Daniel Donovan

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I, once again, urge my colleagues to support H.R. 549. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 687) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a process to review applications for certain grants to purchase equipment or systems that do not meet or exceed any applicable national voluntary consensus standards, and for other purposes.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I rise today in support of H.R. 687. This legislation would establish a review process for grant applicants seeking to purchase equipment or systems that do not meet or exceed national voluntary consensus standards. With threats consistently evolving, it is reassuring to see new technology emerge which will promote the safety of our communities and first responders. However, emerging technology is frequently developed faster than voluntary consensus standards can be implemented. Recipients of grants under FEMA's State Homeland Security Grant Program and the Urban Area Security Initiative must procure equipment that meets these standards. Unfortunately, if emerging technology or equipment does not have a voluntary consensus standard and a grant recipient would like to use those funds to purchase such technology, FEMA does not have a uniform process to consider applications for that equipment. H.R. 687 requires FEMA to develop such a process for reviewing these requests. Previously, this bill was introduced in the 114th Congress by the subcommittee's ranking member, Mr. Payne, and subsequently received bipartisan support by my subcommittee and the Committee on Homeland Security as well as the House when it was passed under suspension of the rules in September of 2016. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) for reintroducing this commonsense bill. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 687 because it will ensure our first responders have the ability to purchase equipment and emerging technology needed to effectively adapt to the current threat landscape. Earlier this month, the Committee on Homeland Security released the January Terror Threat Snapshot, which found that the United States remains a top target for terrorists. It is clear that the threat to our communities is not going away. Congress has the responsibility to make America safer and stronger. We can do so by ensuring commonsense measures are in place to ensure first responders have the tools that they need to address these threats. I urge all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 687. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 687, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I, once again, urge my colleagues to support H.R. 584, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 584) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance preparedness and response capabilities for cyber attacks, bolster the dissemination of homeland security information related to cyber threats, and for other purposes.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 690, the Gains in Global Nuclear Detection Architecture Act of 2016, sponsored by Representative Richmond. H.R. 690 directs the Department of Homeland Security's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to develop and maintain documentation that provides information on how the office's research investments align with gaps in the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture and the research challenges identified by the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. It further directs the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to document the rationale for selecting research topics and to develop a systematic approach for evaluating how the outcomes of the office's individual research projects collectively contribute to addressing the research challenges. ISIS has declared its intention to develop weapons of mass destruction, which include nuclear devices, as well as radiological dispersal devices. The key to preventing this from happening is to make sure that nuclear material never falls into terrorist hands. According to data compiled by the International Atomic Energy Agency, there were nearly 1,150 incidents involving theft, criminal possession, or loss of radiological material reported between 1993 and 2014. The James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in California identified 325 instances alone between 2013 and 2014 in 38 different countries where nuclear or radioactive material was stolen, lost, or outside of regulatory control. The amount of nuclear material in peaceful uses in the world has risen by 70 percent since 1999. It will continue to grow in the coming decades as global use of nuclear power increases. Just last summer, six men were convicted in Tbilisi, Georgia, for trying to sell uranium-238; and in January of 2016, three members of a criminal group were detained for trying to sell caesium-137, which could be used to make a dirty bomb. We must ensure that terrorists never get their hands on radioactive materials. This bill will enhance the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office's ability to provide radiation detection devices specifically aimed at preventing terrorists from being able to obtain enough radioactive material to construct a dirty bomb. This bill will ensure that the research topics it chooses to invest in to enhance our ability to detect smuggled nuclear materials are aligned with the gaps that have been identified in the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture, a multiagency framework for detecting, analyzing, and reporting on nuclear and other radioactive materials that are out of regulatory control. Requiring the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to document their rationale for choosing research topics will ensure that the most important gaps in the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture are addressed. I would like to thank Mr. Richmond for the work that he and his staff have done on this legislation. I believe this will better enable this country to detect smuggling of nuclear materials and prevent ISIS and other terrorists from carrying out a nuclear or radiological attack on American soil. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Washington, DC, January 30, 2017. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.R. 690, the ``Gains in Global Nuclear Detection Architecture Act,'' which was introduced on January 24, 2017. H.R. 690 contains provisions within the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Rule X jurisdiction. In order to expedite this bill for floor consideration, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will forego action on the bill. This is being done on the basis of our mutual understanding that doing so will in no way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology with respect to the appointment of conferees, or to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or similar legislation. I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding, and would request that you include a copy of this letter and your response in the Congressional Record during the floor consideration of this bill. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Sincerely, Lamar Smith, Chairman.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 690. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 655) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Securing the Cities program to enhance the ability of the United States to detect and prevent terrorist attacks and other high consequence events utilizing nuclear or other radiological materials that pose a high risk to homeland security in high-risk urban areas, and for other purposes.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I rise in support of H.R. 655, the Securing the Cities Act of 2017. Representing New York's 11th Congressional District, which includes Staten Island and Brooklyn, and as a former district attorney, I fully understand the importance of protecting our major cities from catastrophic terrorist attacks. In keeping our pledge to never forget 9/11, it is our duty to ensure that such an attack never happens again. This legislation underscores our commitment and gives the Department of Homeland Security the tools it needs to carry out this mission. In 2015, the Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing at Ground Zero in lower Manhattan. At that hearing, we heard from Commissioner Bratton of the New York City Police Department who described the current threat environment facing New York City. In his testimony, he specifically referenced the risk that terrorists may introduce illicit nuclear materials into the city to conduct an attack. Similarly, Secretary of Homeland Security Kelly recently stated: The United States must prepare for the eventuality of a catastrophic attack given the potential impact and consequences. This bill establishes the Securing the Cities program at the Department of Homeland Security to enhance the ability of the United States to detect and prevent terrorist attacks and other high- consequence events using nuclear and other radiological materials in high-risk urban areas. The Securing the Cities program within the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office provides training, equipment, and other resources to State and local law enforcement in high-risk urban areas to prevent a terrorist group from carrying out an attack using a radiological or nuclear device. The Securing the Cities program began in 2006 as a pilot program in the New York City region which included Jersey City and Newark. Since 2007, the New York City region has purchased nearly 14,000 radiation detectors and trained nearly 20,000 personnel. The pilot program has been so successful it was expanded to the Los Angeles/Long Beach region in fiscal year 2012, the National Capital Region in fiscal year 2014, and to the cities of Houston and Chicago in 2016. Once the Securing the Cities program is fully implemented, it will protect nearly 100 million people across this country. I would like to thank the Department of Homeland Security for its hard work and commitment to this program. Given the alarming terrorist threat from ISIS and al Qaeda and their willingness to carry out an attack using a weapon of mass destruction, this program could not be more vital. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 655. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 655, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 437) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify authority under existing grant guidance authorizing use of Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I rise today in support of H.R. 437, the Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act. H.R. 437 was introduced by Congressman Bilirakis, a former chairman of the Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications Subcommittee. This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make it clear that State Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area Security Initiative Grant funds may be used to enhance medical preparedness and purchase medical countermeasures. H.R. 437 codifies current grant guidance to ensure that recipients of the State Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area Security Initiative Grants will continue to be able to use these funds for medical preparedness equipment and activities. Mr. Speaker, the threat of a terrorist attack using a chemical or biological agent is real. We must ensure our first responders have the tools and capabilities they need should such an event occur. In my district, the City of New York has put their Homeland Security grants to good use for this purpose. In 2014, they held a full-scale exercise which simulated an anthrax attack on the city. Participants from agencies across the city, including the health department, the New York City Police Department, and the Office of Emergency Management worked to set up locations to quickly distribute lifesaving medical countermeasures to city residents across the five boroughs. We must ensure that the State Homeland Security Grant Program and the Urban Areas Security Initiative funds continue to be available, despite any changes to yearly grant guidance, for exercises like the one conducted by New York City and other important medical preparedness activities. This bill does just that. Identical language to H.R. 437 passed the House last Congress by a vote of 377-2. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Bilirakis for introducing this commonsense bill. I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 437. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Munson, the former head coach of Tottenville High School's football team. Throughout his 24 seasons as head coach, Coach Munson demonstrated nothing but unconditional dedication to his team and his players. His devotion to the game is just one of the many reasons that the Tottenville Pirates were so successful. Under his leadership, the Pirates won the Public Schools Athletic League City Championship in 1997 and 2003. Moreover, Jim retired with a stellar 178-88-3 overall record. Among his many achievements, Coach Munson coached two future NFL players: three-time Super Bowl champion Joe Andruzzi, an offensive lineman for the New England Patriots, and Adewale Ogunleye, an All-Pro defensive end who played in Super Bowl XLI for the Chicago Bears. But one of Coach Munson's proudest moments was coaching his son James, who now plays for Navy as a safety, from 2011 through 2014. I am sure that Jim will spend a lot of time in retirement cheering on James from the sidelines. Luckily, the Pirates won't lose Jim entirely, as he will remain at the school as assistant principal and athletic director. Mr. Speaker, Jim Munson has served his team, school and community for dozens of years. I thank him for everything he has done for Tottenville High School and wish him nothing but the best in his retirement.