Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I want to thank the gentlewoman and remind my colleagues that we have a lot of speakers, so if you can limit your remarks, we would appreciate it. Mr. Speaker, I yield now to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Mr. PALLONE. I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I just want to thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota for yielding us extra time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi).

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I think everyone here would agree that the goals of the ABLE Act are worthy. The bill's title stands for achieving better life experience, and it would allow for the creation of tax-free savings accounts to benefit individuals with disabilities. These accounts would provide a way for families raising children with disabilities to set aside savings for their child's care. What I am concerned about is the offsets. The bill before us today uses Medicare cuts to pay for a tax break. Medicare is a program that seniors and people with disabilities depend upon for their health care, and we should not be cutting Medicare to pay for this bill. Meanwhile, we all know that our efforts to permanently repeal and replace the SGR in the lameduck are, unfortunately, falling flat. And while I hope we can still pass SGR this month, if it does not get done, we are going to have a Medicare bill that will cost tens of billions of dollars in March, and Republicans will force us to pay for every last dime, and here we are, using $1.2 billion in health offsets for non- health bills. In addition to the Medicare offsets, there are other offsets included in this bill that are troublesome. The provision on certified professional employer organizations could have a negative effect on worker rights, including collective bargaining and organizing and worker protections. I say again, the goals of the ABLE Act are laudable. I hope that our Senate colleagues will send the bill back to us without these offensive offsets so that we can enact a good law that we can all be proud of.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Clean Ocean Action as it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Clean Ocean Action continues to advocate for improved ocean quality off both the New Jersey and New York coasts. For 30 years, Clean Ocean Action has worked to protect our waterways from pollution and drilling. It conducts research, educates the public, lobbies elected officials and monitors activity to ensure laws are being followed. It not only identifies sources of pollution, it also seeks solutions and alternatives to environmentally harmful issues and activities. Since its inception, 8 ocean dumpsites have been closed, the first Clean Ocean Zone has been established, federal legislation has been established to prohibit ocean dumping and over 5 million pieces of trash have been collected from the Jersey Shore during its biannual beach sweeps. Currently based out of Sandy Hook in Highlands, New Jersey, Clean Ocean Action began above a hardware store in Sea Bright, New Jersey. It is led by Executive Director Cindy Zipf, who is also one of the founders of the organization. The coalition is comprised of 125 groups, including community, environmental, fishing, conservation, student, and service groups, among many others. Its members assist Clean Ocean Action staff in promoting policies and campaigns aimed at eliminating identified pollution issues. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Clean Ocean Action on its 30th anniversary. The ongoing efforts of Clean Ocean Action to fulfill its mission of improving coastal water quality is truly deserving of this body's recognition.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the accomplishments of Ms. Katherine Grant-Davis as she retires as President and CEO of the New Jersey Primary Care Association. Her contributions to the health care field are truly deserving of this body's recognition. Ms. Grant-Davis brought a wealth of experience to the New Jersey Primary Care Association. Prior to joining the New Jersey Primary Care Association, Ms. Grant-Davis served as the New Jersey Department of Health Chief of Staff. She also held positions as Director of Payment and Health Care Delivery for the Health Industry Manufacturers Association in Washington, D.C., Assistant Director and Acting Director of the New Jersey DRG Hospital Reimbursement Program, Director of the New Jersey WIC Program and Project Director for Title XX Implementation. She also served on Governor Jon Corzine's Department of Health and Senior Services Transition Team and Governor James McGreevey's Department of Human Services Transition Team. In addition to her professional work, Ms. Grant-Davis is an active member of the community, working with Jack and Jill of America, The Links, Inc., the National Association of Community Health Centers, Capital Link, Inc. and the United States Swimming Association. She has been named one of the 100 Most Influential New Jerseyans by City News and one of the Power 50 in Health Care by NJ Biz. She has also received numerous awards her service and accomplishments, including the National Association of Community Health Centers Leadership Award, the New Jersey Citizen Action Community Service Award and the Shirley Chisholm Catalyst for Change Award, among many others. