Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, there is a great debate here in Congress about how we go about reforming health care in the United States. I've tried to work in a bipartisan capacity with the majority, but the Democratic leadership's health care reform plan is a governmental takeover of health care that will lead to fewer jobs, higher taxes, and, ultimately, less health care coverage for New Jerseyans.

Most disappointing to me is the fact that the Democratic health plan would increase, not reduce, our Nation's burgeoning long-term health costs, a step in the wrong direction. And according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, instead of saving the Federal Government from fiscal catastrophe, the Democratic health care proposal would already worsen the situation that is out of control, an $11 trillion debt that is rising rapidly.

Democrats should put aside their $1.5 trillion health care plan and take a hard look at the affordable and effective Medical Rights and Reform Act put forth by the Republican Tuesday Group. Together, we can find real solutions to make health care affordable.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3170--the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010:

Small Business Administration (Salaries and Expenses)--Pennval Road Green Technology Incubator, Township of Woodbridge, N.J., $250,000.

The entity to receive this funding is: Township of Woodbridge, One Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.

Woodbridge Township seeks to redevelop a brownfields site on Pennval Road into a Green Technology Incubator as a means of attracting economic development and encouraging job growth in the Township and the region. Consistent with the recently adopted New Jersey Energy Master Plan, which prioritizes the creation of a green technology and industrial sector in New Jersey alongside other goals such as enhanced conservation and efficiency, Woodbridge is embarking upon a redevelopment that will rely upon sustainable construction technologies for its physical facilities that will house the Incubator and promote business development and job creation specifically focused on fostering a clean energy/technology business cluster in the Township.

As conceived, the Pennval Road Green Technology Incubator will involve construction of facilities using energy efficient design, encourage the location of businesses or organizations which generate or facilitate generation of forms of renewable energy, energy efficient transportation and industrial process firms, and academic and public/ private energy research and consulting activities. Woodbridge will also be establishing academic partnerships with local institutions of higher education to teach sustainable best practices onsite and provide real- world experiences for their students in the businesses that choose to locate themselves at the Incubator. Finally, a portion of the redevelopment area is being set aside as the site of a solar array to generate renewable energy that will power the Incubator and potentially other users in the vicinity.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3183--the FY 2010 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

Army Corps of Engineers (Investigations), Millstone River Basin, NJ Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Study--$250,000. The funding would be used to continue the federally authorized feasibility study to develop flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration alternatives in the Millstone River Basin. The entity to receive this funding is: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278

Army Corps of Engineers (Investigations) Rahway River Basin, NJ Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Study--$300,000.

The funding would be used to continue the federally authorized feasibility study to develop flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration alternatives in the Rahway River Basin.

The entity to receive this funding is: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278

Department of Energy (EERE) Energy Audit, Efficiency Improvements, and Renewable Energy Installations, Township of Branchburg, NJ-- $1,000,000.

The funding would be used for engineering, construction and administrative costs for the design and installation of NJ Clean Energy Program--local government energy audit energy efficiency improvements and for the installation of Renewable Energy Installations (solar power) for major components of Branchburg Township Buildings and Grounds facilities.

The entity to receive this funding is: Township of Branchburg, 1077 Highway 202 North, Branchburg Township, NJ 08876

Department of Energy (EERE) Municipal Building Energy Efficient Window Replacement Program, Township of Cranford, NJ--$180,000.

This money will be spent to reduce the energy costs of heating and air-conditioning the Municipal Building by replacing 45 old windows that were built in 1960 with energy efficient windows.

The entity to receive this funding is: Township of Cranford, 8 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Warren Township, New Jersey, for being named one of Money magazine's top 100 places to live for 2009. Warren Township was ranked sixth in the Nation in the magazine's annual rankings.

Located in the heart of the Watchung Mountains 35 miles west of New York City in Somerset County, New Jersey, Warren Township is not your typical big city suburb. Once described as ``the greenest place in New Jersey,'' Warren Township is home to major corporations like Chubb Insurance and Citigroup. Yet the community retains its rural character through open space and its 72 working farms.

Good schools and family friendly township recreation, among other things, make Warren Township just one of the many great places in New Jersey to live, work and raise a family.

