Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. In reclaiming my time, one thing is absolutely certain: the majority whip controls the floor, and the Speaker controls the House, and if they chose for us to stay here, we could stay here. With that, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to my very good friend, the distinguished gentlewoman from New York, who is my ranking member on the Rules Committee, Ms. Slaughter.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, would you be kind enough to tell both of us how much time remains.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased at this time to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera), a new, very thoughtful Member of the House of Representatives.

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 with the final thought that we don't have that much time to waste, and we are wasting the American people's time.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I know you're on a roll, but will my friend yield for just 5 seconds?

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Will my colleague yield?

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. But we have the power in the Rules Committee to waive that germaneness, and we could have done that and allowed Mr. Bera's measure to go forward. I thank my colleague for yielding.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), my good friend, the former mayor of his city.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I thank you so very much. I just want to say America ain't Greece; it ain't going to be Greece.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased at this time to yield 2 minutes to my friend, the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee). (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield the gentlewoman 1 additional minute.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would alert my colleague from Georgia that I have no further requests for time, and I'm prepared to close.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance my time. I really like and have great affection for my friend from Georgia, and I understand exactly what he just did with reference to the President's commission as appointed by Senator Simpson and Erskine Bowles, but the fount of wisdom with reference to what is required in order for this Nation to right its ship doesn't emanate from just any one commission. And while this particular proposal may be listed as an idea from the Simpson-Bowles Commission, I would urge my friend from Georgia to read the whole thing, which does contemplate shared sacrifice. And that's what I tried to get across to my colleagues here in this institution. As a person that lived as a child during the Second World War, I saw what sacrifice meant, and I saw the people that did the sacrificing. And they did it together, differently than us today. And that's why I think it's wrong to cherry-pick and then use a sledgehammer against Federal employees for something that is not likely to become the law of the land. It's a waste of time. The only good thing that I have to say about the bill before us today is that it has zero chance of becoming law. I anxiously wait for my friends on the other side, particularly the leadership, to actually start considering legislation that will help, not hurt, the American people. Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment which would allow the House to vote on replacing the entire sequester for 2013 with savings from specific policies that reflect a balanced approach to reducing our national debt. There are only 6 legislative days left until the sequester hits. Now is the time to act. Smart government is not about sequesters; it's about solutions. And it's time to work together for the American people. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record along with extraneous material immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.

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

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Donate for Disaster Relief Act. Forty-seven major disasters were declared last year. The year before that, we had 99 major disasters. Three major disasters have already been declared in 2013. On top of that, there were a number of smaller incidents that do not rank on the scale. A tornado that destroys a single house might not be a ``super storm,'' but for the family that lost its home, that tornado certainly is a major disaster. Things are not going to get better. There are going to be more major disasters. We are going to have to pay for the response and repair. We need to start thinking about what we can do ahead of time to be prepared for when they strike. We don't have to wait for the worst to happen before we actually do something. This bill will help us get ready beforehand. Why wait? The Donate for Disaster Relief Act creates a completely voluntary cheek-off on income tax returns that lets taxpayers elect to donate to a disaster relief trust. This bill is an opportunity for us to share our selflessness and generosity before an emergency situation. The harsh reality of disasters is that while we may not be able to predict when, we certainly can be prepared. The altruism of the American people is on display in their willingness to pitch in and help those in their greatest time of need. This bill creates an easy way for concerned Americans to anticipate the need for disaster relief, wherever and whenever it may be necessary.