Timothy Bishop

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Thank you, Madam Chairman. I yield myself 4\1/2\ minutes. My amendment is very simple and very straightforward. It would simply append to the end of the bill a requirement that not later than 90 days after the enactment of H.R. 1, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics shall jointly conduct a study that would illustrate the effect that this act will have on job levels and, second, that these effects will be reported on a monthly basis to the American people on the first Friday of each month. We have competing visions of what the effect of H.R. 1 will be. We have the Economic Policy Institute, which has estimated that the implications of H.R. 1 will be a job loss of over 800,000. We have the Center for American Progress saying that the result of passing H.R. 1 will be a job loss of 650,000 jobs directly and 325,000 indirect jobs lost. And then we have Speaker Boehner. Speaker Boehner says, and I'm quoting him exactly, he says that if we reduce spending, we'll create a better environment for job creation in America. And so very simply put, what my amendment does is it finds out who's right. Is the Economic Policy Institute right? Is the Center for American Progress right? Or is Speaker Boehner and others who believe that this will in fact create jobs? And let me say why I am so focused on this. H.R. 1 cuts funding for the Office of Science by 20 percent, $1.1 billion; and it cuts funding by 40 percent for the energy efficiency and renewable energy program. These are the two programs that support a Department of Energy lab in my district. That is the second largest employer in my district. And so I asked the administrators of the lab to tell me what the implications would be. So this is one set of cuts in one district on one facility. And what the implications will be would be a layoff of a third of the workforce and the shutdown of two very important analytical pieces of equipment that attract 3,300 scientists from all over the world. So we would lay off a third of my constituents, and we would reduce the number of scientists who use this facility by 3,300. So that's 3,300 people not staying in our hotels, not renting our cars, not eating in our restaurants, not buying their coffee in our delis. That's just one district, one facility, one decision. Let us find out whether or not this bill, H.R. 1, will in fact be the engine of job creation that the majority has presented it to be, or will it destroy jobs as we believe it will and as the Center for Academic Progress believes that it will. With that, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlelady from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Chairman, I am prepared to accept your ruling on the point of order, but I would like to make this comment. And the comment is, Why would you not want to have the information that this amendment would elicit? It's very important information. We all know that our actions have consequences. We all know that the Republican leadership promised us the most transparent Congress in history.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Chair, I yield myself 3 minutes. My amendment is very straightforward. It would simply stipulate that none of the funds available in this act may be used to further the construction of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas, commonly referred to as NBAF. NBAF, in my view, is a government boondoggle that anyone concerned about fiscally responsible behavior should want to be stopped. Anyone who is concerned about fiscally responsible behavior should be supporting my amendment. Here are the facts: NBAF was originally estimated to cost $451 million. Current estimates are that the cost will be in excess of $915 million. The Department of Homeland Security has consistently stated that the sale of Plum Island in my district would cover the cost of NBAF. This is not even remotely accurate. Any reasonable estimate of the cost of Plum Island will be no better than $80 million. Why should the American taxpayer invest $1 billion in this project with hardly any offset for a project that is essentially redundant? Now my friends from Kansas--and I certainly understand their interest--have criticized this amendment as constituting parochial politics. And I would say, with respect to my friends, that I don't see anything parochial about trying to shield the American taxpayer from an investment of $1 billion in a facility that we do not need. So I would urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I would urge my colleagues who are concerned about spending--and every one of us in this Chamber is concerned about spending--here's an opportunity to cut spending that we simply do not need. Madam Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman form North Carolina (Mr. Price).