Congratulations to Warren Township. I'm proud to be the township's representative in Washington.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2647--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010:

Authorized Amount: $4,800,000.00

Project Name: Tactical Metal Fabrication (TacFab)

Funding Account/Service: RDA, Army

PE Number: 0602601A, Combat Vehicle and Automotive Technology Line Number: 13

Intended Recipient: SeaBox Inc., 450 Black Horse Lane, No. Brunswick,

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2996, The FY 2010 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Account: STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project

Amount: $500,000

Project: Railroad Avenue/Main Street stormwater improvements, Borough of Califon, NJ

Recipient: Borough of Califon, 39 Academy Street, Califon, NJ 07830

The funding would be used for reconstruction of the storm water conveyance system to reduce flooding, meet storm water management standards, and to enhance storm water quality in the Borough of Califon, New Jersey.

Much of the historic core of the Borough of Califon was developed during the mid-late 19th century. Drainage systems were constructed to collect and deliver stormwater to waterpower sites. Considerable segments of the original drainage infrastructure remain and are antiquated. The current drainage ways are susceptible to frequent flooding. During flooding events, recharge to groundwater is reduced, suspended solids and floatables by-pass normal catchments, and septic systems are inundated. The quality of receiving waters is degraded.

A reoccurring flooding problem exists along an unnamed tributary which traverses a natural, wooded area between Academy Street and Main St. Severe flooding occurs as flows overtop the existing channel and then sheet overland along Railroad Avenue and Main Street. Flooding along the area reoccurs on a regular basis and results in the degradation of water quality of the downstream receiving watercourses.

In general, the problem is inadequate capacity of the conveyance system of open channels, pipes and culverts. Reconstruction of the system is needed to reduce flooding, meet current stormwater management standards and to enhance stormwater quality.

This project is consistent with environmental criteria established by the State of New Jersey to improve stormwater systems and water quality. Since the stormwater from the area of this project enters the South Branch of the Raritan River, which flows directly through the center of the Borough of Califon, the benefits of this project are far reaching.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R.--the Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), State and Local Programs--Emergency Operations Center, Union County, NJ. The entity to receive funding for this project is:

County of Union, One Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

The funding would be used to expand the capabilities of the Union County Emergency Operations Center to connect with each municipal police, fire and emergency management office, and also to serve as a redundant center to Union County Fire Mutual Aid and all 2 municipal departments during an emergency.

Madam Speaker, later this month, doctors of optometry from around the country will assemble at the Gaylord Resort at National Harbor for Optometry's Meeting', the American Optometric Association's 111th annual convention. On Saturday, June 27th, Dr. Randolph E. Brooks of Saccasunna, New Jersey will be elected as the association's 88th president. Randy's enthusiasm and many contributions to his profession earned him this prestigious recognition.

Doctors of optometry are the nation's largest eye care profession serving patients in nearly 6,500 communities nationwide, and in more than 3,500 of these communities they are the only eye doctors. Dr. Brooks has dedicated his life to serving the public both as an optometrist and a community leader.

Dr. Brooks' dedication and motivation will propel him to a most successful term as he leads the American Optometric Association in its mission to improve eye care in the United States.

Dr. Brooks has compiled an impressive record in his profession and his community. After graduating from the State University of New York at Albany, Dr. Brooks enrolled at the New England College of Optometry and later established Advanced Eyecare Associates, a three doctor practice in New Jersey with specialty interests in ocular disease, contact lenses, pediatric eye care and vision therapy. Starting out in 1977 in Budd Lake, New Jersey and later moving to Ledgewood, Dr. Brooks has grown his practice to a staff of fifteen at the Ledgewood facility.

Dr. Brooks was first elected to the American Optometric Association's Board of Trustees in 2000. Prior to the election to the AOA Board, Dr. Brooks was twice named the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians' Optometrist of the Year. He also is a past president of the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians. Randy's leadership record extends to his community service as a Paul Harris Fellow of the Roxbury Rotary Club, past president of the Mount Olive Lions Club, and as a Board of Directors member of Temple Shalom.

Dr. Randolph Brooks has distinguished himself in the Northwestern New Jersey community through his unique vision and spirit. l wish to convey heartfelt congratulations to Randy and his family on the occasion of his installation as the 88th president of the American Optometric Association, as well as many thanks for working to enrich the lives of those around him.

I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Dr. Randolph E. Brooks.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2487--the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010:

DOJ-COPS Technology Account. Woodbridge, New Jersey Interoperable Law Enforcement Trunked Digital Radio System--$500,000. The entity to receive funding for this project is: Township of Woodbridge, One Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.

