Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act.

Increased production of American natural gas has led to lower prices and more demand for this energy source all across the Nation. That is especially true in cold, energy-dependent regions like upstate New York and the Northeast. We need new infrastructure, specifically pipelines, to safely transport fuels to markets where they are needed.

Unfortunately, the Government Accountability Office reported that an average processing time for interstate natural gas pipeline projects was 558 days. This bill would expedite the government's review process for pipeline applications, to make sure that we are doing all we can to build infrastructure in a timely and responsible manner.

More access to affordable American natural gas will help fuel farms, heat homes, and power small businesses in upstate New York and throughout this country. Building pipelines will create good-paying jobs, as well as boost revenues and development in communities across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill as vice chair of the Pipeline Subcommittee.

Pipelines are the single safest way to transport liquids--safer than rail, safer than trucks. The State Department says Keystone would have a minimal impact on the environment.

President Obama and his administration have confirmed that Keystone will create thousands of construction jobs. These are men and women's livelihoods.

Respectfully, I would remind the administration, but by their nature, all construction jobs are temporary. And it is insulting to marginalize the value of these jobs or the people who might hold them.

Keystone is supported by many unions, including mine, Local 545, the Operating Engineers, where I have been for almost 35 years.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada said, and I agree, that Keystone is in both of our nations' interests and that ``the logic here is overwhelming.''

Keystone will help us stop sending billions and billions of dollars overseas to our enemies, many of whom would harm us.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to start building this Keystone pipeline.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Joseph ``Buddy'' Gigliotti as a recipient of the Associated General Contractors New York State S.I.R. Award.

The S.I.R. Award is AGC of America's highest honor and it recognizes those who exemplify the AGC motto of Skill, Integrity, and Responsibility. In receiving the S.I.R. Award, Mr. Gigliotti joins the ranks of the true greats of AGC NYS and the construction industry in New York--including, most recently, Jeff Zogg; Marty Galasso, Sr.; and Richard Forrestel.

Mr. Gigliotti is a past President of the AGC NYS Chapter, and has become one of the industry's most respected leaders. We are well aware of the significant contributions he has made to the construction industry in New York State.

A lifelong resident of Utica, New York, Mr. Gigliotti joined Allied Chemicals in 1975 as the New York Area manager. After its merger with Barrett Industries, he served as Barrett's Marketing Manager. In his role, Mr. Gigliotti provided strategic consulting and sales strategy development, eventually helping Barrett become a national leader in transportation infrastructure construction. In 1990, Mr. Gigliotti left Barrett and continues to provide strategic consulting to companies under his firm, JGK Associates. He currently works for Lancaster Development, playing a key role in its marketing efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly congratulate Mr. Joseph ``Buddy'' Gigliotti on this special occasion.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, I was absent and missed rollcall votes Nos. 313 and 314.

Had I been present, I would have voted:

Rollcall No. 313--``Yea.''

Rollcall No. 314--``Yea.''

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, June 18, 2014, I was absent and missed rollcall votes Nos. 315 and 316. Had I been present, I would have voted: rollcall 315--``yea,'' rollcall 316--``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael J. Parsons, President and CEO of First Source Federal Credit Union, in New Hartford, NY, as he completes his tenure as Chairman of the Board at the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU). First elected to the Board in 2006, Mike has been a devoted and effective leader in the credit union industry. Having known Mike for many years, I have always been able to turn to him for his expert analysis with respect to any credit union issue being debated in Congress.

Given the regulatory landscape facing the credit union industry in recent years, Mike's responsibilities as Chairman have been particularly daunting. Still, he has done an incredible job balancing his time as Chairman of the NAFCU Board and his responsibilities at First Source Federal Credit Union. Mike has over thirty-eight years' experience in the financial services industry, with 20 years at First Source Federal Credit Union, having served as President and CEO since 1999.

In addition to helping the credit union industry navigate the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Mike has also been proactive in educating lawmakers in Congress, the National Credit Union Administration, and White House officials on a number of issues impacting credit unions including: regulatory relief, housing finance reform, and lending standards.

In addition to his career accolades, Mike has gone above and beyond giving back to his local community as a trustee at Utica College, and a Board Member of Mohawk Valley Economic Development, and Utica Industrial Development Corporation.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to honor high school graduates from the Broome/Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services area who are entering the U.S. Armed Forces. These young men and women have made an admirable decision to defend our country. I join the Conklin Kiwanis Club and Our Community Salutes of Broome County, New York in honoring them.

The Conklin Kiwanis Club and Our Community Salutes of Broome County, New York will hold a special celebration to honor these graduating high school seniors. ``The First to Say Thank You'' event will take place on Tuesday, June 10th at Windsor Central High School in Windsor, New York.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask you join me in honoring the following students entering the New York State Army National Guard: Ms. Lynn Lyons, Candor; Mr. Victor Beecher, Whitney Point; Mr. Ryan Burch, Susquehanna Valley; Mr. Jordan Little, Binghamton.

