Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated public service of Lisa and Peter Verniero, the 2014 honorees of the SAFE in Hunterdon Evening of Awareness.

I have known the Vernieros for a generation and I can attest that their recognition as the SAFE in Hunterdon Evening of Awareness honorees is well-earned. Together, Lisa and Peter have a remarkable tenure of service to Hunterdon County and the State of New Jersey.

Lisa is a devoted advocate for those who benefit from the mission of SAFE in Hunterdon. She is a thoughtful, caring and determined leader who has helped craft and sustain SAFE in Hunterdon as well as a generous benefactor, fundraiser and organizer to help provide the resources for this success.

Peter is a public servant whose tenure as New Jersey State Attorney General and Justice of the State Supreme Court was marked with dedication to serving all of our residents, including those most in need. His efforts to protect children and victims of crime and sexual abuse were landmark examples of good judgment, important public policy and justice under the law. Peter also recently served on the New Jersey SAFE Task Force on Gun Protection, Addiction, Mental Health and Families that examined the root causes of violence and made recommendations to help improve the situation.

Lisa and Peter are committed to doing their part to break the cycle of abuse and empower survivors, their families and all victims of crime through the support networks that have helped construct. Their advocacy is just one example of the fine public servants who support SAFE in Hunterdon and the community of compassion that exists for those who need it most.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Girl Scouts of America as the organization celebrates its 102nd anniversary. More than 60 million Americans, and thousands of young women in my district, have been part of the premier leadership organization for girls.

The mission of the Girl Scouts has been to introduce girls to positive role models and experiences. Activities in science and technology, business and economic literacy, outdoor awareness and team building make them women of courage, confidence and character.

I applaud the Girl Scouts for more than a century of distinguished public service and the girls in my community for their achievements.

Thank you, Mr. Terry, and thank you for your leadership on this issue. I am honored to serve on the subcommittee that you chair.

The discussion this evening has been on unemployment insurance, and that is a worthy discussion. Almost all Americans want to work. The best way for Americans to work is for jobs to be created. The unemployment rate in this country is far too high and the labor participation rate in this country is at a 30-year low.

To those of us who are concerned particularly about the labor participation rate, the best way to get that rate up and to have jobs created is to create jobs, and that is what the Keystone pipeline will do.

Like many Americans and, certainly, like many Americans whom I represent in north/central New Jersey, I have been incredibly frustrated by the repeated and unnecessary delays in moving forward with the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.

As Chairman Terry has pointed out, it has been more than 2,000 days since TransCanada filed its first application to build Keystone. This is a disappointing milestone for this important economic and energy project.

2,000 days is a long time, and not making a decision is making a decision. It is making a negative decision. The people of the United States deserve a decision to be made and, in my judgment, deserve an affirmative decision.

We, of course, have passed legislation in this regard. I am very proud of the Energy and Commerce Committee on which Mr. Terry and I serve. American-made energy production is one of the few bright spots in today's struggling U.S. economy.

This is due to a series of factors, and of course, our abundance of American gas is at the heart of that. As innovation leads to greater production, the Energy and Commerce Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Fred Upton and of the united effort of those of us on the Republican side, we have been working together to pass measures that will bring increased American-made energy to consumers and businesses.

The Keystone XL pipeline is an important piece of our all-of-the- above energy policy strategy, and we believe--and I think this is demonstrated conclusively--that this will help lower energy costs, create jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil.

Foreign sources of oil, of course, come from dangerous parts of the world, not only the Middle East, but Venezuela as well. We need to be less dependent on foreign sources of oil, and that is why we have promoted the all-of-the-above strategy.

Those who have opposed the Keystone project cite environmental concerns. I certainly respect environmental concerns. I try to be a strong environmentalist, and I know my colleagues on both sides of the aisle try to be strong environmentalists.

The U.S. State Department report regarding environmental concerns related to Keystone found that the project would have a minimal negative impact on the environment. I believe that we should look at the science and what has been demonstrated, that this would not negatively affect the environment in any meaningful way.

The State Department report also outlined some of the other benefits that would come with the project--as Chairman Terry has pointed out-- 42,000 direct and indirect jobs, this at a time when our economy needs to have more in the workforce, so that we can rely less heavily on unemployment insurance, rely more heavily on getting Americans back to work, and make sure that our labor participation rate increases.

The report also indicates that there would be 3,900 construction jobs. These are high-paying jobs. This is what America should really be about: construction, making things. That has been the history of America, certainly in most parts of this country.

This would be of enormous benefit not only to the center of the country, but, in my judgment, to the entire country. Of course, the report also says that there is an estimated $3.4 billion in a boost to our economy.

I was interested to read the testimony today of General James Jones, the distinguished former National Security Adviser to President Obama. He came out in favor of the Keystone pipeline today, as has been referenced by Chairman Terry and by my distinguished colleague from Arkansas, and I am sure by others who will speak this evening.

