Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, the Republican rules package passed Wednesday included a change that could be extremely damaging to our Nation's highway and transit systems over the long term--and to the construction industry, where record unemployment remains twice the national average. Simply put, this rule is a job killer.

The new rule will treat highway trust fund revenue as general spending, tearing down firewalls that prevent funds from being siphoned off for unrelated projects. Removing the ``trust'' in the highway trust fund will severely inhibit States' ability to plan large, multiyear transportation projects to improve this Nation's aging infrastructure over the long term and to create construction jobs in the process.

But don't take my word for it. The rule change is also opposed by business, labor, and industry organizations alike, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Associated General Contractors of America, and the American Trucking Association.

Madam Speaker, this is the wrong time to back away from investments in our infrastructure and job creation; yet this is exactly what will result from this job-killing rule.

Section 2: ``The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.''

Amendment 16: ``The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States and without regard to any census or enumeration.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3447, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010.

The original GI Bill proved to be a landmark initiative for our troops and an outstanding investment in the future of our Nation. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, signed into law in 2008, built on the success of the original program by providing helpful and hard-earned educational and economic benefits for our newest generation of veterans. Although today's legislation seeks to make it easier for veterans to utilize their educational benefits, some of the changes will have detrimental consequences.

Just as the veterans of WWII were the engine of economic recovery and expansion in the post-war period, the most recent generation of veterans will continue their service to America by reaching their full educational and economic potential through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

While I support this bill and urge my colleagues to vote for it, there are some provisions in the legislation that I believe deserve additional consideration. Although I support setting a national average tuition rate for benefits, I am concerned that students in states like New York will be negatively impacted by the $17,500 baseline.

This legislation will reduce benefits for students in New York already enrolled in programs where the cost is above the baseline. Students based decisions about which institution of higher education to attend partly on a benefit level guaranteed in the 2008 law. A ``hold harmless'' provision would have allowed these students to continue to receive the same level benefits for which they are entitled.

Under current law, state approving agencies, SAAs, are charged with approving programs and schools that are deemed appropriate for vets using the GI Bill. S. 3447 permits the Veterans Administration, VA, to make this determination and I am concerned that this responsibility should remain within SAA's jurisdiction, as they have been the experts in protecting veterans from fraudulent programs. The bill goes further by permitting veterans to use their GI benefits at schools without any approval by SAAs or the VA. In my view this is unwise.

This legislation permits the VA to expand GI benefits to trade schools, unaccredited colleges, and programs that lead to no degree or certificate. While I understand that many veterans choose not to take a more traditional path and attend an institution of higher education, I am deeply concerned that taxpayer dollars will go to programs that will not lead to gainful employment.

I am also concerned that this bill includes a so-called ``last- payer'' provision. The last payer provision withholds the student's GI Bill benefit until a calculation is made of any state and private tuition aid, for which a veteran may be eligible. In some cases, this would cause a delay in GI benefits and lead to needless confusion.

As a former college administrator, I am very pleased to see so many veterans returning home and choosing to seek further education. However, I am deeply concerned with a growing number of reports that some institutions may be abusing GI tuition payments by aggressively targeting veterans for academic programs that may not provide an actual benefit to a student, such as preparation for future employment.

Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that in the 112th Congress we can achieve bipartisan solutions to these issues to protect both taxpayers and distinguished veterans. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a small token of our appreciation for their valor and service to our Nation. I would like to submit for the Record a letter signed by various higher education groups that outlines the community's concerns with this legislation.

American Council on Education,

Washington, DC, December 14, 2010.

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Representative: On behalf of the American Council on

Education and the organizations listed below, we write to

express our hope that before adjournment, the 111th Congress

will approve a final version of the

Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvement Act of

2010 that addresses the concerns outlined below.

Both the House version (H.R. 6430) and the Senate version

(S. 3447) make welcome improvements to current law, such as

expanding the benefits to troops serving in the Active Guard

Reserve and to National Guard members who have honorably

served their country on active duty, including at the sites

of natural disasters. The bills also replace the complex

state-by-state tuition and fee cap look-up chart with

language that specifies that GI Bill benefits cover tuition

and fees for veterans attending public institutions while

establishing a single national tuition baseline for those who

enroll in private institutions.

However, we believe that the House version is preferable in

two very critical respects. First, S. 3447 contains a

provision that would add a new source of confusion for

veterans and prevent them from having a clear idea of the

level of support to which they are entitled. This so-called

``last-payer'' provision, which withholds the GI Bill benefit

until a calculation is made of any state and private tuition

aid for which a veteran may be eligible, would not only

confound veterans and delay the delivery of aid, but in some

cases would conflict with state statutes. In contrast, H.R.

