John Carney

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CARNEY. Madam Chair, I rise to recognize the importance of rail security in the effort to access, prepare for, and neutralize terrorist threats to our critical infrastructure. While roughly 1.7 million passengers ride in domestic and international air flights daily, every weekday 34 million Americans ride on trains and transit systems. We have seen the tragic consequences of attacks to rail and subway systems in Britain, Spain, and India. We know al Qaeda was looking to target American rail systems this year. An attack on our rail system here in the United States would simply be devastating. Earlier this year, the House adopted an amendment I offered to the fiscal year 2011 Intelligence Authorization Act. There was broad bipartisan support for making rail security an intelligence priority. I continue to believe we must address the security vulnerabilities in our rail and transit systems. Our intelligence community does great work to coordinate with those who own and operate trains and rail lines. In particular, the Office of Intelligence Analysis within the Department of Homeland Security develops a threat assessment for critical infrastructure. My amendment is a simple amendment. It affirms the importance of assessments and information sharing conducted by intelligence analysts. It expresses the sense of Congress that the intelligence community must continue to prioritize rail security in identifying and preventing terrorist threats. As a near daily rider of Amtrak myself, I want to know that the United States Government is doing all it can to keep my fellow passengers and rail passengers across the country safe. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I thank you for your consideration. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY. In closing, I would like to thank the chair. I appreciate his position on this. I thank him for not officially opposing it and ask for support from everyone in the Chamber. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of efforts to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. Recently, I visited with 11-year-old Madeline Tallman from my home State of Delaware. She was here to tell her story of what it's like to live with type 1 diabetes. Madeline is faced with the life-long challenge of checking her blood sugar levels, managing her diet, and injecting herself with insulin every single day. While research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes is progressing, people like Madeline are looking for better ways to manage their diabetes right now. An artificial pancreas has the potential to transform the lives of those with type 1 diabetes. This device automatically controls blood sugar levels around the clock allowing patients to remain healthy until a cure is found. But before this technology can be made available to patients, the FDA must approve the next steps in the regulatory process for artificial pancreas trials. I commend the FDA for committing to publish draft guidance by December 1. I urge the FDA to stick with that guideline. Children like Madeline have waited long enough.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Our Nation is lurching towards an August 2 deadline to avoid defaulting on the national debt. If Congress doesn't act, the United States will face an economic calamity that could easily have been prevented. If we don't raise the debt ceiling, the world will lose confidence in the U.S., and its credit rating will be downgraded from its current bullet-proof AAA grade. Interest rates will rise, which will slow the fragile economic recovery and risk pushing the economy back into recession. Higher interest rates on U.S. Treasuries would also seriously affect ordinary Americans. A default would force consumers to pay more for mortgages, car loans, and other borrowing. Losing our AAA credit rating will increase the government's interest payments on the national debt, making it even more difficult to get our fiscal house in order. Let's face it. A default would be a financial disaster for the country. We can't afford it. But we shouldn't just raise the debt ceiling. We should use it as an opportunity for both sides to agree on a plan to reduce the deficit by $4 trillion over the next decade. The so-called Gang of Six has come forward with a bipartisan plan to do just that. It's comprehensive, balanced, and it's right for the country. It's not perfect but it's all we have. It's time to do the right thing for the country.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this amendment, and I will submit this letter from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources for the Record. While I oppose the underlying bill, I will only speak to this amendment. It addresses what I think is a nonpartisan issue and, frankly, it appeals to States' rights, which my Republican friends typically support. Delaware is in nonattainment with Federal clean air standards, mainly due to emissions that come from outside our State borders. In order to comply with Federal law and protect public health, Delaware has the ability to implement pollution control strategies beyond EPA's requirements. Last year Delaware was given Clean Air Act authority for the Outer Continental Shelf, meaning that the State, rather than EPA, regulates emissions there. Delegated authority is working. The one OCS permit requested of Delaware was granted within weeks, not months. Disputes go through a quick administrative review, rather than costly litigation. It does not mean a delay, as my Republican colleague alleged. In fact, this delegated authority is working so well that other States are actively looking into it. Maryland, Virginia and Alaska have each asked Delaware for its documents on delegated authority. A one-size-fits-all approach like H.R. 2021 is not in the best interest of our States. Our amendment simply preserves delegated authority to the States that want it, enabling our States to oversee pollution control as they see fit. This is not balkanization; it's common sense. I urge my colleagues to preserve States rights by supporting this amendment. State of Delaware, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Dover, DE, June 21, 2011. Hon. John C. Carney, United States Representative, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Carney: I write to you today to express State of Delaware's opposition to H.R. 2021, the Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011. Our concerns with this bill are outlined below: (1) The proposed bill will impede states' authority to regulate emissions and create unnecessary burdens on state agencies; (2) By restricting the consideration of air quality impacts solely to an onshore location in the corresponding onshore area, the proposed bill does not sufficiently protect human health and the environment; (3) The proposed bill shields a potentially significant portion of emissions from OCS activities from emission control requirements; and (4) The proposed bill subverts our state's established procedures for due process and replaces them with a potentially cumbersome and costly judicial review. Delaware's air quality is so severely impacted by transported air pollution from the Southwest and the West that Delaware can no longer produce a plan to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone even if it eliminated all in-state emissions. This bill will open a new Eastern front in the assault on our air quality and at the same time removes available and much needed tools to address these emissions. Delaware's citizens and those living on the East coast deserve clean air and need the continued protection afforded them by the Clean Air Act. I urge you to reject this bill. Sincerely, Collin P. O'Mara, Secretary.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Madam Speaker, this week the Democratic and Republican caucuses met with President Obama to discuss the need to increase the debt ceiling. The President said we need to raise the debt ceiling soon, and I agree. Defaulting on our debt is not an option for a great Nation like ours. No one wants to send the economy into another tailspin. Now is the time to restore fiscal discipline. That is what the American people, the global financial markets, and U.S. creditors expect, and that is why I support the attachment of a strong deficit reduction plan to any increase in the debt ceiling. Congress should attach a balanced and broad-based budget plan to the debt ceiling increase. The plan should include smart cuts that would total at least $4 trillion over the next 10 years. The budget agreement should also protect important investments in a strong economic future. We can't delay any longer. We can't pass these tough decisions on to our children and grandchildren. The people we serve sent us here to get this done, and it is time for both sides to do just that.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 331, I was present, but I was distracted and missed the second vote in the three vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Chair, how much time do I have remaining?

