Frank LoBiondo

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2452, the Sewage Overflow Right-to-Know Act. Last year, nearly 250,000 gallons of partially treated sewage leaked from the Asbury Park, New Jersey, sewer treatment plant into the Atlantic Ocean threatening beach goers for miles down the shore. It was the result of a broken pipe that went undetected for over 6 hours. Fortunately, no one got sick and the environment did not suffer any long term consequences. But that is not always the case. The EPA estimates approximately 900 billion gallons of untreated sewage enter our waterways each year, sickening nearly 3.5 million people annually. That is why I was pleased to join with Representative Bishop to introduce H.R. 2452, the Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act. This commonsense legislation will help keep the public safe from waterborne illness by requiring sewer operators to put in place monitoring systems to detect overflows and to promptly notify the public in the event of an overflow. While some States and localities have strong notification programs in place already, the majority do not. Establishing a minimum standard for public notification is the right thing to do. H.R. 2452 makes sewer operators eligible for existing grant funds and loans to help defer the cost of implementing monitoring and notification programs, and it provides flexibility to States that already have these critical programs in place. I want to thank the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and American Rivers for working with Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica to make improvements to this legislation. The bill before us today represents a good compromise between all interested parties. I want to thank Chairman Oberstar, Ranking Member Mica, Chairwoman Johnson, and Ranking Member Boozman for their assistance and support. I also want to thank Jon Pawlow on Mr. Mica's Staff, Ryan Seiger on Mr. Oberstar's staff, and Mark Copeland on Mr. Bishop's staff for their tremendous effort. I urge all members to support this common-sense measure.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Commander Clayton Diamond for his service to the United States House of Representatives and for his twenty four years of service to our country in the United States Coast Guard. CDR Diamond was assigned as Legislative Counsel in the Office of Coast Guard Congressional and Governmental Affairs in May 2006. As Legislative Counsel, he worked directly with the Coast Guard's congressional authorizing committees and was responsible for coordinating the service's advocacy efforts, resulting in enactment of the Coast Guard Authorization Act and other Coast Guard legislative priorities. In my roles on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee and in numerous other venues, my staff and I have often relied on CDR Diamond's knowledge and understanding of domestic and international legal matters, as well as operational missions, and roles and responsibilities of the United States Coast Guard. CDR Diamond enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1984 to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, RI, from which he graduated in 1985. He received his commission from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1989, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Management. He also earned his Master of Science Degree in Management from Rennsaelar Polytechnic Institute in 1995, and his Juris Doctor Degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 2000. He served as a 2006-2007 Seminar XXI Fellow for the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Center for International Studies. CDR Diamond's afloat assignments include Commanding Officer, USCGC BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, homeported in Sandy Hook, NJ, and tours as a deck watch officer aboard the High Endurance Cutters SHERMAN and GALLATIN, homeported in Alameda, CA and Governor's Island, NY, respectively. During these afloat tours of duty, CDR Diamond conducted operations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and the Bering and Caribbean Seas. As Commanding Officer of BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, CDR Diamond was On-Scene Commander during the early hours of the 1996 crash of Trans World Airlines Flight 800. His other operational assignment included serving as Deputy Incident Commander (for Operations) for the Coast Guard Atlantic Area Incident Management Assist Team. During these operational assignments, Commander Diamond participated in the seizure of over $300 million in illegal drugs, the interdiction of hundreds of illegal migrants in the Caribbean, the execution of numerous heavy weather search and rescue cases, and the boarding of numerous foreign fishing vessels in Alaska. His previous assignments ashore include Coast Guard Liaison Officer to the U.S. State Department (where he served on the U.S. Delegation to the United Nation's International Maritime Organization, and negotiated key security and environmental protection instruments), Principal Assistant District Legal Officer for the Ninth Coast Guard District, Aide to the Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy and instructor in the Academy's Professional Studies Department. CDR Diamond is admitted to practice law by the Ohio Bar and, in 2002, was the first Coast Guard lawyer selected to support the Department of Defense's military commissions, where he assisted in preparing prosecution cases for some of the most significant terror suspects in U.S. custody. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the Defense Institute for International Legal Studies since 2000 and has conducted numerous maritime safety, security, and law enforcement executive seminars to senior foreign government and military officials throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe. CDR Diamond was appointed and served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Nor-them District of Ohio (2002-2004). In 2002, CDR Diamond was chosen by the American Bar Association as the ``Outstanding Young Military Lawyer''. In addition to being formally recognized by the Department of Defense's General Counsel for his work on military commissions, he has also earned several State Department ``Superior Honor Awards'' for his work on the interagency teams that developed the President's National Strategy for Maritime Security (NSMS) and the Secretary of State's International Outreach Strategy for the NSMS, as well as for diplomatic efforts relating to international maritime security. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also awarded him the ``General Counsel's Award'' for his work on international environmental protection agreements. His personal military awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal. This week, CDR Diamond will leave his post and retire after 24 years of honorable service to the Coast Guard and the Nation. It has been my pleasure to work with CDR Diamond, and on behalf of all who have also been fortunate to work with him, he will certainly be missed. We wish CDR Diamond, his wife Sharon, and his two children, Katelyn and Alexander, the best in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, as per the requirements of the Republican Conference Rules on earmarks, I secured the following earmarks in H.R. 5658. Requesting Member: Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02). Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: Air Force, Military Construction, Air National Guard. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: 177th Fighter Wing. Address of Requesting Entity: 400 Langley Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234. Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $8.5 million for the construction of Phase I of a two phase Operations and Training Facility for the 177th Fighter Wing at the Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. The Facility will house key wing administrative functions to better enable the 177th to perform its Air Sovereignty Alert mission in defense of the homeland Requesting Member: Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02). Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: Army--Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: (1) Drexel University; (2) Waterfront Technology Center. Address of Requesting Entity: (1) 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (2) 200 Federal Street, Suite 300, Camden, NJ 08103. Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $7.0 million for Applied Communications and Information Networking (ACIN). ACIN enables the warfighter to rapidly deploy state-of-the-practice communications and networking technology for warfighting and National Security. This funding will build on funding from previous years to fully develop this technology. Requesting Member: Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02). Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: Air Force--Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Accenture. Address of Requesting Entity: 200 Federal Street, Suite 300, Camden, NJ 08103. Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $7.0 million for Distributed Mission Interoperability Toolkit (DMIT). DMIT is a suite of tools that enables an enterprise architecture for on-demand, trusted, interoperability among and between mission-oriented C4I systems. This spending will build on funding from previous years to allow DMIT to be extended to Joint and coalition requirements, and address current weaknesses in Air Force management years ahead of current schedules. Adoption by major programs and commercial entities would lead to savings in the $100 millions on current and future DoD programs. Requesting Member: Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02). Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: Army--Other Procurement. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: L-3 Communications Corp.--East. Address of Requesting Entity: 1 Federal Street, Camden, NJ 08103. Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $6.0 million for Battlefield Anti-Intrusion System (BAIS). BAIS is the U.S. Army's type standard tactical Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) system for physical security/force protection. The system uses Seismic/Acoustic Sensors (SAS) to detect and classify potential threats for forward intelligence collection or perimeter self-protection. To date, 773 systems plus spares have been fielded representing less than 10% of the Army's Acquisition Objective, yet approved fielding requirements for small unit protection and perimeter security exceed 8,933 systems. This $6.0 million will provide 270 additional BAIS units to the Army. Requesting Member: Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02). Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: Navy--Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: McGee Industries. Address of Requesting Entity: 9 Crozenville Road, Aston, PA 19014- 0425. Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $3.0 million for Improved Corrosion Protection for the ElectroMagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) for the CVN-21 class of carriers. The environment around aircraft carrier catapults is among the most corrosive (i.e. seawater spray, heat, deck contaminants) with which the Navy must contend. No reliable corrosion or fracture data exists for the new EMALS configuration and the materials which will be used to construct it, in a catapult-like environment. This funding will continue the program from FY08 to develop design-specific corrosion data under simulated catapult conditions needs to be continued in order to permit further design refinement, that will: (1) prevent premature component failures (2) minimize costly fleet maintenance and (3) enhance operational readiness. Requesting Member: Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02). Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: Navy--Operations and Maintenance. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Address of Requesting Entity: 2300 Wilson Blvd. North Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22201. Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $300,000 for the Naval Sea Cadet Corps Operational Funding. The program is focused upon development of youth ages 11-17, serving almost 9,000 Sea Cadets managed by adult volunteers. It promotes interest and skill in seamanship and aviation and instills qualities that mold strong moral character in an anti-drug and anti-gang environment. Funds will be utilized to ``buy down'' the out-of-pocket expenses for training to $85/week. A significant percent of Cadets join the Armed Services often receiving accelerated advancement, or obtain commissions. The program has significance in assisting to promote the Navy and Coast Guard, particularly in those areas of the U.S where these Services have little presence. Accessions related to this program are a significant asset to the Services: Over 2,000 ex-Sea Cadets enlist annually and an average of over 10 percent of Naval Academy Midshipmen are ex-Cadets.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. I want to thank Mr. LaTourette. Mr. Oberstar, let me thank you and Mr. Cummings for your very thoughtful approach to these critically important issues, and to Mr. Mica and Mr. LaTourette for your diligence in these areas. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate your consideration of this important issue, and Mr. LaTourette's thoughtful approach to making sure that we do not have a chilling effect on the future development of LNG in our country. It would effectively block the construction of a widely supported plant that is just north of my district that could definitely help provide much needed relief for home heating costs. The bill I believe would also have the potential to undermine our security by not the allowing the Coast Guard to determine the personnel and assets necessary to escort LNG shipments. This should be a decision by the Coast Guard. I believe they are best able to do this, and the LaTourette amendment represents a very reasonable and realistic compromise which will give the Coast Guard the flexibility they need to ensure the security of LNG shipments as well as to deal with the other potential threats in our ports and waterways. I strongly urge all members to support the amendment.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I was not present in the House chamber for votes on April 14, 2008, as well as for part of the day on April 15, 2008, as I was visiting American servicemen and women in Afghanistan. If I were present for votes on these days. I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 183, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 184, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 185, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 186, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 187, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 188.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today in support of a resolution honoring and recognizing the work of the Meals on Wheels Association of America, its member senior nutrition programs throughout the country, and their annual March for Meals campaigns. This resolution recognizes the important work Meals on Wheels does in preventing senior hunger and improving the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of our Nation's seniors. It also encourages Members of Congress to support their local senior nutrition programs by delivering meals to homebound seniors in a community within their district or State. The Meals on Wheels Association of America recently concluded its annual March for Meals campaign. March for Meals is a national campaign during the month of March to raise awareness of senior hunger and to encourage action on the part of local communities. The month of March was chosen because it was during this month the law was enacted that included senior meal programs in the Older Americans Act. An important part of March for Meals is Mayors for Meals Day, where mayors and elected officials from across the Nation deliver meals for their local Meals on Wheels programs. On March 19, 2008, a new record was set when 1,084 U.S. mayors and elected officials joined together to deliver meals to seniors. I have proudly participated in past Meals on Wheels Association of America's ``March for Meals'' events and witnessed first hand both the need for these important programs and the incredible dedication of their staff and volunteers. I encourage each of you to get involved with your local programs--whether you help prepare meals, deliver meals, or just join local seniors in enjoying their meals--your support can make a difference. I also encourage you to join me in supporting this resolution which will give the Meals on Wheels Association of America and its member programs the honor and recognition they so richly deserve.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 335, which expresses the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to lung cancer as a public health priority and the recommendations of the Lung Cancer Progress Review Group of the National Cancer Institute. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Rep. Lois Capps for introducing this important resolution and for her continued efforts on behalf of those affected by lung cancer. As many of us know all too well, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States. While overall advancements in cancer research, treatment, and detection in recent years provide great hope, there is still much to do, especially in the field of lung cancer. The 5-year survival rates have risen significantly for breast, prostate, and colon cancer, but unfortunately, the gains for lung cancer remain modest at best. For my family and me, these statistics are all too real. In April 2006, my father-in-law, Joseph L. Ercole, was diagnosed with non-small cell adenoma carcinoma stage Ill-b and 9 months later, on February 11, 2007, he died from lung cancer. While his story is not unique, it brought to my attention the need to shine a spotlight on this disease. Clearly, a coordinated and comprehensive research effort, like those used to tackle other cancers, is needed to achieve significant increases in lung cancer survivability rates and prevent other families from suffering the same loss. H. Res. 335, like S. Res. 87 passed by the Senate in August, clearly states our goals--to have lung cancer declared a public health priority and to reduce the lung cancer mortality rate by 50 percent by 2015--and a pathway to achieve it. Working together these goals can become reality. I urge my colleagues in the House to join us in this fight and pass H. Res. 335

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1483, which includes legislation to extend the authorization of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route. I would first like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues in the New Jersey delegation for their continued support of this extension. I would also like to thank Chairman Rahall, Ranking Member Young and their staff for their support and guidance. Established by Congress in 1988, the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail incorporates the very best of what the great State of New Jersey has to offer to the rest of the Nation. The Trail unifies New Jersey's many scenic points of interest. These points of interest include a wealth of environmental, historic, maritime and recreational sights found along New Jersey's coastline, stretching 300 miles from Perth Amboy in the north, Cape May in the extreme southern tip of the State and Deepwater to the west. The Trail's area includes three National Wildlife Refuges, four tributaries of a Wild and Scenic River system, a Civil War fort and National cemetery, several lighthouses, historic homes, and other sites tied to southern New Jersey's maritime history. Through a network of themes and destinations, the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail connects people with places of historic, recreational, environmental and maritime interest. One exciting aspect of the Trail is its focus on maritime history. There is a rich story to be told about the industries once sustained by the Delaware Bay, such as whaling, shipbuilding, crabbing and the harvesting of oysters. While we often define our Nation's history through military or political milestones, the Trail will serve to remind visitors that maritime-dependent commerce was a major factor in the growth of the United States. ``Eco-tourism'' along the Trail has proven to be a huge success. There is an abundant variety of natural habitats and species to be found on the Trail. Whale and dolphin watching have become extremely popular, and bird lovers from throughout the country, and in fact around the world, are realizing what Southern New Jersey residents have known all along: our region is unmatched for observing migratory birds, ospreys and bald eagles. The Trail has also helped to foster important partnerships between the Federal government and individuals, groups, corporations, State and local governments. Since the Trail began, these partnerships have resulted in additional funding amounting to almost double the investment of the Federal government. Legislation reauthorizing the Trail was included in S. 203, the National Heritage Areas Act of 2006, which the President signed into law in October of 2006. S. 203 requires a strategic plan for the Trail to be prepared ``Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available.'' Unfortunately, under S. 203, the Trail is only reauthorized through September 30, 2007. The language pertaining to the Trail included in H.R. 1483 has the support of the entire New Jersey Congressional delegation. It would extend the authorization of the Coastal Heritage Trail Route in New Jersey until September 30, 2011. This would allow for adequate time to complete the required strategic plan, which will explore opportunities to increase participation by private and public interests, as well as organizational options for sustaining the Trail. S. 1039, a bill containing language very similar to the Trail language in H.R. 1483, was introduced in the Senate in March. Since its inception, the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail has not only helped New Jersey residents develop pride, awareness, experience with, and understanding of our coastal resources and their history, it has encouraged visitors to explore this area, bringing with them much needed tourism dollars. The extension of the authorization contained in H.R. 1483 will allow the Trail to continue and flourish. I urge my colleagues in the House to support this legislation.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Pinky Kravitz on his long and distinguished service to his community, and congratulate him on 50 years as an on-air radio talk show host in Atlantic City. Starting his career on WLDB 1490AM and airing weekdays during the mid-afternoon, his first show was called ``Pinky's Pool Party.'' Three years later, Pinky would move to his current home on WOND 1400AM, where for the last 47 years he has hosted his talk show at various times and locations across Atlantic County. For the past 28 years, he has broadcast live from Atlantic City's famed casinos including the Hilton, which is the current home of ``Pinky's Corner.'' A respected radio personality and dedicated community servant, Pinky has interviewed all of New Jersey's governors since 1974, all of the state's sitting U.S. Senators for the past 35 years, and myself on countless occasions--always with class and character. Without question, Pinky is an institution in southern New Jersey. On behalf of the House of Representatives and the residents of New Jersey, I would like to personally congratulate Mr. Pinky Kravitz who has entertained and informed his faithful listeners for five decades.