Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I certainly thank my colleague. I want to thank Ms. Norton and again my colleague and I want to thank everybody on the committee.

I do rise today to ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 1529, commending Bob Sheppard for his long and respected career as the public-address announcer for the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. As someone who has spent my whole life in New York, his voice was very, very distinctive not only to New Yorkers but to many, many of my colleagues across the country.

On July 11, 2010, Mr. Sheppard passed away at the age of 99 in his home in Baldwin, which is part of my district, the Fourth Congressional District in New York. Mr. Sheppard was a constant in sports announcing for over 50 years. His distinctive voice was recognized by both players and fans. Each game began with his trademark cadence--as we in New York kind of talk sometimes funny--``Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Yankee Stadium.''

He performed the role as a public-address announcer at Yankee Stadium from opening day in 1951 through the year 2007, and as the public address announcer for the New York Giants from 1956 through the year 2005. At the age of 62, he announced the World Series games, two All- Star games, and has introduced more than 72 Hall-of-Famers throughout his career. He will always be remembered for his clear, concise, and correct announcements and pronunciations, taking pride in the name of every player he introduced.

Bob Sheppard utilized his great oratory skills not only in the sports arena but, as was mentioned, as the chairman of the speech department at John Adams High School in Queens and as professor of speech at St. John's University. Bob Sheppard was honored for his 50 memorable years of service as the announcer at Yankee Stadium with Bob Sheppard Day, celebrated on May 7, 2000, and with a permanent plaque in Monument Park behind Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. His voice will always continue to live on as the recorded introduction of Yankees' shortstop Derek Jeter.

My resolution serves to recognize the legacy of Bob Sheppard and his distinctive announcing style as a revered tradition not only to the New York Yankees and to the New York Giants, but also, as I said earlier, to the games of baseball and football and the field of

sports announcing. I do want to thank my 52 colleagues, cosponsors of the resolution, including many Members who are fans of other teams. I have to say, though, the majority of us were over a certain age that certainly remembered Bob. Additionally, the resolution commends Mr. Sheppard for his 52 years of service in the field of sports announcing and his dedication to spreading his knowledge and skill through teaching speech at both the high school and the college levels.

Today, we do salute Bob Sheppard. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from New York, Senator Schumer, for sponsoring this legislation in the Senate. I also want to thank Chairman Towns and Ranking Member Issa for bringing this bill to the floor with my colleagues, Representative Norton and Representative Bilbray.

I rise today to ask for support to rename the post office located in my district at 100 Broadway in Lynbrook, New York, in honor of Navy Corpsman Jeffrey L. Wiener.

Mr. Speaker, I know a lot of times we are here renaming post offices. Post offices, whether in an urban setting, whether in a suburban setting, whether

in a rural setting, have been a place where people have always gathered. And I think one of the important things that we can do, especially for our young men and women that serve this country and make the ultimate sacrifice, as one of my constituents did, I think it's important that we remember those that have made that sacrifice.

Corpsman Wiener was killed in Iraq in the year 2005. But throughout his life, he demonstrated a commitment to saving lives, ensuring public safety in his community, and serving his country. Jeffrey Wiener began serving the community of Lynbrook in 1987 at the age of 14 as a volunteer junior fireman. And we know, our junior firemen, basically working in the community, stay with that and become the volunteer firemen which our communities count on. By the year 2000 he had risen to the rank of captain and became an EMT for Nassau County.

In May 2003, in response to the terrorist attacks that happened to New York and to this country on September 11, 2001, Jeffrey chose to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy.

On May 7, 2005, Jeffrey gave the ultimate sacrifice when he and three other marines from his unit were killed in an ambush and a bombing in Iraq. It is because of people like Jeffrey and his colleagues that we are able to enjoy the rights and the freedoms that we all hold so dear.

Jeffrey is survived by his wife, Maria, and his two daughters. This legislation honors the legacy, the sacrifice, and the heroism of Navy Corpsman Wiener by renaming the post office located at 100 Broadway in Lynbrook, New York, as the Navy Corpsman Jeffrey L. Wiener Post Office building.

Again, Mr. Speaker, these are very, very little things for the sacrifice that the young men and women across this country do for us on a daily basis. And I think sometimes it becomes very, very easy for people to forget what these sacrifices mean, not only to the family, to the community, but to our country. This is one way, a small way, granted, to honor these lives. I ask my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1610.

We must never forget the events of September 11, 2001, the victims, the responders, or the survivors.

September 11 was a horrifyingly destructive day of national tragedy. Innocent men, women and children of all ages, ethnicities, religions, and nationalities were killed that day by narrow minded, hateful men bent on a worldview of ignorance and oppression.

