Pete King

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, let me thank my colleague from New York for yielding. Let me also commend Mr. Larson and Mr. Moulton for their leadership efforts on this, and, of course, Mr. Bilirakis. It is really a great honor to be supporting this legislation. I have known, unfortunately, too many people who suffer from ALS. It is 100 percent fatal. That is the reality of it. All of us who meet advocates every year coming in to lobby us, or to urge us to support more research funding for ALS, we realize very quickly they may be there 1 year and 2 years, and then we never see them again because they have died. It is a brutal neurodegenerative neuromuscular disease, and this 5-month limit that was put on them before they can obtain disability benefits was so unfair. During that 5 months, the disease can progress so rapidly. The medical costs go up. The psychological costs are there. By passing this legislation today, we are going to provide not just financial relief but also psychological and emotional care and relief for their families and friends. In New York, we always refer to this as Lou Gehrig's disease after the famed Yankee slugger, and I am saying that as a Mets fan. Lou Gehrig is a hero in New York. Unfortunately, as great as his baseball record is, he is known most for the disease that ended both his career and his life. Let me just say also, this will be my final appearance on the House floor speaking, the last time I speak on the House floor. I want to say what a great honor it has been to serve for these past 28 years with all of the Members. It has been a great privilege for me. One of the real privileges is being able to support legislation such as this, which is so needed and so necessary.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, it is really a privilege to be here today to welcome Chris Jacobs to the House of Representatives. As Congresswoman Lowey said, he has a long career both in government and being active in his community, especially setting up an inner city scholarship fund for the City of Buffalo, serving as Secretary of State for the State of New York, then being elected Erie County Clerk, and then being elected New York State senator. It is a very perilous time to be coming to Congress. The country is going through extreme tension and conflict. The fact is, Chris has the credentials, he has the qualifications, and he has the ability to make sure that he will do the best for his constituents, for the entire Congress, and also for the country. So with that, Chris, I am really proud to welcome you here today. And, again, sometimes you hear about all of the partisanship. Believe me, we in New York do try to work together. Nita and I, we don't always agree on everything, but we always find a way to work together. This is true of most of the members of the delegation. I have no doubt that you will do an outstanding, excellent job. I look forward to working with you over the next several months.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in opposition to H.R. 7120. The brutal murder of George Floyd and the protests and demonstrations since then highlight the racial issues which still afflict our Nation and which deserve thoughtful discussion and debate. I want to use my time today to reject the premise of systemic police racism, which is the genesis of today's legislation. I say the opposite: No one has done more to protect all lives than the police. Take New York City, where thousands of protesters have regularly taken to the streets to demonstrate against the NYPD even though, in the past 25 years, the policies and actions of the NYPD have literally saved tens of thousands of lives of people of color. The city has gone from more than 2,000 murders a year, with a great majority of them being African American, to less than 300. Last year, NYPD officers fired their weapon 35 times. That is 35 times in a police force of 36,000 in a city of more than 8 million, and millions more commuters and tourists. Five African Americans were killed by the NYPD in the entire year, four of whom had a gun or knife. You won't hear this on the House floor from the other side today, but nationally, more Whites are killed by police than African Americans each year, both in total numbers and in proportion to their encounters with police. Supporting this legislation, which targets the police, might make people feel better about themselves in the short run but would result in more crime and murder in the minority communities, which already suffer from inadequate healthcare, housing, and educational opportunity. Just in the past month, we have seen shootings increase dramatically in cities such as Chicago and New York, where shootings are at their highest level in almost 25 years. It is time to be honest. It is not a peaceful protest when businesses are wrecked and looted, when rocks and bricks and Molotov cocktails are thrown at cops and more than 300 police officers are injured, as we are seeing right now in New York. No, police are not perfect--none of us are, that is for sure--but they do outstanding work. Just last month, this House, under Democratic leadership, passed the HEROES Act, recognizing the great work of the police in combating COVID-19. How things change in one month. My father was in the NYPD for more than 30 years. I have been to too many wakes and funerals of cops who have made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives for others. Police deserve more than this legislation, which targets them for society's ills. It is time to stand with the men and women in blue who put their lives on the line for all the rest of us every day of the year. I strongly urge a ``no'' vote.