Daniel Donovan

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for votes yesterday, due to an illness. However, if I was able to vote, I would have voted the following way: 1) H.R. 158--Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act--YES. 2) H.R. 3842--Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reform and Improvement Act--YES.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Detective First Grade Dennis DeRienzo of the New York City Police Department, Aviation Unit, for his dedication to the citizens of New York City and this Nation. After 22\1/2\ years of service in the NYPD--the last ten years as Chief Pilot for the Aviation Unit--he retired on November 30th, 2015. He was appointed to the NYPD in August 1993 and subsequently entered Military Extended Leave from the NYPD. He served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in June 1993, he graduated Naval Flight School in August 1996 and served as an AH-1W Super Cobra Pilot. In February 1999, while serving with Marine Light Attack Squadron 269 (HMLA-269), then-Captain DeRienzo suffered serious injuries in a crash. After the mishap, he was medically retired from the Marines as a result of his injuries after the Class A Mishap. Following extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, he returned to active service with the New York City Police Department. Detective DeRienzo was transferred to the NYPD Aviation Unit on September 10th, 2001, and was appointed Chief Pilot in July 2005. He has served as Chief Pilot for 10 years. During his years of service in the Aviation Unit, he guided and executed countless rescues of civilians and mariners. He likewise conducted countless support operations for his NYPD brothers and sisters on the ground. Additionally, Det. DeRienzo carried out multiple support operations for the President of the United States and distinguished visitors to the City of New York. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Detective DeRienzo on his retirement from the NYPD and thank him for his dedication and service to this Nation and the People of the City of New York. I wish him and his family well in all future endeavors.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, which permanently reauthorizes the World Trade Center Health Program and the Victim Compensation Fund. After the attacks against America on September 11, 2001, selfless heroes rushed toward the death and destruction. Many will pay for their heroism for the rest of their lives. Many have already paid with their lives. More than 33,000 Americans have documented illnesses directly related to their work at Ground Zero. Since 9/11, more than 200 firefighters and police officers have already passed away. In my district, more than 6,700 heroes will rely on the Zadroga Act for medical care not for the next 5 years, as is being proposed, but for the rest of their lives. Time doesn't erase our moral imperative to cover their medical expenses. It is an extension of the costs of the attack. America's heroes deserve a permanent reauthorization of the Zadroga Act, and nothing less. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this House permanently reauthorize this program, which is essential to our deserving heroes.

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. I rise today in support of H.R. 3493, the Securing the Cities Act of 2015. In April 2010, the President stated: ``The single biggest threat to U.S. security, both short-term, mid-term and long-term, would be the possibility of a terrorist organization obtaining a nuclear weapon.'' Since that time, the threat to our cities from nuclear terrorism has not abated. The rise of ISIS and the resurgence of al Qaeda have only increased the likelihood that radiological material will fall into the hands of those who wish to harm America. Just last week, the Associated Press reported that the FBI foiled an attempt by smugglers in Eastern Europe to sell nuclear material to Middle Eastern extremist groups. That report stated that, in the past 5 years, the FBI has disrupted four other attempts by smugglers from the former Soviet Union to sell nuclear materials to criminal organizations. These events only reinforce the testimony delivered before the House Committee on Homeland Security last month by Commissioner William Bratton of the New York City Police Department. In that testimony, the commissioner described the current terrorist threat to Manhattan as the highest it has ever been, and he specifically referenced the danger of illicit nuclear material entering the city. Thankfully, since the attacks of September 11, 2001, this Congress, successive administrations, and local law enforcement have partnered to build the capability to guard against this risk. In particular, the Department of Homeland Security initiated the Securing the Cities program within the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. The Securing the Cities program provided 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 has 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 just last week the cities of Houston and Chicago were announced as the fiscal year 2015 and 2016 recipients. H.R. 3493 would authorize the Securing the Cities program, which has proven its utility as a pilot program. With continued authorization, we can assure that the extraordinary capability built by local law enforcement in conjunction with DHS does not become a hollow capability, unable to be effectively used at the critical moment. I would like to thank my colleagues who have helped bring this authorization to the floor, especially Chairman McCaul of the Homeland Security Committee, and my good friend Pete King, and also my friend from Texas Representative Jackson Lee. I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3493) 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, as amended.

