Bill Pascrell

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Himes), a member of the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. PASCRELL. I rise in support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution with my very good friend from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent) honoring and expressing support for the vigilance and prompt response of the citizens and the law enforcement agencies in New York and Connecticut as well as all the Federal authorities and agencies to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square on May 1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism and investigative work following the attempted attack, and their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism. Mr. Speaker, I have long said that real homeland security starts on our streets, not in the halls of Washington, D.C. That's never been a truer statement than today. This shows yet again why we need to support our local first responders--police, fire, EMTs. Another example. They were first to respond before any Federal agencies got involved. That's how it usually always is, be it a manmade catastrophe or a natural catastrophe. These are the individuals who are the first on the scene long before those Federal authorities show up. These are the people who are the eyes and ears of our national security. Fifty-three hours and seventeen minutes. This is what it took, Mr. Speaker, for the Federal law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, to identify and find and apprehend Faisal Shahzad, the prime suspect for this attempted act of terror on American citizens. In these 53 hours and 17 minutes, the New York Police Department, working with Federal and State law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and others, unraveled the tangled web that eventually led to Shahzad's arrest. I thank them. We all thank them. We acknowledge, however, a few people and groups. First, the alertness and awareness of Mr. Lance Orton and Mr. Duane Jackson for ``seeing something'' on the streets of New York which were out of order; for ``saying something'' to law enforcement; and not hesitating to do so. If it were not for these men, many others could have been hurt and Shahzad might not have been apprehended. Think about it. This is the kind of vigilance which is vital to homeland security efforts. We were seconds away from an ignition, a fireball. Who really knows the measure of death and destruction if that incendiary would have been ignited. Who really knows to this day. I want to thank the citizens of New York for helping and cooperating with law enforcement during the precautionary evacuations in the vicinity of Times Square. I want to acknowledge New Yorkers and their resilient nature and ability to return to life as normal. Perhaps I cannot do justice to it as my brother Mr. King would do, but you will have to accept me for now because he's not here. I want to express my deep appreciation for the professionalism and collective response of the following law enforcement agencies: the New York City Police Department. Always there. Always on duty. Always knowing that their city is a target. Always looking to find out information to prevent anything from happening to their citizens. How about Police Officer Wayne Rhatigan of the Mounted Unit Troop B, the Fire Department of New York, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad. Look, they put their lives on the line. They could have gone much slower, that's not their job. That--no one knew--could have been a deep bomb explosion. They put themselves on the line. We respect them. Rather than simply pat them on the back, we must commit ourselves--both sides of the aisle--to make sure that we are always there for our first responders and not simply be there to say thank you, but beforehand, give them the resources that they need to defend America and its neighborhoods. The New York Police Department Bomb Squad, beyond the regular day of duty, led by Lieutenant Mark Torre, and other first responders; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; United States Customs and Border Protection--we know how this character was finally corralled, at the airport on a plane; the Transportation Security Administration, TSA; the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York; the Department of Homeland Security; the Department of Justice; the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which has been a model for the rest of this country; the Bridgeport Police Department, who did so much work in cooperation with Federal authorities to go to the former home of the perpetrator, the alleged perpetrator, whichever you desire; the Detective Bureau; the Patrol Division up in Bridgeport; and other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut. Finally, I want to thank our private sector partners, too. If Emirates Airlines did not comply with Federal procedures, we might not have apprehended Mr. Shahzad as he was fleeing the country. Mr. Speaker, while I know others may say that we just got lucky, I say that they're missing the point. Our post-9/11 efforts to foster greater vigilance among our citizens and a culture of preparedness and collaboration among our first responders and law enforcement paid off. We stayed true to our cherished constitutional principles as we initiated this wide-scale collective response to terrorism. Simply put, Mr. Speaker, while the time line for identifying and apprehending the suspect--53 hours and 17 minutes--is impressive, it is the continued vigilance and demonstrated commitment to working together to keep our country secure which is really impressive, and in awe it leaves us. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PASCRELL. May I inquire as to how much time we have remaining on both sides?

