Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my friend if he's prepared to close. I have no further speakers at this time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I can make it go as long as you want it to go. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Picking up where Mr. Pascrell left off, which I wasn't intending to do until my good friend from Utah mentioned the timeframe. Tomorrow, we are going to vote on whether or not to cut $40 billion from the supplemental nutrition program for people this country. One of the measures included in that is going to be that people can only qualify for 3 months during a specified period of time if they are able-bodied people. Well, if you vote for the previous question that Mr. Pascrell offered, there may be some jobs for those people. Otherwise, what we're getting ready to do is put more people in a position of needing the food stamps. And we continue to talk about jobs, but we haven't done anything on the infrastructure. I predict even if this measure before us today were to become law, which it is not, but if it did by chance become law, we would be lucky if in the course of time we had the kind of jobs and the number of jobs that are desperately needed in this country. What is wrong with this institution? Don't we understand that we have college kids that are graduating and they can't find a job? We hire kids up here at lower than the minimum wage because they can't find jobs in the private sector. This is crazy. We can't continue doing nothing when in fact the people are suffering in this great country of ours. We have not only the natural resources that my friends would have us extract from even public lands without paying royalties, but we have the resources as a people to do the things creatively to assist us in bringing jobs here rather than sending them all over the world and causing a diminution of jobs here at home. Again, for the life of me I don't understand why we are considering this bill today. We're considering virtually every mine on public land, including uranium and coal mines, to operate without adherence to Federal environmental laws, which protect public safety. Our priorities are truly in the wrong place. As I asked before, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule and the underlying legislation, and I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the amendment in the Record, along with extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' and defeat the previous question. I urge a ``no'' vote on the rule, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me read the amendment. It's very short: The lead agency with responsibility for issuing a mineral exploration or mine permit may not issue such permit until the applicant for the permit has fully reimbursed the United States, each State, and each Native American tribe for all costs incurred by the United States and such State and such tribe respectively for issuance of the permit. Such reimbursement shall include costs of all Federal, State and tribal reviews and approvals required for the permit, contracting costs and salaries, including benefits for State and Federal employees and the conduct of reviews by State, a State that under authority delegated to the State under Federal law. Mr. Chairman, the amendment that I offer today to H.R. 761 would reimburse the costs of permitting in order that the National Environmental Policy Act requirements be met. Those who complain about the National Environmental Policy Act permitting--and it has been said here repeatedly on the floor, and when I was managing the rule earlier today, it was said--often cite timing as a concern. With budget cuts, furloughs, and other competing work, it is not possible to meet all the demands. The reimbursement of any and all costs will help to resolve this issue and provide for meaningful public participation in the decisionmaking process for the use of Federal lands. Mr. Chairman, I would ultimately ask that my amendment be made in order. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I need to make a correction. I had two amendments in the Rules Committee last night. The one that I just read into the Record and that my friend and colleague just responded to was the one that was not made in order, but I will be very brief because the one that was made in order, amendment No. 4, which we are addressing, requires financial assurance in the form of a surety bond, a letter of credit, or other instrument that would routinely be accepted in commerce. In the interest of time, I would only offer, Mr. Chairman, that my full statement on amendment No. 4 be placed in the Record. I am sure my colleague has time to respond to amendment No. 4. If he does not, I would be prepared to yield to him whatever time I have in order for him to respond. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, the amendment that I offer today to H.R. 761, would reimburse the cost of permitting and order that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements be met. Those who complain about NEPA permitting, often cite timing as a concern. With budget cuts, furloughs, and other competing work, it is not possible to meet all demands. Reimbursement of any and all costs will help to resolve this issue, and provide for meaningful public participation in the decision-making process for the use of Federal lands. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I urge the Committee to make my amendment in order. At the end of title I (page 12, after line 2) add the following:

