Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Republic of China (ROC), also known as Taiwan. Immediately after Hurricane Sandy hit the the Northeast coast on October 29th and 30th, many foreign governments and non-governmental organizations offered generous help to the United States. The Republic of China government (Taiwan) offered $1.3 million to aid in relief and reconstruction efforts.

On November 16th Taiwan donated $1 million to two charities, United Way International and Habitat for Humanity International, two of the leading relief agencies. The rest of the funds were distributed to the state governments of New York and New Jersey, which were among the hardest hit areas.

A ceremony marking the transfer of funds to the two charities was held in Washington, DC, on December 6, 2012. On behalf of the current 11th Congressional District, soon to be the 9th Congressional district of New York, I recognize the ROC for their generous contribution and show of good will towards the United States. As parts of the Northeast coast continue to rebuild, on behalf of my constituents, I am grateful to those who have offered their assistance. I thank the ROC and look forward to continuing a long lasting and fruitful friendship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the outgoing chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Reverend and Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II, of Missouri, who is my colleague and good friend. Representative Cleaver has graciously served with distinction in the House of Representatives and the Fifth Congressional District of Missouri for nearly 8 years.

He has been an outstanding chairman to the Congressional Black Caucus, ushering the caucus through its 40th anniversary. He cares deeply for all Americans--children, seniors, and the marginalized of our society. Who can forget his demonstrative leadership on the CBC Jobs Tour where tens of thousands of Americans lined up for an opportunity to present themselves to employers.

From creating economic opportunity, supporting quality education for all children, to ensuring equal access to health care for all Americans, Chairman Cleaver has truly been the embodiment of the conscience of the Congress.

After the shooting of our colleague Gabrielle Giffords, her staff, and constituents in Tucson, Arizona, occurred, Chairman Cleaver was one of the first people to call for civility and the end to the toxic rhetoric here in Washington.

Congressman Cleaver led the effort to ensure that all citizens registered to

vote on National Voter Registration Day, which was an initiative to raise awareness to block the voter suppression efforts with the enacting of voter ID laws by numerous States during the Presidential election this year.

This outspoken, soft-spoken minister can bring the fire when needed. I cannot forget his legendary and enthusiastic speech to Democrats on the pressing issues that affect all Americans, as demonstrated in his 2012 Democratic National Convention speech in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is not afraid to display his passion for what is right.

Chairman Cleaver is truly a man on a mission for his constituents in Kansas City and all Americans across this Nation. A crusader for justice, I am proud to serve alongside him in the Congressional Black Caucus and look forward to our continued friendship in the 113th Congress.

I wish him God's richest blessings and continued success.

I thank my colleague for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I've joined my colleague, Dr. Donna Christensen, Representative of the Virgin Islands, here tonight in remembrance of the 20 first-grade children and six educators who were mercilessly gunned down last Friday at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, innocent victims of senseless gun violence.

To the families, educators, and the community of Newtown, Connecticut, on behalf of the people of the 11th Congressional District of Brooklyn, New York, I wish to express my most profound and deepest condolences.

I believe, like so many across this Nation, that the families of these victims, the families of children in every community in the United States, have some very important questions for Members of Congress. I also believe that as their representatives we have an obligation to provide them with answers.

Question: Why? Why have we allowed our communities around this Nation, from a supermarket in Tucson, Arizona to a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, to a shopping mall in Oregon, to an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, to the streets of Brooklyn, New York, why have we been so reluctant in protecting them? Why have we left them unprotected, vulnerable to gun violence, death, and the terror that such actions inflict?

Who will speak for the people whose lives were cut short, struck down, maimed and traumatized for life? When will we realize that these incidents are not inevitable, that we have the ability to prevent gun violence and an obligation to do everything in our power to make gun violence a thing of the past? The answer to these questions will define this generation of Members of Congress. Our answers will determine the future of our civil society.

Americans have the right to demand answers from this Congress. We have the authority to keep the guns away from the streets of our cities and towns. In the 11th Congressional District which I represent in New York City, the New York City Police Department reported 274 victims from 226 incidents involving gun violence, and that was in two neighborhoods in the district that I represent. The majority of these crimes were registered in just two communities; 274 victims from 226 incidents. Now, fortunately, not everyone perished in these instances, but one incident of death is one too many. The repercussions of the trauma that comes from those who witness these incidents, who dodge the bullets in our communities, is immeasurable.

We have the authority to focus our efforts on penalties for gun trafficking and unlawful sales of firearms. We have the authority to prevent the retail sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines or clips that are designed for military combat use. We have the ability to register handguns and micro stamp munitions to trace ownership and origin. We have the authority; we only need to have the courage to act.

