Michael Grimm

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise in support of this legislation, H.R. 634, the Business Risk Mitigation and Price Stabilization Act of 2013. H.R. 634, as has already been noted by the chairman and my colleague, is truly a bipartisan piece of legislation that has passed this House previously in the 112th Congress with overwhelming support. I would like to thank my colleague, Mr. Peters, for working on this with me--this is an extremely important issue, and it is a pleasure to work across the aisle--as well as my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee, Mr. Austin Scott and Mr. McIntyre. Of course, I want to thank Chairman Hensarling for his leadership on this issue, as well as for his leadership as chairman of the full committee, and also thank Ranking Member Waters. H.R. 634, as has been noted, will clarify the intent of Congress under the Dodd-Frank Act by providing an explicit exemption for the true commercial, nonfinancial end users of over-the-counter derivatives from having to post margin on uncleared derivatives transactions. This exemption is extremely important for job creation and economic growth, as well as price stabilization for average consumers. Despite clear legislative history to the contrary, regulators continue to misinterpret the Dodd-Frank Act as giving them authority to impose margin requirements on true end users. H.R. 634 will ensure that nonfinancial end users remain exempt from margin requirements and that the regulators do not--I emphasize, they do not--exercise authorities that were not specifically given to them by the Congress. If margin requirements were imposed on these nonfinancial end users, it would harm our economy by very simply diverting working capital from productive uses such as reinvestment into the business or job creation. And this legislation prevents this, and that's also extremely important to protecting American jobs and our economy. True end users are firms and companies that use derivatives to manage their various financial risks. For example, firms use these products to protect against changes in interest rates if they've sold floating rate debt as well as to protect their profits earned in other currencies from variations in foreign exchange markets. The benefits of this legislation are not limited to American businesses but extend into the heart of our communities. This bill will help keep consumption prices stable for hardworking families and for individuals. If true nonfinancial end users were required to post margin, their hedging costs could become so high that they could abandon the practice. This would lead to larger variations in consumer prices for a whole host of products, which has been said, things like groceries and airline tickets, and would create economic instability. There's a study that has shown that imposing a 3 percent margin requirement on over-the-counter derivatives held by the S&P 500 companies could cut capital spending by $5.1 to $6.7 billion and cost 100,000 to 130,000 U.S. jobs. With the unemployment rate at 7.6 percent, this is a consequence that simply cannot be overlooked. So, in closing, I ask that my colleagues once again support this commonsense, bipartisan pro-jobs legislation.

Mr. GRIMM

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

Mr. GRIMM. I rise today in support of my amendment that would fund the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System at $35.18 million, which is level funding compared to FY 2013 but still reflects a reduction of roughly $6 million from fiscal year 2012. The National Urban Search and Rescue Response System, or US&R, provides a significant national resource for search and rescue assistance in the wake of major disasters and structural collapse. A typical US&R task force will conduct physical search and rescue operations, provide emergency medical care to trapped victims, assess and control hazards such as ruptured gas and electric lines, and evaluate and stabilize damaged structures. Due to the critical lifesaving nature of their mission, US&R task forces must be prepared to deploy within 6 hours of notification and must be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours. These teams have been deployed in responses to the Oklahoma tornadoes, Superstorm Sandy, the Japanese tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, 9/11 attacks, and many, many other disasters. Current Federal funding for the Nation's US&R teams only provides a fraction of the funds necessary to maintain each task force. It's important to note the recent devastation left in the wake of the Oklahoma tornadoes, as well as Superstorm Sandy, and the subsequent response underscore the importance of the national search and rescue capacity. Providing proper funding for the Urban Search and Rescue Response System will help ensure these highly skilled teams are available to respond to major emergencies without jeopardizing the budget priorities of our local first responders. I'd also like to thank my colleague and friend from Virginia (Mr. Connolly), who's the lead cosponsor of this amendment and a strong, strong advocate for the Urban Search and Rescue program. Therefore, I urge you to vote ``yes'' on this amendment and properly fund this critical program, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIMM

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

