Robert Brady

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as you know, House Rule X entrusts the Committee on House Administration with responsibility for, among other matters, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution, United States Capitol Police, Printing and correction of the Congressional Record, Federal elections and other services to the House. The Committee strenuously exercises its oversight authority by routinely meeting with the Legislative Branch agencies, the Officers and Inspector General of the House, and the Smithsonian Institution. Through this rigorous oversight the Committee has identified and implemented policies to reduce waste, eliminate fraud, and mitigate inefficiencies. Among the Committee's recent work: Passed H.R. 4825, to make permanent the law dedicating the unspent balances of Members Representational Allowances to deficit and debt reduction (measure is now pending in the Senate); Passed H.R. 3690, 110th Cong. (became Pub. L. 110-178), merging the United States Capitol Police and the Library of Congress Police; during 111th Congress, oversaw merger process resulting in elimination of needless duplication of responsibilities, achievement of administrative savings and enhanced security for the Capitol campus; Passed H.R. 1299, 111th Cong. (became Pub. L. 111-145), clarifying sundry laws related to the administration of the United States Capitol Police and streamlining USCP operations; Partnered with the Smithsonian Inspector General in the development and implementation of a return-to-work program that transitions injured employees' return to appropriate work with a requirement that claimants provide updated medical reports; the Smithsonian estimates potential savings of nearly $2.1 million in workers' compensation costs; Strengthened accountability for personal property at the Smithsonian Institution by requiring the agency to initiate regular inventories, leading to reduced agency spending to replace lost or stolen items; Disapproved Library of Congress plan to spend nearly $20 million for a new book-conveyor system, resulting in its cancellation; Instructed the Library of Congress to develop a cost-benefit analysis for all Information Technology investments in excess of $100,000 including developing of internal controls to eliminate redundant hardware and software purchases across business units; Worked with the Inspector General of the House of Representatives to develop a cost-benefit analysis of the Chief Administrative Officer's joint effort with the Architect of the Capitol to deploy compact- fluorescent light bulbs within House office buildings, revealing potential savings of $1.18 million over ten years; Instructed the Architect of the Capitol to develop and implement a procedure for assessing a tenant at the House Alternate Computing Facility for additional operating costs (e.g., electricity, facilities maintenance) properly chargeable to the tenant under the terms of the lease, revealing an additional amount of over $1 million due the taxpayer; For the fiscal years 2010 and 2011, consulted with other congressional committees, the Congressional Budget Office, and the President's Office of Management and Budget to reduce the number of printed copies of the multi-volume President's Budget and instead to substitute distribution of the CD-ROM version wherever appropriate, resulting in savings to both the Executive branch and Congress; and Worked with the Government Printing Office's Inspector General to block execution of a contract for delivery of human-resources and payroll-related services to certain elements of the agency instead of relying on GPO's agency-wide system, and encouraged the IG to redouble efforts to improve human resources' performance across GPO. Among the Committee's recommendations for additional improvements are: Extend beyond 2013 the current authority for levying of administrative fines by the Federal Election Commission pursuant to Pub. L. 110-433; Strengthen the Speaker's new travel rules by requiring House committee chairmen to certify the existence of a bona-fide need for foreign travel under the Mutual Security Act. Repeal the law (44 U.S.C. 723) requiring compilation and publication of memorial tribute volumes in honor of deceased Representatives and Senators; Repeal authority for printing of sundry government publications now required by law but determined to be of little use or value, e.g., the ``United States Treaties and Other International Agreements'' authorized by 1 U.S.C. 112a; Reform Procurement practice of the Library of Congress; Improve in-house technical support at the Library of Congress and Government Printing Office, reducing reliance on costly contractors; and Require implementation of Performance Based Budgeting at the Library of Congress. Merge the Government Printing Office Police with the United States Capitol Police. The Committee will also continue its oversight of the Legislative Branch and continually work to identify opportunities to reduce waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement in the operations of our agencies.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend, Joseph A. Frick, President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross, on receiving the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Hope Award. Mr. Frick's work to improve Philadelphia exemplifies his upstanding character and worthiness of receiving the Hope Award. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Loyola College, Mr. Frick has a long and impressive career of working for the people of Philadelphia. For several years, Mr. Frick worked at Philadelphia Newspapers Incorporated, the company that publishes the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Daily News, eventually being promoted to the Vice President of Human Resources. Currently, Mr. Frick is Chairman of the Board of Directors for Leadership Incorporated, a program preparing Philadelphia leaders like Mr. Frick himself, for influential roles in the community. He also has served on the Board of Directors for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, LaSalle University, the Penjerdel Council, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board. On October 22nd, Mr. Frick will be acknowledged by more than 600 attendees at the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the National MS Society's Reception in Philadelphia. The Hope Award is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's highest honor and is only bestowed upon an individual who has taken the initiative to affect the community through philanthropic service and community leadership. Mr. Frick's philanthropic work has benefitted more than 13,000 people in the Greater Delaware Valley who live with MS, and he is greatly deserving of this honor. Mr. Frick's impressive career proves a long-standing commitment to the people of Philadelphia. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring my friend, Joseph A. Frick, for his work in Philadelphia and congratulate him on receiving the Hope Award.