Frank LoBiondo

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul), the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers on this side, so I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Once again, I join in thanking my colleague from California (Mr. Swalwell). I think the approach we have had to this is exactly what we need in combating terrorism. It is hard to imagine, even just a few years ago, that we would be facing this threat that we face today and this threat of terrorism that we have seen, this barbaric face in Paris and in San Bernardino, the fact that the enemy is evolving in so many different ways, and the fact that we have to be right 100 percent of the time and that they have so many different avenues that they can pursue. This piece of legislation is another piece to the puzzle which will help our country and our agencies be able to figure things out. Our intelligence community works tirelessly with law enforcement to be able to figure out what the next challenge is. I hope the people of America understand the expertise and professionalism that the intelligence community and law enforcement bring to the table to keep our country safe. I hope my colleagues understand how important this legislation is and everyone votes ``yes'' to support it. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer comment on the FAST Act. I will support the bill. This is a strong, multi-year reauthorization which includes desperately needed funding for infrastructure repair and investment. I commend Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio for their work in producing a bipartisan bill I will also take this opportunity to remind my colleagues of a priority of mine to promote storm-resilient construction projects within the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The concrete products industries in my district in southern New Jersey has much to offer in helping the country build its transportation infrastructure. I know that many of my colleagues have similar constituent companies and workers, and I urge them to take note of my comments. I was pleased to support language in MAP-21 that was designed to help incorporate permeable pavements into the FHWA mission. Many of us on the eastern seaboard learned the utility of permeable pavements on Superstorm Sandy, and what flooding can do to our districts without warning if we are not prepared. I am happy to report that that language in MAP-21 dealing with permeable pavements is making good progress toward technological innovation that will Improve storm water mitigation, water quality, and more while providing aesthetically appealing paving surfaces. I will remind my constituents in New Jersey that, while the FAST Act overlooked an opportunity to take that technology further, I am still looking for ways to move permeable pavement technologies into the mainstream where they can benefit our constituents and save taxpayer money as well. In accordance with that goal, I submit the following material on passage of the FAST Act, and I hope that staff at FHWA and that the House and Senate will take note as well. MAP-21 authorized the Secretary to conduct technology transfer and adoption of permeable infiltration paving materials, practices, and systems that are designed to minimize environmental impacts, stormwater runoff, and flooding. Prior to MAP-21 and since, extreme rain events like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and Superstorm Sandy, have underscored the need for stormwater mitigation. We encourage the Secretary to accelerate work on permeable pavements in anticipation of future events like Katrina, Rita, and Sandy. The Secretary is encouraged to conduct research on full scale load testing in permeable pavements for street, highway, and road shoulders to decrease environmental impacts and enhance sustainability. The Secretary is encouraged to conduct permeable pavement projects that demonstrate flood control and stormwater pollutant and volume reductions, including mitigation of impacts from superstorms and hurricanes, and life cycle cost analysis compared to conventional impervious pavements. Projects may include re-use and integration of permeable pavements with other cost-effective water conservation practices designed to treat, reduce, or remove pollutants by allowing stormwater runoff to retain infiltration capability similar to predevelopment hydrologic conditions, and for stormwater harvesting. We hope that FHWA will act upon language in Sec. 1428 of the FAST Act and previously existing authority to improve infrastructure integrity by adding innovative segmental wall technology for soil bank stabilization and roadway sound attenuation, and articulated technology for hydraulic sheer-resistant erosion control--areas in which emerging technologies could improve deliver marked benefits in surface transportation. Examples of emerging technologies that could meet the goals of this Act include cost effective segmental retaining walls that can make use of native soils and reduce construction costs, durable geosynthetic soil stabilization and anchoring, more durable articulated segmental unit slope protection and erosion control that are more resistant to hydraulic sheer and overtopping than riprap, and segmental roadway sound attenuation barriers that can give planners more options and help reduce procurement costs. We hope the Secretary will place primary emphasis on activities designed to assist state and local transportation agencies in reducing initial cost of construction of retaining walls, slope protection and erosion control, and sound attenuation barriers using high-quality transportation-grade materials, designs and engineering techniques. Specific activities might include validation of technology materials, soils requirements, design methodologies and engineering data; research to develop current, accurate scientific data on the performance of geosynthetic reinforcement for structural characteristics; a cost-sensitivity analysis to assist state and local authorities in projecting initial construction cost savings to life cycle requirements while providing competitive reliability; calibrating design methodologies based on tests of instrumented, full-scale testing of walls and barriers, slope stability, and segmental sound attenuation assemblies.