Pete King

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I think it's important to point out that the House bill never contained any of those extraneous provisions. When the bill came over here, our leadership agreed that all that was taken out so that there was nothing about any other State other than those directly affected by Sandy.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At the outset, let me thank you for your service during your time in Congress, and thank you for your remarks here this morning. I think it's important to set the record straight. Last night, many of us came to the floor and rightly said that the conduct of the Republican leadership was disgraceful, it was indefensible, and it was immoral. But I think it's important to lay out the facts as to how we reached this situation so we're not put in a position of name-calling or somehow we're angry or feelings are hurt. This goes far beyond any of that. The fact is, as Congresswoman Lowey said, within 10 days after Katrina, $60 billion was appropriated. That number ended up going well over $100 billion. It's now 9 weeks and nothing has been appropriated by this Congress for the people of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Long Island, which I represent. The fact is that over the last 5, 6, 7 weeks we did everything that the Republican leadership asked us to do. Governor Cuomo came down. I was at the meeting. He met with the Speaker. Governor Christie came down. He met with the Speaker. Governor Bloomberg came down. He met with the majority leader. We were asked to submit detailed documentation. Governor Christie, Governor Cuomo, and Mayor Bloomberg all submitted absolute documentation. When we asked if anything else is required, they said, No, you've given us all we need. When the bill came from the Senate, we were told there was some pork in the bill. That was taken out of the bill. The bill that was going to be voted on on the House floor was exactly in compliance with what the Republican leadership asked us to do. Let me just say at this time, in my dealings with him, Majority Leader Cantor has been very straightforward, very direct. Last night, I know that he was fighting to get the bill on the calendar. It was the Speaker that, for whatever reason, walked off the floor and said that the bill was being pulled. Now I don't enjoy saying this. I consider myself a personal friend of John Boehner. And John Boehner personally has been very helpful to me over the years. So it pains me to say this. But the fact is the dismissive attitude that was shown last night toward New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, typifies, I believe, a strain in the Republican Party. I know this is not the place to discuss politics, but that politics seeps over into a governmental decision that was made. I can't imagine that type of indifference, that type of disregard, that cavalier attitude being shown to any other part of the country when we're talking about real life-and-death situations here--and to just have the Speaker walk off and not even tell us. He tells an aide to the majority leader, who then tells us that the item that means life and death was taken off the calendar and is gone for this session. Now they say it's going to be brought back up in January. The fact is: let's be real. We're not in session next week. The following week we're in session for 2 days. The following week is the inauguration, and we're in recess for 2 days. Then we have the State of the Union. Committees haven't even organized yet. And does anyone believe if they wouldn't vote for a $60.4 billion last night, that the Appropriations Committee is suddenly going to get religion and going to vote the full amount, when we know what their attitude is--that somehow money going to New York and New Jersey and Connecticut is corrupt money, when money going to their States is so honorable. I would just say that these people have no problem finding New York when it comes to raising money. It's only when it comes to allocating money that they can't find the ability to do it. So I'm standing here on the House floor today saying we have a moral obligation as Republicans, as Democrats, as Americans. I spoke to Governor Christie and Governor Cuomo. We've been in constant contact with Mayor Bloomberg. We cannot believe that this cruel knife in the back was delivered to our region. I have to go home this weekend and next weekend and the week after and see the hundreds and thousands of people who are out of their homes, who don't have shelter, who don't have food, and they're living with relatives, friends, and living in trailers. This is not the United States of America. This should not be the Republican Party. This should not be the Republican leadership. I'm asking the Speaker, tell Hal Rogers and these people who somehow who have become very sanctimonious when dealing with New York and New Jersey that they have an obligation to do what they have to do--and that's provide the aid and relief that we need. If there's one penny that they have a problem with, let us know. But don't walk out in the dark of night and ignore us.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, tonight's action not to hold this vote on the supplemental is absolutely indefensible. There are thousands and thousands of people throughout Long Island, Rockaway, Staten Island and New Jersey and throughout the Northeast who are homeless tonight, who are without jobs, and who have lost their business. This is absolutely indefensible. The fact is every bit of documentation that was required by the leadership of this House was provided by Governor Cuomo, Governor Christie, and Mayor Bloomberg. Everybody played by the rules, except tonight, when the rug was pulled out from under us--absolutely inexcusable, absolutely indefensible. We have a moral obligation to hold this vote. The people who are out of their homes, the people who are cold, the people who are without food, and the people who have lost their jobs don't have the time to wait. We cannot just walk away from our responsibilities.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1998) to obtain an unqualified audit opinion, and improve financial accountability and management at the Department of Homeland Security.

