Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1321, a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives to resolve the political crisis in Thailand peacefully and through democratic means.

Thailand has proven to be an essential ally of the United States. As a strong democracy in Southeast Asia, Thailand provides assistance to the United States on a number of fronts including in the war in Afghanistan and in curtailing North Korea's nuclear proliferation efforts by intercepting unauthorized shipments.

For these reasons and others (including a robust trading partnership between the U.S. and Thailand), Thailand must continue to be a reliable ally in the Southeast Asia region. The United States must make available all necessary diplomatic tools to re-engage all parties and come to a peaceful, yet decisive end to the domestic turmoil.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me today in support of solving the conflicts in Thailand peacefully and efficiently.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 1405, a Resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the independence and self-determination of seventeen African nations from the rule of France, Italy and Great Britain.

The United States of America is dedicated to the advancement of freedom and democracy, and the African nations have proven to be open to the process of democratization, despite the many obstacles that have stood in their way. These nations have fought, struggled, and died for independence, just as our ancestors did, and for these reasons the United States shares a bond with the African continent and its diverse inhabitants.

The United States is dedicated to strengthening its relationship with the African continent and the seventeen nations recognized through this resolution can serve as partners in this endeavor. I also would like to take the time to honor all those Americans on the ground that are working to advance democracy, civic freedom and formulating the conditions to foster stable economic growth.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 50th anniversary of these seventeen nation's independence while pledging a renewed commitment to furthering the significant relationship we have maintained with our counterparts on the African continent.

I invite the members of the House to join me in supporting H. Res. 1405.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 1412, a Resolution Congratulating the Government of South Africa upon its first two successful convictions for human trafficking.

Since June 11, South Africa has been hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The global event has attracted nearly half a million visitors to South Africa. In the midst of this worldwide sports event, concerns of human trafficking have been renewed.

Now, more than ever, children in South Africa are vulnerable to trafficking. The government has closed schools for the duration of the World Cup, leaving many children unattended throughout the day. Yet, South African law enforcement has been working overtime in a joint effort with the international community to combat human trafficking.

I congratulate South Africa on its first two successful convictions for human trafficking. However, much is left to do. I call on the South African government to promptly adopt the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill to aid in future investigations. Trafficking by tourists must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me today in recognizing our dedication to human rights and justice in South Africa by supporting this Resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1462, stating our nation's unequivocal support for those people of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador who have been affected by Tropical Storm Agatha. In the aftermath of the storm, mudslides and sinkholes formed, not only marring the natural beauty of these countries, but also causing immense amounts of damage and suffering.

Hundreds of people lost their lives, and tens of thousands were displaced from their homes. Food shortages, destruction of infrastructure, economic losses in agriculture, and damages to vital buildings will inevitably adversely affect these countries for a long time to come.

These Latin American nations represent crucial U.S. allies in the region and key economic trading partners. It is in the interest of our economic stability and national security to help them through these tough times.

Our own experiences from Hurricanes Rita and Katrina remind us that we are all vulnerable to the cruel whims of nature. We will never forget how many countries around the world stood with us during those trying times for our nation, and we need to stand with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador now.

I commend the United States Southern Command for providing food, water, and necessary supplies to the victims of these natural disasters. We have not been alone in providing assistance to the disaster areas; the international community has come together in support of those who have been affected, contributing millions of dollars in medical supplies and other assistance.

I urge the House of Representatives to keep in mind today those lives and livelihoods that have been destroyed in the aftermath of this disaster by supporting this resolution.

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

Mr. Chairman, I want to first thank Chairman Frank and Chairwoman Waters and the ranking member as well for their work to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program for 5 years.

The Flood Insurance Program is a good example of government providing a basic need for millions of Americans--insurance against catastrophic flooding at a reasonable price. The program is only as strong as the reserve fund created by selling insurance to people in certified flood risk areas and pooling those premiums to cover any losses. That is why this bill includes money to educate local authorities about flood insurance.

Many people don't know that an area requires flood insurance or that the NFIP program exists until it is very late in the process. Others hear the words ``flood insurance'' and think it is costly or will affect the value of their home. Sometimes people can't close on a House or refinance without having insurance in place. And sometimes people who have been living in a neighborhood all their life only find out that NFIP is needed when they try to move or sell their house.

