Michael Grimm

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Chairman, construction is an inherently complex endeavor. Any owner funding a construction project faces a variety of challenges, such as time and cost constraints, maintaining quality control, safety, and of course recruiting a skilled workforce. Public and private project owners are always looking for effective ways to meet demand and manage risks to the financial investors of those projects, whether they're funded through private investors or by the taxpayers, as is the case here with military construction projects. Project labor agreements are a proven tool to accomplish these objectives. The PLA is a pre-hire agreement and business model that increases efficiency and quality while decreasing the overall cost of a construction project since it is based on employing skilled craftsmen and -women. Use of a PLA increases the chance that a project will be done right the first time, on time, and on budget. This also helps to ensure future building maintenance costs are reduced, providing long- term benefits to the taxpayer. However, section 517 in practical terms would deny the DOD and other Agencies the option to use a PLA business model even if they determine that using one would best serve the interest of taxpayers. At a time when Federal Agencies are required to do more with less, it does not make sense to remove this proven, cost-effective, and efficient option that saves taxpayers money. Also, enacting a strict prohibition on the use of PLAs represents a regulatory barrier imposed by the Federal Government on free market participation. Companies like Wal-Mart, Toyota, Boeing, just to name a few, all currently use this type of business model because of these very same advantages that I mentioned. Recently, I toured the 75-story Beekman building in New York City which, without the use of a PLA, would have been capped at 40 stories. And since we're talking about public projects, according to an audit commissioned by the New York City School Construction Authority, these agreements saved taxpayers over $221 million--$221 million--from 2005 to 2009. In 2009, Mayor Bloomberg projected that PLAs would save New York City over $300 million. And as a veteran myself, I have to point out that this is one of the only business models that guarantees the hiring of military veterans and results in career job training. Taking this option away would disadvantage the DOD, the VA, and, most importantly, our returning servicemen and -women seeking jobs to support themselves and their families. Therefore, I urge you to vote ``yes'' on this amendment and to strike the language from the bill that disadvantages the DOD, VA, American taxpayers, and our military veterans. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

Mr. GRIMM. I offer my amendment to strike the anti-Project Labor Agreement language in section 517.

Mr. GRIMM. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIMM. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. GRIMM. Actually, I would, and I thank the gentleman for yielding. I think the point is we're both making each other's point that you feel the language of the President is somehow restricting nonunion shops from bidding. I firmly feel and strongly feel that the language in your amendment absolutely prohibits the use of PLAs. I think what we are both looking for is neutrality; but if language on either side is not working, we need to come up with a way to make this neutral so that everyone can bid and no one is prohibited. I think we're saying the same thing, and I think we're working towards that. I'm going to work with the chairman. For now, my amendment is going to stand, and we're going to work as quickly with haste to see if we can come up with something that we can all agree with.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the three year anniversary of the end of the 26-year-long civil war in Sri Lanka. Although this war ended three years ago, and a United Nations panel of experts found evidence of war crimes and the Government-established Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission called for an inquiry into the events surrounding February 21, 2002 to May 19, 2009, a credible plan of action has yet to be determined. Evidence of child soldiers, the killing of captives and combatants seeking to surrender, large-scale shelling of ``No Fire Zones,'' and the rape and torture of civilians fleeing the conflict zone are extremely serious. Serious crimes such as these--committed against civilians on such a large scale during war--must be investigated and those responsible held accountable. Accountability is important for the benefit of the victims and their families--for the trust necessary for reconciliation in Sri Lanka to be established and for the entire structure of the rules of war on which our soldiers and all innocent civilians depend. A resolution recently adopted in March by the United Nations Human Rights Commission ``calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the constructive recommendations made in the report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission and to take all necessary additional a steps to fulfill its relevant legal obligations and commitment to initiate credible and independent actions to ensure justice, equity, accountability and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans.'' Furthermore the UNHRC Resolution ``requests the Government of Sri Lanka to present, as expeditiously as possible, a comprehensive action plan detailing the steps that the Government has taken and will take to implement the recommendations made in the Commission's report, and also to address alleged violations of international law.'' Mr. Speaker, the government of Sri Lanka needs to take concrete action that brings accountability and reconciliation and puts forth an implementation plan if the people of Sri Lanka are to move forward. I urge all of my colleagues to join me and co-sponsor House Resolution 177 commending the international community in pressuring the government of Sri Lanka to acknowledge their crimes against humanity and to move forward with a reconciliation process.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. I thank the chairman. I rise today in support of my amendment. We know that the DOD faces a difficult challenge in balancing cuts with our national security strategy. However, the proposed elimination of two National Guard WMD civil support teams poses tremendous risk. These teams are highly trained units that provide rapid support to civil authorities. Of special concern is the proposed elimination of the 24th WMD-CST located in New York City. This team has been instrumental in contingency preparations for high-profile activities like massive sporting and political events to national holidays. They have also responded to numerous crises situations. My amendment, which I offered with my colleagues Representatives Tonko, Bilirakis and Castor, simply changes the authorized numbers of teams from 55 to 57, bringing this in line with the current number of active teams. Making sure New York City, a top terrorist target, has the assets needed should we have another terrorist attack, is vital. I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan who is considered to be the ``Heart and Soul of Sufi Music.'' Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was born on January 1, 1974 in Faisalabad, Pakistan to a prominent family of Classical musicians. He carries on the 700 year-old tradition of Qawwali, a form of Muslim Sufi devotional music. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan began his formal training in music at the age of seven and had his first performance by the age of nine. By 1997 he was considered the leader of Muslim Sufi music. As a result of his talent and devotion he has built a bridge between the East and the West--in March of 1998 he performed with Eddie Vedder in Los Angeles and has appeared many times in New York City to much critical acclaim. He has also worked on many movie soundtracks such as Dead Man Walking with Sean Penn, The Four Feathers with American composer James Horner and lastly with Mel Gibson in Apocalypto. He is also a renowned Bollywood playback singer. However, more important than his artistic acclaim, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has been his been recognized numerous times over due to his selfless participation in benefit concerts all over the world. Mr. Speaker, please join me, my constituents and music lovers from around the world as I recognize Mr. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, as he is the heart and soul of the world music community with billions of fans all over the globe.