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5681) to improve certain administrative operations of the Library of Congress, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks in the Record and include extraneous matters on this legislation.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I sponsored this legislation to make improvements to the Library of Congress in three important areas. The bill was reported by the Committee on House Administration on July 22, 2010. First, H.R. 5681 would allow the Librarian of Congress to dispose of surplus or obsolete personal property and to use the proceeds from these transactions, if any, to buy similar but updated property. Congress has previously granted such authority to the Capitol Police and other agencies. This provision will allow the Library to replace dated equipment while it still has value and keep costs down. This is especially useful with respect to computers and other technology. Second, the bill would also improve administration of the Library's student-loan repayment program. Currently, each service must draw from its operating budget for loan repayments for its participating employees. H.R. 5681 would create a common fund to support loan repayment agencywide. Finally, the bill would make available expired but unobligated appropriations balances to pay the Library's annual deposits due to the Labor Department's workers compensation fund. This provision will help address a timing problem faced by the Library and avoid the need for new appropriations. Mr. Speaker, this bill has the Library's full support. I know of no controversy, and I urge support of this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 415) to provide Capitol-flown flags to the immediate family of fire fighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, and other rescue workers who are killed in the line of duty.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous matter in the Record on the consideration of this bill.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, there are brave public servants who selflessly put their lives at risk for the protection of others. On rare occasions, these men and women make the ultimate sacrifice. This bill will provide for a simple and eloquent tribute to these fallen heroes. H.R. 415 would provide a flag flown over the United States Capitol to the immediate family of a firefighter, law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician, and other rescue workers who die in the line of duty. The flag would be presented by the House Member representing the family. The family would also receive a certificate signed by the Speaker of the House and the Representative presenting the flag, and prepared by the Clerk of the House, expressing sympathy on behalf of the House of Representatives. There would be no cost at all to the family. A United States flag flown over the Capitol is a simple expression of national sympathy and gratitude. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in recognizing the heroism of these amazing men and women by supporting H.R. 415, the Fallen Heroes Flag Act. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I also would like to thank my friend, Peter King from New York, for this thoughtful bill and my ranking member for his cooperation and support. I urge a ``yes'' vote for again this courteous bill to our fallen heroes that paid the ultimate sacrifice. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5682) to improve the operation of certain facilities and programs of the House of Representatives, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill now under consideration.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Committee on House Appropriations, reported this legislation, which I introduced on July 1, 2010, to improve the operation of certain facilities and programs of the House. The bill will make two substantial changes into law. First it will make into permanent law a temporary provision allowing active-duty Armed Forces personnel working in House office buildings as congressional liaisons to use the House staff gym like any other staff member. This practice, which is currently in place, is working fine and we propose to make it permanent for the benefit of personnel who might prefer to exercise here rather than travel to the Pentagon or elsewhere. Second, the bill includes language to eliminate needless bookkeeping related to the House Child Care Center. The account supporting the Center is not a true revolving fund, meaning that at the end of every year accountants must seek approval to transfer the unobligated balances forward to the new year and work with the Treasury to implement what has become an annual ritual. Converting the account to a true revolving fund will save House and Treasury staff time better spent elsewhere. This change will have no effect on the Center's staff, parents, or the children. Finally, the bill includes two technical corrections and complies with the PAYGO rules. I know of no controversy on this bill. Since H.R. 5682 affects only the House, I trust that the Senate will pass it quickly without change. I urge an ``aye'' vote. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor my friend, Samuel Staten, Sr., on his retirement from the Laborers' Local 332, and his long and influential career as a great Philadelphian and influential labor leader. Mr. Staten worked his way up through the ranks, working 10 years as a construction laborer before becoming a Local 332 field representative in 1970. Three years later, he was appointed as assistant business manager, and in 1978, he was elected business manager of the Local 332. Mr. Staten held the position of business manager until May 2008, serving 30 years in that capacity. Mr. Staten officially retired from the Laborers' Local 332 in March 2010, leaving behind a career that was essential in turning the Local 332 into the powerful labor leader that it is today. Mr. Staten's great leadership does not stop with Laborers' Local 332. Throughout his career, he has held several significant positions including being a board member of the Philadelphia Housing Authority, a member of the African American Chamber of Commerce, president of the Philadelphia Building Trades, and a board member of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, among many others. Mr. Staten has continually pushed his labor members and community to get involved with countless organizations, and become active in Philadelphia city politics. He truly is an amazing asset to Philadelphia, and a great friend. Remarkably, Mr. Staten is able do all of this and still be a genuine family man. He is the proud and loving father of nine children. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating my good friend, Samuel Staten, Sr., on his years of labor leadership and thank Mr. Staten for his devotion to Laborers' Local 332.