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Donate for Disaster Relief Act. Forty-seven major disasters were declared last year. The year before that, we had 99 major disasters. Three major disasters have already been declared in 2013. On top of that, there were a number of smaller incidents that don't rank on the scale. A tornado that destroys a single house might not be a ``super storm,'' but for the family that lost its home, that tornado certainly is a major disaster. Things are not going to get better. There are going to be more major disasters. We are going to have to pay for the response and repair. We need to start thinking about what we can do ahead of time to be prepared for when they strike. We don't have to wait for the worst to happen before we actually do something. This bill will help us get ready beforehand. Why wait? The Donate for Disaster Relief Act creates a completely voluntary check-off on income tax returns that lets taxpayers elect to donate to a disaster relief trust. This bill is an opportunity for us to share our selflessness and generosity before an emergency situation. The harsh reality of disasters is that while we may not be able to predict when, we certainly can be prepared. The altruism of the American people is on display in their willingness to pitch in and help those in their greatest time of need. This bill creates an easy way for concerned Americans to anticipate the need for disaster relief, wherever and whenever it may be necessary.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce the National Emergency Centers Establishment Act, a bill that I first introduced in the 109th Congress. This legislation authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make use of already closed military facilities to coordinate emergency response and provide voluntary humanitarian assistance to Americans displaced by natural disasters. From Hurricane Katrina to Hurricane Sandy, and numerous other destructive disasters, we have seen time and time again how emergency relief efforts can be complex, expensive, and oftentimes chaotic. Despite the extraordinary efforts can be complex, expensive, and oftentimes chaotic. Despite the extraordinary efforts of agencies like FEMA, the American Red Cross, and other local and national organizations to provide immediate relief, natural disasters can leave tens of thousands of Americans struggling for long periods of time. Sixteen months after Hurricane Katrina, 60,000 Americans were still ill-housed, and struggling to access adequate food and health care, education and jobs. I have seen similar effects following hurricanes in my home state of Florida. While disaster preparedness, response, and recovery has improved greatly in recent years, difficult challenges remain. I believe that we must increase the availability of temporary housing in times of national emergencies, and improve training and preparedness for national emergencies in order to ensure that we can mitigate as much as possible the humanitarian catastrophes that occurred in the Gulf Coast, the Atlantic Coast, and elsewhere in the nation. My legislation authorized FEMA to establish six National Emergency Centers throughout the United States. The Centers will be used to provide temporary housing, medical and humanitarian assistance for individuals and families displaced due to an emergency. The Centers will also serve as a centralized location for the training and coordination of first responders in the instance of an emergency. In addition, the Centers will improve the coordination of preparedness, response, and recovery efforts between governments, private companies, not-for-profit entities and faith-based organizations. I would like to point out, Mr. Speaker, that the use of these facilities would be totally voluntary on the part of displaced Americans. No federal agency is authorized under this legislation to force anyone to evacuate to these facilities, nor to force those who voluntarily arrive there to remain longer than they wish. The goal is to provide the facility and means for Americans displaced by disasters to continue leading their lives as much as possible. The National Emergency Centers will be located on military bases that have been closed during the most recent Base Realignment and Closures (BRAC) round. I am proposing these sites because the necessary infrastructure to house, feed, and care for evacuees over an extended period of time is already in place, thus limiting the cost and time needed to construct these facilities. Military bases often contain large warehouses or hangers, ideal locations for storing large amounts of supplies and equipment. Finally, military bases are often accessible by a wide range of transportation links, and may themselves have train yards or airstrips capable of facilitating the rapid disbursement of supplies or relief efforts. Mr. Speaker, we have an obligation to better prepare and more adequately respond to the needs of communities hit by natural disasters. Furthermore, we must ensure that basic needs of disaster victims are met immediately following the devastation. The goal of this legislation is to improve humanitarian relief to individuals and families displaced and suffering from the effects of a natural disaster. The idea is to have an accessible central location that can house large numbers of people while providing for their immediate medical and daily needs. I ask my colleagues to support this legislation, and urge the House Leadership to bring this bill to the floor for its swift consideration.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Thank you very much. I appreciate very much, Rob, you giving us an opportunity to speak regarding Jay's service. I am especially grateful to you, Congressman Woodall, for asking me to participate. I met Jay 19 years ago. I've been in this institution now, this is my 20th year. Nineteen years ago, I had quintuple heart bypass surgery, and during the period of recuperation and rehabilitation, I did most of my work here on the floor for a protracted period of time and came to know Jay during that period of time. As has been said by Congressman Ryan and Minority Whip Hoyer, the institution that Jay has served is critical and important for all of us, and most of the people that work here on the staff--the police officers, the people who report on and transcribe our words--go unrecognized year in and year out, even sometimes when they retire. In this instance, we could do ourselves no less proud than to recognize that Jay began, as Paul Ryan just said, in the office of Republican Leader John Rhodes, but he also served