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Inslee amendment. This amendment would restore a ban on taking polar bear parts and importing them into the United States, a ban that was in place for 22 years. As Mr. Inslee indicated, it was right around the end of last year when the Secretary of Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife service surprised many of us by proposing to list the polar bears as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. They have now taken public comments and must issue a final decision by December, 2008. At the very least, stemming the tide of polar bear imports, imports, I stress, until this decision is made makes sense. Those who oppose the amendment would like to use the argument that this is all about restricting the right to hunt. It is not. If it were, I would not be standing here in support of it. I remember fondly, with my dad, my cousins, my uncles, hunting as a young man, and I don't believe this restricts the right of hunting. So I would ask my colleagues to think seriously about the importance of this amendment and to give it their utmost consideration and strong support.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to strongly support this amendment. This amendment would simply put in $1 million and then take back out $1 million for the purpose of directing the administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Research to use these funds to conduct initial long-term testing of children exposed to mercury from mercury-contaminated industrial sites. Last July, I learned that a daycare center in my district had been opened mistakenly on a site that was previously used by a thermometer manufacturer. The manufacturer had a history of mercury contamination and had not properly cleaned up the site. The mercury contamination of this site was so egregious that parents spoke of their children coming home from the daycare center with bubbles of mercury clinging to their backpacks. As a result of this, the children who innocently played on the grounds of the daycare center were diagnosed with mercury levels much higher than normal and suffered symptoms of mercury poisoning, such as headaches, sleeping problems and rashes. As you may know, mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can affect the nervous system.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the chairman and Mr. Tiahrt. I would just like to point out that this incident demonstrated that children can, unfortunately, be exposed to mercury from contaminated industrial sites. The amendment will help ensure that funding will be available for any Member in any district that this may take place. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Children's Mercury Exposure Act of 2007'' along with my colleague, Representative Robert E. Andrews. This necessary and important piece of legislation will establish a program of research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding the risks posed by all levels of exposure of children to mercury from mercury contaminated industrial sites; require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), working in coordination with state departments of health, to conduct a study on the prevalence of the exposure of children to mercury from mercury contaminated industrial sites and present to Congress a preliminary report of the prevalence of such occurrences 1 year from the date of enactment; and provide block grants through CDC to state departments of health to conduct initial and long-term testing of children exposed to mercury from mercury-contaminated industrial sites. I introduce this legislation today as a direct result of an incident that occurred last summer in my Congressional District. Last July, to my amazement and disbelief, I learned that a day care center in Franklin Township, New Jersey had been opened mistakenly on a site that was previously used by a thermometer manufacturer with a history of mercury contamination and had not been properly cleaned up. As a result of this, children who innocently played on the grounds and slept on the floors of he day care were diagnosed with mercury contamination. I worked with the CDC and state agencies to ensure that these children received the testing and care they needed and deserved, but there were many questions that could not be answered about the risks to these children and children like them who were exposed to mercury, nor were answers about whether similar incidents of mercury exposure in children were occurring in communities across the country. The answers I did find out though were alarming. I learned that mercury, a potent neurotoxin that can affect the nervous system, lungs, brain, and kidneys, is present at a number of contaminated industrial sites in the United States. I also learned that children's unique behaviors, such as soil ingestion from normal hand-to-mouth contact, puts them at particular risk of exposure from these mercury contaminated industrial sites, and that the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR), has determined this risk has emerged as an important public health issue. This incident has taught me that children can, and unfortunately will be exposed to mercury from contaminated industrial sites. The ``Children's Mercury Exposure Act of 2007'' attempts to ensure that children and parents have knowledge about the risks posed by this exposure; that the scope of this problem is determined; and that the appropriate level of testing and care is provided. I urge my colleagues in the House to join me in working to help those children who have been, and may be, exposed to mercury and to support the ``Children's Mercury Exposure Act of 2007.''