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule and, more importantly, in opposition to the underlying legislation. I think we all recognize that we must make painful cuts, we must make difficult cuts, but I think it is important to recognize that there is a real difference between painful cuts and difficult cuts and cuts that are destructive, and I want to focus on an area where I think the cuts will be particularly destructive. They will be destructive to ambition, destructive to aspiration, and destructive to our ability to maintain a vibrant economy, and those are the cuts maintained in this legislation that would take $6.5 billion, $6.5 billion in one year, out of the student financial aid program, cutting Pell Grants by $5.6 billion, almost $5.7 billion, and cutting SEOG, a program that has been in existence since the late 1960s, completely eliminating it to the tune of $800 million a year. These cuts are destructive. The most powerful tool that we have to put our economy back on track is an educated workforce, and the most powerful tool we have to bring about the fiscal stability that we need in this country is a growing economy. That is not possible unless we have an educated workforce. Sixty-three percent of the jobs that will be created over the next 6 years will require post-secondary education. Ninety percent of the jobs that are expected to be the highest growing areas--science, technology, math, health care--require a post-secondary education. And yet the response of the current leadership of this Congress to that is to cut funding that allows students to go on to college. It is wrong-headed and, frankly, it is destructive of our future, and I would urge that my colleagues vote against it. I will make one last point. The gentleman from New Jersey just said the Democrats did not listen to the American people last year. That is a continuing refrain. Well, the American people have spoken loudly and clearly about education cuts. Sixty-one percent of them believe that the Federal Government should spend more on education and only 11 percent believe that we should cut education.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Indeed, I am.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the everyday heroes who make up Long Island's first responder community for the service they give us every day. In the aftermath of disasters, we often ask the same questions: What went wrong? How could this have been averted? Who is to blame? Yet, in the early hours of January 1, 2011, a host of heroic first responders demonstrated how well-trained and dedicated experts could avert disaster and save lives. In this instance, the system worked. Mastic Fire Department Chief Dwight Blankenship and Assistant Chief Jim Mickert were the first to arrive on the scene of a gas leak and their immediate actions undoubtedly saved lives and property. Upon seeing a gas leak spewing from out of the ground, Chief Blankenship immediately recognized the gravity of the situation and the need to act. First, he took action to prevent any action that could create a spark and ignite the gas. After taking action to secure the scene, he made a series of calls to coordinate the largest response Suffolk County has seen since the Pine Barrens fires of 1995. Chief Blankenship's calls for assistance were answered by first responders from throughout Long Island. There are too many heroes to name, but the members of the Mastic Fire Department and the Mastic Volunteer Ambulance Company did so much to ensure the safety of the public. In all, more than 80 fire trucks and dozens of various departments joined in the effort. While New Yorkers are loath to admit that anything good can come from across the river, we owe a debt of gratitude to John Stearns and his team with Industrial Propane and Reclamation of Sussex, New Jersey, for their quick and effective response. I also want to highlight the Brookhaven Fire Marshals who responded to this potential disaster. Not only did the Town Fire Marshals ensure the safety of the public on January 1, but within three days of the incident they had completed their investigation and produced a comprehensive report about what had happened and how to avert a similar disaster. Every day, our first responders train and take time away from their families, for that one call. On January 1, we are all so grateful that Chief Blankenship answered the call, because the difference is literally a matter of life and death. I am proud to represent so many dedicated first responders like Chief Dwight Blankenship and thank them for their continued service to our community.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is time that this Congress does what President Obama called on Americans to do last week: approach our debates and our differences with civility and honesty. We appear to be doing reasonably well with regard to civility, but less so with honesty. Once again, we tackle health care, and the debate is sliding back to one-line attacks and misrepresentation instead of the new health care law's merits or its actual impact on real Americans. The Affordable Care Act has been referred to as a ``job-crushing law.'' This is simply not honest as my colleagues across the aisle disregard the fact that, since it was signed into law last March, over 1 million private sector jobs have been added to the economy, with 207,000 of those jobs coming from the health care sector. Some speak of the repeal as if eliminating health care reform would have no meaningful fiscal consequences. This, too, is not honest. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated full repeal would increase the deficit by $230 billion over 10 years and another $1.2 trillion in the following decade. Some argue that repeal will, in fact, reduce the deficit. If this is true, why have we yet to see a positive score that affirms such a point? Repeal does nothing, absolutely nothing, other than leaving families with real health issues no place to go for help. What do I tell the parents of the 9,000 children in my district with preexisting conditions who will be unable to access coverage when the ban on discriminating against children with preexisting conditions is repealed? When insurance companies can claim cancer or pregnancy as a preexisting condition, what will survivors and mothers do for health coverage? What will the 126,000 so affected individuals on eastern Long Island do? What will the 2,400 young adults who have been able to stay on or to rejoin their parents' health insurance on eastern Long Island do if repeal is successful? What will the 112,000 Medicare beneficiaries who can now receive free cancer screenings and other preventive care do? What about the 8,500 part D prescription drug plan recipients who can no longer count on the doughnut hole being closed and who will, once again, face higher drug costs if repeal is successful? Mr. Speaker, simply replacing the positive impact the Affordable Care Act has had on American families with inaccurate arguments does not solve our problem. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the legislation.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in supporting the Resolution before us today, and to express my deepest condolences for the families of those killed in the tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona, on January 8. I also offer my prayers for a speedy and full recovery to my friend and colleague, Gabby Giffords, as well as to all those wounded in the attack. This past Saturday was a dark day for this chamber and our nation. Gabby Giffords is one of the hardest-working members of this House, and has proven herself to be an energetic representative of her district's interests and a thoughtful stateswoman. She is loved and admired by her colleagues and her constituents in the Eighth District of Arizona, who are fortunate and grateful that she survived this terrible attack. But there are six others who will not be returning to their families and friends as a result of this tragedy, and I know Gabby would want the focus to be on them. One of the six, Gabby's Outreach Director Gabriel Zimmerman, was a Federal employee killed while helping Gabby better represent her constituents. Madam Speaker, I grieve for our nation when a 9-year-old girl seeking to meet her Congresswoman becomes a target for murder. I fervently hope that all Americans, especially those of us honored with the public trust, view this tragedy as a moment to take personal responsibility for building a safer, more civil and better future. We are praying for you, Gabby, and for the families of all those affected by this senseless tragedy.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, the Republican rules package passed Wednesday included a change that could be extremely damaging to our Nation's highway and transit systems over the long term--and to the construction industry, where record unemployment remains twice the national average. Simply put, this rule is a job killer. The new rule will treat highway trust fund revenue as general spending, tearing down firewalls that prevent funds from being siphoned off for unrelated projects. Removing the ``trust'' in the highway trust fund will severely inhibit States' ability to plan large, multiyear transportation projects to improve this Nation's aging infrastructure over the long term and to create construction jobs in the process. But don't take my word for it. The rule change is also opposed by business, labor, and industry organizations alike, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Associated General Contractors of America, and the American Trucking Association. Madam Speaker, this is the wrong time to back away from investments in our infrastructure and job creation; yet this is exactly what will result from this job-killing rule.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Section 2: ``The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.'' Amendment 16: ``The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States and without regard to any census or enumeration.''

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3447, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010. The original GI Bill proved to be a landmark initiative for our troops and an outstanding investment in the future of our Nation. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, signed into law in 2008, built on the success of the original program by providing helpful and hard-earned educational and economic benefits for our newest generation of veterans. Although today's legislation seeks to make it easier for veterans to utilize their educational benefits, some of the changes will have detrimental consequences. Just as the veterans of WWII were the engine of economic recovery and expansion in the post-war period, the most recent generation of veterans will continue their service to America by reaching their full educational and economic potential through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. While I support this bill and urge my colleagues to vote for it, there are some provisions in the legislation that I believe deserve additional consideration. Although I support setting a national average tuition rate for benefits, I am concerned that students in states like New York will be negatively impacted by the $17,500 baseline. This legislation will reduce benefits for students in New York already enrolled in programs where the cost is above the baseline. Students based decisions about which institution of higher education to attend partly on a benefit level guaranteed in the 2008 law. A ``hold harmless'' provision would have allowed these students to continue to receive the same level benefits for which they are entitled. Under current law, state approving agencies, SAAs, are charged with approving programs and schools that are deemed appropriate for vets using the GI Bill. S. 3447 permits the Veterans Administration, VA, to make this determination and I am