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to celebrate the One Hundredth Anniversary of Mannington Mills, Inc. Located in my district in Salem, New Jersey, Mannington Mills is a leader in the manufacturing of residential and commercial flooring. Mannington Mills has expanded significantly since its founding in 1915, growing from a small roots family business in South Jersey to a global industry leader today. This organization has been very successful in extending their services outside of New Jersey, recently expanding into Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and Florida where they invested in new facilities that helped to create several hundred new jobs in each state. The company's many years of success has allowed them to expand internationally as well. In 2012 Mannington Mills acquired Amtico International, a producer of luxury vinyl flooring headquartered in England. This new location provided many more business opportunities and allowed the company to bring its hometown brand overseas. Mannington Mills' commitment to social responsibility makes this company stand out among others. Chairman of the Board, Keith Campbell is a firm believer in the ``Do the Right Thing'' philosophy that the company and family has kept with them since they first opened. This has ensured a strong community connection, and only adds to their success. Over the last century, Mannington Mills has built a reputation of quality products in southern New Jersey and the United States. Ignoring pressure to move out of state, Mannington Mills' unwavering support to the local economy and its employees is a testament to the organization's founding principles that has spanned four generations. The company, family, and employees can take great pride in this remarkable milestone. My sincere congratulations and best wishes for many more years of success.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster), the chairman of the committee.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3614) to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3614.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, on September 30, 2015, the authorization for the Federal Aviation Administration programs and taxes that fund those programs will expire. H.R. 3614 is a clean, 6-month extension of all necessary authorizations through March 31 of 2016. As the chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation, I believe it is critical for Congress to come together in a bipartisan, long-term FAA reauthorization bill. On the Aviation Subcommittee, Chairman Shuster and I have had great working partnerships with Congressman DeFazio and Congressman Larsen. I want to thank Congressman DeFazio and Congressman Larsen for their bipartisan cooperation in this very important area. Without an extension, the FAA will not be able to spend funds from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Therefore, airport construction projects across the country will be halted, contractors that support FAA will not be paid, construction jobs will be lost, and thousands of FAA employees could be furloughed. In my district in New Jersey, I have the privilege of representing approximately 4,000 FAA employees and contractors who work at the FAA's premier technical center in the Nation. They contribute an extraordinary amount of energy and dedication to making sure that aviation continues to move forward. Without them, the state of aviation in our country would suffer, and we cannot afford them to be at home for failing because we failed to do our work and pass an extension bill. A lapse in the authorization will also result in the halt of certification and registration of new aviation products, greatly disrupting the aviation manufacturing industry and jeopardizing more good paying jobs. The FAA's aircraft registry would close, delaying deliveries of new aircraft. As many as 10,000 aircraft a month could be grounded if registration cannot be renewed. H.R. 3614 will allow us to continue developing a bipartisan, long- term reauthorization bill which will improve, rebuild, and modernize our Nation's safe, yet highly antiquated, aviation system. I urge support of H.R. 3614. I reserve the balance of my time

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to thank Mr. Shuster, Mr. DeFazio, and Mr. Larsen. I urge all my colleagues to support the legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to celebrate the accomplishment of the Egg Harbor Township Police Athletic League's SeaPerch Challenge Middle School Team. The Submersibles placed first in both the obstacle challenge and the finesse course of the 2015 National SeaPerch Middle School Championship. This is a remarkable accomplishment stemming from months of hard work and determination and one in which these bright young men can feel proud. Their accomplishments this year, as well as their first place finish in the 2014 championship, are certainly deserving of this special recognition. On April 24, 2015 the team won the Philadelphia SeaPerch Regional competition at Drexel University giving them the opportunity to compete at The University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth on May 29th and 30th. At the national championship, the team defeated 71 other teams nationwide to secure their second national SeaPerch title in 2 years. SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). The program provides students the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, math, teamwork, leadership, and public speaking while competing against their peers at a national level. The National Championship team includes: Jhadyn Seward (Egg Harbor Township), Aidan Himley (Egg Harbor Township), James Massey (Egg Harbor Township), Brandan Kusnirik (Hamilton Township), Anakin Leatherwood (Egg Harbor Township), Luke Williams (Northfield), and coaches Mike and Denise Massey. Again, I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to the Submersibles and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor to recognize the 15th Anniversary of the John R. Elliot HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers. The HERO Campaign was created by Bill and Muriel Elliot in honor of their son John, a Naval Academy graduate, that seeks to end drunken driving tragedies nationwide by promoting the use of safe and sober designated drivers. This campaign, which began as a result of the death of John at the hands of a drunk driver who was arrested and released while still intoxicated, resulted in the enactment of John's Law which allows police to hold a driver's vehicle for up to 12 hours if they are arrested for driving while under the influence. Since the organization's founding in 2000, the HERO Campaign has organized more than 100,000 designated drivers to end drunk driving and has extended its reach to over seven states, from Massachusetts to Kentucky, through its partnerships with the NFL and NASCAR. In 2005, I was a co-sponsor of H.R. 3--the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users (SAFETEA-LU) that included this needed provision and ensured John's legacy would live on through the protection of drivers across the nation Finally, I would like to extend my appreciation to Bill and Muriel for their many years of hard work on this very important issue. The strength they have shown in turning tragedy into a worthwhile cause is a testament to their son's memory and the noble and needed cause to end drunk driving.