Jerry McNerney

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Well, as we've heard both sides, this is a complicated issue. We don't want farmers in any part of the valley to be hurt, but the delta has a long history of providing excellent farm products, $800 million a year of agricultural output. This is at risk. This is what's at risk. My community is crying out to me. San Joaquin County is solidly behind my amendment. They're opposed to this bill. And I ask my colleagues to stand up and consider what this bill means for the rest of the country. If we adopt this, it sets a nasty precedent. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to advocate an aggressive response to the housing crisis. Last year, 30 percent of California homeowners with mortgages were underwater. That's one of the highest rates in the country. To improve our economy, we must fix the broken housing market. Large banks simply wait out short-sale offers, which kills the process. Back home, I hear from people who are trying to secure short sales and have to wait for months or longer to get a decision from their lender. That's absolutely unacceptable. Banks need to treat people fairly, which is why I'm a cosponsor of H.R. 1498, the Prompt Decision for Qualification of Short Sale Act. This is a bipartisan bill that requires lenders to make a decision within 45 days to approve or disapprove a short sale. This bill simply makes sure that prospective homeowners receive a decision from their banks in time to be useable. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation so we can break up the housing market logjam.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the uniting of two Marine families. On January 14, 2012, Lance Corporal Ronnie Porta met the parents--Chuck and Teri--of Corporal Charles Palmer II of Manteca, California. LCpl. Porta and Cpl. Palmer served together in Iraq, braving daily dangers in order to protect our freedoms and liberty. Tragically, in March of 2007, Palmer and Porta's vehicle hit an improvised explosive device, severely injuring LCpl. Porta and taking the life of Cpl. Palmer, the first casualty of the war from the City of Manteca. Palmer, who grew up in Manteca before joining the Marine Corps in 1992, received the Global War on Terrorism Service Award and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal for his service. Since the event in 2007, LCpl. Porta has undergone more than 120 surgeries over 4\1/2\ years at a medical facility in Texas. His ability to endure and succeed through the years is indicative of his good will and tremendous spirit. LCpl. Porta traveled from Texas to California to meet Chuck and Teri for the very first time. At the January 14 event, members from all corners of the community rallied together in support of both families and to express their gratitude to those who serve. The City of Manteca, the Patriot Guard Riders, Marines, veterans' organizations, families, business leaders, and other members of the community worked as one to make this event possible. As a nation, we are truly blessed to be represented by the brave men and women wearing the U.S. uniform. I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this tremendous occasion and in honor of the sacrifices of Cpl. Palmer and LCpl. Porta.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to address the budget gridlock that's ripping Washington apart. Like every American who cares about the future of our great country, I'm upset by the rampant partisan fighting. But I also know that the responsibility is not equally shared. For proof, look no further than the collapse of the deficit supercommittee. Washington Republicans' refusal to ask the wealthiest people and the biggest corporations to contribute their fair share caused the supercommittee's failure and is putting our country at risk. Middle class families are struggling, but the world's biggest corporations make huge profits and exploit tax loopholes to send jobs overseas. And the rich keep getting richer but are contributing less. This inequality is unacceptable, and it hurts America's economy. For instance, the after-tax income of the top 1 percent rose 281 percent from 1979 to 2007, but their total average Federal tax rate fell by nearly 8 points. Unfortunately, Washington Republicans have made clear that they will not fix the injustices in our Tax Code. In fact, 238 Members of the House and 41 Senators, almost all of them Republicans, have signed the infamous Americans for Tax Reform pledge. This pledge commits its signers to oppose any plan, no matter how responsible, that would ask the wealthiest people to contribute their fair share. Whether motivated by extremist ideology or commitments to greedy special interests, the facts are clear: Republicans who signed this pledge cannot take the steps our country needs to get our budget in order. Republicans came to power on a mission to rein in the budget deficit, a goal that we all support. But instead of supporting balanced policies, Washington Republicans forced the Congress to pass a dangerous budget agreement. And thanks to them, our hands are tied. If Washington Republicans keep refusing to compromise, massive cuts will kick in that will harm the middle class. Washington Republicans won't negotiate and won't come up with a fair budget plan. Instead of helping the middle class, Republicans are standing up for the megarich. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the plan put forward by Republicans on the deficit supercommittee shifts even more of the tax burden from the rich to the middle class. Their plan would change the tax tables in a way that benefits the wealthiest households more than the rest of us, which is what the chart next to me shows. As your income grows, so do your benefits. The wealthiest households will get more and more benefit, and their proposal dramatically weakens a variety of tax policies that help the middle class. I can't support a plan like that, and the American people can't either. Democrats and Republicans should be working together on fair solutions, but the Republicans' unwillingness to compromise is making this goal impossible. We can find solutions that will reduce the debt and keep taxes low for small businesses and middle class families, but only if the Republicans stop protecting tax breaks for the superrich. When I took my oath of office, I pledged to protect and defend the Constitution, and I am committed to helping the middle class getting our economy back on track. Democrats have demonstrated a willingness to talk about difficult subjects like entitlement reform, but Republicans refuse to negotiate. So I ask my Republican colleagues, especially those who have signed the ATR pledge, a simple question: Where do your loyalties lie? With the superrich and the special interests or with the hardworking Americans?

