Pete King

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the fifth annual Protect Your Pharmacy Now! week. With pharmacy crime on the rise, it is important to acknowledge this problem and reflect on ways to improve safety measures. The Protect Your Pharmacy Now! initiative offers resources to help pharmacies protect themselves and deter criminal activity. I applaud the National Community Pharmacists Association for making these resources available and for engaging and educating local pharmacies on this important issue. As we have seen most recently with the tragic incident in my district, it is essential to protect pharmacies and the general public from these dangerous situations. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eradicating these crimes, I am committed to working with pharmacies, law enforcement and my colleagues to address and eradicate this growing problem.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of April as Parkinson's Awareness Month. It is essential to take this time to promote awareness, share information on the disease, and continue to work towards a cure. Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States. It is a chronic, progressive neurological disease for which there is no therapy or drug to halt its progression, let alone a cure. According to the National Institutes of Health, the four primary symptoms of Parkinson's are tremor or trembling, rigidity the limbs and trunk, slowness of movement, and impaired balance and coordination. As these symptoms become more pronounced, it may become more difficult for one to walk, talk or perform other tasks. Parkinson's disease usually affects people over the age of 50 and symptoms may progress more rapidly in some cases than in others. Diagnosis is generally based on medical history and a neurological examination. It is estimated that there are between 500,000 1,500,000 Americans living with Parkinson's. Furthermore, the aging baby boomer population will likely increase that number. Although significant research advancements have been made, additional research is required to understand the underlying causes and to discover improved treatments. As a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Parkinson's disease, it is my privilege to work with the tireless advocates in the Parkinson's community. I thank them for their hard work and dedication to understanding and eradicating this disease.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge a true American hero, ATF Special Agent John Capano, who was killed this past New Year's Eve attempting to stop an armed robbery at a pharmacy in Seaford, New York, the community where he was raised and lived for many years. I had the privilege of knowing John, his parents, and his brother and sisters for more than 40 years. My wife Rosemary was John's 4th grade teacher. John Capano died as he lived--putting his life on the line to protect others. He was a 23-year veteran of the ATF, with an extremely distinguished record not only at home but overseas as well. An explosives expert, John volunteered to serve on ATF missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia and Peru. Several years ago I had the honor of presenting John with an award for his overseas deployments. On the fateful day of December 31, 2011 John Capano was off duty. He went to Charlie's Pharmacy on Merrick Road in Seaford to pick up cancer medication for his 82-year-old father, Jimmy, a retired NYPD Detective. While John was in the pharmacy, a recently released ex-convict and drug addict displayed what he said was a gun, and demanded prescription drugs. As the robber attempted to exit, John identified himself as a law enforcement officer. The robber was shot in the leg and a struggle ensued on the sidewalk outside the front door. Other off-duty law enforcement officials arrived during the struggle; shots were fired; and John Capano and the robber were both killed. John Capano's death caused great sorrow and sadness in the Seaford Community; in the neighboring community of Massapequa where John lived with his wife Dori and their two children, John and Natalie; and throughout the entire law enforcement community in the New York-Long Island region. Thousands of mourners attended John's funeral on January 6th and our community is still overcome with grief. This has been a particularly anguishing time for the Capano family. John's mother Helen had died just 15 days before his death. Like John, though, the Capano family is strong and unflinching. To ensure that John did not die in vain, they are dedicated to doing whatever they can to eliminate the epidemic of prescription drug abuse on Long Island. In closing, let me extend my sincere condolences to the family of John Capano. May he always be in our thoughts and prayers and may he rest in peace.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and honor New York Police Officer Peter Figoski, who made the ultimate sacrifice on December 12th. Peter Figoski will be remembered as a man of service to his country. A 12-time decorated NYPD veteran from West Babylon, Officer Figoski was a loving father to four daughters and a respected member of his community. There is no question that he will be greatly missed by the New York police community and by the many others he touched. The 200 officers that lined up outside the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center to salute their fallen colleague is a true testament to that. I am proud that Officer Figoski was my constituent. As the son of a New York police officer, I understand the selfless and vital role played by our first responders. They put their lives on the line day in and day out to keep us safe. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Officer Figoski. In closing, I would also like to commend his partner, Officer Glenn Estrada, for risking his life to bring the killer to justice. I yield back.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and honor Hal Bruno, who recently passed on November 8th. Hal Bruno will be remembered as a man of service to his country. Having served as an Army intelligence officer, a volunteer firefighter and the director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), he put service to others first and foremost. For over 60 years Hal was an active member of the fire service community, whether it was on the ground as a first responder, in the halls of Congress working to improve resources for families of fallen firefighters, or on the public stage advocating for ways to improve fire safety to reduce line of duty deaths and injuries. Appointed as chairman of the NFFF in 1999, he received numerous awards and recognition for his dedication and commitment. This fall, he was awarded the National Fire & Emergency Services Hall of Legends, Legacies and Leaders Award. In 2008, the Congressional Fire Services Institute selected him as the recipient of the CFSI / Motorola Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award and in 1999 he received the ``President's Award'' from the International Association of Fire Chiefs. He was also named ``Fire Service Person of the Year'' by the Congressional Fire Services Institute in 1995. Hal also had a prestigious career as the longtime ABC News Political Director. Known for his journalistic integrity and pioneering spirit, he represented the reason the news media is sometimes referred to as the `fourth branch of government.' As a Co-Chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I know Hal Bruno will be greatly missed by the fire service community and by the many others he touched.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is essential to take this time to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, emphasize the importance of screenings and continue to work towards a cure. Early detection is of the utmost importance for women of all ages. The 2.5 million breast cancer survivors through the U.S. are a testament to the importance of breast cancer awareness and following recommended screening guidelines. I strongly encourage women to follow the recommended mammography screening guidelines and to perform self- exams. Early detection saves lives! A woman receives a diagnosis of breast cancer every two minutes, making this disease one of the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. Despite tremendous advances in treatment and prevention, it remains the second leading cause of cancer death. I am proud to support the National Breast Cancer Coalition's Breast Cancer Deadline 2020, a call to end breast cancer by January 1, 2020. This initiative focuses on determining how to prevent the development of breast cancer and metastasis and renews the sense of urgency to eradicate this disease. It is my privilege to work with dedicated volunteers, patients, caregivers and survivors from organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, National Breast Cancer Coalition, the American Cancer Society and so many others. Their tireless work is an inspiration and a reminder that we must keep up the fight until there is a cure.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Thank you, Congressman Rangel. As all of you know, this is not something we're used to doing in New York. But it's a great moment. It's a great moment for New York. It's a great moment for the people of the Ninth Congressional District. It's a special privilege for me to be able to introduce our newly elected Member. Bob Turner is an Army veteran. He's an extremely successful businessman. Most importantly, he's the proud husband of Peggy, proud father of 5 children, and proud grandfather of 13 children. I can tell you he's a great friend and a great human being. He's going to make an outstanding Congressman. I'm so proud to be here today with Bob Turner, as I've been during the years I've come to know him and to respect him. He's going to be a truly outstanding addition to this body and great fighter for the people of New York. Thank you, Chairman Rangel.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 391 and to honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who lost their lives 10 years ago, in the attacks on September 11th, 2001. Together, as a nation, we grieved with the families and friends who lost loved ones. Then, together, we began to look forward. Having had more than 150 constituents and friends murdered by al- Qaeda, I have spent much of the past 10 years with family members of the 9/11 victims. These family members do not need a decade or quarter- century mark to remember their loved ones. For them, each of the 3,652 passing days has been a day of remembrance. Since that day we have made great progress in securing the Homeland. We created the Department of Homeland Security, and established a Director of National Intelligence to better coordinate the Intelligence Community and facilitate information sharing. Today we are safer. There is still more that can, and should, be done. Ten years after 9/11 Congress has yet to follow through on some recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, including the call for consolidation of congressional jurisdiction of our homeland security efforts and the allocation of sufficient spectrum for the interoperable communications needs of our first