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I would just say to my colleague that there are deficiencies and inadequacies of funding in the measures that you cited, and they do not cover the cost of cleanup and accidents. That's why we are addressing it. Mr. Chairman, I would ask and urge my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on this measure. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage and determination of Kyle Weintraub. Kyle, a Davie resident, is currently being treated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). Faced with the possibility of spending up to a year in the hospital receiving treatment, he decided that he would not let this obstacle prevent him from attending school. By continuing to learn and attend school Kyle has demonstrated admirable resolve in fighting this life-threatening disease. He is a shining example. for all students of what dedication and commitment to education looks like. I would also like to commend his determination in the face of continuous treatments and the support of his family and friends in facilitating that effort. This is especially true in the case of Marni Rosenblatt, who was able to raise $4,000 to help Kyle's parents with the costs for the special technology necessary, to allow him to continue his education. Mr. Speaker, please join me in sending best wishes and prayers to this tenacious young man, Kyle Weintraub. He exemplifies the strength and courage we all hope to find within ourselves when faced with such a hardship.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to rise today to recognize Mr. Kirk W. Johnson, the founder and executive director of the List Project to Resettle Iraqi Allies, for his continued efforts to safely resettle those Iraqis who have risked their lives working for the United States. I had the distinct honor of first meeting Kirk in 2008, when I began working with him and his organization on legislative remedies to this crisis. He has since been featured in numerous interviews and documentaries on the subject, testified on two occasions before members of the House and Senate on the consequences of our withdrawal from Iraq, and just published his first book. Kirk is truly an amazing individual who has selflessly dedicated himself to helping Iraqis who have worked for the United States in Iraq--and whose lives have been placed in grave danger for that service. Kirk was born and raised in West Chicago, Illinois. In 2002, he earned a bachelor's degree with general and departmental honors in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago. During that time, he received a Foreign Language Acquisition Grant to study the Syrian colloquial dialect of Arabic in Damascus, followed by fellowships from the American Academy in Berlin, Yaddo, MacDowell, and the Wurlitzer Foundation. Finally, prior to his work in Iraq, he conducted research on political Islamism as a Fulbright Scholar in Egypt. In 2005, Kirk served in Iraq with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), first in Baghdad and then in Fallujah, where he was the Agency's first coordinator for reconstruction in the war-torn city. A letter from an Iraqi colleague in 2006, which said, ``People are trying to kill me and I need your help,'' got him involved in helping America's endangered Iraqi allies. After Kirk successfully assisted his colleague, many other pleas for help followed, which led Kirk to found the List Project. The organization has grown to become the largest single pro bono initiative ever undertaken on behalf of refugees. His recently published book, ``To Be a Friend is Fatal: A Story from the Aftermath of America at War,'' tells the story of the List Project's seven-year struggle to protect thousands of Iraqi allies. It centers on the lives of four Iraqis who stepped forward to help the United States, following them as they flee from Iraq and come up against the challenging bureaucracy of the U.S. refugee resettlement program. To date, Kirk's writing on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and towards Iraqi allies who approached him in dire need of help has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Foreign Policy. In addition, he has appeared on 60 Minutes, The Today Show, and World News Tonight. A leading public advocate for Iraqis who assisted the U.S. Government, Kirk's efforts have been recognized by Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he will be continuing his studies next year. Mr. Speaker, Kirk has so far helped nearly 1,500 Iraqis, which makes him a true American hero in my eyes. He has given a voice to those individuals who were there for us when we needed their help, but were left to struggle through the system when they needed ours. Kirk has faced significant challenges and proven himself to be a leader whose service to this nation has only just begun.