Mr. GRIMM

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

Mr. GRIMM. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. This is truly a very special opportunity for me to speak on this bill, H.R. 365, the National Blue Alert Act of 2012. As a former FBI special agent, it makes it a very special honor to have the House consider this important legislation, especially during National Police Week. Think about it. Thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world and this country are going to converge on our Nation's Capitol to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice: to protect the citizens back at home. On a personal note, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to New York City's police commissioner, Ray Kelly, and to the very brave men and women of the NYPD for their service to our great city. I encourage all of my colleagues to treat every week as if it were National Police Week, because it is truly those sacrifices made by these individuals that have inspired me to introduce this important legislation. During my career in the FBI, I witnessed firsthand the danger posed by criminals who attack law enforcement officers and the particular threat that they pose to our communities. Time and time again, we have seen, if criminals are willing to attack police officers to avoid apprehension, then there is no limit to the lengths they will go or to the victims they will target simply to avoid being brought to justice. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 173 officers were killed in the line of duty in 2011. As Members of Congress representing New York City and Puerto Rico, it is a sad fact for me and for my friend and colleague, Congressman Pierluisi, who is the lead cosponsor of this bill, that the New York City Police Department and the Puerto Rico Police Department both lost four officers--the most of any other agency--in 2011. Now, it is impossible to completely transform the hazardous nature of the work our law enforcement officers carry out every single day, but there are steps that we can take to enhance their safety and to 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 to disseminate information on suspects who are being sought in connection with the death or injury of a law enforcement officer. Similar to the nationwide AMBER Alert system for missing children, the Blue Alert would rapidly notify law enforcement agencies, as well as the media and the public, in order for them to help aid in the apprehension of these extremely violent criminals. Additionally, this legislation would further encourage the expansion of the Blue Alert program beyond the handful of States where it currently exists by helping develop the Blue Alert plans, the regional coordination, and the development and implementation of new technologies to improve Blue Alert communications. This legislation, as we have heard, is supported across the board by many law enforcement organizations, and 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. I encourage its swift passage in the full House of Representatives, and I would like to thank my lead cosponsor and friend, Mr. Pierluisi.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GRIMM. I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GRIMM. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment I introduced along with my colleagues, Mr. King of New York, Mr. Barletta, and Mr. Runyan, that would ensure funding is maintained for regional information sharing activities, such as the Regional Information Sharing System, RISS, a program established by Congress over 30 years ago as a nationwide resource for law enforcement to share criminal and intelligence information. The House FY2013 CJS appropriations bill requests $27 million in funding for this important program, a 40 percent reduction over past years. Our amendment would restore regional information sharing activities to the fiscal year 2011 funding level of $45 million. In the fiscal year 2013 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act, it is fully offset by reducing funding for NOAA climate research. RISS is a valuable tool that helps nearly 9,000 Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. They share information more effectively in order to combat terrorism, dangerous criminals, gangs, and sex offenders. Since 2000, RISS support has yielded $942.5 million in narcotics, property, and case seizures alone, a 223 percent return on Federal investment, and contributed to more than 57,360 arrests. These numbers don't lie. It's clear that regional information sharing more than pays for itself. These positive results have spurred a greater demand for RISS services. However, with RISS experiencing funding cuts in fiscal year 2012, Agency needs could not always be met. With these additional cuts in fiscal year 2013, RISS will need to implement widespread layoffs and potentially dismantle critical intelligence centers. So in order to maximize the ability of law enforcement to combat crime and keep our community safe, regional information-sharing activities must remain adequately funded. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIMM. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GRIMM. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GRIMM. Madam Chairman, I rise today to offer a truly bipartisan amendment with my good friends, Representatives Pierluisi, King, and Pascrell. This amendment is to fund the highly successful COPS hiring program at the fiscal year 2012 level. This will ensure that we have sufficient police officers on our streets to prevent and to respond to crime and to keep our neighborhoods safe. Our local police departments count on the COPS hiring program to help them hire additional officers to combat crime in our local communities and to provide true community policing. The money to fund the COPS hiring program comes from reducing in a corresponding amount the appropriation for cross-agency support within NASA, an approach that was adopted by the House in February 2011. Although we do not in any way oppose the work of NASA that is funded through this offsetting account, we are determined to offer a budget-neutral amendment and to give the House an opportunity to work for robust funding for COPS in an eventual conference with the Senate. In this tough economic time, our officers understand the need for sacrifices and for cutbacks. However, during these trying times we often see increases in crime. Therefore, I feel, and my colleagues agree, that it is essential that law enforcement agencies across the Nation have the necessary resources to protect the American people. I encourage strong support for the Grimm-Pierluisi-King-Pascrell amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my friend and colleague from Florida. I represent an island. And I respect the letter that was just read, but I have to be honest, those that I'm speaking to in my district that have made their living for generations on the water disagree. I have been contacted by many of my constituents that have great concerns that this will hamper their ability to earn a living. I want to add, when we talk about the economy and growing the economy and creating jobs, think about those that have a charter boat and they bring out people from all over that come and vacation and go fishing. Think of all the ancillary business that that brings--all of the hotels, all of the restaurants, all of the shopping that they do. I think that is also relative. At this time, I'd like to yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts, who has been waiting.

