Jerry McNerney

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, the amendment my colleague Mr. Garamendi and I are offering simply decreases the funding for the Farm Service Agency by $11 million and increases it by the same amount. The intent of this amendment is to ensure that $11 million goes towards the Emergency Conservation Program, or ECP. Mr. Chairman, you might wonder why I would decrease and increase the amount by the same amount, but in the arcane world of appropriations, it is the intent of Congress--and we want to make sure that the intent is there--to put this money into the Emergency Conservation Program. The ECP helps farmers and ranchers during severe drought. They are able to use this program's funding to repair damaged farm land or install measures for water conservation. My State of California has more than 80,000 farmers and ranchers, accounting for 15 percent of national receipts for crops and 77.1 percent for the U.S. revenue for livestock and livestock products. State exports totaled approximately $18 billion in value. Unfortunately, California is experiencing a prolonged and serious drought. Conditions haven't improved. Snowpack and reservoirs are at historically low levels. This drought is a State emergency, and support will be needed through the rest of this year and next. Our farmers and ranchers need every available resource right now, rather than responding after the fact when the damage is more severe. Programs like the ECP are critical for these farmers and ranchers in times of exceptional drought. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to my colleague from California (Mr. Garamendi).

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, our farmers need the assistance right now. I am glad that the House appears to be ready to take a vote. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Brandin Cooks, a native of Stockton, California, who was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the NFL draft. Our region is proud to see one of its own achieve his childhood dream. While there are many young men who set the goal of becoming an NFL athlete, it is an incredibly difficult task to make it to that level. According to the NFL's Players Association: Of the 100,000 high school seniors who play football every year, only 215 will ever make an NFL roster. That is a mere 0.2 percent. Since he was a child, Brandin loved football and worked hard to develop his skills. He started playing for the North Stockton Bengals youth football program, then Lincoln High School and Oregon State. Brandin earned the Biletnikoff Award his junior year as the Nation's top receiver and made history at Oregon State. This past February at the NFL Combine, he ran the fastest 40-yard dash--in 4.33 seconds. Brandin credits his mother, Andrea Cooks, as his inspiration for becoming one of the Nation's elite college receivers. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Brandin Cooks and wish him a long and successful career in the NFL.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chair, during rollcall vote No. 265 on H.R. 4660, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``aye'' when I should have voted ``nay''. Amendment Offered by Mr. King of Iowa

Mr. McNERNEY

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

Mr. McNERNEY. First, I want to recognize Chairman Wolf for his service to this body and to this country, and I want to recognize the chairman and Ranking Member Fattah for their work on this bill. Madam Chair, my amendment takes $3 million from the Census Bureau and transfers it to the COPS grant program, with the intent that this $3 million will go toward the COPS Technology grants program at the Department of Justice. I am proud to represent California's Ninth Congressional District and the work our law enforcement agencies are doing in our region. However, they need additional support. Several cities in my district have violent crime rates that are well above State averages. Law enforcement agencies are understaffed and are struggling to retain and recruit officers. These first responders are doing their best to stretch budgets in tough economic times while trying to manage crime activity. This is an extremely difficult task that stresses police departments, officers, their families, and our neighborhoods. Consequently, it is even more important that our communities and law enforcement work together to ensure crime fighting is as effective as possible while also yielding the best results. One way to accomplish this goal is through improvements in technology. This increases effectiveness. It streamlines capabilities and increases information sharing. Most importantly, it improves the public's and officers' safety. Through 2010, the COPS Technology program helped more than 3,000 law enforcement agencies acquire essential technology to help meet the needs of their regions. That demand for technology funding by law enforcement agencies across the country has increased in the past 4 years. I recently met with the chief of police from a city in my district who asked how his department could obtain funding for an innovative project that will help officers identify the exact location of gun shops within the city. This pilot project in a very small area has been extremely successful. These technology grants would be awarded on a competitive basis, ensuring that each applicant has a fair opportunity to receive money and to acquire and deploy crime fighting technologies. I do understand the concerns about taking money from the Census Bureau as it begins its preparations for the 2020 census, but I believe that individuals, families, and businesses in high crime areas would greatly benefit from the COPS Technology grant funding in the short and in the long term. This technology will save lives. Lastly, I want to mention that the International Association of Chiefs of Police supports my amendment, and I urge the adoption of the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Armed Forces Day, which took place on May 17th. We have set this day aside to recognize the men and women of our armed forces since Armed Forces Day was established by President Harry Truman in 1949. All Americans should take time to honor the sacrifices of our people in uniform serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard around the world. They put their lives at risk to protect us, to rescue us, and to assure our freedom and that of our allies. Our service members endure harsh and often life-threatening conditions, long hours, and extended periods away from their families for the best reason of all--because their country asked them to. I urge Americans to thank members of the armed forces for their service when they see them in the community, to help their families when they are deployed, and to hire them when they leave the service and are coming back into our communities as veterans.