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the strong strategic partnership between the United States and India. A relationship that is based on shared values of democracy. Our cooperation extends across many sectors including financial, defense and counterterrorism. The region of Kashmir has long been subjected to conflict and instability. I support Prime Minister Modi in his efforts to bring stability to the region.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I stand in strong support of this legislation. I want to commend my colleague, Congressman Suozzi, for introducing it. Madam Speaker, I am really disappointed in my Republican colleagues. They are raising a class warfare argument. They sound like the progressive left. The fact is, one of the reasons why cities like New York and counties like Nassau and Suffolk have had to raise their property taxes is because for 50 years, we have been subsidizing other States. Seventy percent to 80 percent of the money we send to the Federal Government comes back to us, the rest goes to other States. So during all these years when they have been able to develop using our money, we have had to raise local taxes, and now they are turning it into class warfare. These aren't millionaires. The people in my district who are getting screwed by this are not millionaires. They are cops, they are firefighters, construction workers, the people who answered the call on 9/11. What they are doing is undermining the middle class. What is middle class in other States may be different from mine. The reason we are high is because of the fact we have had to subsidize all the rest of them for all these years, sort of like when politicians come to New York to raise their money and then go back home and vote against us. I will say that the strongest advocate for this--when this was first raised in 1986 in leading to the defeat of the attempt to take away SALT--was Donald Trump. He said the States that work the hardest would get hurt the most because of this. Now, also let me just say--and I will end on this--that we have subsidized other States long enough. We are asking for fairness. It is wrong for conservatives to be talking about having a tax on a tax. Madam Speaker, I urge passage of this bill to have some equity in the tax code.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Articles of Impeachment against President Trump. As Chairman Nadler must recall, exactly 21 years ago today, I spoke on this floor in opposition to the impeachment of President Clinton. And 21 years ago tomorrow, I voted against all four Articles of Impeachment against President Clinton. Today's Articles of Impeachment against President Trump are an assault on our Constitution and the American people. To impeach a President for a phone call for which no crime is charged, never mind a high crime, and asserting his constitutional prerogative as a President is a clear abuse of power by the Congress. It sets a dangerous precedent of weaponizing impeachment to undo the solemn decision of the American people. Madam Speaker, President Trump and I grew up in the same borough of New York City, and today, I am proud to stand with President Trump and urge a ``no'' vote on these horrible Articles of Impeachment. I strongly urge a ``no'' vote.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate one of my constituents, Judge Phil Goglas, an ex-captain of the Central Islip Fire Department (CIFD) who was elected as the new Eastern Director of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA). Judge Goglas is a former New York City Transit Police Officer. He received his bachelor's from St. John's University and his Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School. Judge Goglas was elected to the Suffolk County District Court in 2010 and the Suffolk County Court in 2014 where he currently presides. Judge Goglas started his volunteer fire service with the Wyandanch Volunteer Fire Company in 1979 and joined the Central Islip Fire Department in 1993 and served as Captain of Engine and Company 3 from 2000 to 2002. Judge Goglas has been a member of the FDSOA since 2010 and will be sworn in at the annual general meeting held in conjunction with the 2020 Health and Safety Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) was established in 1989 as a non-profit association, whose mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue and emergency services community. The association is led by a volunteer board of directors. The association is dedicated to the issues that affect the critical role of the safety officer in protecting and promoting the safety and health responsibilities of fire departments, communities and first responders. I call on my colleagues to join me in congratulating Judge Goglas and continue to support our first responders who put their lives on the line for the community.