Frank LoBiondo

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 5005 and I thank the majority leader for yielding me this time. Since becoming chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard Maritime Transportation 18 months ago, I focussed my efforts on making sure that Congress provides the Coast Guard substantial increased monies, additional manpower and more modern assets necessary to carry out their multi-mission charge. I have worked with many Members of this House from my first days as chairman to pursue these goals, and during my tenure, I have developed a set of guiding principles designed to make sure that the Congress is serving the Coast Guard in the same fine way that the Coast Guard is serving America. As we have considered this bill and examined its effect on our Nation's security, I have, again, had these principles frame my views. First, we must ensure that anything we do in Washington will not negatively effect the Coast Guard's ability to effectively carry out all of its missions, including conducting search and rescue, stopping drug smuggling, interdicting illegal immigration, and all the other maritime safety commissions, as well as the critical homeland security mission. Congress must also ensure that the Coast Guard stays intact and remains a ready force to meet and handle a wide range of duties, including homeland security. Fortunately, the Select Committee and the White House have agreed that an intact Coast Guard doing all of its multi mission tasks is the right way to go. I worked hard on this issue and am very pleased it is part of this bill. Secondly, we must ensure that the Coast Guard continues to receive the resources it needs to keep doing the great job they have done both before and after September 11. The Coast Guard needs substantially more money and more modern assets to meet the challenges of the future and to operate safely, efficiently and effectively to protect America. The passage earlier this week of over half a billion dollars in a supplemental appropriations bill for the Coast Guard is indeed good news to allow the Coast Guard to continue to meet the increased cost of defending America. Lastly, the Coast Guard must continue to report directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security, keeping its access at the highest levels of administration. This point was a top priority for me from the very first days the President's proposal was made. I was adamant that the Coast Guard would not be lost in a bureaucratic jungle, and I want to thank the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) for their efforts in joining me to ensure that the Coast Guard continues to enjoy its open access door to the Secretary. It is critical that the Coast Guard can report directly to the top decision makers, and this is exactly what this bill specifies that they do. Mr. Chairman, I believe this legislative proposal is good for the Coast Guard and the right direction for America at this difficult time in our Nation's history, and I urge a strong support of this legislation.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the fine work of the Wetlands Institute of Stone Harbor, New Jersey on its 30th Anniversary. As an important haven for wildlife habitation and education, the Wetlands Institute deserves to be recognized and applauded. Opened in 1972 by its founder, Herbert Mills, the Wetlands Institute has a clear mission to promote the appreciation and understanding of the vital role wetlands and coastal ecosystems play in the survival of life on this planet. This not for profit organization reaches out and educates the community by providing a fun learning experience for families, school groups and vacationers of all ages. Each year the Institute works hard to hosts thousands of visitors, supplying them with unforgettable views of countless species of birds, salt water aquaria and beautiful gardens. The ambitious and honorable goals of the Wetland Institute include teaching the value of wetlands and coastal systems, sponsoring important research of these ecosystems and encouraging the stewardship of these habitats worldwide. Since 1972, this organization has involved students in several of its conservation projects. Many of these projects have garnered national attention, such as the diamond back terrapin research reported by ABC and National Geographic, as well as photographs of a horseshoe crab spawning census published in LIFE magazine in 1999. Through tirelessly striving to educate the public on the critical need for wetlands conservation, the Wetlands Institute has demonstrated a strong commitment to the community. I wish this valuable organization further success and would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with the Coast Guard personnel at Group-Air Station Atlantic City as they honor two World War II veterans. The two former Coast Guard aircrew from New Jersey flew many homeland security missions together from bases in Florida between 1943 and 1945, protecting convoys moving along the East Coast and searching for German U-boats. Donald T. Daughenbaugh was born in Atlantic City, NJ in 1920. Harry D. Mount was born in Riverside, NJ in 1922. Donald Daughenbaugh joined the Coast Guard in 1941, became a boat coxswain in 