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Chair, I want to thank Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for their work on this critical legislation, The National Defense Authorization Act. I believe that it is our sacred obligation to help the men and women who served our country find good-paying jobs in today's economy and transition seamlessly from active duty to the civilian labor market. The men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces receive first class training in the military and develop skills that are valuable in the civilian workforce. Too often, they return home and find it challenging to obtain employment. The underlying bill authorizes a pilot program to connect civilian employing agencies with service members who are leaving the military and entering the civilian workforce. I offered an amendment that requires the Secretary of Defense to consider how those agencies will work with state and county Veterans Affairs offices, as well as National Guard offices. Some of the most valuable resources and information that troops and veterans receive come from their local VA and National Guard offices. Their dedicated professionals have experience and expertise on the front lines and understand the unique needs of service members and veterans. By coordinating these services, we can more fully assist veterans in a seamless transition from military service to civilian life--and we can start that by helping them find good wage jobs. Our veterans have earned the thanks of a grateful nation when they return home, and employers can and will benefit from the skills, discipline, and professionalism veterans possess. I want to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for including my amendment in this en bloc package.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of my friend, W. Ronald Coale, who passed away on April 17, 2014. Ron was a native of Stockton, California. He went to local schools, graduated from Stockton College, and acquired a teaching certificate in the field of transportation and distribution from the University of California at Berkeley. Dedicated to his country, Ron was a veteran of the Korean war, serving in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954. His life was dedicated to serving the community in a variety of jobs, including as a member of the Stockton Metropolitan Transit District Board of Directors; Stockton City Council, serving as vice mayor in 1985; San Joaquin County Council of Governments; California Public Utility Commission; Stockton Port District Board of Port Commissioners. Appointed by the Stockton City Council to the Board of Port Commissioners in 1991, Ron served with distinction as the commissioner for 20 years. During his tenure on the Stockton Port Commission, Ron's leadership was apparent from the onset, and in the year 2000 he helped the Port of Stockton secure Rough and Ready Island from the United States Navy. By acquiring Rough and Ready Island, the Port of Stockton became the third largest port in California, the largest inland port in terms of acreage in California, and the second busiest inland port on the west coast. This allowed the Port of Stockton to better serve California's expanding agriculture industry, and is essential given its proximity to major transportation hubs in the State. Ron also served on various boards and commissions at the State and local levels in California. He was a former member of the advisory board of the YMCA of San Joaquin County, a member of the Stockton Salvation Army, and a former gubernatorial appointee to the Atascadero State Hospital Advisory Board. In these roles, Ron helped to reach our youth and help those in need. As a veteran, Ron was a member of Karl Ross Post of the American Legion in Stockton. He was a member of my U.S. service academy nomination committee. His knowledge and expertise was invaluable to the young men and women who are joining our Armed Forces. Ron was also a frequent visitor to my Stockton district office, and he knew my entire staff, and we appreciated him. Ron was a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, the highest degree for a mason. He was appointed to the office of Personal Representative of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General of California for the Stockton Scottish Rite in April 1992, serving in that position until May 2003. He was instrumental in partnering the Stockton Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Center and the speech and language department of the University of the Pacific. Throughout his partnership, the Stockton Center became a flagship for all Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Centers in California, providing speech therapy treatment to children throughout our community. This center now serves approximately 100 children each week free of charge. Ron's impact on our community and lives around him will not be forgotten. Ron always brought a smile and a warm sense of humor. To know Ron was to know a dear friend. He was one of Stockton's most dedicated citizens, and we will miss him. Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Mary Ellen Coale. Ron is survived by his two sons, Ronald W. and Michael W., and five grandchildren: Ronald Thomas, Stephanie Lynn, Christopher Aaron, Jeffrey Michael, and Tyler Joseph Coale.