responders. Killing Osama bin Laden was a tremendous victory for us and all who oppose terrorism. Al Qaeda Central has been damaged, but the organization and its affiliates are as dedicated as they have been. They are working to radicalize and recruit individuals within our own country. While we may be safer today than we were 10 years ago, we are still in great danger. Al-Qaeda has not given up. It has adapted; its affiliates have grown; it actively recruits from within our own country; and it continues to be an active enemy. We must not allow ourselves to grow complacent. Although not on the same scale, we have been attacked since 9/11, with many plots thwarted by excellent law enforcement and intelligence work. We must not forget the lessons we have learned. We must acknowledge how far we've come, but we must not forget that we still have far to go before al-Qaeda and its affiliates are defeated and our Homeland is once again safe from this enemy. We must never forget what happened on 9/11. As we honor the lives of the victims and stand with their families, we also give our gratitude to the first responders who rushed to the rescue and to the men and women of our military and Intelligence Community who risked and, in many cases, gave their lives to keep America safe. In tribute to them, we must pledge to continue to do all that we possibly can to ensure that similar attacks are never replicated.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and in remembrance of all of the Heroes and lost loved ones of all of the families of 9/11. On this the 10th anniversary, I ask that this tribute in honor of them, and the new visitor center and the rising of The Two New Towers and their strength penned by Albert Caswell, be placed in the Record. Ten Years Ago This Day Ten . . . Ten years ago this very day . . . Upon, this most hallowed ground . . . these most scared graves . . . As here and now we all so kneel and pray . . . As they tried to so take America's very heart away! As so many magnificent men and women died on that day! As so many fine lives were so lost, and so left all in such pain and dismay! As all of their loved ones were so left with that kind of pain, that only Heaven can so take away . . . And all of those innocent children aboard all of those planes who now so they . . . Will never grow up to be happy, old, and so gray . . . Who were once but all the apples of their parents eyes, night and day! As all hearts are so warmed, whenever we so think of how in the face of evil they so stayed! As all across our Nation, America so wept on that day! From The Towers, to The Pentagon . . . and Flight 93, as upon us all such evil so weighted! As America so saw, ``Let's Roll'' and what of most heroic hearts are so made! And to what new heights, they could so reach . . . so soar, as did they! As all of our tears flowed and poured, as out across our Nation we so mourned and prayed! As all of The Towers fell down on that day . . . Leaving us all with that kind of pain, that even time can not so take away . . . As ten years later to this very day, still all of our hearts feel like it was only yesterday! And yet, America's heart has grown even greater they say! All because of what they so taught us, and to what our Nation they so gave! For from this most hallowed ground, and from their strength and courage we have so found! The strength to stand and to rebuild, as over these sacred footprints the water washes down! Upon, this spot where all of their most sacred ashes were once so found . . . All so scattered all across this ground! All in this high place of reverence and of such faith so now, where all of their most magnificent souls can so be felt all around! Has Come A Rising, of remembrance to all of them so now! To last forever and a day, this most sacred ground! A Rising . . . to so honor each and every man, woman and child so how! All in our Lord's plan, so that in 100 years from now we will all stand here so very proud! And then 100 more, we will stand here all in such honor at this shrine so now! As we will feel all of their courage and strength, and what their fine faith has so meant! To us all so now! So that whenever someone looks upon this hallowed place, that they will leave with but tears on their face! As a Tribute to Them and The American Way, and to this The Human Race! As A Triumph of Good Over Evil, that the entire world will say! That we have all so walked with our Lord and his Angels this day! With all of their blessings of Hope, Courage and Faith . . . which within our hearts will stay! You, may bring down our buildings! You may murder our women, men, and our most precious children! Crash planes into fields, or at The Pentagon, and yet still you will not victory so wield! For, as long as we have such strong fine women and men, who into such graves do so tragically descend! Who so believe in America and what our Freedom so brings, upon which our Nation depends! Then, Will Come A Rising . . . over such evil that which all of us despise then . . . Standing here on this sacred ground, one feel's all of their souls so beseeching us so now! To teach our children well, all about what their fine lives have so meant . . . So that they too may teach their children's children time and again! To remember what it so means to be an American, as up from the ashes anew so came! A Rising, With Faith In Hearts We Will Forever So Honor Their Names! Goodness . . . Evil . . . Darkness . . . Light . . . Those Brave Hearts Who Bring The Light! As Against The Darkest of All Evil's, As Onward We Fight! Together enjoined, as we battle on into the darkest of all nights! As why With This Rising, we so honor these Heroes and their Families, with such homage we pay! All because they made America's heart stronger that day! Ten Years Ago This Day! Never Forget!

