John Carney

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the members of my staff who have served me and the people of Delaware over the past 6 years. Many of them have gathered in the gallery above us, and I welcome them to hear these remarks. I tell them all the time that we have the best jobs in the world, and they have done incredible work on behalf of the people of our State and our country. During my 6 years as Delaware's lone Member of Congress, I have been enormously privileged to work with such a great team. We have become like family. Whether they are cheering me on at the Congressional Baseball Game or they are working a weekend Coffee with Your Congressman, I know they have always got my back, and I could not have done my job for the people of my State without them. I would like to thank each of them individually for their contributions to our team and to our State. My chief of staff, Sheila Grant, has guided and counseled me all the 6 years of my time here. Her honesty and candor have consistently steered me in the right direction, and I have appreciated greatly her sense of humor. My State director, Molly Magarik, has not only an incredible ability to understand complex problems but, more importantly, she comes up with solutions to fix them. She is a huge asset to me and to the people of Delaware. My deputy State director, Albert Shields, has stood by me since the beginning, going back to my days as Lieutenant Governor. His knowledge of Delaware and his work ethic are unmatched. I am grateful for the work of our team in Delaware. Kristy Huxhold has kept the trains running on time and the office humming for both former Congressman Mike Castle and for me. Nicole Pender keeps our office plugged in to local issues and shepherds local nonprofits and governments through the maze of Federal grant applications. Joe Bryant helps our constituents navigate the challenging landscape of Federal benefits, all while serving as a member of the Delaware National Guard. Sarah Venables is the queen of constituent service, who is loved by all, and is a tenacious and effective champion for our veterans. Annie Gallagher, a long-time friend who formerly worked for Senator Roth, we had to bring her out of retirement twice to help us with Medicare and Social Security, which she gets better than anyone I know. Drew Slater has done a tremendous job as my eyes and ears in Kent and Sussex Counties and may love the State Fair even more than I do. Larry Morris, my long-time friend whose dedication to the city of Wilmington and its youth is unmatched. And Read Scott, who helps me stay in touch with my constituents and directs people through the confusing worlds of the IRS and health care. Each one of these individuals has put in countless hours on behalf of Delaware. I have been lucky to have them on my team. In my Washington office, Elizabeth Connolly has worked for me since before she even graduated from Smith College. I am extremely grateful for her loyalty and her dedication to our work on financial services and other issues. Francesca Amodeo overcame her roots as a non- Delawarean--and that is hard to do in my office--to become one of our State's biggest cheerleaders and to help me become an effective communicator. Connor Hamburg, a true Blue Hen, has an unbridled passion for southern Delaware and agricultural policy that can't help but make you smile. Gita Miller and Betsey Coulbourn have helped me share my view with Delawareans and respond to one of the largest constituencies in the whole House of Representatives. Lastly, our staff assistant, Elena Kochnowicz, and her recent predecessor, Brannock Furey, have done everything under the sun. From Capitol tours to greeting visitors with a smiling face, both Elena and Brannock have been crucial to our operation. In addition to our current staff, I would also like to thank the many dedicated folks who have worked for me in previous years. Doug Gramiak first served as chief of staff during my time as Lieutenant Governor and later as my State director. He has been a valued friend and confidant ever since. Doug got our office up and running 6 years ago and played a critical role during my first years in Congress. I would also like to recognize my first chief of staff here in Washington, Elizabeth Hart. Elizabeth worked for me for 5 years and built a solid foundation from the start. She showed me the ropes here in D.C., and her knowledge and experience was invaluable to me and to our office. Lastly, I would like to thank all our former staff in Delaware and here in the District: Cerron Cade, Bob Stickels, Gail Seitz, Sam Hodas, Justin German, Craig Radcliffe, Natasha Babiarz, Mary Williams, Katie Paisley, James Allen, Jenny Kane, Matt Pincus, and Steve Carfagno. I will always remember our time together and will never forget their hard work on behalf of the people of Delaware and myself. Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor to have served alongside this team, from making sure constituents receive the Federal benefits they deserve, to crafting legislative policy that addresses the needs of our State. Each of these individuals has worked tirelessly on behalf of Delawareans, and I want to publicly thank them today for their dedication to the people of our great State. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to clarify my position on roll call votes cast on September 20, 2016 and September 26, 2016. On Roll Call Vote Number 521, on consideration of H.R. 670 I did not vote. It was my intention to vote ``Yea.'' On Roll Call Vote Number 522, on consideration of H.R. 5785 I did not vote. It was my intention to vote ``Yea.'' On Roll Call Vote Number 523, on consideration of H.R. 5690 I did not vote. It was my intention to vote ``Yea.'' On Roll Call Vote Number 557, on consideration of H.R. 3537 I did not vote. It was my intention to vote ``Yea.'' On Roll Call Vote Number 558, on consideration of H.R. 5392 I did not vote. It was my intention to vote ``Yea.''