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Marine Lance Corporal Sara Castromata. Lance Corporal Castromata was tragically murdered in an incident on the Marine Base at Quantico on March 21, 2013. An investigation by the military revealed that there were lapses in security on the base. Lance Corporal Castromata joined the Marines in 2011, after graduating with honors from Liberty High School in Brentwood, California. A strong-minded individual, Ms. Castromata enlisted in the U.S. Marines to serve our great Nation. While in the Marines, she earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal, all of which are a testament to her honorable service. I appreciate the Marine Corps for investigating this crime and providing recommendations to prevent future criminal acts. While these are steps in the right direction, we must do more to ensure that this type of event doesn't happen again. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Marine Lance Corporal Sara Castromata and for additional base security.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the East Bay Regional Park District (the District) for 80 years of creating beautiful parkland and open spaces in both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The District has over 114,000 acres, 65 parks and 1,200 miles of trails, which allow people to enjoy nature, outdoor recreation, and environmental education experiences. Through its Healthy Parks, Healthy People Campaign, the District has worked to promote awareness of the parks, trails and events they offer to both counties. The District has always been forward thinking in planning how to manage and conserve our nation's resources while also providing the public with a variety of recreational activities. East Bay Regional Parks has been a key participant in conservation for eighty years. The Park District has been created a master plan for the East Bay to preserve our resources through good management while also providing the public with a variety of recreation and outdoor activities. I ask my colleagues to congratulate the East Bay Regional Parks on its 80th birthday and to recognize its invaluable contributions to our natural resources and our communities.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my Republican colleagues to bring the Senate's bipartisan compromise on extending unemployment insurance to the House floor for a vote. Our economy is recovering, but not fast enough. We need to continue helping our businesses create jobs that pay living wages; but, in the meantime, we can't forget about those who lost their jobs in the downturn. Many of them have families to support while looking for jobs in a tough economy. An analysis by Moody's found that for every dollar spent on unemployment benefits the economy generates $1.64 in economic activity. That is money that gets spent on basic necessities like food; so the grocery checker gets paid; the truck driver that delivered the food gets paid; and the farmer who grows the food gets paid. It doesn't take a Ph.D. to do the math. And speaking of math, the Senate deal is paid for, so unemployment insurance doesn't add to the deficit. For all these reasons, I call on my Republican colleagues to bring this to the floor for a vote today.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, the U.S. has always been the world leader in space exploration. We were the first and only nation to put humans safely on the Moon and the only nation to send unmanned ships to Mars, among other extraordinary missions. In 2011, NASA flew its last space shuttle mission. Without any new human lift system ready, the U.S. has had to depend on Russia to send our astronauts to space. This arrangement has worked because of a sense of cooperation and mutual respect between our two great nations' space programs. But American innovation cannot be stopped. Several private companies are working with NASA to ensure that Americans can once again fly on American spaceships. As a Nation, we should support this effort and encourage private American companies to accelerate their programs. These public-private partnerships will ensure that the U.S. does not rely solely on Russian spacecraft. I urge my colleagues to consider the long-term benefits of investing in space exploration and scientific research.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the important research being done at the Department of Defense into treating tuberous sclerosis complex or TSC. Individuals with TSC experience tumors in the brain and other vital organs, which can result in seizures, kidney failure, and other serious health problems. I have had the opportunity to meet with people affected by this illness and understand how critical it is to continue medical research into treatments while scientists develop a cure for TSC. Funding the DOD TSC research program is essential in developing new clinical treatments and medical breakthroughs for the disorder. In addition, this research has applications for other medical conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries, which are common in combat and sports injuries. TSC research breakthroughs will likely also have applications to some specific cancers. By committing support and funding for this important research, we give hope to those living with TSC and other chronic illnesses to help them live long and healthy lives.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for yielding to me, and I want to talk about this bill, H.R. 3826. Basically from where I can see, H.R. 3826 will essentially prevent the EPA from limiting coal-fired power plant emissions, including health-endangering pollution as well as carbon. We are all interested in health, but I want to talk about carbon pollution. Climate change is one of the most important national issues we face right now, and the evidence for climate change is overwhelming, whether it is superstorms that are occurring more regularly, whether it is a record-changing drought, whether it is migration patterns of biological systems, melting of the polar icecaps and the related issue, ocean acidification, all of these current phenomenon are very dangerous and very threatening. The leading scientists of this Nation and around the world agree that this is a threat, that it is a problem. In fact, about 97 percent of planet scientists believe this is a problem, and the predictions and the models for the climate sciences are horrifying enough. Unfortunately, actual measurements and actual predictions