John Katko

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Shelton Kem. Lieutenant Colonel Kem has served our country for 26 years with the United States Air Force and New York Air National Guard. Lieutenant Colonel Kem has been decorated with numerous medals, awards, and service distinctions and will retire from military service on October 1st. It is my honor to recognize such a distinguished citizen and airman. Lieutenant Colonel Kem began his military career in 1989 when he received his commission after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Factors Engineering. Lieutenant Colonel Kem served active duty from May 1989 through September 2000. Lieutenant Colonel Kem had a very successful active duty career; after commissioning he attended pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas and remained there after graduating as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot (FAIP) in the T-38. During his time at Laughlin Air Force Base, he flew as a check pilot, was an assistant Flight Commander, and the Runway Supervisory Unit Training and Standardization Officer-In-Charge. Lieutenant Colonel Kem then flew the C-141 at Travis Air Force Base, California, working as a training officer and flying missions to all points of the world. His final active duty assignment was at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, as a Pilot Instructor Training (PIT) instructor in the T-1A. While stationed at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, he served as the assistant Chief of the Standardization and Evaluations division. Lieutenant Colonel Kem joined the New York Air National Guard in 2002 and served with the 152nd Air Operations Group as an Air Mobility Liaison officer. While in that unit he was deployed overseas for the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom in early 2003. After returning from that deployment, Lieutenant Colonel Kem joined the RC-26 program at Hancock Field, supporting law enforcement throughout the Northeast, performing airborne counter drug surveillance operations. Shortly after joining the RC-26 program, its mission expanded to include missions outside the United States to locations such as Colombia, South America, various locations within Iraq and Afghanistan, and more recently to Lima, Peru. Lieutenant Colonel Kem courageously deployed ten times with the RC-26 in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Enduring Freedom. Five of those deployments were to Iraq and two to Afghanistan. Lieutenant Colonel Kem has dedicated 26 years of service to the United States of America. Lieutenant Colonel Kem earned his pilot wings at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, and throughout his career he has earned the rating of Command Pilot, while logging 7,600 military flight hours, 1,115 combat hours, and 277 combat sorties. Lieutenant Colonel Kem worked his way through the ranks to earn the title of Lieutenant Colonel in September 2007. His effective dates of promotion are: Second Lieutenant--May 1989; First Lieutenant--May 1991; Captain--May 1993; Major--September 2000; Lieutenant Colonel--September 2007. Lieutenant Colonel Kem's major military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with ten devices, Aerial Achievement Medal with two devices, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with two devices, Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with ten devices, Combat Readiness Medal with two devices, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one device, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two devices, Iraq Campaign Medal with two devices, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Kem on his retirement and to thank him for his selfless service to our country.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 719. It is critical that we in Congress assert our oversight priorities to ensure that taxpayer dollars and government resources are being used in a responsible manner. We must make certain that our Federal employees, especially those in positions of law enforcement and significant public trust, are not misusing government resources to engage in sexual misconduct and are exhibiting the highest degree of moral fortitude. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 434) providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendment to H.R. 719, with an amendment.