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Mrs. Patricia Cassell on her long and distinguished service to her community, and congratulate her on her upcoming retirement after 48 years of teaching. As a first grader, Mrs. Cassell knew her future lay in the field of education. However, coming from modest means, Mrs. Cassell understood that she would have to work exceptionally hard to achieve her dream. At a very young age, she began saving her money in order to pay for her college education. After graduating sixth in her high school class of 308, she earned two academic scholarships to Millersville State Teachers College, where she earned her degree in elementary education in just 3 years. Her first job teaching started just over 48 years ago, in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, and she has been teaching since. After moving to Atlantic City, NJ, in 1973 with her husband, Daniel, Mrs. Cassell soon accepted a position at Atlantic Christian School where she has taught for 29 years. Throughout her 48 years of teaching, Mrs. Cassell has remained a steadfast example of exemplary service, guidance, and dedication to her students. For this, she was awarded the Career Service and Achievement Award from the Association of Christian Schools International. I would like to personally congratulate Mrs. Cassell on behalf of the students she has taught over the years and ask that she thoroughly enjoy her well-deserved retirement.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Saxton-LoBiondo-Smith-Andrews amendment which will provide members of the Armed Services and their families living on military bases with more security. It would require a federal background check for unescorted civilians, including contractors and vendors. The security gap that exists at our Nation's military bases was highlighted by the recent plot against Fort Dix by terrorists. Fortunately due to the intervention of an ordinary citizen and the professionalism of the FBI, this plot to attack was thwarted. Next time, we might not be so fortunate. It is simply common sense that we should know who is entering our military bases and why they are there. Background checks on all contractors and vendors will help secure these sensitive facilities and ensure an additional layer of security for our servicemen and women who live and work on our military bases. I strongly urge that all Members vote for this amendment to protect our military bases and our military personnel and their families.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 264, to express support for the goals and ideals of National Correctional Officers and Employees Week--May 6th through 12th. This resolution recognizes the important and under-appreciated dedicated service of the correctional officers and employees who staff prisons across this Nation. Just this morning, I was at the Fairton Federal Correctional Institution in Fairton, New Jersey, with Warden Paul Schultz, to honor the hard work and highest standards of the men and women serving as correctional officers and employees. I had the great pleasure to present awards to these brave individuals. As a co-chair of the Correctional Officers Caucus, I was pleased to introduce this resolution with Representative Holden, and I am very proud of the correctional officers that it honors. I urge all Members to support this resolution.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail incorporates the very best of what the great State of New Jersey has to offer the rest of the Nation. Established by Congress in 1988, the Trail unifies New Jersey's many scenic points of interest. These points of interest include a wealth of environmental, historic, maritime and recreational sights found along New Jersey's coastline, stretching 300 miles from Perth Amboy in the north, Cape May in the extreme southern tip of the State and Deepwater to the west. The Trail's area includes three National Wildlife Refuges, four tributaries of a Wild and Scenic River system, a Civil War fort and National cemetery, several lighthouses, historic homes, and other sites tied to southern New Jersey's maritime history. Through a network of themes and destinations, the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail connects people with places of historic, recreational, environmental and maritime interest. One exciting aspect of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route is its focus on maritime history. There is a rich story to be told about the industries once sustained by the Delaware Bay, such as whaling, shipbuilding, oystering and crabbing. While we often define our Nation's history through military or political milestones, the Trail will serve to remind visitors that maritime-dependent commerce was a major factor in the growth of the United States. ``Eco-tourism'' along the Coastal Heritage Trail has proven to be a huge success. There is an abundant variety of natural habitats and species to be found on the Trail. Whale and dolphin watching have become extremely popular, and bird lovers from throughout the country, and in fact around the world, are realizing what Southern New Jersey residents have known all along: our region is unmatched for observing migratory birds, ospreys and bald eagles. Today, with the support of the entire New Jersey delegation, I am introducing legislation to reauthorize the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route. This legislation would extend the authorization of the Trail to provide additional funding over 4 years to continue the work began in 1988. The New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail has helped New Jersey residents develop pride, awareness, experience with, and understanding of our coastal resources and its history. This reauthorization will allow the Trail to continue and flourish. I urge my colleagues in the House to support this legislation.