and happenings are worse than the predictions, than the actual models are predicting, so we are facing a very dangerous situation. I ask my colleagues, Why are you willing to take this risk? Climate change is a very big problem. It is a very big risk. Ninety-seven percent of the scientists agree it is a risk, and yet we are going to say it is not really a risk, we can worry about that later. No, we have to worry about it right now, today. The good news out there is that carbon-capture sequestration technology is coming along pretty well. What this bill would do, unfortunately, is prevent carbon-sequestration technology from being adopted in power plants. I submit that allowing carbon sequestration technology to be developed is in the interest of the coal industry. If the technology is developed and climate change keeps happening, which it is, then the public is going to demand that we incorporate climate change, carbon sequestration technology, and if it is not there, then coal plants are going to be shut down. So now, when we have the opportunity when technology is being developed, there is money being spent by the Federal Government and by private industry to develop carbon-capture sequestration, let's go ahead and take advantage of that, implement it in our power plants on a limited basis now so when the need is there, it will be available. I don't understand why that is being ignored. H.R. 3826 ignores that and other possibilities. It prohibits us from using existing carbon capture projects in the United States as a technical basis for implementing that technology in coal-fired power plants. We must take advantage of this technology in the United States and abroad. We shouldn't prevent the development of this technology. CS technology is improving. It is becoming more cost effective, and it is becoming more effective technologically. It is in the best interests of the long-term coal industry, and I strongly urge opposition to this bill.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in supporting clean energy initiative financing programs like PACE to help people and businesses invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Thanks, in part, to increased energy efficiency, consumption of energy is down 5 percent nationally from 2007 levels. However, the growth of new renewable energy capacity has slowed down from 18 gigawatts installed in 2012 to 5.4 gigawatts in 2013, in part, due to a lack of access to capital. PACE financing programs allow property owners to pay back the costs of clean energy technologies over longer periods of time. Property owners can recoup their investments through property assessments. By encouraging distributed energy production and energy efficiency, property owners quickly increase the value of their properties. PACE programs are voluntary, and property owners across the country are eager to sign up.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Antioch's first African-American city council member, Reggie Moore. Reggie's tireless commitment to serving others is an inspiration to me and the residents of my district. First elected to the Antioch City Council in 2006, Reggie quickly made his mark by championing causes that would benefit the city and its residents. He also started Antioch's annual Martin Luther King Day celebration, which honors Dr. King's work by promoting volunteerism and by providing scholarships for Antioch students. Reggie worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others, and he was a strong advocate for labor and workers' rights. Under his leadership as President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 444 from 2003 to 2007, Reggie fought to improve working conditions and benefits for the union's employees. As Black History Month comes to a close, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Reggie Moore--a trailblazer who was deeply committed to the cause of improving the lives of his fellow citizens.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I would like to talk about twin prime numbers. Twin primes are two prime numbers separated by a single number, like 11 and 13, or 17 and 19. The question is, Are there an infinite number of twin primes? It was the general consensus of the mathematical community until just recently that that question was beyond the capability of our current mathematical community. However, there have been some stunning advances on this problem in the last few years. In particular, last May, with the help of an online collaborative project, mathematicians pioneered new methods for addressing this problem with a huge breakthrough from Tom Zhang at the University of New Hampshire. We now know that there are an infinite number of prime number pairs separated by amounts smaller than 270. While the twin prime problem itself is still unsolved, mathematicians are hopeful that this year they can reduce the separation from 270 to less than 100.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I want to start by stating that I am strongly opposed to H.R. 3964, for a variety of reasons, but primarily because it does nothing to address California's drought. However, I would like to raise two points about the bill's process and debate. I offered an amendment that would sunset provisions of this bill in the 2015 water year. I did this because the bill's authors stated that the bill is intended to be a short-term measure. Yet my amendment to limit the duration of the bill was prevented from coming to the floor for a debate. I offered another amendment, which was actually proposed by the bill's authors. A few weeks ago, the Speaker, the majority whip, and the bill's authors held a press conference in California, where they bemoaned the fact that the Senate would not come to the negotiating table to address long-term water shortage issues. I agree with them that a bipartisan discussion in both Houses of Congress is appropriate. That is why I offered an amendment, using their own suggestions, to establish a joint select committee to address drought issues in the West. It would be comprised of 10 Members, just as the bill's author recommended, and would work out a comprehensive solution. That proposal, too, was rejected, as was a similar amendment by my California Valley colleague, Mr. Costa. We wanted to bring the House and the Senate to the table but are being denied the tools we need to do just that. How can the bill's authors claim they want a bicameral discussion, yet deny a vote on this issue--one which they just advocated for? I am trying to establish a set of guidelines with what the bill's authors say they want, but they won't even allow it.