Mr. GRIMM. I rise today in support of my amendment that would prohibit any funds made available by this act from being used by TSA to implement changes to the current list of prohibited carry-on items for air travel. Specifically, this amendment would stop TSA from allowing knives back on planes for the first time since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Today, following months of outrage from nearly every corner of the aviation community, and with our amendment looming tonight to block the policy, TSA abandoned its proposal to allow knives back on planes. I do commend TSA for reversing its irresponsible decision for one that is smart and prudent. However, we still need to pass this amendment tonight to make sure this is the law of the land and ensure that there will not be another reversal in the TSA's position regarding knives on planes. We live in a post-9/11 world, and there is no excuse to take liberties when it comes to public safety. As a former Federal law enforcement agent, I know firsthand that even a two-inch knife can cause very serious harm when used by a trained individual. There's simply no place for a knife in an airplane cabin; and if one must travel with a knife, then they can check it in a bag. Over the last 2 months, my colleagues and I have heard from flight attendants, air marshals, pilots, TSA screeners, and a whole host of airlines who are all 100 percent in agreement that allowing knives to be brought into the cabin of passenger planes is dangerous, it's unnecessary, and it's irresponsible. Further, we've heard a chorus of objections to TSA's misguided proposal from groups such as the Coalition of Flight Attendants Union, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Coalition of Airline Pilots Association, and American Federation of Government Employees, along with American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, U.S. Airways and, most importantly, the American people. Their opposition makes it clear that permitting knives on planes creates unnecessary risk for airline passengers and those serving them at 30,000 feet. In advocating for this change, TSA Administrator Pistole has stated: ``There have been no attempts by terrorists to use a knife to commit a terrorist act aboard an aircraft since 9/11.'' Well, the way I see it, this should be a great indicator that the current policy is working and needs to be kept in place and not repealed. Simply stating that there haven't been any terrorist attacks with knives on planes since 9/11 does not mean that the terrorists won't carry them out in the future. I want to thank my cosponsors of this amendment--Representatives Markey, Cook, Swalwell, Reed, Ros-Lehtinen and Wasserman Schultz--who have stood in strong opposition to TSA's decision to jeopardize America's security. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIMM. I move to strike the last word.

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the amendment offered by my friend and colleague, Mr. Cassidy. I'd also like to thank my colleagues across the aisle, Ms. Waters and Mr. Richmond, for their support. I do want to clarify one thing, because I think that the statement was made that it's not an unintended consequence for premiums to go up and go down, and that is true. But the unintended consequence that we're speaking about is the consequence that many of those that have lived in these areas for 40 or 50 years are suddenly going to lose their homes because of an extreme rise in premiums upwards of $15,000 and more. So that's the unintended consequence. I just wanted to make sure that that was clear. And I know this, not because I, myself, live on the coast in a flood area, but because Superstorm Sandy left a trail of utter destruction in New York City, particularly in Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, a destruction that was absolutely unprecedented in the city's history. Tens of thousands, tens of thousands of my constituents found themselves homeless. Their lives were turned upside down, and they're wondering how they're ever going to rebuild or ever move forward. Quite simply, many of my constituents lost everything to Superstorm Sandy, and it will be years before their lives return to any sense of what I would consider normal. So to ask these victims of a natural disaster who find themselves in this horrible position, through no fault of their own, to pay upwards of $15,000 a year in a flood insurance premium so soon after this disaster took everything from them amounts to nothing more than them being victimized yet again. So if these premiums were to go into effect, the reality is simple. For many of my constituents, they're going to find themselves unable to pay both their mortgage and their flood premiums. And their property, in the best case scenario, will lose considerable value. But in the worst case it will become completely worthless. This, to me, is unacceptable. And this is why I support delaying the implementation of section 207 of the Biggert-Waters Act, so that Congress will have the time to reexamine and look at these rate increases and consider ways to ensure the future viability of the flood insurance program while, at the same time, ensuring that flood insurance remains affordable to those that need it most. So I ask my colleagues to consider all that these individuals have been through, all that they have lost, and bring some understanding to the unintended consequence of not only losing everything they've ever owned, but now, because of flood premiums, possibly losing the entire value of their home. So I ask for their support on this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, on June 11, 2013 the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company will celebrate their 150th anniversary at the New York City Public Library on 42nd Street. Originally founded in San Francisco, California in 1863 with a mission to assist the widows and orphans of fallen firefighters, the Fireman's Fund grew into a national company with significant size operations in New York City and other locations throughout the United States. The Fireman's Fund has played an important role in New York's history with the company insuring, among other things, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St Louis flight from New York to Paris in 1927, the construction of the Radio City Music Hall during the 1930's and the World Heavyweight Championship Fight between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali in Madison Square Garden. More