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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Nicholas LaLota.
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July 20, 2026
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Download official House Record PDFReturn to issue contextUnder the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. LaLota of New York was recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader. )
General Leave
Mr. LaLOTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. LaLOTA. Mr. Speaker, tonight, I am honored to host a Special Order in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Long Island Association.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an institution that has helped shape Long Island's economy, strengthened its communities, and championed its future for the past century.
voice of Long Island's business community, bringing together employers, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, educators, labor leaders, and public officials around a shared mission: ensuring Long Island remains one of the best places in America to live, work, raise a family, and build a business.
organization emerged during a period of tremendous growth with an ambitious mission: to promote Long Island's unique strengths and expand economic opportunity throughout the region.
collection of agricultural communities and seasonal destinations into one of the Nation's most dynamic regional economies.
life science companies, internationally recognized research institutions, thriving small businesses, and vibrant downtowns.
a steadfast advocate for policies that encourage investment, innovation, and job creation.
workforce development, or helping businesses navigate extraordinary challenges—from the aftermath of September 11 to Superstorm Sandy to the COVID-19 pandemic—the LIA has consistently demonstrated thoughtful leadership and an unwavering commitment to our region.
challenges that will define our next century, including affordability, housing, infrastructure, energy reliability, and maintaining a business climate that allows employers of every size to succeed. New York's exceptionally high tax burden only makes those challenges more difficult.
but for ensuring that future generations can continue to build successful careers and rewarding lives on Long Island.
Mr. Speaker, I will also recognize the outstanding leadership of the Long Island Association, who are joining us in the gallery this evening:
Chairman Lawrence J. Waldman; Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Stacey Sikes; and members of the board of directors, including Billy Haugland, Katherine Heaviside, and Luis Vazquez.
Their leadership and the dedication of countless other board members,
positioned the Long Island Association for continued success in the years ahead.
{time} 1930
District, I know that Long Island's greatest asset has always been its people—the entrepreneurs, workers, educators, researchers, veterans, community leaders, and innovators whose talent and determination make our region exceptional.
together in pursuit of a stronger regional economy and a brighter future.
people of New York's First Congressional District, I thank the association, its leadership, its members, and everyone who has contributed to this remarkable legacy. May its second century be as successful as its first.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Gillen).
Ms. GILLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Long Island Association. For a century, it has been an institution at the heart of Long Island's economy and business community.
association's board members who traveled to Washington this week. It is a privilege to reaffirm our shared commitment to prosperity and opportunity for every Long Islander.
Long Island's businesses and industries contribute more than $200 billion to our Nation's economy each year. We are an economic powerhouse, driving innovation and discoveries in national security, medicine, and next-generation technologies.
bridge between businesses and local and Federal government leaders. That partnership is foundational to the success of every entrepreneur, industry, and family-owned business that built Long Island.
communities through bipartisanship and common sense. Doing so through pro-business and pro-worker policies gives our region the room to grow and stay competitive.
helping meet the challenges that we face. We must make Long Island more affordable to keep attracting world-class talent and give companies the chance to invest in themselves.
businesses pay, including fully and permanently eliminating the SALT cap and undoing harmful tariffs. It means making housing more affordable and ensuring every young professional and hardworking family has a place to call home.
guarantee our infrastructure can support a growing economy. We must cut Federal red tape and invest in our industries to fuel greater opportunity across our region.
Island colleagues across the aisle to tackle these challenges head on. I remain committed to being a trusted voice in Washington for Long Island's businesses and workers.
excellence, I look forward to our continued partnership. Congratulations on this historic milestone and the beginning of another remarkable century of service.
Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I am so happy to be joining with my colleagues in the spirit of bipartisanship to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Long Island Association.
under different leadership, and over a transition from farmland to suburbia to one of the densest, most productive regions in the Nation, the Long Island Association has brought together the best minds in business, labor, education, government, and the not-for-profit community to lay out a vision to move our community forward.
Island one of the most powerful regional economies in the United States of America.
Now, the Long Island Association has not done everything right. In preparing for this speech, I learned that the Long Island Association, along with none other than Robert Moses, proposed a bridge from Connecticut to Long Island. It might have been a good idea for business and traffic, but it would have ruined my beaches.
in 1993. As a result, I had the opportunity to be friendly with each leader of the Long Island Association during that time, from Jim Larocca to Matt Crosson to Kevin Law to Matt Cohen, and now the extraordinary Stacey Sikes.
I worked together with Stacey when I was Nassau County Executive. I saw firsthand her intelligence, work ethic, integrity, and her ability to bring people together. She, together with our chairman, Larry Waldman, and so many other good people on the board, we realize the Long Island Association is in very good hands.
nearly every major conversation about our region's future. It helped advocate for the creation of Jones Beach State Park. It advocated for the Long Island Expressway and the Grand Central Parkway.