Mr. GRIMM. In closing, I just want to say that I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting our fishermen and support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. I would like to thank Chairman Garrett. I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 2682, the Business Risk Mitigation and Price Stabilization Act of 2012. H.R. 2682, I'm very proud to say, is truly a bipartisan bill; and I would like to thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, especially Mr. Peters of Michigan, Mr. Austin Scott of Georgia, and Mr. Owens of New York, for working with me on this extremely important issue. H.R. 2682 will clarify Congress' intent under the Dodd-Frank Act and provide an explicit exemption from having to post margin for true commercial end-users of over-the-counter derivatives. Despite clear legislative history to the contrary, regulators continue to misinterpret the Dodd-Frank Act, giving them authority to impose margin requirements on end-users. This bill will ensure once and for all that true end-users are not subjected to margin requirements that Congress never intended to be applied and make sure that regulators do not attempt to exercise authorities they were never granted by Congress in ways that will certainly do harm to the economy, specifically, by diverting working capital away from investment and expansion, which fuels economic growth and certainly job creation. True end-users are firms and companies that use derivatives to manage their various financial risks. For example, firms use these products to lock in the costs of raw materials that they're going to need in the future, which ultimately protects American consumers and creates jobs here in America. If true end-users were required to post margin, their hedging costs may become so high that they could abandon the practice, leading to great price variations for raw materials and, ultimately, an increase in consumer prices for a whole host of products from food to energy. At a time when constituents on Staten Island and in Brooklyn are struggling with sky-high tolls, rising gas prices, they simply can't afford to pay more for items they rely on every day. Furthermore, this legislation will not only help to keep consumers' prices stable, but it will also protect U.S. jobs. The cost savings end users will realize by not being required to post margin will free up capital for business expansion and job creation. In fact, it has been shown that imposing a 3 percent margin on over- the-counter derivatives held by S&P 500 companies could cut capital spending by $5.1 to $6.7 billion. That could lead to 100,000 to 130,000 job losses. At a time when unemployment is 8.3 percent, this cannot be overlooked or overstated. Finally, without this clear exemption provided in this legislation, I believe that U.S.-based commercial end users may attempt to continue hedging and avoid posting margins by moving their derivatives products overseas. That would put U.S.-based financial institutions at a major disadvantage and, as a consequence, drive even more U.S. jobs overseas. In addition, this could also encourage regulatory arbitrage and actually increase systemic risk to a worldwide financial system. In closing, I ask that my colleagues support this commonsense, bipartisan pro-jobs legislation.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 3298, ``The Homes for Heroes Act of 2011.'' As a Marine combat veteran, I am strongly committed to assisting our young men and women as they return home from protecting our freedom overseas. I am honored to have been able to work with my colleague and friend Mr. Green of Texas on this legislation. Our veterans have no greater friend in Congress than Mr. Green and I am honored to have had this opportunity to join him in fighting for our heroes. Veteran's homelessness is a serious issue and, sadly, one that gets overlooked far too often. Currently veterans make up approximately 8 percent of the U.S. population, however they are 17 percent of the homeless population. Clearly something is wrong with our ability to transition these brave men and women from military service to civilian life. Recent circumstances have only served to exacerbate these problems. Our new veterans are returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan to find an economy with very limited employment opportunities. While these economic problems are affecting all Americans, veterans looking to move from military service to civilian life are finding themselves competing with an already over-supplied labor market. Furthermore, the extraordinarily long deployments that our service members have been facing place an enormous mental strain on our new veterans. This burden has made it difficult for many to easily transition back into normal civilian life. In order to combat veteran's homelessness this bill would create a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to co-ordinate homeless veteran's benefits with the VA. In addition, this bill will require HUD to prepare a report to Congress on the progress that has been made in ending homelessness amongst our veterans. Again, it has been an honor to work on such an important piece of legislation and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting its passage.