Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my constituents, Wayne Roberts, for his 50 years of service in Upper Jay,

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent due to a family emergency on November 29th and November 30th, 2012. As a result, I missed rollcall votes 611, 612, and 613 related to H.R. 6429, the STEM Job Act of 2012. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote 611, ``yes'' on roll call vote 612, and ``no'' on roll call vote 613.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent and friend, Tom Plimpton. I have known Tom for a number of years as a friend and former colleague, and I want to congratulate him on his induction into the St. Lawrence University Hall of Fame.

A distinguished lawyer in Upstate New York, I want to take this opportunity to not just acknowledge his academic, legal, and personal successes, but recognize his athletic achievements as a part of the 1987 Men's Track and Field Team at St. Lawrence University.

As a member of the St. Lawrence University 1987 Men's Track and Field team he contributed to their win in the second-ever New York State Collegiate Indoor Championship and the first New York State Outdoor title. He then went on to help his team finish second in the NCAA Division III Indoor Championship. For his efforts in the 400 meter team relay, Tom earned All American honors.

Again, I congratulate Tom on this prestigious distinction and wish him all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I was a cosponsor of the original version of this bipartisan bill and rise to support the modified legislation we are considering today. I want to thank Mr. Barletta for his work on this important legislation in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

These two disasters caused millions in damage in northern New York. One year later, small businesses and homeowners are still recovering.

As I walked around my district immediately after, I saw people shoveling out mud, throwing out heirlooms, and struggling to understand what had happened to them. Many of the businesses were ruined, along with homes.

But I also saw something else. I saw people helping people. What we're doing here today is having the government help people. We're following the example of our constituents.

Currently, the Small Business Administration offers disaster recovery loans to small businesses and homeowners for as low as 4 percent and up to 8 percent if credit is available elsewhere. To date, nearly 100 small businesses and homeowners in my congressional district have been approved for more than $5.8 million in disaster loans. But I have heard from many constituents that the interest rates are simply too high to take advantage of these loans.

This bipartisan bill would lower the interest rate on disaster loans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to submit the following work that was offered to me on behalf of Marine Corporal Jessie Kent Fletcher, a constituent and wounded warrior who honorably served our country in Afghanistan.

You Have No Idea

You!

You have no idea!

What kind of magnificent men so appear!

Who so wear that uniform, whose fine hearts will not so break

or bend!

All in their most heroic shades of green, who upon them we

all now so depend!

Yea, you have no idea!

Of what kind of fighting machines!

Are all of these here, The United States Marines!

Jager!

Who do so courageously appear, and move all out into that

darkness all without such fear!

Yea, you have no idea!

How much they so love this country tis of thee,

and how much they do so truly believe!

For in life, each person but has their own destiny . . .

To give up, or to lead! To inspire you and me!

To so set their sights ever higher, all in what they want to

be!

Yea, you have no idea!

And what kind of magnificent families,

that they all so have at home who they must now all so leave!

You have no idea!

How heroes are so made!

Magnificent men like JKF,

who go so boldly forth all out into harm's way!

From this Empire State,

New York . . . Jessie . . . whose heart is so very Gotham

this very day!

Snipers, all so setting their sights high on victory,

hunters who All In Strength In Honor Do So All Believe!

Lone wolves out on the hunt,

who move without being seen!

Watch out enemy! Hunt It! Hunt It!

For today is judgement day . . .

And now its time for you to sleep! To pay!

Who can make a shot from a mile away in enemy country,

you would not believe!

You, have no idea how they will fight to be free!

With nerves of steel,

and patience and concentration so very deep!

Yea, you have no idea . . .

of what their fine souls are so made up of so very deep down!

As melding into that landscape as they so disappear,

as all out there on their own,

all out on their most courageous ways vanishing into the air

. . .

Yea, you have no idea . . .

how much self control that it all so takes . . .

How much stealth and patience,

while an enemy but stands just a few feet away . . .

For Snipers are not so made, but born to be great!

For it is something that which inside is so innate!

With such instincts that which so help them to live on . . .

night after night, and day after day . . .

Setting their sights on victory, as they calibrate . . .

As so stealth fully they all so make their ways!

The ones who for an eternity will ever so wait,

just to get that shot made!

As it was on one such fateful day,

when death almost came Jessie's way . . .

When, it so took all that he so had . . .

but to just so live but one more day!

And yes, you have no idea of all of that heartache that it so

takes!

When, you so realize that you have so lost your strong legs .

. . .

And what it so takes,

to somehow to begin each new day . . .

Yea, you have no idea!

