Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Today we're considering the deauthorization of a portion of a navigation channel in Washington, DC. The Washington Channel was authorized in 1935. Ms. Norton's bill would deauthorize a small portion of the project that is no longer necessary to ensure safe commercial navigation along the northern end of the Washington Channel. Neither the Army Corps of Engineers nor the U.S. Coast Guard has objections to this change in the Federal navigation channel.

The bill is noncontroversial. There are no costs associated with deauthorizing this portion of the Washington Channel. I fully support passage, and recommend my colleagues vote for and approve H.R. 5545.

I yield back the balance of my time.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5301.

Effective 11 days from now, commercial fishermen, charter boat operators, and owners of other commercial vessels less than 79 feet will have to apply for and receive individual permits from the EPA to discharge from their vessels such things as deck wash, bilge water, and condensation from air conditioning units. Vessels that operate without these permits could be subject to citizen lawsuits and fines that exceed $32,000 a day.

My bill simply extends the current moratorium for a few more years to ensure that the EPA has time to analyze the results of the study they conducted and develop proper permitting regulations. As the chairman indicated in his statement, we have the Clean Estuaries Act which is combined with this bill. We are happy to do this with Mr. Bishop.

Having said that, I am hopeful that we can move this bill today. I appreciate Chairman Oberstar's effort, but I just have a cautionary note, as the chairman has sort of indicated on a number of times, that the other body does not always act in a manner that we consider something they should do.

Mr. Oberstar, I think you understand that. And I hope we have a continued commitment to be able to make sure that this fishing boat problem can get solved before we leave one way or the other.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the House is considering the Senate amendments to H.R. 3360, the Cruise Ship Security and Safety Act of 2010. I supported passage of the original bill and intend to support this final version because, on the whole, the bill is a significant improvement over legislation that was considered by the House in the 110th Congress.

The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has closely examined the factors that are impacting the safety and security of American citizens aboard cruise ships that operate in and out of United States ports. H.R. 3360 makes commonsense improvements which will enhance safeguards for passengers during the cruise. While no level of procedural or structural modification can prevent all incidents from occurring, I believe this bill will significantly enhance the capabilities of both passengers and cruise lines in the future.

The bill will also codify an agreement between the FBI and cruise ship

lines which will require cruise operators to immediately notify Federal law enforcement agencies of major incidents that occur aboard a vessel.

I am concerned by one change that was included in the Senate bill to expand criminal liability to apply to a wide range of actions under the bill. This goes far beyond what was agreed to in the original House bill, and I believe we should review the impacts of this language at some point in the future.

That being said, the bill will provide additional protections to U.S. passengers, and I ask all Members to join me in supporting the bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my colleague from Texas, Congressman Poe, such time as he may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, this is purely technical. We have no objection.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, June 1, 2010, marks the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 81, in Ocean City, New Jersey. Flotilla 81 was the fifth Auxiliary unit formed in the United States and was made up of volunteering yachtsmen who had summer homes in Ocean City. Their first meeting was held at the Ocean City Yacht Club on June 1, 1940.

As the United States was thrust into World War II, the Coast Guard Auxiliary was reorganized in 1941 to include only civilians and civilian vessels. During World War II, the flotilla from Ocean City engaged in off-shore rescues and conducted observation patrols along the New Jersey coastline on a near daily basis, with 8 months of daily coverage in 1942--a mission which was unmatched by any other flotilla in the United States at that time. Even during the famous Hurricane of 1945, the Ocean City Flotilla played a major role in the rescue and preservation of lives and property by providing nearly 4,000 man-hours of service in a 3-day period.

After the war, the flotilla and the auxiliary went through an evolution. As changes in membership and activity caused other auxiliary flotillas to be deactivated, other auxiliaries began to fill a need for public education and vessel safety examinations.

As the mission of the Coast Guard has been expanded over the years, the importance of the auxiliary has grown. Congress is adding more responsibilities and the Coast Guard is increasing the training opportunities and duties for the auxiliary, and Flotilla 81 is leading the way. From important safety patrols and operational support to Coast Guard missions, to educational briefings on boating safety and vessel safety checks, Flotilla 81 is providing a vital service to the region, and serves as an example to the country.

With an honorable and distinguished history, and a dedicated and enthusiastic membership today, it is my honor and pleasure to recognize the 70th Anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 81 of Ocean City, New Jersey. I encourage all members to recognize the service of Coast Guard auxiliarists in their districts.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Clean Estuaries Act.