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of my friend Ronald Merriweather. Dedicated to the law, Judge Merriweather worked to better his city and improve the lives of those living in Philadelphia. I know that my colleagues will join me in expressing our condolences to his family as well as thanking them for letting him brighten all of our lives. Judge Merriweather was born May 27, 1938 and raised in Philadelphia. A product of the Philadelphia Public School System, he graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1956. After high school Judge Merriweather attended Morgan State University, graduating with a degree in Chemistry and a 2nd Lt. Commission in the U.S. Army. From 1960 to 1962 he served in the U.S. Army, being promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. After serving in the Army, Judge Merriweather was employed as a United States Treasury Agent with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. He served in this position for 5 years, earning the U.S. Secretary of Treasury Award for Outstanding Service. After, Judge Merriweather received his J.D. from UCLA Law School and became a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association in 1973. Judge Merriweather practiced law in Philadelphia for over ten years, before being elected to the Philadelphia Municipal Court in 1984. He worked on this court for 26 years, retiring in January 2010. During his tenure on the Municipal Court, Judge Merriweather garnered special recognition and numerous awards. He became a Senior Judge in 2009 and was honored with a Special Recognition Award from the Guardian Civic League. Judge Ronald Merriweather's life showcases his commitment, service, and dedication to bettering his community. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating the life of Judge Merriweather, and offer his family our deepest sympathies at the loss of this great man.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that, during consideration of H.R. 5175 pursuant to House Resolution 1468, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), or his designee, may control 10 minutes of the general debate time allocated to the chair of the Committee on House Administration.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 5175 and to include extraneous matter.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I yield myself 3 minutes. Mr. Chairman, I stand with the American people and the House leadership in support of H.R. 5175, the Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act, or the DISCLOSE Act. The legislation is designed to bring greater disclosure and transparency to election spending. The importance of this objective was reinforced in the Supreme Court's accompanying 8-1 decision that reaffirmed ``the constitutionality and necessity of laws that require the disclosure of political spending.'' Our democracy requires transparency and accountability in our political campaigns. Knowing the source of political spending allows voters to investigate the motives and to better assess the truthfulness and accuracy of the claims of the spenders and the candidates. The DISCLOSE Act is a careful response to address the likely consequences of the Citizens United decision. The bill enhances disclosure requirements for corporations, unions, and other groups that decide to make campaign-related expenditures or to transfer funds to other organizations for the purpose of engaging in campaign-related activity. This improvement to current disclosure requirements allows voters to follow the money and ensure that special-interest money cannot hide behind sham organizations and shell corporations. If outside groups spend their funds in campaigns, the Supreme Court has recognized it as essential to hold them accountable. Voters have a right to know who is trying to buy our elections. The bill expands disclaimers to require CEOs or highest-ranking officials of organizations that sponsor political advertisements to record ``stand by your ad'' disclaimers as well as to protect taxpayer dollars from misuse by preventing certain government contractors and TARP beneficiaries from making campaign-related expenditures. The DISCLOSE Act also closes a loophole created by Citizens United to ensure that foreign corporations and foreign governments are not able to influence American elections by spending unlimited sums through their U.S. subsidiaries or affiliates. By allowing these entities to fund campaign communications, foreign-controlled corporations could use potentially bottomless coffers to influence the course of political debate and play a role in writing U.S. policy. Considerable attention has been focused on a narrow exemption included in the bill, which is designed to accommodate nonprofit issue advocacy groups, which long have participated in political activity of which its dues-paying members are aware of and support. To be eligible for the exemption, an organization must have more than 500,000 dues- paying members, with a presence in all 50 States, have had tax-exempt status for the previous 10 years, and derive no more than 15 percent of its funding from corporate or union sources. It cannot use any corporate or union money to pay for campaign-related expenditures. The narrowness of the existing exemption will prevent future organizations from being formed to function only as ``dummy,'' or sham groups, existing only to make campaign expenditures but without needing to disclose their major funders. Exempted groups will still be required to file publicly available reports disclosing their campaign-related expenditures, and the CEOs of these groups will still have to appear in and take responsibility for all campaign-related ads run by their group.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 30 additional seconds. The DISCLOSE Act ensures transparency and enhances accountability. It provides prompt and honest disclosure of political spending by those seeking to influence our elections. A total of six hearings were held in the House and Senate, with more than 36 expert witnesses testifying. Concerned citizens have been vocal about the potential consequences of the Citizens United decision, sending nearly 2,500 emails and making roughly 4,500 phone calls in 1 week to the Committee on House Administration, urging Congress to quickly consider legislation that addresses the loopholes created by the Citizens United ruling.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 30 additional seconds. This outcry of support reveals the DISCLOSE Act reflects the will of the American people and commands the support of their representatives. In addition, with 114 cosponsors and a broad spectrum of support, H.R. 5175 promotes openness in our politics. If Congress does not adopt the DISCLOSE Act, the public will be left in the dark to wonder whose interests are truly being served by a flood of negative advertising that will come to dominate campaigns. I urge all Members to support this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlelady from California (Ms. Zoe Lofgren), a valued member of the Committee on House Administration.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland, Chris Van Hollen.