The Newtown tragedy has highlighted a vexing issue that we as Americans must address. It is imperative that we set aside our differences in the 113th Congress to pass legislation that will increase accountability among gun vendors and owners, support local law enforcement to stem the tide of gun trafficking across our Nation, reduce the number of illegal guns on our streets, and remove access to high-powered militarized weapons and ammunition which have no place in our communities.

Madam Speaker, this is not a Republican problem, it is not a Democrat problem. This is an American problem, and this is a problem we must have the courage to address.

I want to thank my colleague for yielding. As I drove up to the Capitol for this Special Order this evening, I reflected on the flags waving at half-mast over the Capitol, an indication of the deep grief and sorrow that our Nation faces at this time. I think to my own community, where I've attended far too many funerals of families that have been devastated by the heinous act of gun violence.

I think about a former colleague of mine. As a member of the New York City Council, I unfortunately count myself among the victims who witnessed my own city council colleague being gunned down before us. And so, what we need to understand is that while these incidents may seem remote from many families, the implications of what can happen in our communities extend beyond what we may hear in the news but affect tens of thousands who may not have been the immediate or intended target of gun violence but have been a witness, have been family members, community members, that have a love and a care for the lost one who were taken senselessly and needlessly. Let us muster up the courage to act. I yield back.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained in my district and missed the vote on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 604, H.R. 6371 the ``Streamlining Claims Processing for Federal Contractor Employees Act.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Abu Naser Khaliquzzaman, President of World Trade Promotion Center, Inc. to the Brooklyn community and to furthering democracy in his native Bangladesh. The contributions of Mr. Khaliquzzaman have included strengthening ties between the U.S. and Bangladesh, improving the quality of Bangladeshi democracy, and improving the Brooklyn community.

World Trade Promotion Center, Inc. is a Brooklyn based producer and distributor of American food and agriculture commodities, which provides employment and prestige to the community. Mr. Khaliquzzaman's sense of community and vital support has greatly benefitted the Brooklyn area.

Mr. Abu Naser Khaliquzzaman, known as Zaman, acts as a community leader in his Brooklyn neighborhood and serves as a Board member for the Dahil Neighborhood Association. Zaman also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association.

Zaman has worked tirelessly to promote democracy in his native Bangladesh for many years, most notably acting as sponsor to a series of non-partisan community programs aimed at strengthening the future of Bangladesh by encouraging women to vote and become more active in politics, and calling attention to the foreign investment potential of Bangladesh. From an early age, Mr. Khaliquzzaman has understood the importance of democratic processes and has spread his understanding to his community following the Independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan.

In response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Mr. Khaliquzzaman organized a press conference to condemn the acts of terrorism and convey to the Bangladeshi people how acts of terrorism ruin relations among nations. In the following years, Zaman Khaliquzzaman has worked to create unity among people of all walks of life and has sponsored a series of religious and civic events to these ends.

Abu Naser Khaliquzzaman has also worked to improve relations between the US and Bangladesh by holding a series of events in Dhaka with the objective of finding common ground for peace and condemning international terrorism. Zaman Khaliquzzaman has dedicated efforts to facilitate cooperation and understanding between the United States and the Muslim world.

Today, I rise to honor Mr. Abu Naser Khaliquzzaman for his contributions to the Brooklyn community and the U.S. relationship with the Muslim world. It is my honor to recognize Mr. Abu Naser Khaliquzzaman as a promoter of democracy and community in Brooklyn and abroad.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to applaud, yes applaud, my Republican colleagues, who voted this week with the Democrats to reject the anti-choice legislation H.R. 3803 D.C., the 20 Week Abortion Ban Bill. This bill was rejected by a vote of 220 to 154.

Had it passed, H.R. 3803 would have contained no exception for rape or incest, for medically futile pregnancies, or for the health of the woman--forcing pregnant women facing medical complications to wait until their conditions become life-threatening before termination of the pregnancy becomes an option. Additionally, under this piece of legislation, doctors could face two years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 for performing abortions and could be sued by their patients or their patients' families.

This bill would have not only harmed women, but also is unconstitutional since this legislation absolutely goes against current law as established in 1973 by Roe v. Wade. Herein lies the irony of the bill, Republicans, especially those who are members of the Tea Party, constantly espouse their support and respect for the law, yet they conveniently forget the fact that Roe v. Wade is the law of the land. Trying to circumvent that law, which this bill attempted to do, is in fact unconstitutional.

