David Cicilline

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Chair, this amendment improves H.R. 427 by exempting those regulations that are critical to protecting the health and safety of infants. More specifically, the Jackson Lee amendment provides a special rule pertaining to the safety of any product specifically designed to be used or consumed by a child under the age of 2 years, which includes cribs, car seats, and infant formula. As a member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law, I am very concerned about the REINS Act and the complications and delays to the rulemaking process it would create regarding regulations that would protect the health and safety of children. This legislation would amend the Congressional Review Act to prohibit a major rule from going into effect unless Congress enacts a joint resolution of approval within 70 legislative days. Otherwise, the rule does not go into effect. Effectively, no regulations will ever be enacted because it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to move any proposed legislation through Congress within 70 days. Moreover, subjecting agencies to additional reporting requirements and congressional review, as mandated by H.R. 427, would not only be wasteful, it could be damaging or even deadly, especially when it comes to regulations designed to protect children and infants. For example, much like the version of the bill that we debated in previous sessions, the REINS Act would delay product safety rules affecting family products like toys, cribs, and children's clothing. In particular, restrictions put forth in H.R. 427 could result in further delay to agencies attempting to take action to protect children as it relates to harmful and deadly products, such as safety caps on medicine, flammable clothing, and tipping furniture, just to name a few. Notably, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that a child dies every 2 weeks from furniture or TVs tipping over, and injuries from falling furniture occur every 24 minutes. We cannot afford to put the lives and safety of infants, toddlers, and children at risk while Congress entangles any real possibility for immediate and preventive action. The REINS Act is strongly opposed by many individuals and organizations all across the country, including opposition by more than 450,000 members and supporters of the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientist, as well as 83 academics in the field of administrative and environmental law, and an alliance of more than 150 consumer, labor, research, faith, and other public interest groups representing the Coalition for Sensible Safeguards. We should not hinder the democratic process and stymie regulatory agencies' ability to protect the safety and security of the American people, especially infants. At a minimum, regulations promulgated to protect the safety of infants and children should not be subjected to the strictures of H.R. 47. The Jackson Lee amendment protects children and infants. I urge all Members to support this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Chair, no one is attempting to shield bureaucrats from anything. This amendment is designed to shield infants, to protect children. I urge my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Chair, I rise to offer an amendment as the designee of my colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who regrettably is unable to be with us today.

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Chair, I just would say, in conclusion, that the amendment will, in fact, strengthen the ability of Federal agencies to protect the public health and well-being, and there are instances, as the example I just gave, where the failure to act will endanger the lives of Americans. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment to improve a badly flawed piece of legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concerns about the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act. I am completely appalled by the tragic and senseless death of Kathryn Steinle and those responsible should be held fully accountable. Dangerous criminals, including those who are in the United States illegally, should not ever be released into the community. However, H.R. 3009 does not address this problem. In fact, if H.R. 3009 becomes law it will only make it more difficult for law enforcement agencies to prevent future tragedies like this one. The system failed to catch this felon, not because of our nation's immigration policy, but because there was a breakdown in communication between agencies. The suspect, who has confessed to the shooting, has seven prior felony convictions, and has been deported five times, was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and turned over to the custody of the San Francisco Sheriff's Department at its request on an outstanding drug warrant. ICE issued a detainer, requesting to be notified before the suspect's release. Unfortunately, the suspect was released back onto the streets after the prosecutor declined to pursue the drug charges. This individual should never have been released from the custody of law enforcement, and the events that followed reflect a systemic failure on the part of local law enforcement and prosecutors. And while I believe that Congress has a moral responsibility to prevent future tragedies like this from occurring in the future, this legislation falls far short in addressing any of the failings in our immigration system that led to it. If enacted, H.R. 3009 would not have required local law enforcement to certify that the suspect would be prosecuted before taking custody of him. Nor would it have required the Bureau of Prisons or ICE to consult with local law enforcement or prosecutors to determine whether justice would be better served by having the