to care for them. Perhaps Judy's most remarkable quality and the source of much of her renown is her generosity. Countless children have attended college, worn shoes, been clothed, and attended summer camp, and an endless number of anonymous blessings have flowed from her heart out to so many. Judith Kay Alguire Williams passed from this life into the next just this morning. She passed in peace, and more importantly, she passed into peace. I will miss my mom every day, but her humor, intelligence, and I hope her generosity will live on in me and my siblings. God bless her.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a proud sponsor along with my colleague across the aisle, Mr. Sorensen, for this bill, H.R. 2988, the DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act. This legislation authorizes the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to carry out research and development activities focused on the advancement of shared DOE and NASA mission priorities. Now, of course, the DOE and NASA have been cooperating for a very long time, but this allows it to be done in a more efficient, focused way, which includes research and development in critical technology areas like radiation health effects--something I know something about-- quantum information science, high-energy physics, and data analytics. The DOE has a long and productive history of interagency collaboration with NASA, as I alluded to. Over the decades, this relationship has evolved to include new areas of research, such as Earth and environmental sciences. For example, NASA and DOE have established a joint lab known as the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to tell my colleagues that this joint effort is at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in my home State of New York, and I would be remiss in not bragging that the work that has gone on at Brookhaven has led to seven Nobel Prizes. I had the honor of touring this lab and seeing the amazing instruments that they have, such as an 800-meter-long track that is accelerating X-rays to near the speed of light. They are doing absolutely amazing science. Imagine what will grow out of this cooperation. The Brookhaven booster synchrotron, which is what I was just referring to, can simulate cosmic radiation conditions in space and allows them to study its impact on astronaut health and spacecraft instrumentation. In addition, H.R. 2988 requires the Secretary and the Administrator to conduct these activities in a manner consistent with the strong security provisions the Science Committee passed in the Chips and Science Act of 2022. As the Energy Subcommittee chairman, one of my top priorities is research security, and the inclusion of this language will protect our Nation's investments from hostile foreign actors such as China and Russia. I thank my colleague, Mr. Sorensen, for working with me on this important legislation and continuing the bipartisan tradition of the Science Committee. H.R. 2988 is the kind of commonsense, good governance bill that we can all agree on. It shows that Republicans and Democrats are still capable of putting political differences aside to advance meaningful bills that strengthen U.S. leadership in science and maximize the return on investment for the American taxpayer. On a personal note, I will take a moment to thank my mother for inspiring a lifelong love of science in me. I also thank Mr. Lucas for allowing me to be a part of science, space, and technology as it grows and shines in the United States. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James J. Mosconi, Jr. of Liverpool, NY for his distinguished career with the United States Postal Service. Mr. Mosconi was born in Syracuse, NY on Oct. 14, 1951, to Roslyn and James Mosconi, Sr., who was also employed by the USPS. James, Jr. followed in his father's footsteps after having graduated from LeMoyne College with a degree in sociology. He started his career with the USPS part-time during the Christmas season in 1973 at the main post office in downtown Syracuse. In 1979, he was promoted to a full-time clerk/ carrier at the office in Liverpool, NY. At various points, Mr. Mosconi was called on for assignments outside his main location. For instance, he was the Officer in Charge at the Hastings, NY office for a stint in 1991. He also worked as an instructor at the Taft Road Main Office, and later taught computer usage at the downtown office. He even ran stamp shows at local parks and the New York State Fair. Throughout his nearly 50-year career, Mr. Mosconi embodied everything an employer could hope for in an employee, namely, dedication, product and service knowledge, a passion for customer service, and unparalleled reliability. His work ethic, the processes he helped to implement, and his amiable and gentle nature will undoubtedly live on at this branch for years to come. And, most importantly, he remained a devoted father, making his five children incredibly proud of his hard work and dedication over the years. On behalf of New York's 22nd Congressional District, I would like to commend Mr. Mosconi for his nearly five decades of federal employment and his outstanding commitment toward improved Postal Service operations and serving our Central New York community. James J. Mosconi's many contributions to the United States Postal Service--and to the Liverpool branch in particular--will be felt for many years to come.