Brandon Williams

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Aarohi Rastogi, Mia Enders, and Rayna Reed, three Girl Scouts from Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, for demonstrating extraordinary leadership at the 11th Annual Girls Speak Out in commemoration of International Day of the Girl on October 11, 2024, at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, NY. International Day of the Girl is an annual and internationally recognized observance on October 11 which acknowledges the importance, power, and potential of adolescent girls. This year's theme, `Girls' vision for the future', conveys the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls' voices and vision for the future. With the right support, resources and opportunities, the potential of the world's more than 1.1 billion girls is limitless. And when girls lead, the impact is immediate and wide reaching: families and communities are all stronger, our future brighter. Co-hosted by the Permanent Missions of Canada, Peru, and Turkey, UN Women, UNICEF, and UNFPA, the 11th Annual Girls Speak Out for International Day of the Girl Child called for a push for accountability for girls' rights and investment in girls' leadership and vision for their futures. This year's Girls' Speak Out at UNHQ provided an opportunity for girls to hold direct dialogue with Member States and UN Agencies through a girl-led town hall discussion, followed by a Girls' Action conference, hosted by girls, for girls. Aarohi, Mia, and Rayna were selected to not only participate as Girl Activists but also as moderators for the town hall to engage with policymakers and emphasize the importance of girls in bringing change to their peers and communities, and facilitators for the Girls' Action conference learning labs. In their roles as Girl Activists, Aarohi and Rayna shared the work they have done in pursuit of the prestigious Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. For Aarohi, the Gold Award is an opportunity to create and deliver a comprehensive mental health education program for 7th-12th grade students in India. Inspired by her family members and peers in India, Aarohi collaborated with NGOs and mental health experts from around the world to create a curriculum covering topics such as stigma, stress and anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. For Rayna, the Gold Award is an opportunity to establish a peer mentoring program with three of her friends, including Mia, and her school's Assistant Principal to mitigate learning loss and the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. With the launch of the Middle School Mentor Program, Rayna and her peers seek to build community and increase access to free tutoring and mentorship programs at their school. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of New York's 22nd Congressional District, I thank these three outstanding young women for their leadership and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Chair, I thank Congresswoman Foxx for her courageous leadership in these historic and important times. Mr. Chair, I am proud to speak in support of H.R. 3724, which includes my bill, the Respecting the First Amendment on Campus Act. This package ensures transparency both in the accreditation process and at the institutional level, protecting the right to free speech, the liberty of religious conscience, and the safeguards against discrimination. Our Nation's colleges and universities are at the very best when they facilitate the free, open, and civil exchange of ideas among students and faculty alike, with robust disagreements serving to teach students how to think and how to engage with those who come to the table with different perspectives. In the interest of protecting students' ability to learn and grow from these interactions, this legislation ensures the universities do not stray from the guiding principles of the First Amendment. Throughout history, we have witnessed dangerous extremists weaponize educational institutions to promote their ideology and to suppress dissent. The open forum is worth protecting. In the not-too-distant future, everyone in this Chamber will pass the torch to a new generation of leaders, not just in government, but in business, journalism, and every other sector of life. We owe it to them to make sure that the educational halls in which they learn are more than a one-way conduit through which ideologues seek to cram their own views of the world on captive students. Their formative educational years should be spent thinking critically and discussing freely the issues that they will grapple with in their adult lives. The prosperity of our Nation depends on that next generation and the ability to think independently and engage productively with those who have different perspectives. Those are valuable tools they will have to use throughout their lives. College students should feel secure in the knowledge that their rights are protected on campus, that campuses follow the law and certify their practices and policies on free speech to prospective students and families. Especially now, as students are increasingly unsure how their school will react to the turbulent political issues of today, it is necessary that institutions of higher education act with transparency and moral clarity, to protect the open forum and, by extension, the students they have been entrusted with. This legislation speaks to universities directly: If you do not protect the lawful and Supreme Court-tested First Amendment rights of your students, you will lose your funding. Mr. Chair, I urge the House to do right by our Nation's students and pass this bill.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted AYE on Roll Call No. 251.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize Army veteran, John J. Conners, Jr., for his many years of service to our country and community. John J. Conners, Jr. was drafted into the United States Army on August 11, 1970. He received basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey followed by Advanced Individual Training for Infantry at Fort Ord in California. John was sent to Vietnam where he served from January 10, 1971, until October 1971 with the American Division (23rd Infantry), and with the 11th and 198th Infantry Brigades in Chu Lai in the Central Highlands. On June 15, 1971, John was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. In addition, John received the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantry Badge. After Vietnam, he was stationed at Fort Carson Colorado and was discharged on February 14, 1972, with the rank of SP4. After discharge, John married Mary Lou and together they raised three beautiful children: Kelly, Sean, and Shannon. They have 4 grandchildren. John is a life member of VFW Post 2246 and served on the E-Board. He is also a life member and the current 1st Vice Commander of Henry Post 24 American Legion where he served four terms as Commander and also held the positions of Chaplain, Color Guard, and E-Board member. He has been a member of the Rome Veterans Council and is a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Disabled American Veterans. On behalf of New York's 22nd District, I am pleased to recognize the service and accomplishments of John J. Conners, Jr., and thank him for his courage and dedication.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize Army veteran and former Police Chief, David B. Combs for his distinguished career of service. David was born in Rome, New York, to the late Vaughn and Edna Combs. He attended Rome schools and graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1967. Shortly after graduation, David enlisted in the United States Army. After basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he went to Fort Gordon, Georgia where he trained as a telephone lineman. Upon graduation, David was assigned to A Company, 37th Signal Battalion, 1st Signal Brigade in Vietnam where he installed and maintained telephones and telephone lines in military installations throughout DaNang and the surrounding area. After working with that battalion for 18 months, David returned to Fort Bragg NC where he completed his tour at the rank of Sgt. E-5. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the New York State Medal for Merit. After receiving an honorable discharge, David continued his service to the community by joining the Rome Police Department. He began his career in July 1971 as a patrolman and was promoted through every uniform rank, retiring as Chief of Police in 1993. Apart from his personal military service, David designed and constructed over 60 flag boxes which were presented to each member of the 174th Fighter Wing upon their return from Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. For this selfless act, David received a Certificate of Appreciation from the commander of the squadron. Additionally, David is a member of the Rome VFW Post 2246 and a member and officer of the Lee Center American Legion Post 1794. David is also a member of the Rome Coin Club, the Point Rock Gun Club, the Lee Center Gun Club, the Rome Police and Fire Department Retirees Group and the Lake Delta Kiwanis. On behalf of New York's 22nd District, I am pleased to recognize the service and accomplishments of David B. Combs and thank him for his dedication to our country and community.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I know that he speaks with experience and from the heart, and I speak on behalf of this body when I thank him for his leadership in this important area. Mr. Speaker, we remember Lieutenant Michael Hoosock and Officer Michael Jensen tonight. God bless their families as they mourn. Thinking about what it is we are doing here during National Police Week, my mind goes to how we can best support law enforcement through our work here in Congress. That support can take many forms, but it certainly must be more than just rhetoric. What resources do they need to carry out their work safely and successfully? The madness and stupidity of defund the police is over. In my district in central New York, we worked through the appropriations process while keeping the needs of our district's police at top of mind. Some of the most fulfilling work I have had the honor of doing since coming to Congress has involved sitting down with local law enforcement, hearing about their needs directly from them, and advocating for them here in Washington. When you speak with these folks, you get a real sense of the gravity of their work. They know all too well that they place their lives at risk every time they clock in, and they do so for our sake. At every opportunity I get, I tell them to make sure that they go home to their family at the end of their shift, that they kiss their wife and kids, and that they are able to suit up the next day. How can we expect law enforcement to have the backs of Americans when, so often, politicians with a duty to represent them turn their backs on the police? When our police are facing the most difficult challenges, it is up to those with the ability to support them to do so in any capacity that they can. I was proud to join many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle last year to pass the POLICE Act of 2023, which would make assaulting a law officer a deportable offense. It is a shame that the Senate has not voted on this bill for a year. In my home State of New York especially, the police community has faced significant trials in recent memory, and I ask again: What more can we do? What more must we do? Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to offer support to those who do so much to support us. I am honored to be here to speak on behalf of the law enforcement community today.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, these are troubling times. The very fabric of our society is being pulled apart. Violent protests are spreading across college campuses in our own Nation. Crime marches unchecked in our cities. The numbers of fentanyl overdoses rise unabated. Now this: the tragic deaths of two of central New York's finest, their lives taken in the line of duty as they stood in the gap between civil society and chaos. That night, what was another routine traffic stop turned into an unspeakable tragedy. Today, two more families endure indescribable pain. Only a few weeks ago, I was right here with my colleagues, in this very place, to speak in honor of another New York police officer who was killed in the line of duty. Now, we are here again after two more heroes have been laid to rest in my own district. The names of the officers who were killed are Lieutenant Michael Hoosock and Officer Michael Jensen. Lieutenant Hoosock, known to his friends as Hootch, was a husband and the father of three young children. He was a great dad--fun, spontaneous, present, and supportive. In 2020, Lieutenant Hoosock was recognized with the Medal of Valor for his actions confronting an active shooter in Syracuse. He was a decades-long firefighter and the bomb squad commander in Onondaga County. Officer Jensen was a son and brother with a career of service still ahead of him. Friends and family remember his dedication and optimism. His mother, Michelle, called him her handsome son. Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile observed that ``you could tell he took his responsibility seriously,'' that is, of course, in between hockey matches. Officer Jensen joined the Syracuse Police Department in early 2022. He served honorably in the Patrol Division on the Third Platoon day in and day out. Last December, he was recognized as Officer of the Month. Just 2 weeks ago, thousands upon thousands attended their funerals to weep together, to support one another, and to honor their service and sacrifice. All decent Americans mourn with the families of these fallen officers. A functioning civil society gives its law enforcement officers the support and tools they need to carry out their work, protecting innocent people and restraining those who do harm to others. I am proud to say that I am pro-police and anti-criminal. When our society loses sight of these basic truths, our worst days follow. To any law enforcement officers watching today, let me say this to you: Don't lose hope. Keep the faith. You hold the fabric of our society together against criminality and chaos. You alone stand between innocent people and those who would seek to victimize them. We need you. Your vigilance and your tireless service is deeply appreciated. We weep with you today, and we stand with you every day. This Congress, we have passed numerous bills to support law enforcement. Many, however, inexplicably languish in the Senate, where support for law enforcement has waned. We will not stop until our elected officials are doing everything in their capacity to empower our law enforcement professionals and to support their critical work to protect all Americans. Mr. Speaker, it is my sacred and solemn privilege to welcome and acknowledge Michael Hoosock's widow, Caitlin. Cait and their three beautiful children are with us in the gallery this evening. Would you mind standing for just a moment? Thank you for being here with us. Thank you for blessing us. To Mrs. Hoosock: Today, this Nation honors your brave husband. To his children: This Nation is grateful for his noble service. Humbly, I will tell you that we mourn with you and that we recognize your suffering and sacrifice. May God bless and keep you and watch over each one of you. You will not be forgotten. Since these tragic events just a few short weeks ago, countless Members of Congress have sought me out to express their shock, anger, and sorrow at the loss of our heroes. I have invited them to join me on this solemn occasion and will yield such time as necessary that they may stand with me. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. D'Esposito).