recent work of note has been the company's tremendous response efforts to the 9/11 World Trade Center Tragedies, and its excellent work in coming to the assistance of those who suffered damages to their homes and businesses during the 2012 Hurricane Sandy disaster. Over the last eight years the Fireman's Fund Heritage Program has provided over $30 million in grants to Fire Departments throughout the nation, allowing them to purchase safety equipment and training services that might otherwise have gone unattended during this difficult time of constrained public spending. Closer to home, the company has given $630,000 to New York City and another $1.2 million to the rest of New York State. Furthermore, on June 12, 2013 at a public ceremony, the Fireman's Fund will present checks awarded under the auspices of three of its major insurance agents that total more than $60,000. New York City has always played a prominent role in the United States and international insurance business, and we are pleased that the Fireman's Fund and its affiliated companies have chosen to be in lower Manhattan providing quality jobs and excellent risk management services to America's businesses and families. Mr. Speaker, It is an honor to recognize the Fireman's Fund today and we commend the company and its employees for the valuable services they continue to provide. In our transitory times, 150 years is an impressive feat and we extend best wishes for the continued success of the company. May it grow and prosper, bringing with it the company's generous legacy of assisting the Firefighter whose daily lives are dedicated to our own personal safety.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, this week, architects, code officials, homebuilders, architects, engineers and representatives from the building trades will convene in Washington to celebrate High- performance Building week. The annual event features briefings, meetings, and other educational opportunities to showcase and promote the good work being done to construct and maintain buildings that are more resilient, use less energy, and mitigate their impact on the environment. As a member of the High-Performance Building Congressional Caucus, I know that building owners and operators work hard to find new creative ways to minimize the impact that rising energy costs have on their operations. Many of these owners and operators are beginning to see the fruits of their labor, as improved designs of new buildings, and smart retrofits of existing buildings, free up capital and allow managers to commit more resources to their core operations, rather than to utility bills. One of the easiest, most cost effective ways to improve building performance is to ensure that proper insulation is installed in a building. While most of us think that insulation is only for our walls and attics, thermal insulation for piping and equipment, known as mechanical insulation, is a vital component for commercial and industrial applications. In an effort to address this issue, I introduced H.R. 184, the Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act of 2013. This legislation is designed to incentivize commercial and industrial facility owners to make their buildings and facilities more efficient and put people back to work. According to the National Insulation Association, improved insulation for piping and mechanical components in commercial and industrial settings will help business save more than $4.8 billion a year. These improvements will also save resources to the tune of more than 82 million barrels of oil, or 19 million tons of coal. I ask all my colleagues to consider supporting H.R. 184. It's a commonsense bill that will save money, improve facility operations, put people to work, and help our buildings and facilities perform to a higher standard. Mr. Speaker, in closing I would like to acknowledge the hard work that our nation's architects, engineers, and building professionals do to improve the condition of our homes, schools, and businesses.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I very much appreciate the opportunity to speak in support of my bill, H.R. 180, the National Blue Alert Act of 2013. As a former FBI special agent, it is a very unique honor for me to have the House consider this important legislation during National Police Week, where thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on our Nation's Capitol to honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our citizens here at home. On a personal note, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and to all the brave men and women of the NYPD for their service to our great city. I encourage all my colleagues to treat every week as if it were National Police Week. Truly, it is the sacrifices made by these great individuals that inspired me to introduce this important legislation. During my career as a special agent in the FBI, I witnessed firsthand the danger posed by criminals who attack law enforcement officers, and the particular danger they pose on our communities. Time and time again, we have seen that if criminals are willing to attack a police officer to avoid apprehension, then there is absolutely no limit to the lengths they will go or the victims they will target to avoid justice. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 127 officers have been killed in the line of duty during 2012. We can take a look at States that had officers killed in the line of duty from Texas to Pennsylvania. While it is impossible to completely transform the hazardous nature of the work our law enforcement officers do day in and day out, there are steps that we can take to enhance their safety and quickly apprehend those who put them at risk. The National Blue Alert Act does this by creating a national Blue Alert communications network within the United States Department of Justice. This will disseminate information on suspects who are being sought in connection with the death or injury of law enforcement officers. I have had the distinct pleasure of working with some of the bravest men and women this country has to offer. I really believe that, similar to Amber Alert, Blue Alert would rapidly notify our law enforcement agencies. It will notify the media and the public so that we can have the help that we need to aid in the apprehension of some of the most violent criminals. Additionally, this legislation would further encourage the expansion of the Blue Alert program beyond the handful of States where it is currently existing by helping the development of Blue Alert plans, regional coordination, and the development and implementation of new technologies to improve Blue Alert technologies. This legislation is supported by many. It's supported by a number of law enforcement organizations, including the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the National Sheriffs' Association, the National Association of Police Officers, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, as well as the Fraternal Order of Police. I am certain that the National Blue Alert Act will enhance the safety of our communities as well as the law enforcement officers who protect them, and I encourage its swift passage today in the full House of Representatives.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 130 I was unavoidably detained and couldn't vote within the time allotted. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Eileen and Mike Long on their fiftieth wedding anniversary, and to celebrate the lasting bond of love and happiness they have shared during their life together. Mike, a born and raised New Yorker, has led a proud career of public service. A former Marine and New York City Councilman, he has unquestioningly served his country and the residents of Brooklyn. He continues his service today as the Chairman of the New York State Conservative Party. Eileen served the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn honorably as an aide to both Representative Susan Molinari and Representative Vito Fossella. Mike and Eileen were married in 1963 and are the proud and loving parents of nine children and seventeen grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 11th Congressional District of New York, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Eileen and Mike Long on their fiftieth wedding anniversary and wishing them fifty more.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, on March 20, 2013, I was unavoidably absent from the House and missed rollcall votes 83, 84, 85, 86 and 87. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, today I stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in honoring a joyous day for our proud constituents of Greek and Cypriot descent. As an enthusiastic member of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, I am truly honored to commemorate the 192nd Anniversary of Greek Independence and celebrate the ties that connect our two great democracies in strength and fellowship. In reflecting on Greece and America's longstanding tradition as friends and allies, we also honor the accomplishments of countless Greek and Cypriot Americans, many of which first immigrated to our country and grew their livelihoods in New York City, a longstanding bastion America's magnificent diversity. I represent the 11th Congressional District of New York and am proud to serve a large and thriving Greek and Cypriot American community. The remarkable cultural festivals thrown by the Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Bay Ridge, or the Holy Trinity/St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Churches on the West Shore of Staten Island are beloved neighborhood celebrations that are looked forward to by residents of all backgrounds every year. The countless businesses, services, and entrepreneurial endeavors provided by Greek and Cypriot Americans in Staten Island and Brooklyn attest to the strength of, and support for, this thriving community. Greek Independence Day is an ideal moment for all Americans to contemplate the roots of our own democratic tradition. It is important to remember that when the Founding Fathers set out to structure our young republic on firm footing, many of the laws and principles were based on the ancient political philosophy of the Greeks. Appreciating the very architecture of the United States Capitol, our Temple of Freedom, or reading through the Constitution reveals the profound impact the culture and history of Greece has had on our modern customs and institutions. It is with great pride that I rise today to honor the independence of a nation that, for centuries, has championed the very rights it has had the distinct honor and privilege of nurturing into existence: those of liberty and participation in the democratic process. I have come to know first-hand the vibrant cultural heritage Greek and Cypriot Americans offer to local communities in Staten Island and Brooklyn, and I have every confidence that the common bonds between the United States, Cyprus, and Greece shall live on for generations to come.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contribution made by Delta Children's Products and it's President, Mr. Joseph Shamie, in assisting the most vulnerable victims of Superstorm Sandy. Staten Island and Brooklyn were ravaged by the unprecedented force of this natural disaster, leaving thousands of residents without homes or even the bare necessities of life. While the damage of Superstorm Sandy uprooted the lives of so many it also left the most vulnerable victims of this tragic event, infants and young children, without the essentials they needed to provide for their well being. As a resident of Brooklyn, Mr. Shamie saw firsthand the devestation left in Sandy's wake, and understood that there would be a desperate need for child care products. Moving swiftly he ensured that Delta Children's Products filled this much needed gap in supplies by donating cribs, changing tables and infant supplies to those affected. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Mr. Shamie and Delta Children's Products for their overwhelming support in helping to protect and care for the most vulnerable victims of Superstorm Sandy, and I ask you to join me in recognizing their commitment to the ongoing recovery effort.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, last month marked 25 years since the people of the Nagorno Karabakh region took a brave and bold first step in asserting their right to political freedom and national independence. Since the early 20th century the Nagorno Karabakh region and its people have been subject to the territorial squabbling and political gamesmanship of a number of foreign powers. In spite of this fact, the proud people of the Nagorno Karabakh have steadfastly asserted their desire for political autonomy, overwhelmingly approving a popular referendum declaring independence from Azerbaijan in 1991 and thereby affirming a distinct national identity driven by deep ethnic, cultural, and religious bonds. The Nagorno Karabakh Republic's steady advances in the industries of banking, agriculture, and telecommunications, provide further testament to their promise as a viable independent partner in the international community. Coupling this with the United States' longstanding and unambiguous role as a defender of free people's right to self-determination across the globe, I hope that my colleagues will join me in commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabakh liberation movement as part of the promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the South Caucusus.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the important issue of school safety. The tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut shocked and saddened us all. We must learn from this deplorable incident so our children and educators know their school is the one place they should feel the safest. As we grapple with Newtown and other school tragedies, we have to discuss how these incidents could have been prevented and what steps should be taken to prevent something like Sandy Hook from happening again. As a former federal law enforcement agent, I recognize that our schools must be safe and secure, and I welcome this important discussion. I strongly believe that we must examine ways we can protect our schools through responsible security protocols, barriers, and training. However, I must share my objection to the idea of allowing educators to carry weapons in schools. As a supporter of the Second Amendment, my objection has nothing to do with gun rights. I object to this proposal because our schools are--and must remain--a safe haven for teaching and learning. School administrators, teachers, counselors, nurses and the many other support professionals all have unique roles and responsibilities for ensuring a productive learning environment for children in their schools. We should not diminish the importance of allowing teachers to teach, principals to lead, and counselors and nurses to care by also asking that they serve as armed security.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, many Americans rely on six day mail delivery for essential services. Adjusting this system by even one day could prove to be a problematic change, especially for small businesses looking to advertise or engage in commerce through first-class mail. While I realize the United States Postal Service is facing tremendous financial burdens, taking away a staple of our Nation's most affordable delivery system is a bad business choice. I have been an advocate for preserving six day delivery, cosponsoring H. Res. 30 which expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the USPS should take all appropriate measures to ensure continuation of 6-day mail delivery service. Further, this course of action will result in the loss of jobs for the tremendously hard workers of the postal service. I have had the unique experience of working side by side with a Letter Carrier and have seen firsthand just how demanding their job can be. Given the economic situation and significant job losses our country is already facing, 5-day delivery is a step in the wrong direction. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure we preserve 6-day delivery and strengthen the Postal Service.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Thank you very much, Chairman. I appreciate you yielding. Madam Chair, let me first start by saying thank you to the many, many colleagues on both sides of the aisle that have been working tirelessly, and a special thank you to their staff, not only the Rules Committee, but Appropriations and all those from New York and New Jersey. Many, many staffers have stayed up more than 24 hours to make this happen. I am indebted to them, and I know that the people of Staten Island are very, very grateful. This is a time that is unique in our history. We just started tearing down the homes in Staten Island. New York is tearing down 200, and they started in Staten Island. When I was there this past weekend, a mother came up to me. I asked her how she was doing. She said, Well, I'm doing okay, but I'm worried about my children. I said why. She said, Because they start crying hysterically when it rains. They cry when it rains because they think there's going to be another flood, and they're scared. So at the end of the day when we debate the various amendments in the bill and its merits, all I ask is that everyone in this blessed Chamber remember that there are real people--human beings--that are behind all of this; and at the end of the day, if it were our families, I know that they would want them to be safe and healthy with the support of the entire country behind them. So, with that, I thank, again, my colleagues that have worked tirelessly, I thank the staff members, and I thank you for this opportunity to speak.