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, today, as we honor the 191st Anniversary of Greek Independence, it gives me great pride as a member of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus in celebrating the ties that connect our two great democracies together as both friends and allies. In celebrating this day we also honor the accomplishments of Greek Americans, many of which first immigrated to our country and made their homes in New York, and the fantastic contributions they have brought to our country as a whole. I represent the 13th Congressional District of New York and am proud to have a large and thriving Greek American community in my district. Anyone who visits the remarkable cultural festivals thrown by the Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Bay Ridge, or the Holy Trinity/St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on the West Shore of Staten Island, can attest to the strength of, and support for, the Greek- American community in Staten Island and Brooklyn. Greek Independence Day is an opportunity for all Americans to reflect on our nation's own freedom. We must not forget that when the United States was first conceived, many of its ideals and laws were based on those of the Greeks. Just seeing the artwork right here in the United States Capitol or reading through our constitution exemplifies the profound impact the people of Greece have made on our modern society. It is with great pride that I rise today to honor the independence of a nation that, for centuries, has protected the fundamental rights of liberty and participation in the democratic process. I have seen the positive cultural heritage Greek-Americans bring to local communities firsthand in Staten Island and Brooklyn, and I am sure that the shared bond between our two great nations will remain rock solid for many years to come.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the New York Giants-- the champions of Super Bowl XLVI. I ask that this poem, penned in their honor by Mr. Albert Caswell, be placed into the Record. ``The G Forces'' In nature there are such forces . . . As in this sport is! That which are so hard to withstand! For in the NFL, there are such Giants who dwell! Whose strength, size, power, and speed over all others exceed! The G-Men, of whom I speak have Gotham Hearts you must heed! As it's all here where a team bonds as one to succeed! Learning to rely on each other as brothers in arms, their creed! With such sacrifice and blood, sweat, and tears, all at speed! As week by week and all throughout the year so grows this seed! And some will give up their health in future years indeed! As all in their most Gotham hearts so beats! A dream to be the best in the NFL . . . the Dream! To be the Super Bowl Champions of the World! The one that every player has unfurled! Perhaps even greater than being in the Hall of Fame For above all else, this championship means team! And now this moment of truth has come, sixty minutes and it's done! To make that dream come true, or so succumb! And on this night, the G-Men stood strong and defiant! To become the world champions, they are The New York Giants. In the battle of two strong guns, two of the Hall's future sons, As Eli was coming and Brady was hoping for another one . . . Would E lie down or would Brady's dreams come undone? The Patriots were favored, but of this the Giants would have none! Because, G-Forces are so hard to tolerate, my son! And too much exposure will make your dreams come undone! All for Myra, the Patriots so wanted this one! While on the opening drive their defenses came alive, As one of Weatherford's three great punts put the Pats in a bind! But, the reversal on the 12 man D left Belichick crying! Then, Victor put it into Cruz control with a TD flying! Already nine to zip, it was looking like a G-Man Championship! Eli was nine for nine, But, the Pats did the patriotic thing . . . they never gave up, and they never gave in. As Brady completed ten passes