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

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Chair, I would just like to add a few more things before finishing up here. Between 2004 and 2008, there were 500 terrorist attacks waged worldwide against mass transit and passenger rail targets, resulting in over 2,000 deaths and over 9,000 injuries. Five billion passenger miles, intercity and commuter rail, are logged every day in the northeast corridor alone here in the U.S. That represents more than one-third of the daily vehicle miles logged on I- 95 between Washington, D.C. and New York City. My amendment will ensure that the U.S. Government places a priority on ensuring the safety of rail passengers around the country by working to prevent a terrorist attack on our rail system. And I would ask support for this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY. I would just like to add that I listened to the gentleman and I appreciate his comments. I listened to his remarks earlier on the previous amendment, and he said that the intelligence agencies spend all their time, every waking hour, targeting people trying to kill Americans every day. The facts are that these terrorists are trying to kill Americans on American rail transit systems. And that's the purpose of this amendment--to make sure that this is given a priority in our intelligence plans. With that, I yield such time as he may consume to the ranking member, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ruppersberger).

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Chairman, over the past week, officials have announced that preliminary intelligence gathered from Osama bin Laden's Pakistan hideout shows that al Qaeda had been plotting a terrorist attack on our Nation's rail system. While roughly 1.7 million passengers ride on domestic and international flights daily, every weekday 34 million Americans ride on trains and transit systems. The issue of rail security is more relevant now than ever. And I'm here today to argue for making rail security a national intelligence priority. On March 11, 2004, nearly 200 people were killed in Madrid as a result of a terrorist bombing while riding the commuter rail to work. In 2005, over 50 people were killed and 700 injured on the London transit system in a series of explosions during the morning rush hour. An attack on our rail system here in the United States would be devastating. It would almost certainly result in the loss of life. Clearly, terrorist organizations around the world have made rail systems a target. I strongly believe that we need to address the vulnerabilities in our rail system by ensuring that rail security is one of our Nation's top intelligence priorities. That's why I offered this amendment directing the intelligence community to include rail and subway transit security in its transportation security plans and budgets. The 9/11 Commission report found that over 90 percent of the Nation's annual investment in transportation security is spent on aviation security. While addressing security vulnerabilities within aviation is critical, this allocation leaves too little for surface transportation security, particularly on our rail systems. ``For now, riding trains is safe.'' That's how Transportation Secretary LaHood described the state of our rail system in light of the intelligence found in Osama bin Laden's compound. But we need to do better than that. As a near daily rider of Amtrak myself, I want to know that the United States Government is doing all it can to keep my fellow passengers safe. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment so that our intelligence community is able to identify and prevent a terrorist attack on our rail system. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY. I certainly thank the gentleman and appreciate his comments and certainly respect his expertise. But I can't imagine that the intelligence agencies aren't, as they're doing their activities-- intelligence activities overseas--aren't finding out that there are threats to the U.S. rail system. My amendment would just make that a priority within all the things that they do. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I have the great pleasure today of recognizing a very special Delawarean who recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Charles P. West is one of a kind who served our State and Nation with distinction as a soldier, legislator, businessman, and advocate for the values that are important to his community of Gumboro. Charlie was first elected to the Delaware House of Representatives in 1956, serving one 2-year term. He returned to the statehouse in 1978 and served for 24 years before retiring in 2002. Charlie took great pride in helping his constituents. As he used to tell me all the time, he fought for the little guy. He was a fierce advocate for those who were the backbone of his district: chicken and grain farmers, small business owners, and sportsmen. Charlie and his wife of 63 years, Eleanor Lee, are good friends of mine, and they have helped me better understand what is important to our State. It is my pleasure today to wish Charles P. West a happy 90th birthday and wish him and his family many more years together.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 300, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' Stated against:

