Michael McMahon

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 841 and 842 I was on a visit to Walter Reed. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 841 and ``aye'' on rollcall 842.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of House Resolution 687, which condemns the United Nations Human Rights Council- passed Resolution 9/L.1 and the fact-finding mission which led to the Goldstone Report. The lopsidedly anti-Israel Goldstone Report blatantly ignored so much of what came before Operation Cast Lead. Palestinian troops, including Hamas, have been responsible for launching more than 10,000 rockets and mortars at Israeli cities. In November 2008 alone, over 120 rockets and mortars were fired at Israeli cities, injuring hundreds of people. Furthermore, Israel did all it could to avoid causing civilian casualties and Hamas did all it could to cause them. Goldstone's mission failed because this simple truth was never acknowledged, confirmed or written. Israel is our fellow democracy, our true and tried ally. Supporting it is essential to the stability of the Middle East. Any democracy that chooses to treat Israel as a suspect state to impose on Israel false accusations and daunting deadlines for a peace agreement should know that its actions ultimately do damage to the shared values that all democracies espouse. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Congress of the United States to stand against the Goldstone Report.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor the Sandy Ground community in Staten Island, New York. It is the oldest community established by free slaves in North America, and still thrives today. After slavery was abolished in the State of New York in 1827, freedmen from all over the state, as well as far away as Maryland and Virginia, settled in the area known since colonial times as Sandy Ground, which was located in the area around what is now the intersection of Bloomingdale and Woodrow Roads in Rossville. These early settlers were also skilled in the oyster trade, and brought this knowledge with them to Staten Island. Oyster harvesting was a major business on Staten Island during the 19th Century and was conducted mainly on the island's south shore. Sandy Ground also served as an important stop on the Underground Railroad, and is the oldest continuously settled free black community in the United States. The Sandy Ground Historical Society, which preserves the history and physical surroundings of the Sandy Ground community and maintains a museum and library, was organized on February 28, 1980. The Museum and library contain letters, photographs, film, art, rare books, quilts and other archaeological artifacts. The Museum also possesses a rare surviving can of Tettersalve, a beauty product manufactured by Harlem businesswoman Madame C. J. Walker, and a letter from W.E.B. DuBois. The museum also sponsors arts-and-crafts sessions, a musical heritage series, a lecture series presented in Staten Island schools and churches, and a traveling lecture series to institutions around the country. The African-American quilt-making tradition is also continued through quilting workshops. The Sandy Ground Historical Society has graciously lent us a quilt that we have hung proudly above the entryway to my personal office in Washington. The quilt depicts the history of strawberry farming on the land, which starts with two brothers named Moses and Silas Harris. They bought property circa 1850 in what is now Sandy Ground, with the intention of farming on it. Upon inspection of the land, they noted that the soil was sandy, but they found a plant that grew well in sandy soil: strawberries. They became so successful at growing strawberries that the town was first called ``Harrisville,'' which later became Sandy Ground. Today there is a street in the Sandy Ground community called Harris Lane, named after the Harris Brothers. Wild strawberries still grow on the few open plots of land that are left in the area. Sandy Ground is an important historical landmark, an asset to Staten Island, and an asset to the United States of America.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise with optimism about the latest progress towards normalization of relations between the Republics of Turkey and Armenia. On October 10, Foreign Ministers Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey and Edward Nalbandian of Armenia signed a notable agreement, taking both countries a step closer to establishing full diplomatic relations, opening borders and greatly enhancing economic, political and cultural cooperation. These historic protocols are a critical measure that will bring about regional stability. There have been confidential talks for approximately a decade between the two nations, and this agreement is a testament to the willingness of Armenia and Turkey to look forward towards the common goal of open borders and normalization of relations. As a Member of NATO, and a frontline country bordering Iraq, Turkey is a critical ally of the United States. As we re-deploy our forces in Iraq, Turkey plays a key role. Turkey has been a major support of the new Iraqi government and plays a positive role of investment in Iraq and developing a civil society in Iraq. Closer relations between Turkey and Armenia will hopefully move Armenia into a more westward direction as this agreement will encourage Armenia to build trade and economic ties with its largest western neighbor. The interest of the international community was evident with the presence of the representatives from France, Russia, Switzerland, the European Union and the United States in Zurich at the signing ceremony. I am particularly proud of Secretary Clinton's tireless efforts to encourage both parties to reach agreement on the accords. The signing of the protocols has been a priority for President Obama, and Secretary Clinton's work on October 10th underscores the value of stability in the Caucasus region for the United States and the entire international community. The protocols must still be brought back to the respective parliaments and ratified, but we should acknowledge this significant progress and continue to encourage both Armenia and Turkey to work together to develop a long lasting diplomatic relationship and stability in the region.