Honoring the students entering the U.S. Air Force: Ms. Alisha Hubbard, Afton; Ms. Alexis Delgado, Binghamton; Mr. Zachary Hunt, Harpursville; Mr. John Armitage, Union-Endicott.

Honoring the students entering the U.S. Army: Mr. Gerald Hastings, Binghamton; Mr. Joshua Williams, Chenango Valley; Ms. Sarah Carpinelli, Owego-Apalachin; Mr. Kristofer Colley, Susquehanna Valley; Ms. Leah Fuller, Union-Endicott; Mr. Trevor Hampton, Windsor.

Honoring the students entering the U.S. Marines: Mr. Dylon Chisolm, Binghamton; Mr. Brandon Davis, Binghamton; Mr. David Contento, Cortland; Mr. Scott Gregory, Harpursville; Mr. Jacob Norton, Homer; Mr. Brandon Miller, Homer; Ms. Kayla Lainhart, Johnson City; Mr. Jackson Beukema, Maine-Endwell; Mr. Timothy Lasher, Maine-Endwell; Mr. Gavin Gates, Marathon; Mr. Brett Kunze, Newark Valley; Ms. Victoria Young, Owego-Apalachin; Mr. Damien Travis, Tioga; Mr. Troy Harding, Vestal; Mr. Nicholes Clark, Whitney Point; Mr. Brendan Smith, Windsor; Mr. Vincent Mathers, Windsor; Mr. Austin Orshal, Windsor; Ms. Helen Kilbury, Windsor; Mr. Trevor Hawk, Windsor; Mr. Noah Jones, Windsor.

Honoring the students entering the U.S. Navy: Mr. Logan Dietzman, Harpursville; Mr. Christian Moretz, Harpursville; Mr. Benjamine Shultis, Homer; Mr. Brett Rozelle, Maine-Endwell; Ms. Heather Carpinelli, Owego-Apalachin; Mr. Nathan Garris, Union-Endicott; Mr. Brandon Piech, Whitney Point.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Frankfort, New York's own Command Sergeant Major Frank A. Grippe, United States Army for his extraordinary dedication to duty and selfless service to the United States of America. Command Sergeant Major Grippe will soon retire from his present assignment as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, United States Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida.

Command Sergeant Major Grippe entered the United States Army in April 1981 through Syracuse, New York. He trained as a light infantryman and graduated from Airborne School at Fort Henning, Georgia, after which he went on to serve in a variety of duty positions and organizations: Rifleman, Machine-gunner and Team Leader in 1-509th Airborne Battalion Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy; Team Leader, Rifle Squad Leader and Reconnaissance Squad Leader in 2-325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Rifle Squad Leader, Rifle Platoon Sergeant, Battalion Operations Sergeant and Company First Sergeant with 2-75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Washington; ROTC Senior Military Instructor at San Diego State University, San Diego, California; Command Sergeant Major for 1-87th Infantry Regiment, Fort Drum, New York, CSM of Task Force Summit (OEF Afghanistan, September 2001-April 2002); Command Sergeant Major for 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI), Fort Drum, New York; CSM of Combined Joint Task Force Warrior (OEF Afghanistan, July 2003-May 2004); Post and Division Command Sergeant Major of the 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, CSM of Task Force Band of Brothers; Multi-National Division North (OIF, September 2005-September 2006). From August 2007 December 2011, he was assigned as the Command Sergeant Major of I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington and served as the Multi- National Corps-Iraq Command Sergeant Major from March 2009 to March 2010. Command Sergeant Major Grippe is presently the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the United States Central Command.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to recognize Command Sergeant Major Grippe's long and decorated career. On behalf of a grateful nation, I commend Command Sergeant Major Grippe for his dedicated service to the United States of America. I also wish to recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by Command Sergeant Major Grippe's wife Carla and daughter Madeline. We are a nation truly indebted to all of the service members, veterans, and military families who continue to give so much to defend our American values and liberties. I extend my best wishes to Command Sergeant Major Grippe and his family on the occasion of his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act conference report.

This fiscally responsible bill will create jobs by updating and reauthorizing water infrastructure projects across our Nation. It will make the American economy more globally competitive.

This bill is particularly good for the Great Lakes region, which I represent. For the first time, the Army Corps of Engineers will recognize and manage all Great Lakes ports, including the port of Oswego, as a single, comprehensive system.

This bill takes a long overdue step to ensure that the revenues in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund are eventually fully spent on their intended purpose, upgrading our harbors.