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to clarify my position on roll call vote 447 cast on July 13, 2016. On Roll Call Vote Number 447, on agreeing to Mrs. Graham of Florida's Amendment, I voted ``No.'' It was my intention to vote ``Aye.''

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the gentleman for his willingness to work in a bipartisan way with the Committee on Small Business--in particular, my colleague Ms. Velazquez--on this issue and the reforms therein. Mr. Delaney, I know, would like to see an extension, which is why he has offered this amendment, so that the affected communities have some time to react to the phaseout, potential phaseout of the HUBZones in their areas. I would again urge support of Mr. Delaney's amendment to extend the HUBZone redesignation period. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Chair, I rise tonight to offer this amendment on behalf of my colleague and good friend, Congressman John Delaney of Maryland. Unfortunately, Mr. Delaney couldn't be with us this evening. His father passed away a few days ago, and he is at the funeral in north Jersey tonight. He did ask me to make sure that this amendment was given consideration as a part of this legislation. Mr. Chairman, the Delaney amendment is a simple reform to the Small Business Administration's HUBZone program to give affected communities additional time to respond to the potential loss of their HUBZone status. The Committee on Small Business has expressed a desire to reform the program more broadly, but there are more than 2,000 HUBZones that are affected by this right now, so we can't wait to see if such a provision is enacted as part of those reforms. Our communities and the economies in those areas need help now. The SBA's HUBZone program was created in 1997. It was designed to encourage economic growth in historically underutilized areas, areas that have often struggled with poverty and a lack of opportunity. Small businesses in SBA HUBZones receive contracting assistance and a pricing preference for Federal contracts. For the last two decades, this program has enjoyed bipartisan support. It benefits communities in both rural and urban areas. Right now the Census Bureau works with the SBA to update the locations of Federal HUBZones and, in some cases, to remove an area's HUBZone status. Many small businesses and communities that lose their HUBZone status, including in Mr. Delaney's district in Garrett County, Maryland, believe that the process is just too abrupt, there is not enough time for these small businesses and the communities they support to adjust. The short redesignation process also inhibits long-term investment in these communities, which is badly needed. This does not give local lawmakers in those areas enough time to adjust to potentially large job losses that would negatively impact those communities. The Delaney amendment extends the redesignation process, giving underserved areas additional time to respond to the loss of their HUBZone status. This is good for small businesses that are using the HUBZone program; this is good for the employees who work for those businesses; and it is good for the communities that are benefiting from these additional local jobs. Mr. Chairman, on behalf of my friend and colleague, Congressman Delaney, I urge support of this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Chairman, as the designee of the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Delaney), I offer amendment No. 50.

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

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Corporal Robert L. Snow and his many years of service to the state of Delaware. When Mr. Snow first joined the New Castle County Police Department in 1968, he made history as the first African American police officer for the NCCPD. His addition to the force came at a time of upheaval in Wilmington, as violence and anger engulfed the city following the murder of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Despite these circumstances, Mr. Snow was able to break down barriers by committing fully to his duties as a police officer, where he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a keen understanding of the importance of building lasting, positive relationships in the community through compassion, respect and professionalism. Most importantly, Mr. Snow has always shown a willingness to put the safety and security of others above his own. Corporal Snow's efforts have made a difference for future generations by paving the way and setting an example for police officers across our state. Many continue to be inspired by Mr. Snow's bravery and ability to conquer racism in becoming an exemplary member of the law enforcement community for 20 years. As Delaware's lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I am grateful for his dedication to public safety and I'm honored to join in recognizing his distinguished career. Once again, I'd like to thank Corporal Snow for his service, and to congratulate him on the dedication of the Community/Training Room at the Cpl. Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety Building in his honor.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to clarify my position on roll call vote 242 cast on May 25, 2016. On Roll Call Vote Number 242, on agreeing to Mr. McNerney of California's Amendment, I voted ``No.'' It was my intention to vote ``Aye.''