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge and pay tribute to the tremendous efforts of Debra Brown Steinberg on behalf of the families of 9/11 victims. For ten years now, Ms. Steinberg has worked tirelessly as an advocate for these families and to ensure they are treated the same, regardless of their respective citizenship or immigration status. She has played a major role in writing various bills that benefit 9/11 families including New York State's September 11th Victims and Families Relief Act, the September 11th Family Humanitarian Relief and Patriotism Act, and the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund. On a personal note, I have enjoyed working closely with Ms. Steinberg and the Department of Homeland Security to permit eligible spouses and children of 9/11 victims to remain in the United States and ultimately become permanent residents. In addition, all of Ms. Steinberg's work for these families has been pro-bono and her perseverance in seeing that they are taken care of is extraordinary. On behalf of the 9/11 families, many of which are constituents of mine, I would like to once again honor Debra Steinberg for her commitment to their lives.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 66, a resolution approving the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act (P.L. 108-61). I am proud to have once again introduced this legislation this year with the gentleman from New York, Mr. Crowley. In 2003, Congress passed the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, legislation that I co-authored with my friend, the late Tom Lantos. President Bush signed this bill into law and Congress has reauthorized these import restrictions every year since. The legislation bans imports from Burma and the issuance of visas to those officials affiliated with the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), the military junta that rules Burma and brutally represses its people. This law also bans U.S. financial transactions that involve individuals or entities connected with the SPDC. The sanctions are critically important to keeping the pressure on the Burmese junta. The government continues to have one of the worst human rights record in the world and routinely violates the rights of Burmese citizens, including the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detention, torture and child labor. Moreover, the Burmese regime has more child soldiers than any other country and has destroyed more than 3,700 ethnic villages, displaced approximately 2,000,000 people, more than 600,000 of which are internally displaced, and has taken nearly 2,000 political prisoners. We must continue to stand with the Burmese people and expose the despicable and reprehensible actions of the SPDC. Sanctions are critical to putting pressure on the junta. In 2008, the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act (P.L. 110-286) was signed into law, which bans the importation of Burmese gems into the United States and freezes the assets of Burmese political and military leaders. While these steps are significant, others must follow ours and the EU's lead. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) must impose multilateral sanctions against Burma's military regime including a complete arms embargo. While I applaud the confirmation of Derek Mitchell as Special Coordinator for Burma, there are additional provisions of the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act that have yet to be implemented. I urge the Obama Administration to call for a UN Commission of Inquiry on Burma to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity. This Commission is necessary to prevent further killings and to encourage a meaningful political dialogue. I urge adoption of the resolution.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 2219, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2012, which would transfer $12,000,000 from the account entitled Other Procurement, Army to the account entitled Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide. This transfer would fund the Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2011, which passed the House in the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2012. While our soldiers do not have to pay for the letters they send home, their families often spend hundreds of dollars to send care packages and letters of their own. The program funded by this amendment would provide soldiers serving active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan with one postal voucher every other month to transfer to their loved ones to send letters and packages to these soldiers at no cost. I fully support this postal benefits program and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of my amendment.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise on the fifth anniversary of the abduction of Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, to demand that Hamas release him immediately and unconditionally. On June 25, 2006, Hamas brutally attacked an Israeli military post, killing two soldiers and wounding four others. Shalit was taken captive and seemingly wounded in the process. Since that time, there has been no information about his whereabouts or the conditions of his captivity. He has not been granted visitation rights by any humanitarian organization, including the International Red Cross, as is required by international law. Additionally, he has been denied contact with his family and access to medical treatment. These conditions are inhumane and deplorable. I urge Hamas to release Gilad Shalit immediately, and to cease all violence and hostilities against the Jewish State.