as assistant manager for Speaker Newt Gingrich, the floor assistant for Speaker Dennis Hastert, and has served as the floor assistant for then-Republican Leader John Boehner and now Speaker John Boehner. Jay is loyal, knowledgeable, efficient, fair, and one thing that I don't know how many of you have observed, he's also swift afoot. He can get from that cloakroom to this floor or to the Speaker's rostrum faster than anybody I've ever seen. During the 19 years I've known him, we pass each other here in the institution, but one thing that is important is that we are constantly recognizing each other, and Jay does that with all of us. And one thing that I'm going to miss--I don't have many people that I can turn to-- was he was always fair about giving me a clue about when we were going to leave this joint. And I'd ask him now: Jay, if you know--I'm coming over there to shake your hand. If you know when we're going to leave, tell me, please. We wish you well, my friend, and Godspeed.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Daisy Lea Alexander Kennedy, the beloved wife of my dearest friend and Chief of Staff, Arthur ``Art'' W. Kennedy. Sadly, she passed away on November 21 2012. I am truly blessed to have known Daisy and my thoughts and prayers go out to Art, his family, and friends during this most difficult time. Daisy was a loving wife and mother, a lifelong educator and mentor, and an active member of her community. Born on October 3, 1932 in Evergreen, Alabama to the late Delilah and Richard Alexander, she was the youngest of five children. At an early age, the family moved to Pensacola, Florida. Daisy was educated in the Escambia County Public School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She went on to attend Florida A&M University (FAMU), where she received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a great passion for teaching and mentoring, Daisy worked tirelessly for 37 years in the Broward County Public School System. She also played a critical role in her grandchildren's education, teaching them important skills such as writing, reading, and math. Furthermore, Daisy was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Piney Grove since 1956. She sang soprano in the choir, started the noonday bible study, and held several leadership positions. These included being the first chairperson of the church directory, a past president of the Pastor's Aide, a former Sunday School Superintendent, a member of the hospitality committee, and an active member of the Missionary Circle of Mary of Bethany. In addition, Daisy was a highly respected and admired member of the community, dedicating her time to numerous organizations. She was a strong supporter of the FAMU Alumni Association, the Golden Heights Neighborhood Association, the Kappa Silhouettes, and the Retired Teachers' Association. On July 8, 1984, Daisy was united in holy matrimony to Art Kennedy. With this union came seven children, eighteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, plus one on the way. Daisy leaves to cherish her wonderful memory a loving and devoted husband, Art; her children, Sharon Telfer of Winter Haven, Florida; Lennard Robinson, Sr. of Plantation, Florida; Janice (Jerome) Boger of Conyers, Georgia; Michael Bruce (Joyce Marie) Kennedy of Miramar, Florida; Vikki Johnson of New Carrollton, Maryland; Arthur (Yolanda) Kennedy of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Jill Kennedy of Plantation, Florida; her grandchildren, Patrick, Shante, Shannon, Daima, Danielle (Marcus), Trawick, Kendall, Bryce, David (Amanda), Kasey Korey, Kiara, Daniel, Lennard, Moriah, Marion, Rico, Alex, and Tyler; her great- grandchildren, Marcus, Kamari, Lauren, Elijah, Ayden, Cameryn, Khambrea, King, and Kennedy; two brothers, Henderson Alexander and William Crosby; one sister, Alberta Lewis; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; her goddaughter, Deetra Durham; two very special friends, Mary Ellen Sands and Jackie Hall; and countless others. Mr. Speaker, for those of us whose lives she touched, Daisy Kennedy will always have a special place in our hearts. She will be remembered fondly and dearly missed.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Lake Worth Public Library. This library is a symbol of what a community can accomplish when it comes together for a common goal and embodies the American hunger for knowledge and education. In 1912, as the city of Lake Worth was being built, the women of this new city recognized the need for a library. That year, the local newspaper sent out an appeal for book donations. As the donations came in, Mr. and Mrs. John L. McKissock would ride their bicycles the seven miles to West Palm Beach to pick up the donated books and bring them back to the new library in Lake Worth. A point of pride for the Lake Worth community is that the Lake Worth Library was established five months before the first school and almost two years before electricity was brought into the city. As the library outgrew its room in the Lake Worth City Hall, plans were made for the library to be established as a memorial library in honor of General William Jenkins Worth, the man credited with ending the Seminole Wars. However, the bill that would have made this possible was vetoed by President Roosevelt after passing Congress. The citizens of Lake Worth never gave up though. They worked together, and through fundraising and smart investment, they were able to complete the new library in 1941. Thanks to a sizable donation from James and William Strait, the Lake Worth Public Library was able to even open an art wing which was later converted to a children's library. To this day, the Lake Worth Public Library is not your average community library. In addition to being a hub of educational activity for adults and children alike, the library is home to unique treasures such as the only known collection of historic paintings by R. Sherman Winton, and wood carvings by Sam J. Schlappich, a Lake Worth artist who exhibited at the Century of Progress Fair in 1933 and the 1939 World Fair. Libraries like the Lake Worth Public Library and others around the country serve a vital role in our communities. They provide access to computers, books, and research material, host cultural events, and offer technology training essential in today's job market to people from all walks life. Libraries break down barriers and bring communities together, and the Lake Worth Public Library is no exception. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the Lake Worth Public Library, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that despite cuts to Federal, State, and municipal budgets, libraries across the United States receive the support they need to continue their vitally important work.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Taiwan's 101st National Day on October 10, 2012. This event marks the anniversary of the 1911 uprising that led to the establishment of the Republic of China. Under President Ma Ying-jeou's leadership, Taiwan has made great strides in improving relations with mainland China, which has contributed to reduced tensions in the region overall. Furthermore, through the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, millions of citizens in both nations have benefited. China and Taiwan are continuing to pursue productive and peaceful negotiations to ensure a better future for their citizens, and cross-strait relations are better now than they have ever been. The United States should support and assist Taiwan in building on its recent successes and playing a greater role in international organizations, such as the World Health Assembly. Taiwan is also on the road to gaining membership in the International Civil Aviation Organization. This important progress should be recognized and encouraged. Mr, Speaker, Taiwan is an important ally to the United States, an outpost of democracy and freedom, and plays a critical economic role in the region. Millions of Americans buy Taiwanese products, and Taiwan is an export destination for a wide range of American products, from agriculture to raw materials to technology. The Taiwanese people are committed to hard work and democratic values, as well as productive and peaceful international relations. I offer my sincere congratulations on their 101st National Day, and look forward to celebrating Taiwan's future successes.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cookie Henrey, a doorkeeper for the Office of the Sergeant at Arms, who retired in August 2012. She worked there since 1987. Cookie started to work on Capitol Hill during the summer of her 16th birthday, June 21, 1976. She worked as a counter girl in the House restaurant until she graduated from Fairmont Heights High School in June 1978. After graduation, Cookie married her childhood sweetheart, Michael Henrey. That union produced three sons, Michael, Jr. and twin boys Marcus and Marcell. In 1979, Cookie started to work for the Office of the Doorkeeper. She stayed there until 1986, and then moved on to work for the Capitol Police as a security aide. So we will all miss that infectious smile. And, we will not have the sidebar and off-line chatter that so many of us shared with her. Cookie made a point of knowing every Member by name, kept us safe, and offered good tidings to all of us. Mr. Speaker, for those of us who knew her, entering the Chambers of Congress will be less bright because we no longer have Cookie's sunny disposition. I am sure that I speak for all when I say, ``thank you, Cookie.'' Your service is deeply appreciated.

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I just want to ask, 6 months from now, when we come back, if you and I are here, will you commit that we would have that debate 6 months from now under an open rule?

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from my neighboring State of Georgia, whom I consider to be one of the most conscientious, hardworking individuals in the Congress, and I appreciate the fact that he's 18 months here in the Congress. He and I know that he understands this institution considerably, having worked here for a number of years, and I'm grateful the process allows and he has allowed that I receive the traditional 30 minutes. Mr. Speaker, this rule provides, as has been said, for consideration of two bills. To identify them again, H.J. Res. 117 is the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, and H. Res. 6365 is the National Security and Job Protection Act. When my colleague began his remarks, he said the magic words, ``This is a closed rule.'' When I was, as he, 18 months in the House in 1992 and I would be on radio, people were talking about how awful it was that the Democrats had so many closed rules. The Democrats lost the election that following year in 1994, and one of the leading reasons was closed rules. Yet we find ourselves on something as important as the financial circumstances of this country coming to the floor at the 11th hour with a closed rule, and, in fact, not having many more days that we are scheduled to be here, but having absolutely no reason why we could not be here at any point in time between now and the time that our financial circumstances would begin to be, as they are, much worse. Maybe the Republicans should have added a third entitled resolution. I would call it the ``No More Getting Anything Done in This Congress Act,'' because that is the message of this particular package. This continuing resolution is merely a reminder that my friends in the majority were unable to complete work on the regular appropriations bills. Instead of devoting congressional time to tackling the needs of essential government programs, Republicans have spent the summer trying to repeal the health care law, giving away benefits to the oil and gas industry, and chipping away repeatedly at women's rights. Now, my colleague is correct in many respects to point out that the other body presents us with challenges, but it is not as if the other body has not done something. Let me tell you one of the measures that I have a continuing interest in because