Michael Arcuri

Mr. ARCURI

Mr. ARCURI. If I could finish my thought. So I would submit that, in fact, it is a good thing to have a preprinting requirement in this particular bill, and I would yield to my friend.

Mr. ARCURI. If I may reclaim my time----

Mr. ARCURI. The point of it is that this allows individuals to file. In fact, the fact that we have 127 amendments filed, much more than we've had in the past, certainly indicates that in fact Representatives have had an opportunity to file. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California, a member of the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee, Mr. Schiff.

Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia, the distinguished chairman of the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee, Mr. Mollohan.

Mr. ARCURI. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. ARCURI. I yield the gentlewoman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart) for his courtesies in this debate and for his very able management of this rule. Mr. Speaker, on my opening remarks, I chose to focus on the criminal justice programs that are funded under H.R. 2847, but there are many other important areas addressed in this legislation, and we have heard about many of those during the debate. In closing, I would like to take the opportunity to discuss another of these that is of utmost importance to America. The bill includes $293 million for the Economic Development Administration, which is $20 million above the amount enacted in 2009. The EDA administers several economic programs, including public works grants for upgrading infrastructure, planning, and trade adjustment assistance for communities that bear the burden of jobs outsourced to other countries. H.R. 2847 includes more than $158 million for the Economic Development Administration's Public Works Program, $25 million more than last year. H.R. 2847 also makes critical investments in scientific research and NASA's space program. The bill includes $6.9 billion for the National Science Foundation. This level of funding will support the doubling of NSF's budget over the next 10 years and represents a true commitment to investment in basic research and development which will provide for innovation and future technologies to help the United States be competitive. H.R. 2847 includes over $18.2 billion for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA's unique mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery in aeronautics research, and this appropriation enables them to accomplish this mission. This recommendation also provides for the continued efforts of NASA's Mars exploration and provides funds for the completion of the Mars science laboratory to launch in 2011. Exploration has always been critical to mankind. We live in America today because of exploration. We must continue to explore the new frontier for future generations. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would remind my colleagues that so far we have discussed only a handful of the important programs that are funded by the fiscal year 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the rule and the underlying bill, H.R. 2847. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the bill. The material previously referred to by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida is as follows: Amendment to H. Res. 544 Offered by Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida On page 2, line 21, after ``if printed.'' insert the following new sentence, ``The proponent of each such amendment may make germane modifications to such amendment.''

Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. ARCURI

Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, it is undeniable that we have seen many positive signs in our economy since January. The unemployment rate, while still far too high, is improving and money is starting to flow through the economy and into our cities and municipalities to improve our infrastructure and ensure the safety of every American. The recovery bill has been at the core of this progress and has saved and created jobs and made much-needed investments in my local district. For example, in my hometown of Utica, New York, the recovery bill provided the City of Utica with over $2 million for lead abatement in homes across the city. This lead abatement program will put people to work and improve the health and quality of life for countless families. Without this recovery bill funding, the City of Utica would have had to have continued to delay this vital program because it is likely that they did not have the funding necessary to proceed with these plans on its own. I will continue to fight for the recovery bill funding for critical projects in my district, and I know that we will see even more progress in all of our communities as we all continue to work together to lead America out of this economic crisis.

Mr. ARCURI

Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, President Obama and this Congress inherited a fiscal and economic downturn the likes of which we have not seen in this country in generations, including a record deficit and soaring unemployment. Democrats have been committed to fiscal responsibility since taking control of the House in 2007. The first thing the Democratic-led Congress did in 2007 was re-impose PAYGO budget rules in the House. As a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, I applauded that and supported that strongly and continue to. We are working hard to reform our Nation's health care system, which will reduce the deficit, save money for consumers and improve efficiency in the health care system. I applaud President Obama and the Democratic Congress for taking these critical steps, and we will continue working with him to reduce our Nation's deficit and debt.

Mr. ARCURI

Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 464 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, for purposes of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz- Balart). All time yielded during consideration of the rule is for debate only. General Leave

Mr. ARCURI. I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials into the Record.

Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 464 provides for a structured rule for consideration of H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009. I would like to acknowledge Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica of the full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Chairman Costello and Ranking Member Petri of the Aviation Subcommittee and thank them for their bipartisan work on H.R. 915. As a member of the full committee, I take great pride in being a part of the cooperative atmosphere, and I believe that it yields positive results, both for Congress and the American people. Mr. Speaker, we are here today to consider H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009. In many ways, it is unfortunate that we must consider this bill because the reauthorization of the FAA and its programs expired over 3 years ago. The House passed a reauthorization bill in September of 2007 that was very similar to the measure we will consider today. Unfortunately, the Senate was unable to move the FAA reauthorization last Congress, and so we are forced to take the lead once more, affording the Senate even more time to act than we did in the previous Congress. The American public cannot afford to wait any longer for this legislation. The bill makes essential increases in aviation funding and safety improvements that are long overdue. In the past few months, we have seen, in New York State alone, my home, two crashes involving regional jets, and the investigations into those crashes have revealed that greater safety oversight is needed. H.R. 915 includes a number of provisions that will make air travel safer for the American public, such as a requirement that the FAA increase the number of aviation safety inspectors and increase funding for programs that reduce runway incursions. The bill requires the FAA to inspect foreign repair stations at least twice a year and perform drug and alcohol testing on those individuals working on U.S. aircraft, to ensure that aircraft maintenance is performed in a safe and responsible manner. The bill also directs the FAA to begin an administrative rulemaking process to revise existing aircraft rescue and fire fighting standards that have not been updated in 21 years. Many of those safety improvements come with increased costs. I have personally heard from a number of smaller airports in my district that are concerned that the cost of complying with the new fire fighting standards will pose a severe economic hardship on them, possibly causing a reduction in air service. I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar and Chairman Costello for addressing my concerns on this matter during yesterday's Rules Committee hearing. The provisions related to the aircraft rescue and fire fighting rulemaking specifically require that the Secretary of Transportation conduct an assessment of potential impacts associated with the revisions; that is to say, that they will review the rulemaking and make a determination on how smaller airports, if there is a question with their ability to comply, how they can comply and continue the service to the region that they represent. In addition, the rulemaking process will involve a public comment period for impacted airports to weigh in on the proposed changes. The bill also includes increased funding that will help airports comply with these new safety measures. The bill includes $16.2 billion over the life of the bill for the Airport Improvement Program, also known as AIP. Airports can use AIP funding to make safety improvements or purchase emergency equipment. In addition, the bill includes an increase on the maximum passenger facility charge that airports can assess on travelers. Airports can use PFC revenue to preserve or enhance the safety, security, or capacity of the national air transportation system; to reduce or mitigate noise impacts resulting from an airport; or to provide opportunities for enhanced competition among or between carriers. In order to take advantage of this increase, major airports will have to forego a portion of their AIP funds which will be designated for projects at smaller airports. The FAA Reauthorization Act also includes $70 billion for the FAA's capital programs between fiscal year 2009 and fiscal year 2012 so the FAA can make needed repairs and replace some existing facilities and equipment. This will improve airline capacity and efficiency and, at the same time, improve safety, reduce environmental impacts, and increase user access. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is long overdue. The President has urged us to pass it. And it is especially timely that we approve a reauthorization of the FAA now, before the summer flight congestion and weather-related delays create even more havoc for the traveling public. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the rule and to support the underlying legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Florida for his comments, and my colleague from the Rules Committee, and thank you for the history of the Miami Airport. I was not familiar with the importance that it played in the history of the aviation of our country, but I thank you for that. I just want to point out that, with respect to your comment about amendments, that there were, in all, eight Republican amendments submitted to the committee, of which five were made in order. Yet the Democrats submitted 22 amendments, and only seven of those were made in order. So I would say that the percentage was more than fair on both sides of the aisle. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Florida, my colleague from the Rules Committee, Mr. Hastings.

Mr. ARCURI. I yield the gentleman an additional 2 minutes.

Mr. ARCURI. No, we have no further speakers, and I would be ready to close.

Mr. ARCURI. I thank the gentleman from Florida, my good friend and colleague from the Rules Committee, for his very capable handling of this rule. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to say that the need to pass this legislation could not be clearer. We're about to enter the summer travel season, and as we saw last summer, the typical increase in passenger travel, coupled with summer thunderstorms, can wreak havoc on our air traffic system and on passengers' travel plans. H.R. 915 will address the congestion and capacity issues by providing funding to accelerate the implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, commonly known as NextGen, which will replace outdated technology with emerging technologies and automated flight capabilities. The FAA Reauthorization Act also contains important consumer protection measures that will provide relief to passengers who find themselves helplessly caught in the air traffic system. The bill requires airlines and airports to have emergency contingency plans approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation detailing how airlines and airports will deplane passengers following excessive delays. The Department of Transportation will have the authority to assess civil penalties against an airline or an airport that fails to adhere to an approved contingency plan. Airlines will also be required to include on their Web sites and on electronic boarding passes the U.S. DOT Consumer Complaint Hotline number and the contact information for both the U.S. DOT's Consumer Protection Division and airline. The bill also requires the U.S. DOT Inspector General to review airlines' flight delays, cancellations, and their associated causes and report back to Congress. These are important protections that the American public desperately deserves against the often indifferent giant airlines. Let's work together today to see that they are implemented in a timely manner. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and on the rule. I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. ARCURI

Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged concurrent resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. ARCURI

Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the members of the Korean War Veterans Association, Cayuga County Chapter 296, on their commitment and efforts to renovate the Veterans Memorial Park in Auburn, NY. The Veterans Memorial Park is nearly a two-year project in the making designed to honor our country's veterans of all wars and conflicts since the Revolutionary War. Notably, this memorial also pays tribute to all those servicemembers who joined the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless of whether they did or did not serve overseas during a time of war. I am proud to represent a district that has chosen, so admirably, to recognize every man and woman that serves our nation. These communities rightfully understand that the decision to join the United States Armed Forces, regardless of one's terms of service, means that an individual is prepared to give his or her life for the safety and future of this country. I have the great pleasure of calling my district home to the Veterans Memorial Park, which may be arguably one of the most inclusive veteran memorials in the country. The Auburn City Council, Auburn City Manager, and Mayor of Auburn have chosen the following representatives from the Cayuga County Chapter 296 Korean War Veterans Association to lead this effort: John Barwinczok, Chairman; Lyell I. Brown; Professor Joseph M.A. Camardo; Joseph Casper; James Ferris; Donald T. Tavener; and Michael A. Trapani. The dedication of the Veterans Memorial Park is scheduled for June 14, 2009. I wholeheartedly commend these individuals for their efforts on behalf of our veterans and the entire community. Madam Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me today in recognizing the efforts of the Korean War Veterans Association, Cayuga County Chapter 296, as they move towards completing their goal and paying tribute to those who have sacrificed for their nation. I wish them the best of luck in the future as they continue to better our community.

Mr. ARCURI

Mr. ARCURI. Madam Speaker, I am proud to rise today in recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month. This month provides an important opportunity to reflect on the diverse ways in which Jewish Americans have contributed to the vitality of our nation and the preservation of our values. The history of the Jewish American community begins in 1654, the year that 23 Jewish refugees from Recife, Brazil, fleeing persecution by the Portuguese Inquisition, arrived in the harbor of New Amsterdam, now known as New York. Although not the first Jews to come ashore in North America, they were the first to attain rights afforded to other settlers, including the right to own property, to erect a house of worship and to engage fully in the political process. Free to worship and participate in civic life, the Jewish community in the United States has since thrived. Over the past 355 years, the achievements of Jewish Americans in areas such as science, law, literature, entertainment and public service have enriched our country and helped to propel our nation into the 21st century. Their deep devotion to faith and family has strengthened the fabric of our nation and set an example for all. Madam Speaker, I call on all Americans to join this month in celebrating the history, culture and contributions of the Jewish American community.

Mr. ARCURI

Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order on Wednesday, April 29, at any time for the Speaker, as though pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, to declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union for consideration of H.R. 627, and that consideration of the bill proceed according to the following order: The first reading of the bill is dispensed with; all points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI; general debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed 1 hour equally divided and controlled by the Chair and ranking member of the Committee on Financial Services; after general debate, the Committee of the Whole shall rise without motion; and, no further consideration of H.R. 627 shall be in order except pursuant to a subsequent order of the House.

Mr. ARCURI

Mr. ARCURI. I thank my good friend for yielding. Over the past several weeks, many of you have seen the images and read the news about the tragic shooting in Binghamton, New York, on April 3, 2009. Thirteen innocent people lost their lives at the American Civic Association building due to senseless violence. While I don't represent the City of Binghamton, I represent the suburbs in the area around Binghamton and know many people that work and live in the Binghamton area. I want to take this time to again offer my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives on that day and offer my sincerest gratitude to the local officials and first responders on the ground whose immediate action then prevented further loss of life. And their continued leadership now has allowed for the Binghamton community to start the healing process. I want to especially mention the Broome County Executive, Barbara Fiala; Binghamton Mayor, Matt Ryan; Binghamton Police Chief, Joe Zikuski; and Broome County Emergency Services Director, Brett Chelis, who led the team of hundreds of first responders consisting of police, fire, rescue and medical staff. To the staff at the local hospitals that cared for the victims of this tragedy and worked tirelessly to save lives, I sincerely say thank you. I want to say how thankful I am--and I know that so many in the Binghamton community are--to my colleague, Congressman Maurice Hinchey. Congressman Hinchey answered the call at the first sign of trouble and was in his district working with his people to make sure all that could be done was being done throughout the crisis. I again give my continued full support to all those involved, and ask that we learn from such a tragedy and do all that we can to ensure that an incident like that never happens again.

Mr. ARCURI

Mr. ARCURI. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous materials into the Record.