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the sixth annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. In 2006, the International Foundation for the Prevention of Elder Abuse designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which recognizes elder abuse as a public health and human rights concern. Abusive acts toward the elderly can include physical and psychological abuse, physical restraint, deprivation of dignity and the choice of daily affairs, financial exploitation and neglect. The World Health Organization has reported that between four and six percent of elderly people worldwide have experienced some form of abuse in the home. Additionally, in the United States, thirty-six percent of nursing-home employees have witnessed at least one incident of physical abuse towards an elderly patient, while forty percent admitted to psychologically abusing patients. The abuse and neglect of older persons is a global problem, and yet it remains largely unrecognized and untreated. I join with the International Foundation for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and encourage all countries, communities, neighborhoods, and organizations to take part in today's efforts to raise awareness of this serious issue, with the goal of bringing about recognition for and ultimately an end to elder abuse and neglect.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. I thank the gentleman for yielding. At the outset, let me say I am proud to vote for this rule because it is an open rule, and I commend the Speaker for doing this. It's really an important step forward, I believe, in the history of this House. Let me say also that, very reluctantly, in its current form, I will have to vote against final passage of this bill. I say this because we are at a stage now where the threat level, the homeland security threat level is the highest it's been since September 11. The killing of bin Laden has only made that worse. We know also from bin Laden's own records that he is aiming at maritime, he is aiming at mass transit, and he is aiming at our major cities. Yet we are cutting each of those programs by 50 percent, a fifty percent cut. Now, I can speak for New York in that I can tell you we have a thousand police officers. We have a Lower Manhattan security initiative. We have radiation detection. I can go through a whole list of programs. Every dollar in those programs can be accounted for. And I just cannot see why, at a time when the threat level is the highest it's been since September 11, that we are reducing Homeland Security grants by 50 percent. The Department was set up in the aftermath of September 11 to fight terror, yet those grants are being reduced. And I know there is anecdotal evidence that this program isn't working, that isn't working. I would say specify what's not working, but don't take a meat axe. Don't cut across the board the way it's being done here. We're talking about human life. We're talking about just a terrible threat to our cities, terrible threat to our ports, terrible threat to mass transit. And for those--and I understand the need to cut. I understand that need tremendously. Having said that, even from my strictly budgetary point of view, you have one dirty bomb go off in one subway in Boston, New York, or Chicago, and apart from the tragic loss of human life, apart from the tragic loss of human life there will be incalculable economic devastation, which will also cost billions and billions of dollars of lost revenue and jobs and have a terrible impact. I lived through September 11. I know what it did to New York. I know the impact it had then. I don't want any other city, any other area in the country to go through that again. And yet we're reducing our defenses at a time when they are most needed. So with that, I would just ask all the Members to give Chairman Rogers the credit, give Chairman Aderholt the credit, but unfortunately I have to vote against this.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Let me just join all of you in welcoming Ms. Hochul to the House of Representatives. Congresswoman, we look forward to working with you on behalf of our Nation and our State, and on behalf of all the Republicans in our delegation, we wish you the very best of luck.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. I thank the gentleman from Alabama for yielding. Let me just at the outset commend him for his professionalism and his courtesy throughout this entire process, and also for the effort that he made to preserve the Secure the Cities program in the Homeland Security bill. Having said that, I must reluctantly oppose the bill in its current form. Mr. Chairman, the threat level is the highest in our country since 9/ 11. That has only been increased since the death of Osama bin Laden. Osama bin Laden specifically stated, we find in his documents, that he wanted to attack mass transit, wanted to attack maritime shipping. Yet we are reducing our mass transit security funding by 50 percent. We are reducing our port security funding by 50 percent. We are reducing overall aid for Homeland Security grants, which was the purpose for which the Department was created. We are reducing that by 50 percent. This, I believe, is putting us at risk. I can speak, for instance, for New York. We have 5 million people, 5 million passengers every day on our subway system, hundreds of thousands on the commuter lines; yet we are cutting