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. 3493, the Securing the Cities Act of 2015. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3350) to require a terrorism threat assessment regarding the transportation of chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological materials through United States land borders and within the United States, 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, I rise today in support of H.R. 3350, the Know the CBRN Terrorism Threats to Transportation Act, introduced by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Higgins). This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security, through the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, to conduct a terrorism threat assessment of the transportation of chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological materials across our land borders and within the United States. As a fellow New Yorker, I share Congressman Higgins' security concerns related to the transportation of spent nuclear fuel across the Canadian-New York border. It is an appropriate response to have the Department of Homeland Security conduct a risk assessment related to this initiative. DHS is responsible for assessing potential terror threats against the homeland. Threats related to CBRN materials are one of the most serious. Terrorist groups have long had an interest in using CBRN materials. In addition to concerns that terror groups may try to create or purchase CBRN materials, there are concerns that terrorists could exploit such materials with legitimate commercial uses, including when such materials are transported from one location to another. It is this concern that the bill seeks to address. The bill also directs that the results of the assessment be shared with relevant Federal, State, and local agencies, including the Department of Energy and the National Network of Fusion Centers. Coordination and information-sharing within the Department, as well as between the Department and other agencies, is critical for securing the homeland efficiently. This is a commonsense bill, and I encourage my colleagues to support this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is common sense to require DHS to conduct terrorism threat assessments for the legitimate storage, sale, or transportation of CBRN materials. This bill complements the bill the House just considered, H.R. 3493, the Securing the Cities Act of 2015. We need to take all appropriate measures to safeguard our citizens from nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. The Securing the Cities program creates a warning and detection system around New York City and other high-risk locations. H.R. 3350 supplements this concept by requiring a proactive approach in reviewing security concerns related to the transportation of CBRN materials. In closing, I wanted to express appreciation to Congressman Higgins, the ranking member of the Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subcommittee, and to the subcommittee chairman, Peter King, for moving H.R. 3350. I urge support for the underlying measure. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the untiring dedication of Staten Island's Edward Sorge in his service to the community. Born on October 6, 1934, Edward has remained a lifelong Staten Islander. After graduating from New Dorp High School in 1952, Ed's patriotism led him to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, where he served his country honorably. In addition to his love of country was his love of golf. It goes without saying that as a two-time Staten Island Amateur Golf Champion, he certainly knows his way around the greens. After his service in the Air Force, Ed became a PGA Professional at Silver Lake Golf Course, where he served for over 20 years. Among his former students there include PGA Tour Member Bill Britton and Staten Island Amateur and Classic champions Pete Meurer, Rod Stilwell, and Ed Sorge, Jr. After leaving Silver Lake Golf Course in 1988, Ed continued his work as a PGA Professional for an additional 20 years, conducting numerous junior golf clinics. Since 2009, Ed has volunteered with several charitable organizations in his community. He has devoted his time at myriad golf events to raise money for charity by directing clinics before the shotgun starts and participating in ``Beat the Pro'' competitions on a par three hole during the rounds. Alongside his devotion to volunteering, Ed's goal as a PGA professional is to make the game of golf enjoyable for everyone. Mr. Speaker, Edward Sorge's dedication to charity and improving his community is the essence of the model Staten Islander. I thank him for all of his great work and I am proud to honor this great American from New York's 11th District.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Birthday of Staten Island's Gertrude Hendrick. Ms. Hendrick currently resides on Staten Island at the New Lane Shores assisted living facility. She is a mother of three sons: Michael; John; and Raymond, and a grandmother of eleven, and a great- grandmother of two. Ms. Hendrick is originally from Brooklyn, NY, where she attended Bay Ridge High School. She retired 35 years ago in 1980 from Bankers Trust, where she worked in the accounting department for 23 years. After her retirement, she moved from Brooklyn to Staten Island. Two years later, on August 24, 1984, she moved into the New Lane Assisted Living Facility where she is now the longest, and oldest, resident in New Lane. During her time at New Lane Shores, she volunteered and orchestrated trips for residents, which included collecting money for transportation that allows the residents to go shopping, demonstrating her commitment to helping others. At the age of 100, Ms. Hendrick is very energetic and loved by all. She enjoys playing poker and dancing with her walker. She loves to attend parties and is a source of positive energy in every room. Mr. Speaker, Gertrude Hendrick's positive personality and commitment to helping others embodies the perfect example of a model American citizen. I commend her outstanding life and I am proud to honor this citizen from New York's 11th District on her 100th birthday.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Birthday of Brooklyn's Felicia Mormile. On October 3, 1915, Felicia Veronica Provisiero was born in downtown Brooklyn to parents Carmela and Ralph. The oldest of six children, she was always there to do her chores and help her younger siblings. When Felicia was just 16, her mother tragically passed away and her father pulled her out of school so she could take care of the family. In 1934, Felicia was introduced to Alphonse Mormile through her Uncle Jimmy. After dating for four years, they married on April 3, 1938 and had six wonderful children. In addition to being a working mother, she volunteered non-stop; for twenty years, Felicia would clean up her church before Mass each day, and she would prepare and bring food to the homeless in her community. Furthermore, she volunteered her time at the Guardian Angel Home for Unwed Mothers by helping take care of the children and readying the new mothers for parenthood. Every Christmas, Felicia and her family would make baskets for the poor to ensure that they had everything necessary in order to have a wonderful Christmas dinner. Each Tuesday, she would take the train to Saint Francis Assisi Church to attend a novena and from there she would always go shopping at Gimbels Department Store. Mr. Speaker, Felicia Mormile's selflessness and commitment to volunteering is something to which we should all aspire. With six children, 11 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren, she has been a loving member not only of her family, but of the community as well. I commend her outstanding life, and I am proud to honor this citizen from New York's 11th District on her 100th birthday.