Timothy M. Kennedy · TranslatePolitics.com

House of Representatives

Condemning Trump's Trade War with Canada

2026-09-02

“I want to blame Trump. I say he is bad. He did bad things. Bad things happened. People have less money. That's Trump's fault. American people pay too much. Trump caused these problems. I want voters to elect Democrats so the government can claim it is helping people.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn President Trump's illogical trade war with Canada and juvenile executive order to rename Lake Ontario. Since the White House can't figure out how to lower costs for American families or reach a trade deal with our closest ally, it is resorting to meaningless distractions, like renaming a Great Lake. While my Democratic colleagues and I have introduced legislation to stop this nonsense, we are focused on the issues that actually matter: ending the affordability crisis fueled by Trump's erratic tariffs and reckless policies and stopping the most corrupt administration in American history. Whether it is his endless war in Iran, gutting healthcare and nutritional assistance for millions of Americans, or a trade war with Canada, each manufactured crisis created by Trump shows just how self- interested, incompetent, and careless he truly is. From communities like mine across the northern border, where ties to our Canadian neighbors run deep, through the interior and every other part of our great country, people simply cannot afford the increased costs of goods because of these tariffs. In western New York, family members cross the border to visit one another, and businesses rely on efficient cross-border commerce. Our restaurants, hotels, shops, and attractions depend on Canadian visitors. This relationship grows jobs and strengthens our economy. Right now, Canadians are making a decision not to visit or do business with our country, creating economic instability at a time when Americans are already stretched too thin. People can't afford to put food on the table because grocery costs are too high. They are having trouble paying their utility bills to keep the lights on. The cost of gas is skyrocketing, and healthcare costs are through the roof. At the same time, people are worried whether or not they are going to have a job in the morning. Trump's continued chaos is making it harder for families to plan, businesses to invest, workers to save, and communities to grow. Americans are bearing the consequences of this economic ambush as Trump's failed policies make life more expensive and less secure for working families across our Nation. These tariffs are nothing more than a Trump tax, and American families are paying the price everywhere. Instead of creating jobs, growing wages, and giving working people a fair shot, this administration has pursued policies that make it harder for our families to get ahead. Americans deserve better than a President who embarrasses us on the world stage and the Republicans in Congress who rubberstamp his inflationary policies. When voters put Democrats back into the majority this November, we will overturn these failed GOP policies, lower costs, end corruption, and restore the promise of the American Dream. Mr. Speaker, in the meantime, let's stop Trump's tax, end these tariffs, and make life more affordable for the American people.

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House of Representatives

Liberty and Justice for All

2026-09-01

“I am sad that some people died. I think the other party did this. They had power. They used it wrong. I want this to stop. I think the other party failed. They spent money on it. I want to spend money to stop this. I want people to be okay. I want the government to be good to people. We should treat people well. We should give them help. We should tell the truth. We should be nice to them. I don't want people to be in a bad place. I want them to be free. I want to make a new law. My law will stop this. It will make the government tell us about people. No one will wonder if their family is safe. The government did this wrong. They must change. They must be good to people. They must follow the law. The other party is bad. They hurt people. They make people scared. They are mean. Our country should be better. We should be good to everyone. That is our promise. I want us to keep it. I want the other party to change. I want them to be good to people. I want them to follow the law. I want them to stop hurting people.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congresswoman Norma Torres for convening today's critically important Special Order hour. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember those whose lives have been cut short at the hands of Trump's out-of-control Department of Homeland Security and to demand accountability for the families who have been left shattered. In January of this year, the killing of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by DHS personnel forever changed how Americans view this department. A month later, the DHS culture of cruelty rocked our community in Buffalo, New York, the City of Good Neighbors. Nurul Amin Shah Alam was a 56-year-old Rohingya refugee who came to our country legally after fleeing persecution and violence, seeking safety for himself and his family. He was nearly blind and spoke very little English. He couldn't read, write, or navigate on his own. On February 19, DHS personnel abandoned him, alone, miles from his home outside of a closed coffee shop in the cold, dead of winter. Neither his family nor his attorney were notified of his release. There was no coordinated hand off and no plan to protect a vulnerable man. Five days later, he was found dead. His death was ruled a homicide. Mr. Shah Alam should be alive today, which is why I introduced the DHS Release Transparency Act to prevent tragedies like this. No family should ever have to wonder if their loved one is safe after being released from government custody. DHS was created in the aftermath of 9/11 for one fundamental purpose: to keep the American people safe. Under President Trump, DHS has become synonymous with fear, deadly force, cruelty, and utter disregard for human decency. Our government has a moral obligation to protect human rights, to live up to our unique role as a beacon of democracy. The Constitution does not permit government officials to act with impunity, to use violence without accountability, or to treat human life as disposable. Trump has turned government into a weapon, incited violence in our communities, and made fear and dehumanization the defining features of his immigration policy. When those in power normalize brutality, they denigrate the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom. When they abuse people in their custody, they shatter the bonds of the social contract that ties us together. When they refuse to answer for the harm they cause, they erode the core promise at the heart of the American experiment, that every person is entitled to dignity, due process, and equal justice under the law. Under Democratic leadership, this body will hold DHS accountable and uphold the oath that we all take to the Nation and to the Constitution.