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the heroism of a real American hero, one of New York's and Staten Island's finest sons. Today, the Armed Forces and their families must come back home from war and rebuild their lives in many instances where nonlies left. As each, and on their own, they all will teach us about faith and courage and selfless sacrifice. PFC Brendan Marrocco is such a man who was gravely wounded in Iraq. During an EFP explosion, Rocco lost all four of his limbs. While clinging to life, most people may have given up but Rocco refuses! For he has a life to live, and a world to inspire. With the help of his brother Michael, who quit his job to be with him and help him as he moves onward. Rock on Rocco! When Courage Comes To Crest All in our darkest days of night! When, all hope seems so lost . . . our plight . . . While, against all odds . . ., somehow we so fight! When, Courage Comes To Crest! With only its shining light, will we but so see our very best . . . our light! All in hearts of gold which will so bless, to lead that most valiant fight! Upon, battlefields of honor yes, all in hearts of courage so burning bright . . . Throughout all of those darkest days of war, those many nights . . . as we so see their light! Amidst, all those battle cries . . . of the darkest of death and gore as so comprised . . . As all of those most magnificent hearts, as so ignite . . . All in those faces of heroes, as when their courage so comes to life! Who, but for this our nation bore . . . and would give up, oh so much more . . . Holding Brothers In Arms, with but tears in their eyes . . . Until, their fine hearts beat no more . . . who so died! And all of those loved ones at home, who so worry for them as their hearts so moan! As When, Courage Comes To Crest . . . as when so comes forth, so much more from these who bless! As when, a new battle must begin! As from a coma you so awoke so then . . . All in your loss, how such courage then . . . that even your fine heart, may not except! As you look down all at the cost, wondering if you would be but better off . . . Be but better off, dead . . . all in that moment of truth, as what your brilliant heart so said! Showing us the proof . . . As so when, you must decide . . . Should I live? Or should I die? When, but the very will to live . . . all in your fine heart, so lies . . . `ah Rocco so lives! While so very, so very . . . so very . . . very . . . very . . . very . . . deep down inside! When, Courage Comes To Crest . . . as the tears roll down your fine eyes . . . As you lie there all in your pain, moments away from dying . . . all in your most amazing grace comprised! As your courage so begins to rise! As Comes To Crest! As why, one day to Heaven . . . Rocco . . . you're my fine soul shall so rise! As you so wipe away, all those swollen tears . . . as from your most brilliant eyes . . . And you so say to yourself, I choose to live . . . and so Not So To Die! As your most Heroic of All Hearts, so begins to cry! From somewhere, so very . . . very . . . very . . . deep down inside . . . As you so decide, with all your might! To Live On! To Somehow Fight! To Bring Your Light, and not ask why! All in what you have so left, so left . . . so very deep down inside! As on this fine day, your beautiful heart so begins to rise . . . For arms and legs we all need, but we can live without. . . . But, it's only with our hearts . . . that we can so not so live no doubt! As this Roc, will not so be stopped! For Rocco, you have mountains to so climb . . . but to the very top! Rock On Rocco . . . On How You So Roc! As you have Souls To Heal, and To Inspire . . . as you reach for the top! As your fine heart of a comet, can not so be stopped! For from that Gotham City, comes your most Gotham Heart . . . As you grew up in the shadow of liberty, as Rocco . . . as you have her heart! Setting, all others . . . so very far apart . . . For you will win! And you will rise, but to the top! For there are Angel's put upon this earth . . . All in our Lord's eyes, who so come first . . . so Roc . . . To Reach Us, To Beseech Us . . . To Teach Us . . . all in their fine worth! For all of Staten Island, is so smiling on this very day . . . To have such a fine Son as you, all in what you so gave! So tried and true, and in your most heroic hue! You make us all so very proud! Such men, and women such, as you . . . who in the towers once ran up to the top! Yet, knowing this might be their last hours . . . as still, they would not be stopped! There are Angels up in Heaven now Rocco . . . watching over you! And if I ever have a son, I but hope and pray . . . that he could be but just like you the fine one! The kind who's gold lies within his soul . . . as shone, to everyone . . . all in your most heroic hue! For in the game of life, there is but only one way to win that battle! Win, That fight so true! Of good versus evil, no less . . . to win that day, that night . . . When, Courage Comes To Crest!