My colleague Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who is the only duly elected representative for Washington, D.C. in Congress, was even denied an opportunity to testify during a hearing on this bill. Even the Republicans know that this bill is a travesty of justice!

No matter what a person believes about abortion, everyone can agree that we should reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and the need for abortions. Abortion should be a last option, not a form of birth control. In order to reduce the demand for abortion, we must provide our children with comprehensive sex education and access to safe and affordable health care and birth control.

Since the Republicans want to deny women their right to choose, why not do something so

that most women will not have to be put in a situation where they have to choose. So, I ask my Republican colleagues to join me in supporting the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which will provide the needed access to affordable health care and contraceptives and in doing so, not put women in the position where they have to consider abortion.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to introduce the ``Identifying Cybersecurity Risks to Critical Infrastructure Act of 2012'', a bill to assess the risks that networks controlling our critical infrastructure face from cyber attacks. I am also proud to have developed this legislation in collaboration with my colleague, the gentleman from California, and Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies, Representative Lungren.

Critical infrastructure, which can be found in all of our districts, powers our homes and keeps our water running. However, all too often, in the digital era, industrial control systems that operate much of this critical infrastructure are vulnerable to cyber attacks. A recent report by the Washington Post found that thousands of these control systems could be accessed directly through the Internet, leaving them open to exploitation by even ``moderately talented hackers''.

And according to Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser John Brennan, there have been over 200 known attempted or successful cyberintrusions against control systems that operate critical infrastructure in 2011 alone, which was a five-fold increase over 2010.

There has been an active debate this Congress on cybersecurity, and particularly how best to protect our critical infrastructure from crippling cyber attacks. But regardless of where you stand on the proper role for the Federal government in protecting critical infrastructure, I am sure we can all agree that the nature of the cyber threat to critical infrastructure, including vulnerabilities present in our critical infrastructure networks, need to be known so that critical infrastructure owners and operators can be empowered to bolster their cybersecurity and protect their systems.

Specifically, my bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct risk assessments of critical infrastructure sectors to identify:

1. The threats to critical infrastructure from foreign intelligence services, cybercriminals, and hacker groups;

2. The consequences that would result from a major cyber attack on critical infrastructure; and

3. The vulnerabilities in our critical infrastructure networks that could be exploited by hackers.

This bill would not only help our government understand the threat we face, it would benefit the critical infrastructure owners and operators protect their networks, giving them a fuller understanding of vulnerabilities in their systems.

It would not create any rules, regulations, or standards that private industry would need to comply with, and much of this language was first proposed by Committee Republicans, consistent with the recommendations of the House Republican cybersecurity task force.

This bill would take proactive steps to identify and assess cyber risks to help raise the level of cybersecurity protecting our Nation's critical infrastructure networks, without creating any burdensome regulations or bureaucracy. This issue is far too important, and the risk of cyber attack on our critical infrastructure is too grave, to let another Congress pass without taking action.

I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the ``Identifying Cybersecurity Risks to Critical Infrastructure Act of 2012'', and work with me to secure passage of this critical bipartisan homeland security legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome the XIX International AIDS Conference, AIDS 2012, to Washington, DC this week. This year, for the first time since 1990, the XIX International AIDS Conference is being held in the United States. This conference gives those living with the disease, scientists, doctors, advocates, policymakers and government officials an opportunity to collaborate and share information regarding the various scientific advances in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. This year's theme, ``Turning the Tide Together,'' was selected to emphasize ``how a global and decisive commitment is crucial to change the course of the epidemic now that science is presenting promising results in HIV treatment and biomedical prevention.''

Empirical data indicates over 34 million individuals worldwide have HIV/AIDS. In the United States alone, there are approximately 1.2 million people infected with HIV/AIDS. Of the 1.2 million, approximately half are African-American and only about 13 percent of the United States population.

``Turning the Tide Together'' is a call to action. One of the issues that will be addressed at the conference is the racial disparities of the disease. Specifically, conferees will discuss ``strengthening the responses to HIV among the diverse populations and communities affected by this disease, to advance the knowledge, implementation and scale up of evidence-informed HIV and AIDS strategies and programs.'' As of June 2011, there are over 27,000 people living with HIV or AIDS in my congressional district, which is located in central Brooklyn. Of that 27,000, close to 60 percent are Black Americans. Unfortunately, my district has the highest number of newly diagnosed cases in New York City and for a variety of reasons, one of which is lack of access to healthcare. We have the worst post-diagnosis outcomes in New York City.