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House of Representatives

Recognizing University at Buffalo President Satish Tripathi

2026-07-21

“I want to praise a community center. It is 50 years old. It helps children, families, and old people. It is good for our city. The people who work there are good. I hope it keeps helping people.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a remarkable milestone for western New York: The 50th anniversary of The Belle Center in Buffalo, New York. For one-half of a century, The Belle Center has been a place where every child has been welcomed, every family is valued, and every family is given the opportunity to thrive. Under the exceptional leadership of Executive Director Lucy Candelario and her dedicated team, The Belle Center has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of Buffalo's west side. Through early childhood education, after-school programing, workforce development, and services for families and seniors, The Belle Center has remained steadfast in its mission to meet Buffalonians where they are and provide the support they need to build brighter futures. As our neighborhoods have grown more diverse and new challenges have emerged, the center has answered the call by expanding educational opportunities, welcoming new Americans through English language learning, supporting working families, and celebrating the rich cultures that make our community stronger. As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we also celebrate the countless staff members, volunteers, and community partners whose dedication has transformed lives and strengthened the City of Good Neighbors. Today, I join western New York in congratulating The Belle Center on 50 extraordinary years of service. May it continue to uplift our neighbors, strengthen our community, and carry forward Father Belle's enduring legacy of compassion and service for generations to come. I congratulate The Belle Center.

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“I want to praise the university president. The school got bigger and did more research under him. The school moved a building downtown. The school will have AI classes. This is all good for our city. The university president is humble. He will still teach and do research. He did a good job.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an extraordinary leader, educator, and public servant whose vision has transformed the University at Buffalo and our entire community. After 15 years as president of UB, Dr. Satish Tripathi is concluding a remarkable chapter of service defined by innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence. During his tenure, the University at Buffalo has reached new heights. Enrollment has grown to nearly 30,000 students. Flourishing scientific research has positioned UB among the Nation's premier public research institutions, and UB has strengthened its role as an engine of economic opportunity, helping to launch and nurture hundreds of local startup companies. UB is attracting world-class faculty and empowering the next generation of innovators, scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals. Under Dr. Tripathi's leadership, the medical school found a new home on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, strengthening the connection between higher education, healthcare, and the revitalization of our great city. UB has become a cornerstone of New York's Empire AI initiative, ensuring that western New York sits at the forefront of AI innovation. Yet, Mr. Speaker, if you ask Dr. Tripathi about these extraordinary accomplishments, he is quick to credit the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners who have helped make them possible. That humility has long been one of his defining qualities. His leadership has never been about personal recognition. It has always been about building an institution that empowers others to succeed. He will continue serving UB as a researcher and educator, focused on advancing the ethical development of artificial intelligence and mentoring the next generation of scholars. The University at Buffalo, western New York, and our Nation are stronger because of Dr. Tripathi's leadership. His legacy will be measured in the lives he has changed and the brighter future he has helped create with generations of students. On behalf of a grateful community, State, and Nation, I thank Dr. Satish Tripathi for his extraordinary service, congratulate him on an exceptional presidency, and wish him continued success as he begins this next chapter. Godspeed to Dr. Tripathi.

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House of Representatives

Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025

2026-07-13

“I brought a bill. I want Congress to pass it. It will help our country respond to terrorists in cold weather. I tell a sad story about a bad storm in my state. Many people died. I imagine a terror attack during a bad storm. That would be very bad. My bill tells Homeland Security to do a terrorism exercise. They must report to Congress what they learn. I think this will help us be ready for terrorists in cold weather.”

Official Congressional Record

I thank Representative Walkinshaw for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 3106, the Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act, also known as the WINTER Act. As a nation, we must be prepared to prevent and respond to terrorist threats in every circumstance, including during the harshest winter weather. That is why I introduced the WINTER Act, to strengthen our Homeland Security posture during extreme cold weather conditions and ensure that the Department of Homeland Security is prepared to respond. My hometown of Buffalo, New York, is no stranger to cold weather events. In December of 2022, Winter Storm Elliott hit western New York with historic force. During the Christmas holiday, this powerful storm brought dangerous blizzard conditions, including 60-mile-per-hour winds, dangerous levels of lake-effect snowfall, and life-threatening subfreezing temperatures. Thousands lost power, phone lines went dark, and roads became impassable, bringing emergency operations and critical infrastructure in the city of Buffalo to a screeching halt. This catastrophic storm claimed 47 precious lives in our community. Families endured unimaginable hardship and heartbreak, and local governments have spent years responding to the disaster to help neighborhoods recover. Now, imagine the devastation if, amid a major winter storm of this caliber, our Nation was forced to respond to a terrorist attack. Severe winter conditions often strain emergency response capabilities, disrupt communications, and damage critical infrastructure, making an already dangerous situation even more dire. These challenges are precisely why terrorists may view extreme weather as an opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities and magnify the impact of an attack. My legislation directs the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a terrorist preparedness exercise focused on the effects of an attack on critical infrastructure during an extreme cold weather event. It also requires DHS report to Congress on successes and potential pitfalls of the preparedness analysis, ensuring that we understand where existing security gaps remain. The insights and expertise gained from this exercise will strengthen coordination among emergency managers, State officials, and community partners, helping to better anticipate and mitigate the consequences of such an attack. By identifying security gaps before a disaster strikes, we can enhance our resilience and be better prepared to withstand and respond to increasingly sophisticated acts of terrorism. We cannot control when the next severe winter storm will strike, and we cannot predict when terrorists will look to exploit our vulnerabilities. But we can ensure that our Homeland Security enterprise is prepared for both. That is exactly what this legislation will help us do. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman of the committee, Representative Garbarino, for his support. I especially thank Representative and Ranking Member Bennie Thompson for his partnership on this bill. I urge all of my colleagues to support this vital legislation.

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