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Chair, I would like to start by thanking Chairman Diaz-Balart for cooperating with this amendment. Madam Chair, the Federal Aviation Administration is dealing with an increasing threat of cyberattacks against the National Airspace System. This critical threat was recently detailed in a GAO report as well as identified in news reports of a reported attempt to hack into the flight control system of a U.S. airliner through the plane's in-flight entertainment system. The FAA must protect the safety of our citizens and prevent negative impact to the U.S. economy by developing a comprehensive and multilayered approach to mitigating new and emerging cybersecurity threats. My amendment will transfer $3 million within the FAA to develop an integrated cybersecurity testbed to evaluate and certify all NextGen and National Airspace systems. The FAA currently possesses the capability to establish such a testbed at its existing integrated testing environment at the FAA Tech Center in southern New Jersey. The Tech Center presents a natural host for FAA partnership with industry and academia to leverage the best ideas and technology to continually mitigate evolving cybersecurity threats. Madam Chair, increasing FAA capability for creating, identifying, defending, and solving cybersecurity-related problems for existing National Airspace System and future NextGen systems is vital to the future safety and proposals of our American airspace. Once again, Madam Chair, I thank Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart. I thank Ranking Member Price. I urge adoption of this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, first, I would like to thank Chairman Gibbs and Chairman Shuster and Ranking Members DeFazio and Napolitano for helping bring H.R. 944, the National Estuary Program Reauthorization, to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleagues Mr. Posey and Mr. Murphy of Florida, and especially Mr. Larsen, who has been great to work with on a number of issues. This version of the National Estuary Program Reauthorization is fiscally responsible by reducing the authorization levels by $8 million while ultimately increasing the amount of money each estuary program will receive. It is a very commonsense approach that helps get the job done. This reauthorization will detail just how the EPA is to spend the authorized and appropriated money. Unlike many of the programs under the Clean Water Act, the National Estuary Program is a nonregulatory program. That was mentioned before, but I think it bears repeating: it is a nonregulatory program. Instead, it is designed to support collaborative, voluntary efforts of Federal, State, and local stakeholders to restore degraded estuaries. I think this is exactly the approach that will get results, and an approach that will encourage people to be working together for something that really can actually see a very positive result with our estuaries. Unfortunately, the National Estuary Program has been losing money due to EPA administrative costs. By setting limits of 5 percent for administrative costs for the EPA, we can guarantee 80 percent of the funding goes to the end user, the NEP, and not bureaucratic salaries and red tape. In this year's reauthorization, we have set aside 15 percent of the funding for a competitive award program. This program will seek applications meant to deal with urgent and challenging issues that threaten the ecological and economic well-being of coastal areas. By structuring how the money is spent and lowering authorization levels, this legislation strikes the right balance of fiscal and environmental responsibility. I urge all Members to support H.R. 944.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to honor Mr. Constantine (Gus) Sarkos. When it comes to fire safety aboard commercial aircraft, Gus Sarkos is the primary expert and a national treasure. As head of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Fire Safety Branch, Sarkos and his team have played an essential and critical role improving cabin and cargo safety in ways that have decreased the risk of injuries to airline passengers and saved lives. According to Dennis Filler, Director of the FAA's William J. Hughes Technical Center, ``Gus Sarkos does the science that becomes the fire safety standards adopted by the whole world.'' His work testing materials and measuring the effectiveness of fire detection and suppression systems has led to more than a dozen significant changes to U.S. and foreign aircraft during the past three decades to stop fires and curtail the spread of blazes occurring in- flight or during crash landings, increasing the chances of passenger survival. Most recently, Mr. Sarkos and his team have been examining and reporting on fire threats posed by lighter and potentially flammable materials now being used in airplanes, and by the combustibility of large quantities of lithium batteries that have been carried in cargo holds. As a result of his team's work, the Department of Transportation (DOT) no longer allows non-rechargeable metal lithium batteries to be shipped in the cargo holds of passenger jets. In addition, a number of U.S. airlines this year unilaterally announced they will no longer accept rechargeable ion lithium batteries because of tests done by Mr. Sarkos and his team showing that a buildup of gases inside bulk containers can lead to explosions and violent fires. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the U.S. DOT currently are considering proposals to ban bulk shipments of these rechargeable batteries or to require safer packaging rules for air transport. Katherine Rooney, chief of ICAO's cargo safety section, said the work by Mr. Sarkos' group on the batteries and many other issues has been ``absolutely invaluable.'' She added that passengers are ``in a safer situation thanks to the research they have provided.'' During his long tenure, Mr. Sarkos has participated in and overseen the development of such post-crash aircraft fire safety improvements as new fire blocking seat cushions, heat resistant evacuation slides, burn-through resistant fuselage insulation, and interior panels that release less heat and smoke. ``The FAA's goal'', Mr. Sarkos said, ``is to minimize the likelihood of an aircraft fire in-flight or improve survivability during a post- crash fire. If a fire occurs in-flight, the objective is to reliably detect, extinguish or suppress it until the aircraft can be safely landed. In the case of a post-crash fire,'' Sarkos said, ``the goal is to have materials that burn and spread fire more slowly, and releases less heat, so passengers have more time to escape.'' Director Filler noted how the work of Mr. Sarkos and his team came into play in 2013 when Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed and caught fire while landing in San Francisco. Three people died of injuries unrelated to the fire, while 304 survived the crash. He said the fire was slow in developing in large part because of the fire resistant material in the aircraft, and as a result, people had the time to evacuate. Director Filler also cited a 2008 accident when a Continental 737 veered off the runway in Denver, skidded into a ravine, lost its landing gear and left engine, and caught fire. All 110 passengers and five crew members had time to evacuate. In 2005, an Air France A340 landed in Toronto during a severe thunderstorm, skidded off the runway and erupted into flames. While the fire eventually gutted the aircraft, all 297 passengers and 12 crew members survived. ``These are examples of three aircraft that caught fire and 728 people survived largely because of the work that Gus and his team have been able to promote throughout the industry,'' said Filler. ``His efforts have provided added time for passengers to evacuate. In the old days, materials would have burned faster or caused passengers to inhale toxic fumes, and they would have died in the aircraft.'' Mr. Sarkos said his work is challenging, but a source of pride because it has resulted in increased safety. ``The worst thing I ever had to do was meet with relatives of accident victims,'' said Mr. Sarkos. ``I am glad that in recent years that conditions have improved because of the work we have done and continue to do.'' I want to publicly commend Gus for being named a finalist to receive the Service to America Medal a.k.a. ``Sammies''. Gus' vision, leadership, and dedication to saving lives is a testament to his invaluable public service.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of the FY2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill. This legislation will go a long way to help facilities, such as the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Regional Office where thousands of my constituents have their cases managed, in improving their care and treatment of our nation's Veterans. While this is another small step to address the larger problems within the Department of Veterans Affairs, this legislation continues to show The House's dedication to righting this ship. Some important provisions of this bill include: ``Strike force response teams'' that would bring in experienced, high-performing managers to implement corrective actions at low- performing facilities and offices A fully funded request for digital scanning and centralized mail, which will improve speed and accuracy issues And, this fully funds the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) with a $163 million increase over FY15, which will allow for more staffing for processing of appeals of claims in Philadelphia and other regional offices I commend Chairman Dent and his subcommittee for prioritizing care of our Veterans. While South Jersey still has many challenges to be overcome in access to timely care, I am proud to support this bill which continues to fix the system-wide problems within the VA.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the County of Cape May on its designation as a ``Coast Guard Community'' on October 1, 2014 by the United States Coast Guard and the United States Congress. In 1924, the Coast Guard established operations to support U.S. Customs efforts in Sewell's Point. By 1948, the Training Center, which is the only recruit training facility in the country, became the entry- level training facility for all of the East Coast and eventually the entire country. Today, the base has more than 860 military and civilian personnel, and graduates an average of more than 2,300 recruits yearly. This new designation reflects the mutually beneficial relationship between the Coast Guard and Cape May County. Over the years, the recruits and military and civilian personnel have become part of our Cape May County family. And nothing says family more than Operation Fireside. Since the program's inception in 1981, Operation Fireside places more than 500 recruits with over 180 families each year to celebrate the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. On May 8, the people of Cape May County and the United States Coast Guard will celebrate this designation at the Training Center in Cape May. My thanks to all who helped make this designation a reality.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove all cosponsors from H.R. 416.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Amendment XXV: Section 1: ``In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.'' Section 2: ``Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.''

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5266) to reauthorize the National Estuary Programs, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 5266.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I join in with congratulations to Donald Norcross. I have known Donald for a number of years as a State legislator, and before that, we worked together at a local level. Donald will always put his constituents first. He will always put his district first. He will be a great asset to this Congress, and I look forward to working with you, Donald. Congratulations.