Given the numbers from my district, I am thrilled that this year's conference is about action. It is about mobilizing everyone and taking decisive measures--whether it is on a specific health policy or making sure prescription drugs are affordable and accessible to those who need it. Though the HIV/AIDS community still has a long way to go, we have come so far since the beginning of the epidemic in the 1980s. We are at the crossroads of HIV detection and treatment, and at the threshold of preventive measures. Given the emerging scientific breakthroughs, I firmly believe that we will eradicate the HIV/AIDS pandemic through advances in medicine, technology and scientific research--if we work collectively. This international conference is a great stepping stone, providing an opportunity for some of the world's greatest minds to exchange ideas and work towards ``turning the tide together.''

Mr. Speaker, on the Legislative Day of July 9, 2012, I missed two votes. Had I been present for these rollcall votes, I would have voted ``Yes'' on rollcall 452--H.R. 4155--Veteran Skills to Jobs Act and ``Yes'' on rollcall 453--H.R. 4367--ATM Fee Disclosure Requirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4005-- ''Gauging American Port Security Act'' also known as the ``GAPS Act.'' I would like to thank Congresswoman Janice Hahn from California for her diligent work on this bill. I would also like to thank the efforts of the Committee on Homeland Security. This bill requires the Homeland Security Department, within one year of enactment, to conduct a study of the remaining gaps in port security in the United States and submit a classified report to Congress prioritizing these gaps and a plan to address them.

As a New York City Member on the House Homeland Security Committee, I understand how important border security is and how threats to our national security need to be reduced. I will continue to work to ensure that our nation is better prepared to terrorist attacks at our ports.

Ports are important to American commerce and a way to connect us to the rest of the world. We have more than 11 million cargo containers arrive in U.S. ports every year and we need to ensure that our ports are secure for this part of commerce.

Congress needs to continue to focus on improving security on our borders, land and port. I fully believe that this is a step to improving our port security and H.R. 4005 will help the Homeland Security Department to come up with a plan that will help with these challenges at our ports. This plan will address threats we face at maritime borders by closing the gaps in our security at our Nation's ports. The benefit of this legislation will greatly outweigh the cost. It is a way for us to adequately invest in our response capacities and security to safeguard our citizens and economy.

So today, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I am disheartened by the Republican majority's decision to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt and am deeply concerned with the partisan basis of this investigation.

For the first time in the history of the United States House of Representatives, a Cabinet official, in this case an Attorney General has been held in contempt of Congress--simply for doing his job. This act is a deliberate misuse of power which I hope will be challenged.

In the previous sessions of Congress, the Oversight Committee has been a watchdog, ensuring that our Government works as effectively and efficiently as possible. Whether it was investigating our government's failed response to Hurricane Katrina, or investigating our government's role in the financial crisis, the Oversight Committee has been at the forefront of issues that concern the American people.

However, during this 112th Congress, the Oversight Committee's leadership has pressed for an investigation, requesting irrelevant documents, and narrowly focusing his inquiries on the current Attorney General's continuation of a program established long before his tenure.

Attorney General Holder has cooperated with the Oversight Committee's investigation, providing thousands of documents on the operation. However, after finding no wrongdoing, the Oversight Committee's leadership remains

unsatisfied with its investigation into the Department of Justice.

This political showboating has forced the President to get involved and invoke executive privilege, an implied Constitutional power given to the President, because the Framers deemed it important that the President and his Officers were given the freedom to act candidly under certain circumstances, primarily with regard to foreign policy and national security.

Our system of government depends on a separation of powers that allows Congress to enact laws and the President to execute these laws, as mandated by Article 1 and Article 2 of the Constitution. The Republican majority in the House of Representatives has decided to interfere with the authority of the Attorney General, who was appointed by President Obama and confirmed by a bipartisan majority of the Senate, to implement policy.

In addition, the vote to hold Attorney General Holder in contempt indicates that many in Congress are more interested in preventing President Obama and the officials he has appointed from fulfilling their duties than in talking about the issues that matter to the American people.

We are not debating proposals to create jobs today. We are not debating immigration reform. Why? Republicans have decided to investigate the internal deliberations of the Department of Justice, a 15-month investigation that has not revealed any misconduct--an investigation by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform with which Attorney General Holder has cooperated. This vote creates a dangerous precedent for the future.

This is not the time for politics or games. We have all taken an oath to serve the American people and today's vote is a disservice to the women and men whose interests have been repeatedly ignored. I am certain that the millions of Americans, who want to restore our economic prosperity, share my disappointment.