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act and to call attention to our duty to the heroes who have already sacrificed so much. As Americans, we have pledged to never forget the terrible events of 9/11. As Americans, we have a duty to never forget those who risked their lives to save others. Well over 1,000 9/11 first responders have been diagnosed with cancer caused by their exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. Because of the Zadroga Act, over 70,000 9/11 first responders and survivors around the country, including 6,000 in my district, are being monitored for cancer and other Ground Zero-related incidences. Over 7,600 are already receiving treatment. Mr. Speaker, I ask that we honor our commitment to those brave men and women by permanently reauthorizing this important program.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, since when is America afraid to stand alone? I was one of the fortunate freshman that got to go to Israel recently and I sat with the Prime Minister, who told us this deal guarantees that, in 15 years, Iran will have a nuclear arsenal. Just yesterday the Supreme Leader tweeted that Israel won't exist in 25 years. I also visited the Holocaust Museum and, like many people who weren't alive during that historic tragedy, I asked myself, ``Why didn't anyone stop this?'' Well, my fear is that some day in the near future people are going to ask, ``Why didn't America stop Iran?'' The bottom line is that this is a bad deal for America. It is a bad deal for Israel, and it is a bad deal for the world.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I believe the House of Representatives will stand on the right side of history in rejecting this dangerous deal. I have asked myself, as many people in this Chamber have asked, ``Why is this a good deal for the United States?'' Iran is holding four Americans illegally hostage in their country. That was not part of the negotiations. Iran continues to support worldwide terrorism. There is no restrictions on that in this deal. Fifty billion dollars will be immediately released to the regime with no restrictions on its use. That was not part of the deal. They continue to develop ICBMs, intercontinental ballistic missiles, that could reach the American mainland. There were no restrictions on that during this deal. We are told by the administration that, if we reject this deal, the rest of the P5+1 will not join us. Well, last week Iran's top cleric said America remains Iran's number one enemy. Days after the deal was announced, Iran's Supreme Leader called for ``death of America,'' not the death of France, not the death of Great Britain, not the death of Russia, not the death of China. It was the death of America.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th Anniversary of the Silvette Women's Golf Club of Staten Island. Established in 1935, the Silvette Women's Golf Club is the oldest women's public golf club in the State of New York. The Silvettes started out as a group of ten women who came together to organize friendly tournaments. After only three years, the Silvettes grew in membership as their weekly tournaments became increasingly popular with a prize of two dollars for first and second place. The Silvettes continue to play in many tournaments as well as interclub matches with other women's golf clubs in New York and New Jersey. However, their most important event is the annual Silvette Memorial Classic. On the first day of the Classic, the Silvettes meet in the morning on the green of the 6th hole and in a gesture of remembrance, each golfer draws the name of a deceased Silvette and plays in her memory. Throughout their history, the Silvettes have been active in their community, and have held many tournaments to benefit various charities over the years. Their dedication to the game and their community shows why the Silvettes have had such a presence since 1935. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House join me in honoring the Silvette Women's Golf Club of Staten Island on their 80th Anniversary.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) in recognition of 150 years of dedicated service to the people of the City of New York. Since the founding of the FDNY in 1865, New York City firefighters have been a shining example of heroism, bravery, and civil service. For every moment of every day over the last 150 years, New York's Bravest have risked their lives to save ours. Their bravery has never been more apparent than on the morning of September 11th, 2001 when 343 members of the FDNY sacrificed their lives as they rushed into the World Trade Center. It is the heroism that they displayed not only on that day, but on every day, that makes me proud to call myself a New Yorker. Mr. Speaker, the dedication of the brave men and women of the FDNY to protecting and saving the lives of their fellow New Yorkers on a daily basis is what makes their 150th Anniversary truly special. To each and every firefighter keeping the City of New York safe every day, I say thank you for consistently putting your lives on the line to protect ours.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tireless dedication of Staten Island's Diane Gerber in serving our veterans. Originally from Brooklyn, Diane currently resides on Staten Island, and as a grandmother of eight, who single-handedly raised three children, she found time to commit 25 years to the American Legion's Cespino Russo Auxiliary Unit #1544. Ms. Gerber served on American Legion Auxiliary Unit and County committees. She later ascended to the roles of Secretary, Vice President, and President. While serving as chair of these committees, she was the model of a true American citizen: fundraising to purchase holiday gifts for hospitalized veterans and helping bridge the educational gap by granting scholarships to many students. During her term as President, she geared her attention toward her project, ``Soldier's Wish--Making Our Heroes' Wishes Come True.'' Through her leadership, over $57,000 has been raised so far. These funds are dedicated to identify the un-met needs of uniformed heroes regardless of rank or branch of service. Mr. Speaker, Diane Gerber's commitment to improving and supporting the lives of those who have served our great nation is the perfect example of a model American citizen. I commend her outstanding achievements and I am proud to honor this hero from New York's 11th District.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join you, and I am humbled by the confidence that the people of the 11th Congressional District of New York have placed in me. I want to thank all of my volunteers and supporters for helping me get here. I want to thank my family for everything that they have done for me. I promise to make all of them proud of my representation of them here as a Member of the greatest legislative body in the world.