concerned that this responsibility should remain within SAA's jurisdiction, as they have been the experts in protecting veterans from fraudulent programs. The bill goes further by permitting veterans to use their GI benefits at schools without any approval by SAAs or the VA. In my view this is unwise. This legislation permits the VA to expand GI benefits to trade schools, unaccredited colleges, and programs that lead to no degree or certificate. While I understand that many veterans choose not to take a more traditional path and attend an institution of higher education, I am deeply concerned that taxpayer dollars will go to programs that will not lead to gainful employment. I am also concerned that this bill includes a so-called ``last- payer'' provision. The last payer provision withholds the student's GI Bill benefit until a calculation is made of any state and private tuition aid, for which a veteran may be eligible. In some cases, this would cause a delay in GI benefits and lead to needless confusion. As a former college administrator, I am very pleased to see so many veterans returning home and choosing to seek further education. However, I am deeply concerned with a growing number of reports that some institutions may be abusing GI tuition payments by aggressively targeting veterans for academic programs that may not provide an actual benefit to a student, such as preparation for future employment. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that in the 112th Congress we can achieve bipartisan solutions to these issues to protect both taxpayers and distinguished veterans. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a small token of our appreciation for their valor and service to our Nation. I would like to submit for the Record a letter signed by various higher education groups that outlines the community's concerns with this legislation. American Council on Education, Washington, DC, December 14, 2010. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: On behalf of the American Council on Education and the organizations listed below, we write to express our hope that before adjournment, the 111th Congress will approve a final version of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvement Act of 2010 that addresses the concerns outlined below. Both the House version (H.R. 6430) and the Senate version (S. 3447) make welcome improvements to current law, such as expanding the benefits to troops serving in the Active Guard Reserve and to National Guard members who have honorably served their country on active duty, including at the sites of natural disasters. The bills also replace the complex state-by-state tuition and fee cap look-up chart with language that specifies that GI Bill benefits cover tuition and fees for veterans attending public institutions while establishing a single national tuition baseline for those who enroll in private institutions. However, we believe that the House version is preferable in two very critical respects. First, S. 3447 contains a provision that would add a new source of confusion for veterans and prevent them from having a clear idea of the level of support to which they are entitled. This so-called ``last-payer'' provision, which withholds the GI Bill benefit until a calculation is made of any state and private tuition aid for which a veteran may be eligible, would not only confound veterans and delay the delivery of aid, but in some cases would conflict with state statutes. In contrast, H.R. 6430 does not include such a provision and will help end the frustration and confusion that far too many veterans have experienced in attempting to access their benefits. Second, H.R. 6430 includes an important ``hold harmless'' provision, designed to protect veterans who might otherwise be negatively impacted by the establishment of a national baseline. In several states, veterans attending private institutions currently receive a base benefit that is greater than the new national baseline amount provided in either version of the legislation. By failing to include this ``hold harmless'' language, the Senate bill would reduce benefits for a number of veterans upon enrollment for a subsequent term. In contrast, the House bill would help ensure that veterans continue to receive their current benefits without interruption. As this legislation nears passage, we strongly urge you to modify S. 3447 so that it reflects the approach taken by the House bill on these two important issues. Our campuses have worked very hard to smooth out the difficulties that veterans have faced under current law, and these improvements will enable them to serve veterans even more effectively. Thank you for all of your work on behalf of the nation's veterans. Sincerely, Molly Corbett Broad, President.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to mark the untimely passing of an outstanding young man, Joshua Matthew Levine, one of my constituents who lived in North Haven, NY. Josh, who was only 35 years old, was a much beloved and well-known advocate for organic farming and healthy living. He left a successful job in New York City to move to the Hamptons where he became involved in the burgeoning organic farming movement that has recently attracted so many talented young people across our nation. He began as a volunteer at Quail Hill Farm in Amagansett, a stewardship project of the Peconic Land Trust, a non- profit land preservation organization. Quail Hill is one of the original CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms in the United States and serves 200 families as well as supplies food to local restaurants, schools and food pantries. After working a year as a volunteer at the 30-acre farm, he became an apprentice and then was hired as the farm's marketing manager. He also operated the organization's weekly Saturday Farmer's Market. Along with his wife Susan Ann Jones Levine, he threw himself wholeheartedly into the business of promoting healthy food and healthy living and he would