1942 and was designated an Aviation Pilot #71 on April 16, 1943. He began operational flying shortly afterward at Air Station Miami. Harry Mount left college early to join the Coast Guard in the summer of 1942. He was sent to Radio School in Atlantic City, NJ and then reported to Air Station Miami as an Aviation Radio operator. Together these two Coast Guard heroes flew the OS2U-3 KINGFISHER, a scout observation plane, searching for German submarines and protecting the convoys along the East Coast. This plane carried two depth charges and a 30 caliber machine gun. They also flew missions in the PBY, PBM, PH2, JRF and J4F protecting convoys and doing Air-Sea Rescues from many airfields along the Florida coast. True to form, these two proud veterans, and Coast Guard legends, are not going to just stand by to receive praise from today's Coast Guard aviators. They are going to honor the newest Coast Guard aircrewmen by pinning them with their newly earned aircrew wings. Let the record show that Donald T. Daughenbaugh, Enlisted Pilot #71 and later Commissioned Coast Guard Aviator #216, at 82 years of age, is still flying 60 years later and flew his own airplane to Coast Guard Group-Air Station Atlantic City. This act makes proud all that have worn the ``Wings of Gold'' throughout the long history of Coast Guard aviation. These two great men and their wonderful families should be very proud. May God bless them richly as they continue to give to their country and to their wonderful service, the United States Coast Guard.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the reopening of Congress Hall, a very special historic landmark in Cape May, New Jersey. Opened in 1816, Congress Hall was originally built by Thomas Hughes as a boarding house for summer visitors to the Cape May area. The house was a success and, in 1828, when Hughes was elected to Congress, it was renamed Congress Hall in his honor. An 1878 fire destroyed the Hall but within a year it was rebuilt. As the hotel and its surrounding city became more popular, it attracted an even more diverse stream of visitors. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan all chose to vacation here. President Benjamin Harrison deemed Congress Hall his ``summer White House.'' Composer John Phillip Sousa conducted concerts on the lawn of the Hall and, in 1882, composed the ``Congress Hall March.'' Closed during the Great Depression and reopened after the end of the Second World War, it seemed that the days of Congress Hall and the grandeur it had been associated with had passed. From 1968 until 1995, Congress Hall was protected from demolition when it became the home of the Cape May Bible Conference led by Reverend Carl McIntire. Then, in 1995, the property was purchased and prepared for extensive renovation. Today, Congress Hall is reopened, recalling its original splendor, fit for Presidents, dignitaries and visitors the world over. I am pleased to claim Congress Hall as part of my Congressional District's proud history and welcome a new generation of vacationers to visit the historic hotel. Best wishes to all the people involved with Congress Hall and to the citizens of Cape May as they celebrate this special milestone in their community's history.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 3983.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House insist on its amendment and request a conference with the Senate thereon.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the Senate bill (S. 1214) to amend the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to establish a program to ensure greater security for United States seaports, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I offer a motion.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3983) to ensure the security of maritime transportation in the United States against acts of terrorism, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the chairman of the full committee. (Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3983, the Maritime Transportation Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002. This bill establishes a comprehensive national system to increase anti-terrorism security for our ports and waterways. This legislation was developed to prevent a terrorist attack along our Nation's largest and perhaps our most vulnerable border. Consisting of 95,000 miles of coastline with hundreds of ports, the United States' maritime industry contributes in excess of $742 billion to the gross domestic product each year. The goal of H.R. 3983 is to deter terrorist attacks against ocean shipping without adversely affecting the flow of U.S. commerce through our ports. This bill is the second transportation security bill reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H.R. 3983 was developed in a bipartisan manner in close cooperation with the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown) and their staffs in response to the terrorists' threats to our ports and waterways. I appreciate their hard work in support for this important piece of legislation and thank them for the strong cooperation we have received during this bill. H.R. 3983 requires the Coast Guard to conduct vulnerability assessments of U.S. ports. The results of the assessments