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise again to express my strong opposition to H.R. 3964. This legislation will do tremendous harm to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, an area that I am privileged to represent. Let's start with the facts. California is in a drought and is experiencing its driest year on record. Snowpacks are at about 13 percent of what they should be. Regions have set new records for consecutive dry days during the rainy season. Seventeen communities are at risk of running out of drinking water within 60 days. The National Drought Mitigation Center upgraded about 9 percent of California to an ``exceptional drought,'' the organization's most intense level of drought severity. Yet, here we are again, spending time on a bill which, according to its authors, is only a short-term fix for a few communities and does nothing to help California in its water crisis. California's Natural Resources Secretary John Laird said that H.R. 3964 ``falsely holds the promise of water relief that cannot be delivered because in this drought, the water simply does not exist.'' Let me repeat that: ``the water simply does not exist.'' I know that the other side is going to vote unanimously for this bill, so I ask them to look and see what is inside of it. It is not in your interest. This takes away states' rights. This doesn't weigh a state's protections. I ask people that live in the Great Lakes area and people that live in the Florida Everglades area: pay attention. This is a Federal precedent. It allows the Federal Government to come and take your water. Is that what you want? I don't think so. So I ask the Members of the other side of the aisle, please consider what this bill contains, please vote the right way. We should be addressing water efficiency, storage, reuse and recycling, water management, innovative water projects, and a long-term approach to water shortages. All H.R. 3964 ensures is that more water is shipped out of the delta, turning this precious estuary into a salty, stagnant marsh, devastating local economies, and costing the delta region thousands of jobs. We should stand united in preventing this legislation from ever becoming law. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 3964.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment to H.R. 3964, which I urge all of my colleagues to support. As my colleagues know, I am honored to represent the people of San Joaquin Delta. The delta is a precious resource that provides tremendous economic benefits to our entire State. Preserving the delta should be a priority for all of California. Agriculture is the economic backbone of the delta region, generating about $3 billion of economic activity a year in my district. Three billion dollars is a lot of money for us, and our producers rely on high quality water for their products. As currently written, H.R. 3964 will ship more water out of the delta, even though current shipments have already threatened the water quality for our delta farmers. During debate on this legislation in the previous Congress, we were told that the bill was a great deal for the delta, and yet delta counties opposed the legislation then, and we still strongly oppose the legislation now. That is because this bill, as Governor Brown says, will mandate that certain water interests come out ahead of others. All of California is experiencing a drought that threatens nearly 82,000 farmers and ranchers in the State. We should not be pitting farmers against each other. Simply put, this bill will steal water from northern California and devastate water quality for delta farmers. Farmers need freshwater, not saltwater, for their harvest. What my colleagues are saying is this: We have got the votes, we have got the money, let's go take the water; in other words, the doctrine of might makes right. Mr. Chairman, we should follow established law and protect the rights of the delta farmers. That is why I am offering a simple amendment to make sure that the most harmful provisions of this bill do not take effect until the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture verify that water quality for agriculture in the delta region is not negatively affected. Proponents of H.R. 3964 claim that the bill is pro-farmer, but this bill steals water from one part of California and gives it to another. If the authors of H.R. 3964 support farmers throughout the entire State, they should support my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, our farmers are already experiencing saltwater intrusion. Saltwater levels are increasing. Shipping more water south of the delta is going to increase our saltwater concentration. This is a known, ongoing problem. I ask my colleague, Mr. Chairman, that if he is confident that the bill will benefit California farmers, including delta farmers, then he should support my amendment, because that is exactly what we are asking it to do--to allow the Secretary of Agriculture and allow the Secretary of the Interior to make an assessment before water is shipped, lowering our quality. So, with that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, basically, I am asking my colleagues to give us a chance to make sure that our farmers are not damaged, our farmers are not hurt and that our $3 billion of economic activity is not curtailed in favor of a bill of doubtful quality. I think it is going to make a difference if we can just work together, find a solution that all the stakeholders can abide by and not resort to what appears to be a water steal. I think my farmers are going to ask me to defend their water quality, and that is exactly what I am doing. If my colleagues are supporting defending the farmers and the rights of the farmers throughout the State, then they should support my amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.