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of all the lost lives and families of 9/11, on the 18th anniversary with a poetic tribute penned by Albert Carey Caswell. Sadly, we are living daily with the second wave on 9/11 with the loss of all those magnificent responders who stayed on to help recover our lost loved ones. Our prayers go out to them and their families on this day. And on this day . . . We gather and pray, forgetting not all those who've paid . . . But, with their most precious lives on that day, and continue to in every way . . . With the price so grave . . . And for all of their loved ones living and the lost, who now lie in such cold quiet graves the cost . . . And the ones whose precious bodies we could not bury nor save . . . Oh how the tears come our way, wishing somehow to each heart remorse convey . . . Our thoughts and prayers go with them in their pain each day . . . As we add new names to this list that which evil gave . . . With more and more Heroes going to their graves . . . All in the aftermath of 9/11 and in its second wave . . . Were all those heroes who dug in deep, to find our most precious loved ones while in the midst this evil speaks . . . All so their loved ones could find solace, and bury their loved ones in the earth deep down beneath . . . On this day to stop and pray to these hearts which speak . . . And give thanks and remembrance for all and each . . . The families who can not be repaid . . . God Is Good and God Is Great, all in such magnificent heroes he creates . . . For such selflessness there can be no greater gift then this . . . Then, all of those Gotham Hearts who stood so courageously on that day we miss . . . And laid down their lives illuminating our souls in the light of hope's golden rays . . . With rays of hope and faith and courage and glory to our children we must convey . . . And now all of the new battles which lie ahead, for all of those who stayed on the site who too now blood must shed . . . Trying to give closure to the families, so their loved ones could be lowered into such solemn graves . . . As its for them and all of their loved ones in this new battle pray . . . And for all those innocents who died just because they went to work that day . . . We Can Not and Will Never Forget . . . As like them too we must face each new day . . . With the determination and grit and courage as they . . . To live our lives but For The Greater Good each day . . . As we have built in their honor this magnificent shrine upon hearts which stays . . . Which rises out of the ashes of hate in its light up towards heaven in time . . . So very splendid and so very fine . . . That which now will so surely stand the test of time . . . So that from generation to generation all of our children will find . . . The answer to winning the battle against evil in its darkest of times . . . Goodness, Evil, Darkness, Light, those brave hearts who evil must fight . . . Who bring their light, together enjoined as we battle on into that dark night . . . And that The Darkness is no match for The Light . . . As we pray our souls be filled with such hope and such faith as they so bright . . . Knowing full well that time does not heal all, only up in Heaven when out to us our love ones call . . . When, once again together again . . . Let us find peace, let us find rest, let us mend with our Lord us to bless . . . And watch over all of the families in their battle in the second wave 9/11's direst . . . And all of the families who lost loved ones and gave all in death . . . As we thank and remember all of America's Best . . .

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding, and I address this to my Republican and Democratic friends. I am the lead Republican sponsor of this bill and I am proud to be because, as far as I am concerned, this bill protects and helps the men and women that we Republicans claim to care about: hardworking, middle- income people who play by the rules. They are not looking for welfare. They are not looking for a free ride. They have played by the rules. They are the backbone of our communities. They are Democrats. They are Republicans. They are Black. They are White. They are people we rely on all the time. They have done everything they have been asked to do. Now, they are not high-paid CEOs. They are not big bankers. They are ordinary, day-to-day Americans, the people we claim to represent. And to allow them not to be taken care of, not to be protected, that this ``not be done to me'' just flies in the face of our oath of office. We have an obligation to these men and women who have done so much for their country, and there is no example of malfeasance. We are not talking about that. We are talking about changing economic conditions that have affected these multiemployer pension plans. That is the reality. Our economy is moving fast, so there are people getting ahead. There are also people being left behind. It is our duty to make sure that everyone gets the opportunity to go forward, that those who are entering their golden years, who planned, did everything they had to do, were asked to do, were expected to do, that they not be left out. It is easy to look at some actuarial chart and put on the green eyeshade and say: Well, this may cause this; this may cause that. In fact, even