Carolyn McCarthy

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude for the relief funds donated by Taiwan which have been designated to aid in the United States' recovery after Superstorm Sandy. This generous donation comes at a time when collaboration and unity among people is the most important step toward recovery, and it is humbling to witness a global effort for relief. As my colleagues may know, many citizens, including many of my own constituents in Long Island, are still struggling to rebuild their lives after the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy. The aid offered by Taiwan will directly assist in repairing the coastal region and our nation, both in short term and long term efforts. From a pledge of $1.3 million, $100,000 will be given to New York City, New York State and New Jersey each. The additional $1 million will be split between Washington charities the United Way and Habitat for Humanity, which have been working tirelessly to aid and rebuild the hardest hit areas. Again, I thank Taiwan for the generosity they have shown to the United States during these difficult times. Relief funds are one of the most important ways in which help can be brought to the storm-stricken areas. I stand alongside the victims of this storm, as well as those who have already dedicated so much time and effort to rebuilding the region, in thanking Taiwan. These resilient people, with the assistance of the relief funds, will see a steady, efficient, and full recovery.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness of group A strep infection. A series of tragic events within my district have brought this pressing health situation to my attention. One of my constituents, Stephen Sweetman, a dedicated fireman, contacted my office after the deaths of his mother and his 2- year-old son. Sean died just days after originally presenting with invasive strep A symptoms last February. After flying to New York for Sean's wake, Mr. Sweetman's mother died of group A strep infection just 14 days after her grandson. Both were originally misdiagnosed with a stomach bug. While medical diagnosis presents enormous challenges, especially for rare diseases, I am deeply concerned with the medical misidentifications which led to these terrible deaths. Recently, several of my colleagues and I sent a letter to the Appropriations Committee asking that we focus on this issue. I hope that we can come together to raise awareness for group A strep infections.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor my friend, John P. Broder, upon his retirement from Winthrop- University Hospital. Mr. Broder has been in the marketing, public affairs and development profession for 42 years. For the past 20 years, he has been the Vice President for External Affairs and Development at Winthrop-University Hospital. He was responsible for government relations and development programs and has been instrumental in establishing the marketing, advertising and public affairs department at the Hospital. Mr. Broder received his degree in business administration from the St. Michael's College in Vermont and earned his MBA in Marketing from the Hagen Graduate School of Business at Iona College. In addition, Mr. Broder was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army after serving a combat tour in the Republic of Vietnam. He began his career with the United Way of Tri-State before moving to the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center where he was responsible for the hospital's successful $110 million capital campaign. Prior to joining the team at Winthrop, Mr. Broder was the Vice President in charge of the development programs at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. In addition to his impressive career, Mr. Broder has made time to serve the community through a variety of organizations. He is the Vice President of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce, a board member and past President of the Mineola Lions Club, Director of the Fair Media Council, works with the Mineola Community Planning Committee, and is a member of the Corporate Advisory Committee of Literacy Nassau, to name a few. For more than 30 years Mr. Broder has been a resident of Long Island and through his work and his volunteer service he has done a great deal to help improve our communities. Mr. Speaker, it is with admiration and respect that I offer my thanks and recognition to my friend John P. Broder for his many years of hard work and friendship.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent for a vote on June 26th 2012. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: Rollcall No. 416--On Agreeing to the Amendment (Connolly of Virginia Amendment) ``yes.''

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent on June 18, 2012. If I were present, I would have voted on the following: S. 684, To provide for the conveyance of certain parcels of land to the town of Alta, Utah--rollcall No. 379: ``yea.'' S. 404, To modify a land grant patent issued by the Secretary of the Interior--rollcall No. 380: ``yea.''

