IN RECOGNITION OF LUIGI "GENO" AURIEMMA

On 2025-04-08, Representative John B. Larson (D-CT-1) delivered a floor speech titled "IN RECOGNITION OF LUIGI "GENO" AURIEMMA" in the House.

IN RECOGNITION OF LUIGI "GENO" AURIEMMA

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 63 (Tuesday, April 8, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 8, 2025)] [House] [Page H1470] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] IN RECOGNITION OF LUIGI ``GENO'' AURIEMMA (Mr. Larson of Connecticut was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, first and foremost, to talk about the incredible achievement of Geno Auriemma and the University of Connecticut's women's basketball team, the winningest program in the Nation's history. They performed remarkably well throughout the tournament, and it is just a great honor and a tribute for the entire Connecticut delegation to recognize this outstanding achievement. Typical of Geno Auriemma, what he did before he accepted the award or said anything, he congratulated South Carolina and their coach and their achievements and the incredible season that they had, as well. It is nice in athletics and sports to still see the class rings and the recognition of contributions of student athletes. Watching the NCAA tournament and watching both men's and women's collegiate athletes compete, it reminds us of just how great of a nation we live in. In this great Nation, I am equally proud to recognize the number one program of all time is that of the University of Connecticut, led by Coach Geno Auriemma. Social Security Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I also rise to discuss Social Security today, the Nation's number one antipoverty program for the elderly and the number one antipoverty program for children, as well. Mr. Speaker, it is dismaying to see the President's proposal and Elon Musk's proposal to cut Social Security. Let's be clear about it. That is exactly what this administration is doing when they are taking SSA and diminishing its field forces and closing regional offices. In the Speaker's district, there are over 160,000 recipients who receive Social Security benefits. What most Members don't realize is that also means $291 million that comes into the Speaker's district every month. Mr. Speaker, that hasn't been changed since 1971. Have a few things changed since 1971? It is long overdue that Congress not only protects Social Security, the Nation's number one antipoverty program for the elderly and children but expands it because it hasn't been expanded since 1971. That is shameful and long overdue. Instead, Elon Musk is going about and talking about how he is going to cut programs and singling out Social Security, Medicare, and national defense. Yet, the only thing he is really talking about is Social Security. Mr. Speaker, that is because, of those three programs, Social Security is the only one that has $2.7 trillion in its trust fund. That is the people's money. That is what every single American has put into that program. Mr. Speaker, it is not an entitlement. It is an earned benefit. The actions of Elon Musk and the President and, until this body speaks out and up, the actions of the Republican-controlled House and Senate is to go along with what Elon Musk and President Trump are providing. That means a direct cut to the Speaker's district and all of the other 434 districts and all of the individuals who rely on Social Security. It is a shame that, in the wealthiest Nation in the world, over 5 million of our fellow Americans who paid into the insurance program get below-poverty-level checks from the wealthiest government and the wealthiest Nation in the world simply because Congress hasn't acted. It is equally shameful that not since 1971 have any of these programs been enhanced. Even last December, when teachers and firefighters and police officers were finally included, it was not paid for. Step up, pay for, and fund Social Security. ____________________