Tom MacArthur

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I was disappointed to see there was no language in the Omnibus to delay the implementation of the Department of Labor's fiduciary proposal and allow the bipartisan proposal in the House to codify a workable fiduciary that would truly protect savers. The Department of Labor's (DOL) proposed fiduciary standard is a well-intentioned but poorly conceived proposal. I've expressed concern with a number of issues in the proposal in the past but I'd like to focus on the Department of Labor's legal authority over IRAs in my comments today. Congress explicitly designated employer-sponsored plans to the fiduciary standard under ERISA. Congress also explicitly designated IRAs to be governed by the Internal Revenue Code's prohibited transaction rules. DOL is simply not legally permitted to exert jurisdiction over IRA rollovers and to apply a fiduciary standard to IRAs without Congressional approval. Congress has amended ERISA and the tax code multiple times and has chosen repeatedly not to make this change. It is not legally permissible for an unelected bureaucrat from DOL to make that decision for the Congress, and the people we've been elected to represent back home. There are already a number of federal agencies that do have the authority to regulate financial transactions over individual IRAs, namely the SEC and FINRA. SEC and FINRA have a demonstrated record of education and enforcement to minimize any conflicts and punish advisors who violate those standards. When advisors act against their clients' interests, they should and will be punished. It is unreasonable to place a prohibitive regime across an entire industry of professionals working in their client's best interest, rather than punish those who violate it. Former head of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (``EBSA'') Brad Campbell, the Department agency promulgating this regulation, testified at a recent hearing, ``This is a significant departure from the Department's traditional view of its authority regarding the application of the prohibited transaction rules to IRAs, in that it is attempting to leverage this authority to establish a fiduciary standard of care the statute does not provide. ``Testimony identifying a large number of significant technical problems with the Proposal, are a direct result of the Department's unfamiliarity with the IRA marketplace and with the role of other regulators in governing financial advice provided to IRAs. The Department is trying to force a square peg into a round hole by asserting that the ERISA fiduciary standards can and should apply to IRAs in addition to the existing regulatory regimes already in place.'' I am a strong supporter of a best interest standard to protect our constituents when they receive advice on IRAs, but this proposal is based on doubtful legal authority and is unworkable in practice. It will lead to our nation's most vulnerable savers receiving no financial advice at all, at a time when they need it most. Again, I appreciate the DOL's intentions in promulgating these regulations but I believe they are out of their area of expertise and it is reflected in the quality of the proposal. I hope the DOL plans to work with Congress as we progress on our bipartisan best interest standard that will be codified into law, rather than continue to attempt to overstretch the authority given to them by the Congress. Congress will continue to protect our constituents' best interests and assert our authority over the issue.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Joseph Young of New Jersey's Third Congressional District, and to express my deepest appreciation to him and his family. Mr. Young served our country in the United States Navy. He defended our freedom in Okinawa and the Philippines during World War II. His service to our nation secures his spot as a member of our country's Greatest Generation. Mr. Young was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, a WWII Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, and a Certificate of Recognition for serving the United States during the Cold War. Mr. Speaker, the people of New Jersey's Third Congressional District are tremendously grateful for Mr. Robert Joseph Young's service to our nation. It is my honor to recognize his achievements before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Chair, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act does some important things to move us into the 21st century with our energy policy. It advances modernization, reliability, security, and efficiency in our energy infrastructure. I want to focus on one section of that bill, title 5, that ``national energy security corridors'' portion. I originally proposed this as a separate bill, and I am pleased to see it as part of this energy act. Simply put, it allows us to move natural gas from the western to the eastern United States. Let me give you an example of why this matters. A couple of weeks ago, I visited Winteringham Village in Toms River in my district. It is a village comprised almost entirely of seniors, and their average income is slightly over $12,000 a year. These people are not getting a cost-of-living increase under Social Security, but they most certainly are facing higher energy costs. The reason is simple. While other States, western States, enjoy lower energy costs, States like mine are facing higher energy costs, and the reason is simple. We don't have the energy infrastructure to move gas from the West to the East. Last winter, on one particular day, the cost of natural gas in New Jersey was $22.35 for a million BTUs. It was $1.50 at the same time in Pennsylvania, one State away from me. The solution is this ``energy security corridors'' portion of the bill. It requires and empowers the Secretary of the Interior to designate 10 natural gas corridors across Federal lands. Now, I just heard that it is across national parks. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Federal Government owns much land that is not park land, and this would allow the Secretary of the Interior to designate corridors so we can properly plan our energy needs. It does a few things for us. It lowers energy costs. It protects the most vulnerable of our citizens. It would require thoughtful planning of where to put pipelines. It would be subject to a full environmental review under NEPA. It would create jobs. The President of the North American Building Trades Union testified at our hearing that it would not only create jobs in building these corridors, but it would create jobs because of lower energy costs. Lastly, it would increase our security because energy security and national security are inextricably linked. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to have this portion of the bill included, the ``national energy security corridors'' portion. I urge my colleagues to support this entire bill and move our energy policy into the 21st century.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Tom DeBlass of New Jersey's Third Congressional District, and to express my sincerest commendation as to all of his accomplishments. Mr. DeBlass has been named to the New Jersey Martial Arts Hall of Fame as a Grappler. He has won titles such as the Pan American and World Championships. Beyond his personal feats on the mat, Mr. DeBlass has devoted his time to giving back to his community by opening his own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Mr. DeBlass has used his expertise to produce his own world champion students. He has created a legacy of martial arts success in his community and has given young athletes the opportunity to develop and excel. Mr. Speaker, the people of New Jersey's Third Congressional District are tremendously proud to have Mr. Tom DeBlass as an involved member of their community. It is my honor to recognize both his personal athletic accomplishments and his lasting contributions to our community before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, before I came here, I spent 30 years in the private sector and built a business from about 100-odd people to today about 6,000. I learned that you need capital to grow a business. The Ex-Im Bank provides just that. Now, if the private sector could provide that, well, this would be a different discussion, but the private sector doesn't. The Ex-Im Bank provides a necessary resource for companies doing business overseas. In fact, I have had lenders tell me they will not loan if the Ex-Im Bank is not already involved. The Ex-Im Bank supported $27.5 billion worth of U.S. exports last year and 164,000 jobs. To not reauthorize it is to be shortsighted. I urge my colleagues to remember this is a Republican bill. It deserves our support.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the outstanding performance and ultimate victory of the United States Women's National Team during the FIFA Women's World Cup. On July 5, 2015, the women representing the United States of America soared to victory over Japan in the final game of the Women's World Cup. I would like to recognize the entire team for representing our country with a sweeping and courageous win. I would like to congratulate Carli Lloyd, who grew up in Delran, New Jersey, for a truly heroic performance and the ultimate representation of her hometown in New Jersey's third Congressional district. Ms. Lloyd's brilliant play in the Women's World Cup concluded with the first hat trick in WWC Final history. Not only did Ms. Lloyd win the Golden Ball Award, but she inspired our country with her passion, leadership and fearless execution that led the United States Women's National Team to become the first team to win three FIFA Women's World Cup titles. Carli Lloyd continues to represent New Jersey's third Congressional District with honor and distinction and I am proud to represent her in Congress.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Colonel James C. Hodges of the United States Air Force for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to our nation as the Commander at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. Colonel Hodges is leaving his position at the Joint Base and transitioning to a new role. Today, the Joint Base stands as a model, state-of-the-art facility with Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard operations, including airlift and air refueling, soldier training and deployment and aircraft carrier research and development. The Joint Base's officers provide an invaluable service to the military. In particular, the 87th Air Base Wing provides installation management support for 3,933 facilities with an approximate value of $9.3 billion in physical infrastructure. Colonel Hodges has been serving as the 87th Air Base Wing Commander and Installation Commander, where he has provided installation support to more than 80 mission partners. Colonel Hodges has also been responsible for providing mission-ready expeditionary Airmen and Sailors to combatant commanders in support of joint and combined operations. As the Commander of the Nation's only Tri-Service Base, Colonel Hodges has had a very difficult job, which he has performed masterfully. A career civil engineer, Colonel Hodges obtained his degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1991. Upon receiving such degree, Colonel Hodges has served a variety of staff positions at the base, major command, joint, multinational and Pentagon levels. He has also commanded at the squadron and group level. His contingency experience includes service as a commander of an expeditionary civil engineer squadron in Operation Iraqi Freedom and as a joint-multinational staff officer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Along with his lengthy service, Colonel Hodges has devoted countless hours of his time to furthering his education. He holds a Master of Science in engineering and policy from Washington University, a Master of Arts in organizational management from George Washington University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Air War College. Colonel Hodges' great work has not gone unnoticed. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Joint Achievement Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the selfless service of Colonel James C. Hodges as he transitions into a new role and continues to serve the United States of America. I wish him the best as he proceeds into the next chapter of his career.