[Pages H1735-H1736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING CONGRESSMAN JOHN LaFALCE

  (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy

[[Page H1736]]

heart to honor the life and legacy of a great man, a political icon, 
and a friend and mentor to many, Congressman John LaFalce.
  John Joseph LaFalce was born October 6, 1939, and passed away on 
April 11, 2025. He was laid to rest earlier this week.
  While we mourn the loss of this extraordinary leader, we also 
celebrate the incredible contributions he made, not just to western New 
York but to New York State and our entire Nation.
  The son of a union steward and bakery worker, John never forgot where 
he came from. His upbringing shaped his politics. He knew what it meant 
to struggle. His empathy and faith drove his mission in elected office.
  John lived his faith by fighting for labor rights, defending the 
vulnerable, and standing up for the voiceless. It was his moral compass 
that guided every vote, every word, and every fight. He knew that 
serving in Congress was a sacred calling, and he fulfilled it with 
grace, conviction, and compassion.
  Before entering public life, he served our country as a captain in 
the United States Army. Upon his return from the military, his 
continued commitment to service drove him toward government. He served 
in both the New York State Assembly and New York Senate. Then, in 1974, 
he represented western New York in this Chamber for three decades.
  John came to Washington in the aftermath of Watergate, part of a new 
wave of lawmakers determined to restore integrity and rebuild the 
public's trust in our government.
  Congressman LaFalce spent nearly 30 years shaping national economic 
policy, leading the House Committee on Small Business and serving as 
the top Democrat on the Banking Committee. He built a reputation as a 
thoughtful, deliberative, and independent voice. He was a leader, not 
beholden to politics but to the truth and, above all, to the people he 
served in western New York.
  On the Committee on Financial Services, John emerged as an early and 
steadfast voice against the predatory practices of payday lenders and 
subprime scams that trapped working families in endless debt.
  He fought to strengthen consumer protections for women by introducing 
and passing legislation that created opportunities and resources for 
female entrepreneurs, opening doors that had long been shut.
  Yet, perhaps nothing exemplifies Congressman John LaFalce's 
leadership more than his fearless fight for our community following the 
Love Canal disaster.

                              {time}  1045

  At a time when so many were reluctant to confront the truth, he stood 
firmly with the people of Niagara Falls, ensuring they would not be 
ignored or left behind. He put on boots, walked into basements flooded 
with toxic sludge, stood with families in their hour of need, and 
demanded more from our government.
  John directed the eyes of the world onto western New York and forced 
the Nation to reckon with the dangers of industrial pollution. He 
pushed for Federal recognition of this crisis and secured an emergency 
declaration, ultimately creating the Superfund program. His efforts 
helped bring justice and relief to families facing an unthinkable 
public health catastrophe and environmental calamity.
  John LaFalce was not afraid to take a lonely stand when his 
conscience demanded it. He voted against authorizing the war in Iraq 
not once but twice. He challenged legislation he felt went too far, 
even if it came at a political cost. He never stopped thinking 
independently, and he never stopped thinking about what was right for 
western New York.
  Beneath his tough exterior in Washington was a profoundly loving and 
gracious soul who treated everyone like family. To him, nothing was 
more important than family.
  At his funeral service this past Monday, John's beloved son, Martin, 
told the story of a devoted father with a tender heart and a love for 
the joys of life.
  Congressman LaFalce leaves behind a legacy of service, of decency, 
and of standing up always for western New York.
  I am personally grateful to Congressman LaFalce for the guidance and 
wisdom that he provided me. It has made me a better Representative for 
our community.
  I offer my prayers and deepest condolences to his wife, Patricia; his 
son, Martin; and all of his loved ones.
  May Congressman John LaFalce rest in peace and power.

                          ____________________