General Jones has had a distinguished career in service to the United States of America, a career regarding our national security.

There are national security concerns, Chairman Terry, regarding the Keystone pipeline. Canada is one of our best friends. Canada has stood with us. We can recall all of the times in the past where Canadians have come to help the United States.

Recently, in Mexico, there was a summit among the Prime Minister of Canada, the President of Mexico, and the President of the United States. Certainly, the Prime Minister of Canada favors the construction of Keystone. That is one of the many reasons that we should move forward with Keystone.

Most important of all is our own national security, our own creation of jobs, but also we should be a friend to Canada as Canada has been a friend to us. If we do not build it, then, of course, the Canadians might look elsewhere. They might turn east to China, yet another reason to build Keystone.

Of course, the situation that now exists regarding Russia and its terrible actions involving the Crimea and perhaps even other parts of Ukraine, yet another reason, in my judgment, to build Keystone.

After enduring more than 5 years of review of red tape and of delay, I do not believe there is any reason left for President Obama not to approve Keystone XL and to approve it immediately.

I would urge the President, in all sincerity, to examine what is best in the interest of the United States, to examine what is best in the interest of making sure that we move forward together.

It is time to create U.S. jobs from this aspect of energy. It is time to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil from unstable sources. It is time to build the Keystone pipeline, long past time.

Mr. Terry, I commend your leadership this evening.

Mr. Speaker, there is uncertainty in volunteer fire departments across the country, including in my home State of New Jersey, about the negative consequences of ObamaCare's harmful employer mandate. That is why I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3685, the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act.

Designating volunteer firefighters as paid employees under ObamaCare is bad public policy. It threatens public safety. The passage of this legislation will provide a permanent statutory solution that will ensure our Nation's volunteer first responders are protected from ObamaCare's employer mandate.

I urge passage of H.R. 3685.

Mr. Speaker, this week in Washington we welcome representatives from across the country attending the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference, the largest gathering in our Nation of friends of the Jewish State. Representatives come to the Nation's Capital to highlight the importance of the partnership between the United States and Israel and work together toward common interests and goals.

I have the honor of serving as cochair of the House Republican Israel Caucus, where protecting, strengthening, and promoting the U.S.-Israel relationship is the top priority.

Just this week, under the leadership of Congresswoman Ileana Ros- Lehtinen, the House passed legislation designating Israel as a major strategic partner of the United States. I commend Congresswoman Ros- Lehtinen on her leadership in expanding U.S.-Israel cooperation in defense, energy, and science.

As the Iranian regime continues to advance its nuclear ambitions and current events continually demonstrate that we live in a dangerous world, it is important that Congress reaffirm our support for and commitment to our close friend and ally, Israel.

Mr. Speaker, this week we recognize the work of the tireless advocates for rare diseases. I had the honor of serving as the Republican chair of the Congressional Rare Disease Caucus. I consider it a very important responsibility as part of my service here and an honor to work for innovative treatments, new technologies, and to build an atmosphere of appreciation and understanding on Capitol Hill with the hard work of all the patient advocates. Their passion is often driven by the care of loved ones, and their personal stories are profiles in courage.

Hearing from countless advocates, many of whom are here in Washington this week, gives the members of the caucus renewed energy and purpose. Events held during Rare Disease Week highlight what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done, and there is a lot to do, but we will do it together.

I am working on important legislation in this area, the bipartisan Modernizing Our Drug and Diagnostics Evaluation and Regulatory Network, or MODDERN, Cures Act. It will update the Nation's drug evaluation process to encourage the discovery and development of new treatments for chronic and rare diseases. The measure will also create a system that rewards efficiency and effectiveness to the benefit of all persons with rare diseases.

The MODDERN Cures Act will encourage the development of drugs abandoned in the development process. It will create a new category of drugs known as dormant therapies for compounds with insufficient patent protection, drugs that offer the promise to treat conditions with unmet medical needs.

Updating regulatory networks such as patent reform will help open the pipeline for new innovations and therapies. Patients with degenerative conditions, cancers, and rare diseases await the genius of these new solutions. While we do not know the cause or cure of many of these rare diseases or cancers, we do know that awareness is the best protection, information is the best tool for innovation, and well-rounded care during and after treatment is the best therapy. That is our mission in the caucus: to work together to find solutions that make a lasting difference.

I again thank the families and the advocates whose challenges we may never completely understand, but whose commitment to their loved ones is unyielding and inspiring. The caucus pursues its mission in their name.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mary Sue Sweeney Price for her outstanding leadership of the Newark Museum as its Director and Chief Executive Officer. The Newark Museum, the largest in the State of New Jersey, is a respected public institution that has built a national reputation as a museum of service to the larger community, State and Nation and as a leader in the collection of objects, ideas, innovations, artifacts and documentation that tell the story of our rich culture and accomplished history.