I want to particularly thank Chairman Oberstar for his continued leadership and for moving so very quickly on this important legislation. I would also like to thank Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Mr. Mica, and Mr. Boozman for their help on this very important issue as well. Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Bishop for his leadership and once again allowing me to join with him on an issue that we both find important and that we can make a difference with on a critical bill to keep our waters clean and to do this for future generations.

As we have heard, the bill would authorize the National Estuary Program for another 5 years, allow the program to expand protections to other watersheds and provide--and I think this is very important-- greater accountability on how taxpayer money is spent, something that we should be doing more of. The bill will improve transparency, also something very important, by establishing periodic reviews of management plans and by requiring partners to demonstrate results, something, again, that is very important that we see what the results are.

Partners that fall out of compliance with their plans will lose grant funds, and that's as it should be, because they should have to produce results. These changes will improve the National Estuary Program and enhance the protection of our Nation's estuaries while ensuring that the taxpayer is getting a strong return on investment.

In my district, the Delaware estuary is home to the second largest concentration of migrating shorebirds in the Western Hemisphere, which is pretty incredible when you think about it, as well as dozens of protected species and the largest population of horseshoe crabs in the world. The estuary is also home to over 5 million people and some of the largest refineries and chemical manufacturers on the east coast.

The group charged with understanding how to manage the demands of these two forces is the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. As one of the 28 designated NEP organizations, the Partnership has done an absolutely outstanding job, a tremendous job, to not only protect and enhance the Delaware estuary but also to raise the public awareness about the need to act responsibly and care for this unique ecosystem.

I want to commend the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary and the 27 other partnership organizations that have made the National Estuary Program so successful, and I urge all Members to support H.R. 4715.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this flawed health care bill.

Madam Speaker, we are all asking ourselves, What do the American people want to see from us with health care? They want to see health care more affordable, more accessible.

There are ways to do that in a bipartisan manner that we can agree on: buying health care across State lines, eliminating defensive medicine practices, preexisting conditions. Why aren't we doing it? That is the question America is asking. That is why America is upset.

My colleagues are asking us, me, whose side are we on? Unabashedly, on the side of my constituents, on the side of my health care providers, my doctors on Main Street, my hospitals on Main Street, my nurses on Main Street, who are the front line in providing health care, who don't want any part of this monstrosity, for a good reason. They and our constituents understand this is not the right way for America to go.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO as it marks its 20th anniversary as an advocate for our Nation's transportation workers. TTD serves an important role in helping policymakers and the American public understand the critical need to improve transportation and to support the men and women who help keep our Nation moving.

As the Representative for the 2nd Congressional District of New Jersey, transportation is

one of my top priorities. My State's transportation needs are growing and ever-changing. I frequently hear my constituents speak of their frustration at the steep personal and financial costs of transportation delays and inefficiencies. Our Nation's quality of life and our economic vitality are closely linked to the quality of our transportation networks. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation, I know how important it is to have safe and secure ports and waterways. It is critical that our Nation invest in this vital part of our economy, and that the men and women who work in the maritime industry are given the respect and support that they need to carry out their important work.

I am proud to work closely with TTD in pursuit of these shared goals. TTD is a serious, substantive organization--one truly committed to achieving results, not scoring political points. TTD understands that the transportation needs of our Nation know no partisan boundaries, whether it is average Americans traveling or commuting to work, or businesses needing reliable delivery of goods and services. Our entire Nation, regardless of region and local leadership, stands to gain from a safer, more modern transportation network, run by experienced, well- trained workers. TTD recognizes this and helps guide our shared bipartisan commitment to sensible transportation policies.

I congratulate TTD for its many accomplishments during its 20-year history. Transportation workers are at the core of our Nation's economic engine, and they have a well-respected voice and ally in the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. I look forward to continuing to work closely with them in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, as per the requirements of the Republican Conference Rules on earmarks, I secured the following earmarks in H.R. 3288.