will be used to implement a national maritime transportation planning system consisting of a comprehensive national plan, specific area plans, as well as local vessel and marine facility plans, all tailored to deter a catastrophic terrorist event to the greatest extent possible. H.R. 3983 also establishes a requirement for the Coast Guard to assess the effectiveness of security systems in certain foreign ports and to deny entry to vessels from foreign ports that do not maintain effective security. Under H.R. 3983, individuals who enter secure areas on vessels or facilities will be required to have transportation security cards issued by the Secretary of the Transportation. The Secretary may only deny transportation security cards to an individual found to be a terrorist security risk. The Maritime Transportation Anti-Terrorism Act authorizes $83 million annually in grants for enhanced facility security at U.S. ports for the next three fiscal years. These grants will help cover the cost of port anti-terrorism improvement and fund proof-of-concept projects to determine which technologies will improve port security the best. Shipping containers are particularly adaptable to use by terrorists, and H.R. 3983 contains several provisions to include the security of containers. The bill requires the Under Secretary of Transportation to maintain a cargo tracking identification and screening system for shipping containers shipped to and from the United States directly through a foreign port. H.R. 3983 also requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish performance standards to enhance the physical security of shipping containers, including standards for container seals and locks. Madam Speaker, this bill contains other important security enhancements concerning vessel crew and passenger manifests, Coast Guard sea marshals, vessel transponders, to track the movement of vessels in the United States water, and some other measures. The committee amended H.R. 3983 to contain several additional security enhancements and other Coast Guard provisions previously passed by the House. The Coast Guard, as one of the Nation's five armed services, has a key role in homeland security, particularly as it relates to port security and defense readiness. These provisions strengthen the authority of the Coast Guard and the Department of Transportation to confront the terrorist threat that is facing us today. Strong maritime homeland security requires a strong Coast Guard with the resources it needs to protect our Nation from the terrorist attack. The Coast Guard has proven to have done a magnificent job throughout our Nation's history, but we are all particularly proud of the job they have done since September 11, starting on that fateful day where they oversaw the evacuation of over a million people from Lower Manhattan. The Coast Guard can do their job in an exceptional way if we give them the resources necessary, the manpower, the operating dollars and the assets to do this job. This bill will help us along that way. I urge all Members to support this important piece of legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very special patriot who has committed his entire career to the mission of defending America. Admiral James M. Loy, commandant of the United States Coast Guard, is retiring from duty at the end of May and will bring to a close his remarkable 38-year career. Admiral Loy, a 1964 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy, spent much of his career on the water. He served aboard a number of Coast Guard cutters and commanded a patrol boat during combat in Vietnam. His experience comes from duty on the front lines, teaming the Coast Guard's traditions and missions from those who served before him, carrying on a tradition that stretches back to 1790. For his service, Admiral Loy has been awarded a number of decorations including two Department of Transportation Distinguished Service Medals, four Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medals, the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legion of Merit awards, the Bronze Star with Combat ``V,'' the Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the Combat Service Ribbon as well as other unit and campaign awards. This recognition denotes a fine service career in and of itself, but James Loy still had much to give the Coast Guard and America. While a very experienced sea-going officer, Admiral Loy has also distinguished himself on land as well, earning two masters degrees and winning recognition for himself and for the service through his duty as Commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District, the Chief of Personnel and Training, Commander of the Atlantic Area and as Coast Guard Chief of Staff before becoming Commandant in 1998. His leadership has helped transform the Coast Guard and improve the service's readiness to serve effectively well into the 21st `` Century. He has been a vocal and effective advocate for the Coast Guard and for America's need to keep our shores, ports and waterways safe for the maritime industry and for the millions of Americans who enjoy boating and fishing on our waters. He has also been able to look ahead at the new challenges facing America today. Because of Admiral Loy's leadership and foresight, the Coast Guard was able, during the terrible days of September 2001, to coordinate and carry out the evacuation of I million people from Lower Manhattan and to immediately send recovery teams to New York and Washington while putting in place a security cordon around our nation's port cities. His leadership and the efforts of the Coast Guard from September 11th up until today demonstrate a living example of the Coast Guard's motto Semper Paratus--Always Ready. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as Chairman of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee to congratulate Admiral James M. Loy, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard on his magnificent career and to thank him for his long service to America. Admiral, we wish you and your wife Kay every happiness as you begin this new posting and thank you both for your dedication to service and duty.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, it is with immense pride and accolade that I rise today to honor Janet Wolf, upon her retirement from the National Park Service. Ms. Wolf has distinguished herself with great determination and creativity during her 34 years of service. Thirty-four years ago, Ms. Wolf began her career as an urban intake employee in Washington, D.C. She has served at numerous sites across the country including: the Catoctin Mountain Park, the Roosevelt- Vanderbilt Headquarters, the Fort McHenry National Monument and as Superintendent of the Fort Frederica National Monument and the Morristown National Historical Park. In addition, after spearheading the planning and implementation efforts to establish the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, Ms. Wolf had the distinction of serving as its first Superintendent. For the past fourteen years she has prevailed with expertise as Project Director for the National Park Service's New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail. It is in this capacity that I came to know Ms. Wolf. I can attest to the fact that she has labored tirelessly to shepherd this project from concept to reality. Established in 1988, the Trail has highlighted the natural beauty of over eight counties and six Congressional districts in New Jersey. Since its inception, the Trail has blossomed to its current size boasting over seventy destinations, welcome centers, and local information centers. All sites manifest a theme: Maritime History, Coastal Habitats, Wildlife Migration, Historic Settlements, and Relaxation and Inspiration. The Trail has prospered in part from numerous local partners including: the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, New Jersey Office of Travel and Tourism, and the Pinelands Commission. These partnerships have been successful due to Ms. Wolf's perseverance, experience, and creativity. As a testament to her outstanding work, Ms. Wolf has received countless recognitions, including a Citation for Meritorious Service from the Secretary of Interior. Ms. Wolf's contributions also extend well beyond her role as Program Manager for the Trail. She has been an active participant in the local community, serving on numerous boards, committees and local foundations. Mr. Speaker, Janet Wolf's contributions to the National Park Service are indeed numerous and noteworthy. By preserving our nation's environmental heritage, she has left a legacy with benefits too countless to number. Her indefatigable work on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail is portrayed in the eyes of a child upon seeing the ocean for the first time, or in the serenity brought in the solitude and wonder of New Jersey's forests, diverse wildlife, and coastal habitats. For her many years of dedication and diligent efforts on behalf of our nation's parks, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing her good health and a very joyous retirement.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of a resolution I introduced to honor and recognize older Americans who continue to contribute valued work experience to their home communities. As you know, May is Older Americans Month, and as such it provides us with a perfect opportunity to reflect on the contributions of all of our nation's older Americans. I have been fortunate in my career to have a successful working relationship with the Experience Works organization, formerly known as Green Thumb, which has a Staffing Service office located in my Congressional district. I have seen the great work they accomplish in encouraging senior citizens to stay active and involved in their communities by continuing to work or simply by mentoring younger workers. Therefore, I have introduced a resolution, H. Res. 407, to recognize these contributions of effort and active involvement on the part of our older Americans. It is a pleasure to honor America's seniors this month for their continued interest and enthusiasm in contributing to the American workforce. I urge my distinguished colleagues to support H. Res. 407 to honor our hard working older Americans.