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great man, Ralph Roberts, who passed away last week at 95. Mr. Roberts is a true example of the American Dream. He was born to a family of Russian immigrants, and grew up watching his father manage a chain of drugstores in New York City. He inherited his father's work ethic, and following his service in the Navy, he bought a small cable company in 1963 and founded Comcast. Today, Comcast is headquartered in Philadelphia, and many of my constituents are proud Comcast employees. It's the largest Internet, cable, and telephone service provider to residential homes in our country, and has led the way in the telecommunications industry. Mr. Roberts' spirit will live on not only in his successful business, but in his legacy of charity and generosity in the Philadelphia area. He was truly a remarkable and inspiring man, and he will be sorely missed.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Colonel J. Matthew Lissner of the United States Army Reserve. Colonel Lissner has served in all three components of the Army (Active, National Guard, and Army Reserve) for over 28 years. Currently he serves as the Congressional Legislative Liaison for the 99th Regional Support Command, stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Colonel Lissner will leave his post as a Legislative Liaison to join the faculty of the U.S. Army War College in August of this year. I am grateful for his life of service to the Army, and wish him well as he transitions into his new assignment in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. A career Infantry Officer, Colonel Lissner received his commission from the Officer Candidate School in 1988. His education includes a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (Teaching) from Manhattan College in 1979, a Master of Arts in Exercise Physiology from Indiana State University in 1985, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2007. Prior to assignment as a Legislative Liaison, Colonel Lissner held a wide variety of infantry assignments through battalion level, and a number of staff positions at higher commands such as the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Third U.S. Army, U.S. Joint Forces Command, and I Corps. His combat deployments include Operation Just Cause (Panama), Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (Kuwait), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq). Although he is a highly decorated Soldier with more than 28 years of service to his credit, perhaps his most notable accomplishments have occurred off of the parade field. For example, prior to beginning his military service, Colonel Lissner worked with severely mentally and physically handicapped children, taught Physical Education, and coached a variety of sports at the scholastic and collegiate levels. A diverse individual, Matt's interests include all sports, camping, and hunting with his five great kids--Kaitlyn, MariPat, Jessie, Lanie, and Robert--without whose love and support none of his accomplishments would have been possible. It is only fair and proper to acknowledge their tireless support as he worked tirelessly on his assigned duties. Let us thank them all for their sacrifices and wish them continued success in the future.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Navy and Vietnam veteran Thomas Miserendino of New Jersey's Third Congressional District, who passed away last week, and express my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Councilman Miserendino served our country valiantly during the Vietnam War and in his position as Senior Chief of the U.S. Navy. Councilman Miserendino continued his service to the country after his time in the Navy by actively serving his community. Among his many volunteer services he was a Councilman to the Borough of Beachwood, the longest serving Chief of Beachwood Volunteer Fire Company, Ocean County manager for the NJ Firemen's Home, Secretary of the Beachwood Fire Relief Association, Life member of Ocean County Firemen's Association and past board member for Toms River Board of Education. Mr. Speaker, South Jersey is tremendously grateful for Councilman Thomas Miserendino's service to our nation and its communities. It is my honor to recognize his service and achievements before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. MacARTHUR

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

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I have an amendment regarding the KC-10 air-to-air refueling tanker. Air superiority is critical if we are going to protect our men and women on the ground and our interests, and that requires that we have fighters in the air. It is of vital importance. It is why the Air Mobility Command is so important. It may not be as exciting as fighters and close air support, but it is every bit as essential. The KC-10 air- to-air refueler is the larger, newer of the tankers, and the KC-135 is the smaller, older version. This is the problem. The KC-46 is a new tanker that the Air Force is introducing. It has had development problems, and it is not ready for prime time. General Welch of the Air Force confirmed that the new tanker was not intended to replace the KC-10 but that it is at risk of being replaced due to budget cuts, and he has confirmed that it would cost more in the midterm to replace the KC-10. Just to put the difference in capabilities in perspective, the KC-10 can carry 350,000 pounds of fuel. The other tanker--the older KC-135-- and the new KC-46 can only carry 200,000. It is 200,000 versus 350,000. The KC-10 carries double the payload, and it carries more passengers. The long and the short is that this tanker is essential for our ability to project force, and in this world of increased global threats, we cannot afford to deteriorate our capabilities. The answer, I believe, is to prohibit the early retirement of the KC- 10 tanker. We did that in the National Defense Authorization Act. There is no provision in the budget to replace the KC-10. I am simply looking to close the loop tonight and prohibit in the Defense Appropriations bill any funding for the early retirement of the KC-10.

