Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Anna Radu was born on March 8, 1902; and Whereas, Anna Radu Celebrated her 100th birthday this year; and Whereas, Anna Radu, from Garbova, Romania, became a citizen of the United States of America on September 8, 1939; Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District in congratulating Anna Radu as she celebrates her 100th birthday.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Armand W. Cosenza, Jr. has been elected President of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB); and, Whereas, NAMB provides invaluable services for the mortgage broker industry which originates more than half of all home loans in the country; and, Whereas, home ownership is at an all time record rate largely due to the contributions of mortgage brokers; and, Whereas, through his involvement in NAMB, Mr. Cosenza has been instrumental in shaping housing policy in this country; and, Whereas, Armand Cosenza was a founding father of the Ohio Association of Mortgage Brokers, for which he was president in 1995 and 1996 and still serves on the board as North Chapter President; and, Whereas, Armand Cosenza must be commended for his contributions to his profession and involvement in his community and dedication to his wife Judy and daughters, Denise and Vicki; Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in applauding Armand W. Cosenza, Jr. for his election as President of NAMB and in wishing him continued success.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Trinity Christian Academy participated in National Make a Difference Day, Good Deeds Literacy Contest in October 2001; and Whereas, Trinity Christian Academy collected children's books to be sent to the children of New York Police and Fire Fighters affected by the tragic events of September 11th, 2001; and Whereas, Trinity Christian Academy has demonstrated a commitment to the community and whole Nation by helping others in need, and Whereas, Trinity Christian Academy is to be commended for its hard work and dedication; Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District in honoring Trinity Christian Academy for its outstanding dedication to others.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Christopher Truex has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Boy Scouts of America Troop 257; and Whereas, Christopher Truex has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Christopher Truex must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award; Therefore, I join with the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Christopher Truex for his Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Judge Fregiato has been named 2002 Italian American of the Year by the Board of Directors of the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival; and, Whereas, Judge Fregiato is currently the Belmont County Northern Division Court Judge; and, Whereas, Judge Fregiato has been an active contributor to his profession through the American, Ohio and Belmont Bar Associations and various leadership positions; and, Whereas, Judge Fregiato has worked to improve his community through involvement in Knights of Columbus, Masons Kirkwood Lodge, Belmont County Township Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and others; Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in applauding Judge Frank J. Fregiato for receiving the 2002 Italian American of the Year Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Richard Scholl has reached the safety milestone of One Million Miles driven without a preventable accident; and Whereas, Richard Scholl has been awarded the rank of ``Individual Million Mile Safe Driver'', a rank of accomplishment reached by only a few professional drivers; and Whereas, Richard Scholl must be commended for his service to the community, providing safe transportation on our nation's highways; Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District in recognizing Richard Scholl as a recipient of the Individual Million Mile Safe Driver award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the Export- Import Bank conference report. We are considering legislation necessary to help level the playing field for American exporters by guaranteeing that the Export-Import Bank will be there to help our Nation's companies compete against exporters subsidized by foreign governments. As our Nation has become a leader in advanced technologies, exports have become an increasingly important part, of course, to our economy. The Ex-Im Bank is critical in making sure that our companies are able to compete effectively in global markets. This institution levels what would otherwise be a tilted playing field and make sure that the debate is over the quality of the products of services, not who has the most subsidized prices. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that in the past I have always been critical of the Ex-Im Bank. Past actions have cast doubt over whether it was truly taking into consideration the needs of America's workers and our national security. For example, just a couple of years ago, Ex- Im made a loan for Benxi Steel in China to expand its steel-producing capacity when at the same time China was being investigated for dumping steel. But the bottom line is that I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Chairman Oxley, who has done a wonderful job, and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Toomey). There are guarantees in here that make sure that our businesses are not hurt, and I would urge support of the conference report.