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, as has just been mentioned by my colleague from California, tomorrow, June 1, is the official start of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, which would potentially mean bad news for areas across the Nation, including folks on Long Island in my congressional district. Last year, Hurricane Irene and the earthquake felt along the east coast reminded us of the importance of the Nation's first responders, specifically, the importance of our broadcasters. Emergency plans are only effective if they are able to be communicated to the folks in need. This fact underscores the importance of our broadcasters. With that in mind, I have constantly supported efforts for both the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission to explore the potential benefits of including radio tuners in mobile telephones. Since technology would ensure that folks have an outlet to receive critical information in times of need, I encourage this Congress to act swiftly to consider any and all opportunities that would facilitate communication during emergencies. As we embark on hurricane season, let's take this moment to recognize the importance of broadcasters and all of our first responders that selflessly provide services in our time of need.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 2072, the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2012. I would also like to thank Majority Leader Cantor and Minority Whip Hoyer for their leadership on this bill, as well as full committee Chairman Bachus and Ranking Member Frank, and certainly my chairman on the subcommittee, Mr. Miller. But I also would like to thank all of the staff for their hard work on this important legislation, especially Lesli Gooch from Chairman Miller's staff and Georgette Sierra from my staff, who worked on this for over a year. I'm very proud to be supporting the bill before us today. Our Nation is at a crossroads. One job at a time, we are gradually emerging from one of the worst recessions in living memory. At this moment we can either stand in the way of America's ongoing recovery or speed it up. American businesses have recently watched their counterparts in other countries, like China, become world leaders in exporting. I believe strongly that now it's America's turn. It's America's turn to put our workers, the best workers in the world, to work in selling their goods and services to an untapped global market. It's America's turn to see its innovative businesses reach their full potential to grow and create local jobs in communities across this country. I'm confident with the help from the Export-Import Bank, American businesses can help make our Nation an unrivaled world economic leader once again. But the clock is ticking, and we must act now. The legislation before us brings certainty to many U.S. businesses that are anxiously awaiting Congress to reauthorize the bank before the May 31 deadline. H.R. 2072 provides a 3-year reauthorization and an incremental increase in the bank's exposure limit, allowing the bank to meet the increased demand from U.S. export companies. The bill includes provisions to enhance the bank's accountability by allotting funds for much-needed technology upgrades, requiring the bank to submit a business plan and to monitor and report to Congress if their default rate goes above 2 percent. The Export-Import Bank is the export credit agency of the United States, and it provides export financing for American companies when private financing isn't available. The bank is critical for helping U.S. companies create American jobs and compete in global markets by selling their goods and services to foreign buyers. Throughout the financial crisis, the bank played a crucial role in ensuring that American companies were able to continue exporting when private trade financing options were not available. The bank has allowed the United States to remain competitive in the global economy by fulfilling its mission of creating or sustaining U.S. jobs across the 50 States through exports. In fiscal year 2011, the bank provided over $30 billion in financing to 3,600 companies in the USA which supported nearly 290,000 American jobs. Over 80 percent of those transactions were for small businesses, like Aerolyusa, Inc., which sells aerospace parts in my own district in New York. It is important to note that the work of the bank is done at no cost to the American taxpayer, as the bank is self-sustaining, funding its finance programs and administrative costs from fees and the returns on its investments. In fact, the bank returns money to the Treasury, and since 2008, it has returned almost $2 billion to the Treasury. Foreign governments are aggressively supporting their own exporters so that they can dominate new markets and be world leaders in exporting. Through the Export-Import Bank's assistance, we will ensure that American companies have the tools to be globally competitive and will continue to create jobs in the United States and move our economy forward. Prominent business organizations such as the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable, and labor understand the important role of the bank and support its reauthorization. It shows how we have all worked together, with Mr. Miller's help, to bring this bill to the floor. In just a few weeks, the bank's charter will expire. Without Congress quickly enacting a long-term reauthorization and cap increase, thousands--thousands--of American jobs will be lost, and the U.S. businesses that rely on bank financing will be in jeopardy. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2072, which provides the certainty that businesses around our country need that rely on the bank in order to continue growing and creating jobs here at home through exports.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the remaining time. Number one, I want to say how wonderful it has been working with you, and certainly your staff. Over the last past year we have worked together, and I think that's a great example for the rest of this Chamber, to be very honest with you. We certainly care about this bill passionately. I think it's important for the American people. It comes back to American jobs. And that's what it is. I think the majority of our Members here in Congress will see that. This is something that's important for our workers and our companies--to be able to have the ability to compete with those countries that are doing exporting. We need to stand behind our businesses. We need to stand behind, certainly, our workers. With that, Mr. Speaker, I thank, again, everybody that has been involved in this, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Small Business Exporters Association of the United States, Washington, DC. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representatives: NSBA and its international trade arm--the Small Business Exporters Association--has been outspoken advocates for a long-term reauthorization and increased exposure cap for the U.S. Export-Import (ExIm) Bank. On behalf of the small businesses that rely on Ex-Im for much-needed financing and credit insurance, I urge members to support the bi-partisan bill, H.R. 2072, the Securing American Jobs Through Exports Act of 2011, when it is considered under the suspension calendar later this week. Ex-Im Bank is an independent federal agency that helps create and maintain U.S. jobs by filling gaps in private export financing at no cost to American taxpayers. The Bank provides a variety of financing mechanisms, including working capital financing, export-credit insurance and financial guarantees to help foreign buyers purchase U.S. goods and services. We applaud House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer for their dedication and bipartisan efforts to settle on a compromise to reauthorize Ex-Im's charter to 2014 and raise its loan exposure cap incrementally to $140 billion. The three-year extension cap gradually increases from $120 billion for the remainder of 2012, to $130 billion in 2013 and ultimately reaches $140 billion for 2014, provided certain default requirements are met. Ex-Im Bank remains a catalyst for the expansion of small- business exports while continuing to support businesses confronting aggressive foreign competition. In fact, for FY 2011, Ex-Im Bank set a record in its support of small business at $6 billion--an increase of more than 20 percent since 2010. Furthermore, in 2011 alone, Ex-Im Bank supported 290,000 jobs and $41 billion in exports. Absent Congressional action, the Bank's authorization will not only expire at the end of this month but it will have bumped up against its $100 billion cap and be unable to take on further transactions in the pipeline. Any uncertainty could have a devastating effect on small businesses' ability to follow through on sales even though there are buyers who want their products. Ex-Im Bank enables U.S. companies--large and small--to turn export opportunities into real sales, thus maintaining and creating U.S. jobs and contributing to a stronger national economy. We strongly urge you to support H.R. 2072 and approve this compromise legislation without further delay. Sincerely, Todd McCracken, President and CEO.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I yield 5 minutes to the minority whip, Mr. Hoyer, and thank him again for his leadership on this issue. (Mr. HOYER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I wish to engage the chairman of the subcommittee in a colloquy regarding section 9 of the bill relating to a new notice and comment period for bank transactions over $100 million. Specifically, I wish to inquire of the chairman the scope of the bank's ability to exclude from the notice required to be published in the Federal Register information that is proprietary or confidential that would violate the Trade Secrets Act or would jeopardize jobs in the U.S. by supplying information which competitors could use to compete with companies in the U.S.A.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, if I may, I would like to inquire of the chairman further. What is the expectation with respect to the amount of time transactions might be delayed as a result of the new notice and comment period?