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Ms. Katherine Grant- Davis on her retirement and thanking her for her service to the residents of New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievements of the Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson and congratulate him on his recent retirement as Monmouth Vicinage Assignment Judge. Judge Lawson has served honorably, breaking barriers and serving as an example for younger generations. Judge Lawson received his undergraduate degree at Bowie State College (now Bowie State University) and his Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. Prior to enrolling at The Catholic University, Judge Lawson completed the Council in Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) Program and earned a 3-year scholarship for law school. Judge Lawson's judicial experience began after he graduated from law school. In 1972, he worked as a law clerk for the late Honorable Thomas L. Yaccarino in Monmouth County, and was the first black law clerk to work in the Freehold court house. He was nominated as a Monmouth County judge by Governor Tom Kean in 1987 and was appointed to Assignment Judge on April 15, 1993, serving as the first black assignment judge. Early in his career, Judge Lawson served in the Civil Division and the Criminal Division, eventually serving as the Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division. With this assignment, Judge Lawson became the first black judge of a division of the court system. Judge Lawson retired as Assignment Judge on September 1, 2014. In addition to his judicial service, Judge Lawson worked for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs State Office of Legal Services, held a general law practice in Asbury Park for 12 years, worked as the Asbury Park Municipal Prosecutor, the Neptune Township Board of Adjustment Attorney and served as a delegate at the 1980 Democratic National Convention and the 1984 Democratic National Convention for Ted Kennedy and Walter Mondale, respectively. Judge Lawson also served on the Neptune Township committee and was elected mayor in 1984, serving as the first black mayor of the township. Judge Lawson is also an active member of his community. He has coached a midnight basketball team, volunteered as a mentor at Second Baptist Church and worked with the United Fellowship men's program. Through his background and community outreach, Judge Lawson has motivated the community's youth to strive for success. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in congratulating the Honorable Lawrence Lawson on his retirement and thanking him for his service. Judge Lawson dedicated nearly 30 years to the bench and his contributions and achievements are truly deserving of this body's recognition.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Barbra ``Babs'' Siperstein as she is honored with the Stonewall Legacy Award by The Pride Network at their New Jersey Leadership Awards Dinner. It is truly a fitting tribute to recognize Ms. Siperstein as we celebrate LGBT History Month as she has played such a vital role in the LGBT movement. Born Barry Siperstein, Barbra Siperstein acknowledged her true identity when she was nearly 50 years old. In 2007, she legally changed her name and the following year changed her Hebrew name to Baila Chaya in a ceremony at her synagogue, Congregation Beth Mordecai in Perth Amboy. Through her own journey, Ms. Siperstein became a pioneer of transgender equality. She is a political activist and a staunch advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) causes. In 2009 she became the first openly transgender member confirmed to the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Additionally, she was appointed to the New Jersey Civil Union Review Commission and served as Vice Chair of Garden State Equality. She has also been a member of the DNC's executive committee, deputy vice chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee and president of the New Jersey Stonewall Democrats. Ms. Siperstein was married for 34 years to the late Carol Siperstein, who stayed by her side until she lost a sudden battle with cancer in 2001. Together, they had a daughter and two sons. In addition to her activism, Barbra is a United States Army Veteran and a small-business owner. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in congratulating Barbra Siperstein on receiving the prestigious Stonewall Legacy Award and thanking her for her continuous efforts on behalf of the LGBT community.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Atlantic Highlands Lions Club as its members gather to celebrate its 90th anniversary this year. This milestone and its commitment to service is truly deserving of this body's recognition. Founded by local businessmen, the Atlantic Highlands Lions Club was chartered on December 14, 1924. Over its 90 years, the Atlantic Highlands Lions Club has grown in outreach and in membership. Today, its 42 members continue to carry out the mission of Lions Club International, serving its local community, the State of New Jersey, our nation and the world. Its efforts provide a range of assistance, including heath programs, youth programs, environmental programs, and disaster relief. It has also sponsored Lions Clubs in nearby New Jersey communities as well as the local Leo Club, which was one of the first Leo Clubs established in New Jersey. The Atlantic Highlands Lions Club has been providing active community volunteer work since its inception. Its members promote the Lions Club International mission to improve eye health and sight, providing free eye exams, eye treatments and surgery to local residents. They also uphold the mission to provide disaster relief, supporting recovery efforts in Indonesia, Haiti, Honduras and the United States, including New Jersey and its own community in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. Among many other community service efforts, the Atlantic Highlands Lions Club provides scholarships to local students, has taken part in the Lions Club International project to plant one million trees globally, honored our nation's veterans through the purchase of a state highway construction project that would become a median in their honor (which the Atlantic Highlands Lions Club still maintains and enhances), helped develop the Atlantic Highlands Harbor, and provided evacuation assistance from New York City after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Atlantic Highlands Lions Club also pays the club membership dues of a member of the United States Coast Guard and encouraged Lions Club International to offer membership discounts to members of the military. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in congratulating the Atlantic Highlands Lions Club on its 90th anniversary and thanking its members for their dedication to local, statewide, national and international community service.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I join with the Port-Au-Peck Chemical Hose Company No. 1 in Oceanport, New Jersey in recognizing Clarence D. ``Buddy'' Brocklebank for his 50 years of continuous, active service to the company. Mr. Brocklebank's outstanding record will be honored at the fire company's 37th Annual ``Old Timer's Night'' on October 20, 2014. As the only member to accomplish this record in the company's 98 year history, Mr. Brocklebank's achievement is truly commendable. At 80 years of age, Mr. Brocklebank continues to maintain active duty at the fire company, fulfilling the Emergency Services Volunteer Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) requirement to make 50 percent of the company fire calls, meetings and borough functions listed in the program. Mr. Brocklebank has served as Captain, Chief, President and Trustee of the company, and became a life member in 1989. In addition to his service to Port-Au-Peck Chemical Hose Company No. 1, Mr. Brocklebank also joined the Oceanport, Monmouth County and State Relief and Exempt Fireman's Association, the Oceanport Ex-Chiefs Association, the Port-Au-Peck Benevolent Association and the Oceanport Fire Police Unit. He is also a life member of the New Jersey State Fireman's Association. Mr. Brocklebank was born on July 14, 1934 and has been a resident of Oceanport since 1964, joining the Port-Au-Peck Chemical Hose Company No. 1 in April of the same year. He and his wife, Patricia, are the parents of Donald, Jr. and Matt and grandparents of 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, once again, it is my great honor to pay tribute to Clarence D. Brocklebank, Sr. for his 50 years of continuous, active service to Port-Au-Peck Chemical Hose Company No. 1. His remarkable dedication and duty to his community is truly deserving of this body's recognition.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the New Brunswick Fire Department as it celebrates its 250th anniversary this year. Since its formation, the New Brunswick Fire Department has upheld its duty to protect and serve the community. Organized in 1764, the New Brunswick Fire Department has seen many changes and much growth throughout its history. Its equipment has advanced as new technology became available, from buckets to various engines and wagons. During its first 100 years, more than ten companies were organized. Throughout the 1900s, 493 volunteered to serve in the department. On July 1, 1914, the New Brunswick Fire Department was officially installed as a paid department. Over its long history, a number of qualified leaders have served the New Brunswick Fire Department. Staasts Van Dursen was the first head of the department. James M. Carman served as the first Fire Director over 200 years later. Today, the New Brunswick Fire Department is led by a Director, five Deputy Chiefs, eight Captains, eight Lieutenants, fifty- six firefighters and a secretary and operates out of three companies and its headquarters. Seventy-five percent of the force are also trained Emergency Medical Technicians and certified in defibrillation, a result of a requirement begun in 1989. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in congratulating the New Brunswick Fire Department on this milestone. Its outstanding service is truly deserving of this body's recognition.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Ruth Hyman on the occasion of her 95th birthday this year. I would like to join with her family and friends in honoring her remarkable accomplishments and philanthropy. Born and raised in Long Branch, New Jersey, Ruth Hyman continues to give back to the community. At a young age, Ms. Hyman recognized the meaning of generosity and has spent her life working to make a difference in the world. Her achievements are numerous, wide-ranging and noteworthy, from serving in the federal government to opening her own small business. She has been actively involved with various organizations, including the Long Branch Hadassah, Deborah Hospital, Jewish Family and Children's Services, the Jewish Community Center, and Congregation of Brothers of Israel. She is also a life member of Daughters of Miriam and the Central Jersey Jewish Home for the Aged. Ms. Hyman is an esteemed member of the Jewish community and a passionate philanthropist. Ms. Hyman's impact on the community has not gone unnoticed. The Chabad House at Rutgers University presented her with the Kesser Shem Tov (Crown of a Good Name) award and she was named Philanthropist of the Year from Generations ElderCare Charity, among many other honors. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Ruth Hyman on her 95th birthday. I know that I join with all those who know her in expressing my sincere gratitude for her warm and giving nature and immeasurable contributions to our community. Her leadership and spirit of generosity are truly admirable.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from New Jersey, the Honorable Donald W. Norcross, be permitted to take the oath of office today. His certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to his election.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and welcome our new colleague to the New Jersey delegation, Congressman Donald Norcross. Now, let me tell you that you will all learn to love Donald Norcross the way I have. He comes from a union background, and he is a fighter. He always fights for the little guy. He also is bipartisan. He wants to work with the Republican side to get legislation passed, as he did in the State senate, and he has the reputation in the State senate, where we chaired one of the committees, of actually passing legislation. I just want you to get to know him well. As I said, you will learn to love him. He will be a great Congressman, and you will learn over the next few years how effective he can be. Congratulations again, Donald. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. LoBiondo).