Requesting Member: Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02)

Bill Number: HR 3288

Account: Air Force, Military Construction, Air National Guard

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: 108th Air Refueling Wing

Address of Requesting Entity: McGuire AFB, NJ

Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $9.7 million for construction of properly sized and adequately configured facilities to house the base engineer administrative, maintenance, and training functions, and readiness (disaster preparedness). Facilities support daily activities associated with maintaining/repairing base infrastructure and facilities for the ARW, and mobility requirements for the 108th Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) and readiness requirements.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I'd like to start off by saying that I strongly support H.R. 3618, the Clean Hull Act of 2009. I want to thank Mr. Cummings and Mr. Oberstar for their help and cooperation in putting this bill together. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure first considered the topics addressed by this bill in June, and I'm very pleased to see that we're considering legislation to implement these international rules so quickly.

The bill would adopt the requirements of the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships for purposes of U.S. law. Under the bill, use of toxic tin-based anti-fouling paints would be prohibited. These compounds have had a very negative significant impact on marine environments when they are leached into the water column from vessels' hulls. The United States has already taken steps to prohibit the use of these compounds by prohibiting the manufacture or sale of such marine paints. The bill would complete the process by allowing the United States to join as a party to the Convention in preventing foreign vessels treated with tin-based paints from entering U.S. waters.

I appreciate the assistance that has been provided by the Coast Guard and the EPA during the process to craft this bill, and I urge all Members to support the bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution but at this point I would like to yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gerlach) such time as he may consume.

Mr. Speaker, again I rise in strong support of the resolution and remind my colleagues that during this holiday season we have an opportunity to help remind drivers of the harmful consequences of distracted driving and that harmful consequence on loved ones and others. So I encourage all Members of Congress to join me in supporting this resolution.

I would like to insert into the Congressional Record correspondence received from the AAA organization.

Triple A,

Washington, DC, November 2, 2009.

Hon. Jim Gerlach,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Congressman Gerlach: AAA supports your resolution on

distracted driving, H. Res. 841, to designate November 29,

2009, as ``Drive Safer Sunday.'' Your effort is in line with

our own work to raise public awareness of the dangers posed

by distracted driving.

Recently, AAA and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

encouraged all drivers to participate in ``Heads Up Driving

Week'' from October 5-11. We asked drivers to take a first

step toward driving distraction-free by trying it for one

week, and then continuing that good habit for life. Drivers

were urged to sign a pledge committing to distraction-free

driving, and were provided 10 tips on how to eliminate

distractions from their daily travel. For your information, I

am enclosing the 10 tips that support the campaign.

AAA has also launched a state legislative campaign to pass

laws banning text messaging while driving in all 50 states by

2013. Enacting texting while driving bans is an important

step in reducing the incidence of this dangerous practice

among motorists nationwide. We'll also continue our work

through public education, driver training, and other safety

programs to discourage motorists from engaging in the broad

range of distractions that tempt them while behind the wheel.

AAA and a number of other safety groups recently sent a

letter urging Congress to take a comprehensive approach to

the issue of distracted driving. We urge Congress to support

funding for research, data collection, public education, law

enforcement and roadway countermeasures.

We support your goal of drawing public attention to the

dangers of distracted driving and the importance of traffic

safety. Thank you for your leadership on this important

issue.

Sincerely,

Jill Ingrassia,

Managing Director, Government Relations

and Traffic Safety Advocacy.

AAA 10 Tips To Minimize Distracted Driving

AAA and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety will be

asking motorists to participate by making Heads Up Driving

Week a distraction-free week of driving.

Using a cell phone, text messaging, or emailing are just

some of many possible distractions that divert drivers'

attention. Eating, talking with passengers, reading maps or

the newspaper, writing, personal grooming, and looking at

things outside the vehicle are among countless activities

that could create a substantial crash risk.

Below are 10 quick and easy ways drivers can minimize

distractions.

1. Plan Ahead. Read maps and check traffic conditions

before you get on the road.

2. Stow Electronic Devices. Turn off your phone before you

drive so you won't be tempted to use it while on the road.

Pull over to a safe place to talk on the phone or to send and

receive text messages or emails.

3. Prepare Kids and Pets for the Trip. Get the kids safely

buckled in and situated with snacks and entertainment before

you start driving. If they need additional attention during

the trip, pull off the road safely to care for them.

Similarly, prepare and secure pets appropriately in your

vehicle before getting underway.

4. Satisfy that Craving Off the Road. Eat meals and snacks

before getting behind the wheel, or stop to eat and take a

break if driving long-distance.

5. Store Loose Gear and Possessions. Stash away loose

objects that could roll around and take your attention away

from driving.