6430 does not include such a provision and will help end the

frustration and confusion that far too many veterans have

experienced in attempting to access their benefits.

Second, H.R. 6430 includes an important ``hold harmless''

provision, designed to protect veterans who might otherwise

be negatively impacted by the establishment of a national

baseline. In several states, veterans attending private

institutions currently receive a base benefit that is greater

than the new national baseline amount provided in either

version of the legislation. By failing to include this ``hold

harmless'' language, the Senate bill would reduce benefits

for a number of veterans upon enrollment for a subsequent

term. In contrast, the House bill would help ensure that

veterans continue to receive their current benefits without

interruption.

As this legislation nears passage, we strongly urge you to

modify S. 3447 so that it reflects the approach taken by the

House bill on these two important issues. Our campuses have

worked very hard to smooth out the difficulties that veterans

have faced under current law, and these improvements will

enable them to serve veterans even more effectively.

Thank you for all of your work on behalf of the nation's

veterans.

Sincerely,

Molly Corbett Broad,

President.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the Patchogue- Medford Library for earning the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This award recognizes the Patchogue-Medford Library for its commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and its community and serves as our Nation's highest honor for libraries and museums.

The Patchogue-Medford Library enjoys a long and colorful history, having served the people of Suffolk County for nearly 130 years. Originally housed in the back room of Floyd Overton's shoe store on East Main Street, the library was formed under the direction of the Patchogue Library Association in June, 1883. The library opened its doors just two months later in August, 1883, housing 635 volumes that included the likes of Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, Jules Verne, and Alexis De Tocqueville.

Following brief stints in a music store and the Lyceum Community Center, the library was adopted in 1899 by Sorosis, an all-purpose women's organization new to the Patchogue neighborhood, with the intention of transforming the private library into a public facility. Sorosis greatly enhanced the library, raising enough funds and community support for the construction of a permanent home in 1908.

Aided by the financial backing of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the library earned acclaim across New York State. Today, the Patchogue- Medford Library serves as the sole New York State-designated Central Library for Suffolk County, providing support and innovative services to the people of the First Congressional District of New York.

Throughout all of the changes, growth, and iterations of the Patchogue-Medford Library, the goal of universal literacy has remained at the forefront of the library's agenda. Serving a diverse community, of which nearly one-quarter of the population is Hispanic, the library has taken a non-traditional approach toward literacy in the community.

The library is committed to bringing quality programming to both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities, often combining the two groups for mutually beneficial learning experiences. Children are often exposed to bilingual story times, teens engage with each other in the Language Cafe, and Spanish language computer instructions are offered to more than 2,100 adult students. The Patchogue-Medford Library demonstrates that literacy is important in all its forms, from reading books to reading one another.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Patchogue-Medford Library for receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, and I commend the library for its continued commitment to providing vital services to the people of the First Congressional District of New York.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize my constituent, James R. Bombard of Port Jefferson, New York, for his hard work and commitment to America's veterans. Jim will retire on December 23rd after twelve years of service at the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs. Jim's many contributions and achievements over a career dedicated to public service have undoubtedly enhanced the lives of our Nation's veterans and expanded opportunities afforded to them.

During his service as an Army paratroop commander during the Vietnam War, Captain Bombard was decorated with the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Following his service, Jim continued on a path of service by advocating for future generations of servicemen and women.

In the late 1980s, Mr. Bombard served as Special Assistant to Congressman Robert J. Mrazek of New York. He worked on the American Homecoming Act of 1988, which allowed Vietnamese children, born of American fathers, to immigrate to the United States. This legislation resulted in America welcoming nearly 100,000 Asian Americans and relatives, enriching our vibrant Vietnamese-American community.

Continuing his dedication to veterans, Jim served as Chief of the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs' Bureau of Veterans Education, working to improve the ``veteran friendliness'' of New York institutions of higher education. As Legislative Director, two-term President, and Chief of the National Association of State Approving Agencies, Jim has enhanced the policy and curricula that promote quality education and training opportunities for veterans.

Jim's experience in state government, industry, and the halls of Congress have also informed the development and implementation of the post 9/11 GI Bill, which extended full tuition and benefits to the newest generation of American heroes.