Shore University Hospital and the Glen Cove Hospital, which laid the foundation for what is now Northwell Health.
innovation and has brought together leaders to address the workforce development, housing, clean water, energy, and the stewardship of our natural resources like the Long Island Sound.
The association knows what businesses and workers need. It knows where Long Island commerce is pulling ahead and where it is falling behind. It understands the challenges we are facing when it comes to housing, transportation, workforce shortages, and energy reliability. It knows who needs to be in the room to ensure Long Island stays competitive in a rapidly changing economy.
We need the Long Island Association now more than ever. In our contemporary world, with the division between Democrats and Republicans and a fractured media environment, it is hard to know who to trust. We need the Long Island Association to continue to bring us together in search of a common vision to make Long Island the best place to live, work, and enjoy our lives.
ago, but the need for people to work together to cross party lines, to cross from business to labor, from elected officials to the not-for- profit community and education is the same need we have always had.
to increase the SALT deduction and make life more affordable for Long Islanders.
can expand the tax base and create an environment that is attractive and affordable to young people, and thereby expand our workforce and create cool downtowns.
reliable, and affordable. We must work together to improve our infrastructure, reduce traffic, and hasten our commutes.
communities safe so that we can maintain one of the greatest qualities of life of any region in the Nation.
partners represented by the Long Island Association, we know that Long Island's best days are ahead.
Mr. LaLOTA. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues and I have described during this Special Order, Long Island's success has never happened by accident. Rather, it has always been driven by gritty, proud, hardworking people willing to invest in their communities and build a stronger future.
that effort, and I have no doubt it will continue to do so for generations to come.
centennial anniversary, thank its leadership and members for their enduring service to our region and wish them continued success ahead.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Messmer).
{time} 1940
Recognizing Ken Eppler, Outstanding Hoosier
Mr. MESSMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding Hoosier whose dedication to our country did not end when he took off the uniform.
Ken Eppler and his lovely wife, Cathy, to my congressional office here at the United States Capitol.
incredible talent as a painter. He graciously lent me one of his beautiful paintings, The Enduring Spirit to display here in the Halls of Congress in honor of America's 250th anniversary.
both Airborne and Air Assault qualifications before serving with the 101st Airborne Division during the Gulf war.
made us all proud as a defender of our country and a wonderful member of our community. His commitment to our Nation is reflected not only in his military service, but also in the remarkable artwork he continues to create.
playing the fife and drum while proudly holding an American 250 flag. To me, this patriotic painting is a powerful reminder that the ideals of freedom and love of country are passed from one generation down to the next. It is a privilege to display his incredible artwork for my colleagues and all who visit Washington, especially those Hoosiers coming to our Nation's Capital.
country and encourages young people to learn more about our Nation's great history. I cannot think of a better message to share with the myriads of people who travel to Washington and visit our country's Capital.
and I am honored to display his beautiful artwork which I think reflects the very best of Hoosier and American patriotism.
Congratulating Evansville Mater Dei Wildcats Baseball Victory
Mr. MESSMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mater Dei Wildcats for winning the 2026 Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 2-A baseball State championship.
their second baseball State championship in school history, the last one being back in 1991.
leadership led the Wildcats to 15 consecutive victories, delivering another championship back to Evansville. This victory is a proud moment for Evansville, Vanderburgh County, and all of Indiana's Eighth Congressional District.
Congratulations, once again, to the Mater Dei Wildcats.
Congratulating the Barr-Reeve Vikings Softball Victory
Mr. MESSMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Barr-Reeve Vikings softball team on winning the 2026 Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 1-A State softball championship, their first State softball championship in school history.
outstanding season with 32 wins and only one loss, cementing their names in the Hoosier athletic history books.
perseverance. A great job was done by Head Coach Josh Huff, whose leadership inspired the discipline these athletes put forth to bring home this victory.
in Daviess County and throughout the Eighth District, and may they enjoy their well-deserved summer vacation.
Congratulating Tecumseh Braves Softball Victory
Mr. MESSMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Tecumseh Braves softball team on bringing home the 2026 Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 2-A softball State championship.
hard work, discipline, and a great commitment to their teammates and their sport.
helped establish Tecumseh as one of Indiana's premier softball programs.
Way to make all of us in Warrick County proud. I congratulate them all.
Congratulations to the Jasper Wildcats Girls' Tennis Victory
Mr. MESSMER. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Jasper Wildcats girls' tennis doubles team of Adaysha Smiley and Stella Knies for winning the 2026 Indiana High School Athletic Association girls' tennis doubles State championship.
State title, capping off an outstanding season. Hats off to these two athletes for their prowess and sportsmanship throughout the year, which makes this big win all the more sweet for the Wildcats and the fans.
outstanding leadership has, once again, guided the Wildcats to another State championship. All of Dubois County is proud of this tennis team and these special young ladies for their impressive victory.
I congratulate, once again, the Jasper Wildcats girls' tennis team.
Mr. LaLOTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.