security by 50 percent. We have a thousand police officers working on counterterrorism, carrying out a Federal purpose, doing not what they were doing before September 11, but working entirely on counterterrorism and intelligence. Yet their funding will be significantly cut. We have the Lower Manhattan Security Initiative, which is going to provide a camera system of protection in the Lower Manhattan area. And I can go through program after program. Every penny is accounted for. And I would say that as we go forward, as we look to the future, it's important that cities and governments have some sense of continuity of where the funding will come from as they put their programs in place. To have a 50 percent cut this year is going to put us at a severe disadvantage. And as we do approach the 10th anniversary of September 11, do we really want to cut our police departments, our counterterrorism units, our intelligence units, our mass transit security, our port security by 50 percent? To me, this is an invitation to an attack. We cannot put ourselves in that position. Because of that, despite my great regard for the chairman, I must reluctantly oppose this legislation.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act, which would provide free postal benefits to active duty soldiers' families. While our soldiers do not have to pay for the letters they send home, their families often spend hundreds of dollars to send care packages and letters of their own. The program authorized by this amendment would provide soldiers serving active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan with one postal voucher every other month to transfer to their loved ones to send letters and packages to these soldiers at no cost. I fully support this postal benefits program and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of my amendment. I would like to thank the Members and staff of the House Armed Services Committee for working with me and accepting this amendment.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I was at Ground Zero in New York with the President and 9/11 families and therefore was unavailable for votes in Washington. However, if I had been here this is how I would have voted: rollcall No. 293: ``yea''; rollcall No. 294: ``yea''; rollcall No. 295: ``no''; rollcall No. 296: ``no''; rollcall No. 297: ``no''; and rollcall No. 298: ``yes.''

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to tell the American people and especially the 9/11 family members that we have kept our promise. Today, the American people have seen justice. Osama bin Laden, the leader of the United States' top enemy, has gotten what he deserves for orchestrating the deaths of nearly 3,000 innocent Americans on September 11, 2001. First, let me express my admiration and gratefulness to the brave men and women of our military and intelligence services who performed so valiantly during yesterday's operation. It makes me proud to know that we have so many dedicated individuals who risk their lives every day to keep us safe. These professionals succeeded in their mission to hunt down and execute al-Qaeda's leader, something we have been trying to do for the past ten years. I want to commend President Obama for his resolve and his decision to keep the pressure on al-Qaeda and its leadership. He performed his duties as Commander in Chief brilliantly. I also want to give credit to President Bush for promising to bring the 9/11 terrorists to justice and doing so much to keep America safe in the years following the 9/11 attacks. Both these men deserve great credit for their actions. Today is a great day for America. It is a great day for the men and women of our military and intelligence services. It's also a great day for the family members who lost loved ones on 9/11 and have been waiting for this day for so long. We are safer today because Osama bin Laden is no longer on this earth. He and so many of his collaborators have been hunted down, captured or killed. And while this is another highly positive development in the global war on terrorism that we are winning, we realize it is not over. We must continue to be vigilant and counter the diabolical threat of Islamic extremism. May God Bless America and all the brave men and women who protect us at home and overseas. And may the death of Osama bin Laden bring some peace and closure to those who lost loved ones on September 11th, 2001.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, March is Red Cross Month and I rise today to honor the American Red Cross, its chapters throughout the United States, and its affiliates around the world. Founded in 1881, the Red Cross is one of the most effective disaster relief organizations in the world, providing care and comfort to millions of people affected by disasters every year. We need only look at the recent tragedy in Japan to witness the important work of the Red Cross. The Japanese Red Cross is supporting operations in 1800 shelters and has provided medical care and counseling and distributed blankets and other emergency supplies to those in need. The American Red Cross is also playing a vital role in the disaster relief effort in Japan, sending personnel and monetary support. Earlier this year here at home, the American Red Cross provided assistance to individuals and families affected by the severe winter storms that impacted the Northeast and Midwest. More recently, the Red Cross provided shelter and meals in response to flooding, tornadoes, and wildfires around the United States. In addition to its disaster relief efforts, the Red Cross provides training and preparedness information for individuals, families, and organizations. The Red Cross, its dedicated employees, and its many volunteers help to make a difference in American communities every day. Whenever there are people in need, the Red Cross is there. This March, I honor the Red Cross, its employees, and its volunteers for their continued compassion and assistance in the United States and abroad.