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with Mr. D'Esposito. He has worn the badge and the uniform and knows of what he speaks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber).

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Stauber for his experience. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney).

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am so honored to be joined by my New York colleagues. I welcome one more. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Molinaro).

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Molinaro for his comments. I am, again, honored to be joined by another veteran of law enforcement. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rutherford).

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Ezell), another veteran of law enforcement.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her words. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lawler).

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, to the Hoosock family and to the Jensen family, I promised that those two would be honored by our Nation, that they would be honored in this esteemed place, and that you too would be recognized and honored. Mr. Speaker, I thank them for honoring us with their presence. I am grateful to each Representative who spoke this evening. Somber times like these invite us to reflect and to take a closer look at many things that so often we take for granted. There exists in this world profound evil, manifesting itself in many ways. What stands between that evil and innocent people? Every single day, the men and women serving in law enforcement across America stand courageously in that treacherous place. As you go about your day in safety, in comfort, the vigilance of these men and women may fade into the background, but to them and to their families, the risk inherent in their line of work never fades. They clock in every day with the knowledge that they place themselves in heightened danger whenever they put on that uniform, and they do so for our sake. We are privileged to forget, to enjoy the safety and comfort that are a direct result of their labor, but we are obliged to remember. Times like these remind us forcefully, tragically, that evil and danger are ever present, but that heroes still exist amongst us. They are heroes like Lieutenant Michael Hoosock, heroes like Officer Michael Jensen, heroes like every single man and woman behind the badge and in front of all decent folks they protect and serve, and their families. I thank them for joining us today. To America, I would say, if you know any folks that serve in law enforcement, right now is a good time to thank them. Our police officers, firefighters, EMS, and their families dedicate their lives so that we may be safe. Recognizing the commitment and sacrifice they voluntarily make is something we all can and we should do. Words may only accomplish so much, but they do mean something. Convey it to those around you as you see them, that you recognize their sacrifice, and that they are not alone and not forgotten. I will start by thanking Caitlin Hoosock and her children--Nikki, Gabe, Sam--who I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know today. I thank them for joining us. Once again, I humbly speak, for everyone here and for everyone watching, that you are not alone. Mr. Speaker, I have concluded this Special Order, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his words. I yield to the gentlewoman from Utah (Ms. Maloy).

