[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4217-H4218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




WISHING POLICE CHIEF ROBERT NOBLE OF YORKTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT A HAPPY 
                               RETIREMENT

  (Mr. Lawler of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate 
Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble on his retirement after more than 
three decades of public service.
  Chief Noble's career has been defined by commitment, sacrifice, and 
an unwavering sense of duty. For more than 30 years in law enforcement, 
including nearly a decade as chief, he led the Yorktown Police 
Department with professionalism and steady leadership.
  For Chief Noble, policing was never simply a job, it was a vocation. 
He described the department as a second family and fostered a culture 
of trust, respect, and community engagement.

                              {time}  1100

  Throughout his tenure, he strengthened community policing 
initiatives, expanded school-based programs, and guided the department 
through the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging moments, including 
the loss of an officer.
  Beyond his accomplishments, Chief Noble will be remembered for his 
integrity, his leadership, and his dedication to keeping Yorktown safe.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Bobby, his family, and the entire Yorktown 
Police Department. I extend my deepest gratitude for his decades of 
service. May his retirement be filled with some well-earned rest and 
time with his loved ones.


                     Remembering Carmine Caponigro

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Carmine 
Caponigro, a distinguished oral surgeon, veteran, educator, and devoted 
family man who passed away earlier this month.
  A native New Yorker, Carmine was born in Brooklyn and raised in the 
Bronx, where he embodied the American Dream. As the first in his family 
to attend college, he earned degrees from Fordham University and New 
York University College of Dentistry before proudly serving our Nation 
in the United States Army.
  After his military service, he made Rockland County his home, where 
he built a respected oral surgery practice, served as chief of dental 
service at Good Samaritan Hospital, and helped educate future dental 
professionals. His commitment to excellence earned him the Sister 
Joseph Rita Good Samaritan Award for Medical Excellence.
  Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Carmine will be 
remembered most for his kindness, humility,

[[Page H4218]]

sharp intellect, and deep love for his family. He valued service, 
lifelong learning, and treating every person with dignity and respect.
  His beloved wife of 72 years, Lydia, his children, and the entire 
Caponigro family are in our thoughts and prayers.
  Mr. Speaker, may God bless Carmine's memory and may his legacy 
continue to inspire generations to come.


                          Honoring Bill Ritter

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great New Yorker, 
Bill Ritter, whose decades of work in broadcast journalism have earned 
him the respect and admiration of viewers across our region. As he and 
his family face his recent diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's 
disease, I join countless New Yorkers in offering my prayers, support, 
and deep gratitude for all he has given to our communities.
  For decades, Bill has been a trusted presence in New York homes. As 
the longtime anchor of WABC's Eyewitness News, he built a career 
defined by integrity, thoughtful storytelling, and an unwavering 
commitment to keeping the public informed.
  Throughout my time in Congress, I have had the opportunity to join 
Bill on his program where every conversation reflected his fairness, 
professionalism, and respect for others. Even as he steps away from the 
anchor desk, Bill continues to lead with courage and purpose by raising 
awareness about Alzheimer's disease and helping families facing the 
same journey.
  Mr. Speaker, Bill; his wife, Kathleen; his children; and his entire 
family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are deeply grateful for 
Bill's decades of service, his friendship, and his voice in our public 
life.
  Mr. Speaker, may God bless Bill and his family, and may He grant him 
strength, peace, and comfort in the days ahead as he sets out to battle 
Alzheimer's.


                      Recognizing Watson Padovani

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly inspiring 
young New Yorker from Somers, 5-year-old Watson Padovani, who is 
showing all of us that you are never too young to make a difference in 
your community.
  Earlier this June, Watson held his third annual lemonade stand 
outside of Bobo's Cafe in Somers, raising more than $2,000 for Alex's 
Lemonade Stand Foundation, which supports children and families 
battling childhood cancer. What began as a simple act of kindness has 
now become a growing tradition of compassion and service.
  The Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation was inspired by the legacy of 
young Alex Scott, who began raising money with a simple lemonade stand 
in her fight against childhood cancer.
  Today, Watson is helping carry that mission forward, one that has 
raised millions for pediatric cancer research and brought hope to 
countless families across the country.
  Mr. Speaker, to Watson and his family and the entire Somers community 
that came together to support this effort, I thank them for setting 
such a powerful example of kindness, generosity, and community spirit.


             Recognizing the '76 House in Tappan, New York

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of the Hudson 
Valley's most historic landmarks, the '76 House in Tappan, New York.
  Established in 1686 and expanded in 1755, it is widely known as 
America's oldest tavern. Mr. Speaker, '76 House stood at the center of 
a growing community.
  On July 4, 1774, local leaders gathered to draft and sign the 
resolutions of Orangetown, one of the first declarations of 
independence in American history, helping to lay the foundation for the 
freedoms we celebrate today.
  During the Revolutionary War, '76 House welcomed some of the most 
important figures in our Nation's founding, including George 
Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and the Marquis de Lafayette. It also 
played a role in a pivotal moment of the war, including the trial of 
Major John Andre, a turning point that reshaped the course of the 
Revolution.
  Today, it remains a living piece of American history, offering a 
direct connection to the people and events that defined our 
independence and reflecting the enduring spirit of freedom in the 
Hudson Valley. As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, I am proud to 
recognize the Old '76 House's legacy and its role in preserving our 
Nation's story for generations to come.

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