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 819, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' (By unanimous consent, Mr. Shuler was allowed to speak out of order.) Members of Congress Victorious Over Capitol Hill Police in Annual Charity Football Game

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Cavanaugh, a dedicated Staten Islander, dear friend, tireless community organizer, and great humanitarian who will be retiring this year. Mr. Cavanaugh was born to Daniel and Mary Cavanaugh on June 23, 1949, in Astoria, Queens. He attended McKee Vocational High School, and served as an Apprentice with Local Union 3. He went on to a career as an outstanding electrician. He has dedicated the last 15 years of his working career as a local shop steward and active union representative fighting for the best benefits and working conditions for his fellow workers. Throughout his career, he has always advocated for the interest of his fellow electricians and his community. He has served as the Vice President of the Dakota Group, a local group of individuals dedicated to helping our community. He has also served as the Legislative Coordinator for the Staten Island Electrical Club, North Shore Democratic Club, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Brighton Kiwanis, and the Special Olympics. Mr. Cavanaugh is known for his neverending generosity. In addition to the many groups that he belongs to and supports, Mr. Cavanaugh also, on his own time and without any remuneration, has helped numerous people, families and organizations on Staten Island. To name a few, he has helped replace the lighting at St. Peter's Church, helped install a scoreboard at St. Paul's School, and he has helped many homeless people fix up apartments so they can have a decent place to live. Mr. Cavanaugh is one of the most generous people I know. Mr. Cavanaugh has helped the campaigns of just about every Staten Island Democratic candidate over the last 15 years. His assistance has been essential to the success of many campaigns including mine. No job is too big or too small for Mike. He will help in any way possible. Outside of his professional life, Mr. Cavanaugh is a devoted family man. He has been married to his wife, Monica, for the past 35 years. He is the father to his son, Daniel, and daughter, Erin. He is also the beloved grandfather to James. In addition to his family, Mike is totally devoted to his wonderful Golden Retriever, Rusty. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Mr. Cavanaugh on his dedication to the people of Staten Island and wish him a happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC) on its 70th anniversary and salute this organization for its lasting and productive international partnership with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) in protecting the rights of musical creators and its commitment and leadership in promoting and advancing copyright standards in Japan and around the world. I wish JASRAC much success in the future in their mission and commitment to protect the intellectual and creative property of the people of Japan.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, many of us in this Chamber are familiar with the Roman and Greek fundamentals of our nation and our democracy. In addition to these two great nations and traditions a third cornerstone of democracy also existed in the Mediterranean of which our Founding Fathers also drew inspiration from. There is a renewed effort by scholars to emphasize the link between our democracy and that of Patara, which was the capital of Lycia, an ancient civilization of democratic principles. The Lycian government, known as the Lycian League existed along Turkey's Mediterranean coast from roughly 167 BC until 400 AD, and served as an inspiration to the framers of the U.S. Constitution. The Lycian League was the first democratic union in history to utilize proportional representation as a model for political organization. At least twenty-three city-states were united under the League that presided over federal institutions. Depending on its size, each of the League's 23 city-states was eligible to send up to three representatives to the parliament (Bouleuterion) located in Patara. Medium-sized towns sent two, whereas smaller towns could unite together to send one representative to the capital on their behalf. The number of representatives from each city- state determined taxes and other financial obligations. The general assembly was responsible for electing federal officers controlling communal land and determining trade and civil rights, as well. The ``Lyciarch,'' was the Parliament's president, which at various times served as the League's religious, military, and political leader. Many historians believe that women have served in Patara as the Lyciarch. One of the thinkers who impacted the debate over our own constitution was Montesquieu. In Book IX of his Spirit of the Laws, he argues the utility of confederacy, stating: ``It is unlikely that states that associate will be of the same size and have equal power. . . . If one had to propose a model of a fine federal republic, I would choose the republic of Lycia.'' Alexander Hamilton and James Madison picked up on this concept, and cited the Lycian League as a model for our own system of government. Both Alexander Hamilton and James Madison used the Lycian form of government in the Federalist Papers. The semicircular rows of the Lycian parliament building was a model to the seating arrangements in the U.S. Congress today. In the Federalist Papers No. 16, Alexander Hamilton wrote, ``I shall content myself with barely observing here, that of all the confederacies of antiquity, which history has handed down to us, the Lycian and Achaean leagues, as far as there remain vestiges of them, appear to have been most free from the fetters of that mistaken principle, and were accordingly those which have best deserved, and have most liberally received, the applauding suffrages of political writers.'' This is how an ancient civilization thousands of miles away and over two thousand years ago made a major impact on our system as a representative democracy, preventing the possibility of tyranny, as feared by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 724, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Staten Island Corps of the Salvation Army on their 125 years of unyielding service to the people of Staten Island. Over their many years they have fed the hungry, clothed the cold and supported those in need during disasters. Founded in London's East End in 1865 by William Booth in order to assist the poor and needy regardless of age, sex, color or creed, they now have expanded their services to 119 countries. They have continued to live out the same mission for the neediest Staten Islanders since their commencement on February 3, 1884. The Salvation Army operates two centers on Staten Island and has been able to provide vital services from food pantries to after school activities, as well as music instruction. During the attacks of September 11, 2001 the Salvation Army was at the forefront, working hand in hand with New York's Bravest and Finest, in order to bring assistance and relief during our nation's most troubling time. Even in these tough economic times, they have not given up on their services and continue to provide the same stellar opportunities regardless of the cost incurred. I would like to take the time to give special recognition to the honorees of their ``125 Years of Service'' luncheon: Mr. James Devine, CEO of the New York Container Terminal; Mr. Richard Salinardi, Executive Director of Life Styles for the Disabled; The University of Notre Dame Club; and the late Mrs. Rosemary Cappozalo, Staten Island's beloved ``Matriarch of the Arts.'' These individuals embody the very essence of service that our nation is grateful for. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending The Salvation Army on their dedication to the citizens of Staten Island.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 722 and to honor all those who were murdered or injured in the terrorist attacks of September 11. As we honor that day, we are reminded that on that day we saw the worst in humanity and the best in humanity. And let us focus on the best, because when I think of that day, I think of people like one of the more than 300 people from my district who lost their lives that day, like Stephen Siller, a devoted husband and father of five who served as a member of the New York City Fire Department. Stephen was on his way home from a tour of duty that ended at 9 o'clock that morning when he was on the Verrazano Bridge and heard the call of what happened. He turned his private vehicle around and drove back to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, took all his gear out, put it on-- because of traffic he couldn't get through--ran back through that tunnel to the World Trade Center, where he joined his brothers from the fire department, and others, rescued tens of thousands, but they lost their lives. Each September since that day Stephen's family and the people of New York City honor his memory and bravery with a 5K race known as the ``Tunnel to Towers'' race that retraces Stephen's steps. In addition, Stephen's memory lives on in the good works the family has done by building Stephen's House and Home for Orphans. So today I urge all of my colleagues and all Americans to not only honor those we lost, but to honor the bravery and spirit of countless people like Stephen Siller who made the ultimate sacrifice to save others.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge, congratulate and celebrate the life of former Staten Island Borough President Robert T. Connor, Sr. For over fifty years, Robert Connor served his country and his community through the military and our civic institutions. From the United States Navy, to the Central Intelligence Agency to Borough Hall, Robert Connor could always be found protecting and promoting the interests of the United States and Staten Island. After attending Boston College and the U.S. Naval Academy, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy in November 1940 and served on active duty throughout WWII, seeing action in both the Pacific and the Atlantic Theatres. After the war, Connor entered the Central Intelligence Agency as an Operations Officer and was stationed at headquarters in Washington, DC and on foreign assignment. Following his CIA duty, Connor worked in the maritime industry in New York Harbor and other North Atlantic ports. Returning home, Robert Connor first ran for public office in 1962. Although he was narrowly defeated in his bid for Staten Island's Congressional seat, he would never again be defeated in an election. The following year, he was elected as Councilman-At-Large to the New York City Council. From that position, Connor was a tireless advocate for improving the piers and harbors in the Port of New York. In 1965, Connor was elected as Borough President of Staten Island, a position he held until 1977. Connor's tenure was marked by his commitment prudent management of government expenses and fiscal conservatism. He was dedicated to serving the people of New York, placing that goal ahead of any partisan ideology. Connor believed that neither political party had a monopoly on good ideas, and he was able to serve his constituents through close personal friendships with both Democratic and Republican elected officials. In 1977 Robert Connor again returned to Washington, accepting an appointment as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy from President Carter. He served into the administration of President Reagan, primarily representing the Secretary of the Navy on visits to ships and stations throughout the world. Although he left Washington in 1981, Robert Connor never lost interest in public service. He continued to advocate for maritime interests through various consulting jobs including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Barber Steamship Lines in Annapolis, MD. While there, he volunteered as a coach of the Naval Academy Sailing Squadron. Robert Connor dedicated his life to helping others without ever asking anyone for anything in return. I am honored to stand here today to both recognize and honor the life of Robert T. Connor, Sr.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Sollazzo, a lifelong Staten Islander, dear friend, dedicated community organizer and Staten Island's own ``Mr. Democrat,'' who turned 70 on July 25, 2009. From his service in the Navy to his active participation in various community organizations, Mr. Sollazzo is the premier example of the engaged citizen, the truly civic individual who I know will continue to be for generations to come. Born and raised on Staten Island by his father, the late Nicolas Sollazzo, and his mother, Helen Trifoglio. He attended P.S. 22, also known as the Granitville School, and Port Richmond High School. Mr. Sollazzo served with the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1960 on the Ships Company of the U.S.S. Intrepid. After his service to our nation he became a New York City Firefighter, one of New York's Bravest, and continued to serve his community until his retirement in 1983. Mr. Sollazzo has always been willing to give of his time to help others. He has worked to keep kids off streets and spent hours teaching them valuable skills as an instructor for Youth Against Crime of Staten Island. As an executive board member of Meals on Wheels, he fought to maintain and expand this essential program for our neediest seniors. He has also been involved in various other organizations such as Rotary International, Boy Scouts of America, the American Red Cross, and the Knights of Columbus. Because of his continued service to our island, Mr. Sollazzo has been the recipient of many awards from various youth, service, and political organizations. He has been recognized by the New York City Council and the New York State Senate for his outstanding contributions. Outside of his professional life, Mr. Sollazzo is a devoted family man. He has been married to Frances Adamo for more than 48 years. He is the father to John, Jr., Elizabeth and Ellen Mary and the beloved grandfather of Nicholas, Laura, Vincent, Maria and Levi. Mr. Sollazzo has been active in democratic politics for as long as anyone can remember. Now serving as the 1st Vice Chairman of the Richmond County Democratic Committee, John has been involved in every democratic campaign for the last 25 years. He continues to be the top petition canvasser in the borough. He is well known for his ability to run successful judicial campaigns; having insured that every judicial candidate's campaign he has run has won. He carried the party flag as a candidate on three occasions. Through his personal zeal and undying commitment, he has built the Richmond County Democratic Party into a vibrant, active political organization. Without John's invaluable assistance in my last campaign, I might not be standing here today. His limitless energy and enthusiasm for his family, his Democratic Party and his community, belie the fact that he has just turned 70 years old. John Sollazzo celebrated his 70th Birthday on July 25, 2009. This celebration will not only be an anniversary of the birth of Mr. Sollazzo but also a celebration of his contributions to the people of Staten Island. I am proud to call John my friend and I wish him many more years to come. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending John Sollazzo on his dedication to the citizens of Staten Island.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Thank you, Congressman Boccieri. And thank you for your leadership on this issue. Mr. Chairman and Mr. Boccieri, it is a privilege and an honor to stand here in the House of Representatives tonight and talk about this important issue. And I bring to it a perspective I think that is very important in this debate. You see, I come from New York City. I grew up in Staten Island, New York, and I now have the privilege and honor of representing Staten Island and Brooklyn, New York, here in the House of Representatives. For the last few weeks and months, I've been very disappointed at the rhetoric that I've heard in this Chamber, and beyond, from those on the Republican side of the aisle. They, quite frankly, have had their heads in the sand. They, quite frankly, have been tied up in the rhetoric of partisan politics. And I say that as a New Yorker, as someone who suffered and saw firsthand what happens when this country doesn't deal methodically and honestly with energy policy. You see, September 11, a date that we all know too, too well, in my opinion--and in the opinion of the people of New York and people around the world--occurred because our country has not dealt honestly and fairly with energy policy. Oh, I know it was the act of terrorists, there's no question; men bent on hate, men bent on Islamic fundamentalism to bring down this Nation. But our country has been caught up too long with an addiction to oil from the countries from which these men came. Every time an American goes to the gas pump and puts gas into his or her car, they are sending money back to a Saudi Government that has sent and continues to send money to al Qaeda. And every time you go to the pump and put gas in your car, you're sending money to Iran so Ahmadinejad can send that money to Hezbollah and roundabout to Hamas. We are paying for terrorists to arm and be energized in a war against America and all the things we stand for. So I know there can be honest debate on things that we disagree about. I know that we can stand on this side of the aisle and that side of the aisle and have a fair and honest debate about those things. But the things that I've heard over these last few weeks, the lies, the mistruths, the prevarications, are all too much for us to take. Just think about the way that the Republicans have tried to scare the American people by saying that if we pass an energy security bill here in Washington it will mean an increase in home heating and energy prices of $3,100 a year. And when they did that, they cited a study from an MIT professor. Upon hearing that, immediately that professor said, That is not true, you are misquoting my study. I did not say that. That's not what the study says. Weeks and months after that professor issued that disclaimer, we continue to hear from the other side of the aisle these very same pronouncements. They are untruths, they are misstatements, and they are prevarications, and it's time for it to end. The American people deserve more. The security of our Nation deserves more. The people who lost their lives on 9/11, the families who suffered, the emergency workers who suffered, all those people deserve more. And the men and women who right this moment are in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, they deserve better. They deserve an honest and upfront discussion about energy policy, what it means to our security, and that if we don't get it right now, then more lives could be lost in the future. Mr. Boccieri, I am so glad to be here with you to talk about these important issues. And I know that the people from Ohio to New York out to California will be united in knowing that America is a country--we sent a man to the Moon; we can deal with energy policy as well. And it's something that I look forward to working with you on.

Mr. McMAHON. Thank you, Congressman. Congressman Boccieri, I think you have really established and hit home about how this is about national security. You know, there was a time in our Nation's great history--in fact, throughout most of its history--when we would talk about national security, both sides, Republicans and Democrats, would put down the partisan rhetoric, they would put away the myths and half truths and the prevarications and they would just talk to the facts, because what was at stake was not the gain of one side or the other, it was about the very essence of our country, our security, and the safety of our young men and women in uniform, whether it is the uniform of our armed services or the uniform of our first responders back here at home. Unfortunately, what we've seen throughout this debate from the Republican side is an onslaught, a deluge of untruths, of myths. I want to talk about a couple of those myths before I turn it back over to you. One is about the notion of the household energy audits. I have stood on this floor and sat in this Chamber and heard our colleagues from the Republican side of the aisle say, If you pass this bill and if America deals honestly and forthrightly with its national security and energy policy, every homeowner in America is going to have to do an energy audit before they can sell their home. Well, you know, Congressman Boccieri, and I know that that's not anywhere in the bill. That language does not exist; it's not in the bill, it was not in the bill that we passed. The Energy Security bill contains no provision requiring that buildings or homes undergo energy retrofits or audits of an existing home's energy efficiency. The bill does create incentives for builders and homeowners to take steps to reduce the waste in their homes and in their new buildings, and that's to everyone's benefit. The homeowner would save money on their energy bills, and we, as a Nation, would use less energy and, therefore, put ourselves less at risk. And yet we hear over and over again about these imposed requirements on America's homeowners. There is no Federal energy audit requirement. And it leaves the decision to the homeowners and the local governments to deal with that. The bill actually prohibits the EPA from regulating residential and commercial buildings as per the Clean Air Act, and yet we hear the rhetoric over and over again. But, you know, Congressman, in the debate there clearly have been, I believe, people from the other side of the aisle, Republicans, who have talked fairly and honestly about this issue, and I bet you would be able to tell us about some of them tonight.