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

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 719, the TSA Office of Inspection Accountability Act of 2015. This bipartisan legislation will increase operational efficiency within TSA's Office of Inspection and will translate into cost savings for the American taxpayer, as articulated in a report by the Department of Homeland Security inspector general. I am here today because I have amended this legislation to build on the good work conducted by our colleagues in the Senate and provide increased oversight of the Federal Air Marshal Service in light of ongoing issues of sexual misconduct within the agency. The amended bill requires the DHS inspector general to report to Congress on a review of TSA's existing policies for identifying misuse of government resources within the Federal Air Marshal Service as well as TSA's strategy for addressing instances of misconduct within the Federal Air Marshal Service. This provision has, unfortunately, become necessary, as we have learned of recent egregious examples of both alleged sexual misconduct and misuse of government resources by air marshals. In early September of this year, I was made aware of alleged sexual misconduct by three Federal air marshals in Chicago, Illinois, which came to light through an examination of a government-issued cellular telephone due to a workman's compensation claim investigation. The Federal Air Marshal Service self-reported that the involved employees not only utilized government-issued cellular telephones for unauthorized purposes, but hotel rooms paid for with government funds were used to engage in sexual misconduct. I understand that managing a workforce that operates worldwide is a monumental task. But, as leaders, it is imperative that we maintain discipline in order to accomplish the overall mission of keeping our skies safe. These and other allegations of misconduct have plagued the agency and are devastating to the public trust, employee morale, and the high degree of integrity that must be maintained by Federal law enforcement officers charged with securing aviation and protecting acts of terrorism. Earlier this year my subcommittee held a hearing to examine the Federal Air Marshal Service, and we plan to continue to provide rigorous oversight as TSA works to address these disturbing examples of flagrant abuse of government resources and deplorable behavior. I wish to thank the original sponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Sanford), for his leadership on this issue as well as Chairman McCaul, Ranking Member Thompson, and Ranking Member Rice for their support. Also, I would like to thank my colleagues in the Senate, particularly Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson, for their work in contributing to the bill and passing it through that Chamber. I look forward to working with them and working towards final passage of this bill, as amended. I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the recess be printed in the Record.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Samuel Irving Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. The creation of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications began in 1964 with the support of Samuel Irving Newhouse, who had a vision to build a communications school where ``the best and the brightest'' would come to study. The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications is widely regarded as one of the nation's leading school of communications. The Newhouse School has gained this reputation over the past fifty years due to its wide embrace of virtually every known form of information dissemination--including print and broadcast journalism, social media and online communication, advertising and public relations, as well as photography and film. The roots of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications are founded in Syracuse University's former School of Journalism. In 1934 the School of Journalism was founded at Syracuse University and has developed into a nationally renowned educational institution. In 1964 the first of three buildings, ``Newhouse 1,'' was opened and dedicated by President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1971 the School of Journalism merged with the Department of Television and Radio and was re-named the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. I am proud to recognize the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and congratulate the School on the achievement of its 50th anniversary. I am confident that the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University will continue to grow and educate talented, rising professionals in public communications and it is my honor to congratulate the Newhouse School on behalf of the entire Central New York Community.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Dr. Robert Laubach, a pioneer in adult literacy and lifelong advocate of literacy and education. Dr. Robert Laubach, affectionately known as Dr. Bob, was born in the Philippines and lived there through his high school years. Dr. Bob moved to the United States and completed his undergraduate studies in Ohio. He went on to pursue graduate studies at Syracuse University where he earned a master's degree in journalism and a Ph.D. in education. Dr. Bob developed his love of literacy and journalism at an early age, working the printing press for his dad's early literacy work. Dr. Bob traveled to over 40 countries in 5 years when he was in his twenties with his father and Dr. Bob carried his passion for literacy, both nationally and internationally for the rest of his life. In 1952, Dr. Bob founded the Syracuse University Literacy Journalism program and taught hundreds of educators from around the world how to prepare literacy materials. Dr. Bob developed literacy primers in local languages and organized literacy programs in more than 60 countries. In 1959, Dr. Bob began publishing News for You, a weekly news source for adult new readers, which is still in publication today. Dr. Bob also founded New Readers Press, which develops and publishes instructional materials for adult learners and adult education teachers. Today, New Readers Press continues to provide over 400 educational titles that help adults learn how to read, write, and do basic math. Dr. Bob was more than an educator, he was an innovator who helped changed countless lives by giving the gift of literacy. Dr. Bob's legacy of literacy will live on in the Central New York community, and all over the world through the thousands of literacy organizations, tutors, trainers, volunteers, and students who continue to work toward his dream of a world where everyone can read and write.