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution recognizing the importance of nonprofit organizations and designating May 16, 2014 as ``National Nonprofit Day.'' I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my friend and colleague, Congressman Tom Rooney for introducing this resolution with me. Nonprofit organizations have made many important contributions to our nation. Over the past decade, the number of nonprofits has risen steadily, and there are approximately 2.3 million of them now operating in the United States. Whether these groups are working to improve education or to protect environmental resources, they all have the same goals: to enact meaningful change in our world and to improve human lives. Many nonprofits support science and research that will have a significant impact on future generations. For instance, there are nonprofit organizations that support research to fight diseases such as Cancer and HIV/AIDS. Many other organizations advocate for vulnerable populations across the globe--for refugees, for the homeless, and for our nation's veterans. They educate and teach, as well as engage with local communities to improve the quality of life for all. In addition to being a force for change and progress, the nonprofit sector is vital to the economic security of the United States. In fact, the growth rate of the nonprofit sector has surpassed the rate of both the business and government sector. In 2010, nonprofits added nearly $780 billion to our national GDP and employed 1 in 10 working Americans. Nonprofit organizations also facilitate charitable giving and community activism, and the combined donations and volunteer hours of individuals to nonprofits are worth billions of dollars annually. But perhaps most importantly, nonprofit organizations are founded and managed by people trying to make the world a better place. Whether they are abroad or at home, the work that these men and women do is incredibly meaningful. Without the people behind these organizations-- working tirelessly to change the world, sometimes just one life at a time--the nonprofit sector would not be the force for good that it has become today. Mr. Speaker, nonprofit organizations advocate for solutions to some of the great challenges facing our nation and the world, and they deserve to be recognized for their valuable contributions to society. No matter their focus, nonprofits play a pivotal role in shaping the future of America. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and to join me in designating May 16, 2014 as ``National Nonprofit Day.''

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of James Martin of Miramar, Florida, and to honor him as a Hastings Star Student. At the age of 17, James recently graduated Suma Cum Laude from Florida Atlantic University with a GPA of 3.9. He earned a Bachelor's of Science in Molecular Biology. Having been home-schooled by his mother from a young age, James started college at the age of 14. He is a shining example of what hard work and dedication can accomplish. While in college, James worked alongside a Nobel Prize winner Dr. Eric Wieschaus at Princeton University. After graduating, James was offered a job with Dr. Wieschaus as a paid lab assistant while he decides which PhD programs to apply to. His goal is to pursue a career as a professor, and I have no doubt he will contribute greatly to the Molecular Biology field. I would also like to recognize the dedication of Joan Martin, James' mother, to her son's education. The active participation on the part of one's parents is important to a good education, and Joan has gone above and beyond in that regard and is to be commended. Mr. Speaker, the accomplishments of James Martin are an inspiration to students everywhere, especially within the minority community. I am proud to honor such an outstanding individual. We can all look forward to the bright future this young man has ahead of him.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sean Franklin Sasser. Sean was an educator and an activist, and dedicated his life to speaking out about HIV/AIDS. Sadly, Sean passed away on August 7th, 2013 at the age of 44 after a short battle with Mesothelioma. Sean was diagnosed with HIV in 1988 when he went to enlist in the Navy, and lived for 25 years with the disease. As a young black homosexual man living with HIV, Sean organized support for the HIV/AIDS community. He was active in Bay Positives, an organization established in 1990 as the first peer-run agency in the world for young people living with HIV/AIDS. In 1993, he was photographed by celebrated American photographer Annie Leibovitz as part of one of the first public awareness campaigns about HIV, organized by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. In 1993, Sean met Pedro Zamora, who gained fame as part of the cast of MTV Real World, San Francisco. Sean and Pedro's on-air relationship and marriage was thrown into the national spotlight, bringing international attention and putting a human face to the realities of HIV/AIDS. Though Sean's on-air presence was short, the impact of their televised relationship was great, and after Pedro's tragic death from AIDS at the age of 22, Sean went on to become an even greater advocate for the HIV/AIDS community. Throughout his life, Sean travelled across the country to educate others about HIV/AIDS and living with the disease. He spoke at colleges, universities, and many organizations including the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, the Human Rights Campaign, Health Initiatives for Youth, and the AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth & Families. Sean was also a celebrated pastry chef, and just last May could be found making homemade ice cream at RIS restaurant in Washington D.C. Mr. Speaker, this week we lost a great voice for the HIV/AIDS community. There are approximately 50,000 new HIV infections every year, and only through education, public awareness and community outreach can we prevent the spread of the HIV virus. Sean used his voice to bring attention to the HIV community, and as we pay tribute to his life, we must also continue his efforts. One day at a time, we move closer to an AIDS-free generation. I offer my heartfelt condolences to Sean's family and his partner Michael. Undoubtedly, Sean touched the lives of countless friends and strangers alike. He leaves behind a legacy of activism, bravery, and service to the HIV community. He will be dearly missed.