By approving this conference report, we can facilitate trade, keep products moving across America, and create jobs in our communities.

I thank Chairman Shuster, Ranking Member Rahall, and Mr. Gibbs for their hard work on this bill.

I thank the gentleman from New Jersey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3578, which would require the FAA to conduct a formal rulemaking process for sleep apnea certifications for pilots and air traffic controllers.

As a member of both the Small Business Committee and the Transportation Committee and as a pilot, I am deeply concerned that complex Federal regulations and bureaucracy are hurting America's aviation industry.

When deemed absolutely necessary, new FAA rules should follow a transparent and open process that includes strong oversight and input from all stakeholders. The proposed sleep apnea regulation was a broad administration guidance with no oversight or input. Furthermore, this is yet another example of the administration's regulating in search of a problem.

According to the Civil Aviation Medical Association, there is no scientific evidence that sleep apnea has compromised aviation safety. According to yesterday's Washington Post, the number of small planes flying across this country has fallen by nearly 200,000 since 1980. The production of single-engine airplanes has fallen twentyfold to below 700 per year.

We need to ensure that any regulations help, not hinder, the aviation industry in growing and prospering. Across the Nation, nearly 1.2 million workers depend on the general aviation industry. This is especially true in rural upstate New York. I encourage the FAA to ensure that we promote safety in a way that is consistent with growing our vital aviation industry and so that it makes sense in the real world.

H.R. 3578 would require the FAA to follow a proven and transparent process when issuing rules, so I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the SHARE Act and am pleased to be a sponsor of this bill.

The SHARE Act allows more Americans to enjoy outdoor hobbies such as hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on public lands. Not only do those activities provide our constituents with enjoyable hobbies and pastimes, they also contribute to our communities by creating and supporting diverse jobs in every congressional district.

When families travel and actively enjoy the outdoors, they spur demand for outdoor products and services and create jobs in the manufacturing, outfitting, retail, lodging, and hospitality industries.

I am proud that the village of Ilion in my congressional district is home to our Nation's oldest continually operating manufacturing company, Remington Arms. Remington manufactures firearms for hunting and recreational shooting and sustains more than 1,400 well-paying union jobs in New York's Mohawk Valley.

Legislators in Washington and in Albany should take concrete steps to support these private sector jobs, not threaten them, and I am pleased the House is taking this action today. By opening new lands for recreational use and by making the joys of the outdoors more accessible to average Americans, we can assist important sectors of our economy without spending taxpayer dollars.

My amendment would simply quantify the economic impacts of this act by detailing how the new recreational opportunities it provides will create jobs, boost wages, and generate new local, State, and Federal revenue. It is my hope that by highlighting the connection between sportsmen-friendly Federal policy and growth in outdoor industries, future Congresses will take additional steps to not only provide our constituents with greater access to hunting, fishing, shooting, and conservation pursuits but also help grow jobs in the private sector and support these American traditions.

I yield to the gentleman.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to qualify and quantify the economic impact of the SHARE Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate SGT Kyle Clifton on being presented with the U.S. Army Engineer Association's prestigious de Fleury Medal. The de Fleury Medal is awarded by the Army Corps of Engineers to honor those individuals who have provided significant contributions to Army Engineering. Since 1779, the de Fleury Medal has held a special place in the ranks of our service engineers for the values that one must demonstrate in order to be deemed worthy of its receipt.

While this medal is certainly a testament to the valor and professionalism possessed and exhibited by SGT Clifton, it is also a natural tribute to SGT Clifton's distinguished service career with the Army Reserve. As the medal itself is inscribed, this is ``a memorial and reward for courage and boldness,'' and perhaps more than that it is a physical accolade of the thanks that his community, his fellow Reservists, and his nation have for the service and sacrifices he has devoted to the defense of the United States of America. In addition to the de Fleury Medal, SGT Clifton's long list of awards also includes the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Badge. These honors have been bestowed upon SGT Clifton for his proven expertise in service efforts including ground clearance missions and professionalism while serving on the front line of duty. Throughout his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, SGT Clifton proved to be an asset for our Army in holding positions, exhibiting versatility within his vehicle command, clearing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and demonstrating exceptional instincts and tactics in the midst of contact fire.

Last year, SGT Clifton's truck was struck by an IED while involved in a supply route clearing mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This cruel attack seriously injured SGT Clifton and claimed the lives of his three brothers in arms who were in the truck with him: SSG Dain Venne; SGT Brett Gornewicz; and SPC Ryan Jayne. Upon his arrival at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, I had the opportunity to personally visit with SGT Clifton and his wife. On that day and in the days since then, I have been continuously impressed by the progress that SGT Clifton has made in his physical recovery and the modesty that he has shown. SGT Clifton exhibits daily the traits of bravery, resolve, and a genuine desire to selflessly serve our nation that exemplify the very best of our troops.

