Timothy M. Kennedy, a Democrat from western New York, focuses heavily on his own district: local labor unions, community institutions like the Belle Center and University at Buffalo, a constituent’s death in DHS custody, and his own WINTER Act on homeland security preparedness for extreme cold, which he supports with a specific local example (the 2022 Buffalo blizzard) and concrete legislative details. His political statements follow party messaging closely, especially strong criticism of President Trump and Republicans on tariffs, costs, and DHS conduct, and he often pledges broad outcomes such as lower costs or holding DHS accountable without naming a date, measure, or actor who would deliver them. A distinctive habit is filling speeches with greetings, tributes, and pleasantries far more than most members; on the other hand, he spends less time than most on procedural talk, and when arguing for his own legislation he does give reasons and evidence. Some claims, such as calling the administration the most corrupt in American history, are stated without supporting reasoning.Written by AI from their statements. Updated .
Average grade
B+
The average grade of 7 analysed statements.
80 / 100 over 7 statements
Signal64 / 100
Relevance100 / 100
Reasoning82 / 100
RespectNot scored yet
Clarity94 / 100
Averaged over the 7 of 7 statements graded so far.
In their own words
Loses points more than most for
Greetings and pleasantries.4.8 times as often as most members.What the tags mean →×4.8
Loses points less than most forThroat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.Less often than most members.What the tags mean →
“I am celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Western New York Area Labor Federation. Labor unions built our community, and this group continues to fight for higher pay, better benefits, and safer jobs for working families.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Western New York Area Labor Federation. For 25 years, the WNYALF has fought to ensure working people in our community have a strong voice to secure higher wages, safer workplaces, better benefits, and greater economic stability for themselves and their families. The Buffalo-Niagara region was built by labor unions. They built our factories, our roads, our schools, our neighborhoods, and the communities that we call home. I want to recognize my dear friend, the president of the WNYALF, Denise Abbott, and the countless union members, organizers, stewards, and leaders who have carried this movement forward. Under Denise’s leadership, the WNYALF continues the essential work of bringing fairness and dignity to the workplace and putting more money into the pockets of working families. The future of western New York will be built by working people, and we will always fight to ensure that organized labor is the defining force in building that future. I congratulate the Western New York Area Labor Federation on one- quarter century of solidarity, service, and strength. Here is to the next 25 years and many, many more to come.”
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Western New York Area Labor Federation. For 25 years, the WNYALF has fought to ensure working people in our community have a strong voice to secure higher wages, safer workplaces, better benefits, and greater economic stability for themselves and their families. The Buffalo-Niagara region was built by labor unions. They built our factories, our roads, our schools, our neighborhoods, and the communities that we call home. I want to recognize my dear friend, the president of the WNYALF, Denise Abbott, and the countless union members, organizers, stewards, and leaders who have carried this movement forward. Under Denise’s leadership, the WNYALF continues the essential work of bringing fairness and dignity to the workplace and putting more money into the pockets of working families. The future of western New York will be built by working people, and we will always fight to ensure that organized labor is the defining force in building that future. I congratulate the Western New York Area Labor Federation on one- quarter century of solidarity, service, and strength. Here is to the next 25 years and many, many more to come.
“I am honoring Michael Glavey, who died in May at age 55. He was a longtime union carpenter in Buffalo and a devoted family man.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Michael Glavey, who tragically passed away on May 16, 2026, at the age of 55. September 16 would have been Mike’s 56th birthday. Mike was born and raised in south Buffalo by Kathy and the late Jack Glavey and grew up alongside his twin sister, Maureen, and their siblings, Karen, Kathleen, and John. Their childhood was filled with endless days playing outside with friends, family, camping trips, and plenty of shenanigans. Mike’s early years instilled in him the values that he carried forward throughout his life: a deep appreciation for friendship, family, and hard work. Much of what Mike learned came from watching his father, Jack, working as his apprentice and seeing firsthand the pride that comes from a job well done. The boy who built forts and rebuilt bikes on Britt Avenue grew up to be an expert craftsman who made carpentry his career, joining the Carpenters Union Local 276. For more than 25 years, Mike served as the carpenter foreman at the University at Buffalo, where he oversaw construction sites big and small, taking enormous pride in his work. Like any good carpenter, Mike lived by the creed: Measure twice, cut once. Mike ran point on just about every construction project in the Glavey family. His legacy lives on in the spaces he built for those he loved, leaving his mark in a very literal manner. He helped turn every vision his sisters, Karen, Kathleen, and Maureen, had into brick-and-mortar home-improvement projects. He argued with his brother, John, on how to properly hang drywall as they worked long hours together turning an old grocery store into a neighborhood restaurant. Most importantly, he was his mother’s first phone call when something around his childhood home