What Ritchie Torres said, and what was done

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary constituent of New York's 15th Congressional District, Arthur Koven, as he celebrated his 100th birthday on August 18, 2026.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable Bronxite, educator, writer, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Joann Smith. Joann passed away on July 17, 2026, at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, following a courageous battle with cancer.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a pillar of faith, perseverance, and community in the Bronx, the Tabernacle Church of God Pillar and Ground of the Truth, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.”

“Mundle and his congregation, Tabernacle's story is one of divine provision and human determination. It is a story of pews won at auction that fit as if designed for them, of a sanctuary completed after nine years of labor, and of a ministry that expanded across continents--from the Bronx to Canada to Jamaica.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I was not present in the House Chamber due to my Congressional Primary being the same day. Had I been present, I would have voted unequivocally YEA on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary public service of Cathy H'orry, a devoted Bronxite whose career has spanned more than four decades in service to the people of the Bronx.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary woman whose life embodies perseverance, compassion, and public service: Dr. Maria Ozuna. Dr. Ozuna is a proud Dominican-American healthcare professional, public health advocate, mentor, mother, aunt, sister, and role model who has dedicated her life to improving the well-being of others.”

“Dr. Ozuna has also proudly served as an intern in my office, where she has supported community members and assisted with numerous community events throughout the Bronx. Her dedication to uplifting others, connecting families with resources, and serving her community reflects the very best of public service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 70th Anniversary of the Community Church of Morrisania in the Bronx. Founded in 1956 by the Reverend William E.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary educator, innovator, and community leader from the Bronx: Stephen Ritz, founder of Green Bronx Machine. Born and raised in the Bronx, Stephen Ritz has transformed lives through the power of education, sustainability, and hope.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tremont Offset, Inc., a family business that has long been part of the fabric of the Bronx. Founded in 1972 by Robert ``Bob'' Del Greco, a World War II veteran, Tremont Offset has served generations of New Yorkers with dedication, craftsmanship, and heart.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Miguelina Camilo on her historic appointment as Chief of Staff in the New York City Council Speaker's Office. This is not only a personal achievement, but a milestone for the Bronx, for New York City, and for the Dominican-American community that helped shape her journey.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Bronxite and an extraordinary public servant, Randi Martos. Randi is a lifelong resident of Riverdale, a proud product of our public schools, PS 24, MS 141, and the Bronx High School of Science.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true son of the Bronx and a shining example of the American Dream: Mr. Haji Dukuray. In 1988, Haji arrived from The Gambia with little more than hope and determination.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cheryl Marie DeWitt, known to all as Ms. Dee, a true Bronx treasure and champion of our children. Born to a young, single mother and raised by loving foster parents, Ms.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Dr. Johnnie Ruth Goff, a tireless educator, visionary leader, and true pillar of the North Bronx community. Born in Georgetown, South Carolina, Dr.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true champion of the Bronx, Nilka Martell. A proud Puerto Rican daughter of our borough, Nilka turned her lifelong love for her community into action.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a true pillar of the Northwest Bronx, Bob Bender. For more than 20 years, Bob has served with unwavering dedication on Community Board 8.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate a remarkable son of the Bronx, Mr. Clinton A. Myke. Born and raised here in Community Board 12, educated in our neighborhood schools, and now raising his own family in the same street he loves, Clinton is a Bronxite in every sense of the word.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true son of the Bronx, Tomas Ramos, a first generation Dominican American whose life embodies resilience, justice, and an unbreakable community spirit.”