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Lance Corporal Joshua Corral. Josh was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, California. He was only 19 years old when he was killed in combat on November 18 while defending our Nation in Afghanistan. Josh attended San Ramon Valley High. He enjoyed playing baseball and soccer, and he was known by everyone as ``Chachi.'' Through letters, flags, a candlelight vigil, and many other actions, Danville has come together as a community to offer comfort to his family and show gratitude for his service and ultimate sacrifice. This great outpouring of support is a testament to Josh's character and heroism. Josh may not be here, but he will not be forgotten. Josh is survived by his parents, Arnie and Denise, as well as his brothers Zachary, Jordan and Christian. Josh is a hero who put aside all else out of devotion to his country. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Josh Corral and in sending our thoughts and prayers to his beloved family and friends.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the importance of school libraries, which are changing to better address the needs of students in the 21st Century. School libraries are an important part of our educational system and help prepare students for college and a good career. Teacher librarians teach students how to conduct good research, how to be critical users of the information they find, and how to avoid plagiarism. They also play an important role teaching online research skills and raising awareness of cyber safety issues. For these reasons, I rise to recognize the invaluable contributions that teacher librarians and school libraries make to our education system.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. The United States of America's history, culture and vast array of achievements have been shaped by peoples from across the world. Hispanic Heritage Month is an important opportunity to recognize the contributions of our nation's Latino community. California has been uniquely shaped by the contributions of its Hispanic heritage, from the founding of the Missions with their unique art and architecture to the rich cultural diversity of our cuisine, music and art. One of many important achievements of Hispanic Americans is that of civil rights that affect us all. Civil rights activist, labor leader, and farm worker Cesar Chavez fought for fair treatment, equality, and dignity without the use of violence. Cesar's leadership, faith, and persistence paved the way for many Latinos and non-Latinos who carry on his legacy. Today, Latino men and women are an integral part of the fabric that keeps our communities and our families strong. Latinos are tireless teachers in schools and brave soldiers who fight to defend our freedom. In the face of adversity, Latinos have risen to the highest levels of success in business, the arts, public service, athletics, and the armed forces. As we celebrate the contributions of Hispanic Americans, let us all work together to meet the challenges facing our communities so that we can build upon the American Dream for future generations. It is for these reasons I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month.

Mr. McNERNEY

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

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer a simple and straightforward amendment to H.R. 2401. My amendment will help make sure that the reports required by H.R. 2401 are fair--not skewed to support the majority's favorite talking points. It's critical that the reports look at the beneficial consequences of environmental protection, including the fact that good environmental policies create jobs in the clean energy sector. I reject the argument that the majority is making here today. Contrary to what we've heard members of the majority say over and over during today's debate, policies that protect our environment also create jobs. They create good family-wage jobs. Before I came to Congress, I spent my career as a clean energy engineer. I helped design windmills that overlooked my congressional district in California, and I've seen hundreds of jobs created in the clean energy sector; but to my great distress, I also watched many of those jobs get shipped overseas to places like Germany because our country did not have the right policies in place to support that industry. I am committed to creating jobs and seeing more goods produced right here in America, a goal I am confident that every Member of this Chamber shares. The clean energy industry is poised to lead the way but only if we make the right decisions. Policies that promote a clean, healthy environment create new incentives for investments in clean energy, creating thousands of jobs, supporting new industries, promoting exports, and benefiting public health. My amendment simply ensures that we include the job-creating effects of environmental policies on the clean energy sector in the reports provided by this bill. I am confident that a fair, unbiased assessment of environmental rules will show that they also create good, family- wage, clean energy jobs. I hope the majority will accept this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining?