needed his trusted expertise. Wherever and whenever someone needed him, Mike was there. That same instinct to show up for others shaped the family he built with his wife Jennifer. They married in 1998 and together raised their children, Mikey and Allie. Mikey and Allie were his pride and joy. Mikey was his sidekick. Mike took him everywhere. He taught him, guided him, and found tremendous joy in every adventure they shared in Jack Glavey’s classic blue convertible. Mike adored Allie. He was immensely proud of her accomplishments as a young architect, her world travels, and her willingness to take on new challenges. Mike was her biggest supporter and relished their debates over architecture versus carpentry. He was also the loving uncle to several nieces and nephews, each of whom will forever remember the infectious laugh and warm embrace of their beloved Uncle Mike. Mike Glavey embodied the very best of who we aspire to be. He was a man of character, a dependable friend, and an extraordinarily devoted father. To Mikey, Allie, Jennifer, Kathy, and the entire Glavey family, our community and our Nation mourn with you. May Michael Glavey rest in peace. Celebrating 25th Anniversary of Western New York Area Labor Federation”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Michael Glavey, who tragically passed away on May 16, 2026, at the age of 55. September 16 would have been Mike’s 56th birthday. Mike was born and raised in south Buffalo by Kathy and the late Jack Glavey and grew up alongside his twin sister, Maureen, and their siblings, Karen, Kathleen, and John. Their childhood was filled with endless days playing outside with friends, family, camping trips, and plenty of shenanigans. Mike’s early years instilled in him the values that he carried forward throughout his life: a deep appreciation for friendship, family, and hard work. Much of what Mike learned came from watching his father, Jack, working as his apprentice and seeing firsthand the pride that comes from a job well done. The boy who built forts and rebuilt bikes on Britt Avenue grew up to be an expert craftsman who made carpentry his career, joining the Carpenters Union Local 276. For more than 25 years, Mike served as the carpenter foreman at the University at Buffalo, where he oversaw construction sites big and small, taking enormous pride in his work. Like any good carpenter, Mike lived by the creed: Measure twice, cut once. Mike ran point on just about every construction project in the Glavey family. His legacy lives on in the spaces he built for those he loved, leaving his mark in a very literal manner. He helped turn every vision his sisters, Karen, Kathleen, and Maureen, had into brick-and-mortar home-improvement projects. He argued with his brother, John, on how to properly hang drywall as they worked long hours together turning an old grocery store into a neighborhood restaurant. Most importantly, he was his mother’s first phone call when something around his childhood home needed his trusted expertise. Wherever and whenever someone needed him, Mike was there. That same instinct to show up for others shaped the family he built with his wife Jennifer. They married in 1998 and together raised their children, Mikey and Allie. Mikey and Allie were his pride and joy. Mikey was his sidekick. Mike took him everywhere. He taught him, guided him, and found tremendous joy in every adventure they shared in Jack Glavey’s classic blue convertible. Mike adored Allie. He was immensely proud of her accomplishments as a young architect, her world travels, and her willingness to take on new challenges. Mike was her biggest supporter and relished their debates over architecture versus carpentry. He was also the loving uncle to several nieces and nephews, each of whom will forever remember the infectious laugh and warm embrace of their beloved Uncle Mike. Mike Glavey embodied the very best of who we aspire to be. He was a man of character, a dependable friend, and an extraordinarily devoted father. To Mikey, Allie, Jennifer, Kathy, and the entire Glavey family, our community and our Nation mourn with you. May Michael Glavey rest in peace. Celebrating 25th Anniversary of Western New York Area Labor Federation
“I want President Trump to stop his trade war with Canada and end these tariffs. The tariffs act like a tax that raises costs for American families on food, gas, and utilities. They also hurt local businesses along the border that depend on Canadian visitors.”
“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.”
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.
“I introduced a bill to hold the Department of Homeland Security accountable when it releases people from custody. Immigration officers left a vulnerable, nearly blind refugee alone in the cold without telling his family, and he died. President Trump has allowed the department to become cruel and dangerous, and we must stop this abuse.”
“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.”
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.
“I am celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Belle Center in Buffalo, New York. I want to thank its staff, leaders, and volunteers for supporting local families, children, and seniors.”
“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.”
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.
“I am honoring Dr. Satish Tripathi as he steps down after 15 years as president of the University at Buffalo. Under his leadership, the school grew its enrollment, improved its scientific research, helped local businesses, and moved its medical school downtown.”
“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.”
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.
“I want the House to pass my bill. It requires the Department of Homeland Security to practice responding to a terrorist attack during extreme cold weather. This test will help us find security gaps and protect critical infrastructure if an attack happens during a major winter storm.”
“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.”
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.