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this legislation. And I say that as one who has voted continually for reform at the U.N., has been critical of funding procedures involving the U.N. But I'm here today to save lives. The fact is, contrary to what has been said, I don't want to get caught in an accounting debate. I don't want to get caught in a fight between Democrats and Republicans, between the Obama administration, the State Department, the U.N., between chairman and ranking members. I am here because of the fact that this is not something that started 3 months ago or 4 months ago or 5 months ago. This has been an ongoing matter between the New York City Police Department and the U.N. and the State Department. The results of an attack in this area would be catastrophic. I am not going to go into details. But anyone who wants to check the series of correspondence going back long before this became an issue here in Congress about how vital it was to have this $100 million in construction changes and hardening made, whether we are talking about First Avenue or FDR Drive or the perimeter, the fact is, this is a disaster waiting to happen. And I would say to Members on both sides, if there is an attack, if there is a vehicle bomb, if there is an attack in these areas that have been designated by Commissioner Kelly, and we see hundreds of lives lost or thousands of lives lost, we're going to come back and say well, that could have been taken care of, but it was in this account rather than that account; it was authorized but not appropriated, or it was spent by the U.N. at the direction of the State Department and Congress didn't have time to act in time. The fact is, this is a matter of life and death. This is a serious matter. I was on the phone late last night at midnight with the highest-ranking people in the New York City Police Department, and how vital this is to them. We can have our debate back and forth. We can go back and forth as to when it should have been done, who was hiding what. The fact is, I'm concerned with saving lives, not just for New Yorkers, but all the tourists that visit there, the impact this would have. And if people are concerned about saving money, put it in very harsh economic terms what this would do to our economy if a car bomb went off in the vicinity specified by Commissioner Kelly and we saw lives being lost, people being burned to death, we saw buildings coming down because we felt the money wasn't done exactly the appropriate way as far as which part of the balance sheet it came off. So I am urging my colleagues to save lives, to do what has to be done for security, put partisan politics aside. And it's not just important to know the cost of something. It's important to know the value of something and the damage that can be caused if that value is impaired. So I urge the defeat of this legislation.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following. Rules of the Committee on Homeland Security Adopted January 26, 2011 rule i.--general provisions. (A) Applicability of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives.--The Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives (the ``House'') are the rules of the Committee on Homeland Security (the ``Committee'') and its subcommittees insofar as applicable. (B) Applicability to Subcommittees.--Except where the terms ``Full Committee'' and ``subcommittee'' are specifically mentioned, the following rules shall apply to the Committee's subcommittees and their respective Chairmen and Ranking Minority Members to the same extent as they apply to the Full Committee and its Chairman and Ranking Minority Member. (C) Appointments by the Chairman.--Clause 2(d) of Rule XI of the House shall govern the designation of a Vice Chairman of the Full Committee. (D) Recommendation of Conferees.--Whenever the Speaker of the House is to appoint a conference committee on a matter within the jurisdiction of the Full Committee, the Chairman shall recommend to the Speaker of the House conferees from the Full Committee. In making recommendations of Minority Members as conferees, the Chairman shall do so with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee. (E) Motions to Disagree.--The Chairman is directed to offer a motion under clause 1 of Rule XXII of the Rules of the House whenever the Chairman considers it appropriate. (F) Committee Website.--The Chairman shall maintain an official Committee web site for the purposes of furthering the Committee's legislative and oversight responsibilities, including communicating information about the Committee's activities to Committee Members, other Members, and the public at large. The Ranking Minority Member may maintain a similar web site for the same purposes. The official Committee web site shall display a link on its home page to the web site maintained by the Ranking Minority Member. (G) Activity Report.--Not later than the 30th day after June 1 and December 1, the Committee shall submit to the House a semiannual report on the activities of the Committee. After adjournment sine die of a regular session of Congress, or after December 15, whichever occurs first, the Chair may file the second or fourth semiannual report with the Clerk at any time and without approval of the Committee provided that a copy of the report has been available to each Member of the Committee for at least seven calendar days and the report includes any supplemental, minority, or additional views submitted by a Member of the Committee. rule ii.