Mr. MacARTHUR. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Mr. MacARTHUR. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two remarkably talented women, Christie Rampone and Carli Lloyd of New Jersey's Third Congressional District, for their participation on the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team. I am proud to have Ms. Rampone and Ms. Lloyd represent not only the United States and New Jersey, but the people of Ocean County and Burlington County, on an international scale. As 2 of the 23 elite players offered membership onto the team, Ms. Rampone and Ms. Lloyd are not only exceptional athletes, but extraordinary testaments to determination, commitment, and sportsmanship. Ms. Rampone, of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, is a 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup champion and a three-time Olympic gold medalist, having won championship titles at the last 4 Summer Olympics. She has finished no lower than third place in each of the World Cup or Olympic tournaments in which she has competed while also being the mother of two young children. Ms. Lloyd, of Delran, New Jersey, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, scoring the gold medal-winning goals in the finals of both the 2008 and the 2012 Summer Olympics. She has also represented the United States at two FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments, winning bronze and silver respectively, and has scored over 50 goals in 190 games throughout her career on the U.S. Women's National Team. Mr. Speaker, South Jersey applauds Christie Rampone and Carli Lloyd with tremendous pride and admiration for their achievements in soccer. It is my honor to recognize them before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. MacARTHUR

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

Mr. MacARTHUR. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment to H.R. 2578 along with the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams), who unfortunately was called away on an emergency and can't be here to speak with me. The Violence Against Women Act has been an important step--a critical step, really--in ending the scourge of violence against women, and the elderly abuse grant program has been an important part of that. It funds training and services to end abuse of women in later life. The question is how much funding is necessary for this. The National Network to End Domestic Violence suggests that that number is $9 million for the program, and this Congress previously authorized $9 million. Unfortunately, we can't afford that right now, and so we have to settle for something less. The President's budget, however, sets the amount at less than half, and that is simply not enough. My amendment would increase that amount to $5.2 million, which is $1 million over the President's request and $750,000 over the current mark. We would pay for that by moving $750,000 from the Department of Justice administration account. Mr. Chairman, the elderly abuse grant program has successfully helped many older women escape neglect, abuse, and exploitation taking many forms. Our elderly population is growing, and we simply believe we need a little more funding to make this program handle the growing population. Alma Adams from North Carolina and I have cosponsored the amendment because this is not a Republican or Democratic issue; this is a very human issue. I ask my colleagues to support it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank both the chairman and the ranking member for their support. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Chairman, there are probably almost as many boats as people in my district, and that is because I represent one of the most beautiful stretches of the Atlantic Ocean, from north to south, the southern part of the Jersey Shore. I have thousands of charter and commercial fishermen and tens of thousands of recreational fishermen who either make their living from the sea or get some respite and go out and do some recreational fishing. I hear from them all the time that the current Magnuson-Stevens Act is simply not working any more for them. It is outdated. It is arbitrary. We are continuing to protect fish stocks that have been completely rebuilt, and it is based on knee jerk, not sound science today. It is desperately in need of reform. The economic impact in my State alone is $1.3 billion from the recreational side and over $2 billion from the commercial side. It is 30,000 jobs. There is nobody who lives along the coast who wants to go back to the Wild West days when anyone can catch whatever they want and destroy the fish stocks. Nobody wants that, but the current system is not working, and it needs to be reformed. This is a good bill that offers real solutions. It preserves fish stocks; yet it recognizes the needs of our fishermen, and it relies on fact-based science. An amendment that I proposed and I am particularly pleased with is that it encourages marine students to be involved in the data collection, and it requires the government to look to them for that. We can do it at a lower cost and with better results. I encourage my colleagues not to let the perfect become the enemy of the good. It is a good bill, and it deserves to be approved. I urge my colleagues to stand behind it.