The funding would be used to replace the antiquated patchwork of over 40 year old radio systems with a UHF Trunked Digital Simulcast Radio Communications System that will allow for interoperable communications between Woodbridge police, firefighters, first response and municipal employees and add emergency response capabilities at the Township's 24 public school facilities.

DOJ-COPS Technology Account. Summit, NJ Regional Police and Emergency Management Interoperable Communication Network and Facility-- $1,000,000. The entity to receive funding for this project is:City of Summit, 512 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901.

The funding would be used to design and build a state-of-the-art dispatch and emergency management operations center utilizing the most current radio, computer, internet and supplementary communications equipment, capable of providing a completely interoperable communications network capable of providing emergency services to a full-time population of at least 46,000 residents.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Dr. Virginia Apgar of Westfield, New Jersey to celebrate her life and achievements with her family and friends, and with my colleagues here in the United States Congress and with the American people.

Were she still alive today Dr. Apgar would have observed her 100th birthday this month.

Born on June 7, 1909, Dr. Apgar enjoyed a long distinguished career in medicine, education, public health and devoted a significant amount of efforts to preventing birth defects of infants around the world.

Educated at Mount Holyoke College and Columbia University, she became the director of anesthesiology at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1938. In 1949, Dr. Apgar became the first full-time professor of her gender at Columbia University, overcoming the challenges for exceptionally talented women in higher education.

While millions of parents around the world in the last half of this century may not have known Dr. Apgar, they do know her last name well. The Apgar Score--which she created in 1952--is a straightforward and efficient system designed to evaluate the vital signs of newborns at birth. It is still in use today around the world.

The method she developed was the first time in public health that addressed the needs of newborns in the very early minutes of their

life after birth. The Apgar Score measures a newborn's appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration. It has helped predict newborn survival and reduce infant mortality. Her efforts have changed the lives of millions.

Dr. Apgar was a dedicated advocate of the March of Dimes. She initiated programs to promote rubella immunization for infants and helped convene the first Committee on Prenatal Health, which produced a milestone study on the regionalization of pre-natal care in the United States in 1976.

While Dr. Virginia Apgar is not with us today, I would like to commend her for her lifetime of achievements. Not only do parents around the world appreciate her Apgar Scores, she has made numerous contributions to infant health.

It is my pleasure to remember Virginia Apgar on the anniversary of her 100th birthday and share her wonderful life story with my colleagues in the United States Congress and with the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Montgomery Township's John V. Warms who passed away June 13 at the age of 71.

Born and raised in Newark, NJ, John Warms was a resident of the Skillman section of Montgomery for more than 36 years.

A graduate of Carteret Academy, Montclair State College and Seton Hall University, John spent 32 years with the New Jersey Education Association as a field representative, negotiator and teacher rights case manager.

He was also an active member of state and national education professional associations. Mr. Warms is known for developing special national projects such as ``Read Across America'' and Drug-Free School Zones. And he helped to establish the Paul Demetrious Fund, and with the help of his friends and neighbors established the National Staff Organization and served as its president for 25 years.

Throughout this lifetime, John received many awards, most importantly the ACLU Roger Baldwin Civil Liberties Award. Following retirement, John was a vice-president of Teachscape, a professional development company for teachers.

He also represented New Jersey Probation Officers and served as a legal consultant for the Klausner Hunter law firm. Most recently, John served as special assistant to the president of Raritan Valley Community College for developmental projects.

John Warms' passion for education and advocacy for teachers and students came from his personal experiences--he was himself a teacher at Winfield Park and Piscataway school systems.

John Warms was a bedrock in the community in which he lived. He served three terms on the Montgomery Township Committee with his most recent term ending in 2007. John Warms proudly served as mayor of Montgomery during 1992.

John's civic involvement also included liaisons with the Montgomery Police Department and Recreation Committee; Skillman Village negotiations with New Jersey; Route 206 modifications, and served on the Planning Board. He was a member of the Princeton B.P.O. Elks, and was a leader in the ``Operation Friends'' campaign to provide relief for Hurricane Katrina victims in Alabama.

John Warms also coached several middle and high school soccer and baseball teams, traveling soccer and baseball teams, and was the president of the Montgomery High School Booster Club.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Peg, and children Christopher of Hamilton, Peter and Joanne of Lambertville and Annie of Lawrenceville. Also surviving are three delightful grandsons, Tanner Kell, Cole and Thomas Warms.