Madam Speaker, building a career on expanding opportunity to veterans is a calling of the highest honor. James R. Bombard deserves our gratitude and recognition for his outstanding service and enduring contributions to improving the lives of America's veterans. We wish him continued success in his future endeavors as well as a long and fulfilling retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise to mark the untimely passing of an outstanding young man, Joshua Matthew Levine, one of my constituents who lived in North Haven, NY. Josh, who was only 35 years old, was a much beloved and well-known advocate for organic farming and healthy living. He left a successful job in New York City to move to the Hamptons where he became involved in the burgeoning organic farming movement that has recently attracted so many talented young people across our nation. He began as a volunteer at Quail Hill Farm in Amagansett, a stewardship project of the Peconic Land Trust, a non- profit land preservation organization. Quail Hill is one of the original CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms in the United States and serves 200 families as well as supplies food to local restaurants, schools and food pantries. After working a year as a volunteer at the 30-acre farm, he became an apprentice and then was hired as the farm's marketing manager. He also operated the organization's weekly Saturday Farmer's Market.

Along with his wife Susan Ann Jones Levine, he threw himself wholeheartedly into the business of promoting healthy food and healthy living and he would go out of his way to explain the benefits of sustainable agriculture and organic farming to others. He was devoted to his wife and their two children, three-year-old Willa and six-month- old Ezra. At a time when many think of the Hamptons as the land of glitz and glamour, it is refreshing to encounter a young person of such substance with an unwavering dedication to values that make our world a better place--cooperation, hard work and respect for the earth we live on. Josh Levine truly lived his beliefs. He was devoted to the idea of sustaining the land for future generations. On days when the Farmer's Market was open, he would arise at 5 a.m. and go to the farm to get the food and deliver it to the market in time for the opening at 9 a.m. More than 600 people attended his funeral and told stories about how hard he worked and how much he did to help others understand the benefits of healthy living.

One woman recalled how she inadvertently left a large bunch of kale that she had purchased at the farm stand one Saturday. Josh knew that she needed the kale to help in her fight against cancer, and he spent three hours tracking her down after the farm stand had closed and successfully delivered the kale to her freshly packed on ice so that it would not wilt in the sweltering August heat. He believed in what he was doing, and his passion and enthusiasm attracted others. He enjoyed cooking and was an avid follower of the slow food movement. As a tribute to his good works, the mayor ordered the flag to be flown at half mast on the day of his funeral, a tribute usually reserved for military personnel.

It is with great sadness that I mark the passing of such a vibrant young man, so involved in his community and devoted to his beliefs.

Madam Speaker, I rise to ffor th one hundredth anniversary of the dedication of the monument to General von Steuben across the street from the White House--in Lafayette Park, Washington, DC.

The monument to General Frederich Wilhelm von Steuben was dedicated in a ceremony presided over by President William H. Taft on December 7, 1910. Taking its place among the statues of three other European-born Revolutionary War heroes, the Steuben monument serves as a reminder of the tactical foresight and invaluable contributions of General von Steuben to the United States military during the American Revolution.

General von Steuben arrived in the United States from Prussia during a period of great turmoil for our young country. Facing the superior forces of Great Britain, the American military lacked experience, tradition, and proper training. It was under these circumstances that General von Steuben wrote to General George Washington prior to his arrival in 1778, stating ``The object of my greatest ambition is to render your country all the service in my power, and to deserve the title of a citizen of America by fighting for the cause of liberty.'' General von Steuben is credited with almost singlehandedly transforming the Continental Army from a group of untrained militias into a professional army capable of defeating the strongest military in the world.

In addition to his battlefield heroics, General von Steuben's enduring impact lives on through the U.S. Armed Forces' continuing reference to his ``Blue Book,'' which outlines a training plan that has served as the standard bearer for strategic military preparation. General von Steuben's contributions and accomplishments continue to serve as a source of great pride and inspiration for the millions of German-Americans living in the United States today.

The Steuben Society, founded in 1919 and named in honor of General von Steuben, serves to educate the public about matters of interest to American citizens of German heritage and their families, to encourage participation in civic affairs, and to perpetuate and enhance the understanding of contributions made by German Americans to our nation. I am proud that the national headquarters of the Steuben Society is located in Patchogue, New York, which is my district and home to 130,000 German-American constituents.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the centennial anniversary of the dedication of the General von Steuben monument in Lafayette Park, and I commend the Steuben Society for its active role in promoting the culture and contributions of German-American citizens across the United States.

Madam Speaker, starting tomorrow, 31,000 of my constituents, 400,000 New Yorkers and 2 million Americans will begin to lose their unemployment benefits. Before Thanksgiving, 143 Republicans and 11 Democrats voted against extending unemployment insurance. With that vote they said the unemployed mother, or the husband who lost his job to outsourcing are the ones who should shoulder the burden of reducing the national debt.