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, for over 70 years, the United States and Japan have been bound together by a steadfast and loyal alliance. Our nations have come together in decades of peace and cooperation. Today, however, our Japanese allies are facing mounting threats. China is ramping up its expansionist efforts, and the tyrannical regime of North Korea continues to develop its arsenal of nuclear weapons and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, which pose a direct threat to the civilian population of Japan. In this increasingly unstable and bellicose environment, it has never been more important for the United States to stand strong in support of Japan. North Korea, in particular, is guilty of grave human rights abuses against Japanese citizens. Since the 1970s, North Korea has covertly abducted 17 Japanese citizens from the homeland islands, some while they slept in their beds. In addition to these 17 officially recognized abductees, there are numerous other cases of missing Japanese citizens for whom the possibility of having been abducted and taken to North Korea simply can't be ruled out. The agony of not knowing haunts these families, and the fear of abductions in the night from the sea has haunted coastal communities in Japan for decades. Every single one of these abductions is a horrific tragedy that has caused untold suffering. Perhaps even more disturbing is North Korea's heartless and transparent deception concerning the status of these victims. For example, while North Korea claims eight of these abductees have died from causes like suicide, heart attacks, and traffic accidents inside North Korea, the regime has never produced any objectively verifiable evidence of their deaths to the families who just want to know. The North Koreans have conveniently claimed that the remains of some of the abductees were washed away in floods. They have even handed over alleged abductee remains to Japan only for the DNA testing to later show that these alleged remains do not match the identities of the abducted victims. It is unimaginably cruel. North Korea's treatment of Japan and its citizens is nothing short of evil and an inhuman crime. America doesn't allow its allies to be bullied. That is why I introduced H. Res. 620, a resolution that seeks to carry out justice for the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea. This resolution accomplishes three major goals. First, it provides official congressional recognition of the horrific abductions of Japanese citizens by the North Koreans. This includes an acknowledgment that North Korea has violated the basic human rights of these Japanese citizens and that only 5 of the 17 officially recognized abductees have been returned to Japan. Second, this resolution urges North Korea to take action on rectifying these abuses. It calls upon North Korea to release all foreign abducted nationals, including those from Japan. It also urges North Korea to return the remains of all deceased abductees, provide information about their demise, and make reparations for these crimes. Lastly, the resolution reaffirms Congress' commitment to our alliance with Japan and to American strength abroad. When America is weak, our enemies are empowered; our allies are endangered; and our national security is put at risk. When America is strong, we hold our enemies accountable for their actions; we defend our allies; and we keep our country safe. The alliance with Japan is the bedrock of America's influence in Asia and our security. Strong and unapologetic support for Japan is an essential component of American foreign policy. We in Congress must all speak as one and stand with Japan. We will not let such a faithful and crucial ally be pushed around by a tyrannical and rogue regime. I am incredibly proud to introduce this resolution. I thank Congresswoman Tokuda for co-leading this bipartisan effort. Stop for a moment and remember the suffering of these families who have had their family members taken from them without any knowledge of their well-being.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of National Adoption Day. Each November, National Adoption Day is celebrated across the country to raise awareness of the more than 100,000 children in need of permanency. On November 1, 1995, President Clinton proclaimed that November would be recognized as National Adoption Month, and the first National Adoption Day occurred in 2000. Over the past twenty-two years, more than 75,000 children have been adopted from foster care during National Adoption Day ceremonies alone. In the Fifth Judicial District, which is comprised of Onondaga, Jefferson, Oneida, Oswego, Herkimer, and Lewis counties, the first National Adoption Day ceremony was held in November of 2001 with just fifteen people in attendance. This year, on Friday, November 17th, Family Court judges will convene at the OnCenter in Syracuse to finalize the adoptions of 42 children. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this important day for children who will finally have a forever family.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor Kiwanis New York District Governor Lucien Giancursio. Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members, and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children, one child and one community at a time. Each community has different needs, and Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children through local service projects and fundraising. The organization includes more than 600,000 members from Aktion Clubs, K- Kid Clubs, Builders Clubs. Key Clubs, Circle K Clubs and Kiwanis Clubs in over 80 countries. Kiwanis members have staged more than 150,000 service projects and have historically devoted more than 6 million hours of service. They have also raised over $250 million for communities, families, and projects via the Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) program and the Maternal Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) project. The New York District of Kiwanis International, comprised of Kiwanis Clubs throughout New York State, this year marks the 108th anniversary, and the Ontario Division is hosting the 2023-24 District Governor's Official Visit in Syracuse, New York. New York District Governor Lucien Giancursio joined the Kiwanis Club of Rochester West Central on September 1, 2004, and is a Life Member. Serving people and his community has been a life-long tradition for Governor Lucien. His Governor's Project this year is sending 1000 Kampers to Kamp Kiwanis in Taberg, NY, and his theme for 2023-24 is ``Excelsior, a Future of Hope''. On behalf of New York's 22nd Congressional District, I would like to thank Governor Lucien Giancursio for his leadership of the New York District of Kiwanis and recognize the impact and commitment of the New York District's service.