Thank you John Warms for your contributions to the Montgomery community and New Jersey as a whole. You will be greatly missed.

Madam Speaker, last week, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the repayment of TARP funds from 10 banks totaling $68.3 billion returned to the TARP program. The TARP repayment news is a promising sign that our beleaguered financial system is beginning to stabilize and taxpayer funds are being returned.

While many of my colleagues and I have called for these repayments to be applied to help pay down the national debt, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has indicated that the returned funds would ``free up resources'' for future bailout loans.

I respectfully disagree with the Secretary's position that these moneys should be reused in the future. The repaid taxpayer funds should only be used to pay down the ever-growing national debt.

I call on Congress to pass H.R. 2119, legislation I am cosponsoring that would require the Treasury to apply returned TARP funds to debt reduction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, which provides needed assistance to State and local law enforcement agencies and allows the Department of Justice to investigate crimes committed on the basis of the victim's race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

This legislation mirrors laws passed in 28 States, including in the State of New Jersey. We in New Jersey are proud of the legislation we have enacted in this regard. Violence based on prejudice is a matter of national concern. Federal prosecutors should be empowered to help States.

Mr. Speaker, on the wall of the national memorial honoring Franklin Roosevelt, the following words are written: ``We must scrupulously guard the civil rights and civil liberties of all citizens, whatever their background. We must remember that any oppression, any injustice, any hatred is a wedge designed to attack our civilization.'' This statement is as true today as when Franklin Roosevelt spoke it nearly 70 years ago.

I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, and I look forward to its passage and, I hope, to its signature into law this year.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Paul McGill of Hunterdon County for his outstanding efforts on behalf of the Shannon Daley Memorial Fund. The Shannon Daley Memorial Fund was established by approximately 70 Hunterdon County members of the Readington Men's Basketball League who came together to raise money and support for families of children suffering with catastrophic illnesses.

On Friday, April 24, 2009, Paul McGill will be recognized by the United Way of Hunterdon County as their Community Volunteer of the Year. The evening will celebrate Paul's volunteerism and recognize his achievements as the officer and chief operating officer for the Shannon Daley Memorial Fund.

Paul has devoted significant portions of his personal time to insure the continued success of the charity--which includes a significant amount of time devoted to fundraising. In addition to fundraising, Paul provides extensive leadership for the Shannon Daley Fund and has developed close personal relationships with Hunterdon County residents and businesses to support the cause. He has done and continues to do an outstanding job to help families in need.

For those who know Paul, he is a true inspiration, an exemplary volunteer and an outstanding community leader. Paul McGill has truly made a difference in the lives of so many families in Hunterdon County and I am proud of his efforts.

I am pleased to share the good deeds of Paul McGill with my colleagues in the United States Congress and with the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Marie A. Maier of Hope Township, New Jersey as she reaches an amazing milestone in life and celebrates her 100th birthday on Thursday, March 26, 2009 with her family, friends and local community and governmental leaders.

I have personally known Marie Maier for many years and she has always been a wonderful inspiration to everyone around her. This is exceptionally so for members of her family, her friends and her neighbors.

Marie A. Kroener was born on March 26, 1909 in New York City to Henry and Evan Kroener. On November 29, 1933, she was married to Hermann R. Maier and she enjoyed an outstanding business career as a legal assistant for what is now modern day Texaco. She also served as an accountant for her husband's business, Educational Placements, and worked in her father's restaurant and micro-brewery on Staten Island.

Marie and her husband founded Educational Products Company, which manufactured the first plastic cookie cutters in the United States and they further distinguished themselves as the owners-operators of the renowned Land of Make Believe, which is the oldest and largest water and amusement park in New Jersey.

Additionally, Marie has given generously of her time, talents and resources to a wide range of civic and community organizations, including as one of the founding members of the Sussex and North Warren Girls Scouts Council and President of North Warren Girl Scouts Council, as Past President of the Hope Historical Society and as an active and tireless member of the Blair Women's Club.

Marie takes pride in her children and she takes especial delight in her two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. As she observes the important milestone of her 100th birthday, her family, friends and community leaders are especially appreciative of her valuable and irreplaceable presence in their lives.

Marie Maier continues to make amazing contributions to her family and to her community.

It is my pleasure to congratulate her on her 100th birthday and to share her wonder life story with my colleagues in the United States Congress and with the American people.