Mr. McMAHON. You're so right, Congressman Boccieri. Mr. Speaker, again, it's just somehow so infuriating. It really is beyond words to think that the Republicans try to take an issue that is so important, not just to our economy, not just to our environment, not just to the future of the generations of people who want to live in America and share in the American Dream, but to national security, the lives of our children, the young people in uniform right now, those who have been lost and those who will continue to be at risk. And what do they do? They take an important issue like this, and they come up with some quick catch phrases, you know, like the one that they like to use. You talked about cap-and-trade. They like to call it ``cap-and-tax.'' Why do they do that? There is no tax anywhere involved in this bill. The word ``tax'' is not involved. In fact, in order to tax someone from the national government perspective, you have to invoke the Internal Revenue Code. The Internal Revenue Code is never mentioned in this bill. Instead, this is a proven system, as you said, to bring free-market principles to the system of manufacturing that will allow for not only a cleaner environment but for a new birth, a new generation, of manufacturing jobs in this country. We have lost our manufacturing base for a whole host of reasons. But here we are. As you said, when you build a nuclear power plant, you can't do that somewhere and import it. It's got to be done here. When you build a windmill farm, that has to be done here. And instead of addressing this very important issue, the other side comes up with catchy phrases, and certainly the one that they have done to cap-and- trade across America I think is very shameful. Let's talk about cap-and-trade for a minute because some people will say, well, this is a new concept, Congressman Boccieri. And how can it be that we know whether or not this will work? Well, there are a couple of ways to know that. We have already done that in this country. Many Americans, certainly in the Northeast, where I come from, remember the concept of acid rain caused by sulfur dioxide. And in the 1980s we realized that lakes and rivers were dying across this country because of sulfur dioxide. And we implemented in 1990 a cap-and-trade system when it comes to sulfur dioxide. And what does ``cap-and-trade'' mean? It simply means that you set a standard of how much pollution can be emitted in the country in a given year and that becomes your cap. And for what we have done now for the greenhouse gases is the year 2005, and the same was done for sulfur dioxide. And then that allowance to be able to pollute is something that has value to it. You create value. And in the first go-around in the system that we're implementing, or that we want to implement now, 75 percent of those allowances will be free. So there will be no immediate cost to anyone, no increase in prices. But over time, by 2020, hopefully we will get to a point where we reduce our reliance on foreign oil, we cut down our emissions by 17 percent, and we move forward with a good national security energy policy. We did that with sulfur dioxide, and everyone thought it would take 20 years, but it took 6 years. In 6 years' time, without any impact to our economy, we put an end to the overpollution of sulfur dioxide. Many plants put scrubbers on themselves, on their smokestacks. And guess what? In the year 2009 those lakes in my home State of New York are alive again. The fish are no longer swimming on top of the water, dead from pollution. They're alive again. And they are alive with wildlife and they are alive with a future that our country needs. It's about our water resources. It's about our environment. It's about our jobs. It's about our national security. So you're right, Congressman Boccieri, when you say it's about national security. And you've got examples of people who put partisan politics aside. They did it when they were running for President. I only wish the Republicans in the House of Representatives and in the Senate will put politics aside and put the interests of the American people first and get serious about an energy policy that deals with national security

Mr. McMAHON. Thank you, Congressman Boccieri. I know we all do. We all, I think, take serious umbrage at the fact that the Republicans throw out these myths, these lies and these prevarications when it's about national security. Let's look at one. I mentioned how they talked about what it would cost every homeowner, and they said it would be $3,100 a year. This was a study that was disproved. We mentioned that earlier. Yet the Congressional Budget Office, the independent authority that they rely on so often for their facts, at least whenever it favors their position, has said that, under our clean energy and national security bill, every homeowner in this country on average, between now and 2020, will pay $175 extra because of this bill, not per year but over the whole course of the next 11 years. In many places, like the Northeast, because of how we get our energy already and because of the infrastructure we have in place, our costs will actually go down $5 a month by 2018. Think about that. Some of us will save money, at most $175. Those rates would go up anyway. On the other side, when it's about national security, when it's about young men and women who are risking their lives in the uniforms of our country, they're throwing out lies. You know, I just want to tell you one quick story about what happened to me today, and it really struck home. It's about a visit I had in my office. You know, for 50 years, Staten Island was the site of the municipal garbage dump for the City of New York. Congressman Tonko knows the story well because he was very involved in environmental politics up in Albany when he was an assemblyman. It took us 50 years to get it closed, and it was 2,200 acres of the largest landfill in the history of the world. Today, because of this law that we passed in the House-- and hopefully it will get passed in the Senate--a company came to see me because they want to put solar panels on that landfill. Wouldn't that be a great American story? It would be a great success story for Staten Island, for the people I represent on Staten Island, for the City of New York, and for our country that, in a short period of time, within 10 years, you could go from a disgusting landfill and environmental nightmare to a place that is producing energy through solar panels or windmills as our borough president has suggested. What a great thing. That's America. That's the America we grew up in. That's the America we believe in. That's the America you've spoken about, Congressman Boccieri, Congressman Perriello, Congressman Kratovil, and Congressman Tonko. That's the America that we came to Washington to fight for. That's the America that the Republicans have turned their backs on, and that's the America that's worth fighting for.

Mr. McMAHON. Thank you for convening the Freshmen Power Hour, and thank you also for having such a special guest in Congressman Ryan gracing us with his eloquence here, with his maturity and wisdom from so many years here in Congress. You guys have said it all here tonight. This is, quite frankly, a no- brainer. Cap-and-trade was a Republican idea. It makes sense. It's market principles. It's about national security. It's about jobs, manufacturing good jobs for electricians and carpenters and plumbers and steamfitters and engineers and scientists. It is about our environment, too. You know, Congressman Ryan, when you were talking about the people in China saying, Hey, we want clean air, in Staten Island in New York, we have the highest lung cancer rates in America. The people of Staten Island and Brooklyn and New York City, we want clean air, too. So it's about the environment as well. But this is a bill that allows us to do all of those things in a uniquely American way, the right way. I'm glad we voted for it in the House. I'm disappointed at the Republicans that they keep lying about it, but I hope, as you said, 60 patriots in the Senate will find a way to get this done and we'll send this bill to the President's desk and get it signed.

