[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H7777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      WELCOMING THE HONORABLE JOSEPH SEMPOLINSKI TO THE HOUSE OF 
                            REPRESENTATIVES

  The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Katko) is recognized for 1 minute.
  Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in the New York 
Congressional delegation in formally welcoming Congressman Joe 
Sempolinski as the new Representative for New York's 23rd Congressional 
District.
  As someone who grew up in the Painted Post area and is currently 
raising a family in Canisteo, Joe is well-suited to represent New 
Yorkers from across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions in 
Congress.
  Beyond his local roots, Joe has a long history of public service to 
this region, and his record speaks for itself.
  After earning degrees from both Georgetown University and Yale, Joe 
took a position as district director for Congressman  Tom Reed so he 
could serve the community where he grew up.
  In addition to his years of work with Congressman Reed, Joe's 
commitment to service has kept him personally involved in Steuben 
County politics and ultimately led to his decision to run for Congress.
  With his demonstrated record of service, I am confident that 
Congressman Sempolinski will be a strong Representative for the 
families of New York's 23rd Congressional District.
  I am proud to welcome him as a colleague, and, along with the rest of 
the New York delegation, to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Joe, 
his wife, Angie, and two beautiful daughters up in the balcony.
  Madam Speaker, I yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from 
New York (Mr. Sempolinski).

                              {time}  1900

  Mr. SEMPOLINSKI. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Katko for that 
wonderful introduction. I thank my fellow New York State delegation 
members for joining me. I thank the Minority Leader for being here. It 
is an honor to be the Representative of the people of the Southern Tier 
and Finger Lakes.
  I am blessed to have my family with me. My parents are here; they 
have given me everything. My in-laws, who have always treated me like 
family, are here. I would not be standing here without the support of 
my wife, Angie, who is my soulmate and best friend.
  I am also joined by my daughters. My younger daughter Maddie is with 
us. She is my bright-eyed, little sweetheart; she is 2. And I am joined 
by my older daughter Jojo. She is clapping.
  I think other Down syndrome parents will understand what I mean when 
I say that in the person of Jojo I am joined today in this Chamber by 
my hero.
  Over the last few months, I have been repeatedly asked, ``Why would 
you run when you will only serve for 4 months?'' My answer has always 
been, ``It would be an honor to serve for 4 minutes.'' Most people in 
history have had to live their lives under despots and tyrants, but not 
here, not in America. That is the freedom our ancestors purchased for 
us at such great cost. We choose those who speak for us. To do so is a 
sacred thing.
  We have so many challenges right now as a Nation. Rising prices steal 
from those who can least afford it. Crime puts fear in all of our 
hearts. And, sadly, so many feel that they are not heard by their 
Government.
  I can tell the people of the 23rd District, without doubt, they are 
heard. I am blessed to be from one of the most beautiful places on 
Earth. I pray that I can be worthy of the people who have sent me here 
to speak for them.

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