of my constituency, and that is that the Senate has passed a farm bill for a 5-year extension. What my colleagues or leadership on the Republican side will not do is put that farm bill here on the floor even though we are faced in this country with a residual from one of the worst droughts that America has ever experienced. Even though food prices for all of the people in this country are continuously rising, here we are with this time that the chair of the Agriculture Committee and the ranking member begging the leadership, cannot find time for it to be on this floor. Instead of devoting our time to tackling the needs of essential government programs, we decide that we're going to attack women's rights. Now, suddenly, you seem to have awakened to the looming, described, fiscal cliff. It's kind of good that you've noticed; but rather than address this challenge head on, the Republicans are pushing a bill that doesn't do anything. The sequester replacement does not actually prevent the sequester with a prudent mix, and every panel that has looked at this says that we have to have a prudent mix of spending cuts and revenue increases. What the Republicans simply do is kick the can down the road, which is no surprise. I said in an earlier Rules meeting, and it was during the Olympics, that if kicking the can down the road were an Olympic sport, then Congress and the Republican majority would win gold, bronze, silver, and tin. This poor can doesn't have much more space to be kicked on, and I can tell you it places the burden on someone else to deal with this in the future. And this is what my Republican colleagues would call fiscal responsibility? We got into this mess because of the massive deficits the Republicans piled on this country. Two wars in the Middle East not paid for, huge tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans--for those among us that are in a high-paying position--and huge, unpaid prescription drug benefits are all things that Republican Members in this House voted for despite the huge costs that would be imposed. In fact, just 61 bills have been signed into law this year, the fewest in more than 60 years. In all of 2011, only 90 bills were signed into law. When Democrats controlled both Chambers in 2010, 258 bills were signed into law. Now, I don't want to sound like I'm the only person who is making this observation that is being made. Let me cite two people, especially here inside the Beltway, that have made this observation, and that are generally respected as nonpartisan and accepted as experts by Republicans and Democrats. We on this side are not the only ones who have noticed the lack of productivity that I just identified with the 61 bills. Norman Ornstein and Thomas Mann wrote in a Washington Post column, the two gentlemen, and I am quoting them: We have been studying Washington politics and Congress for more than 40 years, and never have we seen them this dysfunctional. In our past writings, we have criticized both parties when we believed it was warranted. Today, however, we have no choice but to acknowledge that the core of the problem lies with the Republican Party. That's from two particularly nonpartisan observers that everybody around here recognizes as experts. Now we are asked to support the Romney-Ryan vision of America, which ignores any responsibility for today's economic difficulties and instead demands that those who have the least in this great country should sacrifice the most. While Republicans last year were fighting tooth and nail to default on our debt obligations and crash the economy, millions of Americans were fighting to keep their jobs and millions lost them. Millions of Americans were fighting to pay off their mortgages, and millions could not pay them. Millions of Americans were seeking access to quality health care, and they could not afford it. Millions of children of parents who wanted them to go to college are finding themselves without the capacity to get a decent education largely for the reasons that I have suggested. But under the Romney-Ryan vision those priorities should take a back seat to increase defense spending, and yet give more tax cuts for the wealthiest among us in our society. When it comes to Medicare and Medicaid, student loans and public safety, the Republicans are quick to dismiss billions of dollars in essential funding with a wave of their hand and the crocodile tears of deficit reduction. But when the defense contractors stand to lose just $1, Republicans suddenly find their fighting spirit and cry about a weakening America. It's a shame, Mr. Speaker, that Republicans can't shake off their do- nothing indolence to fight as hard for all Americans as they do for the richest. We have a long list of programs, tax cuts, and activities set to expire at the end of this year; but rather than confront those challenges head on, Republicans are wasting our time with do-nothing bills. I suppose that when you have absolutely no ideas to offer besides tax cuts for those that are better off among our society, you may as well campaign on a platform of ``we have no ideas or even a plan to offer.'' But the American people need and deserve much more. Mr. Speaker, I reject the Republican notion that a do-nothing Congress can help grow our economy, create more jobs, and address the many challenges facing this Nation from crumbling infrastructure to the impossibly high cost of education; and I also reject the Romney-Ryan vision that the only solution, at least that they have offered to these challenges, is tax cuts that help the rich and increase military spending. My Republican colleagues paint a very pessimistic vision, Mr. Speaker, of a country where it appears to them that we have given up on trying to better everyone's lives and instead use the public's resources to enrich those who have already made it. But I believe differently. We can afford to invest in our future. We can afford to create jobs. We can afford to make the choices now that will reap benefits for future generations--right now. I reserve the balance of my time.