6. Get Your Vehicle Road-Ready. Adjust seat positions,

climate controls, sound systems and other devices before you

leave or while your vehicle is stopped. Make sure your

headlights are spotless so you can see everything on the road

and every other driver can see you better.

7. Dress for Success Before You Get in the Car. Your car

isn't a dressing room. Brush your hair, shave, put on make-

up, and tie your necktie before you leave or once you reach

your destination.

8. Get Your Brain in the Game. Focus on the task at hand--

driving safely. Scan the road, use mirrors and practice

commentary driving, identifying orally events and conditions

you may have to react to. Really focusing on maintaining your

thoughts about the road, when you're on the road, can help

enhance your engagement, your overall awareness and behavior

as a driver, and help you see the importance of ``being in

the game.''

9. Evaluate Your Own Behavior From the Other Side of the

Road. When you're on the road as a passenger or a pedestrian,

take a look around and honestly evaluate whether you might

have some of the same driving behaviors as those who you're a

little worried about as a passenger or pedestrian.

10. Enlist Passengers. Ask a passenger to help you with

activities that may be distracting.

These tips and further information about distracted driving

are available at www.AAAFoundation.org/HeadsUp.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3360, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009, and yield myself such time as I may consume.

I would like to state that I believe this language is a significant improvement over legislation that was considered by the House in the 110th Congress and mirrors language currently awaiting final action in the Senate.

The provisions of this legislation were also included as part of H.R. 3619, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, which the House overwhelmingly approved last month.

For several years the Committee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation has closely examined the factors impacting the safety and security of American citizens aboard cruise ships that operate in and out of U.S. ports. H.R. 3360 makes commonsense improvements which will enhance safeguards for passengers during a cruise. While no level of procedural or structural modifications can prevent all incidents from occurring, I believe this bill will significantly enhance the capabilities of both passengers and cruise lines in the future.

The bill will also codify an agreement between the FBI and cruise lines which will require cruise operators to

immediately notify Federal law enforcement agencies of major incidents that occur aboard a vessel.

I support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to yield 5 minutes to my colleague from Arizona (Mr. Shadegg).

Mr. Speaker, I am now pleased to yield 5 minutes to my colleague from Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to my colleague from Indiana (Mr. Souder).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support the legislation, congratulate the sponsor, thank Mr. Oberstar and Mr. Cummings, and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in strong support of this resolution, H. Res. 891, and thank the sponsor for the introduction. Our Nation suffered a tragic loss last month when seven coastguardsmen and two marines were killed when their military aircraft collided off the coast of California. These men and women died while performing critically important missions for our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, this is a very tragic reminder to the entire Nation of the sacrifices that our men and women are making for all the rest of us. They put their lives on the line each and every day. Some people think that only happens in the theater of war, but in reality it happens every day with every man and woman who is serving our Nation.

We join their families and their friends and their loved ones in mourning their passing and we pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice they have made in service to our country, another reminder that as they put on the uniform, this is an all-volunteer Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard and Marines that serve our Nation so adequately and so well, putting the Nation first, putting the Nation before themselves. I can't imagine the loss the families must be feeling with what should have been just a routine mission.

The investigation into the cause of the accident has just begun, but I hope we will have the results soon and that we can take appropriate actions to ensure that our armed services have the

tools they need to prevent a similar tragedy from ever occurring again.

I will now reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Herger).

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble).

Once again, Madam Speaker, we join with the Nation in our thoughts and prayers for the families and for those who have lost their lives in honoring all those who serve. I urge all of my colleagues to support the resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, as per the requirements of the Republican Conference rules on earmarks, I secured the following earmarks included in the conference report accompanying H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act:

Requesting Member: Rep. Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02)

Bill Number: HR 3183

Account: Army Corps Investigations

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers

Address of Requesting Entity: 100 Penn Square East, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Description of Request: Request an earmark of $90,000 to continue a Congressionally authorized study and design of a shore protection project for the Wildwoods. The project's formal name is N.J. Shore Protection, Hereford Inlet to Cape May Inlet, N.J.

Requesting Member: Rep. Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02)

Bill Number: HR 3183

Account: Army Corps Investigations

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers

Address of Requesting Entity: 100 Penn Square East, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Description of Request: Request an earmark of $90,000 to continue a Congressionally authorized study and design of methods to provide long term renourishment of the N.J. shoreline. The project's formal name is N.J. Shoreline Alternative Long Term Nourishment, N.J.