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Curtis High School football team for winning the Public Schools Athletic League city championship. After steamrolling their opponents throughout the regular season and playoffs, the Warriors defeated Erasmus Hall High School 24-21 at Yankee Stadium to capture the championship title and finish the season ranked first overall in New York City. Closing out their season with an undefeated 12-0 record, these young athletes proved that hard work, dedication, and perseverance are the keys to victory. The Warriors never backed down from tough competition this past season, and they definitely won't back down next season. Led by head coach Peter ``Gambo'' Gambardella, the Warriors demonstrated nothing but pure excellence on the field. Moreover, this team showed its dominance in the stats. Wide receiver Amad Anderson, Jr. finished the regular season tied first overall in touchdown receptions in the league; running back Ty'Son Lawton finished second in rushing yards and tied for first in rushing touchdowns; and quarterback Quincy Barnes finished second in passing yards and first in passing touchdowns. But as each of them knows, you always put your team before any personal glory. The Warriors exemplified teamwork and cooperation, so their championship should come as no surprise to their classmates, teachers, or parents. Mr. Speaker, this team gave their time, effort, and sweat to be where they are today. Their championship was well-deserved and I wish them nothing but continued success.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Moore Catholic High School varsity football team for winning the Catholic High School Football League Class A division championship. After a championship drought lasting 13 years, the Mavericks defeated Cardinal Spellman High School 32-22 last month to capture the Class A title. With only three seniors on the team, these young athletes proved that hard work, dedication, and perseverance are the keys to victory. After this resounding victory, I can certainly see why Moore Catholic has asked the Catholic High School Athletic Association to allow them to join the AA division. The Mavericks never backed down from tough competition this past season, and they definitely won't back down next season. Led by Head Coach Nick Giannatasio, the Mavericks plowed through their opponents in the regular season to finish with an 8-2 record. This young team also showed its dominance in the stats. Wide Receiver Zach Hampton finished the season third overall in receiving yards in their division; Quarterback Vincenzo Scarola second in passing yards; and Running Back Justin Lacks first in rushing yards and touchdowns. But as each of them knows, you always put your team before any personal glory. The Mavericks exemplified teamwork and cooperation, so their championship should come as no surprise to their classmates, teachers, or parents. Mr. Speaker, this team gave their time, effort, and sweat to be where they are today. Their championship was well deserved and I wish them nothing but continued success.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brooklyn resident Shaya Gutleizer's ceaseless devotion to his community. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Shaya knew as a child that he wanted to be a first responder like his father when he grew up. In fact, he signed up to be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) when he turned 18 and received his certification shortly after. When he wasn't saving lives on the clock, Shaya was giving his time working with multiple volunteer ambulance services. As an EMT, Shaya was responsible for numerous pre-hospital saves, which involves reviving individuals who are clinically dead. Due to his heroism, Shaya has been honored at various second-chance brunches, events where the honoree is thanked by the person he resuscitated. Moreover, Shaya Gutleizer has not been afraid to put his life on the line in service to others. On September 11, 2001, Shaya rushed to the World Trade Center and remained there for several days to assist with the rescue efforts. Soon after, he decided to serve his country further by enlisting in the Army. However, due to the conditions he encountered at Ground Zero, Shaya developed breathing difficulties and received a medical discharge. After finding out how many fellow 9/11 first responders were developing health issues, Shaya became a tireless advocate for the passage and permanent extension of Zadroga health benefits for the courageous heroes, such as himself who risked their lives on that fateful day to save others. Mr. Speaker, Shaya Gutleizer's devotion to serving his fellow man and saving lives reflects the good in each of us. This country is great due to individuals like him, and I am proud to take this moment to honor him.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tireless dedication of Brooklyn's Carlo A. Scissura for his service to the community. For the last two decades, Carlo has devoted his life to public service. In 1999, Carlo was elected to Community School Board 20 where he served for five years. During his time on the board, Carlo worked closely with parents and teachers to fight for drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs. He was then appointed to the Community Education Council for district 20 where he served as President and Chairman of the Legislative Committee. Carlo was fundamental in having the School Construction Authority approve the largest capital construction plan for District 20. He has also served on the staffs of a local State Senator, Assemblyman, and Borough President. Since 2012, Carlo has served as President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Under Carlo's leadership, the Chamber has advocated fiercely for businesses and economic development in Brooklyn. In the last four years, the Chamber has launched multiple initiatives such as Explore Brooklyn, Brooklyn-Made, and Chamber on the Go. These programs have proven successful and beneficial to all businesses that call Kings County their home. The Chamber will be sad to see Carlo leave as his life takes a new turn down the path of success. Mr. Speaker, Carlo Scissura's dedication to charity and improving his community is the essence of the model New Yorker. I thank him, and the Chamber thanks him for his service, dedication, and all of his great work. I am proud to honor this great American from New York's 11th District.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Goodlatte for yielding. Foreign threats should never dictate American policy, but that is, unfortunately, what happened with President Obama's veto of this legislation. That a foreign government can hide behind sovereign immunity after slaughtering Americans in our own homeland is an outrage, so it is no wonder that this bill was passed by Congress unanimously. Terror victims can already sue individuals for complicity in an attack. A foreign government shouldn't be immune from justice simply because it is a government. For those of my colleagues who may be reluctant about voting for an override of this veto, I think Chairman Goodlatte's explanation of the bill should give them peace. There are already nine exemptions to the sovereign immunity law, and JASTA will not create a tenth. It modifies one of those nine. JASTA is about 9/11 victims who have waited more than 15 years to have their day in court. It is about the families of over 300 people killed that day who lived in my congressional district. It is about my friend, Lori Mascali, whose husband, firefighter Joseph Mascali, died that day saving other people's lives. I urge my colleagues to put American victims of terror first by voting to override the President's veto.