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeanne Fox on her retirement from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. Commissioner Fox is a dedicated public servant whose numerous achievements should be celebrated. Commissioner Fox has been an outstanding advocate for environmental causes. She served as President of the Board of Public Utilities from 2002 until 2010 and served two terms as Commissioner. Prior to her positions at the Board, Commissioner Fox served as Regional Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and as Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy. During her tenure as President of the Board of Public Utilities, the Board received several environmental awards, including the Golden Meter Award for Best Statewide Net Metering Program in the U.S. and the Network for New Energy Choices Award. Additionally, Commissioner Fox has also been an active member of a number of environmental organizations and commissions. She served on the Board of Directors of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative from 2003 until 2010, was President of the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners and was a member of the Advisory Council to the Board of Directors of the Electric Power Research Institute, among others. Commissioner Fox is a graduate of Rutgers University, earning her Bachelor's Degree from Douglass College and Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Jeanne Fox on her retirement. Her commitment to public service and the betterment of our communities is truly deserving of this body's recognition.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sister Shirley Ann Saunders as she celebrates her 25th anniversary as First Lady of North Stelton A.M.E. Church in Piscataway, NJ. Sister Shirley's service to the congregation and the Piscataway community will be honored as North Stelton A.M.E.'s Women's Day Celebration and is truly deserving of this body's recognition. The wife of Pastor Kenneth L. Saunders, Sr., Sister Shirley has been an active member of her faith for 37 years. She began her service to the church as a pastor's spouse and as the Youth Choir Director and the Young People's Division Director at Bright's Temple in Bermuda. Currently, Sister Shirley serves as the Office Administrator of North Stelton A.M.E. Church, the Advisor for the Women's Ministry and the Anna Howard Missionary School. She is also the founder of the Shirley A. Saunders Praise Angels Liturgical Dance Ministry, which is named in her honor. In addition to her roles within the North Stelton A.M.E. Church, Sister Shirley serves on the Board of Directors of the North Stelton Economic Development Corporation, as Vice President of KLS Positive Image, Inc. and as Executive Director of the Nubian Sisters for Christ Ministry, which she also founded. Prior to her service in the church, Sister Shirley worked for Columbia Broadcasting Systems (CBS) in New York City and the College of Medicine and Dentistry Dental School in Newark. She is a graduate of Jersey City's Lincoln High School and Taylor Business Institute in New York City. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in congratulating Sister Shirley Saunders on her 25 years of service to North Stelton A.M.E. Church.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott), the ranking member of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee. (Mr. McDERMOTT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume in order to close the debate. The frustrating thing for me and for so many of us on the Democratic side of the aisle is that we know how successful the Affordable Care Act has been, and yet the Republicans continue to negate the positive aspects of the ACA and seek to undermine it with the repeal or with legislation like this that would seriously undermine the goals and the success of the Affordable Care Act. I just want to point out that, since the Affordable Care Act was enacted in March of 2010, 9.9 million private sector jobs have been created. According to the latest estimates from the CBO, the overall number of Americans receiving employer-based coverage is expected to grow from 156 million in 2014 to 166 million in 2023, and the number of uninsured is expected to fall by 26 million Americans. Also, since Massachusetts enacted health care reforms that were almost identical to those in the ACA, the percentage of employers offering coverage has increased from 72 percent in 2007 to 77 percent in 2010. Since the ACA was enacted, the Nation has seen 4 years of the slowest health care spending growth since recordkeeping began in 1960. Slower growth in health care costs translates into slower growth of employers' health benefit costs, helping businesses and workers save money. Indeed, employers' hourly health benefit costs rose just 1 percent after adjusting for inflation over the year ending in June 2014, near the bottom of the historical range. In addition to slowing down the rate of growth of health care spending, which is benefiting employers, the Affordable Care Act is also producing premium savings for America's small businesses due to its 80-20 rule. That rule requires that insurers spend at least 80 percent of premiums on medical care rather than on CEO pay, profits, and administrative costs. If an insurer fails to meet this standard, it must pay rebates to its customers. As a result