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, today, I'd like to recognize two significant athletic achievements that were recently announced in my home State of Delaware. In March, the St. Mark's High School football team was named Team of the Year by the Delaware Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association. This fall, St. Mark's finished with an undefeated 12-0 record and captured their first football title since 1978. Also last month, University of Delaware sophomore Elena Delle Donne was named Player of the Year in Delaware after earning First Team All- CAA honors in basketball for the second straight year. As a St. Mark's alumnus and former high school and college athlete and coach, I know the hard work and commitment that goes into achieving success at such a high level. I also know that high school and college athletes learn lessons about teamwork, competition, and leadership that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. And so I'd like to once again congratulate Elena Delle Donne, St. Mark's High School football coach Jim Wilson and his staff, and each member of this year's team. We in Delaware wish you well and hope for your continued success.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many volunteer fire companies that play such an important role in protecting public safety in my home State of Delaware. Like many Delawareans who have seen or been helped directly by one of our volunteer firefighters, I continue to be amazed and humbled by their professionalism and willingness to sacrifice to put the safety of others ahead of their own. Today, I'd like to recognize the Holloway Terrace Fire Company, which is celebrating 90 years of service to our community. For generations, members of the Holloway Terrace Fire Company have given their all to protect those who live and work in New Castle, Delaware. In that time, no one has given more to the fire company than Mr. William ``Bill'' Maxwell, Sr. This year Bill is celebrating 50 years of service in the Holloway Terrace Fire Company. He joined as a junior member and has risen through the ranks to become deputy chief, fire chief, and now a member of the board of directors. I would like to thank every volunteer firefighter who works to protect Delaware communities and encourage them to continue their service for many years to come.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to clarify my position for the record on a vote cast during consideration of H.R. 658, The FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011. On rollcall vote No. 212, cast March 31st, 2011, I voted ``aye.'' It was my intention to vote ``no'' on Amendment No. 18 offered by Congressman Gingrey of Georgia.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to object once again to the majority's misplaced priorities during these difficult times for American families. As a result of the financial crisis in 2008, more than 7 million Americans lost their jobs, and more than 9 million Americans have faced foreclosure. In my small State of Delaware, 6,000 people filed for foreclosure last year, which is three times the norm. As Lieutenant Governor, I chaired a foreclosure prevention task force in Delaware. We learned that the best way to help homeowners was through a combination of private and public sector efforts. It's just unbelievable to me that this House voted to end foreclosure prevention programs which for thousands of families are the last chance to keep their homes. Let's remember that we are still recovering from the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, and the housing market is still floundering. Allowing more families to lose their homes just makes things worse. So this debate is not just about helping individual families, as important as that is. It's also about strengthening the economic recovery now underway.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose this ill-advised effort to repeal the Home Affordable Modification Program. Instead, we ought to be focusing on how we can move together, Democrats and Republicans, to address the foreclosure crisis and keep families in their homes. Since the housing bubble burst, over 9 million Americans have gone into foreclosure. In my little State of Delaware, annual foreclosure filings nearly tripled over the past few years. And we aren't even one of the worst, hardest hit States. Now, one thing is clear. We can't help every one of these homeowners. Every situation is different; and, frankly, not every homeowner can or should be helped. And most of the help should come from the banks and mortgage servicers, but they are not doing nearly enough in the State of Delaware. What is incredible to me is that, with the HAMP Termination Act, our friends on the other side of the aisle have decided not to help at all; and that will mean a more direct path to foreclosure for thousands of families. The claim is that HAMP has hurt more people than it has helped. That is simply a ridiculous charge. Back in my home State of Delaware, the HAMP program has helped 1,600 homeowners, by far the most effective government program. That's 25 percent of the homeowners who filed for foreclosure last year. And I know a little bit about this. I served as the chair of the foreclosure task force when I was lieutenant governor for over a year. And the best course, the best result we know is for the private banks, as I said, and the servicers to make the modifications necessary, for the private sector to shoulder the bulk of the burden. But they're just not doing it. And so public officials need tools to help out, and HAMP is one of the best tools we have. The real question here is whether you believe there is an appropriate role for government at all to help homeowners facing foreclosure through no fault of their own. It's okay to use taxpayers funds to bail out the banks, but my friends on the other side don't want to use a small amount to help homeowners.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 189, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Point of Order

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 155, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Stated against:

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Chairman, my point is that the industry itself is doing this research and development and should do it without a Federal subsidy. I mentioned the full-page ad in today's edition of The Hill newspaper, which says that they are doing this. We shouldn't be subsidizing an industry that's mature and profitable. We need to be spending money on renewable energy sources so that we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, in this continuing resolution, we're cutting $2 billion out of research and development for new energy sources. I don't object to research and development going on for traditional oil and gas industry, but the industry itself ought to be doing that research.