“Mr. Speaker, for more than 20 years, Chauncy Young has poured his heart into our Bronx, building bridges between education, justice, and environmental equity. He began in Highbridge, empowering neighbors through mindfulness, meditation, and self-care at the Community Collaborative.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate a true beacon of hope in the south Bronx, Reverend John Udo-Okon. In one of our Nation's toughest neighborhoods, marked by deep poverty, hunger, and hardship, Reverend Udo-Okon has turned faith into action.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a true daughter of the Bronx, a leader whose life has lifted generations: Shirley Fearon. Born and raised right here in our borough, Shirley embodies the heart and resilience of the northeast Bronx.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable public servant whose life exemplifies faith, dedication, and selfless service: Reverend Dr. Gloria Bradshaw-Brannigan. A Bronx native and the youngest daughter of the late Reverend Robert Bradshaw and Mrs.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Alonzo de Castro, a true pillar of the Bronx and a devoted public servant who has embodied the very best of American ideals.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Julio Pabon, a visionary, a fighter, and the heartbeat of the South Bronx for over five decades. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in our resilient borough, Julio never waited for change.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a Bronx giant, Eric Andrew ``E Boogie'' Farmer. His passing on October 8 leaves a profound void in Forest Houses and in the heart of our borough.”

“Eric Farmer was born and raised in the Bronx, and for more than 50 years, he embodied the very best of our community. A gifted athlete whose dreams were interrupted by tragedy, Eric transformed personal loss into public purpose.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Roza Gjonaj, a woman whose story embodies the very best of the American immigrant experience. Born in 1948 in Montenegro, Roza grew up grounded in compassion, community, and faith.”

“Mr. Speaker, Domonic Smith is a testament to perseverance, purpose, and the power of second chances. A graduate of the college of New Rochelle with a bachelor's degree in psychology, he continued to elevate his expertise by becoming a certified substance abuse counselor.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable leader and a cornerstone of faith in the Bronx, Reverend Reginald E. Paris of the United Christian Baptist Church.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Tanya Pedler, a passionate community leader, disability advocate, and the current president of the Morrisania Air Rights Houses Tenant Association in the south Bronx.”

“In 2023, Tanya founded The Sensory Exploration Center, Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing sensory play, therapy, and inclusive programming to the Morrisania Air Rights community and beyond.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a dear friend and constituent, Rosetta Kirkland. A dedicated Bronx community member, SEIU 1199 union member, and current president of the board of directors of Concourse Village of the Bronx, I am grateful for her immense community contributions, social justice advocacy, and her ongoing fight to improve the lives of working people in the Bronx.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a New Yorker whose leadership embodies the best of our city's spirit, a spirit of service, inclusivity, and relentless dedication to community: Melissa Sigmond.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true Bronxite, Mr. Gene Edwards. His story is inseparable from the story of our borough, our city, and our country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sherman Browne, an extraordinary community leader and the CEO of the AIMHigh Empowerment Institute. Raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands and now a proud member of the Bronx community, Sherman brings a lifetime of resilience, public service, and dedication to empowering young people.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a man who has dedicated his life to the Bronx and his community, Miguel Peterson, president of the Teller Avenue Resident Association.”

“Mr. ========================= END NOTE ========================= Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary leader in my district and a true champion for older adults in the Bronx, Ms.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I want to honor the extraordinary dedication of community leader Allison Griffith and the Radcliff Magenta Block Association, whose tireless work has transformed their Bronx neighborhood.”

“Today, Allison Griffith carries on this tradition as the chairperson of the Radcliff Magenta Block Association, keeping the community united and engaged year after year. I have had the pleasure of attending the block party since I began representing the community, and it has been a day full of fun and events for the full neighborhood.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cheryl McNear, the newly elected president of the 47th Precinct Community Council and a steadfast leader in our Bronx community. Cheryl has dedicated nearly a decade of service to the council holding multiple leadership roles, including vice president, recording secretary, corresponding secretary, and assistant secretary before being elected president.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Margaret Alexander, a dedicated and passionate community service advocate, and a voice for the voiceless who volunteers for various causes. Margaret's projects include coordinating events for The Beacon of Hope, as a youth mentor with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and recently held a key role as an ambassador advocate for the Alzheimer's Association.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate a true pillar of faith, resilience, and community in the Bronx, St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Williamsbridge. What began humbly in 1914 in the living room of Mr. and Mrs.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the NAACP Williamsbridge Branch on its 67th anniversary gala. For nearly seven decades, this branch has been a steadfast champion for justice and equality in the Bronx, especially in the northeast Bronx, where its leadership has empowered families, defended civil rights, and strengthened neighborhoods through action.”