suspect deported rather than being transferred to face an unlikely prosecution for a 20-year-old drug possession charge. H.R. 3009 purports to address this tragedy by stripping local law enforcement agencies of necessary federal funding to fulfill its responsibilities to the public. More specifically, the legislation would strip funding for state criminal alien assistance programs. Instead of aiding local law enforcement, this bill would cripple the efforts of these agencies to support federal law enforcement. In a naked attempt to score political points, this legislation deliberately ignores and neglects the roots of the tragedy. As such, a wide coalition of groups oppose H.R. 3009, including the Major County Sherriff's Association, the National Fraternal Order of Police, the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force, the National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, AFL-CIO, AFSCME, ACLU, LULAC, and LCCHR. While I remain committed to substantive and constructive reform of our nation's immigration system, this legislation falls far short of what is necessary.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the men and women of the Central Fire Company in Warren, Rhode Island, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary this weekend. A nonprofit organization, Central Fire Company Number 1 was first registered on July 30, 1915, to provide volunteer firefighting services for the people of the town of Warren. ``The defenders of the North End and protectors of the world,'' as they are known, not only serve as critical first responders for the people of Warren, they have also helped to raise thousands of dollars for those less fortunate in their community. In February 2003, the Central Fire Company provided critical assistance during one of the most destructive fires in our Nation's history, the Station Night Club fire. Every day, in cities and towns around our Nation, first responders put their own lives in the line of danger so that they may protect their fellow citizens. I salute the Central Fire Company on 100 years of service to the people of Warren, Rhode Island.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, last night the South Carolina House of Representatives finally approved legislation to take down this symbol of hatred and bigotry and the darkest time in our Nation's history. It is shameful that less than 24 hours after the State of South Carolina took this important step for progress and equality that the United States House of Representatives would consider an amendment that would allow the Confederate flag to be placed in National Park Service cemeteries. Let's be clear. This amendment is a symbol of hate, and anyone who supports its being in a place of honor is imposing an insult on anyone who has experienced racism in their lives or believes in America's founding principles of equality, justice, and freedom. 150 years ago hundreds of thousands of brave soldiers died to save our Union and to defeat all the ugly beliefs that the Confederate battle flag represents. Dr. Martin Luther King was fond of saying that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. Our country has come far since the end of the Civil War, but returning this flag to a place of honor would undermine that progress. It is time to relegate this symbol of hate to the dustbin of history. Take it down.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of Forum Lodge 391 of the Order Sons of Italy, which later this month is celebrating its centennial anniversary as a civic organization in Newport, Rhode Island. Originally known to members by the name La Loggia Progresso e Civilta, Forum Lodge 391 has worked to promote and celebrate Italian heritage and culture on Aquidneck Island since it was founded on July 4, 1915. Over the years, it has established itself as a Rhode Island institution by hosting numerous community and cultural events for all to enjoy. Most notably, Lodge 391's Anna M. Ripa Memorial Scholarship opens doorways to opportunity each year for Italian American high school seniors in Rhode Island who demonstrate success in the classroom and prepare a written essay on their cultural heritage. I congratulate President Shirley Ripa and the men and women of Forum Lodge 391 of the Order Sons of Italy on this important milestone, and I extend my best wishes on their centennial celebration on July 23.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of independence for the Republic of Cape Verde, or Cabo Verde, which was celebrated on Sunday, July 5th. Uninhabited until its discovery by the Portuguese in the 15th century, Cape Verde grew into a thriving center of commerce by the time it achieved independence in 1975. Today, the Republic of Cape Verde is a model democracy and friend to the United States. My home state of Rhode Island is home to one of the largest Cape Verdean-American populations in the United States--with nearly 20,000 men, women, and children calling Rhode Island home today. It is a privilege to serve on their behalf and represent their interests before Congress today. I have also been fortunate to host Cape Verdean Prime Minister Jose Maria Neves for official visits to Rhode Island's First Congressional District and to discuss the work we can do together to strengthen the Cape Verdean community living in Rhode Island today. I extend my best wishes to the people of Cape Verde for a joyous celebration of the 40th anniversary of their independence this month.