In the same breath, Republicans call on Congress to pass a tax break for the wealthiest Americans--adding hundreds of billions of dollars to the deficit. Republicans say we can't afford unemployment benefits, but they are alone in their logic. Economists widely agree that extending unemployment benefits does far more to stimulate economic growth than tax breaks for millionaires.

Madam Speaker, as we enter the winter season when home heating, gas and other basic living costs will rise, I ask my colleagues to help those American families who are most in need, not those wealthiest who need it the least.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill and thank the leadership for giving it a second chance. The heroes who responded on September 11th certainly deserve a second chance.

Those heroes didn't hesitate. Americans united immediately on September 11th. But 9 years later, this House remains divided.

First responders, survivors, and their families have waited too long for Congress to act. On this congressional session's final day, we must fulfill our promise to care for them and treat them for their exposure to toxins at Ground Zero.

Residents of Eastern Long Island, who I proudly represent, are getting sick, as are thousands who came from nearly every state. This isn't just a New York issue, it's an American issue.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to unite in support of our heroes by voting for the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Harry Coghlan, a New Yorker who has earned special recognition and praise from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) for his steadfast commitment to advancing public safety.

On September 15, 2010, Mr. Coghlan was presented with the Director's Award for Excellence by FBI Director Robert S. Mueller. Citing Mr. Coghlan's continuing efforts to assist the mission of law enforcement officials through his donation of digital billboard space in Times Square, Director Mueller recognized Mr. Coghlan in a special ceremony held in Washington, DC.

Times Square is known around the world for its energy, color, and signature advertising billboards. In January 2010, the FBI announced an agreement with Mr. Coghlan for his company, Spectacolor, to provide 40- foot by 40-foot digital billboard space at the corner of 47th Street and Broadway to display wanted fugitives, missing persons, and high- priority security alerts.

By entering into this agreement, the FBI hoped to follow the trend set by Newark, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by empowering the public in high traffic areas to help law enforcement by providing tips. Given the success of the digital billboard program in those cities, the immediate success of the program in Times Square was a surprise to no one.

On September 12, 2010, the FBI announced the arrest of an alleged mobster who had been displayed on a Times Square billboard in Yonkers, New York. Since the inception of the program in 2007, more than 35 arrests have been made by the FBI in connection with tips prompted by digital billboards.

Madam Speaker, I applaud the FBI for its effective partnerships, and I commend Mr. Harry Coghlan and Clear Channel Spectacolor for their pioneering work to use advanced technology to benefit law enforcement and public safety.

Mr. Speaker, Americans came together in our hometowns and cities this past Saturday to honor nearly 3,000 lives lost in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Next week, we have the opportunity to honor the first responders and rescue workers who rushed to Ground Zero to help in the rescue and recovery efforts when we vote on the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The bill will provide necessary medical and monitoring treatment to the first responders and survivors of 9/11 who were exposed to the debris and to the dangerous toxins emitted from the fall of the Twin Towers.

New York's courageous firefighters, police officers, EMTs, cleanup workers, and the thousands who came from other States to lend New York a hand have been waiting for Congress to act. I thank the House leadership for agreeing to bring this important legislation up for consideration under regular order, and I commend Representatives Maloney and Nadler for their unwavering commitment to the 9/11 first responders.

We must always fulfill our solemn promise to remember September 11 and those who died, and it is imperative we care for those brave men and women who are still affected by its aftermath. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 847.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the centennial celebration on August 7, 2010, of the incorporation of the village of Bellport, located on the south shore of my district of eastern Long Island.

Brothers John and Chris Bell laid the foundation of this seaside outpost in the early 20th century as a fishing enclave for families escaping the frenzied life of New York City. For the past century, this enchanting bayside community has retained its distinctive charm and character in the midst of the ever-changing world around it.

Bellport's unique history is anchored by its maritime culture, centered on its renowned marina, yacht club, and celebrated waterfront. Many of Bellport's earliest residents provided for their families by fishing for mussels and oysters, and flourished on the bountiful waters of the Great South Bay.

From its humble beginnings, Bellport has matured into a thriving village adorned with enticing restaurants and boutiques. The Bellport Bay Yacht Club, founded in 1906, exemplifies the village's sailing heritage and remains a popular site for some of the premier sailing races in the country.

Another of Bellport Village's attractions is the acclaimed Gateway Theater. Many of its local actors, including Gene Hackman, launched their careers from its stage. The Gateway remains a source of communal pride and participation.

Beach lovers have enjoyed Bellport's many alluring waterfront attractions, including the secluded Ho Hum Beach, across from the marina on Fire Island National Seashore.

On August 6, Bellport officially celebrated its 100th anniversary beginning with a dinner dance at the Bellport Country Club, followed by a parade from the Bellport Fire House to the Bellport Marina on August 7.