if we do that, to me, the economic loss by not protecting these workers is far worse than whatever the cost may be. And as Congressman Neal said, this is not a bailout. It is a backstop. It is doing what has to be done. And, again, they are not high-priced CEOs. They are not looking for a free ride. They are not trying to get a tax reduction for their jet or anything like that. They just want to get what they are entitled to, wha they have earned, and what they played by the rules to get. So, again, as a Republican, I am proud to stand for this and, also, for all Republicans in my district who are proud Teamsters, proud union members, as I was a union member. Again, we should not be setting class against class, not talking about union bosses and union corruption. That stuff should have gone out in the 1930s. We are all Americans. They are hardworking Americans. They deserve to receive the protection that we, as Members of the Congress, can give them. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge support of this bill.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 499.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for recognizing me, and let me also thank the gentleman for the support that the gentleman has given to this bill. When the gentleman from Georgia went on the bill, it was a major turning point, so I thank the gentleman for that. It also shows that this is not a partisan or regional issue. It affects people in all parties, all districts in the United States, and all States throughout the country. This was a major effort which the country came together on after 9/ 11, and as a result of that, there have been casualties and deaths from all over the country. Now, in my own district, I had 150 people killed, but I believe there are going to be even more than that by the time these illnesses run their course. There are so many people in the prime of life who have been cut down from these 9/11 cancers, blood disorders, and the various intestinal tract illnesses. It has just been a horrible experience to go through for all of these people and their families. But today is a major milestone on the road to full justice for all those who risked their lives both on the day of 9/11 and in the days, weeks, and months after 9/11: those who worked down at the pile of Ground Zero, those who risked their lives then and are now suffering the consequences of that and those who will suffer the consequences in the years ahead. These are late-developing cancers, and that is why it is so important that this bill be passed. Let me stress again how bipartisan this is. I commend Jerry Nadler and Carolyn Maloney for the outstanding work they have done. This goes back more than 15 years that this fight has gone on in one dimension or another. Hopefully, this will be the final struggle we have. Many details have to be worked out, but this should be it, today, as far as finally doing what has to be done for those men and women from 9/11. Let me also thank the Speaker, Nancy Pelosi. She was instrumental in getting this passed back in 2010, and I want to thank the gentlewoman for keeping her commitment to making sure we got it done this year on a bipartisan basis. Also, we have people here today like Jake Lemonda from the UFOA, the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, and Gerald Fitzgerald from the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York. We have people, again, on both sides. I want to thank my colleagues, Congressman Lee Zeldin and Congressman Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania, for their efforts. We have to, again, make sure that the message goes out to the American people that this is not a regional bill. This is something that involves the entire Nation. This involves the commitment of the United States to always stand with and be with those who put their lives on the line for the rest of us. So, again, I can't emphasize enough the importance of this. The men and women out there, those people in our districts that we see, those people who we see day in and day out, week in and week out, those who are suffering, those who have had their benefits cut because of the shortage in the fund, that can never be allowed to happen. We have to go forward. And, again, I want to emphasize that this is bipartisan. This involves the entire Nation, and it is important that we target those who are the enemies here. The terrorists who attacked on 9/11 brought this about. They are the ones who caused this. It is the men and women who responded, who went back down to that pile day after day after day, week after week, month after month, doing what they could in the rescue and recovery effort, who showed unusual courage. The least we should do is show what is expected of us, and that is to do what has to be done to make sure that they and their families receive the compensation that they need and are entitled to. This is part of the lasting debt America has to the men and women of 9/ 11 and those who worked in the days, weeks, and months afterwards. Madam Chair, I urge full support of this legislation. Hopefully, when it goes to the Senate, it will be acted on quickly. The victims of 9/11 have been waiting too long as it is. We can't allow a day to go by. I urge adoption of the bill. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize my longtime friend, Isidore Shapiro, on the occasion of his 100th birthday this past February 2, 2019. After graduating with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1952, Mr. Shapiro committed his career to helping those who were struggling. During his storied career of public service, starting with serving as the Executive Director of the Queens County Mental Health Society and concluding as the first social worker to be appointed Commissioner of the Nassau Country Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Developmental Disabilities, Mr. Shapiro continually displayed both compassion and respect for the people he served and a devotion to seeing them attain success. During my years as Special Assistant to the Chief Deputy County Executive and then as County Comptroller I worked closely with Isidore. He is a true friend and dedicated public servant. After his time as Commissioner, Mr. Shapiro, along with his loving wife Goldie, happily retired to sunny Tuscan, Arizona. For his and Goldie's service to Nassau County, it is a privilege to wish him a happy 100th birthday.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Joyce for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my legislation, H.R. 1313, the Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act. The Transit Security Grant Program provides needed funds to transit agencies to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism. With billions of riders using surface transportation annually, and limited security screening, it should come as no surprise that surface transportation has been, and continues to be, a terror target. We have witnessed multiple attacks overseas: the bombings of commuter trains in Madrid, the metro station bombing in Brussels, the bombing of the tube in London. In New York, we saw, in 2019, there was an attempted liquid explosive attack, which, if successful, would have killed many, many hundreds. And then, soon after that, there was a planned attack against the Long Island Railroad, in my own district, carried out by Bryant Neal Vinas, who was then in Afghanistan plotting the attack. And more recently and much closer to home, we witnessed the 2017 New York Port Authority bombing, which the Speaker is well aware of, involving our city. With the continual calls from ISIS and other extremist groups for lone-wolf attacks to target crowded areas, we must ensure the first responders and transit agencies have the tools needed to secure our transit systems. Based on previous work done by the subcommittee under the leadership of my good friend Congressman Dan Donovan, we learned of the challenges associated with the fluctuating period of performance for Transit Security Grant Program projects, especially for completing vital large- scale capital security projects. The Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act addresses this challenge by codifying the period of performance for this grant program at 36 months for the majority of eligible projects. It also extends the period of performance for large-scale projects to 55 months. This ensures that these major projects can be successfully completed in the allotted time. Transit security grant program awards can be used to provide personnel with essential security training. However, recipients of these awards are not currently permitted to use the grant program funds to pay for backfilling personnel attending such training, which may, in turn, inhibit some transit agencies from sending their staff to vital security training. H.R. 1313 will permit Transit Security Grant Program funds to be used for this purpose, consistent with other homeland security grant programs. Given the evolving threat landscape, it is imperative that the Transit Security Grant Program provide flexible solutions for grant recipients. It is of the utmost importance that transit agencies have the ability to enhance the protection of these soft targets and crowded places to keep everyday commuters safe. Mr. Speaker, I thank my staff, particularly, Diana Bergwin, for their hard work. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join in supporting H.R. 1313.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of a great American and true New Yorker, Arlene Howard, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 95. Mrs. Howard was World War II Navy Veteran who raised a family committed to serving the United States of America. While I had met Mrs. Howard several times prior, my relationship with her started after the national tragedy of 9/11. Her son George, an off- duty officer with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, raced from his Hicksville home to the World Trade Center and met death. In the days that followed, the story of George's bravery captured the nation's attention and Mrs. Howard gave her son's shield to President George W. Bush the day he visited Ground Zero. When President Bush addressed a Joint Session of Congress in the weeks following the attacks, he did so with George's shield in hand. The shield remained with the President throughout his presidency. In the years following, Mrs. Howard grew close with my entire family, especially with my mother. From my first meeting with her, I knew she was stronger, tougher, and more caring than anyone I had ever met. She was dedicated to preserving the memory of her son and never wavered in her support for America's military and the Men and Women in Blue. Her dedication to her country and family live on with her children and grandchildren. R.I.P. Arlene Howard