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague and friend for yielding. I also would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Keating, who unfortunately could not be with us today, for his hard work on this important issue, and I thank my colleague from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin) for his elegant words. Mr. Chairman, the estuaries in Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island and Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts face significant environmental challenges, many shared by estuaries across the country. These challenges include rivers and streams that are disconnected from the landscape, the loss of critical wetlands, the impacts of centuries of urbanization and development, and aging infrastructure. Southern New England estuaries are especially threatened by these challenges. Yet despite the harm that we know is being done to our estuaries, southern New England was the only geographic region in this bill which saw all of its estuary funding eliminated. While some geographic regions were underfunded compared to fiscal year 2016 requests, most requests for geographic regions were either met or, in some cases, increased. Inexplicably, it was only southern New England that was singled out for complete elimination of funding for the next fiscal year. This amendment would restore a modest $1 million funding for southern New England estuaries program, as Congressman Langevin said. Then, at conference, we hope that full funding is restored. The southern New England watershed has experienced more than 400 years of ecological degradation, which is further exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Rivers and waterways have become disconnected from the watershed, which has led to the absorption of nitrogen and other pollutants from sources such as septic systems, treatment plants, and storm water runoff. The funding provided to these geographic programs allows for essential collaboration between Federal entities, nonprofit and academic institutions, and other private entities to formulate innovative solutions and to produce new technologies to create cleaner and clearer waterways. For example, in fiscal year 2014, more than $65,000 in grants was awarded to the Narragansett Bay watershed. This funded projects run by Save the Bay in my district, including an education and awareness project for residents and businesses on Aquidneck Island as well as a partnership program involving the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council to facilitate site visits to more than 200 shoreline rights-of-way to determine any needed levels of improvement to public access. Programs like these have proven to be effective. In fact, the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program was awarded a 2015 Environmental Merit Award from EPA New England for outstanding contributions on behalf of southern New England's public health and natural environment. These collaborative efforts throughout the southern New England region with continued funding will help to support projects to protect ecological habitats, foster self-sustaining ecosystems, and protect wildlife. Federal collaboration and investment is essential to helping local communities apply for and receive funding. I thank my colleague from Rhode Island and my colleague from Massachusetts for the great work they have done on this issue. I urge passage of this amendment by all of my colleagues.

Mr. CICILLINE. I thank the gentlewoman, my friend, for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise today to oppose this legislation for many reasons but, in particular, because it vastly underfunds the operation of our national parks, as well as many other important priorities. Next August, the National Park Service will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Our national parks are the envy of the world and serve as a model for their emphasis on conservation. The National Park System accounts for more than 400 parks, heritage areas, monuments, and the historical sites; occupies more than 84 million acres of land in all 50 States; and is home to more than 1,000 endangered or threatened animal species. It is the responsibility of the National Park Service to preserve these sites so that future generations may enjoy them. Our national parks tell a rich story of our stunning landscapes, natural wonders, and historic sites. From Yosemite National Park in California to Mammoth Cave--the world's longest known cave system, in Kentucky--to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina, our national parks are an essential part of the American fabric and have been called America's best idea. This bill appropriates approximately $2.33 billion for the operation of the National Park System over the next year. This is more than $187 million below the amount that was requested by the President. This account funds the critical needs of our National Park System, such as support services for new responsibilities within the system, resource stewardship, and facilities management. The National Park System is a significant driver of economic activity. More than 275 million people visit our national parks each year. In 2013, it was estimated that every dollar invested in the National Park Service saw a return of $10. We need to do better in ensuring that this economic engine and beacon of American tourism is operating at the highest level so that it can continue to fulfill its vital economic, environmental, and cultural role. Ensuring that the National Park Service has proper funding for operation ensures that we are able to preserve the story of our country's development into the Nation that it is today. In my home State of Rhode Island, the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, created last year after I sponsored legislation in the House in cooperation with Senator Jack Reed in the Senate, marks the birthplace of the American industrial revolution. Sites like old Slater Mill in Pawtucket and the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket help tell the story of how America became an economic superpower. It embodies our Nation's economic, environmental, social, and cultural transformation. In the best spirit of the National Park Service, the Blackstone River Valley tells a nationally significant multidimensional story. It illustrates how a beautiful natural landscape and powerful waterways fueled the industrial revolution and launched far-reaching changes to our Nation's economy and social structure. Blackstone serves only as one example of why it is essential that our national parks are properly funded and are able to operate in a manner in which millions of Americans continue to appreciate the storied history of our Nation. It is long past time to end sequester and set spending levels that meet our current responsibilities to be good stewards of the environment and protect the natural beauty of America.