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Kennedy Leads House Tribute, Memorializing LaFalce’s Decades of Service to Western New York, New York State, and the Nation.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) honored the life and legacy of the late Congressman John LaFalce with a powerful tribute from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Kennedy also led the New York Congressional Delegation and other distinguished colleagues in a moment of silence on the House floor on Monday, April 28th.

“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,” said Kennedy. LaFalce, a longtime representative of Western New York who served in Congress from 1975 to 2003, passed away on April 11, 2025. He was laid to rest earlier this week in Buffalo, NY.

Kennedy praised LaFalce’s decades of public service and his unwavering dedication to Western New York. “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.”

LaFalce’s leadership on key issues – from fighting predatory lending to standing up for victims of environmental disasters – was highlighted as part of his enduring legacy. “Perhaps nothing exemplifies Congressman John LaFalce’s leadership more than his fearless fight for our community following the Love Canal disaster,” Kennedy said. “He put on boots, walked into basements flooded with toxic sludge, and stood with families in their hour of need and demanded more from our government.”

Kennedy also reflected on LaFalce’s independent voice and moral compass, noting, “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.”

“Beneath his tough exterior in Washington was a profoundly loving and gracious soul, who treated everyone like family,” Kennedy added, recounting stories from LaFalce’s funeral service.

“To him, nothing was more important than family.”

In closing, Kennedy offered condolences to LaFalce’s loved ones: “To his wife Patricia, his son Martin, and all of his loved ones –I offer you my prayers and deepest condolences. May Congressman John LaFalce rest in peace.”

View the moment of silence for Congressman LaFalce here. 

View Congressman Kennedy’s full floor speech here. 

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