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her words. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Mrs. Fischbach).

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleagues from New York, particularly a veteran of the New York Police Department, Mr. D'Esposito. Before serving in this august body, he served his neighbors and helped keep them safe. He speaks out of passion and experience on this critical topic. This is a time of soul-crushing grief for the Diller family. I can't feel what they feel, but I can say this: They are not alone. Across America, people are standing up, and they are saying that this senseless violence has to stop. It cannot go on. When New York City and Albany turned their backs, letting someone with 21 prior arrests back on the street, Massapequa Park was left to pick up the pieces, left to ask questions like: How many crimes does someone have to commit and how many people does someone have to threaten to kill before you make sure they don't have the opportunity to do more damage? They want to know why, time and again, dangerous, violent criminals who public servants have the responsibility to remove from society are instead free to victimize more innocent people like Officer Diller. They want to know why they have to suffer while career criminals so often avoid real consequences. There is so much more that we must do at the policy level to prevent more tragedies like these from occurring, to prevent career criminals from destroying families like this one. Radical policies like no-cash bail cannot continue. Willful ignorance from elected officials cannot continue. Preventable killings like this one simply cannot continue. We cannot stop working until we reach the day when our Nation's police officers and their families--in fact, when all decent, law- abiding folks who are just trying to get along and do the right things are able to trust that their elected officials here and at the local level truly have their backs. May that day come soon. Stephanie and little Ryan, my heart breaks for you. America lost a hero, but you lost a husband and a father whose selfless dedication and service will not be forgotten.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, six brutal months have passed, and over half of the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on October 7th have still not been released. This is nothing short of an unthinkable crime against humanity. It is inhuman. Each of the remaining hostages, these are human beings. Human beings with individual hopes and dreams, just like you and me. Each one has a family and loved ones back home in Israel, devastated by their kidnapping and desperately begging for their release. Many are children, or elderly, with no involvement in any combat whatsoever. Last week, I saw the Nir Oz Kibbutz and the site of the Tribe of Nova Music Festival, where so many Israelis were kidnapped on October 7th, and many more were killed. I heard firsthand accounts from survivors on the ground, you can still hear the pain in their voices. Even then, that pain is incomparable to the ongoing trauma of those who were taken hostage by these terrorists, their specific whereabouts and conditions still unknown. The attacks of October 7th were and continue to be crimes against humanity. Americans looked on in horror as videos emerged of the bloodshed and the destruction. Mothers and fathers across our country, including myself, were overcome with intense emotion. Think about your child, if they were torn away from you, or worse, as so many were. America is unified in standing with the Israeli hostages and their families. On Sunday, thousands gathered in New York City and called for the immediate, unconditional release of the Israeli hostages. We raised our voices as one, and our message will be heard. Tonight, I echo that one, simple demand of these devastated families. Not one more day should go by without the safe return of all Israeli hostages from Gaza. To the families here tonight, whose loved ones were taken on October 7th, I want to express my most sincere and heartfelt sympathy for the suffering that you have bravely endured over these long six months. For those whose loved ones have not yet been returned, we all pray for their safe release. May God bless all of you. America stands with you and for the safe return of all Israeli hostages. Bring them home, now.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, due to a delayed elevator in the Capitol, I missed voting on Amendment No. 6 to H.R. 2799, the Expanding Access to Capital Act. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 73.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to honor Indium Corporation as it celebrates its 90th Anniversary on March 13 of this year. Founded in 1934 by Dr. William S. Murray, Indium Corporation first operated from his garage at 805 Watson Place in Utica, New York. Dr. Murray was instrumental in identifying and enabling the first commercially viable applications for indium metal. Today, Indium Corporation is a premier materials refiner, smelter, manufacturer and supplier to the global electronics, semiconductor, thin-film, and thermal management markets. With five facilities in New York's 22nd Congressional District and several located internationally, Indium Corporation is a global leader in materials science and electronics assembly solutions. Indium's innovative products can be found in many common consumer electronics and high-reliability technologies such as electric vehicles, mobile devices, life-saving medical devices, and emerging 5G technology. Beyond Indium Corporation's role as a manufacturer, the company bolsters local educational resources through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) outreach partnerships with schools, universities, and community organizations, impacting the lives of more than 5,000 students each year. Indium's award-winning college internship program, inaugurated in 2012, has led to careers in STEM fields for over 100 students. In addition, Indium Corporation initiated a pioneering apprenticeship program, aiding employees who are seeking to learn new skills and pursue higher education and assisting military veterans with making successful transitions to private sector careers. The company recently celebrated its first graduates. Indium is committed to giving back to the community through the support of many charitable and quality-of-life organizations including the American Red Cross, Stuff the Bus, ICAN, United Way, Support Our Vets, and the American Heart Association. The company and its leaders have been honored by the Oneida County History Center, YWCA, MACNY, Mohawk Valley Alliance of Chambers of Commerce, and the Genesis Group. On behalf of New York's 22nd Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Indium Corporation on the occasion of its 90th Anniversary. I wish them continued success for many years to come.