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within 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 yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1998, the DART Act, introduced by Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts. This important legislation will improve financial accountability and management at the Department of Homeland Security. Since the Department opened its doors on March 1, 2003, financial management of all 22 merged agencies has been one of the most significant challenges. Fiscal year 2012, over 9 years since DHS was created, was the first time the Department was able to complete a financial audit and receive a qualified opinion on all five financial statements covering the entire Department. Unfortunately, DHS has been unable to get an unqualified, or clean, opinion stating that there are no material weaknesses in its financial systems. Until such time as there is confidence in the DHS financial structure, questions will remain on how DHS accounts for taxpayer money. This important legislation is needed because it will require the Department to create a plan to meet the audit requirements to reach an unqualified opinion. Specifically, the bill requires the Secretary to take all necessary steps to ensure that all financial statements of the Department are consolidated and ready in a timely manner in preparation for an audit. Second, the DHS CFO is to report to Congress on its efforts to reach an unqualified opinion. This legislation requires this reporting requirement until such time as the Department is able to reach an unqualified opinion. Also, DHS is to report to Congress on its progress, including resources needed, plans to eliminate material weaknesses, deadlines for addressing deficiencies, and efforts to modernize DHS' financial management systems. It is essential that DHS obtain control over its financial systems and address the identified weaknesses. This legislation sets the Department on the right path to obtain an unqualified opinion. I would also like to thank Chairman Issa and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for working with the Committee on Homeland Security in getting this important legislation to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support S. 1998 and reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Washington, DC, December 7, 2012. Hon. Peter T. King, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: On November 28, 2012, the Senate passed S. 1998, the ``Department of Homeland Security Improved Financial Accountability Act of 2011.'' Thank you for consulting with the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform with regard to S. 1998 on those matters within the committee's jurisdiction. I am writing to confirm our mutual understanding with respect to the consideration of S. 1998. In the interest of expediting the House's consideration of S. 1998, I will forego consideration of the bill. However, I do so only with the understanding that this procedural route will not be construed to prejudice the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's jurisdictional interest and prerogatives on this bill or any other similar legislation and will not be considered as precedent for consideration of matters of jurisdictional interest to my Committee in the future. I respectfully request that you include our exchange of letters on this matter in the Congressional Record during consideration of this bill on the House floor. Thank you for your attention to these matters. Sincerely, Darrell Issa, Chairman.

Mr. KING of New York. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. If the gentleman from Mississippi has no further speakers, I am prepared to close.

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank Senator Brown for introducing this legislation to address the ongoing DHS financial management challenges. Also, let me thank the ranking member, Mr. Thompson, and the ranking member of the subcommittee, Ms. Jackson Lee, for their kind words. This probably will be my last appearance on the floor as chairman of the committee. I want to thank the ranking member. It has now been over 7 years we have worked together as chairman and ranking member. I enjoyed working with you. I enjoyed it a lot more when I was chairman, and I'm sure you enjoyed it a lot more when you were chairman. But no matter what our capacities were, I always found it a privilege to be able to work with you. When we could cooperate, we did. When we had honest differences, I think we expressed them in a very gentlemanly way. I certainly know that you did, and I want to thank you for that. I want to also thank the committee staff, especially Mike Russell, Mandy Bowers, and Kerry Ann Watkins, for the tremendous job they did, and all the members of the staff of both the majority and the minority. And, Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you for your years of service in the House here as well. Again, it's been a great privilege being chairman. I believe we achieved a lot. I think most importantly what the ranking member has tried to do and what I've tried to do is establish the significance of this committee and to prove that on major issues affecting the country, that both parties can work together in a bipartisan way. And I thank the gentleman for his cooperation on that. Going back to business, I urge support of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3542) to authorize the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to modify screening requirements for checked baggage arriving from preclearance airports, and for other purposes.

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 yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of S. 3542, the No-Hassle Flying Act of 2012. At the outset, let me commend the gentleman from Illinois, Congressman Walsh, for introducing the House companion to this important measure. H.R. 6028 passed the House in September by voice vote. Madam Speaker, this bill gives TSA the discretion to determine if checked luggage arriving from a foreign airport with an aviation security preclearance agreement must be rescreened before it continues on to a connecting flight inside the U.S. The bill explicitly defines such an agreement as one that delineates and implements security standards and protocols that are determined by TSA, in coordination with CBP, to be comparable to those of the U.S. and therefore sufficiently effective to enable passengers to deplane into sterile areas of airports in the United States. This bill does not diminish aviation security but, rather, streamlines the security process and allows TSA to expend resources on baggage that has not already been screened to U.S. security standards. It also supports TSA's ongoing efforts to implement risk-based, intelligence-driven security initiatives. TSA Administrator Pistole requested the new authority provided in this bill in order to go beyond our borders in establishing robust security measures and improving efficiency. I commend Administrator Pistole for his leadership and efforts to improve aviation security. In addition to streamlining security, this bill will incentivize our foreign partners to improve the technology that they use to screen checked baggage, which ultimately should increase the level of security of inbound flights to the United States. The legislation will reduce the number of missed connections and other hassles with redundant baggage screening that can become barriers to international travel and tourism. It's a win-win for passengers, the airline industry, and TSA by shortening the time necessary for transit and transfer. I urge the adoption of this bipartisan and commonsense bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Walsh). Let me take this opportunity to commend him for the outstanding job he's done during his time of service on the committee.