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the rule and the underlying bill. TPA shouldn't stand for ``trade promotion authority''; it should stand for ``taking prosperity away,'' because that is exactly what it is going to do for millions of hard-working Americans. The House failed to advance its proposal less than a week ago, and today the TPA we are voting on is even worse. And hiding the vote behind our brave first responders? This is shameful. Republican leaders are doing everything they can to jam through a special interest agenda that will depress wages, exacerbate inequality, and cost jobs. TPA will take away the constitutional responsibility that Congress has to strengthen and improve the Trans-Pacific Partnership. If we approve this measure, we are surrendering our ability to improve a trade agreement for working families. We are not voting on TPP, as the chairman said, but we are voting on TPA, on the rules to govern these negotiations and the process to be filed. And if we vote for this TPA, we are saying that we are fine moving forward on a trade agreement that has no enforceable provisions against currency manipulation; meaning, there are no protections to stop countries from devaluing their currency, artificially reducing the price of their goods, and putting American manufacturers and American jobs at a competitive disadvantage. We are saying, we are fine with a trade agreement that fails to address the critical issue of climate change. We are saying that we are fine with entering into a trade agreement with countries like Brunei, where LGBT individuals can be stoned to death and women can be flogged in public. We are saying, we are fine with having a trade agreement that weakens protections against human trafficking; and we are fine with entering into a trade agreement with countries like Vietnam, which denies workers even the most basic collective bargaining rights, while throwing workers' advocates into prison. So we are not voting on TPP. We are voting on TPA. But we are setting the rules for governing the negotiations, and we are removing ourselves from the process of improving and strengthening this trade agreement. The House should reject this proposal and stand with hard-working Americans. We should oppose TPA. We should oppose the rule. For 30 years, we have had trade policies in this country that have failed American workers, driving down wages, increasing income inequality, and, as a result of it, costing jobs. A vote for fast track is a vote to abandon our responsibility to ensure that trade works for our country and for American workers. I urge my colleagues to reject this rule, to reject the underlying bill, and to vote ``no'' on TPA.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution brought to the floor by my colleague, Mr. McGovern. No one disputes the horrific nature of the activities being described today and the sickening violence in this region of the world. No one disputes they must be defeated. The question is: What is the best strategy to defeat them and what authorization is required to accomplish this objective? This is exactly the purpose of a full, thoughtful debate on the use of military force. My constituents expect Congress to do its job, and we have failed for 4 months to act on the President's draft for the Authorization for Use of Military Force. There is no more serious duty that we have than the declaration of war, and I thank my friend from Massachusetts for taking an action intended to force the House to perform its constitutional responsibility and debate the use of military force in Iraq and Syria. This resolution is our only vehicle to force the House to do what it has failed to do. Over the past 14 years, the United States has lost more than 6,000 heroes who served our Nation in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply concerned about the possibility that we could continue to commit more brave American men and women in uniform to a conflict without carefully considering, seriously debating, and properly authorizing that use of military force. Allowing this military action to continue without a real public debate is failing our most solemn responsibility as Members of Congress. This is the only way that we will ultimately develop and implement a successful strategy--a rigorous debate in full public view. We absolutely must ensure that any additional involvement in any way has clearly defined goals and objectives, is properly limited in scope, and is fully explained to and supported by the American people. That is what Mr. McGovern's resolution attempts to do, to force this House over the next several months to undertake its constitutional responsibility to debate, to carefully consider, and to ultimately authorize the use of military force. We should not shirk this responsibility. I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for giving us the opportunity to make our voices heard. I thank the gentleman from New York.