The uncertainty of the program is something I have heard quite often from my constituents. Representing parts of the city of New York in Staten Island and Brooklyn, an urban area, people are quite often shocked to hear that they live in a floodplain, and quite often they find out too late, and that's why this program is so important.

My amendment will allow NFIP, in their education and partnership efforts, to also include local real estate agents in their outreach on the NFIP program and its costs and benefits. No one knows neighborhoods, markets, price points, and options better than a local Realtor.

This amendment works within the bill's existing outreach program and does not increase the cost of the program in any way.

NFIP should work with the Realtors to increase their knowledge of the NFIP program, educate them when areas are added to the floodplain area, and keep local agents up to date on the program itself.

The real estate market and the job of a Realtor are very dynamic. Things change all the time, and NFIP should communicate directly to them on how they can help their clients take advantage of this program. And this dovetails very nicely into the way FEMA already does communicate with Realtors on other issues.

And finally, in closing, Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this long-term extension. The fact that the program expired in September of 2008 and this Congress continues to do short-term extensions isn't helpful to a fragile real estate market or to the long-term viability of this program. For the millions of current and future American homeowners who take advantage of NFIP, we need to extend this program for 5 years.

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

I thank the gentlelady for yielding.

And while real estate agents do go through rigorous training, as the gentlelady knows, the boundaries and lines of floodplains change through time as topographical maps are changed, as physical conditions change in certain areas. Certainly along the coast or in the harbor where my district exists, water levels change, as well, and requirements change. So it's the changing nature of the program that we seek to have that information provided as requirements change, as mapping lines change and the like.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I thank the gentlelady from West Virginia for her questions and comments and would certainly add that the costs of this program and certainly the Federal deficit and debt itself are of deep concern to me and the people who sent me here a little over 18 months ago to represent them.

My amendment raises no costs whatsoever. It simply says there's an option that if the NFIP program does share information with local community leaders and local entities that they include the local real estate community as well so that they can better provide that information to the people they represent, and I think it's a way to certainly instill confidence in the real estate markets that do exist in floodplain areas. So I think it's a good, commonsense solution and proposal and doesn't cost the taxpayer any money.

I certainly would comment that I share, as I said, the gentlelady's concern about the growing debts and deficits and am certainly glad that her side of the aisle has now joined in this fight with our side of the aisle, for certainly when they were in the majority in the House and had the presidency, there didn't seem to be such a great concern, but certainly we are glad that it is a concern they share with our side of the aisle at this time, and hopefully we can join together in a bipartisan fashion, something that hasn't been done before, to deal with this issue.

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

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 438, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5609, which I am proud to offer together with and to follow the lead of my colleague from the great Hudson River Valley of New York, Mr. John Hall, to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 in order to prohibit lobbying by foreign governments that are on the United States Department of State's ``State Sponsors of Terrorism'' list.

I thank the gentleman from Michigan, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, for his eloquent explanation in defense of this bill as we have gotten it here on the floor this afternoon.

As I have listened to the equally eloquent and feisty arguments from the gentleman from California, who is in apparent opposition, I cannot make the legal argument, but certainly, Shakespeare would have said, ``He doest protest too much.''

That being said, currently four countries are on the State Department's ``State Sponsors of Terrorism'' list--Cuba, Iran, Sudan, and Syria.

In Cuba, close to 12 million people live in one of the few remaining purely Communist countries in the world, the only one in our hemisphere--one without human rights and without democracy. They are limited by the Castro government in their jobs, education, even in what appliances they can buy, and where they can live.

Iran is a theocracy which continues on a disastrous path to enrich uranium in order to create a nuclear weapon. Their intransigence against international inspectors threatens Israel, Europe and the United States. Dissenters of the government are routinely killed, minorities are jailed, and people are afraid to speak out. Iran threatens United States' interests and any progress to make Iran or Iraq a stable and civil society.

Sudan is a country that has been in a protracted civil war between the

Animist and Christian south and the Muslim north. The Darfur region of Sudan has seen a humanitarian disaster--killing millions and placing Muslims against Muslims as the world has stood helpless. Sudan is a state sponsor of terrorism against its own people.