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. If the gentleman from Mississippi also has none, I'm prepared to close once the gentleman does.

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I urge the adoption of this bipartisan, commonsense bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dario Lorenzetti of Fort Worth, Texas was killed in action in the service of the United States in Qandahar Province, Afghanistan on October 13, 2012. He was an Eagle Scout, a graduate of Saint Andrew Catholic School and Nolan Catholic High School, and a 1993 honors graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was a champion boxer. Commissioned as an infantry officer, Lieutenant and then Captain Lorenzetti served with distinction in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Those who bear the Ranger Tab follow a creed which reads in part, ``Never shall I fail my comrades,'' and ``I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be.'' Dario exemplified this motto. His military obligation complete, he volunteered to return to government service after America was attacked on September 11, 2001. He worked overseas on behalf of our national security with courage, dedication and uncommon skill. Dario served in Saudi Arabia, India and finally Afghanistan, where he gave the last full measure of devotion to our country. Every generation learns the hard truth that our nation's greatest heroes are found among the ranks of those who raise their hands to go forth and protect us, but never return home. Dario's death proves the sad wisdom of this lesson. His sincere Catholic faith recalled Saint Francis of Assisi's advice that Christians ``preach the gospel wherever you go, and if necessary, use words.'' Dario inspired and led others by quiet example. He will always be remembered by his colleagues and friends for his generosity, humility, kindness, warmth and wit. Dario is survived by his wife and soulmate Kirstin, and his daughters Arabella, Natalia and Aryanna. There has never been a happier husband or prouder, more doting father of baby girls than Dario Lorenzetti. His family was the center of Dario's life, and his loss to them is irreplaceable. Our prayers go out to them. In the words of the Epistle of Timothy, Dario Lorenzetti fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Dario, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I am submitting the following letter exchange for the Record between myself and Chairman Dave Camp of the House Committee on Ways and Means: House of Representatives, Washington, DC, June 27, 2012. Hon. Peter King, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman King: I am writing to you concerning the bill H.R. 4251, the ``Securing Maritime Activities through Risk- based Targeting for Port Security Act.'' This legislation includes several provisions in section 201 that pertain to the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways & Means with respect to Customs and Border Protection's mission of facilitating the efficient flow of legitimate commerce. The Committee recognizes the importance of H.R. 4251 and the need to move expeditiously. Therefore, the Committee is willing to forego action on the bill with the understanding that by doing so, the Committee is not in any way prejudiced with respect to its jurisdictional prerogatives or the appointment of conferees on this or similar legislation. In addition, I appreciate your agreement that the Ways & Means Committee be included within the definition of ``appropriate congressional committees'' so that it will receive the implementation and strategic plans required in section 201 of the bill. I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 4251, and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record. Sincerely, Dave Camp, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. KING of New York

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

Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. KING of New York

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4251) to authorize, enhance, and reform certain port security programs through increased efficiency and risk-based coordination within the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. At the outset, Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Miller for her hard work on this bipartisan legislation. After the attacks of September 11, Congress recognized the importance of securing our Nation's ports. The SMART Port, building on the work of the SAFE Port Act from 2006, addresses new maritime security challenges as the Department's port and maritime security mission continues to evolve and grow. This legislation accomplishes this by using a risk- based framework, enhancing security measures overseas before threats reach our shores, fostering a collaborative environment between Customs and Border Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard in sharing port security duties and leveraging our trusted allies. This bill would extend the validity of the TWIC cards, currently set to begin expiring later this year, until the Department of Homeland Security releases the TWIC Reader Rule, which has been delayed over and over again. This bill is the result of more than a year of close congressional oversight and scrutiny through hearings held by the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security. It's a good bill. I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the author of the bill, the distinguished gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller).

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time. If the gentleman from Mississippi has no further speakers, I am prepared to close once he does.

Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, in closing, the SMART Port Security Act makes needed improvements to the TWIC program and supports security grants. It also encourages both the CBP and the Coast Guard to reduce redundancies and overlap, which will save taxpayer dollars. I ask my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.