Alan Grayson

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is identical to other amendments that have been inserted by voice vote into every appropriations bill considered under an open rule this year and in the last Congress as well. My amendment expands the list of parties with whom the Federal Government is prohibited from contracting due to serious misconduct on the part of the contractors. Specifically, the list would include contractors who within a 3-year period preceding an offer have been convicted or have had a civil judgment rendered against them for fraud, violation of Federal or state antitrust laws, embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, violation of Federal tax laws, and other items outlined in section 52.209-5 of title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These are all offenses which any contractor doing business with the Federal Government must disclose to a contracting officer, but oddly enough, the contracting officer would then be free to ignore these transgressions and award contracts to offending entities, absent my amendment. I commend the authors of this bill for their inclusion of section 523. I still believe, however, that we can improve on this bill by prohibiting agencies from contracting with those entities who have engaged in the activities described above. It is my hope that this amendment will be noncontroversial, as it has been on every previous occasion and again be passed unanimously by the House. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON. Is the gentleman yielding to me?

Mr. GRAYSON. Is the gentleman yielding to me?

Mr. GRAYSON. Well, I can't answer your question unless you are going to yield to me.

Mr. GRAYSON. Is the gentleman yielding the balance of his time to me?

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent for another minute beyond my 15 seconds.

Mr. GRAYSON. First of all, I represent the American public here, not the American private. When I was an attorney, I represented private interest, just as you did. Now I represent the public. The reason we refer to the American public as the public is because the public's business needs to be public. That means no secret negotiations, no secret acts, no secret agreements, nothing but the public interest in public.

Mr. GRAYSON. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GRAYSON. This is the same parade of horribles that we heard last year before this body voted in favor of the Grayson amendment. It is almost the same, word for word. Last year, we heard that this somehow would allow people to self- certify. Well, in fact, anybody who self-certifies falsely in front of a grand jury is looking at a lot more than 83 days in jail. They are looking at 5 years in Federal prison. They would be prosecuted for perjury if they claimed to be a journalist and weren't actually a journalist--a fact that I pointed out last year before this amendment was actually passed. I also want to point out that there is no distinction between a grand jury and an actual jury for this purpose. Forty-nine States all agree that there is no distinction whatsoever. So it is simply false to say that this doesn't apply to grand jury proceedings. It certainly would apply and does apply to all grand jury proceedings at the State level. And there is nothing vague about this provision at all. In fact, the wording that has been referred to here, that the information has been attained as a journalist or reporter, is exactly the same wording that was in the Grayson amendment last year that passed with a margin of 42 votes. So none of these old attacks, these unsuccessful attacks, are anything new and deserve any more credence than they received from a majority of this body last year. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chair, this amendment seeks to authorize the Energy Innovation Hubs program within the Department of Energy. I would like to thank Chairman Smith and his staff for working with me to craft this amendment. Because I know that the chairman supports the amendment, I will keep my remarks brief. Energy Innovation Hubs are collaborative research centers that bring together teams of scientists and engineers from academia, industry, and national laboratories in order to accelerate scientific discoveries that address critical energy issues. They were created in 2010 and have received almost $500 million in funding already. The four hubs currently focus on everything from improving nuclear reactors through computer-based modeling to improving battery technology for transportation and the grid. The amendment before us would not only authorize this important research but would also provide critical guidelines and accountability measures for the program. A rigorous merits-based renewal process would be implemented. The Secretary would be empowered to terminate underperforming hubs at any time, and funds would be prohibited from being used for the purpose of constructing buildings so that every taxpayer dollar goes toward the research for which it is intended. Again, I thank the gentleman from Texas, Chairman Smith, for his help and guidance in developing this amendment. I urge my colleagues to support it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tony Fransetta for a lifetime of service and leadership. Tony was born in Kimball, West Virginia. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years earning the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Ribbon. Tony began working for Ford Motor Company in 1956, and stayed with the company until his retirement in 1990. During his employment with Ford Motor Company, Tony represented 15,000 employees in contract negotiations and chaired programs involving quality control, employee involvement, insurance benefits, drug treatment, and employee education. Tony also co-chaired a national joint mortality study on cancer and heart disease in the industrial workplace that was published in professional journals. Since his retirement, Tony has served on several advisory councils for hospitals and health networks such as Kaiser Health Foundation, Southwest General Hospital, Wellington Regional Medical Center, and the Regional Medicare Advisory Council for Southeast Florida. Currently, Tony serves as the President of the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, an advocacy group for working and retired Americans with over 200,000 members. Tony is also the Chairman for the area Auto Retiree Council, U.A.W. Florida Retiree C.A.P., representing 26,000 retirees in Florida, Vice President of the Executive Board for Florida AFL-CIO, and General Policy Board Member for the National Alliance for Retired Americans. In 2005, Tony was appointed as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging (WHCOA). In 2011, Tony received the Alliance for Retired Americans President's Award. The Award read, ``presented to Tony Fransetta, President, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, for his lifetime of public service on behalf of older Americans and for guiding and growing the Alliance for Retired Americans''. Tony was happily married to his wife, Lena, for 49 years until she passed away in 2008. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters and have five grandchildren. I am honored to recognize Tony Fransetta for his leadership and service to his community.