Finally, Syria, a country which continues to threaten our strongest and most reliable ally in the Middle East--Israel. Syria has fueled civil war in Lebanon through their support of Hezbollah, has had a direct implication in the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, and they continue to support Hamas in Gaza. I represent over 50,000 Syrian Jewish refugees who have fled the anti-democratic country of Syria to build better lives in the United States.

This bill only affects people registered to represent one of these foreign governments on the ``State Sponsors of Terrorism'' list, not companies which are doing business in those countries.

I urge my colleagues, irrespective of the course that this bill took to get on the floor, to support this legislation and to stop the ability of any country on the ``State Sponsors of Terrorism'' list from directly or indirectly influencing our Congress.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of the bill and this rule.

I commend Chairman Frank, Chairman Peterson, and all of the Members and their staffs who have worked so hard.

This legislation, Mr. Speaker, addresses many of the problems at the heart of the financial crisis while allowing us to build an even stronger regulatory foundation for future economic growth and stability in our financial markets, which we need, undoubtedly, to create jobs in the American economy.

Since my first days in Congress, I have called for smart, thoughtful, new regulations for our shared goals of reform without unnecessarily burdening our economy or forcing our financial industries overseas. After a year and a half of debate, discussion--and although not perfect--I think we have struck the right balance here, and I am proud to support this bill. It is good for America. It is good for New York City. It is good for the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn, who sent me here to represent them.

In particular, I applaud the effort to bring greater transparency, accountability, and oversight to our derivatives markets. This bill will make sure that our regulators in the private sector understand that outstanding swap exposures for individual companies will never be allowed again to bring about a situation like what happened with AIG. This legislation also recognizes the important role that derivatives play in actually reducing systemic risk for our end user companies and in increasing the flow of credit throughout our economy.

Whether it is an airplane or farm machinery manufacturer hedging against currency risks, a commercial real estate company or life insurance annuity hedging against interest rate fluctuation, or an energy provider trying to hedge the price of oil and gas, derivatives are vital tools to keep consumer prices low and to help manage company budgets. These end-user companies pose little or no systemic risk to our economy, and this bill protects them from unnecessary and burdensome margin and clearing requirements.

Again, I thank Chairman Frank and his staff for allowing me to be part of this process, and I thank the gentleman from Colorado for yielding me this time.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I am proud that with this conference report, our country will be at the forefront of protecting Israel and the entire international community against the growing threat of nuclear terrorism and an arms race in the Middle East.

This sanctions package takes a firm stand against an active state sponsor of terror, Iran, by broadening the categories of the Islamic Republic's sanctionable activities well beyond the realm of refined petroleum.

Furthermore, without increased global cooperation on the sanctions effort and measures to isolate Ahmadinejad's thugs from raping, murdering and censoring their own people, these sanctions would not be complete.

For this reason, I applaud the inclusion of both the McMahon reporting requirement on global energy sector trade with Iran and my bill, H.R. 4647, the Iran Human Rights Sanctions Act, into this bill.

I know that Americans will rest much more comfortably knowing that the criminals of Ahmadinejad's regime now cannot set foot on U.S. soil. This bill is necessary to the security of our ally Israel, to our Nation, and to the world.

I therefore urge all of my colleagues to vote for it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1350, recognizing June 20, 2010 as World Refugee Day. According to the United Nations, more than 40 million people worldwide have been displaced from their respective lands. It is important that we recognize the plight of those around the globe who no longer have a place to call home.

The world refugee crisis is a widespread tragedy, the result of political upheaval, war, genocide, and natural calamities. And, as much as world refugee day commends these brave individuals, it is also a tribute to those who devote their lives to relieve the suffering of refugees.

Unfortunately, the NGOs that provide much-needed services for refugees are working with a rapidly-growing population of refugees and under increasingly dangerous conditions.

Today, terrorism is one of the leading causes of families being uprooted from their homes. We see this phenomenon throughout Africa, Afghanistan and particularly in Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan. Unfortunately, millions now live in fear as Al-Qaeda and the Taliban attempt to spread their extremism, while targeting those relief workers that work to feed and clothe these victims.

This year there is added significance on World Refugee Day because 2010 is the 30th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980. With this resolution, tie United States will join over one hundred countries in recognizing the struggles of those who have been displaced from their homes and the NGO community that works to help them.