Mr. McNERNEY. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McNERNEY. Thank you. Basically I just want to emphasize I have actually experienced job creation in the green energy sector. I have seen hundreds if not thousands of jobs created. I want to make sure we count those jobs. I don't want this to be a whitewash or anything like that. It's important that this analysis be open and that it be fair and balanced, and that's all that we are asking on this side. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I don't dispute the facts of my good friend from Kentucky. Basically what I'm asking is that we make sure that these jobs are counted, that they're not ignored or looked over, which is what I'm afraid will happen. At this point, I would like to yield 2 minutes to my colleague from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

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

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the urgent need to create jobs in America. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, and finding a job now is as hard as it has been in generations. Our country needs decisive action, and we need it now. Earlier this week, the President submitted the American Jobs Act to Congress, and I ask my colleagues in both parties to put partisanship aside and work together to create jobs our country desperately needs. Many of the proposals included in the American Jobs Act enjoy bipartisan support, and I call on Speaker Boehner and Leader Cantor to work together in good faith to bring forward good jobs proposals from both parties to Congress. We won't have an economic recovery without putting people back to work.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the distinguished career of Mr. Bruce Fiedler, who, after 26 years, is retiring as the administrator for the non-profit Pleasanton Gardens senior housing facility. Pleasanton Gardens, started in 1967, developed from the collaboration of four local churches--St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Lynnewood Methodist, First Baptist and Centerpointe Church. Mr. Fiedler joined Pleasanton Gardens in 1985 and he worked tirelessly for over two decades to create a home for our seniors while still finding time to serve the community. Bruce Fiedler dedicated himself to making Pleasanton Gardens a caring home and family for its residents. He enlisted the support of local Rotary Club members to host events such as the annual Valentine's Day themed ``Sweetheart Dinner.'' This year marked the 16th annual ``Sweetheart Dinner,'' which dozens of seniors attended. Mr. Fiedler also took part in many community initiatives. He served on the Housing Commission and the Human Services Commission for the City of Pleasanton. He participated in the task force that led the planning, financing and development of the Pleasanton Senior Center. He volunteered on the Wheels Senior and Disabled Passengers Advisory Committee, which designated bus routes and passenger shelters in Pleasanton, as well as the Alameda County Senior Needs Committee, which allocated funds for Dial-a-Ride and other senior services. In 1992, Mr. Fiedler participated in a grassroots effort to make restaurants in the Tr-Valley area smoke-free. During Mr. Fielder's leadership, Pleasanton Gardens also became a smoke-free facility. Since that time, he has spoken at seminars, both locally and nationally, on the dangers of secondhand smoke and how to make multiple housing units smoke-free. Bruce Fiedler is a valued and respected member of our community who improved the lives of many. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Bruce Fiedler for his exceptional service to our seniors and our community.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the distinguished service of Tino Adame--Marine, Vietnam veteran, and 15-year Commander of the American Legion Karl Ross Post 16 in Stockton, California. I am proud to know Tino and have seen firsthand how hard he works on behalf of the men and women who served our country. He is a passionate advocate, a mentor for his fellow veterans, and a leader in our community. Tino Adame was born in French Camp, California, and graduated from Franklin High School in 1965. After two years of study at San Joaquin Delta College, he joined the U.S. Marines at the age of 19 and has proudly worn the honorable title of Marine ever since that day. Tino was stationed with the ``2/9 Hell in a Helmet'' unit in Vietnam, and as a result of his service, earned a Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Rifle Marksman Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal. Tino completed his service in Vietnam in 1967 and came home to work at the Tracy Defense Depot. He married Mary Hope Lopez in 1970 and continued to work at the Depot until he retired after 33 years. Tino Adame has dedicated himself to serving his fellow veterans. In 1998, Tino became the first Latino Commander of the American Legion Karl Ross Post 16. One of his first initiatives was a successful petition of the Stockton City Council to sponsor an Independence Day parade honoring veterans--the first such parade to take place in 10 years. Tino then went on to chair both the Independence Day and Veterans Day parades. Tino has also taken part in many community initiatives involving our community's young people. He has taught students correct flag etiquette, including the proper way to retire old flags and dedicate new ones. He has recognized JROTC cadets at his alma mater, Franklin High School, with plaques of achievement. He has also worked with young students to write Valentine's Day cards to veterans at the VA facility in Livermore. Following the attacks on 9/11, Tino requested and obtained a piece of limestone from the part of the Pentagon that was damaged during the attack. That limestone is now enclosed in front of the Karl Ross Post and serves as an important reminder to our community about the 9/11 attacks and the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. Tino also played an important role in convincing the Department of Veterans Affairs to select San Joaquin County as the home for a new veterans' medical facility and nursing home. Thanks to his hard work and the efforts of many in the community, the Valley's veterans will be able to get medical care close to home. Tino Adame's steadfast commitment to his country, community and fellow veterans is an example to us all. I know his work to improve the lives of our heroes will make a lasting impact for years to come. It is for these reasons that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Tino Adame for his exceptional service to our country and our veterans.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the majority's debt ceiling proposal. Democrats and Republicans agree that raising the Federal debt is unsustainable, that the default is absolutely unacceptable, and that we must set our country on a course of fiscal responsibility. But the majority's unwillingness to propose a solution that has any chance of working is putting our economy at risk and threatening the wage earners and senior citizens of America. We can find good solutions, but this bill is not the way. Now, in the few days that we have left, it will take all of us working together to find sensible solutions. Americans expect leadership from the President to solve this budget stalemate, and alternatives to the bill do exist. Americans want jobs, jobs, jobs and a responsible budget. There is a better approach that protects wage earners and senior citizens. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation we are considering today.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to stand shoulder to shoulder with the landowners from the San Joaquin Delta who are fighting against the peripheral canal. Without permission, the State is sending its employees into private farmland to conduct surveys that the State needs to conduct studies to build a canal. Delta farmers are not standing for it. Delta farmers have taken the case to the courts, and I urge them to keep fighting for their property rights and the health of the delta. A peripheral canal or tunnel that takes large amounts of fresh water from the delta would devastate our families, our farmers, and our businesses in our community. A canal will cause saltwater intrusion, destroy thousands of acres of farmland, and devastate our water quality. It's time for our State and Federal agencies to respect the delta and its people. We won't tolerate anything less.