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. New York. Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse originated in 1923 as The Bishop's House of Charity to do ``all the things in the field of charity which should be done but which parishes alone cannot perform.'' Since that time, the agency has expanded to become six Catholic Charities area offices serving the people of Central New York: Catholic Charities of Broome County, Catholic Charities of Chenango County, Catholic Charities of Cortland County, Catholic Charities of Oneida and Madison Counties, Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, and Catholic Charities of Oswego County. The six agencies, collectively known as Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, now serve as the operating agency of the Diocese's community services and human development programs providing services to people in need, regardless of their faith, ethnic origin, or social standing. The six Catholic Charities agencies are dedicated to caring for those in need while promoting human development, collaboration, and the elimination of poverty and injustice by offering service components and delivery strategies tailored to best serve the people living in their service area. These services include emergency services, food pantries, permanent supportive housing, emergency shelter services, refugee resettlement services, parent education and support, Pre-Kindergarten, residential services, elderly services, and case management services. Each of the six Catholic Charities organizations has collaborated and continues to collaborate and coordinate with state and local government and other area nonprofit agencies to maximize available resources and the impact on the individuals they serve. Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse expect to continue their dedication to caring for those in need for the next 100 years. I commend Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse on the occasion of their 100th anniversary and recognize their contributions to the well-being of the people of New York's 22nd congressional district and beyond.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, due to technical issues with my member voting card, my vote was unable to be recorded. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 384/H.R. 589.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor MetLife Foundation on its landmark achievement of $1 billion in all-time giving. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 as the charitable arm of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), a leading financial services company founded and headquartered in New York for over 155 years. The Foundation is focused on driving economic mobility around the globe and has partnerships with nonprofit organizations globally. Since its founding, MetLife Foundation has made significant contributions to communities in New York State. MetLife recognizes it has an important role in communities and is committed to supporting them through the Foundation. Through this commitment and its ongoing work, MetLife Foundation has helped improve the financial health and well- being of New York State residents and provided millions in relief during challenging times, COVID-19, Hurricane Sandy and September 11 among them. MetLife Foundation has also made significant impact investments over its 47-year history to nonprofits of importance to residents of New York State. On behalf of New York's 22nd Congressional District, I would like to commend and congratulate MetLife Foundation on its landmark achievement of $1 billion in all-time giving. I applaud the commitment and efforts of the Foundation which has resulted in the achievement of this significant milestone.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Morse Manufacturing Company, Inc. as it celebrates its 100th Anniversary this year. Morse Manufacturing was incorporated on August 15, 1923. It was first located at 402 S. Franklin Street in the City of Syracuse, New York, and then quickly relocated to Dickerson Street. Ralph Andrews joined Morse Manufacturing in 1943, developed a product to safely handle drums, and purchased the company from the founder in 1948. In 1953 the company was moved to East Syracuse. Robert Andrews, son of Ralph Andrews, joined Morse Manufacturing in 1969. Robert continued to grow and enhance a product offering to safely handle drums that was initiated by his father, and also expanded the building several times at the East Syracuse location. Nathan Andrews, grandson of Ralph Andrews, joined Morse Manufacturing in 2002 and continued the family tradition of commitment and dedication through developing new international distribution and modernizing the operations at a new facility in the Town of Salina in 2019. Today, Morse Manufacturing offers the most extensive line of high- quality drum handling equipment anywhere in the world and markets its products through an elite worldwide dealer network. The longstanding success of Morse Manufacturing is largely because of the quality of its employees. It has provided hundreds of employees and their families with careers and job security over its history. Morse Manufacturing and its employees have continued to give back to the Central New York Community through volunteer work and contributions. Morse Manufacturing takes pride in sourcing as much as possible from local suppliers with long established relationships. This makes Morse Manufacturing a net revenue generator for the Central New York Economy, bringing revenues from products sold around the country and world to spend locally through wages, taxes, and local suppliers. On behalf of New York's 22nd Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Morse Manufacturing on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary. I wish them continued success for many years to come.