Floor SpeechCeremonial2025-03-18

CELEBRATING THE 65TH BIRTHDAY OF ROBERT D. FUNDERBURG

EnvironmentInfrastructure

Context

On 2025-03-18, Representative Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY-26) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE 65TH BIRTHDAY OF ROBERT D. FUNDERBURG" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered infrastructure. It referenced legislation: S1978.

Full Text

CELEBRATING THE 65TH BIRTHDAY OF ROBERT D. FUNDERBURG

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 50 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E219] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 65TH BIRTHDAY OF ROBERT D. FUNDERBURG ______ HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY of new york in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 65th birthday of Robert D. Funderburg, a champion for the City of Buffalo, great supporter and advocate, and dear friend. Robert D. Funderburg grew up on the East Side of Buffalo, New York, attending Bennett High School, where he played basketball. At Bennett, Robert's 1978 Basketball team won the Section VI, Class B Championship, besting the likes of other Buffalo and regional public high schools. After graduating from Bennett with honors, Robert demonstrated determination and initiative from an early age. Robert spent time working for the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority in transportation and claims investigations. As an investigator, Robert spent six years polishing his skills in contract review and project management. After moving to California, Robert continued his work as an insurance investigator at Schifrin, Gagnon, and Dickey in Chatsworth, where he walked for seven years. As someone who has thrived on personal agency, Robert founded Funderburg Entertainment International in Los Angeles, providing personal management services for various musicians, tour management services, and contract negotiation. Leveraging his extensive background in investigations, Robert provided a leg up for artists, ensuring fair and beneficial contracts and broad exposure to audiences. Returning to Buffalo, Robert worked in sales management at Hard Manufacturing, utilizing his skills as a marketer, manager, and salesman. Robert worked at Hard Manufacturing for six years, rising through the ranks to Regional Sales Manager by the end of his tenure. Robert is now an investigator for the City of Buffalo's Legal Department, continuing to serve his community to this day. In addition to his professional pursuits, Robert has had an undeniable impact on Western New York. As a devoted volunteer, Robert has dedicated his life to empowering underrepresented individuals and creating an even playing field for Buffalonians. As Chairman of the Buffalo Black Achievers Entertainment Committee, he has worked to amplify young African-American voices in our community and the entertainment industry. Robert's co-founding of the Ron Brown Scholarship Foundation is a further testament to his work in creating an equitable and inclusive environment for Western New Yorkers, providing scholarships to the ``most talented and economically challenged high school seniors'' with involvement in public service and community engagement. Beyond his volunteer work and professional career, above all else, Robert is a man of faith. Throughout his life, he has embodied what it means to be a loving neighbor. With faith as his driving force, Robert's life has been demonstrative of what it means to be a child of God. An integral piece to our ``City of Good Neighbors,'' Robert has enriched the Buffalo community and is indicative of years of hard work and selflessness. Please join me in wishing Robert D. Funderburg the happiest of birthdays, with many more to come. ____________________

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CELEBRATING THE 65TH BIRTHDAY OF ROBERT D. FUNDERBURG Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 50 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E219] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 65TH BIRTHDAY OF ROBERT D. FUNDERBURG ______ HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY of new york in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 65th birthday of Robert D. Funderburg, a champion for the City of Buffalo, great supporter and advocate, and dear friend. Robert D. Funderburg grew up on the East Side of Buffalo, New York, attending Bennett High School, where he played basketball. At Bennett, Robert's 1978 Basketball team won the Section VI, Class B Championship, besting the likes of other Buffalo and regional public high schools. After graduating from Bennett with honors, Robert demonstrated determination and initiative from an early age. Robert spent time working for the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority in transportation and claims investigations. As an investigator, Robert spent six years polishing his skills in contract review and project management. After moving to California, Robert continued his work as an insurance investigator at Schifrin, Gagnon, and Dickey in Chatsworth, where he walked for seven years. As someone who has thrived on personal agency, Robert founded Funderburg Entertainment International in Los Angeles, providing personal management services for various musicians, tour management services, and contract negotiation. Leveraging his extensive background in investigations, Robert provided a leg up for artists, ensuring fair and beneficial contracts and broad exposure to audiences. Returning to Buffalo, Robert worked in sales management at Hard Manufacturing, utilizing his skills as a marketer, manager, and salesman. Robert worked at Hard Manufacturing for six years, rising through the ranks to Regional Sales Manager by the end of his tenure. Robert is now an investigator for the City of Buffalo's Legal Department, continuing to serve his community to this day. In addition to his professional pursuits, Robert has had an undeniable impact on Western New York. As a devoted volunteer, Robert has dedicated his life to empowering underrepresented individuals and creating an even playing field for Buffalonians. As Chairman of the Buffalo Black Achievers Entertainment Committee, he has worked to amplify young African-American voices in our community and the entertainment industry. Robert's co-founding of the Ron Brown Scholarship Foundation is a further testament to his work in creating an equitable and inclusive environment for Western New Yorkers, providing scholarships to the ``most talented and economically challenged high school seniors'' with involvement in public service and community engagement. Beyond his volunteer work and professional career, above all else, Robert is a man of faith. Throughout his life, he has embodied what it means to be a loving neighbor. With faith as his driving force, Robert's life has been demonstrative of what it means to be a child of God. An integral piece to our ``City of Good Neighbors,'' Robert has enriched the Buffalo community and is indicative of years of hard work and selflessness. Please join me in wishing Robert D. Funderburg the happiest of birthdays, with many more to come. ____________________