Mr. GRAYSON

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

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is identical to other amendments that were inserted by voice vote into every appropriations bill that was considered under an open rule during the 113th Congress, as well as one yesterday. My amendment would expand the list of parties with whom the Federal Government is prohibited from contracting due to serious misconduct on the part of contractors. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON

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

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is identical to other amendments that were inserted by voice vote into every appropriations bill that was considered under an open rule during the 113th Congress. My amendment expands the list of parties with whom the Federal Government is prohibited from contracting due to serious misconduct on the part of the contractors. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of John Kelly Harris, who recently passed away at the age of 61. A respected leader in Central Florida, John will be remembered for his enthusiastic involvement in our community. John was born in Owensboro, Kentucky. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Elementary/Special Education and from Troy State University with a Masters in Public Administration. John had a very active professional, political, and civic life. He worked for the Orange County Florida government for over 22 years. John was well known throughout Orange County as a community builder and for his ability to connect people. Some of his favorite projects included the Orange County Targeted Community Initiatives in South Apopka, Holden Heights, and Englewood. He also helped build the Taft Community Center. The founding president of the Rotary Club of Lake Nona and a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, John was always civically involved. He was active with the Greater Apopka Habitat for Humanity, Anthony House Homeless Shelter, American Society for Public Administration, Tiger Bay Club, County Watch, and countless other neighborhood, nonprofit, and community efforts. John loved photography, telling jokes, and helping people. He leaves behind his wife and best friend, Susan Denton Harris, and his beloved daughter, Lee Collier Harris. John Kelly Harris' integrity, vision, wisdom, and passionate outlook on life touched the lives of many and made Central Florida a better place. I am humbled to honor the memory, life, and outstanding achievements of John Kelly Harris.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday, April 19th, marked the anniversary of the death of David Sanes Rodriguez. He was a civilian security guard, employed by the U.S. Navy, who died 16 years ago when two errant bombs were dropped from a fighter jet near his observation post on Vieques, Puerto Rico. His tragic death spurred protests throughout Puerto Rico and the United States, and ultimately led to the halting of bombing on the island where countless shells and chemicals were dropped. It is unconscionable that the American government could wreak such havoc on such pristine lands for so long. It is unimaginable that it would ignore the pleas of its own citizens for decades as they called for an end to the bombing of their land. We must ensure that Sanes Rodriguez is not forgotten, and neither is the unnecessary destruction of vast parts of Vieques during the more than 60 years of live-fire bombing practice on the island. As we also celebrate Earth Day this week, we must acknowledge another grim reality: decades of destructive shelling turned Vieques into one of the most toxic places on the planet. In the 16 years since Sanes Rodriguez was killed, lingering environmental and health concerns due to the bombings are still not being fully addressed. Tens of thousands of bombs and toxic chemicals were dropped on Vieques during U.S. Navy training exercises. Some of those munitions contained depleted uranium and napalm. Contamination concerns led the Environmental Protection Agency to list the former Vieques training area as a Superfund site--basically designating it as a toxic dump. I have grilled the Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) about the alarming rate of cancer and other serious health conditions experienced by Viequenses as a result of the environmental damage caused by decades of military bombing. Amazingly, the agency has reported that it could not find ``credible scientific evidence'' to support a link between a generation of military pollutants and Vieques residents' poor health trends. In March of 2013, I visited Vieques to witness for myself the consequences of decades of shelling and the impact it has had on the island. I met with citizens whose health has been harmed by living near the former bombing range. The people of Vieques live everyday with the legacy of the environmental destruction that was wreaked upon their land Sanes Rodriguez's death, while tragic and unnecessary, was not meaningless. It opened the eyes of millions of Americans to the harm being inflicted upon Vieques. Our annual remembrance of his tragic death now serves another noble cause: environmental justice for Vieques. On this important date for the people of Vieques, and as the world celebrates Earth Day, I urge my colleagues to join me in making sure this beautiful island is restored. I urge my colleagues to join me in addressing the health problems that six decades of bombings have imposed upon the residents who still call Vieques home.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the brave individuals listed below for their service in the U.S. Army's 65th Infantry Regiment, an all-volunteer Puerto Rican unit known as ``the Borinqueneers.'' This exceptional group of veterans has made Central Florida their home. As their representative, it is my honor to recognize each one of them for their service to our nation. Aida I. Rodriguez, Andre Vergara, Andres Medina, Angel L. Mendoza, Anibal Albertorio, Carlos Diaz-Husband, Carlos Guffain, Carlos Soya, Celio Freytes Melendez, David Flores Mendez, Despian Quilles, Diego Melendez, Edwin Aviles, Efrain Diaz, Enrique De Jesus. Enrique Quinones, Epifonio Agosto, Eriberto DeJesus, Esteban Alejandro, Felipe Ramos Gonzalez, Feliz Lopez, Ferdinand Lopez, Francisco Mendez Lugo, Fransisco Torregoza, German R. Colon, Gilberto Ramirez, Gisele Ayala-Granddaughter, Hector M. Perez, Jesus Asencio, Jose A. Feria. Jose Alujo, Jose Angel Colon, Jose Angel Ramirez, Jose Mercado Pacheco, Jose Semidey, Jose Troche, Juan B. Melendez Rodriguez, Juan Bautista, Juan Ramos Flores, Leonardo Justiniano, Leonardo Zeno, Luis F. Suarez, Luis Martinez, Luis Munoz, Luis Ramirez. Luis Sabater, Marcia Mojica, Moises Rivera, Narcisco Villot, Nelson Gonzalez, Nestali Franco Baez, Nicolas Ayala, Osvaldo Alvarado, Osvaldo Rivera, Pedro Martinez, Rafael Donis, Rafael Gonzalez, Rafael Lopez Machado, Rafael Martinez Negron. Ramon Mendez, Raul Aldarondo Galdan, Raul E. Reyes Castaneira, Raymond Medina, Richard Acosta Guerreo, Ruben Aquino, Samuel Collazo, Santiago Villafane, Victor M. Rosario, Victor Mesias, Victor Ortiz, Victor Roldan, Wilfredo Lopez. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to honor these members of the 65th Infantry Regiment for their exceptional service to our nation.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chair, this amendment seeks to enhance some of the good government language that already exists in this bill. Page 2 of this bill, beginning on line 21, details the instances in which a Board member must recuse himself from an EPA Science Advisory Board advisory activity. As currently written, a Board member must recuse himself only when he has an interest in a specific party that is involved in the matter being addressed by the advisory activity. I feel that this language must be broadened. I thank the chairman for working with me toward this end. Let's say that the Chemical Assessment Advisory Standing Committee wishes to engage in an advisory activity on a specific chemical compound. Now let's say that only one university in the country, perhaps the University of Florida, performs research on this compound and receives a sizable amount of Federal funds to do so. Under the current language, any representative from that university that serves on the committee should recuse himself from participating in the advisory activity. The amendment that I am offering would broaden the category of persons who must recuse themselves. My amendment would require persons for whom the Board has received evidence that an advisory activity may involve them to recuse themselves. Under my proposed amendment language, a drug company like Pfizer, seeking to produce drugs utilizing the chemical compound subject to an advisory committee activity, could be excluded from participating as well. I think it would be highly unfair that an entity such as the University of Florida could be excluded from an advisory activity and not a corporation like Pfizer if there is reason to believe that it would be directly engaged in activities utilizing the science upon which the Board seeks to advise. Clearly, we should encourage the most qualified persons in various scientific fields to participate on the committees that compose the EPA's Science Advisory Board. What we should not do, however, is to allow persons to participate in advisory actions that may directly impact their own bottom lines. Existing language in this bill, I believe, partially addresses our goal of preventing conflicts of interest, but accepting this Grayson amendment would go much further toward accomplishing our common joint goal of preventing conflicts of interest. To that end, I urge support for my amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, on June 10, 2014, Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment, an all- volunteer Puerto Rican unit known as ``the Borinqueneers.'' Today, I rise to urge the President to expedite the designing and delivery of this medal, before more of these brave Borinqueneers pass away. More than 100,000 brave Borinqueneers served honorably in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Puerto Ricans have fought for the United States as far back as the American Revolution, and continue to do so honorably to this day. Thousands have given their lives defending our values of freedom, justice, and equality, despite enduring decades of segregation and second-class treatment. The Borinqueneers have been recognized with 10 Distinguished Service Crosses, more than 250 Silver Stars, over 600 Bronze Stars, and nearly 3,000 Purple Hearts. However, it was not until last year that the first member of the Borinqueneers, Master Sergeant Juan E. Negron, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, following a congressionally ordered review of cases involving veterans deserving of recognition who had been overlooked due to prejudice. Today, hundreds of Borinqueneers have made Central Florida their home. On March 7, I will host an event to honor their legacy, and thank them for their service. It is my goal and my honor, as their representative, to ensure that they receive this long overdue recognition. Puerto Rican veterans should not have to wait any longer to receive the equal treatment they deserve. Today I ask the President to ensure that the Borinqueneers receive their Congressional Gold Medal as soon as possible.

Mr. GRAYSON

Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, last year, Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Infantry Regiment, an all- volunteer Puerto Rican unit known as the Borinqueneers. Today, I rise to urge the President to expedite the designing and the delivery of this medal before more of these brave Borinqueneers pass away. More than 100,000 Borinqueneers served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean war. Puerto Ricans have fought for the United States as far back as the American Revolution, and they continue to do so honorably to this day. Thousands have given their lives defending our country, despite enduring decades of prejudice against them. The Borinqueneers have been recognized with Distinguished Service Crosses, Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, and Purple Hearts. However, it was not until last year that the first member of the Borinqueneers, Master Sergeant Juan E. Negron, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, following a congressionally ordered review of cases involving potential prejudice. Today, hundreds of Borinqueneers have made my home of central Florida their home. It is my goal and my honor as their Representative to ensure that they receive this long overdue recognition. Puerto Rican veterans should not have to wait any longer to receive the equal treatment they deserve. Today, I ask the President to ensure that the Borinqueneers receive their Congressional Gold Medal as soon as possible.