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Lucas Jeffrey Cifranic has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Boy Scouts of America Troop 811; and Whereas, Lucas Jeffrey Cifranic has shared his time and talent with the community; and Whereas, Lucas Jeffrey Cifranic has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Lucas Jeffrey Cifranic must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award; Therefore, I join with the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Lucas Jeffrey Cifranic for his Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3717, the ``Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2002.'' I want to commend my colleagues, Mike Oxley, the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and Spencer Bachus, the chairman of the House Financial Institutes Subcommittee, for crafting sound legislation to improve the federal deposit insurance system. This bill will reform the FDIC so that it can continue to provide the stability that Americans have depended on for years. Last year, I introduced H.R. 1293, the ``Deposit Insurance Stabilization Act.'' This bipartisan piece of legislation addressed three of the most pressing needs of the deposit insurance system. My legislation merged the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund into a single sounder deposit insurance fund. My legislation also eliminated the 23 basis point cliff facing FDIC- insured institutions if the deposit insurance fund were required by law to be recaptilized. I am pleased that both of these provisions are included in the bill before us today. My legislation included a third important component, commonly referred to as the ``free rider'' provision. This provision would give the FDIC statutory authority to assess a special premium on any insured institution with excessive net deposit growth. It was drafted to address the possible dilution of the deposit insurance fund by a handful of institutions. It was not meant to serve as a penalty or impediment to legitimate growth, but rather as an equitable to ensure that the cost of doing the business of deposit insurance is borne by those who benefit from that business. I was pleased that the Ney free rider provision was included as part of this bill, as reported by the Financial Services Committee. It represented a good faith effort to fairly resolve a problem first brought to my attention by bankers in my state and across the country. Unfortunately, because of the controversy it generated, this provision is not part of the managers' amendment before us today. While other provisions of the managers' amendment address the free rider problem, the absence of statutory authority for the FDIC to deal with prospective free riding could remain a problem. I am anxious to work with my colleagues in Congress and organizations like America's Community Bankers to adequately address this problem as this bill moves forward. Again, I would like to commend the sponsors of this bill for addressing the challenges facing the federal deposit insurance system, and urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of this bill since I strongly support our continued engagement in Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan have suffered for too long, and lawlessness and international neglect have caused their country to become a haven for terrorists, but not anymore. During my recent visit to Afghanistan, our delegation was often overwhelmed by the gratitude of the Afghani people to America for freeing them from the Taliban's chains of oppression and ignorance. It lies in America's interest to make sure that the darkness of those chains never returns to Afghanistan. Madam Chairman, we helped the Afghan interim government get formed, and it is important that we continue to support the Loya Jirga process and those chosen by that body to represent the Afghan people for the next 18 months. These are Afghanistan's first steps towards democracy, and America should stand shoulder to shoulder with the Afghan people as they strive for freedom, prosperity, and self-representation. Security, of course, is still an issue in Afghanistan. Without security, the terrorists can find a way back into Afghanistan. Peacekeepers are currently only located in the Kabul area; and outside the capital rogue elements, as we know, continue to challenge the central government. Our troops should be there to fight the al Qaeda for everyone's interest. However, the overall security of Afghanistan, and indirectly the United States, would all significantly be enhanced if non-American peacekeepers were stationed in other areas of the country. Countries such as Turkey, Bahrain, Jordan, Sweden, and Britain have already shown interest in providing peacekeeping to those areas of our vast interest. Madam Chairman, prosperity and stability go hand in hand. Hopefully, one day the U.S. private sector will return. America has helped bring a new beginning to the people of Afghanistan. This bill reconfirms our determination to not let this new beginning slip out of our hands and represents the best of American ideals.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, Richard School has reached the safety milestone of One Million Miles driven without a preventable accident; and Whereas, Richard School has been awarded the rank of ``Individual Million Mile Safe Driver'', a rank of accomplishment reached by only a few professional drivers; and Whereas, Richard School must be commended for his service to the community, providing safe transportation on our nation's highways; Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District in recognizing Richard School as a recipient of the Individual Million Mile Safe Driver award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Timothy L. Curry has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Boy Scouts of America; and Whereas, Timothy L. Curry has shared his time and talent with the community in which he resides; and Whereas, Timothy L. Curry must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the first Eagle Scout Award for Troop 257 since 1944; Therefore, I join with Troop 257 and the entire 18th Congressional District in congratulating Timothy L. Curry as he receives the Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution (H. Res. 423) and I ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 3295) to establish a program to provide funds to States to replace punch card voting systems, to establish the Election Assistance Commission to assist in the administration of Federal elections and to otherwise provide assistance with the administration of certain Federal election laws and programs, to establish minimum election administration standards for States and units of local government with responsibility for the administration of Federal elections, and for other purposes, with Senate amendments thereto, disagree to the amendments, and agree to the conference asked by the Senate.