In that darkest hour, however, were revealed some of the brightest lights of the American community.

Our firefighters, police and other first responders bravely sacrificed their lives in an effort to save as many people as possible.

Individuals from communities around the country raced to New York and Washington, DC to provide whatever help they could.

And men and women from every state stepped up to defend the nation and joined the Armed Forces.

In the immediate aftermath of 9/11 our country came together with one voice to fight against the ideology of hatred embraced by the terrorists that attacked us.

We continue to fight around the world to oppose the advocates of terror and advance for all people the rights that our founders first articulated: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1522, a resolution focusing on the important health issues of breast and ovarian cancer. It is the obligation of this Congress to do everything that we can to support the individuals with these cancers and to lead the fight to find a cure. The lives of too many Americans are destroyed by these cancers--not only the individuals suffering from these diseases, but the family members and caregivers as well. I have been working to raise awareness of inflammatory breast cancer, a area and particularly deadly form of breast cancer. Many people may not be aware that there are different types of breast cancer. Even many physicians are unfamiliar with inflammatory breast cancer. That is why continuing to educate ourselves about these cancers and continuing to raise awareness is so critically important. This resolution will continue to raise awareness of breast and ovarian cancer and encourage continuing education. I want to thank Representative Wasserman Schultz for her work on this resolution and for being a leader on these issues and women's health in this Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2039, the Congressional Made in America Promise Act. This bill extends the provisions of the Buy American Act to the legislative branch. It is important that the Congress lead by example and support American manufacturers and businesses.

In the global economy, American manufacturers are being pressured from all angles. It is important for this Congress to pursue policies that ensure that our businesses are able to compete in the world economy.

There is much to be done, but this bill is a step in the right direction and allows for us to support our manufacturers directly. I look forward to working with the my colleagues to continue to support American manufacturing and a strong, vibrant workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5366, the Overseas Contractor Reform Act. The Overseas Contractor Reform Act will keep any person found to be in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 from receiving a government contract or grant. It is important that we ensure that any individual that receives a contract from the Federal Government, and therefore is a de facto representative of the people of the United States, is of the highest moral standard and complies with all applicable laws. Improving our ability to effectively oversee our foreign contractors will yield numerous benefits. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to improve our contractor system and curtail abuses and excesses when they are found.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

I want to thank Chairmen Peterson and Waxman and Ranking Members Lucas and Barton for bringing forward this important legislation. I also thank my colleague from Pennsylvania, Tim Holden.

Mr. Chairman, energy costs in this country continue to rise. For many families these costs are becoming an unbearable burden. I support this bill and believe that it will be a great help to many American families. H.R. 4785 creates the tools necessary to give homeowners control over their energy costs. The loans provided for in this bill will allow homeowners to invest in energy efficiency measures that will provide long-term savings to many, many families. It will help bring down energy costs for homeowners, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and help us transition towards a clean-energy economy.

Although all Americans are facing the reality of rising energy costs, for our active duty troops and our veterans, the challenges of skyrocketing energy costs can be even more problematic. The members of our active duty military must often balance their household and service requirements. Does this still get your point across? I believe it does.

Our veterans, both our new veterans just starting out and our older veterans living on a fixed income, also have unique challenges when it comes to their energy costs.

I believe it is important that we give priority in this bill to those men and women who have sacrificed and who continue to sacrifice for our country. This is what my amendment does. Let us make sure that, with all the challenges in life, our active duty members and veterans are able to worry a little less about their electricity bills.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Lou Sanders for an

outstanding career in journalism and longstanding dedication to serving the people of Long Island, New York. As the owner of the Mineola America for 40 years and as the writer of the Mineola America column Around the Town with Lou, Mr. Sanders serves as a staple to the residents of Mineola. For these reasons and many others, I believe he is worthy of recognition.

Mr. Sanders earned his degree in journalism at New York University and has been an irreplaceable asset to his community in many capacities. Lou has been elected the position of President of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce five times and has been elected twice for the position of President of the Nassau County Press Association. Lou and his wife Grace started the Mineola America in 1952 and, after 40 years, sold the paper to Anton Community Newspapers. As the current writer of the Mineola America column Around the Two with Lou, Mr. Sanders consistently offers the community encouraging words about the issues affecting Long Islanders' day-to-day life.

Lou is a part of what makes Mineola, New York a wonderful place to live, and I am grateful to him for all that he has provided to the community. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing the gratitude of the U.S. Congress for his contributions to society.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of the Nassau County Comptroller Howard S. Weitzman for his remarkable contributions to the Long Island community. As Comptroller, Mr. Weitzman served as a fiscal watchdog and continuously worked to strengthen Nassau County. For these reasons and many others, I believe he is worthy of recognition.