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in unwavering support of our nation's great friend and ally, the State of Israel. On July 31, 2013, I voted in favor of H.R. 850, the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013, which overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 400-20. I would like to take this opportunity to commend my colleagues, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel, for introducing this important legislation, of which I am a proud co-sponsor. The bill targets human rights violators while increasing effective sanctions to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability. For more than half a century, the United States and Israel have shared the common bonds of democracy, economic vitality, and cultural affinity. These ties remain as strong today as when President Harry Truman first recognized the creation of a Jewish State in 1948. From religious kinships to shared interests, and from military strengths to commercial relations, the enduring friendship between the United States and Israel is unbreakable. However, Israel continues to face serious regional threats, concerns which are also shared by the United States. A nuclear-armed Iran represents a direct threat to Israel's existence, the stability of the region, and the security of the entire global community. That is why we must stand firmly with Israel in the struggle against the Iranian regime's ongoing pursuit of nuclear weapons and support for terrorism. Its peace-threatening actions and statements should be taken seriously, and the international community has a responsibility to act. I have long supported sanctions efforts in Congress, and will continue to do so as long as Iran insists on pursuing its dangerous course of action. Together with the international community, we must increase the pressure on Iran's authoritarian government to give up its nuclear ambitions. Existing United States and European Union measures have already reduced Iran's oil exports by more than half from pre- sanction levels of about 2.2 million barrels per day, bpd. This new round of sanctions cuts that number to near zero within a year, further crippling Tehran's ability to fund its nuclear program. The United States must work with Iran's neighbors and our allies to hold a hard line against the acquisition of these dangerous, destabilizing weapons. At the same time, we must continue to support the Iranian people's efforts to reform their government to respect the rights of all citizens. Finally, it is essential that the United States remain supportive of Israel's absolute right to defend itself and protect its citizens. Mr. Speaker, a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable. It is my sincere hope that one day all people in the region can live with dignity and freedom in peace. Iran's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens that future.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and I rise in support of the measure that is being offered.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Dan Calloway. Mr. Calloway attended Roosevelt Senior High School in West Palm Beach, from which he was graduated in 1956. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was in charge of special services, rising to the rank of Captain of Special Services. Dan was the first black captain of the Army baseball team in 1963. For his accomplishments in that sport, he was inducted into the German Hall of Fame. Following his successful time in the military, he embarked on a career in law enforcement. He retired as a Detective Sergeant with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, where he also served as sports coordinator. In 1965, Dan founded the Youth Recreation Association (YRA) of Palm Beach County, which helps young people through scholarships and mentoring in sports and recreational activities. Numerous National Football League (NFL) stars and other professional athletes credit the YRA as an invaluable resource that helped them toward successful careers in sports. All have returned to Palm Beach County to ``pay it forward,'' helping other young people with scholarships, skills camps and various other events. Continuing his involvement in sports, Dan was honored as a torch bearer in Palm Beach County for the 1996 Olympics. In recognition of his many important contributions to sports, he was inducted into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission in 1993. The Dan Calloway Recreation Center in Riviera Beach was dedicated in May 2010. In February 2011, Dan was inducted into the Roosevelt Senior High School Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions in baseball and basketball. He married Delores Oliver in 1981. He calls her ``the love of my life, and my eyes if I ever go blind.'' He is a member of the Singer Island Civic Association and Palm Beach County Community Relations Board. He is among more than a dozen local professionals who have issued a call to black men to step-up as mentors and role models for young people in the community. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to recognize Dan Calloway, for everything that he has done for Palm Beach County, and our nation. He has accomplished so many wonderful things for the community, and I am proud to call him my friend.