Alongside the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State is at the forefront of aiding nongovernmental organizations in helping refugees.

I urge the House of Representatives to keep in mind today the 40 million refugees across the world, of which 17 million of whom are children.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to stand up and recognize World Refugee Day and to ensure that the United States continues to be an international leader in this regard.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 1464, a Resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the United States-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and expressing appreciation to the Government of Japan and the Japanese people for enhancing peace, prosperity, and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

For over 50 years, Japan has served as one of our most dependable and consistent allies. The nation has hosted over 36,000 members of the United States Armed Forces, promoting regional stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan has been a staunch supporter in our efforts to denuclearize North Korea. The nation has recently emerged as a proactive force in rebuilding third world countries in efforts to curtail the influence of terror cells. In November of 2009, Japan pledged over six billion dollars in economic assistance to Pakistan and Afghanistan in support of our missions in those countries. This special alliance has allowed Japan to establish a prominent role in the global community, further contributing to regional and global stability.

The U.S.-Japan alliance has bolstered both nations, making them two of the world's largest and most influential economies. Mutual cooperation has made Japan our fourth-largest trading partner. Apart from strengthening trade with the U.S., Japan has aided our international initiatives as well. Japan provided over six billion dollars to Guam to develop infrastructure and facilities. This valuable ally supports not only our economy, but those of our allies as well.

I am pleased with what Japan has grown to represent. Japan is a beacon of democratic thought and practice in the Asia-Pacific region. The Japanese government shares our ideals, values, and commitment to civil liberties. Despite the constant challenges facing the international community and the region, Japan has held steadfast in her commitment to egalitarian values and world peace.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me today in recognizing and supporting our continuing alliance by supporting this Resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 1359, a resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit held captive by Hamas.

On June 25, 2006, Hamas captured 19-year-old Israeli corporal Gilad Shalit on the southern Israeli side of the Gaza Strip. This inherent and blatant disrespect for standards of international conduct was a deliberate form of extortion meant to coerce the Israeli government to release Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas has furthered the injustice by denying Shalit access to medical care from the International Red Cross or treatment as a prisoner of war. Shalit has been explicitly denied the most basic humane treatment, and we cannot allow for this abhorrent conduct to persist.

Hamas has continually utilized terrorist cells to attack Israeli soldiers even though Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005. This callous disregard for international humanitarian law is deeply troubling.

I am unwavering in my support for the security and welfare of the democratic nation of Israel, and the creation of a mutually acceptable two state solution. This cannot happen unless Hamas immediately and unconditionally releases Shalit and accepts the right for Israel to exist and lays down their arms for good .

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me today in recognizing our dedication to the release of Shalit and the prospect of peace and democracy in the region by supporting this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of, H. Res 1457, the Resolution on the one-year anniversary of the June 12, 2009 Iranian Elections. Though one year has passed since the widely contested elections, the stain of Iran's government and its callous disregard for human rights continues to run through the streets of its cities. Although the protests of courageous voters have been violently crushed by the regime, the Iranian people remain proud and steadfast in their belief that this electoral atrocity will one day transition to dying authoritarianism and the birth of a democratic Iran.

The Iranian electoral system does not reflect the ideals of democracy held by the vast majority of other nations in the world, but rather demonstrates the desperation of a despotic regime clinging to power under the guise of fair elections.

For the June 12, 2009 elections, candidates had to be pre-approved by the Government of Iran's Guardian Council, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's victory announcement was made prematurely, and the final vote tallies were inconsistent with the demographics of the nation, the number of registered voters, and common sense.

Those who protested the elections had their rights of free speech brutally denied, and were beaten, jailed, injured, and killed. The Iranian regime has spilled the blood of its own citizens in the streets to maintain its illegitimate hold on power. We were all heartstruck to the see the death of Neda Agha-Soltan broadcast across the globe. It is now up to the nations who stand for democracy and freedom to support the courageous protesters in Iran.

Furthermore, following the failed Iranian elections in June, the Iranian regime has had its legitimacy wounded and its paranoia increased. The regime has taken a posture of increased repression at home and antagonism abroad. In that dangerous environment, Israel's leaders have every right to be concerned for their country's safety. While hope still exists for a free Iran, Europe, Israel and the United States must undoubtedly prepare

for a more dangerous Iranian regime in the near-term.