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise, on this, the greatest day of the year, Opening Day of the Major League Baseball season to honor the 1969 New York Mets upon the 50th Anniversary of their World Series Championship. This scrappy team, led by the remarkable Gil Hodges, disproved their doubters, united a city, and offered hope during a dark time in our country's history. A season that began with a loss to the expansion Montreal Expos ended with Joan Hodges screaming ``We're Champions'' in an exuberant clubhouse under the beautiful Shea Stadium. With a rotation led by the powerful arms of Tom ``The Franchise'' Seaver and Jerry Koosman and a lineup packed with the ability of the likes of Ed Kranepool, Bud Harrelson, Cleon Jones, and Art Shamsky, these Mets jumped over the moon and won the World Series. The team that had been stumbling since the year of its creation somehow managed to outlast the historic Chicago Cubs with three future Hall of Famers, the imposing Atlanta Braves led by Hammerin' Hank Aaron, and the awe-inducing Baltimore Orioles led by Frank and Brooks Robinson. The characters that were these Mets offered hope to a struggling New York City and optimism for a country suffering through the Vietnam War. Fifty years ago, my New York Mets reminded the country why baseball is truly America's pastime. I, along with so many others who were cheering them during those exciting days, say thank you, congratulations on their 50th Anniversary, and Let's Go Mets.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Notre Dame Law School Professor Thomas L. Shaffer, a true icon who passed away last week. Tom Shaffer was a teacher, mentor and friend to generations of Notre Dame Law students. I was privileged to be one of those students whose life and career benefitted so much from that experience. Tom Shaffer began his teaching career at Notre Dame in 1963 after graduating from the Law School two years earlier. Besides his ability in the classroom Professor Shaffer served as Dean from 1971-1975 and was a renowned legal ethics scholar and prolific legal author having written more than 300 scholarly works. Most important was Tom Shaffer's lasting impact on so many students to whom he imparted his dedication to strong legal thinking and analysis founded on ethics and moral responsibility. Tom Shaffer was a good man and that goodness is being reflected in the outpouring of statements from so many of his former students since his death. All of us have Tom Shaffer in our thoughts and prayers and send our sincerest condolences to his wonderful wife Nancy and their children and grandchildren. Professor Tom Shaffer R.I.P.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and H.R. 1112, the Enhanced Background Checks Act. Both pieces of legislation would close deadly loopholes in federal law to increase public safety. I am proud to co- lead these important initiatives to reduce gun violence. H.R. 8, which would require background checks on all firearm purchases, is a common sense measure that will help keep our children and communities safe. This is particularly important with the rise of internet and gun show sales, where prohibited purchasers can easily skirt the law to obtain deadly firearms. This bill would also reduce firearms trafficking through secondary sales and enhance law enforcement's ability to trace firearms used in a crime. Similarly, H.R. 1112 would increase public safety by giving background check operators sufficient time to complete background checks. While roughly 90 percent of background checks on gun sales are completed immediately, a small amount requires additional time for operators to discern whether a purchaser is prohibited from buying a firearm. However, under current law, if a background check is not completed within three business days, the sale can proceed. This loophole allows thousands of prohibited purchasers each year--including the shooter in Charleston, South Carolina--from obtaining guns without the completion of a background check. H.R. 1112 would keep everyday citizens safe by keeping firearms out of the hands of prohibited purchasers. It would also protect law enforcement by reducing the need for ATF agents to retrieve guns from individuals who shouldn't have been allowed to purchase them. While there is no single measure that will completely eliminate gun violence, these bills take crucial steps towards reducing it. They also protect the rights of law abiding gun owners. I am proud to support these pieces of legislation and encourage my colleagues to do so.