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, many this morning have said TPA will protect American jobs. In Rhode Island, my home State, we know that is not true. TPA will facilitate another bad trade deal that will result in more American jobs being shipped overseas. Those who think this trade deal is good should come to Rhode Island and meet with the men and women who still can't find work after decades of a bad trade deal just like this one. I have listened to former jewelry and textile workers who worked in the once bustling mills in Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Providence, who don't understand why Congress is considering another trade bill that will eliminate more American jobs. My State lost over 40,000 jobs after NAFTA, mostly in manufacturing. Haven't we seen the devastating impact of bad trade deals? Haven't we learned our lesson, that a trade deal that fails to address currency manipulation, that doesn't include enforceable provisions on the environment and on labor is a bad deal for American workers? Of course we need to compete in a global economy. Of course we need to grow our economy. But we need to do it in a way that protects American jobs and protects American workers. We need fair trade, not just free trade. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, today is Dia de Portugal, a time when Portuguese Americans and families of Portuguese descent around the world come together to celebrate their shared heritage and rich cultural traditions. Over the years, the United States and Portugal have shared a strong friendship, beginning in May of 1791 when Portugal became the first neutral country to recognize the new American Government and continuing today through the pursuit of our shared national security objectives, including our cooperation in the global war on terror. I am particularly honored to celebrate Day of Portugal because my district, Rhode Island's First Congressional District, has a larger percentage of Portuguese American constituents than any other congressional district in the country. As chair of the Portuguese American Caucus, I am proud to join my Portuguese American constituents in celebrating Dia de Portugal and working to strengthen U.S.-Portugal relations through my work in Congress today by fighting to maintain operations at Lajes Field in the Azores and working to promote better cooperation in the areas of agriculture, education, tourism, and health. I wish everyone celebrating today a Happy Day of Portugal.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Chair, I rise in strong opposition to the Flores amendment, which would prohibit the implementation of the National Ocean Policy, which permits better coordination among Federal agencies responsible for coastal planning. This amendment, in particular, would undermine NOAA's participation in planning, it would hurt States and communities, businesses, and would impede States like Rhode Island from managing their own resources in a way that best fits their needs and priorities. This administration has made it clear that the National Ocean Policy does not create new regulations, supersede current regulations, or modify any agency's established mission, jurisdiction, or authority. Rather, it helps coordinate the implementation of existing regulations by Federal agencies to establish a more efficient and effective decisionmaking process. In the Northeast, our regional ocean council has allowed our State to pool resources and businesses to have a voice in decisionmaking and has coordinated with Federal partners to ensure all stakeholders have a voice in the process. It is astounding to me that since 2012, 15 riders undermining ocean planning have been introduced to House bills, including riders on two previous CJS appropriations bills. Allowing Federal agencies to coordinate implementation of over 100 ocean laws and giving States and local governments a voice in the ocean planning process is smart public policy. I urge my colleagues to reject this misguided amendment and to understand and accept our responsibility to be good stewards of our oceans. That is what the administration's policy does. This is allowing agencies to coordinate that work in a thoughtful, strategic, and smart way.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, the Export-Import Bank is a critical resource for small- and medium-sized businesses in Rhode Island's First Congressional District and all across this country. In fact, over the last 8 years, the Ex-Im Bank has provided more than $20 million in insured shipments, guaranteed credit, or disbursed loans for companies in my district, enabling them to export products valued at nearly $50 million. The Ex-Im Bank provides financing that enables these companies to access foreign markets, compete in the global economy, and create good- paying jobs here in America. American jobs are supported by the Ex-Im Bank, 164,000 American jobs. It generated $675 million for the taxpayers in 2014, and the default rate for the Ex-Im Bank was less than one-fifth of 1 percent, 0.175 percent. Support for the reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank is bipartisan. 180 Democrats have signed a discharge petition to force a vote on reauthorizing the Ex-Im Bank before it expires on June 30, and many Republicans have publicly supported reauthorization. I have had the opportunity to meet with companies in my district that rely on the Ex-Im Bank, companies like the Cooley Group in Pawtucket that designs, develops, and manufactures a diversified industry-leading portfolio of premier engineered coated fabrics used across an array of industrial, commercial, and military applications. This issue is too important for the usual partisan politics that Washington has grown used to. We need to stand up for small- and medium-sized companies and reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank before the end of this month.