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable and distinguished gentleman, Mr. Jared Dilello. Mr. Dilello has been employed by the United States Postal Service for the past two years. On November 21, 2014 Mr. Dilello was working on his normal route in Willingboro, NJ. Mr. Dilello found that one of his customers was unconscious on the ground next to a vehicle along the route. With the assistance of the 911 operator, Mr. Dilello was able to revive the gentleman and extend his life. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Dilello for his hard work and congratulate him for his dedication to the community.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable and distinguished group of young men and women from my district, The Rancocas Valley Regional High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC). The Rancocas Valley Regional High School NJROTC has been recognized for four consecutive years as a Distinguished Unit, and has received academic honors twice. The Rancocas Valley Regional High School NJROTC battalion has completed almost 2,600 hours of community service and over 2,000 hours of school support. Led by 18 senior members this group has embraced and lived the Navy core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Thank you to the Rancocas Valley NJROTC for your hard work and for your dedication to your community.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the National Defense Authorization Act. It is a bipartisan bill that passed the full Armed Services Committee with nearly unanimous support, as we have already heard. This bill meets our national security needs; it cares for our troops, invests in next-generation weaponry, and brings necessary reforms to the Pentagon. No bill is perfect, and I urge my colleagues not to allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. And there is certainly a lot of good in this bill. As vice chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, I am especially proud of our work to care for our troops and their families. This bill acts on 11 of the 15 recommendations of the Commission on Military Pay and Benefits, including things like revamping our military retirement system to bring it into the 21st century, providing increased financial literacy for our troops. I am especially pleased that the bill includes an initiative I proposed to help our retiring military personnel transition to civilian jobs. Importantly, this bill precludes another round of base realignment and closure, or BRAC, which threatens to shutter military bases around the country. We have seen that BRAC is simply not cost effective. In my home State of New Jersey, we have seen the devastation it brings to local communities. The last round of BRAC cost $14 billion more than it was supposed to, and the savings were reduced by 73 percent. It doesn't even break even for 13 years. I am a businessman, and spending more to save less while you ruin local economies and weaken our military just makes no sense. Finally, this bill fulfills our constitutional duty to provide for the common defense of our Nation. We face new threats like the Islamic State, a newly resurgent Russia, and our military has to be ready to face them head-on. This bill funds the Pentagon at the level it needs and avoids the disastrous blind cuts of sequestration that hurt our military's capability and readiness. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Texas. I have been fighting against BRAC since January, when I led a bipartisan letter urging then-Defense Secretary Hagel to not call for another round of base closures. But a BRAC was included in the President's budget, and here we are today. Along with the gentleman from Texas, I am bringing this amendment and fighting against BRAC for two reasons: First, BRAC is not cost effective. As was mentioned, the 2005 BRAC was supposed to cost $21 billion. Just a few years later, it has now skyrocketed to $35 billion. On top of that, the savings were reduced by 73 percent. So it cost the taxpayers more and saved them less. Once more, the Department of Defense won't even recoup its upfront costs until 2018, 13 years after it started. And second, I oppose BRAC because it destroys local economies. I know this all too well as Fort Monmouth in my home State was shuttered in 2005. That area is still recovering from the loss. My district is home to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, which is responsible for 105,000 local jobs in southern New Jersey. It is a $7 billion impact on just one local community. Like so many other military bases around the country, it is the backbone of our community. If it is closed, the area would be devastated. Spending more, saving less, ruining local economies, and reducing our military capability should not be done based on what we know today. In closing, I urge passage of this amendment.

Mr. MacARTHUR

Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable young man from my district, U.S. Army Captain Joseph Gouryeb. Captain Gouryeb is returning home to Cinnaminson, New Jersey to spend time with his family after a recent deployment to Afghanistan, where he earned a Bronze Star. He earned another Bronze Star during his deployment in Iraq. Captain Gouryeb truly exemplifies the values that make not only a good soldier, but a good citizen and a good man. After helping to rescue four U.S. National Guard Soldiers who fell off a bridge into water, Captain Gouryeb was recognized by the Army and received one of his two Army Medals of Commendation. He certainly deserves these honors. Welcome home, Captain Gouryeb, and thank you for your service.