We must be ready for the possibility that Iran will intensify its pursuit of nuclear weapons to overcome the embarrassment of the recent elections.

For this reason, I applaud the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Banking Committee on yesterday's announcement that they had reached an agreement on the Iran sanctions conference report agreement. This long-awaited sanctions package is absolutely necessary to persuade Iran to change its conduct and its course on its nuclear program.

Madam Speaker, I urge the House of Representatives to condemn the authoritarian Iranian regime and to stand with the millions of Iranians who rushed to the streets not only to defend their right to vote, but also to defend the very ideals of democracy and free and fair societies. I call on my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, this year marks the beginning of the war that established 60 years of peace in the Korean peninsula.

The United States suffered the loss of over 33,000 of its countrymen during the Korean War and almost 5,000 remain missing in action.

I whole-heartedly support the establishment of a commission to look into these disappearances and will soon send a letter to President Obama asking him to issue an order to fly the flag at half mast on June 25th.

The Korean War defined our country's role in the international community.

As our own POWs returned back into South Korea over the Bridge of No Return, North Korean soldiers overwhelmingly decided to stay in the free world with their supposed ``captors.''

This is the model of U.S. leadership and freedom that we must uphold in the world today.

As a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, it astonishes me to see how thankful and how proud the South Koreans still are for the sacrifices of the US troops on their soil.

It is a rare heart-warming message that makes me that much more proud to represent The Korean War Veterans of Staten Island and Commander Joseph Calabria in Congress.

That being said, I cannot go on without mentioning the tragic sinking of Cheonan, killing 46 South Korean Navy men on board.

These men were the sons and grandsons of those who served alongside U.S. Forces in Korea, 60 years ago.

North Korea's hostility cannot go ignored and the reckless rhetoric following the incident is a far cry from what is expected of a member of the international community.

Unfortunately, most would be hard-pressed to find a time when North Korea was a productive, accountable member of the international community.

In fact, over a year ago, I introduced a bipartisan bill to further sanction North Korea. The North Korea Sanctions Act of 2009 calls on the Administration to impose hard-hitting sanctions on North Korea, as a result of their detonation of a nuclear explosive device on May 25, 2009, under the Arms Export Control Act.

Furthermore, I will continue to be an active voice in ensuring the safety of the over 28,000 American troops currently stationed in the Korean Peninsula and will remain an outspoken member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee when it comes to the US response towards North Korean hostility.

No one wants to see a second Korean War or a third world war for that matter.

Our veterans have sacrificed too much for that to happen.

I encourage my colleagues to support H. Res. 86 and congratulate the author of this resolution, Congressman Rangel for introducing this bill and for his service in Korea.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Robert O'Brien on his retirement from the United States Coast Guard. Captain O'Brien has dedicated his time, energy, and resources to maintaining and defending our country's maritime borders.

Captain O'Brien was born in Savannah, Georgia, and raised in Ridgeland, South Carolina. He enlisted in the Coast Guard on April 6, 1970, and served his country for 40 years. He will officially retire on October 1, 2010. He started his career as a seaman, and he rose through the ranks to become commanding officer of the New York Coast Guard Sector.

Captain O'Brien had a diverse and honorable history in the Coast Guard. In 1976, he was assigned Officer-in-Charge of the USCGC Blackberry in North Carolina. He was then

promoted to Chief Boatswain's Mate in 1979, and was promoted in June 1980 to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer.

He received his commission as a Lieutenant in 1983. He served in many different states, ranging from Texas to Virginia. In 2003, he was promoted to Captain and assumed command of MSO Hampton Roads. Captain O'Brien then assumed command of the USCG Sector New York on June 15, 2006.

Captain O'Brien served his country with great distinction during this 40 year period. He was given the difficult task of keeping New York's waterways safe and secure, and performed this task admirably. He has also received numerous awards from the Coast Guard, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, and three Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals.

Ferries and oil liners share the harbor, and both are crucial to the economic value of the tristate area, and Captain O'Brien's efforts throughout his career have ensured a safe and sound commute for Staten Islanders, as well as many New Yorkers, who traverse the waters frequently.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Captain Robert O'Brien on his dedication to the citizens of New York.