Of the kind of pain and heartache,

that Jessie has so faced!

And the amount courage and faith that it all so takes,

you would so amaze!

While, against all odds . . . Maximus . . .

Oh yes you Jessie just like a God you would not so fade!

Setting your sights on recovery,

as we so watched you and so realized how future angels are so

made!

As you never ran out of ammo,

as your fine heart would somehow reload!

To take your soul to higher places for all us to behold!

While, all around you heartache would so explode!

Yea you have no idea!

How much it takes and how many tears!

But, The Angels up in heaven . . .

all of this can so see and feel!

And our Lord's tears for you Jessie . . .

are all so very real!

Because, he has some idea!

Because, he's been with you from the beginning so very close!

When, you got that second shot at life!

Between, the cross hairs of life and death . . .

when your will to live so meant the most!

As you Jessie so set your sights on life!

As with your courage and all of your strength,

all of us you have so blessed!

Teaching us all what the word hero so means!

And if ever I had a son!

I'd pray that he'd have a heart,

as half as great as your strong one!

Yea, Jessie I have no idea . . .

as to how and to what new heights your fine heart will so

run!

And how upon your face,

I so see a smile as bright as the morning sun!

But, one day up in Heaven Jessie you will so run . . .

As thy will be done!

And Jessie,

how you find the strength and the courage, I have no idea!

As I so see your sights are so set on Heaven, so very quite

clear!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and service of a friend and constituent, Colonel John Boule II of Plattsburgh, New York, and to congratulate him on his upcoming retirement. Col. Boule has a long and decorated career, rising to his current position as Commander of the New York District for the Army Corps of Engineers. This country and the State of New York are fortunate to have benefitted from his years of dedicated service.

Col. Boule graduated in 1986 from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He went on to earn two Master of Science degrees from Stanford University, and later used those skills to help further the careers of fellow soldiers by teaching at West Point. Col. Boule also served the Army in a variety of operational, command, and staff assignments in the U.S. and overseas including in Iraq, Somalia, and in New York at Fort Drum with the 41st Engineer Battalion, 10th Mountain Division. His decorated career includes the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, six awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Ranger Tab, and the Combat Action Badge.

In addition to his work overseas, Col. Boule has been a positive force for change in New

York and in my congressional district. Since coming to Congress, I have benefited from his knowledge and experience in our efforts to improve Plattsburgh Harbor, attend to the district after Hurricane Irene, and strengthen Fort Drum. His dedication to these efforts has always helped to keep New York moving forward, and I am proud to have worked with him.

It has been a pleasure and honor to work with Col. Boule. On a personal note, I am glad to have John as a friend and look forward to seeing him in Plattsburgh visiting with his family in the years ahead. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating him on his retirement and wishing him well in whatever comes next.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my constituents, Elizabeth ``Beezie'' Madden of Cazenovia, New York for her involvement in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Beezie already has a very distinguished riding career, establishing herself as one of the premier equestrian riders in the world. In addition to becoming the first woman to pass the $1 million mark in show jumping earnings, she has competed in two Olympics, winning two Gold medals and a Bronze.

Beezie will be competing in the London Olympics representing the United States this summer. Her success adds to a long history of New York Olympians continuing the proud American athletic tradition in international competition. I wish Beezie all the best in the Olympics, and I know she will represent our region--and our nation--proudly.

I thank my colleague.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join Mr. Harper as an original cosponsor to offer legislation to repeal an outdated mandate on auto dealerships across the country.

Under current rules, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is required to distribute a hard copy information booklet on vehicle insurance costs to auto dealers. In addition, those auto dealers are then required to keep the booklet on hand and make it available to prospective customers.

Before coming to Congress, I had the opportunity to represent Bill McBride and Gerry Garrand, two auto dealers located in Plattsburgh, New York. Working alongside the McBride and Garrand teams helped me better understand the automobile retail market and the pressure dealers are under to remain competitive. Today, we have a chance to remove a regulation, which we can all agree is outdated, for the benefit of taxpayers and businesses like those in my congressional district. I believe actions like this make common sense, and I urge more of it.

Over the past 21 years, NHTSA has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars distributing this information, much of which is unnecessary for an average customer who is trying to make an informed decision in the showroom. Recent surveys show that few, if any, customers ask for this information in a given year. In fact, as much as 96 percent of auto dealers have never once been asked for this information at all.

Putting information in the hands of consumers is sensible. For the average American family, buying a car is a major expense. Most people will consider price, safety ratings, and other features, and will compare a number of makes and models before making a purchase. However, the data show that few American families make NHTSA's Relative Collision Insurance Cost Information booklet a part of that decision- making process.