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in strong support of this motion to appoint and the motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 3295, the Help America Vote Act of 2001. An American citizen's right to vote is our Nation's symbolic cornerstone providing us with the solid foundation on which we built this country. When a person casts his or her vote at the polls on election day, there must be no question that it is counted properly and accurately and that no one is left behind. As chairman of the Committee on House Administration, I want to commend the working relationship that began from day one when our ranking member, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), approached me about doing a bill. Of course, following a series of hearings, the ranking member and our chief deputy whip, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), and members of the committee set out on a path together to craft a common sense solution to reforming the way Americans vote. From the very beginning of the process, the ranking member and I, and the members of the committee and the staff, recognized that any legislative solutions must be bipartisan. The gentleman from Maryland set that tone, we agreed with it, and we all worked together, and that is what enabled what could have been an extremely horrific process to be something that had its give and take of debate but came out in a fair manner because the best interests of citizens in this country was the question that rose to the front of the table. We worked with State and local officials, listened to experts, reviewed the work of commissions, including the National Commission on Election Reform, chaired by former Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. We then developed a legislative solution that included minimum Federal standards that each State must meet to ensure the integrity of our national election process. We also made certain that States be given time, flexibility and resources, which was a very important element in the discussion, so it did not become an unfunded mandate, to meet these standards. Last December, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3295 by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 362 to 63. I would like to thank the National Association of Secretaries of State, the National Council of State Legislators, the National Association of Counties, the National Federation for the Blind, the Election Center, and the Ford-Carter Commission on Election Reform for their guidance support and endorsements during this process. The bill provides for $2.65 billion to implement provisional voting, statewide registration lists, new technical standards, and assurances that our overseas military personnel have access to the polls, which they so greatly deserve. Let me say something about the money. Some people at the beginning of the process would come to us and talk about the cost. I really do not think that $2.65 billion, or the $3.2 billion in the Senate version, is too much to ask for confidence in our democracy. I think, in fact, it is a small price to pay. And as I have traveled around different parts of the country, a lot of American citizens want to feel that their vote counts, they want to feel that they are not left behind or disenfranchised. We have also spent more money, frankly, overseas in promoting democracy in the election process, and that is fine, I do not quibble with that, but we can spend the money here. Now, the bill goes beyond just a money expenditure. It is a well thought out and crafted bill, but the money is an important part of it, and I think it is an amount of money that the American people will feel very good about to have this process work. The other body passed their version of election reform. Although there remains some differences between the two bills, I am totally optimistic that we will be able to resolve those differences. At the conclusion of this process, I can assure everyone that there will be provisions to guarantee every eligible citizen the right to vote and that only eligible citizens will be able to vote. I look forward to the conference committee. I think that with the principals involved we are going to be able to work together in the best interests of the people of this country. I want to again thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), members of the Committee on House Administration on both sides of the aisle, also the staff from both sides of the aisle, and the Speaker of the House, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert), for his unwavering support of the issue. We also met with the minority leader, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), concerning the economic side of the language and also appreciate that cooperation. As this bill moves through the legislative process, and I hope it moves quickly through the process, I look forward to working with every member of the general assembly to receive their input. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley).

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker,Whereas, Luke P. High has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Boy Scouts of America Troop 548; and Whereas, Luke P. High has shared his time and talent with the community; and Whereas, Luke P. High has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Luke P. High must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award; Therefore, I join with the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Luke P. High for his Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Daniel Robinson has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Boy Scouts of America; and Whereas, Daniel Robinson has shared his time and talent with the community in which he resides; and Whereas, Daniel Robinson has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Daniel Robinson must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award; and Therefore, I join with Troop 510, the residents of Muskingum County, and the entire 18th Congressional District in congratulating Daniel Robinson as he received the Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Jonathan R. Baughman has devoted himself to serving others through his membership in the Boy Scouts of America Troop 28; and Whereas, Jonathan R. Baughman has shared his time and talent with the community; and Whereas, Jonathan R. Baughman has demonstrated a commitment to meet challenges with enthusiasm, confidence and outstanding service; and Whereas, Jonathan R. Baughman must be commended for the hard work and dedication he put forth in earning the Eagle Scout Award; Therefore, I join with the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Jonathan R. Baughman for his Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, I seek recognition to raise a concern I have with the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Mr. Chairman, I want to make it clear that I support the goals and mission of the Export-Import Bank, which is creating American jobs. The