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 720. The tragic event that unfolded at LAX in November of 2013 was a stark reminder that much remains to be done in securing America's transit hubs, particularly the nonsterile or nonsecure areas of airports that are, in many ways, just like open shopping malls. Because of this reality, we must react to ensure that airport communities are prepared to respond swiftly to any major security incidents that threaten the safety of the traveling public. In remembrance of TSA Officer Hernandez, I urge my colleagues to pass this important legislation. Before I close, Mr. Speaker, I do want to recognize and echo the sentiments of my colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hudson) with respect to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson): He set a tone of bipartisanship in the committee; and because of that, in the Committee on Homeland Security, itself, as well as the subcommittee, much good work is being done and many bills are being passed. So I appreciate and acknowledge the bipartisanship because it is important. It is an art that all too often gets lost in this Congress, and we are doing well with it in our committee. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, in strong support of H.R. 720, the Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act of 2015. This critically important piece of legislation is the product of a strong bipartisan effort stemming from the fatal shooting at Los Angeles International Airport on November 1, 2013. On that tragic day, TSA Officer Gerardo Hernandez was shot and killed by an active shooter, becoming the first Transportation Security Administration employee to be killed in the line of duty. Two other Transportation Security Administration officers and a passenger were also injured during the attack. In the wake of that attack, Congressman Richard Hudson, who was then serving as the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Transportation Security, spearheaded a bipartisan effort to investigate the vulnerabilities highlighted by the attack and enhance the state of airport security across the United States. One of my first acts as chairman of the subcommittee in the 114th Congress was to work with Mr. Hudson and reintroduce this important legislation, and I am pleased to see it through to final passage today. This bill builds on important steps taken by TSA and airports across the country and was developed with input from both public and private sector partners. The legislation makes important strides in enhancing the level of preparedness of our Nation's transportation systems in responding and mitigating security incidents, such as active shooters and terror attacks. For example, it requires TSA to verify that airports and high-risk surface transportation hubs have plans in place to effectively train for and respond to security incidents when they occur. Further, it will ensure that emergency communications equipment is regularly tested and that emergency first responders are able to communicate with each other and the public during a major security incident. The legislation also directs TSA to seek ways in which funding for reimbursable agreements to airport law enforcement can be increased in order to provide better support to the critical layer of security they provide. Developing this preparedness will go a long way in improving the response to threats to public safety and will work to overcome the challenges experienced by law enforcement, emergency first responders, TSA, and the public during the LAX shooting. Just last week, the need for efficient and effective communications was highlighted during a stabbing and shooting incident at Union Station here in Washington, D.C., in which law enforcement from multiple agencies responded to mitigate the situation. We must ensure that our frontline employees and first responders are equipped with the necessary tools and training to respond to these types of incidents in order to protect both themselves and the general public. I wish to extend a sincere thanks to Congressman Hudson for his work on this legislation as well as to the chairman of the full committee, Mr. McCaul of Texas, for his support. Additionally, I would like to thank Ranking Member Thompson, Ranking Member Rice, and the other bipartisan cosponsors for their work in getting this legislation to the finish line. I would also like to extend gratitude to our colleagues in the Senate, especially Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson, for further refining the legislation and moving it through the Senate. I urge all my colleagues to support the bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO. 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. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 720) to improve intergovernmental planning for and communication during security incidents at domestic airports, and for other purposes.

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hudson).