With that in mind, our legislation simply ensures that auto dealers will no longer be required to make this unused information available to their customers at taxpayer expense. At the same time, the bill allows NHTSA and the Highway Loss Data Institute complete flexibility to make this information available online, which HLDI has said it will do. This is an example of the commonsense bipartisanship we need to see more of, working together to reduce outdated, unnecessary or overly burdensome regulations to thebenefit of businesses, families, and taxpayers at large.

I thank Mr. Harper for his leadership on this issue and for working with me to get this done for auto dealers across the country. Moreover, I am pleased to have had the opportunity to have worked with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in order to help make government work better. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and service of one of my constituents, John Johnson, President and CEO of Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, New York. John's time as a public servant in the North Country and hospital administrator reflects an enduring commitment to our community and to improving the access and quality of healthcare for the people of Northern New York.

After graduating with a Bachelor's of Science degree from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1971, John went on to rise through the ranks of the Franklin County Probation Department to become its Director in 1977. He later worked as Franklin County Manager in 1984 until he joined Alice Hyde as an Associate Director in 1990. He soon became the Executive Vice President of the Acute Care Facility, the Outpatient Health Center, and the Adjacent Skilled Nursing Facility. John went on to become President and CEO of Alice Hyde in 1994 where he has served till recently.

Under John's tenure as President and CEO, the AHMC has established five health centers and opened cancer, hemodialysis, ambulatory and orthopedic and rehabilitation centers. In 2009, AHMC was recognized as the Organization of the Year by the Malone Chamber of Commerce for its efforts to pursue innovative medicine, growth, and community programs.

I had the privilege to serve with John on the Plattsburgh State University College Council where he exemplified his community commitment. While I am saddened by the departure of John as President and CEO of AHMC, his work will continue to have an impact for years to come. I congratulate John on his retirement and wish him all the best in the many years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend Peter S. Paine, Jr. upon his receipt of the Ordre des Palmes Academiques (Order of Academic Palms). This prestigious honor was awarded by the Messieurs Jean-Claude Duthion, Education Attache of the French Embassy in recognition of his work to preserve Fort Ticonderoga and its international educational mission.

The Ordre des Palmes Academiques is an order of chivalry of France for academic, cultural, and educational figures. Originally founded by Emperor Napoleon to honor eminent members of the University of Paris, it was established as an order in October 4, 1955 by President Rene Jules Gustave Coty.

Peter's career as a lawyer and strong advocate for the environment first came to the fore when he was named a member of the Temporary Study Commission on the Future of the Adirondacks from 1968 to 1970, and then as a Commissioner of the Adirondack Park Agency from 1971 to 1995. Peter served as the principle draftsman of the Adirondack State Land Master Plan and the NY State Wild Scenic and Recreational Rivers legislation, masterfully displaying his skill and passion for the environment. He also served as a trustee and former chairman of the Adirobtlack Nature Conservancy, served on the NY State Nature Conservancy Board of Trustees, was founding member and long time general counsel of the Lake Champlain Committee, and also served as one of the founding trustees of what is now Environmental Advocates. He also has served on the Board of Trustees of the Fort Ticonderoga Association and a trustee of the Adirondack Community Trust pay projects and played an important role in numerous land conservation contracts in the Champlain Valley including the preservation as a bird sanctuary of the Four Brother Islands in Lake Champlain and the addition of the Split Rock Mountain Range to the NY State Forest Preserve. As a major supporter and co-organizer of the Noblewood Park and Nature Preserve Project in the town of Willsboro, along with Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, he helped create the Coon Mountain Nature Preserve in Westport. Peter lead the Paine family in donating conservation easements to the Adirondack Nature Conservancy starting in 1978 which protected five miles of shoreline on Lake Champlain and the Boquet River as well as some 1,000 acres of farm and forestland.

Peter had a long career in the law with the law firm of Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton LLP and has served as Chairman of the Champlain National Bank in Willsboro, NY.

Peter is an avid hunter, fisherman, horseman, and wilderness expedition leader. I can tell you from my personal interaction with him over many years that he is a man of uncommon intelligence, clear thinking, and one not afraid to express his opinion on any subject. He performs his duties with alacrity, clarity, and with concern for his environment and fellow man.

Let me offer in conclusion my sincere congratulations on his receipt of the Ordre des Palmes Academiques. I wish him the best of luck in all future endeavors.

``Peter, mes sinceres felicitations pour votre prix a l'ordre des Palmes Academiques. Je tiens a vous souhaiter mes meilleures vceux de succes, et je vous prie d'agreer l'expression de mes salutations les plus distinguees.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the fifteenth annual Plattsburgh Relay for Life.