Bank plays an important role in helping to level the playing field for American exporters trying to compete with heavily subsidized foreign competition. However, I am deeply concerned that Ex-Im is also supporting companies that are giving away our national secrets to foreign governments. I am troubled by the possibility that Ex-Im may be subsidizing the sale of our nation's secrets. I trust that this is a concern that Chairman Oxley and the Committee have as well. It would please me to hear that this is something that my good friend from Ohio has been giving some thought to, because I believe that before we finish the Ex-Im reauthorization conference we must look at finding a way to make sure that the bank is not rewarding bad behavior that risks our national security. I want to take a brief minute to raise one example that comes to mind, Loral Communications. This company was recently fined millions of dollars for allowing sensitive satellite communications to fall into the hands of a foreign government. Instead of saying that it is going to take a stand and send a message that our national security is a top priority for the Export-Import Bank, the bank recently chose to approve a loan guarantee for Loral to sell a satellite to a company owned by the prime minister of a foreign country. The reason this concerns me is that Ex-Im, through a series of deals has established a track record of not taking into account our national security when considering loans. I want to work with the Chairman to find a way to make sure that the Export-Import Bank in its well- intentioned zeal to support U.S. exporters takes into account our national security concerns. I had proposed an amendment for H.R. 2871, which would have addressed this problem in what I believe was a reasonable manner, however it was not made in order for today's consideration. I know that Chairman Oxley shares my concern and I hope that he can agree to work with me to find a way to solve this problem so that we can make sure that the Export- Import Bank is able to do its job, but at the same time our national security is protected. Again, I am glad to hear of your commitment to solving this problem, and I look forward to working with him to find a fair solution.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 378) commending the District of Columbia National Guard, the National Guard Bureau, and the entire Department of Defense for the assistance provided to the United States Capitol Police and the entire congressional community in response to the terrorist and anthrax attacks of September and October 2001.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I also wanted to commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) and also the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) and all the other cosponsors, 104, but those two have worked diligently to bring this issue to the forefront, and I want to give them the credit. They are very concerned, as all Members are. Let me note one thing, too, a statement the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) mentioned. He is correct; there is going to be a cooperative working relationship, as we have had all year long and during this crisis, of our staffs to look at those hours because the gentleman from Maryland is completely correct about those hours and the safety and security of the Capitol, but those were countless hours I had mentioned. But we owe an obligation to the officers and to the staff of the Hill and the visitors to look at those hours and to do something with them. We pledge that we are going to do that. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella), my distinguished colleague.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This is an important House concurrent resolution. It is number 378. It commends the District of Columbia National Guard, the National Guard Bureau, and the Department of Defense for the assistance provided to the United States Capitol Police and the entire congressional community in response to the terrorist and anthrax attacks of September and October of 2001. As a result of the attacks, the Capitol Police implemented additional security measures and began working lengthy hours, which continue to this day. With the assistance of the National Guard, the Capitol Police were relieved from the necessity of working even longer hours and, therefore, helped to lessen the sacrifices that needed to be made by our hard-working officers and their families. The National Guard has played an integral role in providing security to the U.S. Capitol and, by extension, its visitors, staff, Members of the House and the Senate, and the entire Nation. This additional security has allowed the House of Representatives to truly remain the people's House by keeping our doors open and our halls safe and allowing Members of this great institution to carry on the most important responsibility of doing the people's business. Also, it has been for the safety and security of the countless thousands of visitors that we have had to the U.S. Capitol. Let me just say, Mr. Speaker, that we had a very, very unusual situation after September 11 in this Capitol and many people, and I could not begin to name all the names, but people who have worked, our officers of the House, their staff; when I say officers I am talking about the CAO, the Clerk, the Architect of the Capitol and the Sergeant at Arms, all the staff on both sides of the aisle, Members of the Committee on House Administration. I want to commend the gentleman from Maryland, (Mr. Hoyer), our ranking member, and all of the Members on both sides of the aisle, Mr. Speaker, because they also put in countless hours to make sure this entire system continued to operate. Obviously those who committed these heinous crimes in the United States wanted our system not to operate, but the people's House has continued and has continued to be open and has done so because again of the courageous people. Mr. Speaker, again this is a very important and serious resolution, and we also want to recognize again all of our officers of Capitol Hill, everybody that played a part in doing their job and the tremendous sacrifices. This resolution is geared towards today the Guard, and the Guard has left the Capitol complex, and so we want to honor them, we want to thank them; and for this, our country is grateful. I cannot thank them enough for their hard work and assistance in the challenging months. I urge full support of this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.