of this rule, according to a recently released report, America's small businesses have saved a total of $2.5 billion on their premiums since 2011. The bottom line, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, is that the Affordable Care Act is delivering on the promise of affordable, quality, and dependable health coverage for millions of Americans, but that doesn't stop the Republicans. We can't shake their obsession with undermining the law, and that is what they are doing again with this bill. The vote on this bill will be the 53rd GOP vote to repeal or to undermine the ACA, so I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.'' I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), the ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this is frustrating to me because, again, we have just another effort to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act when we should all be working to implement the Affordable Care Act. Just to show what a waste of time, if you will, that this debate is today, I wanted to read a statement of President Obama's policy that was issued today with regard to this legislation. It says: The administration strongly opposes House passage of H.R. 3522 because it threatens the health care security of hardworking middle class families. The Nation is experiencing the lowest rate of health care price inflation in nearly 50 years, and exceptionally slow growth in other measures of health costs, which have combined to dramatically slow the growth of small business premiums. With health care costs rising at low rates and choices for small businesses improving through the Health Insurance Marketplace, this bill would be a major step backwards. H.R. 3522 would roll back the progress made because of the Affordable Care Act and would allow insurers to deploy practices such as charging businesses more when a worker has a preexisting condition, or when it has more workers who are women than men. The bill would allow insurers to go back to capping the amount of care that enrollees receive, or to excluding coverage of proven preventative care. The administration supports policies that allow people to keep the health plans that they have. Its transition policies allow States and issuers to do just that. But policies that reverse the progress made to extend quality, affordable coverage to millions of uninsured, hardworking middle class families are not the solution. Rather than refighting old political battles to sabotage the health care law, the Congress should work with the administration to improve the law and move forward. If the President were presented with this bill, he would veto it. So, again, this is just a waste of time. We have so many other things that we need to work on in this House before we adjourn, particularly jobs and the economy. Instead, we are trying to repeal, again, the same legislation that actually has created more jobs and kept health care costs low, and it is just, again, a complete waste of time. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill represents a direct assault on the health security of American families. The bill would allow insurance companies in their small business health plans to charge more for women's coverage, meaning workers in small businesses with more women than men have to pay more. It would charge more for coverage for those with preexisting conditions, meaning workers in small businesses that have more people with preexisting conditions have to pay more. And these small businesses would face higher premiums and would continue to see their premiums spike year to year if an employee had an accident or got diagnosed with cancer. Under the legislation, insurers group plans' could also impose annual limits on coverage, meaning that insurers could cease to provide any coverage after an individual's care reached a certain overall cost and impose extensive waiting periods before an employer could enroll in coverage. Now, if the Republicans were serious about helping America's small businesses, they would be bringing up, instead, a bill to expand access to the ACA's small business health care tax credit, as actually proposed by the Obama administration. The President has proposed allowing small businesses with up to 50 workers, rather than the current 25, to qualify for the credit, and adopting a more generous phaseout schedule. Furthermore, instead of strengthening the small business tax credit, Republicans have actually voted to repeal the tax credit three times. Republicans are completely misrepresenting what this bill does, calling the bill's section 2 ``If you like your group health insurance plan, you can keep it.'' Well, first of all, the bill does not require that insurers keep selling these group policies. Insurers discontinue policies every year, and there is nothing in this bill that prevents them from doing so. But more important, the bill goes well beyond the issue of people keeping plans they have now. Instead, it allows insurers to sell group plans that do not include ACA consumer protection to new customers through 2018. Once again, the Republicans are misrepresenting what this bill does, and they are simply trying to repeal or undermine the ACA, which has been so successful in expanding insurance coverage, keeping down costs, and eliminating discriminatory practices. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.