CHALLENGES CAUSED BY SHARED ZIP CODES

On 2024-12-17, Representative Nick LaLota (R-NY-1) delivered a floor speech titled "CHALLENGES CAUSED BY SHARED ZIP CODES" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered the economy, foreign policy. It referenced legislation: HR8753.

CHALLENGES CAUSED BY SHARED ZIP CODES

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024)] [House] [Page H7240] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CHALLENGES CAUSED BY SHARED ZIP CODES The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaLota) for 5 minutes. Mr. LaLOTA. Madam Speaker, for far too long, my constituents who live in Flanders, Riverside, and Northampton have faced unnecessary challenges caused by shared ZIP Codes. Misdelivered mail, delays in receiving essential medications, and confusion over geographic identity have disrupted their daily lives for decades. Last week, we took meaningful steps to address these persistent issues by ensuring that each of these communities has access to reliable mail delivery and U.S. postal services. H.R. 8753, which I proudly supported, directs the United States Postal Service to designate single, unique ZIP Codes for these communities. This simple, commonsense fix will go a long way in improving the quality of life for my constituents in Flanders, Riverside, and Northampton. By taking this step, we sent a clear message that every community, no matter how large or small, deserves accurate and dependable services from their government. I thank the residents of Northampton, Riverside, and Flanders for their unwavering determination to bring this issue to our attention. This is a battle these communities have been fighting for more than a decade. I am proud to see it finally coming to fruition here in the House. Importance of Strong Federal Investment in Research and Education Mr. LaLOTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to underscore the importance of strong Federal investments in research and education, which are critical to maintaining America's position as a global leader in innovation and progress. Stony Brook University, located in my district, is a prime example of the extraordinary advancements that come from such support. As one of the Nation's leading public research institutions, Stony Brook excels in quantum physics, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. Their groundbreaking work drives economic growth on Long Island, throughout New York State, and across the Nation while pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. Stony Brook's role as a quantum internet testbed and its status as a hub of transformative research demonstrates the immense potential of continued Federal investment in higher education. Institutions like Stony Brook don't just shape our present. They are laying the groundwork to become the next premier research institution, setting the standard for excellence in education, research, and innovation. I am committed to ensuring that institutions like Stony Brook have the resources needed to thrive, securing our Nation's leadership in education, research, and innovation. Let's go. Governor Hochul's Commuter Tax Mr. LaLOTA. Madam Speaker, Governor Hochul's so-called congestion pricing is just a commuter tax that unfairly targets hardworking Long Islanders. With families already struggling under New York's crushing tax burden, this plan adds insult to injury, forcing suburban communities to subsidize the wasteful and mismanaged MTA. The MTA loses nearly $700 million annually to fare evasion--over $300 million on buses alone--and doles out six-figure overtime to hundreds of employees. Instead of addressing these failures, Hochul and her New York City allies want suburban New Yorkers like my constituents to fill a $15 billion budget funding gap without any reforms or accountability. Hochul suspended this ill-conceived commuter tax before the election but shamelessly brought it back afterward, breaking the trust of so many New Yorkers. Long Island deserves better--real accountability, fairness, and policies that reflect our priorities, not another slap in the face from Albany's one-party, antisuburban agenda. Welcoming Kai Li Home Mr. LaLOTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an extraordinary moment of triumph and resilience. After 8 long years of wrongful detention in China, my constituent and Huntington resident Kai Li is finally back on American soil and has been reunited with his family. This long-awaited news brings immense relief and joy to his family and every Long Islander who has followed his adversity. Kai's release ends an unimaginable ordeal and highlights the unwavering strength of his family, especially his son, Harrison, who tirelessly advocated for his father's return. I was honored to bring Harrison as my guest to this year's State of the Union to amplify his family's story. Kai's release is not only a victory for the Li family but for all of America. The United States must remain steadfast in our commitment to bring home every wrongfully detained American. Kai Li's return reminds us of the power of persistence and the importance of standing firm against injustice. Welcome home to Kai, whose courage and determination inspire us all. ____________________

Referenced legislation: HR8753, HR8753