With this in mind, I urge all of my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to walk out in opposition to or oppose the vote to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt. Cooperation between Congress and the Executive Branch, as a matter of national security, should not be a partisan issue.

Mr. Speaker, on the Legislative Day of June 26, 2012, upon request of a leave of absence, I missed a series of votes. Had I been present for these rollcall votes, I would have voted ``No'' on rollcall 412--the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of H. R. 5972 and H. R 5973; ``No'' on rollcall 413--H. Res. 697--Rule providing for consideration of both H. R. 5972--Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2013 and H. R. 5973--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Act, 2013; ``Yes'' on rollcall 414--Hoyer Motion to Instruct Conferees on H. R. 4348; ``No'' on rollcall 415--Black Motion to Instruct Conferees on H. R. 4348; ``Yes'' on rollcall 416--the Connolly Amendment; ``No'' on rollcall 417--the McClintock Amendment; ``No'' on rollcall 418--the Garrett Amendment; ``Yes'' on rollcall 419--the Capps Amendment; ``No'' on rollcall 420--the Gosar Amendment; ``No'' on rollcall 421--the Broun Amendment #1; ``No'' on rollcall 422--the Broun Amendment #2; and ``No'' on rollcall 423--the Broun Amendment #4.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, here we are once again. We find ourselves debating a bill that is under veto threat due to the Republicans my-way-or-the-highway posture.

Mr. Chairman, last month saw the largest drop in construction jobs in 2 years, workers who joined the more than 2.2 million construction workers who are out of work.

However, instead of providing certainty to our Nation's construction workers by investing in the TIGER program and light-speed rail, the Republican majority has actually zeroed these programs out completely. Apparently, the majority seems to only believe in certainty when it means historically low tax rates for multi-millionaires and billionaires.

Mr. Chairman, the majority's lack of investment in our Nation's infrastructure is bad enough. Unfortunately, it gets even worse. At a time when the need for HUD programs is growing, this bill drastically undercuts homeless assistance grants, putting 25,000 Americans at risk of losing assistance. It jeopardizes assistance to homeowners attempting to stay in their homes and actually zeroes out the Choice Neighborhoods program. Why?

Mr. Chairman, why we would essentially eliminate a program that improves economic development and viability and job opportunities for our Nation's most vulnerable is beyond my ability to comprehend.

Mr. Chairman, the American people have made it abundantly clear that the number one priority of the 112th Congress ought to be job creation.

By bringing this bill to the floor, the majority is saying to the American people, not only doesn't their unemployed status or opinions matter, but don't expect any relief from this Republican-led Congress as our Nation struggles to cope with the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

Mr. Chairman, this is just totally unbelievable. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today I introduce legislation that will ensure that federal money granted to state and local law enforcement is used for its intended purpose, and not in violation of our constitutional right to equal protection. As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I am proud of the service we provide to the American people. Through the Department of Homeland Security, over $35 billion in federal funds have been granted to local and state governments for counterterrorism programs that have kept our homeland safe since 9/11.

Unfortunately, not every dime of federally granted money has been used wisely. Troubling reports demonstrate that DHS grants have been used to fund biased training activities that are inaccurate, surveillance programs that target members of neighborhoods simply because of their religion, and other activities that are overbroad and compromise our security. Aside from being unconstitutional, these programs fail to narrowly target individuals that are actual security threats.

Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation that secures our homeland, while maintaining the integrity of federal grants. This legislation will require that DHS counterterrorism grants are used to fund training programs developed by the Department of Homeland Security, or training programs that are pre-approved by the Department's Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and its Privacy Office. Additionally, the bill will require that the Department's Inspector General regularly review DHS funded programs to ensure that they are not used to support civil rights violations, including racial, ethnic, and religious profiling.

Mr. Speaker, we all know the often quoted statement from Ben Franklin, one of the authors of the Constitution, that ``anyone who trades liberty for security deserves neither liberty nor security.'' Today, we need both security and liberty, and can ill-afford to sacrifice either. These two concepts--security and liberty--are national interests that work hand-in-hand; when one is dismissed, the other is inherently discarded. This legislation is as much about the liberty of a few, as it is about the security of this whole nation.

I hope my colleagues join my effort to restore the integrity of taxpayers' dollars; let us provide the appropriate tools to law enforcement so that they may secure our homeland well; nevertheless, let us also protect the American people from unreasonable government treatment by enacting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, this bill, the Empowering Local Partners To Prevent Terrorism Act of 2012, is enacted pursuant to the power granted to Congress under Article I of the United States Constitution and its subsequent amendments, and further clarified and interpreted by the Supreme Court of the United States.