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Craig W. Floyd, who retired on December 31, 2018 as the CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund after over 30 years of distinguished service. Mr. Floyd has been a strong law enforcement advocate for over 40 years, beginning with the 10 years he served as Legislative Assistant for my late friend and decorated NYPD legend, Congressman Mario Biaggi. Mr. Floyd helped form the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund with Biaggi, serving as it's CEO from the outset. Under Mr. Floyd's leadership the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has gone above and beyond in its mission of telling the story of American law enforcement. Mr. Floyd oversaw the construction of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which was dedicated in 1991. This monument contains the names of over 21,000 fallen law enforcement officers dating back to the first documented line of duty death in 1791. Today, the Memorial Fund maintains the world's most comprehensive database of police officers killed in the line of duty. During his tenure Mr. Floyd has also overseen the enactment of a federal law authorizing all American flags to be flown at half-staff on ``Peace Officers Memorial Day''; enactment of a federal law authorizing 500,000 commemorative silver dollars to be issued by the U.S. Mint honoring the service and sacrifice of America's law enforcement officers and their families; publication of the book, To Serve and Protect: A Tribute to American Law Enforcement; 30 annual candlelight vigils honoring fallen police officers during the Memorial Fund's signature event, National Police Week, which attract a crowd of 30,000; and the opening of the National Law Enforcement Museum on October 13, 2018. As the son of an NYPD officer, I commend Mr. Floyd on his outstanding contributions to members of the law enforcement community and thank him on behalf of myself and all those who are undoubtedly better off because of his efforts. I wish Mr. Floyd all the best in his retirement.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you to present H.R. 5412, which would rename the United States Postal Service facility located at 25 2nd Avenue in Brentwood, New York as the ``Army Specialist Jose L. Ruiz Post Office Building.'' Throughout the 2nd District of New York, there are countless examples of fine men and women who have honorably served and protected our country. Putting the needs of the country before their own, these men and women have gone overseas to defend our freedoms and protect those who could not protect themselves. One of these constituents was Army Specialist Jose L. Ruiz. In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks, SPC Ruiz was inspired to leave his job as a computer network engineer and join the United States Army. During his service, SPC Ruiz was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Stryker Brigade Combat team based in Fort Lewis, Washington. With his unit, SPC Ruiz was deployed to Iraq. While conducting security operations in Mosul, his position was approached by enemy forces in a civilian vehicle who attacked the position with small arms fire. SPC Ruiz was tragically killed in the attack. SPC Ruiz was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, and several other awards for his service and bravery. With his untimely passing, SPC Ruiz left behind a loving family, including his brothers, Alexander and Eduardo, Jr., his sister Rosa, his loving wife Alexa, his young daughter Liana, and his parents, Eduardo and Juliana. Renaming this USPS facility is a small way to honor the sacrifice of SPC Ruiz and his family. SPC Ruiz is a true American hero.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Let me again thank the gentleman from Mississippi and the ranking member for his service on this bill and his service to the committee over the years. Mr. Speaker, this legislation provides DHS vital authority to protect the Department from vendors who pose a risk. The bill includes important accountability measures to ensure that decisions are risk based, allows the vendor to provide feedback, and requires annual reviews any time the authority is used. This is commonsense legislation that will provide important national security protections for the Department similar to what already exists for the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6430, the Securing the Homeland Security Supply Chain Act of 2018, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, on July 24, the Committee on Homeland Security voted to favorably report H.R. 6430. I want to thank the Oversight and Management Efficiency Subcommittee chairman, Mr. Perry; the full committee chairman, Mr. McCaul; Ranking Member Thompson; the Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subcommittee ranking member, Miss Rice; the Oversight and Management Efficiency ranking member, Mr. Correa; Congressman Donovan; and Congressman Payne for working with me and cosponsoring this legislation. The legislation under consideration is a result of several years of oversight into supply chain and counterintelligence risks in the procurement process. There is no question that nation-states and criminal actors are constantly trying to exploit U.S. Government and private-sector systems to steal information or insert potentially harmful hardware or software. The recent cases involving Kaspersky, ZTE, and Huawei underscore the threats posed to the Federal supply chain and the urgency in developing stronger mechanisms to secure it. On July 12, I held a hearing to review DHS' current supply chain risk management programs as well as assess the need for additional authority. At the hearing, the Department's chief information