Mr. GRIMM. I would also like to give a special thanks to Mr. Frelinghuysen, who has been just an incredible stalwart and shown leadership, but I also want to echo the sentiments of my good friend from New Jersey. I would ask everyone that's going to take this vote to consider what we are doing. What are we really doing in this Chamber? We're not voting as Republicans or Democrats; we're not voting as individuals. We're voting as Americans. And the last time I checked the Constitution, that Constitution was to protect all of us, the welfare of this great United States. Please remember that when you cast your vote today. These are Americans in need that are counting on us to stand up and do the right thing. Regardless of whether you're from a State that has had disasters or not, when America is calling and your neighbor needs a hand, America lends that hand. That's who we are. Make me proud today and support this amendment.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Madam Chair, I'd like to just take 15 seconds to tell Chairman Garrett how much I appreciate his bringing this bill to the floor today. He and his wife came to my district. He came to Midland Beach and was in one of the homes, several of the homes, that were completely devastated, pulling out moldy sheetrock and bringing a little hope to people in complete despair. For that, I will eternally be grateful. And I really do thank my chairman for that compassion in letting the people, even outside of his own district, know that he's there and he cares about them. I would also like to share with you: I called someone this morning from Staten Island that lives in New Dorp Beach. They have a teenaged son named Dylan. And they haven't been back in their home since the storm. And I asked, ``How are your two sons doing?'' And they said, ``They are doing great, but Dylan, he hasn't gone back to the house to help with the construction because he gets choked up.'' And it's that that I want to emphasize here. These are human beings--human beings, children--that have been completely displaced. And it's up to us to get them back on their feet. So today is one of those steps that I'm proud to be a part of and tell Dylan that he's going to be okay, we're getting him back in his house. And I would ask that as we go forward with the other parts of Sandy relief that my colleagues will stand with me and tell Dylan that he's going to be okay and we're going to get him back in his house. With that, again, I want to thank all of my colleagues across the aisle. It's been a pleasure to work with you, and we have a lot of work to do. And I want to thank Chairman Garrett one more time. Thank you, Chairman.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, it's very difficult to stand here and have to speak to my constituents knowing that we're going to break, we're going to end this Congress, and I'm going to go and walk the streets in Midland Beach, in South Beach, in New Dorp Beach and Tottenville, and I'm going to meet with homeowners that I've been meeting with for 9 weeks now and I can't tell them that everything is going to be okay because, as of right now, everything is not okay. In fact, it's far from okay. I don't often agree with my colleague that just spoke, Mr. Nadler, on a lot of substantive issues, but I have to agree with him today, and that is not an easy thing for me to do because there was a betrayal. There was an error in judgment that is going to cost, I think, the trust of the American people, not from me individually, not necessarily even for the Members here today, but for this body as a whole as we move forward. I couldn't be more proud to be an American. You know, I used to tease people that I bleed red, white, and blue. Since I was young, I knew I would serve in the military, and I did. And I would have given my life for this country time and time again. And even later on, I put myself in harm's way serving with one of the greatest organizations this country has to offer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a huge honor. And I really, really felt, when I took my oath as a Member of Congress, that it would be a level of service that would even outweigh my prior service because I was going to be in a position to help my fellow Americans every way that I could and to actually go out and touch my friends, neighbors, even those that didn't support me or had different political ideologies, I was going to be able to use the work ethic that I inherited from my father to make their life a little better. That's why I took this job, to make people's lives a little better, to make life in the United States a little better. And I'm not able to do that today, and I don't understand why. And I think it's inexcusable that we did not have this vote and bring those that are suffering, those men and women that are looking at their children right now, and they're not sure what to tell them because they've lost their small business, their only source of income. And why is that important? Well, because the SBA and FEMA and all the government officials that hit the ground when Superstorm Sandy hit explained that if you didn't get money into the hands of these small businesses almost immediately, then most likely they would go under. If you don't start rebuilding right away, people start to become depressed and they lose hope. Let's not even discuss