While every soldier's experiences are unique, the story of SGT Clifton, SSG Venne, SGT Gornewicz, and SPC Jayne shares aspects with far too many others that have paid a personal price in their efforts to counter the challenges of the modem battlefield. IEDs are the leading cause of casualties for American servicemembers and the leading cause of injuries afflicting our veterans. In 2012 alone, 104 American troops were killed and 1,744 were wounded by these indiscriminate weapons. SGT Clifton is just one of the more than 51,000 service members who have been wounded in action in our engagements since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. With these figures in mind, Mr. Speaker, I ask that this body join me in continuing to explore and support ways to reduce the prevalence of these incidents.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleges to join me in congratulating SGT Clifton on being awarded the Steel de Fleury Medal. I express my utmost gratitude to him and all of our servicemembers and veterans for their valiant service and sacrifices, as well as to all of the families and communities who make up the invaluable foundation of support for these men and women.

Mr. Speaker, one week from today, on November 22, 2013, the Lebanese people will come together to celebrate the 70th Independence Day of Lebanon. As a proud Lebanese-American, I extend my congratulations on this momentous occasion to President Sleiman, Caretaker Prime Minister Mikati, Speaker Berri, and all citizens of Lebanon and those around that world who proudly claim Lebanese heritage.

For seventy years, Lebanon has exemplified its rich history of multiethnic heritage and cohesion through its ability to bring together populations that enjoy the freedom to show their diversity in areas such as their religious practices while remaining bound together through their love for a unified and sovereign Lebanese nation. The National Pact that set the foundation for the Lebanese state in 1943 established a framework of independence, diversity, inclusion, and unity that have endured through these last seventy years as the keystones of a strong and lasting sovereign nation.

The Lebanese people have not only contributed to outstanding and continuing achievements within Lebanon and the Middle East, but all around the world. Here in the United States of America, the early Lebanese Americans who arrived in the 19th century quickly established strong communities built on the foundation of strong work ethic, ingenuity, and cultural integration. Those characteristics continue to define today's generation of Lebanese Americans who make up the largest demographic of Arab Americans at 26.9 percent according to the U.S. Census Bureau's most recent American Community Survey. I am honored that many of these Lebanese-American families have chosen to call New York--and especially Upstate--home. I embrace all of the positive contributions that they continue to make every day in our society.

Today, the role that Lebanon plays within the world and the Middle East is as important as ever, and it is of upmost importance that it endure as a beacon of hope and a truly independent ally and nation free from the instability, foreign influence, and war that have engulfed its Syrian neighbor. The strength of the people of Lebanon and their leaders has been demonstrated through their ability to remain resilient and united even in the midst of a regional crisis that has displaced 814,002 Syrian refugees as of November 12, 2013, into more than 1,400 Lebanese communities. It is imperative that the United States continue to support Lebanon as it grapples with these difficult times and maintains its strength through whatever may lie in the days and years ahead.

Given all that Lebanon has been through these past 70 years, it is important that this

day of independence be celebrated for all that have called Lebanon home and those abroad who are proud to be defined by the Lebanese history and heritage that contributes to the character of both individuals and nations around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. James Hawkins of Mohawk, New York. James is a leukemia survivor. For years he has selflessly provided support to local blood cancer patients through volunteering with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, an organization dedicated to the mission of curing blood cancer.

James has worked to support blood cancer patients through public education/awareness events, public advocacy, and personally speaking with many newly diagnosed blood cancer patients each year. The positive impact he has had on these patients is immeasurable. James' dedication to this cause can be seen in his work with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where he volunteers in the patient services department and fundraises for the organization to advance their goal of curing blood cancer.

The work James has done with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is particularly inspirational. The society has invested almost $1 billion in research, contributing to the development of life-saving drugs, and is making great strides in its mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since 1963, myeloma survival rates have more than tripled. Lymphoma survival rates have more than doubled. Leukemia survival rates have more than quadrupled.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Hawkins for his hard work with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and his efforts to make a difference in the lives of blood cancer patients in Upstate New York and Vermont.

I thank the chairman for yielding me time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act.

I am privileged to represent Rome, New York, where nearly 2 centuries ago, our Nation embarked on its first major transportation project, the Erie Canal.

This bill before us creates jobs by updating and reauthorizing water infrastructure projects. It reforms the outdated process that allows projects to be approved by the Army Corps of Engineers.

This legislation cuts $12 billion from a backlog of outdated projects. It is fiscally responsible and doesn't include a single earmark, a much-needed departure from past water resources development bills.

By passing WRRDA, we facilitate trade, keep products moving across America, and create jobs in our communities. Congress has an opportunity before it today to help America do what it does best: compete. We should seize it.