Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-03

HONORING DYLAN VALLE

ImmigrationHousingLaborVeterans

Context

On 2026-06-03, Representative George Latimer (D-NY-16) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING DYLAN VALLE" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING DYLAN VALLE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [House] [Page H3778] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DYLAN VALLE (Mr. Latimer of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dylan Valle, a proud and devoted member of the SEIU Local 32BJ and a true public servant in our community. As the Hudson Valley district leader, Dylan represented 4,000 union members fighting for fairer protections, safer working conditions, and dignity for the working class. Those who knew Dylan will remember his big smile and generous spirit that inspired all those around him. I am grateful for Dylan's tireless advocacy on behalf of ordinary working people across New York to improve the lives of those around him. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of this body and the entire 16th Congressional District, I extend my deepest condolences to Dylan's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Dylan's devotion to his community will always be remembered, as his legacy will endure. Remembering Joe Germano Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a dedicated, longtime Mamaroneck resident, Joseph Germano, who passed away in May, just a few weeks before his 101st birthday. Born in the village, Joe graduated from Mamaroneck High School in 1943 and immediately signed up for the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He served in the Pacific theater on the USS Eldorado and participated in the battles of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Philippines. After the war, he returned to his hometown and became the owner of a local business for nearly 50 years. Joe was active in veteran organizations, such as the VFW Post 1156 and The American Legion Post 90. He was a leader at St. Vito's Roman Catholic Church and a member of the Mamaroneck Public Library board and the village's traffic commission. He was a fixture at Harbor Island Park throughout the years. Joe and his wife, Louise, have four daughters, four grandsons, and five great-grandsons. Joe has left behind a legacy of generosity and community commitment, and that will last over the next 100 years. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute Joe Germano, a true son of Mamaroneck. Recognizing National Immigration Heritage Month Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Immigration Heritage Month to recognize the contributions of immigrants to our Westchester and Bronx communities and to recognize their positive impact on the entire country. I speak at a time when the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey, houses detainees in horrific conditions. The situation of mass deportation of hardworking individuals seeking a better life is not what the Framers of the Constitution envisioned. When hopeful immigrants arrive at our shores, they heed the promising words inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty: ``Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.'' Mr. Speaker, as we near our 250th anniversary as a nation, I remind my colleagues that the United States of America is a land of opportunity for all. ____________________

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HONORING DYLAN VALLE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [House] [Page H3778] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DYLAN VALLE (Mr. Latimer of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dylan Valle, a proud and devoted member of the SEIU Local 32BJ and a true public servant in our community. As the Hudson Valley district leader, Dylan represented 4,000 union members fighting for fairer protections, safer working conditions, and dignity for the working class. Those who knew Dylan will remember his big smile and generous spirit that inspired all those around him. I am grateful for Dylan's tireless advocacy on behalf of ordinary working people across New York to improve the lives of those around him. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of this body and the entire 16th Congressional District, I extend my deepest condolences to Dylan's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Dylan's devotion to his community will always be remembered, as his legacy will endure. Remembering Joe Germano Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a dedicated, longtime Mamaroneck resident, Joseph Germano, who passed away in May, just a few weeks before his 101st birthday. Born in the village, Joe graduated from Mamaroneck High School in 1943 and immediately signed up for the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He served in the Pacific theater on the USS Eldorado and participated in the battles of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Philippines. After the war, he returned to his hometown and became the owner of a local business for nearly 50 years. Joe was active in veteran organizations, such as the VFW Post 1156 and The American Legion Post 90. He was a leader at St. Vito's Roman Catholic Church and a member of the Mamaroneck Public Library board and the village's traffic commission. He was a fixture at Harbor Island Park throughout the years. Joe and his wife, Louise, have four daughters, four grandsons, and five great-grandsons. Joe has left behind a legacy of generosity and community commitment, and that will last over the next 100 years. From the floor of the House of Representatives, we salute Joe Germano, a true son of Mamaroneck. Recognizing National Immigration Heritage Month Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Immigration Heritage Month to recognize the contributions of immigrants to our Westchester and Bronx communities and to recognize their positive impact on the entire country. I speak at a time when the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey, houses detainees in horrific conditions. The situation of mass deportation of hardworking individuals seeking a better life is not what the Framers of the Constitution envisioned. When hopeful immigrants arrive at our shores, they heed the promising words inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty: ``Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.'' Mr. Speaker, as we near our 250th anniversary as a nation, I remind my colleagues that the United States of America is a land of opportunity for all. ____________________