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. I want to make sure that my friends who live far, far away from where I live do understand that many of us understand the dynamics that they've presented. Arguably, their argument is unassailable, and I rise in support of their amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, to echo the words of my colleagues, Ranking Members Nita Lowey and Ed Pastor, my good friend, the allocation provided for T-HUD appropriations under the Ryan budget, which was ``deemed passed'' by my Republican colleagues, is simply unworkable. From funding for the Federal Aviation Administration, TIGER grants, public transit programs, Amtrak, high-speed rail, Community Development Block Grants, and the HOME affordable housing program, House Republicans are offering a bill that not only makes devastating cuts to our Nation's transportation infrastructure but to vital programs in housing, health care, education, labor, and other services that millions of Americans rely on, in order to spare defense spending from sequestration. In particular, this bill makes detrimental cuts to aviation programs and investments in our national air system. It cuts FAA operations by $185 million below the President's budget request. It slashes $575 million, 21 percent, from the FAA's Facilities and Equipment account, and it casts doubt on the future hiring of air traffic controllers and inspectors. NextGen is a full, multiyear effort to modernize our Nation's air traffic control system by transitioning from a ground-based navigation system to a satellite-based navigation system. As it is implemented, NextGen will help reduce delays, expand air traffic system capacity, and mitigate aviation's impact on the environment while ensuring the highest levels of safety. Currently, the FAA is moving from NextGen program development into baseline and operational programs, and passengers and operators are beginning to experience the benefits of these investments. However, while the bill preserves funding for the NextGen programs currently under deployment, it forces the FAA to greatly slow down its NextGen modernization of the air traffic control system. My amendment restores funding for NextGen programs to the fiscal year 2013 level within the Operations Planning account. It really does represent a small amount, approximately $3.5 million, over the FY 2014 House funding level of $56.6 million for a total of $60.1 million. The increased funding would help ensure that the FAA remains on schedule with regard to NextGen implementation while giving it the flexibility to decide how best to move forward in this challenging budget environment. I do recognize that the chairman and ranking member were given a difficult task, and I respect that, but we cannot fail to recognize the future of our NextGen implementation, so I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I do wish to point out that the bill before us today makes deep cuts to FAA facilities and equipment. Make no mistake that these reductions will directly impact and delay the implementation of NextGen. I've spoken to this issue. This particular amendment makes available approximately $870 million for NextGen capital programs, which is at the FY 2013 enacted level. This increased funding would help ensure that the FAA remains on schedule with regard to NextGen implementation. Let me make it very clear. I fought very hard, along with my colleagues, both current and former--Republican and Democrat--to bring the NextGen facilities to the West Palm Beach airport. We were very successful in that regard, but I am troubled that we might not get to full implementation if we continue the reductions that I see that are set forth. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, I rise once again to offer an additional amendment to H.R. 2610, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (T-HUD) Appropriations Act for FY 2014. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), by the end of the NextGen mid-term in 2020, NextGen improvements will: Reduce delays by 41 percent; Cumulatively save 1.6 billion gallons of fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 16 million metric tons; and Provide $38 billion in cumulative benefits to aircraft operators, the traveling public, and the FAA through delay reduction, fuel savings, and other efficiency improvements. However, the bill before us today makes deep cuts to the FAA's Facilities and Equipment account in the amount of $575 million, or 21 percent. Make no mistake. These reductions will directly impact and delay the implementation of NextGen. Certain NextGen activities currently underway face significant reductions in this bill. One example is the Optimization of Airspace and Procedures in the Metroplex (OAPM) program, which is the FAA's fast-track initiative to implement new navigation procedures and airspace improvements to reduce fuel consumption and aircraft emissions in some of the United States' busiest airspace. This could delay the completion of their designs and the beginning of the implementation phase. My amendment makes available approximately $870 million for NextGen capital programs, which is the FY 2013 enacted level. This increased funding would help ensure that the FAA remains on schedule with regard to NextGen implementation, while giving it the flexibility to decide how best to move forward in this challenging budget environment. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.