--time of meetings. (A) Regular Meeting Date.--The regular meeting date and time for the transaction of business of the Full Committee shall be at 10:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday that the House is in Session each month, unless otherwise directed by the Chairman. (B) Additional Meetings.--At the discretion of the Chairman, additional meetings of the Committee may be scheduled for the consideration of any legislation or other matters pending before the Committee or to conduct other Committee business. The Committee shall meet for such purposes pursuant to the call of the Chairman. (C) Consideration.--Except in the case of a special meeting held under clause 2(c)(2) of House Rule XI, the determination of the business to be considered at each meeting of the Committee shall be made by the Chairman. rule iii.--notice and publication. (A) Notice.-- (1) Hearings.--Pursuant to clause 2(g)(3) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Committee shall make public announcement of the date, place, and subject matter of any hearing before the Full Committee or subcommittee, which may not commence earlier than one week after such notice. However, if the Chairman of the Committee, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member, determines that there is good cause to begin the hearing sooner, or if the Committee so determines by majority vote, a quorum being present for the transaction of business, the Chairman shall make the announcement at the earliest possible date. The names of all witnesses scheduled to appear at such hearing shall be provided to Members no later than 48 hours prior to the commencement of such hearing. (2) Meetings.--The date, time, place and subject matter of any meeting, other than a hearing or a regularly scheduled meeting, may not commence earlier than the third day on which Members have notice thereof except in the case of a special meeting called under clause 2(c)(2) of House Rule XI. These notice requirements may be waived if the Chairman with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member, determines that there is good cause to begin the meeting sooner or if the Committee so determines by majority vote, a quorum being present for the transaction of business. (a) Copies of any measure or matter to be considered for approval by the Committee at any meeting, including any mark, print or amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be provided to the Members at least 24 hours in advance. (b) At least 24 hours prior to the commencement of a meeting for the markup of a measure or matter, the text of such measure or matter, including any mark, print or amendment in the nature of a substitute, shall be made publicly available in electronic form and, to the extent practicable, posted on the official Committee web site. (c) Not later than 24 hours after concluding a meeting to consider a measure or matter, the text of such measure or matter as ordered forwarded or reported, including any adopted amendments, shall be made publicly available in electronic form and, to the extent practicable, posted on the official Committee web site. (3) Publication.--The meeting or hearing announcement shall be promptly published in the Daily Digest portion of the Congressional Record. To the greatest extent practicable, meeting announcements shall be entered into the Committee scheduling service of the House Information Resources.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I will keep my remarks very brief. I thank the Congress of the United States for what it is going to do today. Especially I want to thank Carolyn Maloney and Jerry Nadler for the tremendous work they have done on this bill over the years from the very start. I want to thank Congressman Vito Fossella, who was also an original cosponsor of this. I want to thank the Speaker of the House, Ms. Pelosi, for doing so much to bring this bill forward, and also the Republican leader, who this summer managed to have this bill come up in a way that was not going to be disruptive at all. I want to thank all the members of the New York delegation. Most importantly, I want to thank the firefighters, the police officers, the construction workers, and all of those who came forward to answer the Nation's call on September 11. This is a great victory for the American people. It's a great victory for the Congress of the United States. And it sends a signal that we stand by those who come to our Nation's defense in time of trouble and, indeed, in time of war, because this was the first battle of the great war of the 21st century.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my sincerest condolences to the family of J. Eugene Quinn following his untimely passing on December 7th, 2010. Gene was a beloved brother of Thomas, Paul and Francis, a devoted husband to Marguerite, loving father to Tara and proud grandfather of Andrew and Fiona. A veteran of the United States Army, Gene had a long career in the Federal Government beginning with a position in the Reagan administration. Gene was a patron of the arts and founding member of the Anacostia Gracious Arts Program, an urban after-school arts program for underprivileged youth in Washington. I was always proud to call him my friend. In short, his commitment to public service was truly remarkable. His life and contributions will certainly be missed by many.