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I thank the chairman. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal).

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen).

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin), the ranking member of the Ways and Means Committee. (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks), the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee. (Mr. DICKS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to my colleague, the gentlelady from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind everybody that in the Fourth Congressional District in California, $752 million in financing support came from the Export-Import Bank. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I yield 1 minute to my colleague, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah).

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent on March 26, 2012. If I were present, I would have voted on the following: H.R. 2779--To exempt inter-affiliate swaps from certain regulatory requirements put in place by Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, rollcall No. 127: ``yea.'' H.R. 2682--Business Risk mitigation and Price Stabilization Act of 2011, rollcall No. 128: ``yea.'' On Approving the Journal, rollcall No. 129: ``aye.''

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the importance of ensuring coverage for contraceptives and the impact this has on women's health. For centuries, important aspects of women's health care have been treated as a political football by advocates on all sides of the issue. In politicians' efforts to score political points, women suffer because of a lack of access to coverage, a lack of reliable information about health care choices, and because many women are vilified for some of the health care choices they make. It's time to take politics out of women's health, and it's time to ensure that women's health coverage includes full access to contraception. Birth control can have significant health care benefits for women and their families. It can significantly reduce health care costs. And it's one of the most commonly taken drugs in the United States. We need to stop playing games with people's health and instead live up to our responsibilities to protect the right of women to make the health care choices that are right for them. I look forward to working every Wednesday to talk about women's health.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank, certainly, Mr. Kelly from Pennsylvania and Mr. Clay from Missouri for helping me get this through the committee, and I appreciate that. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John J. Cook, a World War II veteran, a model American postal worker, and an integral member of the East Rockaway community. I also want to thank senior Councilman Anthony Santino for bringing this to my attention. Mr. Cook, a resident of my district, began working for the East Rockaway Post Office on January 8, 1944. For the next 60 years he served our East Rockaway community as a letter carrier who exemplified the American work ethic, displaying professionalism, courtesy and tireless dedication. After serving in World War II in the Pacific theater, Mr. Cook began working for the local post office and quickly became an integral part of the East Rockaway community. Day in and day out, for more than 60 years, Mr. Cook took pride in his work, delivering the mail to the East Rockaway community in a timely and efficient manner. He tailored his deliveries to the wishes of each individual customer. For example, he would make sure that important messages such as a wedding invitation or college acceptance letters were placed on the top of the day's mail for that customer. Mr. Cook would go above and beyond his expected duties. At times, he even would cancel his family vacations because the post office needed him for a last-minute shift. As public servants, we can recognize the importance of dedication, hard work, and service to one's community. It is only fitting and proper that the United States Government and Postal Service take the opportunity to honor a great man like Mr. Cook. He truly was a great American. Mr. Cook exemplified these values on a daily basis and became an esteemed member of our East Rockaway community. He watched the children of his customers grow up and marry and have their own children. To rename the post office in Mr. Cook's honor will be a well-deserved tribute to a World War II veteran and a model public servant; and I hope my colleagues join me in supporting H.R. 2079 in honor of Mr. John J. Cook.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to offer an amendment to the deeply flawed bill before us right now. Today we continue the majority's politically motivated attacks on regulations. For the past 2 weeks, we have considered bills designed to slow down and stop the regulatory process. The bill before us today doesn't target just the rules that the majority might like you to believe are problematic; it would hamper all rulemaking, even those rules that are essential to public health and safety. My amendment today seeks to address that issue by exempting the REINS Act regulations relating to food safety, workplace safety, air quality, consumer product safety, or water quality. These issue areas are too important to be impeded by the majority's need to generate political talking points. Consumers can't be put at risk because one House of Congress can't get its act together to pass food safety