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, due to an unexpected surgery this week, I will not be able to attend votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 328.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Madam Speaker, after a routine doctor's appointment found an important medical issue, I am now scheduled for a minimally invasive surgical procedure this week. This will impede my ability to vote. Had I been present today, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 290, H.R. 1548 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 291, H.R. 1096.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Madam Speaker, for the past 2 years, every State has become a border State, and each has felt the pressures of illegal immigration. This past month, 10,000 migrants have illegally entered our country per day. A nation's borders mark the boundaries of its laws and sovereignty. This violation of both our laws and our sovereignty must stop. Representative Miller-Meeks and I brought forward H. Res. 461 because it is necessary and urgent. Our resolution sends a clear and decisive message that everyone in this Chamber and across the country must hear: Congress will not tolerate officials at the State and local level using taxpayer-funded schools and facilities to play cleanup for President Biden and the Progressive left's broken border policies. In my State of New York, our Governor offered up State-funded college campuses to house illegal immigrants. In New York City, Mayor Adams proposed repurposing public school gyms to house them. During this last school year, 5,500 migrant students strained New York City's public school resources. Time and time again, we are seeing classrooms overflowing and understaffed and our school taxes ever rising. This problem is not just in New York. It spans across each and every community in our Union. This resolution makes three distinct points. First, housing illegal immigrants in our schools diverts critical resources away from students. Second, housing adult, unvetted, illegal immigrants in our public schools poses a safety risk to our children. Third, schools are not to be the sacrificial lamb for the failed progressive policies of this administration. Just last week, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle repeatedly justified the housing of illegal immigrants in public schools, comparing it to the response to natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Just last week, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle repeatedly justified the housing of illegal immigrants in public schools, comparing it to the response to natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires. I couldn't agree more. The President's border policies are a disaster, though man-made. I stand to put our children first. Vote to support H. Res. 461.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Madam Speaker, Americans demand that their elected leaders step up and do the work of the people. Madam Speaker, 3 weeks ago, this body did exactly that. It passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act to avoid a debt default and to put in place commonsense controls on our out-of-control Federal spending. The Limit, Save, Grow Act will reduce our Federal deficit by $4.8 trillion over the next decade and lifts the debt ceiling to avoid this looming crisis, all while protecting seniors and veterans. We have demonstrated to the American people that we are committed to doing the work of the American people on critical issues, providing real solutions and working to retake our place on the world stage. Yet, our bill was met by even more silence from the White House and childish derision from leadership in the Senate--no negotiation, no counterproposal. In short, not an ounce of work from the executive branch nor the other half of the legislative branch. Maybe they were too busy. Maybe they were on vacation. Maybe they hadn't thought through the disastrous consequences of doing nothing. No work, no solutions, no negotiations, no plan--the Biden-Schumer default is coming for your Social Security check because they refuse to show up for work. Just remember, the Limit, Save, Grow Act restores funding to fiscal year 2022 levels. If you liked veterans' benefits in 2022, you will like them in our bill. In fact, the House GOP, through the Appropriations Committee, has announced our proposal to increase the budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs by nearly $18 billion. For the record, I am a proud veteran, and I am insulted by our opponents' false accusations. Now is the time to show Americans what true leadership looks like. I implore our President and our Senate colleagues to come to the table and do the work that the people have sent us here to do. Their inaction and inability to work to find common ground have not gone unnoticed by our citizens. I am here to do the work of the people. My Republican colleagues are here to do the same.