Madam Speaker, I am very proud to represent Bellport, New York, in the U.S. House of Representatives. I invite my colleagues to join us in celebrating Bellport's centennial and wishing this charming community and its residents continued success and happiness.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support for the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which we will be considering later this morning. Consideration of this legislation is long overdue. Thousands of brave Americans are suffering from debilitating illnesses after being exposed to harmful toxins released by the debris of the World Trade Center.

The bill before us provides necessary medical monitoring and treatment to World Trade Center first responders, and those who worked or lived in downtown Manhattan on September 11. It also reopens the 9/ 11 Victim Compensation Fund to compensate those affected.

This legislation will help thousands of New Yorkers, courageous firefighters, police officers, EMTs and clean-up workers, as well as the thousands of selfless individuals who rushed from every State to lend a hand in the rescue recovery and cleanup efforts at Ground Zero.

Many of them are my constituents, like John Feal, who founded the FealGoodFoundation, which has achieved so much since September 11 to raise awareness and help those who answered the Nation's call upon learning of the attacks on lower Manhattan.

It is imperative that we affirm our commitment to first responders and survivors by ensuring they have access to treatment and care. We should pass this bill as a solemn measure of our indebtedness and to honor these most deserving patriots who sacrificed their health and safety for their fellow Americans.

I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Costello for yielding time. And I want to thank Congresswoman McCarthy for her leadership on this issue.

I rise in support and as a cosponsor of H. Res. 1401, expressing our gratitude for the excellent work performed by our Nation's air traffic controllers who keep the traveling public safe.

I am proud to represent many of the Nation's nearly 16,000 air traffic controllers. They are often the unseen heroes of our Nation's airways. Their unique skills and training keep our travel in the United States and around the world safe and on time.

In the New York metropolitan area, among the world's busiest regions for air transportation, air traffic controllers work tirelessly 365 days a year to ensure that parents will see their children for holidays, that businesses depending on air travel will continue to thrive, and that your packages arrive on time.

Mr. Speaker, we should not overlook these men and women who are a critical link in our domestic and international transportation network. Indeed, they deserve our thanks. I commend them for their hard work, and I ask my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise with sadness following the passing of Celestino Gambino, proprietor of La Parmigiana Restaurant in Southampton, NY and a beloved member of the community that I have the privilege of representing.

Celestino Gambino emigrated to the United States from Palermo Sicily, with little money and speaking no English, to make a better life for himself, his wife Josephine, and their seven children. He kept his family together, and with them and a lot of hard work, he built one of the most successful businesses on the East End of Long Island. He was devoted to his family, to his church and to his community, and he became a beloved figure in Southampton. On July 1 Mr. Gambino passed away at the age of 73.

Celestino Gambino opened La Parmigiana, or ``La Parm'' as it is affectionately known, in 1974 as a small pizza parlor, but over the years it became a Southampton mainstay. Located on Hampton Road in the heart of Southampton Village, La Parm is a family restaurant serving plates piled high with Italian food, such as their traditional Sicilian dishes, Penne alla Norcina and Margarita con Melenzane. A specialty shop in the restaurant sells Italian olive oil, La Parm's own sauce and salad dressing, pastries, pastas and other items.

As delicious as the food is, the true draw of the restaurant was the fact that patrons knew they would see Mr. Gambino, smoking his pipe and wearing his white apron, when they visited his restaurant, and if not him--then one of his family members. All of his children and several of his grandchildren work in La Parm, and all of them help give it the friendly, welcoming atmosphere it is known for--even when the pick-up counter is jammed with people waiting for their orders on a Friday night. People knew they could count on Mr. Gambino to give them good, quality service, whether they were ordering a slice or sitting down to a family meal.

It is a place of Old World charm, with good food for a good value. Mr. Gambino once said that the restaurant sold 20,000 pizza pies a year. But as busy as the restaurant kept him, Celestino Gambino always had time for people. He always took the time to listen and find a way to help, quietly and without fanfare. He was a gentleman, considerate and kind, and he was respected for that. In good times and in hard times, he kept his family together. On Mondays, the only day the restaurant was closed, the family would gather at his home far a family meal. He would always sit at the head of the table surrounded by his wife, their seven children and 19 grandchildren. On Sundays he made dinner for the priests at his church, Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Roman Catholic Church.

The Gambino family is a shining example of the hard work, family love, and generosity of spirit that have made this country great. With the death of Celestino Gambino, we have lost a bit of Southampton, but we know that his family will carry on the traditions he established at the place he owned and operated for 36 years, and in them he will live on and we will be constantly reminded of the values for which he stood.