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Deputy Chief Frank Crispin, Deputy Chief Steve Zaferakis, Firefighter Phil Vogt, Firefighter Ryan Whitmore, and Firefighter Jeremy Corsaro of the Moyers Corners Fire Department. On December 25, 2014, Moyers Corners Fire Department was alerted to a residential fire in Liverpool, New York. Upon arrival, these five members of the Fire Department were advised that there were victims within the residence. Working collectively, these firefighters quickly rescued the two individuals trapped within the residence. Without hesitation, upon removing the victims from the residence, these firefighters began emergency medical efforts on the victims, one of which was found to be in full cardiac arrest. Due to the rescue and life-saving medical efforts of these firefighters, both victims survived the incident, were transported to Upstate Hospital, and are recovering from their injuries. The bravery and heroism of Deputy Chief Crispin, Deputy Chief Zaferakis, Firefighter Vogt, Firefighter Whitmore, and Firefighter Corsaro displayed on Christmas Day of 2014, have earned them the 2015 Firemen's Association of the State of New York's Firefighters of the Year Award. I am proud to recognize these courageous individuals for their service to Central New York and congratulate them on their receipt of the FASNY 2015 Firefighters of the Year Award.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officers Michael Smith, Christopher Romano, and William Foster of the Syracuse New York Police Department. On July 1, 2015, Officers Smith and Romano responded to the scene of a dispute call when they observed smoke coming from the second floor windows of a neighboring building. After immediately notifying the 911 dispatch center, along with Officer Foster's arrival, the three officers sprung to action and entered the burning building in search of potential residents. Due to these officer's heroic actions, three occupants, including a pregnant mother and her child were saved, unscathed from the home. Officer Smith was appointed to the Syracuse Police Department on September 5, 1997 and has since been assigned to the Patrol Division. Officer Romano was appointed on July 25, 2005 and was also assigned to the Patrol Division. Officer Foster was appointed to the Syracuse Police Department in 1986 and has since been assigned to the K9 unit. Officers Smith, Romano and Foster have each bravely served the Syracuse New York Police Department for over ten years. I am proud to share in the recognition of Officers Smith, Romano, and Foster as first-rate officers, performing tremendous service to the people of Syracuse, New York.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. 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. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support this strong, bipartisan piece of legislation. Miss Rice is absolutely correct: it is common sense. It is common sense that a program that has been with TSA for a while now and that has not been expanded on by TSA despite its popularity and it is common sense with respect to risk-based security that this should be passed. I urge passage of it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2843) to require certain improvements in the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck expedited screening program, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2127) to direct the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to limit access to expedited airport security screening at an airport security checkpoint to participants of the PreCheck program and other known low-risk passengers, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support this strong, bipartisan piece of legislation. H.R. 2843, which we just spoke about, and H.R. 2127, this bill, work side by side with each other, and it is a good example of the bipartisan nature which permeates this committee. One bill deals with the expansion of PreCheck; the other one deals with the constriction on the other side of PreCheck, and that is the Managed Inclusion, which none of us think is a good idea, long term, for security purposes. I am proud to be part of this legislation. I am proud of the bipartisan work we are doing on this committee, and I look forward to much more production moving forward. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2127, the Securing Expedited Screening Act. This important piece of legislation directs TSA to suspend the use of alternative methods for granting passengers access to PreCheck expedited screening unless the agency can prove the security effectiveness of such methods. Specifically, this bill requires that expedited screening be limited to passengers who have successfully enrolled in the PreCheck program or who are eligible for PreCheck by being part of an already identified low-risk population. Managed Inclusion is intended to conduct a ``real-time'' threat assessment to identify passengers who are eligible for TSA PreCheck on a flight-by-flight basis through the use of already present layers of security at the airports. However, travelers who experience expedited screening through Managed Inclusion are not subject to a criminal history background check, have not paid for TSA PreCheck--unlike other passengers--are often unaware of the reason they are receiving expedited screening, and are generally not encouraged to enroll in TSA PreCheck during the experience. While Managed Inclusion may help reduce wait times and increase utilization of TSA PreCheck lanes, it has not been tested or proven to improve the experience of travelers or, more importantly, reduce the security risks to aviation. On the contrary, passengers who go through the TSA PreCheck enrollment process and pay $85 for expedited screening are not seeing the benefits that were promised to them. This is because passengers who did not enroll, have not submitted to a background check, and are unfamiliar with TSA PreCheck are being ushered into those expedited screening lanes. This bill, along with a piece of legislation that I introduced, H.R. 2843, the TSA PreCheck Expansion Act, will ensure that we are providing expedited screening in a manner that is both deliberate and secure, and that we are expanding the known traveler population so that we can focus our resources on unknown travelers. I am very pleased to join my colleagues Mr. Thompson and Miss Rice as a cosponsor of this important legislation. I urge my other colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2127, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KATKO. 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. KATKO

Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.