officer noted: ``Gaps exist in the Department's authority to use intelligence to support its procurement decisions. . . . In those exceptional cases where mitigation is not possible, the Department needs the capability to react swiftly while appropriately restricting the disclosure of other national security sensitive information.'' Clearly, Madam Speaker, this is a problem. The bill under consideration today provides the DHS Secretary with authority to restrict information technology procurements if the vendor poses a threat to the DHS supply chain. This bill establishes true coordination between the acquisition process and intelligence. This authority is modeled after existing authority granted to the Department of Defense in 2011. The legislation also includes important enhancements recommended by the Office of Management and Budget based on a governmentwide supply chain risk management proposal released at the end of July. I am hopeful that, as this bill moves through the process, we will also have an opportunity to consider the legislation that provides similar authority to ensure national security vetting is incorporated into the wider government procurement process. As a national security agency, it is vital that DHS also have robust supply chain risk management practices and tools to identify, mitigate, and remove potential threats to its systems and contracts. With this legislation, Congress is ensuring that DHS will have the authority necessary to fully vet and restrict, if necessary, vendors who pose a threat. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 6430, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6430) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to implement certain requirements for information relating to supply chain risk, and for other purposes.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank my colleague, Mr. Langevin, for his bipartisan support on this legislation, as in so many other pieces of bipartisan legislation, and for the outstanding work he does on the subcommittee and the committee. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5094, the Enhancing Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative Act. I have been a long-term proponent of the If You See Something, Say Something campaign, which was begun in New York City in 2002 by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. This program, along with the Suspicious Activity Reporting initiative, SAR, helps Federal, State, and local law enforcement piece together sometimes seemingly disparate pieces of information to prevent, detect, and interdict terrorist threats to the homeland. During a recent subcommittee hearing on SARs, a witness from the New Jersey State Police explained that a SAR triggered a law enforcement investigation where a copy of ``Inspire'' magazine was found in a residence, in particular, an article on how to construct a pressure cooker bomb. The suspect admitted to planning a major attack in New York City. This SAR was instrumental in thwarting a potential terrorist attack against our Nation. While the FBI reviews, nationwide, SARs for investigative leads, DHS largely manages the efforts to provide information and training to State and local law enforcement, fusion centers, and other emergency response providers. H.R. 5094 strengthens this effort by requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a strategy designed to improve the operations and activities of the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative, NSI. This includes training; outreach; information sharing with key partners, including law enforcement officers, fusion centers, emergency response providers, and the private sector. H.R. 5094 also empowers the Secretary to establish an NSI working group that includes representation from State and local stakeholders, the private sector, and privacy experts. The working group will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary on improvements to the SARs initiative. Additionally, the reporting requirement to Congress promotes transparency in these efforts and rigorous oversight by my subcommittee and others. Last week, the Secretary of Homeland Security noted that DHS was in the midst of ``refreshing'' the SARs initiative. While I am pleased to hear that DHS is moving to enhance ``See Something, Say Something'' and SARs, the legislation before us today will ensure that the refresh is done strategically and includes input from the very stakeholders responsible for investigating and reporting SARs. Shortly after an attack or tragedy in our Nation, leaders of both parties urge our citizens to be vigilant during their commutes and in their neighborhoods, and to report suspicious activity to law enforcement. It is important to turn public statements of support into legislative action. This bill received strong bipartisan support in committee. The passage of this legislation will demonstrate Congress' commitment to provide commonsense legislation to help DHS continue to provide important SARs training and outreach. I would also like to emphasize that a Secret Service detailee to my subcommittee, Pete Murphy, was very instrumental in working with other staff members in putting this legislation together. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.