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment which would eliminate the EPSCoR program. For more than 60 years, the National Science Foundation has provided academic research funding to colleges and universities around the Nation, and it has been critical to ongoing research that is essential to maintaining our competitive edge in scientific advancement. The NSF's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, commonly known as EPSCoR, is an authorized program whose mission is to help balance the allocation of NSF and other Federal research and development funding to avoid the undue concentration of money to only a few States. This successful program has had a profound impact on my home State of Rhode Island, allowing nine of our academic institutions to increase research capacity, to enrich the experience of their students, and to contribute to advances in a variety of fields. Currently, 25 States, including Rhode Island, and 3 jurisdictions account for only about 10 percent of all NSF funding, despite the fact that these States account for 20 percent of the U.S. population. EPSCoR has helped to stabilize this imbalance in funding and should continue to do so in the 2016 fiscal year and beyond. In order to ensure robust academic research and outcomes across the country, geographic diversity in funding should be considered to ensure that we are taking advantage of the particular experiences, knowledge, and perspectives of academics and institutions from every State. This amendment to eliminate this successful program would be a step backward for the United States' commitment to research and development. Investments in critical programs, such as EPSCoR, are essential to creating jobs, innovating for the future, maintaining our competitive edge in scientific research and a global economy. I urge my colleagues to join me in strongly opposing this amendment.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rabbi Les Gutterman, my rabbi and a man who has served for more than 40 years as the senior rabbi for Temple Beth-El in Providence, Rhode Island. Rabbi Gutterman's unique insight and his sharp sense of humor have served the members of his congregation magnificently during times of personal struggle and times of great celebration. As a member of the congregation at Temple Beth-El, I have often relied on Rabbi Gutterman's wise counsel and spiritual guidance, and I consider his friendship a great blessing in my life. A native of Flint, Michigan, Rabbi Gutterman first came to Providence 45 years ago after earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Divinity from Hebrew Union College. At the time, just 27 years old, he could not have imagined the impact he would have on our State and on the families in his congregation. But just 3 years later, Rabbi Gutterman would be appointed the senior rabbi for Temple Beth-El, making him one of the youngest senior rabbis in the United States. Today, he is known to all of us as ``Rhode Island's rabbi,'' a humble, caring servant of God who has tended to the spiritual needs of this great community for nearly half a century. While we will miss his presence at Temple Beth-El, I know that all of us are wishing him, his wife Janet, and his daughters Rebecca and Elizabeth the very best as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement. Thank you, Rabbi Gutterman, for your devotion to our community and for the gentle, caring guidance and love you have provided to us for so many years.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the city of Newport, Rhode Island, in my district, on hosting, this month, the Volvo Ocean Race, the world's premier sailing race around the world. This 12-day event brought 125,000 visitors to Rhode Island, far exceeding even the most optimistic projections, as well as millions of dollars in economic activity that supported Rhode Island's tourism industry and our small-business community. Most importantly, the success of this event offered an opportunity to tell our story about the great things that are happening in Rhode Island today. I want to thank everyone who helped make the only North American stopover for this year's Volvo Ocean Race such an incredible success, including Sail Newport, Rhode Island's Public Sailing Center, Discover Newport, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, the Newport Chamber of Commerce, Senate President Teresa Paiva-Weed, Speaker Mattiello, members of the general assembly, and Governor Gina Raimondo. I want to especially acknowledge Senator Whitehouse for all of his work to bring this race to Rhode Island and his ongoing efforts to enhance our State's position in the maritime industry. Congratulations to everyone who made this such a success.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, before I begin, I want to offer my condolences to everyone who was affected by the derailment of Amtrak train 188 yesterday. The victims and their loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers today. This week, Mr. Speaker, is National Infrastructure Week. I rise today to underscore the importance of a long-term reauthorization for the highway and transit trust fund so we can address the urgent responsibility to repair and rebuild our roads, bridges, ports, and transit systems. There are just 6 legislative days remaining until the expiration of the highway trust fund. We are putting at risk 6,000 infrastructure projects and more than 600,000 jobs. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials estimates that my home State of Rhode Island could lose $200 million in Federal funding, $3 million in Federal transit funding, and 1,689 jobs, and 40 infrastructure projects are at risk. Some on the other side of the aisle have suggested that we should pass another short-term patch rather than a long-term solution to the highway trust fund. If we are serious about rebuilding our economy, we need to be able to move goods, services, and information to compete in the 21st century. It is critical that we pass a long-term reauthorization of the highway trust fund that provides the resources we need to rebuild our crumbling bridges, roads, and schools and helps create good-paying jobs for hard-working Americans. Our constituents deserve nothing less, and our economic recovery requires this.