Mr. McNERNEY

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the contributions of the Warriors' Watch Riders, a troop support group, for their commitment to our veterans, their families and our community. Rain or shine, the Warriors' Watch Riders in my district provide a motorcycle escort to our servicemembers and welcome them home as they return to our community. When one of our servicemembers makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, the Warriors' Watch Riders recognize their sacrifice, honor their memory, and offer support to their families. I have seen firsthand how the Warriors' Watch Riders bring communities together with the roar of their motorcycles. Bonds are built, tears are shed, and families, friends, and neighbors come together with the Warriors' Watch Riders to show respect for the sacrifices those in uniform make to ensure our freedom. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Warriors' Watch Riders for all they do for the men and women who serve our country.

Mr. McNERNEY

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

Mr. McNERNEY. I am opposed.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to offer a straightforward and commonsense motion to recommit that will protect our country's drinking water. My amendment is an important proposal that, if adopted, will allow a vote on final passage to proceed immediately. My motion simply clarifies that the provisions of H.R. 2018 do not affect our country's ability to limit pollution of drinking water supplies, including arsenic and perchlorate pollution. Communities across America have suffered from arsenic and perchlorate contamination, a problem with well-documented and serious consequences. In fact, based on information publicly available on government Web sites, there are at least 71 congressional districts that would be directly impacted by my amendment. These 71 districts have local waters that are contaminated with significant amounts of arsenic and/or perchlorate. I would like to insert into the Record the congressional districts that have these toxins in their waters and urge all of my colleagues, especially those representing these locations, to vote for my amendment. Arsenic and perchlorate have been linked to many harmful health effects. These effects include bladder, liver, lung and prostate cancers, reproductive and development impediments, and thyroid complications. These health problems have no party line. They affect Democrats and Republicans alike. According to the Centers for Disease Control and other experts, the effects of the contamination can either be short lived or linger for years within the body. These consequences can be especially tragic for children and the most vulnerable among us. Many of us have experienced one of these conditions or witnessed a loved one going through a serious illness. It's a heartbreaking experience. No matter what our differences on policy matters or the legislation we are debating today, I know that all of us believe we should do everything we can to prevent these diseases. Our country has made tremendous progress in improving water quality in the decades since the Clean Water Act was passed. We have doubled the amount of waters that are safe for fishing and swimming since the Clean Water Act was passed decades ago. That's a proud legacy and one that we should strive to continue. One of the most basic things we can do is to prevent contamination from serious toxins like arsenic. As written, H.R. 2018 ties our country's hands and makes it more difficult to combat pollution of our drinking water supplies. Today, more than 200 million Americans rely on public drinking water systems that utilize surface waters. Preserving the quality of water is critically important to the millions of Americans who rely on it for drinking, to farmers who rely on it for clean water to grow their crops, and to the businesses around the country that depend on healthy waterways. My amendment is needed to protect the health and well-being of tens of millions of Americans. Now, we can have legitimate differences and vigorous debate about the proper roles of State and Federal Government, but we should all be united to preserve clean, healthy drinking water for ourselves, our children, and future generations. I will say again that if my amendment is adopted, a vote on final passage of H.R. 2018 will proceed immediately. The motion to recommit is an important policy proposal, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Please do the right thing for families and businesses across America and stand up for the health and safety of our drinking water. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense motion to recommit.

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.