the economic impact. So to delay this vote, even for another day, is something that will resonate, not only with the people that have been affected and are suffering and have lost everything, but I think it will resonate with the American people for a long time; and I think it will make them wonder what we are here for and what is the role of the Federal Government, what is the role of the Congress, and maybe most importantly, can they trust us. So it is with a heartfelt apology that I apologize to my constituents, to my fellow New Yorkers in need, those in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. I did all that I could. I will not stop. I will not relent, and I will continue to push for this vote to come as quickly as possible. But there is no rhyme nor reason, and it is inexcusable that it has not come already. You are in my thoughts and my prayers, and I will be there on the ground as soon as I get back to New York to help as much as I can, knowing that I'm not helping nearly enough because we don't have the funding to do so. I want to thank my colleagues across the aisle that have been exemplary. It has been an honor to work so closely with you on these efforts. It has been not only bipartisan but bicameral. Governors, mayors all across the aisles have weighed in, and that is something that I will treasure and will continue to do as we move forward, knowing that we should not have to be here today.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. It is with an extremely heavy heart that I stand here almost in disbelief and somewhat ashamed that I need to take to this floor. What I'm thinking about are friends and neighbors that lost more than their homes, more than their worldly possessions, more than the businesses they've worked for their entire lives. They've lost family members. Now I have to go home and tell them their New Year's gift is that they're going to wait even longer for something they should have had over a month ago. It's inexcusable, and I am here tonight saying to myself for the first time that I'm not proud of the decision my team has made. It was the wrong decision. I am going to be respectful and ask that the speaker reconsider his decision because it's not about politics. It's about human lives and human dignity, and I pray that he understands that.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Time Warner's NY1 News and honor their commitment to serving the people of New York City as the only city-wide 24-hour local news channel. NY1 has become a New York institution, part of the fabric of daily life for millions across the five boroughs of New York City. Since its debut on September 8, 1992, New Yorkers have come to depend on NY1's credible, accurate and thorough reporting on the stories and issues we care about. Born out of Time Warner Cable's commitment to providing New Yorkers with comprehensive information about the city in which we live, NY1 continues to live up to the mandate to cover the stories big and small, the major events and breaking news as well as the neighborhood and community stories that make the city tick. New Yorkers have come to depend on NY1 to stay informed with segments including the NY1 Minute, In the Papers, Weather on the 1s, Rail and Road, and From the Floor. NY1 also offers exclusive quality programming such as Inside City Hall, NY1's required nightly viewing for everyone in the political world, or On Stage, which provides a unique perspective on the latest shows on Broadway. In 2003 Time Warner added NY1 Noticias. Modeled after NY1 News it provides a strong emphasis on New York City news, politics and culture from a Hispanic perspective. Mr. Speaker, this past September 8th, NY1 celebrated its 20th anniversary. Please join me in honoring Time Warner and NY1 News for its commitment to providing quality local news programming to New Yorkers whenever they want it. We should celebrate the benefits NY1's service provides as an indispensable community asset in New York City.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on H.R. 6156, Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012. And I'm very, very proud to join my friend and colleague, Congressman Greg Meeks, and stand with him in strong support of this legislation. I look forward to serving with him as the cochair of the Congressional Russia Caucus in the 113th Congress. Madam Speaker, Russia, as we've heard, is one of the largest economies in the world, and passing permanent normal trade relations with Russia is a move that would greatly benefit the United States. The World Bank has estimated that more than half of Russia's 140 million-plus people are middle class consumers. This legislation creates great opportunities for Americans and New York companies. It creates jobs for small businesses in Staten Island and Brooklyn. It increases maritime jobs at the Port of New York and creates more jobs in the manufacturing and services sector in New York City. New York and Russia have a special relationship. Last year, New York exported $497 million worth of goods to Russia, which directly supported an estimated 1,400 jobs. Additionally, New York City is home to one of the largest Russian communities in the United States and that, I'm very proud to say, I represent. So I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of American jobs and vote ``aye'' on H.R. 6156.