This event has not only strived for years to raise money and awareness in an effort to eradicate cancer, but it serves as a tribute to all those who have bravely fought this tragic disease.

This annual event honors the courageous efforts these individuals have demonstrated in their fight for life and remembers those that have lost the battle. Tonight we especially remember our dear friend, Marie Guay, who lost her brave fight with cancer last year. As the former Relay for Life Survivor Chair, Marie devoted countless hours ensuring that cancer survivors were honored and celebrated. So tonight we remember all of her efforts and together honor her memory.

With gratitude, we acknowledge the work of the entire Relay for Life committee and its participants. I commend each and every one of you for keeping the valiant struggle of these individuals in all our memories and working to ensure that more people survive cancer and are able to celebrate another birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I unintentionally voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 215 when I intended to vote ``no'' on the Huizenga amendment to H.R. 5326. I reiterate my strong support for public sector employees.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the annual International Memorial Service at Fort Chambly.

This memorial serves as a tribute to our fallen heroes who fought bravely during the American Revolutionary War, particularly those who weathered disease and below freezing temperatures to fight off the British on the U.S. and Canadian border.

The annual memorial service honors the courageous efforts these individuals demonstrated in their struggle for America's independence. Their service inspired generations of Americans to sacrifice for their country, in order to preserve and protect many of the liberties we enjoy today.

With gratitude, we acknowledge the legacies of our fallen heroes with great reverence and appreciation. I commend the Saranac Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with various associated organizations and dignitaries for keeping the valiant struggle of these individuals in the memories of community members.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th anniversary of the Student Association Volunteer Ambulance Corps, SAVAC, of Oswego. The SAVAC is the first fully student funded, staffed, trained, and operated volunteer ambulance corps on a college campus in the nation, according to the American College Health Association.

Originally founded in 1971 by a small group of SUNY Oswego undergraduate students, the program had humble beginnings, initially receiving $8500 in funding from the SUNY Oswego Student Association, which continues to fund the program today.

Today, the SAVAC is now the primary Emergency Medical Services, EMS, provider for SUNY Oswego. Additionally, the SAVAC is certified in Basic Life Support by the New York State Department of Health, providing mutual aid support to the Oswego City Fire Department and the Oswego Town Volunteer Fire Department.

The SAVAC has become a gateway to the EMS world, sending many of its members on to professional positions within Emergency Medical Services and Fire Departments across New York State and the country. I applaud the commendable and valuable work of the SAVAC and honor their rich history of community service.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 3309, the Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act.

I agree that cost-benefit analysis is an important factor that independent agencies should consider before issuing new rules and regulations. To that end, I have supported bipartisan legislation that would require other agencies, like the CFTC and the SBA, to conduct similar analyses.

Mr. Chairman, in our efforts to change the rulemaking process at the FCC, it is important that we consider unintended consequences. My amendment is very simple and limited in scope. It simply expresses that nothing in this act shall impede the FCC from implementing rules to ensure broadband access in rural areas. I would like to clarify that this amendment is not intended to influence the current debate concerning the FCC's reforms to the Universal Service Fund.

Last year, I introduced legislation that would direct the Department of Agriculture to craft a comprehensive plan to expand broadband access to rural America. If such a plan were enacted under the bill we are considering today, the FCC would likely be required to conduct additional market surveys and analysis that could delay its implementation.

New York's 23rd Congressional District is 14,000 square miles and encompasses a large portion of the State's rural communities. My amendment would simply ensure that the development of much-needed broadband in rural areas, like in my congressional district in upstate New York, is not held up by the increased requirements imposed by the FCC under this bill.

Whether it is a small business in Massena, Watertown, Oswego or in Plattsburgh, New York, that wants to market its products to customers in Canada or to a hospital that is able to save a life by accessing patient records, access to broadband is critical to creating jobs and growing the economy in rural New York and in rural regions across the country. In many of these areas, there is simply insufficient demand for private industry to justify the cost of building out their networks.

Congress must be prepared to help develop this infrastructure to ensure our economy remains competitive in the global marketplace. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, may I reclaim my unused time?

I just want to point out two items.

First, this bill is not intended to influence in any way the current debate concerning the FCC's reforms to the Universal Service Fund. We are not in any way attempting to impact that. In addition, what we're really asking is that the FCC take into account in its rulemaking process the rural broadband needs. We are not exempting it from the process but are simply asking that that be taken into account as

they go through the process. There is no exemption intended here.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.