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey's men's soccer team on winning the NCAA Division III national championship, the school's first national title. Not only did the Ospreys bring home the title, they also achieved a 25-1-1 record, the best record in the history of the men's NCAA soccer. Head coach Jeff Haines and his team established new school records for the most wins, most consecutive wins, fewest losses, best season record, most shutouts and most goals scored. Their dedication, hard work and can-do spirit have made our community so very proud and have brought the Ospreys recognition from across the Garden State and, in fact, from across the United States of America. I would like to congratulate the team, Head Coach Haines, the coaching staff, athletic director Larry James and the entire school on such an impressive achievement. I am very pleased to welcome them to Washington and wish them the very best of luck for repeating as national champions next year. They have set an example for our entire community on what teamwork means, setting the bar high to reach a goal and then going for it and winning a national title. We are so very proud of them, Mr. Speaker. The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey 2001 Men's Soccer Roster Student athletes and New Jersey hometowns: Nicholas Agaccio, Avenel; Steven Billstein, Woodbury Heights; Douglas Cavagnaro, Vineland; Vincent Colubiale, North Cape May; Mark Dodson, Shamong; John Epley, Franklinville; Thomas Ferron, Ringwood; and Michael Ford, Atco. John Geiges, Haddon Heights; Michael Harner, Sewell; Rashid Hawkins, Cherry Hill; Jason Kufta, Maple Shade; Peter Lambert, Ocean View; Ralph Maione, Egg Harbor City; David Mattus, Bridgeton; Michael McAlarnen, Upper Township; and Christopher Meyrick, Richland. Jeffrey Moore, Gloucester Township; Michael Muckley, Atco; James Nelson, Toms River; Greg Ruttler, Atco; Nicholas Scafidi, Laurel Springs; Brett Steinberg, Hohokus; Thomas Tutalo, West Orange; Alec Walker, Atco; and Ryan Williams, Westmont. Coaching staff members and title: Jeffrey Haines, head men's soccer coach; James Connor, assistant men's soccer coach; and Christopher Wiener, assistant men's soccer coach.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I would in closing like to thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown) and the minority staff for their strong cooperation and help with Coast Guard issues since I have been Chair of this committee. I have appreciated it a great deal. The gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) has been there every inch of the way, as has been the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown) and their staff. Again, I would like to encourage all the Members to take a close look at the mission that the Coast Guard has been given to do, especially since September 11, and recognize that this is one step in a process that we are fighting through to make sure that these men and women have the resources necessary.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott) for his words of support for the Coast Guard. I would like to ask that all Members, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott) and all Members who have risen today to speak on the bill, and I believe the overwhelming number of Members who will support this bill, to join with us in our effort when we get to the hard part, and this part today is easy for Members to stand up and say they are supporting the Coast Guard authorization. Well in excess of 400 Members voted in support of this measure when we brought it up the first time, but we have some difficult work to do. There was recently an article in the Washington Post, I believe last week, that talked about our drug interdiction efforts suffering because of the Coast Guard's lack of resources. This is not what we want to see from this body. This is not what this Nation wants to see, and the only way we will remedy the situation is if we collectively join together, put our shoulders to the same wheel and make sure through the appropriations process that the Coast Guard receives the resources necessary to carry out the mission they have been mandated to do. Mr. Speaker, I have visited the Coast Guard facilities in my district a number of times. We have the Coast Guard Recruit Training Center, the only one in the Nation in Cape May in the Second Congressional District. I also visited Group Air Station Atlanta City just a couple of weeks ago, and with Captain Durfee, I looked into the eyes of the men and women there, eager to serve their country, well trained, ready to go, boarding ships and checking foreign crews and manifests, making sure our ports are save, responding to anything in a moment's notice, willing to give up everything for our Nation. We owe these men and women who have given us so much in their mission of drug interdiction, homeland security, interdiction of illegal immigrants, fishery law enforcement, all the different things, search and rescue operations, all of the things that are in jeopardy if we cannot get them the resources they need. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons) for the purpose of a colloquy.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I think that is an excellent idea. The gentleman has my commitment that we will try to do that expeditiously when we return next year.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

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