straight, on a 96 yard drive . . . As Danny Wood used his head on a catch across the line. At the half, the Pats look like Giant killers, finally this time! As the Pats got the ball and scored seven on a 79 yard drive, Even Ochocinco and Brady hooked up, and finally combined. And then Hernandez was key when he caught a 12 yard TD . . . While in Bean Town a World Championship was coming to mind! But little did they know that E would not li down! And in that Gotham City you could hear the hearts pound! But the drive died . . . failed, as time was running out . . . When, the Pats got the ball back they started to drive . . . Looking like the Giants may be going down for the count this time! Would Brady take away the G and the I? Who would play Batman and Robin this time? And as the ball came down to Wes Welker on that 20 yard line . . . Surely he'd make that great catch, as he had made a million times! Turning the G-Forces into P-forces, and to over them preside! But he dropped it, as you could feel him and the Patriots' hearts die As the G-Men got the ball back with 3:46! It was getting close, as time meant the most, do or die! As Commissioner Gordon put up the bat signal in the sky, While Archie was up in the box as he was about ready to cry! And Peyton said ``I wish I was on the sideline!'' ``Get me a neck brace; I'm going down there this time!'' As it was Eli's time to shine, or let his team die! ``The mountain top, go get in, failure's not an option, can't stop'' With the play of the game looking like their last Super Bowl fame! As a dynamic duo, Batman and Robin somehow combined! To snatch the revolution out of these Patriots' hands, one more time! With a 38 yard miraculous catch by Manningham . . . And it was a thing of beauty, a pure work of art . . . That kind of throw and catch that could stop someone's heart! With a tap dance and a catch, Even Gregory Hines and Raymond Berry would make proud! That, in NFL history will now forever sound! And then Bradshaw, didn't know if he should score or fall? With the Pats strategy to give them some time and back the ball! But his G-Forces carried him into the end zone . . . As it was now Brady's time to bring it home! On another key play, for the second time that day . . . Justin, invoked his own version of the Tuck Rule, to Pound! With all those hits, Brady must have wondered if? The G-Men had a contract on him! As he spent more time lying on the field, than the turf in the ground! And then the final play by Brady . . . ``in the midnight hour'' But (too bad) his receivers seemed to cower! As the ball fell to the ground, as there were tears in Bean Town . . . As Coach Belichiek caught a bad Coughlin! And as Tom said: ``Beli-chiek-mate!'' Enjoy the off season Bill and Brady in Boston! For only another Super Bowl ring can this so help erase . . . But, the game is in New York next year . . . Where the G-Force is even greater, I hear! But the MVP was big E . . . Because in the moment of truth . . . E did not Li down! Showing us why he has two MVPs and Super Bowl rings now! In Peyton's Place, will he forgive? As two great families would so clash . . . The Mara's and Kraft's, who both stand for class! As they all should be so proud! As all the TV records that were broken . . . The largest crowd ever had so spoken! And as those World Champions walked off that field . . . You could feel the vibe, so very real! In the end the Big Blue, Would not be so compliant. For there is no way to curtail, The heart of a Giant.

Mr. GRIMM

Mr. GRIMM. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to congratulate Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who will be elevated to a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church this Saturday. His Holiness, Pope Benedict, could not have picked a better man of faith for this prestigious role. Archbishop Dolan has dedicated his entire life to serving God and the Catholic Church. Just 3 years ago, New Yorkers were blessed when the Pope appointed him the 10th Archbishop of New York. He has warmed our hearts with his big personality and quick wit, and he has strengthened our faith with his guidance. On a national level, his leadership has shed positive light on the Catholic Church and continues to raise his profile. As New Yorkers, we are truly blessed to have Archbishop Dolan lead our archdiocese from the pulpit at St. Patrick's Cathedral. We couldn't be more proud that he will soon be wearing a red hat and serving as the prince of the Catholic Church in the Pope's College of Cardinals. Once again, I offer my warm congratulations to Cardinal-Designate Dolan and wish him Godspeed in his new role.