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I rise here today in support of a resolution honoring and recognizing the work of the Means on Wheels Association of America, its member senior nutrition programs throughout the country, and their annual March for Meals campaigns. Today, mayors and Meals on Wheels volunteers in all 50 States will join together to deliver meals to seniors. Mayors for Meals Day is part of March for Meals, a national campaign during the month of March to raise awareness of senior hunger and to encourage action on the part of local communities. The month of March was chosen because it was during this month that the law was enacted that included senior meal programs in the Older Americans Act. This resolution recognizes the important work Meals on Wheels does in preventing senior hunger and improving the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of our Nation's seniors. It also encourages Members of Congress to support their local senior nutrition programs by participating in their annual March for Meals events and delivering meals to homebound seniors in a community within their district or State. While, due to our business in Washington, DC, today, I am unable to participate in this year's celebration, I have proudly participated in past Meals on Wheels Association of America's March for Meals events. I have joined volunteers from Meals on Wheels organizations throughout my district in delivering meals and witnessed first hand both the need for these important programs and the incredible dedication of their staff and volunteers. I encourage each of you to get involved with your local programs--whether you help prepare meals, deliver meals, or just join local seniors in enjoying their meals--your support can make a difference. I also encourage you to join me as a cosponsor of this resolution which will give the Meals on Wheels Association of America and its member programs the honor and recognition they so richly deserve.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I was not present in the House Chamber for votes on February 16, 2007, as I was attending the funeral services of my wife's father, who succumbed to his long battle with cancer. If I were present for votes on this day, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 99, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 100, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 101, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 102.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Oberstar, thank you very much. The circumstances are difficult. Mr. Speaker, it is more than 5 years that we are into the global war on terror. Since the horrific attacks to our country on September 11, we are fighting a faceless enemy, an unbelievably ruthless enemy, an enemy who is undeterred in their hatreds for our freedoms and our way of life. We must remain strong in our resolve to defeat the enemy, and it is no accident that our Nation has not been attacked since September 11. It is not because the enemy and its supporters have not wanted to bring destruction to America, it is because we as Americans have remained committed to the defense of our homeland. It is because we have remained vigilant in working with our international partners to prevent terrorists from being successful, and it is mostly because of our brave men and women in uniform, who have taken the fight to the enemy. Likewise, our commitment to the troops on the battlefield, whether in Iraq or Afghanistan, or wherever the global war on terror may take our brave young men and women, must run deep. Our commitment must include that our soldiers have all the necessary equipment and armor that they need. Mr. Speaker, I come to the well, to the podium today very troubled. For 3 days, the majority will have us debating the very critical issue of the war in Iraq, but this debate is really without real substance. This debate is without an alternative strategy that many of us acknowledge we desperately need to be discussing. This debate will not bring about one positive change for our men and women in harm's way, and will rather likely result in the wrong message to many of our soldiers, our partners and, avoidably, the enemy. I believe this debate is dividing the Congress. I believe this debate is dividing the American people and sending the wrong message to our soldiers in the field, who may question our unwavering support on their behalf. I continue to be awe struck and proud of the valor of our servicemen and -women of Iraq. However, this debate sends a mixed message to them, their families, and the families of those who were lost in the global war on terror. We could have, and we should have had a debate that sends a strong message to support our troops in their commitment, but the majority has chosen against us. While I do not support the President's latest strategy, I believe the American military should not serve as a referee in the sectarian conflict that has lasted for centuries. It is the responsibility of the Iraqi Government to take a stronger role to set benchmarks and not let the American military and our forces be caught in the middle. This resolution is silent in its requirements to the elected Iraqi Government and to the Iraqi people, and holding their own destiny in their hands. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I have listened to the generals and military experts, administration officials, tell us that Iraqi forces are ready for greater responsibilities in securing Iraq. However, after being to Iraq five times myself, and talking with a number of soldiers in the field, the reality on the ground is that Iraqi forces are not being used to the extent that they should at this point. I think that needs to change. I would like to also say that it is with great regret that I will not be here at the conclusion of the debate this week. Unfortunately, my father-in-law passed away after a battle with cancer, and I will be heading out to the funeral with my wife and the family. I wanted to be on record before leaving as to what this critical motion means. This debate cannot and should not be the end of what we are talking about, and for the reasons stated before all future debates must be substantive on policies. It is clear to me the majority has a strategy that many have talked about that reflects far beyond just the surge in Iraq and what it may mean, but has implications for funding. Mr. Speaker, let me make it perfectly clear. I support the troops, but on the basis of the message that this is sending to our partners, to the troops, to their families on this nonsubstantive resolution, I cannot support it. I will close by saying that I received a call from a father, who has two children that are in Iraq. One felt so strongly that he sent a letter to our local newspaper, Specialist Matthew J. Smith of Hopewell Township, and I have just a few excerpts from his letter. ``I personally feel as if I am here for a great purpose and goal that our Commander in Chief has ordered us to achieve. I have never felt it would be an easy task, nor should those at home living their comfortable lives. Have we forgotten that this great country of ours was not handed to us on a silver platter? I am asking everyone, please don't allow those of us who have died to die in vain. When we have completed the mission and have been successful in defending freedom, we will come home.''

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Chairman Rogers. Mr. Speaker, I recognize concerns expressed about the Coast Guard's C4ISR program. This is a critically important program providing a deployable preemptive capability to prevent or stop the movement of terrorists and their weapons before they reach the homeland. I would hope that the Chair would agree that if the C4ISR program is able to adequately address the concerns contained in the conference report that you would look favorably upon this program in the future.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Thank you very much, and thank you for your hard work.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the very significant provisions in the SAFE Port Act that will go a long way to make our ports and waterways secure. I thank Chairman Young and Chairman King for their hard work on this legislation. I am particularly pleased with the inclusion of the Maritime Terminal Security Enhancement Act, legislation I authored in the wake of the Dubai Ports deal to ensure that the security at our ports remains in the hands of American citizens. The Maritime Terminal Security Enhancement Act would require Facility Security Officers to be American citizens. It would also provide for periodic, unannounced inspections of security at our port facilities, as well as place deadlines on the deployment of the Transportation Worker Identification Card to ensure the identity of our port workers; a long range vessel tracking system that will enable the Coast Guard to further extend our borders and monitor vessels bound for U.S. ports; and requires the Department of Homeland Security to issue regulations to require foreign merchant mariners to carry an enhanced crew member identification credential when calling on U.S. ports. The SAFE Port Act builds on the unprecedented work we did in the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. I was proud to be an author of that bill and I am proud of the work we did to enhance port security in this bill. However, I am not proud, nor do I support the decision by the leadership in the other body to attach at the last minute and without consultation, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act. There is no question that Internet technology has rapidly and substantively changed over the past six years, with new advancements being made every day. It is therefore imperative that our thinking about how best to regulate activities such as Internet gaming also evolve with the times. Unfortunately, this bill does not take into account the significant advancements in the technology, nor does it include language I support to establish a commission to study whether Internet gaming can be properly regulated. Mr. Speaker, I will be reluctantly supporting the SAFE Port Act, as I am extremely disappointed with the action of the leadership in the other body to attach this non germane issue to an otherwise tremendous piece of legislation that will strengthen and enhance our ability to keep our nation's ports and waterways secure.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5681) to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2007, and for other purposes, as amended.