go out of his way to explain the benefits of sustainable agriculture and organic farming to others. He was devoted to his wife and their two children, three-year-old Willa and six-month- old Ezra. At a time when many think of the Hamptons as the land of glitz and glamour, it is refreshing to encounter a young person of such substance with an unwavering dedication to values that make our world a better place--cooperation, hard work and respect for the earth we live on. Josh Levine truly lived his beliefs. He was devoted to the idea of sustaining the land for future generations. On days when the Farmer's Market was open, he would arise at 5 a.m. and go to the farm to get the food and deliver it to the market in time for the opening at 9 a.m. More than 600 people attended his funeral and told stories about how hard he worked and how much he did to help others understand the benefits of healthy living. One woman recalled how she inadvertently left a large bunch of kale that she had purchased at the farm stand one Saturday. Josh knew that she needed the kale to help in her fight against cancer, and he spent three hours tracking her down after the farm stand had closed and successfully delivered the kale to her freshly packed on ice so that it would not wilt in the sweltering August heat. He believed in what he was doing, and his passion and enthusiasm attracted others. He enjoyed cooking and was an avid follower of the slow food movement. As a tribute to his good works, the mayor ordered the flag to be flown at half mast on the day of his funeral, a tribute usually reserved for military personnel. It is with great sadness that I mark the passing of such a vibrant young man, so involved in his community and devoted to his beliefs.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the Patchogue- Medford Library for earning the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This award recognizes the Patchogue-Medford Library for its commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and its community and serves as our Nation's highest honor for libraries and museums. The Patchogue-Medford Library enjoys a long and colorful history, having served the people of Suffolk County for nearly 130 years. Originally housed in the back room of Floyd Overton's shoe store on East Main Street, the library was formed under the direction of the Patchogue Library Association in June, 1883. The library opened its doors just two months later in August, 1883, housing 635 volumes that included the likes of Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, Jules Verne, and Alexis De Tocqueville. Following brief stints in a music store and the Lyceum Community Center, the library was adopted in 1899 by Sorosis, an all-purpose women's organization new to the Patchogue neighborhood, with the intention of transforming the private library into a public facility. Sorosis greatly enhanced the library, raising enough funds and community support for the construction of a permanent home in 1908. Aided by the financial backing of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the library earned acclaim across New York State. Today, the Patchogue- Medford Library serves as the sole New York State-designated Central Library for Suffolk County, providing support and innovative services to the people of the First Congressional District of New York. Throughout all of the changes, growth, and iterations of the Patchogue-Medford Library, the goal of universal literacy has remained at the forefront of the library's agenda. Serving a diverse community, of which nearly one-quarter of the population is Hispanic, the library has taken a non-traditional approach toward literacy in the community. The library is committed to bringing quality programming to both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities, often combining the two groups for mutually beneficial learning experiences. Children are often exposed to bilingual story times, teens engage with each other in the Language Cafe, and Spanish language computer instructions are offered to more than 2,100 adult students. The Patchogue-Medford Library demonstrates that literacy is important in all its forms, from reading books to reading one another. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Patchogue-Medford Library for receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, and I commend the library for its continued commitment to providing vital services to the people of the First Congressional District of New York.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize my constituent, James R. Bombard of Port Jefferson, New York, for his hard work and commitment to America's veterans. Jim will retire on December 23rd after twelve years of service at the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs. Jim's many contributions and achievements over a career dedicated to public service have undoubtedly enhanced the lives of our Nation's veterans and expanded opportunities afforded to them. During his service as an Army paratroop commander during the Vietnam War, Captain Bombard was decorated with the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Following his service, Jim continued on a path of service by advocating for future generations of servicemen and women. In the late 1980s, Mr. Bombard served as Special Assistant to Congressman Robert J. Mrazek of New York. He worked on the American Homecoming Act of 1988, which allowed Vietnamese children, born of American fathers, to immigrate to the United States. This legislation resulted in America welcoming nearly 100,000 Asian Americans and relatives, enriching our vibrant Vietnamese-American community. Continuing his dedication to veterans, Jim served as Chief of the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs' Bureau of Veterans Education, working to improve the ``veteran friendliness'' of New York institutions of higher education. As Legislative Director, two-term President, and Chief of the National Association of State Approving Agencies, Jim has enhanced the policy and curricula that promote quality education and training opportunities for veterans. Jim's experience in state government, industry, and the halls of Congress have also informed the development and implementation of the post 9/11 GI Bill, which extended full tuition and benefits to the newest generation of American heroes. Madam Speaker, building a career on expanding opportunity to veterans is a calling of the highest honor. James R. Bombard deserves our gratitude and recognition for his outstanding service and enduring contributions to improving the lives of America's veterans. We wish him continued success in his future endeavors as well as a long and fulfilling retirement.