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 626, I inadvertently voted ``present'', and I meant to vote ``no.'' Part B Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. Flake

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 596, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McMAHON

Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, it's my privilege and honor to stand here in the House of Representatives, representing the people of the great boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York for the Freshmen Energy Hour. I am privileged to be joined by my colleague, as I come from Hudson Valley in New York, my colleague from the Ohio Valley, the great John Boccieri, the gentleman from Ohio, who will join me in this Freshman Energy Hour. Mr. Speaker, we're here today to talk about the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which was passed recently by the House, and to speak to its merits in order to urge the Senate to pass it as well. I sat here and listened to our great colleagues from across the aisle for some time this evening speaking on this issue. They conclude that they hope that the Senate looks upon this bill unfavorably as they criticize the initiatives of this bill. I know that my colleague will mention it, but I would just like to remind them what their former candidate for President in last year's election, Senator John McCain, said about the cap-and-trade legislation as recently as February 17, 2009. He said: It's cap-and-trade, that there will be incentives for people to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It's a free-market approach. The Europeans are using it now. We did it in the case of addressing acid rain--look, if we do that, we stimulate green technologies. I have great faith in the American industry. This will be a profit-making business, create jobs. It won't cost the American taxpayer a thing. So I am pleased that those who spoke before me from across the aisle in opposition to this bill referenced the opinion of the United States Senate. And I am glad that Senator McCain was honest and forthright enough to admit that this legislation does, indeed, create jobs, provides for the security of our Nation, and takes care of the environment as well, and, indeed, it is important for us for our future. As we know, the recently passed Energy and Security legislation comes at a time when inaction will have undue consequences. This comprehensive energy and clean environment bill is a necessary vehicle to ensure our future economic and environmental viability in the 21st century green economy. I would like to start out by commending the leadership of the House who brought forward this bill and saw that it was passed. The regional differences arising from energy-based issues are often quite lofty, but the leadership did an outstanding job of moving through the legislative process with consideration for different Members' interests. Since the bill's passage before the Independence Day recess, many Members, myself included, have experienced varying degrees of concern from our constituents, particularly regarding the cost and impact of the bill to their wallets, and quite a lot of this concern has been raised because of misrepresentations from our gentle colleagues from the other side of the aisle as to the aspects of this bill. Together with Mr. Boccieri, I would like to address some of these concerns and the pervasive misinformation that has been put out there today and explain how this information will be a cost-saver for consumers and homeowners, will cut down on pollution, and will increase our national security. At a time when we are importing increasing amounts of energy from hostile regions of the world, we cannot afford to go down the path of energy insecurity. This legislation will redirect us on a path towards energy independence. Mr. Speaker, you know, I sat here and listened to our colleagues from across the aisle this evening and all day long, hundreds of minutes, I understand, that they spoke about this issue and the creation of jobs in this country. What I found very disconcerting as a New Yorker is that they've totally forgotten the issue of national security and how important energy independence is to this Nation. It's so important to me, Mr. Speaker, because I come from Staten Island and Brooklyn, New York, where, on 9/11, over 10 percent of the people who were killed in the attack on the World Trade Center came from our boroughs, although we have less than 5 percent of the population in that area. I remember that day as clear as any other in my life--in fact, more profoundly. It was a bright, sunny day. And I remember it because I was involved in my first election campaign that day. It was a primary for the New York City Council. We were in church at about 9 a.m., as we do on every Election Day after opening the polls and campaigning a bit. The police officer who I was with received an emergency call and took us out and said that something terrible had happened and we have to go down to the harbor. When we got down there, we saw the World Trade Center aflame, and the second plane had just struck. We went back to our office to close down the election, and as we were there, we saw the horrors of what transpired on television as the buildings collapsed. I will never forget it. I will never forget being on the pile the days after and the bucket brigade. I will never forget seeing President Bush say to our Nation and to those who lost their loved ones that we will never forget. After we closed down the election, we weren't sure what to do that day, so we went to the local hospital and set up a blood bank to await the injured people to come back from the site. But as hour and hour went on, we realized that no one was coming back and the enormity of the tragedy. I mention this because I think it's so important that our Nation does not forget the costs of dependence upon nations around this world for oil who want to see our great American democracy torn down. Our way of life is an affront to them, and they will do anything to tear down America. So when you have this discussion about energy and whatever they want to call it, let us never forget that this is about energy security first and foremost. America cannot go on the way it has, relying on foreign oil from countries who want to tear our country down. Even though we made a pledge at that time to end dependence on foreign oil, the chart that I have here will show that just in the last year, in 2008, the amount of oil that we imported from foreign countries was 66.4 percent of our usage. The dollars we spent overseas, $475 billion. How many of those dollars go to al Qaeda? How many of those dollars go to terrorists who want to bring destruction and terror to our country and to our allies' countries around this world? How dare anyone stand on the floor of this House of Representatives, this noble and esteemed body, and not talk about this anytime they talk about energy, anytime they talk about this bill. I consider it an affront when people misrepresent the facts of this bill for their own political reasons and not to bring the true facts to the American people. Look again at the ways, since the time that the attack occurred, the way that our dependence on foreign oil, our imports have gone up so dramatically. We have, indeed, forgotten. We have forgotten those who we lost that day. We've forgotten our pledge to have security, to have energy independence, and it is something that this bill will seek to do. At this time, I would like to ask my colleague, Mr. Boccieri, to share with us some of his thoughts from the perspective of the people of the great State of Ohio.