regulations. Children at risk from being exposed to toxic substances in toys can't wait for 535 new regulators to weigh in--that's us, the Members of Congress. People getting sick from tainted water supplies shouldn't be put further at risk by a legislative vote from one half of one-third of the branches of the government. Today's bill, the REINS Act, would amend the Congressional Review Act to prohibit a majority rule from going into effect unless Congress enacts a joint resolution of approval, specifically approving the rule. This is a bizarre, backwards, and unnecessary piece of legislation. The majority claims to be aiming to streamline the regulatory process and reduce the negative effects of a bureaucracy on the American people and on American businesses. Ironically, however, this bill has the effect of growing the regulatory process by effectively adding 535 of us additional regulators to the process. Each Member of Congress will now have to perform the role of a regulator. Congress will be forced to review the rules and regulations regarding highly technical matters currently handled by subject area experts. This technical complexity is precisely why we have professionals in the executive branch with subject matter expertise to work on these rules and regulations. This divide has been the fundamental cornerstone of the principal of separation of powers. But Congress is intended to represent the people and enact laws. The executive branch is intended to implement those laws. That implementation takes the form of issuing rules, regulations, and specific guidance on how the law will be implemented. The REINS Act inappropriately puts Congress into duties that should be carried out only by the executive branch. Congress does have oversight responsibility and a duty to monitor implementation, but we currently have methods to address the problems when they do occur, and we do not need this bill. The bill also will lead to confusion, uncertainty, and more gridlock. Thanks to the REINS Act requirement that Congress affirmatively approve of every major rule, one House of Congress will essentially have a legislative veto over any major regulation issued. The worst time for businesses is uncertainty, and the REINS Act increases it in the regulatory process. After engaging in the process of helping to shape the regulations through the rulemaking process, citizens will have to wonder what actions will Congress take. What legislative deal-making will occur? Will Congress approve of the regulation? When will Congress approve the regulation? This uncertainty keeps businesses from investing and from hiring new workers. More uncertainty under the REINS Act is the opposite of what we need. Congress should spend more of its time thoroughly considering enacting legislation. We should have the implementation where it belongs, in the executive branch. We should continue to monitor implementation and exercise proper oversight. And in the cases where correction is needed, use the current legislative tools that we have at our disposal to address those issues. I do urge all of our Members to vote for my amendment to protect the American people. We don't need more gridlock here in Washington. That's why everybody back at home is mad at everybody. We need to go on with our work. We have to make sure that there is a streamlined process so that we can get small businesses growing again, get people back to work. That's what the American people want from all of us. I urge my colleagues to vote for this amendment. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York

Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mrs. Marie Clarke Arturi of Laurel, Suffolk County, New York, the recipient of the 2011 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Outstanding Service Award in recognition of her efforts over more than a decade to raise public awareness and increase scientific research for the rare bone marrow failure disorder, Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA). Mrs. Arturi founded the Daniella Maria Arturi Foundation with her husband, Manny, in honor of their daughter Daniella's short but beautiful life, whose death from treatment complications of DBA on this day sixteen years ago, December 6, 1995. This marked the beginning of the Arturis' tireless efforts to improve the clinical care environment for those living with this disorder and to inspire a remarkable and growing field of researchers now dedicated to this field of science. Mrs. Arturi's efforts have helped shine a light on the value of understanding rare diseases. By demonstrating DBA's complex link to red cell aplasia, birth defects, cancer predisposition, and the first human disease identified as a ribosomal protein defect disorder, her work has made DBA an important area of focus within the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and clinical and research communities worldwide. These efforts are now leading to improvements in care and research for patients with blood disorders like DBA, while also leading to advanced research initiatives that are yielding clues to other, more widespread disease populations. The 2011 Outstanding Service Award will be presented to Mrs. Arturi during the 53rd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, on December 11, 2011. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Mrs. Marie Clarke Arturi and her family for their outstanding public service to rare disease communities and those living with Diamond Blackfan Anemia in honor of Daniella Maria Arturi.