In countless ways the Museum has grown under Mary Sue's tenure, expanding its holdings and exhibits on its eight-building, 80-gallery campus. She oversaw the restoration of the 1885 Ballantine House, the opening of the interactive Victoria Hall of Science and the dedication of Horizon Plaza, the Museum's new entrance. The education division has flourished, visitation and donors have grown, an international symposium has been initiated and groundbreaking exhibitions have heightened public discourse.

Mary Sue is the recipient of numerous awards including the coveted Katherine Coffey Award, which is the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums' highest honor for distinguished achievement. She has received honorary degrees from Rutgers University, Drew University, Caldwell College and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. She has also attended Harvard University's Publishing Procedures Program, served as President of the Association of Art Museum Directors and sat on the Newark Arts Council. Mary Sue and her spouse, Rutgers historian Dr. Clement Alexander Price, have helped launch a renaissance that is transforming Newark, the City that they love and where they live.

Mary Sue has been associated with the Newark Museum for the past 38 years, including 20 years as its Director. I became a friend and admirer of her work as a member of its Board of Trustees. I have seen her intense vision and energy profoundly reshape the organization founded by the visionary John Cotton Dana in 1909. I thank her for her dedicated public service to the Museum, to the City of Newark, to the State of New Jersey and, indeed, to the arts and cultural history of the United States. I commend her for her lasting legacy of excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act.

My colleagues have told the story of Gabriella Miller. She was one of the many young people every year who leaves this world too early due to disease. Too many families share this grief.

Today, we take a step in making a difference in the lives of those who are struggling with pediatric diseases and disorders, such as cancer and autism. Today, Congress, in working together, will target taxpayer funding for scientific research and lifesaving treatments that can lead to better outcomes and, I hope, someday, to a cure.

Especially during the holiday season, we should be thankful for our many blessings. I am thankful, in part, for the families and advocates whose challenges we may never understand but whose commitment and love for their children is unyielding and inspiring. Today, we take action in their name.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dover High School of Dover, New Jersey for being named a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.

The Department of Education acknowledges schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals. Dover High School is a proud example of academic excellence where students have high levels of performance, stellar student achievement and where educators facilitate a strong learning environment.

I congratulate the students, faculty and community on this high honor. This is a prestigious award to receive and Dover High School is a proud example of academic excellence and worthy of this national distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Morris County School of Technology of Denville, New Jersey for being named a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.

The Department of Education acknowledges schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals. Union Morris County School of Technology is a proud example of academic excellence where students have high levels of performance, stellar student achievement and where educators facilitate a strong learning environment.

I congratulate the students, faculty and community on this high honor. This is a prestigious award to receive and Morris County School of Technology is a proud example of academic excellence and worthy of this national distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Academy for Information Technology of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, for being named a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.

The Department of Education acknowledges schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals. The Academy for Information Technology is a proud example of academic excellence where students have high levels of performance, stellar student achievement and where educators facilitate a strong learning environment.

I congratulate the students, faculty and community on this high honor. This is a prestigious award to receive and the Academy for Information Technology is a proud example of academic excellence and worthy of this national distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Union County Magnet High School of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, for being named a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.

The Department of Education acknowledges schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals. Union County Magnet High School is a proud example of academic excellence where students have high levels of performance, stellar student achievement and where educators facilitate a strong learning environment.

I congratulate the students, faculty and community on this high honor. This is a prestigious award to receive and Union County Magnet High School is a proud example of academic excellence and worthy of this national distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize St. Rose of Lima Academy of Short Hills, New Jersey for being named a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.

The Department of Education acknowledges schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals. St. Rose of Lima Academy is a proud example of academic excellence where students have high levels of performance, stellar student achievement and where educators facilitate a strong learning environment.

I congratulate the students, faculty and community on this high honor. This is a prestigious award to receive and St. Rose of Lima Academy is a proud example of academic excellence and worthy of this national distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Immaculate Conception School of Annandale, New Jersey for being named a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.

The Department of Education acknowledges schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals. Immaculate Conception School is a proud example of academic excellence where students have high levels of performance, stellar student achievement and where educators facilitate a strong learning environment.

I congratulate the students, faculty and community on this high honor. This is a prestigious award to receive and Immaculate Conception School is a proud example of academic excellence and worthy of this national distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Private First Class John Lance Lindaberry of Long Valley, New Jersey who honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. Mr. Lindaberry was a member of the 2nd Battalion of the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, and killed in action on Nov. 16, 1967.

Mr. Lindaberry was graduated from West Morris Central High School in 1966, and joined the Army in 1967. He was loved by his family and the community, especially his fellow parishioners at the Highlands Presbyterian Church.

Long Valley continues to honor the memory of Mr. Lindaberry at its annual Memorial Day services, as well as other fallen service members.