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, first I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano) for yielding me this time. I would also like to thank all those who have worked hard to improve this bill. I would like to recognize and thank the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for introducing this legislation. I appreciate his continued willingness to work with me on this important issue and to fine-tune this bill to address concerns that we have heard, particularly from Members on this side of the aisle. The FAIR Act has a very simple purpose, to provide investors better access to research on exchange-traded funds and other similar products. ETFs are one of the fastest-growing investment vehicles in the market. Net assets in ETFs have grown from $102 billion in 2002 to $1.8 trillion in 2014. The number of ETFs on the market has increased 23 percent over the same period of time, but compared to other asset classes, there is limited research about them available. As interest in ETFs continues to grow, we need to make sure that investors have access to reliable information on these funds and on their underlying investments. The SEC has been looking at expanding a safe harbor for ETF research for over 15 years, and every time this issue has come up before the SEC, it has received favorable feedback. In fact, during the Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises hearing, there was unanimous agreement among the witnesses--which is not easy to come by in our subcommittee--that the SEC should promulgate a rule providing a safe harbor for ETF research. Since this legislation was originally introduced, a lot has gone into improving it. We have worked very closely with Ranking Member Waters, the SEC, and FINRA to ensure this legislation does what it is intended to do. We have taken their suggestions to improve numerous provisions of the bill, and I want to thank Mr. Hill again for his flexibility in doing that. This new version reflects a year of collaboration among Democrats, Republicans, and the regulators. The finished product is a clarified, more effective version of the original bill. I am proud to say I believe that we have arrived at an agreement that works for everyone. Again, I would like to thank Mr. Hill for his leadership on this issue. I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show my support for Americans of all ages who have been affected by bleeding disorders. Last month I met with Cole, a 10-year-old from my home State of Delaware. Cole has hemophilia, and he and his family struggle to afford the costly treatments he relies on. Hearing Cole's story underlined the financial burden diseases like hemophilia place on many hardworking Americans. Hundreds of thousands of families across our country shoulder both the financial and emotional hardships that come with bleeding disorders. That is why I am speaking today in recognition of Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. This is not only an opportunity to raise awareness, but also to stress the importance of continued funding for research on diseases like this. In Delaware, we are lucky to have the Nemours Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Their research efforts are leading the way to better treatments for those with bleeding disorders, but it is not enough. I urge my colleagues to support research for these and other diseases so that those with chronic illnesses can look forward to a brighter future.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Vernon J. Alston, a U.S. Capitol Police Officer for 20 years and a constituent of mine from Delaware. Sadly, Mr. Alston left us far too soon, at the age of 44. Vernon Alston came from a military family and, from a young age, was drawn to the service of our country. In 1991, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve, and, in 1996, he began working as a Capitol Police Officer. He spent the rest of his life protecting the Capitol and those who work here. Mr. Alston commuted each day from Magnolia, Delaware. I speak for every one of my colleagues and staff who walk through these doors each day when I say to Mr. Alston, ``Thank you.'' Vernon Alston put his life on the line for us, and we owe him a debt of gratitude. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mr. Alston's wife, Nicole, and his five children. Mr. Alston's neighbors in Delaware and his family here on Capitol Hill share in their grief. Vernon Alston leaves a legacy of service to country that serves as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr Speaker, I yield such additional time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York.

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney).

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I would just close by thanking the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Messer) and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney) for their work on this commonsense piece of legislation that will help towns, municipalities, and States across our country. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to add my thanks and congratulations as well to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Poliquin) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Vargas) for their bipartisan work on this bill. This legislation, as was pointed out, passed out of the Financial Services Committee with all but one vote. The SEC's Government-Business Forum on Capital Formation brings together academics, government officials, legal experts, and business stakeholders to make recommendations to improve and facilitate small- business capital formation. By directly addressing the recommendations of the forum, the SEC will help refine ideas and provide future forums with opportunities to address the SEC's views or concerns, ultimately leading to a more constructive and valuable process. This legislation will enhance the role of the forum and assist the SEC to focus on the capital needs of small businesses, which, as we have discussed several times today, are the main drivers of job creation in our economy, while simultaneously encouraging participants to substantively engage in the forum. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this bipartisan piece of legislation and thank the sponsors for their hard work. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank and congratulate the sponsor and cosponsor again. I have no further requests for time. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I close by again asking my colleagues to follow the example of the Financial Services Committee and vote unanimously to support this bill, which will help small businesses to access capital and to get the advice they need from the SEC. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley).