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 36. Instead of considering legislation that would help to promote our economic recovery, expand educational opportunities, repair our crumbling infrastructure, or invest in science and research, our House colleagues on the Republican side continue to pursue an extreme social agenda. I stand to strongly oppose H.R. 36, which would violate Supreme Court precedent and impose arbitrary and unconstitutional restrictions on women's healthcare decisions. Every woman in America deserves access to affordable, comprehensive health care, including full reproductive health care. H.R. 36 would ban abortions after 20 weeks even though medical professionals have explained that some deadly and severe conditions cannot be diagnosed earlier. Madam Speaker, politicians are not medical experts and should not be making healthcare decisions for women in this country. These decisions are properly made by women in consultation with their healthcare professionals, not by a bunch of politicians in Washington. In addition, the bill contains an unreasonably narrow exception for cases in which the woman's life is in danger or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest: only if the woman has sought mental health counseling or reported the incident to law enforcement--even though we know that a majority of these crimes go undisclosed or unreported. Madam Speaker, this bill is a dangerous distraction from the pressing needs facing our country. I urge my colleagues to oppose this terrible bill and leave healthcare decisions in the hands of the people they belong in, the women of this country.

Mr. CICILLINE

Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Chair, I am concerned that the Fiscal Year 2016 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill passed on May 1st limits investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency at the expense of increased investment in fossil fuels, risking the future of America's clean energy future. It is vitally important that the United States continue to make strong investments in clean energy technologies, so that we can move away from reliance on dirty and expensive fossil fuels. By adhering to sequester level caps for non-defense spending risks the future of an American clean energy economy. In addition to the spending cuts, I am deeply concerned about misguided rider included in the bill that would prevent funding of the National Ocean Policy, which permits better coordination among federal agencies responsible for coastal and ocean planning. In 2011, ocean industries supported 2.8 million jobs and $282 billion in GDP. Our 21st century economy depends on our oceans, but there is increasing pressure on and competition for resources. Ocean planning seeks to reduce these conflicts and strengthen the resilience of ocean communities and ecosystems. In the Northeast, our Regional Ocean Council has allowed our states to pool resources and businesses to have a voice in decision-making and has coordinated with federal partners to ensure all stakeholders have a voice in the process. Allowing federal agencies to coordinate implementation of over 100 ocean laws and giving state and local governments a voice in the ocean planning process is smart public policy, and I hope that as the Appropriations process moves forward we will remove this harmful provision from the Energy and Water Bill. I would like to note that this year's Energy and Water bill includes $10 million for environmental infrastructure projects within the Army Corps of Engineers' General Construction account. These funds are vitally important to communities that desperately require improvements to their water and sanitation infrastructure, and may require additional funds to do so. We require, quite rightly, water and sewage treatment plants to maintain federally mandated standards to keep our water supply safe and sustainable. About 72% of the population is served by sewage treatment plants, but 3.8 million of those people are served by facilities providing less than secondary treatment, which is a basic requirement by federal law. Often, the financial burden to meet these requirements falls on state and local governments. This can leave communities experiencing financial distress with outdated infrastructure and facing down huge costs to bring them in line with requirements. And this affects all of us, as aging wastewater management systems discharge billions of gallons of untreated sewage into U.S. surface waters each year. For example, in my home state of Rhode Island a large-scale restoration is underway to improve the 143 year old waterworks infrastructure that runs through Cranston and Providence and serves a majority of the state. According to local news reports the project may take up to 40 years. In the northern part of our state, Woonsocket is planning its own major reconstruction of its water infrastructure, built in the 1930s, as they grapple with aging equipment that can no longer comply with environmental regulations. I applaud the excellent planning and fundraising being done in Rhode Island to meet the needs of our aging water infrastructure, and I note the benefit that having access to Army Corps of Engineers expertise and funds adds to local governments striving to meet the infrastructure needs of their communities. I urge my colleagues to include robust funding for Army Corps environmental infrastructure programs in the final Energy and water spending bill.