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Augusta Presbyterian Church in Oriskany Falls, NY, which is celebrating its 225th Anniversary this year. Augusta Presbyterian Church was first formed on September 7, 1797, when Reverends Asabell North and Joel Bradley formed a Congregational society in Augusta's log schoolhouse with nine charter members. For the first 8 years, services were held everywhere from private homes to schoolhouses, in barns and in the open air. From 1805-1816, the congregation worshipped in the Town Hall. In 1816, the present Augusta Presbyterian Church building was completed, and the congregation has met there ever since. For 225 years, this church has been a symbol of the community, bringing generations together and helping others in any way they can. I commend the Augusta Presbyterian Church for their 225 years in the community and know that they will continue to serve for many years to come.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairwoman for yielding. Mr. Chair, within just a few years, our Nation will task the first women with the awesome responsibility of commanding our nuclear submarines. These submarines will serve on the front lines of any future global conflict, and they are among the most feared and powerful weapons in the world. Women who will command these boats will lead many of the finest sailors our Nation has ever seen. In nearly every case, these women's paths to this extraordinary responsibility and this extraordinary call to leadership begin with and traveled through their competitiveness in sports. Leadership, excellence, teamwork, inspiration, and sacrifice are all learned and earned on the sports field. They are champions. They are scholars. They are warriors. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 734 in celebration of the dramatic impact that women's competitive sports has brought to our Nation and are now adding to the defense of our Nation.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago, Syracuse University made a commitment to high school students to help prepare them for college. It also made a commitment to educators to help them continue to grow in their profession, and it made a commitment to the education community as a whole to continue important research. The Syracuse University Project Advance is an enhanced concurrent enrollment project that is serving over 200 other partner schools. It has helped more than 750 educators become Syracuse University adjuncts. We celebrate 50 years of the Syracuse University Project Advance program today. As a supporter of choice in education, I applaud SU for their continued efforts locally to provide programs that give students access to the tools necessary for their careers and prepare them for college. The Syracuse University Project Advance increases dialogue between a major local university and our local high schools. It offers innovative courses, and it allows students the option to stay local and be prepared for the next chapters in their lives right in their hometowns.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the redefinition of these waters of the United States rules is really only about one thing, and that is Government overreach. When faced with a crisis, the Government is given a broad mandate and loves very vague rules. Just recently, we remember the incredible rules of the COVID crisis and the extraordinary powers granted to Government to effect this crisis. Mr. Speaker, if you remember the definition of essential businesses, essential personnel, essential services, then you have some idea really of what the waters of the United States redefinition desired by activist courts and desired by current administration means. You can imagine the effect it will have on our lives, Mr. Speaker. The Clean Water Act was a broad power given in 1974 to clean up polluted waterways. Guess what, Mr. Speaker? It worked. We have clean waters and clean rivers. It has been an extraordinary success since the high point of pollution in the 1970s. With a government that is hungry for power, as we learned most recently in COVID, bureaucrats remembered that vague rules allow for extraordinary powers. You are not a farmer; you are a polluter. You are not a homeowner; you are a polluter. You are not a home builder; you are a polluter. You are guilty until proven innocent. My colleagues across the aisle say that this provides clarity, and it does. But clarity for whom? This rule provides clarity only to EPA regulators who will have extraordinary authority. It doesn't provide clarity to homeowners, farmers, and home builders.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Past Chief and Current Assistant Chief Jon Barrett on attending his 10,000th alarm with the Cicero Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Barrett grew up in a house across from Cicero Fire Station No. 1, he officially joined the Cicero Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) as a full member on August 1, 1996. In the 27 years of his membership, Chief Barrett has held the firematic ranks of Captain, 2nd Assistant Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and Chief of Fire. He has served as Vice President and President for the Corporation. Along with interior firefighter duties, he is a New York State Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B), and a New York State Fire Police Officer. He has served as the Cicero Fire District Building and Grounds Maintenance Employee and the Apparatus Maintenance Employee. Chief Barrett has received the Onondaga County Volunteer Fireman's Association (OCVFA) Medal of Valor and Red Jacket Award, the Lt. Howard ``Howie'' Crowell Officer of the Year Award (2004), the Liberty Mutual Insurance Firemark Award, and the Central New York Emergency Medical Services (CNY EMS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) of the Year Award. On several occasions he has received the CVFD Top Responder award, Top Ten Responder award, Life Save award, and the Stork Pin for assisting in out-of-hospital births. Chief Barrett also serves as a member of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) on the Training Education Committee. On December 23, 2022, Chief Barrett attended his 10,000th alarm since the CVFD started electronic alarm record keeping on January 1, 1998. His first alarm in that system was on January 2, 1998. In his nearly 27 years as a member, he has averaged over 373 alarms per year. I commend Chief Jon Barrett for his dedication to protecting our community and congratulate him on his 10,000th alarm.