As the first Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to be elected to the office of Nassau County Comptroller, Mr. Weitzman successfully strengthened the Comptroller's office. He achieved a significant financial turnaround, changing deficits into surpluses and providing balanced budgets without a tax increase for five years in a row. Mr. Weitzman focused on audits in the areas of County government with the largest expenditures, which resulted in identifying millions of dollars in potential savings. In addition, he has assembled a highly professional staff and continuously improved the office by implementing innovative management techniques.

Under the Office of Comptroller, Mr. Weitzman created and implemented the NassauRx Card. This innovative prescription drug program provides discounts up to 40 percent on commonly prescribed drugs and is accepted at more than 90 percent of the County's drugstores. Mr. Weitzman successfully implemented this program with no cost to County taxpayers and the NassauRx Card has saved Nassau residents more than $12 million.

The work of Mr. Weitzman is inspiring, and I am grateful to him for all that he has accomplished for Nassau County. It is through his hard work and determination that Nassau County remains prosperous and strong. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing the gratitude of the U.S. Congress for his contributions to society.

Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and believe the House of Representatives should act urgently to pass this must needed piece of legislation.

The United States is engaged around the world in a conflict against violent extremists. The first casualties of that conflict were the police and firefighters who responded that day, the civilians that volunteered in the rescue and recovery efforts, the construction workers who began clearing the site, and the ordinary citizens who lived and worked in that area. It is important that we act to take care of those individuals who were harmed as a result of this attack on our nation. They suffered that day as Americans, and it is right that we, as Americans, ensure they receive the care they need and deserve.

These Americans, not only New Yorkers, but citizens of every state, continue to suffer from serious medical conditions as a result of the attacks and the dangerous air quality in the time that followed. It is imperative that this Congress act to protect those citizens who are suffering as a result of the terrorist attacks on our country.

I urge all of my colleagues to support this effort.

I want to thank Chairman Oberstar, Chairman Costello, Ranking Member Mica, and certainly Congressman Petri for bringing this resolution that I introduced to the floor. I want to also thank Representative Peter King for his support as well.

Most of all, I want to thank our Nation's air traffic controllers for keeping us all safe.

Air traffic controllers work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year long to keep the traveling public safe and to keep our Nation's airspace running efficiently. The more than 15,600 controllers are responsible for almost 1 billion passengers each year.

They handle dangerous and complex situations in a calm and professional manner, oftentimes working long shifts in dark rooms and monitoring many planes at one time. Their heroic efforts on September 11, during the miracle on the Hudson River landing of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, and during other incidents are all well-known.

Though, what we don't hear about are the dangerous situations they help to avert on a regular basis. I was pleased to include nine separate success stories in this resolution, but it is not a complete list. These types of stories happen every single day--averting accidents and disasters in the sky and on the ground.

The controllers help to make sure that air travel runs efficiently so that the planes avoid dangerous weather and so that families and businessmen and -women who are traveling reach their destinations as quickly as possible. We also must make sure that our air traffic controllers have the resources they need to do their jobs as well as they can.

We need to have greater investment in the modernization of the Nation's air traffic control system, which will create jobs and have an environmental, performance and safety benefit for all of us. As air traffic continues to grow, air traffic controllers must have the resources and technology needed to better carry out their mission.

I look forward to the completion of the FAA reauthorization bill, and I want to thank the committee for all of their hard work in conference.

Finally, we need to make sure our air traffic facilities are well staffed. In my State of New York, our controllers handle thousands of flights every single day that are departing, arriving, and traveling through the tightly packed New York airspace. I have enjoyed visiting facilities like the New York TRAYCON, located in Westbury, New York, which is in my district. Our air traffic facilities should be fully staffed with experienced controllers, and the facilities should be properly run in order to ensure the safety and welfare of the flying public. I look forward to continuing to work with the committee and with the FAA to make sure that this happens.

Once again, please join me in expressing gratitude to the Nation's air traffic controllers. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

I thank my colleague.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 5827. I fail to see why we need to protect guns in a bankruptcy proceeding.

This bill had no hearings. It was not marked up. It only had 21 cosponsors. Suspension bills should be reserved for noncontroversial items. I know for a fact anywhere from 80 to 100 of our Members will be voting against this. This bill should have gone through regular order.

Bankruptcy is a tough time for everybody. I sympathize greatly with individuals and families who are facing a bankruptcy. But as part of a bankruptcy proceeding, personal assets are turned over to bankruptcy trustees. The trustees collect assets--cars, boats, and so on. Bankruptcy calls for all of these items.