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to ffor th one hundredth anniversary of the dedication of the monument to General von Steuben across the street from the White House--in Lafayette Park, Washington, DC. The monument to General Frederich Wilhelm von Steuben was dedicated in a ceremony presided over by President William H. Taft on December 7, 1910. Taking its place among the statues of three other European-born Revolutionary War heroes, the Steuben monument serves as a reminder of the tactical foresight and invaluable contributions of General von Steuben to the United States military during the American Revolution. General von Steuben arrived in the United States from Prussia during a period of great turmoil for our young country. Facing the superior forces of Great Britain, the American military lacked experience, tradition, and proper training. It was under these circumstances that General von Steuben wrote to General George Washington prior to his arrival in 1778, stating ``The object of my greatest ambition is to render your country all the service in my power, and to deserve the title of a citizen of America by fighting for the cause of liberty.'' General von Steuben is credited with almost singlehandedly transforming the Continental Army from a group of untrained militias into a professional army capable of defeating the strongest military in the world. In addition to his battlefield heroics, General von Steuben's enduring impact lives on through the U.S. Armed Forces' continuing reference to his ``Blue Book,'' which outlines a training plan that has served as the standard bearer for strategic military preparation. General von Steuben's contributions and accomplishments continue to serve as a source of great pride and inspiration for the millions of German-Americans living in the United States today. The Steuben Society, founded in 1919 and named in honor of General von Steuben, serves to educate the public about matters of interest to American citizens of German heritage and their families, to encourage participation in civic affairs, and to perpetuate and enhance the understanding of contributions made by German Americans to our nation. I am proud that the national headquarters of the Steuben Society is located in Patchogue, New York, which is my district and home to 130,000 German-American constituents. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the centennial anniversary of the dedication of the General von Steuben monument in Lafayette Park, and I commend the Steuben Society for its active role in promoting the culture and contributions of German-American citizens across the United States.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, starting tomorrow, 31,000 of my constituents, 400,000 New Yorkers and 2 million Americans will begin to lose their unemployment benefits. Before Thanksgiving, 143 Republicans and 11 Democrats voted against extending unemployment insurance. With that vote they said the unemployed mother, or the husband who lost his job to outsourcing are the ones who should shoulder the burden of reducing the national debt. In the same breath, Republicans call on Congress to pass a tax break for the wealthiest Americans--adding hundreds of billions of dollars to the deficit. Republicans say we can't afford unemployment benefits, but they are alone in their logic. Economists widely agree that extending unemployment benefits does far more to stimulate economic growth than tax breaks for millionaires. Madam Speaker, as we enter the winter season when home heating, gas and other basic living costs will rise, I ask my colleagues to help those American families who are most in need, not those wealthiest who need it the least.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill and thank the leadership for giving it a second chance. The heroes who responded on September 11th certainly deserve a second chance. Those heroes didn't hesitate. Americans united immediately on September 11th. But 9 years later, this House remains divided. First responders, survivors, and their families have waited too long for Congress to act. On this congressional session's final day, we must fulfill our promise to care for them and treat them for their exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. Residents of Eastern Long Island, who I proudly represent, are getting sick, as are thousands who came from nearly every state. This isn't just a New York issue, it's an American issue. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to unite in support of our heroes by voting for the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Harry Coghlan, a New Yorker who has earned special recognition and praise from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) for his steadfast commitment to advancing public safety. On September 15, 2010, Mr. Coghlan was presented with the Director's Award for Excellence by FBI Director Robert S. Mueller. Citing Mr. Coghlan's continuing efforts to assist the mission of law enforcement officials through his donation of digital billboard space in Times Square, Director Mueller recognized Mr. Coghlan in a special ceremony held in Washington, DC. Times Square is known around the world for its energy, color, and signature advertising billboards. In January 2010, the FBI announced an agreement with Mr. Coghlan for his company, Spectacolor, to provide 40- foot by 40-foot digital billboard space at the corner of 47th Street and Broadway to display wanted fugitives, missing persons, and high- priority security alerts. By entering into this agreement, the FBI hoped to follow the trend set by Newark, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by empowering the public in high traffic areas to help law enforcement by providing tips. Given the success of the digital billboard program in those cities, the immediate success of the program in Times Square was a surprise to no one. On September 12, 2010, the FBI announced the arrest of an alleged mobster who had been displayed on a Times Square billboard in Yonkers, New York. Since the inception of the program in 2007, more than 35 arrests have been made by the FBI in connection with tips prompted by digital billboards. Madam Speaker, I applaud the FBI for its effective partnerships, and I commend Mr. Harry Coghlan and Clear Channel Spectacolor for their pioneering work to use advanced technology to benefit law enforcement and public safety.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, Americans came together in our hometowns and cities this past Saturday to honor nearly 3,000 lives lost in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Next week, we have the opportunity to honor the first responders and rescue workers who rushed to Ground Zero to help in the rescue and recovery efforts when we vote on the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The bill will provide necessary medical and monitoring treatment to the first responders and survivors of 9/11 who were exposed to the debris and to the dangerous toxins emitted from the fall of the Twin Towers. New York's courageous firefighters, police officers, EMTs, cleanup workers, and the thousands who came from other States to lend New York a hand have been waiting for Congress to act. I thank the House leadership for agreeing to bring this important legislation up for consideration under regular order, and I commend Representatives Maloney and Nadler for their unwavering commitment to the 9/11 first responders. We must always fulfill our solemn promise to remember September 11 and those who died, and it is imperative we care for those brave men and women who are still affected by its aftermath. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 847.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the centennial celebration on August 7, 2010, of the incorporation of the village of Bellport, located on the south shore of my district of eastern Long Island. Brothers John and Chris Bell laid the foundation of this seaside outpost in the early 20th century as a fishing enclave for families escaping the frenzied life of New York City. For the past century, this enchanting bayside community has retained its distinctive charm and character in the midst of the ever-changing world around it. Bellport's unique history is anchored by its maritime culture, centered on its renowned marina, yacht club, and celebrated waterfront. Many of Bellport's earliest residents provided for their families by fishing for mussels and oysters, and flourished on the bountiful waters of the Great South Bay. From its humble beginnings, Bellport has matured into a thriving village adorned with enticing restaurants and boutiques. The Bellport Bay Yacht Club, founded in 1906, exemplifies the village's sailing heritage and remains a popular site for some of the premier sailing races in the country. Another of Bellport Village's attractions is the acclaimed Gateway Theater. Many of its local actors, including Gene Hackman, launched their careers from its stage. The Gateway remains a source of communal pride and participation. Beach lovers have enjoyed Bellport's many alluring waterfront attractions, including the secluded Ho Hum Beach, across from the marina on Fire Island National Seashore. On August 6, Bellport officially celebrated its 100th anniversary beginning with a dinner dance at the Bellport Country Club, followed by a parade from the Bellport Fire House to the Bellport Marina on August 7. Madam Speaker, I am very proud to represent Bellport, New York, in the U.S. House of Representatives. I invite my colleagues to join us in celebrating Bellport's centennial and wishing this charming community and its residents continued success and happiness.

Mr. BISHOP of New York

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support for the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which we will be considering later this morning. Consideration of this legislation is long overdue. Thousands of brave Americans are suffering from debilitating illnesses after being exposed to harmful toxins released by the debris of the World Trade Center. The bill before us provides necessary medical monitoring and treatment to World Trade Center first responders, and those who worked or lived in downtown Manhattan on September 11. It also reopens the 9/ 11 Victim Compensation Fund to compensate those affected. This legislation will help thousands of New Yorkers, courageous firefighters, police officers, EMTs and clean-up workers, as well as the thousands of selfless individuals who rushed from every State to lend a hand in the rescue recovery and cleanup efforts at Ground Zero. Many of them are my constituents, like John Feal, who founded the FealGoodFoundation, which has achieved so much since September 11 to raise awareness and help those who answered the Nation's call upon learning of the attacks on lower Manhattan. It is imperative that we affirm our commitment to first responders and survivors by ensuring they have access to treatment and care. We should pass this bill as a solemn measure of our indebtedness and to honor these most deserving patriots who sacrificed their health and safety for their fellow Americans. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.