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am equally honored to stand here with the gentleman and fellow veteran, Mr. Mast, as well as my New York colleague, Mr. Meeks. Mr. Speaker, America has always stood up to bullies. I am a veteran of the Cold War. For half a century, our Nation stood against the tyranny of the Soviet Union. I volunteered to serve in the Navy, making six strategic deterrent patrols in the Pacific aboard a nuclear submarine. The mission was clear: to project strength, to stand ready to defend our Nation and our allies, and to deter the aggression of our enemies. Today, we are reminded what happens if American leaders fail in that mission. The Russian military, emboldened by their invasion of Ukraine, making veiled threats of nuclear escalation, suppressing the voices even of their own people, they have deliberately provoked this Nation-- you and me. On March 14, 2023, one of our MQ-9 Reaper drones, flying safely in international airspace and in accordance with international law, was attacked by two Russian Su-27 fighter jets. These lawless pilots dumped their fuel, hitting our aircraft in mid- flight, forcing an American reconnaissance asset to ditch in international waters. I remain shocked not only at the unprofessional and reckless nature of the Russian pilots, but also of the Russian Government's accolades and awards that it heaped upon them. Mr. Speaker, I am reminded from my naval service that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing. That is exactly why I have proposed H. Res. 240, a resolution condemning the reckless actions of the Russian military resulting in a loss of a U.S. aircraft. The resolution is simple. It recognizes the events that took place, highlighted by the declassified video from European Command. It resolves that the House of Representatives condemns the Russian military's actions and reaffirms that the United States will not be deterred from operating our drones in the Black Sea. This resolution speaks not for a single political ideology but on behalf of all Americans who desire peace. I would take a moment to thank Representative Costa, who has joined me in this bipartisan effort of standing up to tyranny and the direct act of aggression against our military. At this time of escalating tensions around the world, we must speak out against brazen provocation. Today, the world can see that Americans across the political spectrum speak with one voice in condemnation of this act. By standing together here on the floor of the House of Representatives, we project strength by standing together, we reassure our allies that we are committed to defend ourselves and our friends, and together, we will ensure the peace through deterrence in unity.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, this month marks the 60th anniversary of the loss of the nuclear submarine the USS Thresher, SSN 593. On that fateful day, on April 10, 1963, 129 sailors and shipyard workers went out on an engineering trial. They encountered engineering problems that they were unable to recover from and, tragically, all hands were lost. The submarine service that I served in became much safer as a result of this tragedy, and I am honored, as the first nuclear submarine veteran to serve in Congress in 50 years, to remember those that were lost today. Even more importantly, we remember the widows that were created that day and the children that grew up fatherless. We stop and we remember them and say thank you for the life that you have lived without those loved ones.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today on this important day to commemorate those who served in Vietnam. I want to call attention to one servicemember, Colonel Marshall McRee, who passed from us just 4 years ago. Colonel McRee started his life in North Carolina poor. He chose a college because they offered a football scholarship and clothing that he could not afford. President Kennedy called him up to rush to Florida as a young officer in the wake of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Colonel McRee went on to serve for 30 years. He did two tours in Vietnam. In early 1965, he served first as an adviser but then in the fierceness of battles in 1967 and 1968, in the Battle of Caisson, supporting the Marine Corps from his artillery position, supporting marines on long-range patrols during the day, and defending his perimeter all night. Marshall McRee earned three Bronze Stars with a V for valor for his service to our country. He returned to a Nation that was ungrateful, and he returned to a Nation that spit upon him when he returned. There are those in our highest levels of government today who are among those who protested against our veterans before, more recently, it became popular to support the veterans. I want to add that Marshall McRee did not stand alone. His wife of over 50 years, Patricia McRee, was part of the fabric of the Army community that when the telegrams would bring news of loss, she was part of the fabric of women who came and supported young women who were now widows with children who were now fatherless. That was the Army and the fabric that they provided. I am proud to talk about Colonel and Mrs. McRee because they have a beautiful daughter who happens to be my wife. I am very proud to be a part of their family, and I am proud to stand up and talk about the Vietnam veterans who deserve our respect. Reducing Energy Prices