The process is designed to provide some protections for both the bankrupt individual and the one who is owed money. Some items are exempt as they

are essential to one's livelihood. We want someone in debt to be able to have a fresh start, and therefore the law prevents some items from being turned over.

Under Federal law, assets like homes, life insurance contracts, health aids, and retirement funds are exempt, with reasonable limits. What is special about guns, though, that they should have a special carve-out? And the bill language would allow any single gun worth thousands of dollars from being turned over.

Take, for example, an engraved shotgun costing tens of thousands of dollars or a .50 caliber sniper rifle worth thousands of dollars. The bankrupt individual would get to keep these guns. I understand the committee has brought up revised text to correct this loophole, but this is another reason why the bill should have gone through the normal process of hearings and a markup.

Furthermore, studies have shown that the presence of guns in households, especially those experiencing bankruptcy, enhances the risk of suicide, or even worse, murder-suicide. According to the National Violent Death Reporting System, more than 12 percent of firearm-related murder-suicides and suicides were brought on by financial problems. Stories of murder-suicides also include descriptions of financial struggles.

In June 2010, a California couple died in a murder-suicide and their 3-year-old son was shot multiple times. The couple's 5-year-old son told authorities that his father tried to shoot him, and then shot his mother and brother. The family started missing house payments in early 2009 and had filed for bankruptcy in February 2010.

In February 2010, a Florida couple died of gunshot wounds in a murder-suicide in what the St. Petersburg Times described as ``the end of a long history of money troubles.'' They had filed for bankruptcy in December 2004, listing more than $200,000 in debt. The couple's two younger daughters hid in the bathroom during the shooting.

In June 2009, a Florida family of four, including two children, was shot to death in a murder-suicide. According to records filed in Federal bankruptcy court, the parents were deeply in debt and had struggled for 5 years to get out. The couple had filed chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2004, and the trustee had constructed a plan for the couple to repay their debts, but they had failed to make the payments. The case was converted to a chapter 7, which forced the couple to liquidate their assets. A status hearing on the case was scheduled to occur 2 months after the murder-suicide.

This bill wrongly puts guns before the health and safety of families.

As far as the Second Amendment rights, especially with the Keller decision, people have the right to own guns--I am not disputing that. Again, we are talking about bankruptcy, and we are also talking about those who collect guns and who have many, many guns which are worth a lot of money, and they should be paying that debt.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

I thank the chairwoman, and I thank her for the work on bringing this issue to the floor. She basically has covered everything that certainly a lot of my constituents were concerned about.

I want to thank her also for accepting a number of my amendments that will encourage local government agencies who receive grant funds under the Outreach Program to coordinate with entities and agencies that have experience with certain populations in the communities, such as the disabled, older Americans, and minorities. We know that this is a complicated formula, but I believe that with this legislation, it's going to be much easier to go through it.

My other amendment would clarify that once a borrower sufficiently demonstrates to a lender they have purchased flood insurance within the 45 days, the lender must terminate the ``force-placed'' insurance. The force-placed insurance is something that's put in place until the insurance comes through, and I thank Ms. Waters for her work with me on getting this legislation through. It is going to help our constituents.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, I missed 3 votes. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows.

Rollcall No. 376, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Con. Res. 288, I would have voted ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 377, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. 546, I would have voted ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 378, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. 1407, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Laura DeStefano, the Award of Merit Winner for the 4th Congressional District's high school art competition, ``An Artistic Discovery.'' An Artistic Discovery recognizes and encourages the artistic talent in the Nation, as well as in each congressional district. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

Laura DeStefano, a resident of the 4th Congressional District, is currently a senior at East Meadow High School in East Meadow, New York. Ms. DeStefano offered her digital photography piece, ``Where the Side Walk Ends.'' Laura's eye for beauty is certainly a testament to her achievement.

The contest in the 4th Congressional District continues to flourish and I owe it to all of the talented students like Laura from our high schools that submitted their art to be displayed in this distinguished contest. It is essential for art programs and curricula to remain in our schools and communities. I believe that having a forum for our young people to express themselves in a creative way is extraordinarily important and I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that the arts are preserved.

The future of this country depends on the hopes and dreams of its children. Our community, and our Nation, is enhanced by the contributions of students like Laura DeStefano. Additionally, I would like to recognize the work of the teachers and administrators at East Meadow High School who dedicate their lives to their students. The staff is the backbone of the students' success and I thank them for all that they do on a daily basis.

Madam Speaker, it is with pride and admiration I offer my thanks and recognition to Laura DeStefano.