RECOGNIZING JIM MONAGHAN

On 2026-01-08, Representative Michael Lawler (R-NY-17) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING JIM MONAGHAN" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered crime and justice, labor policy.

RECOGNIZING JIM MONAGHAN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [House] [Pages H141-H142] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING JIM MONAGHAN (Mr. Lawler of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible career of Jim Monaghan, a dedicated public servant who has spent a lifetime serving the people of Stony Point. Jim's public service began with a 29-year career in the New York City Police Department, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant. From January 2016 through this past December, he served as the town supervisor of Stony Point, focusing on affordability for families and seniors and ensuring public safety. Before becoming town supervisor, Jim served for 2 years on the town board. A lifelong Rockland County resident, Jim and his wife, Jackie, have lived in Stony Point for 30 years with their two children and now their grandchildren. Community and family remain central to his life. Jim and his wife are active parishioners at Immaculate Conception Church and have volunteered in community sports programs and nonprofits throughout the county. As Jim retires after a long career serving the people of Stony Point, Rockland County, and New York, I am proud to recognize my good friend, Jim Monaghan, for his many contributions to our community. May this next chapter for him be just as fulfilling as the last. {time} 1045 Honoring Anthony Adamo Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Anthony Adamo, southern region president of the Civil Service Employees Association who passed away this week at the age of 46. Born in Flushing, Queens, Anthony graduated from New Paltz High School and began his career at SUNY New Paltz in 1999. Not long after, he stepped up as a union activist in CSEA's SUNY New Paltz Local working as a shop steward and grievance representative, driven by his belief in standing up for the working people. In 2009, Anthony was elected as the local president, a position he held for 10 years, during which he also served as the chair of the union's statewide political action committee. In 2019, he became southern region president and was reelected by his peers again in 2024. Additionally, Anthony served as an AFSCME delegate and vice president of the New York State AFL-CIO. Anthony embodied the very spirit of union leadership: passionate, hardworking, and unwavering in his commitment to others. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the workers he proudly fought for. He was a great friend, an honest broker, and a true New Yorker. I will miss my friend dearly, and may he be at peace. Honoring John ``Spo'' Esposito Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John ``Spo'' Esposito, a remarkable young man from my district. John passed away peacefully on December 28 at just 25 years old. John grew up in Somers, New York, where he graduated from Somers High School in 2018. A proud student-athlete, he was a member of the 2016 New York State Championship varsity football team, as well as the track and basketball teams, forming lifelong friendships. John went on to attend Manhattanville University earning his business degree in 2023. He pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by working at B&E Sports Collectibles and starting his own business, Eye On The Ball Sports Collectibles, alongside his brother Joey, combining his love of sports with his ambition and his family. Beyond his accomplishments, John was defined by his heart. An avid Yankees fan, he remained deeply connected to his community as a member of the New York Bombers, a blind beep baseball team, and showed us all what it means to persevere with humor, courage, and grace. My deepest condolences go out to John's parents, Joe and Patti; his brothers, Joey and Michael; and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. May God bless his memory. Honoring Layla Elizabeth So Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Layla Elizabeth So, a remarkable young lady from Pearl River, New York, whose kindness and creativity touched everyone who knew her. Layla passed away on August 7, 2024, after a heroic 2-year battle with cancer. Layla grew up in Pearl River, New York. She attended Lincoln Avenue Elementary, Pearl River Middle School, and was a rising sophomore at Pearl River High School where she earned High Honor Roll. Layla excelled on the varsity bowling team, earning the most improved player award. She also participated in the marine science club, enjoyed baking, and volunteered at Pearl River Library. One of Layla's proudest accomplishments was being a founding member of Eagle Scout Troop 97G in New City. Her Eagle Project, completed posthumously by Troop 97, transformed 10 55-gallon steel drums into decorative trash cans for the town of Orangetown and earned her the title of Eagle Scout after her final board of review in which she also became a Life Scout. Layla's legacy reminds us that life isn't always numbered in years but in the impact we leave behind. Though her time with us and in our community was far too short, Layla's ambition and kindness will endure. May her memory always be a blessing. Honoring Pieter Grosbeck Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary Orangeburg resident, Pieter Grosbeck, who passed away at the beginning of December due to a 9/11-related illness. A proud Eagle Scout, a graduate of Tappan Zee High School and of Rockland Community College, Pieter dedicated his life to serving others. After working as a technician for ITT in Antarctica, Pieter began his career in public safety with the NYPD in 1984, serving as a patrolman in the 44th Precinct in the South Bronx. In 1990, Pieter continued his career by joining the FDNY where he was later assigned to Engine Company 3 in Chelsea and later transferred to Battalion 7, serving with distinction until his retirement in 2018. Pieter devoted 45 years of volunteer service to the Blauvelt Volunteer Fire Company, serving as president, chief on three occasions, and an active board member, being awarded life membership in 2019. He was a loving husband to his wife, Lisa, for 32 years; a devoted friend; and a man who consistently put others before himself. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, his fellow firefighters, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory be a blessing. [[Page H142]] ____________________