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor World War II veteran Mr. Henry Sienkiewicz of Syracuse, New York. Mr. Sienkiewicz is the son of Polish immigrants and has lived his entire life in his hometown of Syracuse. Mr. Sienkiewicz served his country as a bombardier on a B-17, named ``The Saint,'' in Europe during World War II. He completed 35 brave missions with the 384th Bombardment Group of the 545th Squadron. On one such mission, on July 19, 1944, the crew was targeting a hydrogen peroxide and chemical works plant in Munich, Germany. Mr. Sienkiewicz recalls shells hitting the B-17 from every which way. He recalls how several of his fellow crew members were wounded, including the navigator, and how he helped save the lives of everyone on the plane when he stepped in and navigated them all back to safety. When faced with danger, Mr. Sienkiewicz did not cower in fear but rather did what needed to be done to keep fighting. Upon his return from the war, Mr. Sienkiewicz still felt the call to serve and did so for 30 years as a captain of the Syracuse Fire Department. During his time at the fire department, Mr. Sienkiewicz was known for his bravery and leadership and was even awarded a medal for saving a man from the second story of a burning home. While it wasn't easy work, Mr. Sienkiewicz felt rewarded by the opportunity to help his fellow neighbors and ensure the safety of his community. Even with all this, Mr. Sienkiewicz still wanted to do more. For over 50 years, he sold poppy flowers outside of supermarkets to raise money to help support his fellow veterans and their families with medical and financial needs, remembering that: In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row . . . To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high . . . We shall not sleep though poppies grow in Flanders fields. That poem really touches on his acts of service. Mr. Sienkiewicz dedicated his life in an inspiring way, and we can all learn something from his story. I commend him for his brave and selfless service to our great Nation, his community, and to his fellow veterans. It is a privilege to recognize him today, and I wish him many more joyful years.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Madam Speaker, I want to begin by thanking the Energy and Commerce Committee and Subcommittee Chairman Duncan for leading on this issue.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life and service of Rear Admiral Brian Davies, a distinguished nuclear submarine warfare officer who succumbed to illness on December 30. The floor of Congress is a fitting place to remember his dedication to our country and our security, where he served beneath the seas, out of sight, ever vigilant, ensuring America's dominance of the seas. I honor Admiral Davies' full life and his dutiful service. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Brian commanded our most secret and most decorated submarine, the USS Jimmy Carter. Later, he commanded a submarine squadron. His service took him under the Arctic, the western Pacific, the northern Atlantic, and the Indian Oceans. All other details are hidden, even from his own family. I ask that our Nation also remember Brian's shipmates who continue to sacrifice so much for our Nation in silence. I ask that we honor and remember Brian's wife, Kacey, and their daughter, Caitlin, who endured with courage the many hardships of his time in the Navy and who now mourn the loss of his honorable life.

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York

Mr. WILLIAMS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Stefanik, my colleague from New York, for introducing this much-needed legislation. With issues as critical as mitigating anti-Semitism and protecting our Jewish community, it is vital that we speak today with moral clarity. Just days ago, in a hearing in the House Education and the Workforce Committee, we heard shocking testimony from the presidents of what were once our most esteemed educational institutions. Each one of these institutions has more than 100 years of history educating our youth. One, Harvard University, is closing in on 400 years of history. These schools have an embarrassment of riches: Billions of dollars in annual revenue, much of it from Federal funds, billions more in endowments--no, tens of billions of dollars in endowments--they have the resources to reach any educational goal. When pressed on the solution to the problem of anti-Semitism, each of them testified that education was, in fact, the solution. Education is supposed to be the solution to anti-Semitism. Yet, with all of that history, with all of those resources, with the esteem of our society and the world, these universities are ground zero for rampant, virulent, obscene, and inhuman anti-Semitism. The hearings last week exposed not only the lack of moral leadership at these schools; it also exposed a sickness in the culture of our elite universities. If calling for the murder and genocide of fellow students for the crime of being Jewish is not immediately and completely repugnant, then there is no moral compass at the heart of these institutions.