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I begin by thanking all of those who have worked with us to introduce and to improve this legislation. I especially want to thank my colleague and friend, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Duffy), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley), who will speak in a minute, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Crenshaw), and all of our other cosponsors, as well as the SEC, for their work on this bill. Due to their help and the bipartisan work on our committee, this legislation received a unanimous vote out of committee, as the gentleman from New Jersey pointed out. Mr. Speaker, small businesses are the cornerstones of our communities, and they are a major driver of American economic job growth. In fact, small businesses create over 60 percent of new jobs in the United States, which is the main point here. If we want to help businesses create jobs, we need to help small businesses. From one's employment to one's shopping needs, every American relies on small business in some way or another. Given the crucial part they play in our economy, ensuring their success just makes common sense. That is what this bill is--just a commonsense, bipartisan bill to help small businesses across our great country. Despite the important role that small businesses have in driving economic growth and job creation, they can be underrepresented in conversations about regulations affecting them at every level of government, and their concerns are not always heard. This doesn't just harm small businesses. It can also adversely impact investors and the public at large. The SEC has done an admirable job in supporting and in advancing the priorities of small businesses. This bill, the SEC Small Business Advocate Act, simply gives the SEC more tools to understand their needs and concerns. The SEC Small Business Advocate Act mirrors provisions found in the Dodd-Frank bill, which created the current Office of the Investor Advocate. This advocate would open clear avenues of communication to SEC leadership on issues affecting small-business owners, investors, and stakeholders. It would also help continue the reforms and progress that Congress made in passing the JOBS Act, which the gentleman from New Jersey mentioned, including with issues such as equity crowdfunding and ideas for venture exchanges and changes to tick size, which the gentleman from Wisconsin and I have worked on over the past year. With the resources provided in H.R. 3784, the SEC will have the ability to pursue meaningful regulatory improvements that could significantly improve outcomes for small businesses and help them with their access to capital, which is needed to grow and create jobs. I am very encouraged that the House has chosen to take up this bipartisan piece of legislation today and that we are moving forward to ensure a voice for small business at the SEC. Again, I thank the SEC for its help on this issue and a special thanks to my friend and colleague, Congressman Duffy. I urge all of my colleagues, as the members of the Financial Services Committee have, to vote ``yes'' on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Schweikert) and the gentlewoman from Arizona (Ms. Sinema) for their hard work on this bill. As was pointed out by Chairman Garrett, all the votes in the committee were in support of the bill, except for two. This legislation expands the definition of a ``accredited investor,'' a status reserved for investors who possess the sophistication and financial means necessary to invest in private, unregistered securities offerings. Many of these thresholds have not been updated, Mr. Speaker, since 1982, and the committee determined it was past time to do so. It is important to note that the SEC Investor Advisory Committee as well issued bipartisan recommendations, which acknowledge that the current income and net worth tests ``don't begin to measure the type or level of financial sophistication needed to evaluate the potential risks and benefits of private offerings.'' We can all agree, and a vast majority of the members of the Financial Services Committee did agree, that an updated definition is long overdue. The authors of this legislation and the sponsors, Mr. Schweikert and Ms. Sinema, have worked to consider the risks of private offerings to ensure that investors in those offerings can understand and bear those risks. With those comments, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to clarify that on January 11, 2016 I was unable to vote on roll call votes 34 and 35 because I was attending to congressional business in my district. On Roll Call Vote Number 34, on passage of H.R. 598, I did not vote. It was my intention to vote ``Aye.'' On Roll Call Vote Number 35, on passage of H.R. 3231, I did not vote. It was my intention to vote ``Aye.''

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to clarify my position on Roll Call Vote Number 12, cast on January 7, 2016. The vote was on passage of H.R. 712, the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2015, which would require an agency seeking to enter a covered consent decree or settlement agreement to publish such decree or agreement in the Federal Register and online not later than 60 days before it is filed with the court. On passage of H.R. 712, I voted ``Aye.'' It was my intention to vote ``No.'' While I firmly believe in judicial transparency, I could not support this legislation in its entirety. H.R. 712 included provisions that place unreasonable burdens on our regulatory process and give undue influence to certain groups. This legislation addressed pressing issues with the efficacy and efficiency of our regulatory process; however, it did not strike the right balance. That is why I ultimately decided to oppose this legislation, and I would like to reflect this intent.

Mr. CARNEY

Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I submit this statement regarding House passage of the Conference Report for the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. Historically, legislation addressing customs procedures and import security has enjoyed bipartisan support. Even when this legislation, also known as the Customs Bill, emerged from the Senate, the new bill included language that was supported by a wide range of stakeholders. This legislation authorizes the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the first time since it was created in 2002. Our rapidly evolving economy requires robust and adaptable trade enforcement, and I'm glad this legislation strengthens our Customs and Border Protection's ability to fulfill this duty. Without these tools in place we would not be able to meet the demands of our growing global economy. This legislation contains important provisions that will enhance and improve our customs procedures and duty laws. Our outdated customs and border policies would be improved by streamlining rules to stop importers from dodging U.S. antidumping and countervailing duties while adding new protections for intellectual property. That being said, while leaders from across the globe were negotiating the largest climate agreement in history, Congress was debating a bill that intentionally bypassed our nation's ability to address climate change. This legislation provided an opportunity for us to strengthen our commitment to combatting climate change and to hold other nations accountable for their actions--but we let that opportunity slide. Congress cannot continue to pass the buck on this issue, and we should use agreements such as this to hold our trade partners to higher standards. That is why I voted against this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to address these issues. If we do not act now, we set a dangerous precedent for future agreements.