“Mr. Speaker, I wish to honor an extraordinary leader, scholar, and servant of God, Rev. Dr. Alpher Sylvester, district superintendent of the Connecticut District in the New York Annual Conference.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ursula Cruz- Greene, a remarkable public servant, and a pillar of our Bronx community. Born in Lumberton, North Carolina, Ursula moved to New York and quickly made her mark.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary spiritual leader and community pillar in the Bronx, the Rev. Dr. Rabbi Keith Elijah Thompson. For over four decades, Rabbi Thompson has served the people of the Bronx with unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”

“In 1980, he would go on to become the founder and chief apostle of the Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle Word of Faith Ministry. He has uplifted countless lives through dynamic preaching, compassionate service, and inspired teaching.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rev. Dr. Pierre-Andre Duvert, a spiritual giant, and a community leader whose life of service has touched thousands across the Bronx and beyond.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Aureo Ivan Cardona, a son of Puerto Rico, a child of the Bronx, and a giant in the fight for justice, dignity, and community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary spiritual leader and community pillar in the Bronx: the Reverend Dr. Rabbi Keith Elijah Thompson. For over four decades, Reverend Dr.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Aureo Ivan Cardona, a proud son of Puerto Rico and a tireless champion for the South Bronx. Born in Arecibo and raised in Hunts Point, Aureo dedicated his life to building community through housing, youth sports, and public service.”

“Mr. Speaker, my heart goes out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Wesley LePatner, one of the victims of the tragic shooting in Midtown Manhattan. A city is only as strong as its people, and Wesley LePatner represented the very best of New York.”

“Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the rich history and enduring impact of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in the Bronx. St. Luke's grew from All Saints Mission which began in 1914, meeting in the homes of community members like Mr. and Mrs.”

“Mr. Speaker, on the anniversary of Detective Miosotis Familia's tragic passing, I want to honor not only her unwavering courage as a detective, but also the profound impact she made on her community and family.”

“Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 157 of the 119th Congress, which was H.R. 2035, the American Cargo for American Ships Act, I voted in error YEA, when I fully intended to vote NAY.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bipartisan bill titled the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply grateful to Chair Guthrie, Ranking Member Pallone, Chair Bilirakis, and all the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee for their support.”

“Mr. Speaker, Reverend Dr. Allen N. Pinckney, Jr. has served as the Senior Pastor of the Butler Memorial United Methodist Church in the Bronx, New York from July 2011 to the present.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our dear colleague, Nita Lowey, who served as the U.S. Representative for New York's 17th Congressional District from 1989 to 2021.”

“Mr. Speaker, I honor the life and work of Bill Harris. A lifelong advocate for children and their families, especially those facing difficult circumstances. Bill believed in crafting sound public policy to help those in need, those facing trauma, and any other difficult situation affecting the lives of children.”

“Mr. Speaker, we remember Staff Sergeant Yuval Shoham who was tragically killed while defending his beloved Israel. Yuval, a brave member of the 9th Battalion of the 401st Brigade of the Israeli Defense Forces was only 22 years old.”

“Mr. Speaker, I want to honor the life and memory of Larry Condon. A New York Advocate and well-respected man who dedicated much of his time providing transformative philanthropic funding to a host of initiatives.”

“Mr. Speaker, I want to celebrate the life and work of a Bronx icon, Barbara Holmes. As her daughter put it, ``She fought for the rights of her children, her neighbors and their children, her neighborhood and colleagues.”

“Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 429 of the 118th Congress, which was H.R. 7909 the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, I voted in error NAY, when I fully intended to vote YEA.”