Mr. McMAHON. Thank you, Congressman Boccieri for that passioned insight on this issue. And as you point out, I talked about the horrors of our energy dependence on the Middle Eastern countries here on foreign soil, on our domestic soil and through terrorism. But certainly, we thank you for your service to our country. And also it's quite clear that the men and women who are wearing our uniforms right now fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan are doing so, so much so because we can't get off our addiction to that foreign oil, particularly from the Mid East, and that's what this bill is about. We'd like to hear from our equally great colleague from the great State of Maryland, Frank Kratovil.

Mr. McMAHON. Thank you, Congressman Kratovil. And those are points extremely well taken. And you can only wonder whether President Nixon and President Ford would be very disappointed, having understood how important this issue is to our national security to have the other side of the aisle, as you say, really giving out such misinformation about the effects and particulars of this bill to really scare the American Nation. And I can tolerate that when it's issues of a more domestic nature and whether, you know, we should, when it comes to different types of issues that we vote on on resolutions before the House or domestic issues. But when you talk about national security, it really borders on unpatriotic, in my mind, to use misinformation to scare the American people at a time when we can really get ourselves off foreign oil. You know, how many times have we heard about the study from the MIT economist that, according to the other side of the aisle, will cost every American family $3,100 under this bill? That very economist has come out in public and said that it is untrue, that they are misrepresenting the conclusions of his report. And everyone from the CBO to everyone else down has pointed out that when you take in all the different ramifications of the bill in consideration, that at worst, in the year 2017, I believe it is, that the average American family, at most, would see an increase of $175 a year. Now that's in 8 years. So between now and 8 years from now there is no increase, and there are natural increases anyway. And in fact, in some parts of the country, like the Northeast, which I represent, there will actually be a decrease in cost because of the way that we generate our energy now and the way it's transmitted. In fact, the National Resources Defense Counsel says that in the Northeast they will see a decrease of $5 per month on your electricity bill. That's why three Republicans in New Jersey voted for this bill. That's why a Republican in New York voted for this bill. They didn't listen to the misinformation. They understood it was about national security, and it delivers electricity to homeowners at a cheaper cost. Yet, I believe to engage in misinformation on this very vital issue of national security is wrong. Congressman Boccieri, I'd like to yield to you, sir.

Mr. McMAHON. You're so right, Congressman Boccieri, and you put that so eloquently. And you have to wonder why it is that the national leaders of the Republican Party get it, yet it seems to be that the Members of the House of Representatives from the Republican Party don't get it at all. Before I yield to our great colleague, also from the great State of New York, Mr. Paul Tonko, I just want to make two points because on the issue of national security, I was shopping in my local supermarket over the weekend, and I spoke to a gentleman who had heard some of the myths about the bill and we spoke about national security. He said to me, well, if we just drilled all our oil in this country, we wouldn't have this problem. Well, we know that physically that couldn't happen immediately. But even if it were to happen, the truth of the matter is, a generation from now those resources would be depleted as well and we'd be in the same place that we are now. The point of the matter is that we cannot go on the way that we have. And, certainly, I know that there are some who will say, well, global warming, that's a myth. Okay. Take that, if you want to make that argument, go ahead. But pollution and the effects of pollution are not a myth. In my district we have the highest rate of lung cancer in America. And why? Because we're downwind from the factories in New Jersey and Ohio and across this country. And it blows across and into the people of Staten Island and Brooklyn, and we breathe, and also from the cars and the smog, that terrible air. And it's time, across this country and all those places and those great States that I mentioned, and in my area as well, to have clean air. There was a very disturbing report on TV this morning. You know, children who are conceived and who are born in areas that have high levels of pollution, that have high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, if they're in the womb when they're exposed to that, their IQ rates are four or five points less than those of children who are conceived and who are born in areas that do not have that pollution. So you could argue about global warming until the cows come home. We know that it's real, but even if you think it isn't, pollution is not a fiction. As John McCain mentioned, and as we know in New York--and my great colleague is about to speak from Upstate New York--acid rain was a problem, Congressman Tonko. Certainly, in the lakes in Upstate New York, in the Adirondacks and in the Catskill Mountains, they were dead. The lakes were dead, and that was caused by pollution from sulfur dioxide. We now know, because of cap-and-trade, a program which was implemented in 1990 at a third of the projected cost at that time and in half the time projected to clean up, it is very successful, and those lakes again are alive. Referring to Upstate New York, it's a privilege and an honor to welcome our colleague from the great State of New York, one who is a real leader on the issue of energy and on a clean environment, Paul Tonko.