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1320) expressing support for the vigilance and prompt response of the citizens of New York City, the New York Police Department, the New York Police Department Bomb Squad, the Fire Department of New York, other first responders, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Customs and Border Protection, the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, Detective Bureau, Patrol Division, and other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut to the attempted terrorist attack in Times Square on May 1, 2010, their exceptional professionalism and investigative work following the attempted attack, and their consistent commitment to preparedness for and collective response to terrorism, as amended.

Mr. PASCRELL. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from California (Ms. Pelosi), the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining?

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of H. Res. 1269, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the first use of the telescope for astronomical observation by the Italian scientist Galileo Galilei. Galileo, born in Pisa, Italy, in 1564, was educated at the University of Pisa where he became Professor of Mathematics; he later attained life tenure as Chair of Mathematics at University of Padua. Galileo was appointed Chief Philosopher and Mathematician to the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo de' Medici II, his patron and had an integral role in the Scientific Revolution of the 17th Century due to his major contributions as a physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher. Galileo Galilei is universally regarded as the `Father of Modern Astronomy', `Father of Modern Physics', and 'Father of Modern Science' due to all the advances he made in those fields. His experiments on the laws of motion, falling bodies, and the parabolic paths of projectiles and his observations of astronomical bodies were massive scientific advances. His inventions, the enhanced telescope; hydrostatic balance; geometric and military compass; thermoscope (thermometer); perfected compound microscope; pulsilogium (pulsiometer), enabled practical applications in the fields of military and civil engineering, navigation, medicine, and astronomy. His newly designed instruments of measurement, coupled with his theory that the natural world was written in the language of mathematics, laid the groundwork for modern scientific method and research; Galileo's use of his telescope, the central instrument of the Scientific Revolution, enabled his discovery of certain features of the surface of the moon, the moons of Jupiter, the phases and motion of Venus, and sunspots. These findings confirmed that the Copernican Sun Centered Solar System was plausible and changed human understanding of the cosmos. Galileo published his theories and findings in several treatises, letters, and books, most importantly, Siderius Nuncius and the Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems. Galileo's body of work enabled subsequent generations, in particular in the United States, to build on the tradition of scientific research, to be in the forefront of new scientific endeavors, specifically in medicine, technology, and space exploration, resulting in the betterment of mankind. The United States of America has previously honored the scientist through naming a research aircraft, `Galileo', commissioned for the Eclipse Expedition in 1965, and naming one of its major interplanetary missions, the Galileo Expedition to Jupiter, launched in 1989 and ending its 14-year odyssey in 2003. America also has built on the legacy of Galileo with NASA's most successful long-term science mission, the launch in 1990 of the Hubble Space Telescope, which contributes to our understanding of the universe; as part of NASA's tribute to Galileo, a replica of Galileo's telescope, provided by the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Florence, Italy, was carried into space by Italian American astronaut, Michael Massimino, on the May 2009 Atlantis mission to repair and update the orbiting Hubble telescope. As the Co-Chair of the Italian American Congressional Caucus I am able to reinforce the deep and binding ties between the United States and Italy. I work to promote the strong relationship between our two nations and honor our shared heritage. I am proud to commemorate this anniversary and express my gratitude for Galileo's expansion of the universe through his use of the telescope and mankind's understanding of his place in the cosmos. The contributions of scientist like Galileo make the United States the great nation that it is today. His legacy is our shared American history.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the work of an outstanding individual, Dr. Arnold Speert, who was recognized on Friday, April 16, 2010 upon his retirement as president of William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ, for his many years of dedicated service to not only the university, but the community at large as well. It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for he has been a true public servant and educator and someone whose commitment to excellence has helped to enhance countless lives. Arnold began his journey in academia at the City College of the City University of New York. A Phi Beta Kappa, Dr. Speert graduated cum laude with honors in chemistry. He went on to earn a doctorate in chemistry from Princeton University where he was a National Institute of Health Fellow. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Speert's career at William Paterson began in 1970 when he joined the university's teaching staff as an assistant professor of chemistry. Later that year he assumed his initial administrative responsibilities as assistant to the dean of graduate and research programs. Dr. Speert was named assistant to the vice president for academic affairs in 1971 and became associate dean for academic affairs in 1978. In July 1979, he was named vice president for academic affairs. During the same period he rose through the faculty ranks and attained full professor status in 1980. On September 1, 1985, he became the sixth president of William Paterson University, reaching the pinnacle of leadership. Though the university has always been central to Dr. Speert, his reach has extended far beyond William Paterson's campus. He has been active in a wide variety of community service activities. He has served as chair of the New Jersey Presidents' Council and been a member of the Commission on Higher Education and the Board of Examiners for the New Jersey Department of Education. His spirit of volunteerism doesn't just focus on education--he currently serves on the board of the State Farm Indemnity Company. Throughout the years, he has also served on the boards of the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, Barnert Hospital, the Ramapo Bank, the Better Business Bureau, the Jewish Federation of North Jersey, YM-YWHA of Northern New Jersey, and the Respiratory Health Association. Founded in 1855, William Paterson University is one of the nine state colleges and universities in New Jersey. During Dr. Speert's time as president, the university has continued to grow, striving to meet the need to prepare a growing student body to succeed in our rapidly changing world. The institution offers 30 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs through five colleges: Arts and Communication, the Christos M. Cotsakos College of Business, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science and Health. Located on 370 hilltop acres in Wayne, the university enrolls more than 10,500 students and provides housing for nearly 2,300 students. The institution's 363 full-time faculty are highly distinguished and diverse scholars and teachers, many of whom are recipients of prestigious awards and grants from the Fulbright Program, the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and the American Philosophical Society. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing the impressive accomplishments of individuals like Dr. Arnold Speert. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Arnold's family and friends, all those whose lives have been touched by his work, and me in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable service of Dr. Arnold Speert.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the work of an accomplished choral group, The Chopin Singing Society, that is celebrating its 100th anniversary of creating beautiful music and inspiring the Polish community of New Jersey and the surrounding area. It is only fitting that The Chopin Singing Society be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for the artistic musical group has done much to help Polish-Americans and the community at large understand the rich tradition of Polish music while also celebrating American classics. The deep reverence of the Society's members for their heritage helps to enrich the multicultural tapestry of the District I represent. The Chopin Singing Society #182 Polish Singers Alliance of America of Passaic, NJ, is one of the oldest independent male choral groups active in the United States. The Society was officially organized on March 10, 1910, in honor of the 100th anniversary of Fryderyk Chopin's birth. The choral group's first Musical Director was Edmund A. Sennert. The Society's first performance was a commemorative program honoring Polish patriots who fought and died in the 1830 revolt against Russian occupation. When World War I began, 75 percent of the chorus joined the newly organized American Legion of the Polish Army. After the Armistice, the chorus reorganized and one of its first accomplishments was to appear in the American performance of Giuseppe Verdi's opera, eleven Trovatore, starring Giovanni Martinelli. In 1997 and 1998 the Society was the featured choir with the Jimmy Sturr Christmas Show tour appearing at Felician College, Lodi, New Jersey, and in theaters in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Middletown, New York, Springfield, Massachusetts, Easton, Pennsylvania, and the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. The choir has achieved the highest score at international choral competitions of the Polish Singers Alliance of America, PSAA. In doing so, the choir has been awarded the traveling Cardinal Hlond Trophy and maintains the distinction of being the only chorus to win the trophy three times, twice in succession. The choir prides itself in having in its repertoire the ability to sing Polish, classical, folk and patriotic songs, a complete Latin Mass, as well as American classic and barber shop songs. The Society's busiest time of the year is the Christmas season, fulfilling requests to present its time-honored Polish Christmas concert and to appear as guest choir during the celebration of Mass at many churches throughout the Metropolitan area. The current musical director is Alicja Rusewicz- Pagorek. The chorus has two recordings to its credit: Polskie koledy (Polish Christmas Carols) and Songs of Poland, a mix of traditional Polish songs. This album (Songs of Poland) was remastered on to CD this year and is currently available. Also, this year, the chorus will introduce a new CD of traditional Polish Christmas carols. The success of the Chopin Singing Society stems from its members' dedication and desire to promote and maintain Polish culture through song. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing the efforts of wonderful, thriving cultural groups such as The Chopin Singing Society. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join the members of The Chopin Singing Society, all those whose lives have been culturally enriched throughout the years, and me in recognizing the outstanding contributions of The Chopin Singing Society to New Jersey's Eighth Congressional District community and beyond.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the work of an outstanding individual, Carl D. Bocchicchio, who is being recognized on the occasion of his retirement from an accomplished 34-year law enforcement career. It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, because he is the embodiment of the patriotism that makes our nation so great. Carl was born in Brooklyn, NY, and was active in the NYPD Police Athletic League. In 1972, while attending Midwood High School, he began his journey in law enforcement as an NYPD Auxiliary Police Officer in the 63rd Precinct. While in college, he became a seasonal U.S. park ranger at the Gateway National Recreation Area. Later he served as a park ranger at the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and subsequently as a supervisory law enforcement park ranger at the Boston National Historical Park. Along Carl's law enforcement journey he joined the U.S. Customs Service as a customs inspector on the Canadian border along New York State. Carl was later assigned as a customs patrol officer to the Office of Investigations, Special Agent in Charge office located in Newark, NJ. In 1984 he was selected and promoted as a customs special agent assigned to the Resident Agent in Charge, Fort Myers, FL, then became a customs agent in Miami, FL. During his tenure in Miami, he was assigned to open a U.S. Customs Service, Office of Internal Affairs, Resident Agent in Charge (RAC) office in Northern Virginia. The office was opened as a RAC Field Office servicing Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. In 1989 he was selected to establish a U.S. Customs Service, Office of Internal Affairs (IA), Training Division at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Brunswick, GA. From Miami he would regularly travel to FLETC to develop curriculum and instruct and deploy Police Ethics and Integrity Training programs to all U.S. customs special agents and customs personnel stationed worldwide. Always seeking to learn and grow, Carl attended St. John's University and College of Staten Island earning a BS in Administration of Criminal Justice. Carl served as a captain with the Georgia Department of Defense, National Guard Bureau, Georgia State Defense. Force. He attended the U.S. Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute, focusing on National Security Policy and Strategy, and earned a Graduate Certificate at the Institute of World Politics focusing on Intelligence and National Security Policy. He is married to his wife Judy for 28 years and they have two sons, Matthew, 21 years old, and Christopher, 15 years old, and they reside in Peachtree City, GA. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to being able to acknowledge great Americans like Carl. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Carl's family and friends, all those whose lives have been touched by him, and me in recognizing the outstanding contributions of Carl D. Bocchicchio to his profession and to this great nation.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the work of two outstanding individuals, Bill and Maura Scully, who are being honored by the Frank McGovern Association on Sunday, April 18, 2010, for their lifetime of friendship and service. It is only fitting that they be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for they have brought joy and comfort to many others through their dedication to community service and the preservation of Irish-American culture. Bill was born August 14, 1937, in Glenamaddy, Co. Galway. His family moved to Middleton, Co. Cork, in 1950 when he was 13 years old. He is a product of the C.B.S. where he learned his skills of Human Interaction. Bill came to America on February 14, 1958, and started work as a waiter in McGovern's. Bill has one brother, Edward and one sister, Breda. Maura McGovern was born in Kinawley, Co. Fermanagh. Her family moved to Swanlinbar, Co. Cavan, where she attended the National School. She came to America in April 1955. Maura is the oldest of seven children. She has two brothers, Eamon and Freddie, and four sisters, Geraldine, Theresa, Patricia and Carmel. Bill and Maura are the proud aunt and uncle of many nieces and nephews. Bill worked for Prudential in Newark before marrying Maura on May 6, 1961. The U.S. Army called him into service in August of that year and he headed to Hawaii, where he was stationed for the next 18 months. When he was discharged he went to work for Crown Furs. Upon his retirement, Frank McGovern offered Bill and Maura the tavern and on July 10, 1968, they became the proud owners of the most popular Irish Tavern on the East Coast of the U.S. In April 2001 they turned the reins over to Patrick and Sean McGovern and young Mike Nagle. The boys have made the Scullys proud by ``Keeping the Tradition Alive.'' The Scullys have long worked to help keep their community strong and to keep alive Irish-American culture. Bill has been honored by many organizations such as the Independent Irish, the Peter Smith School of Irish Dancing, The Giblin Association, The Cryan Association, The Shillelagh Club, The Irish American Association of the Oranges, Project Children, the Emerald Society, the F.O.P. Local #12, and the Sheriff's Department P.B.A. Maura was honored as the Deputy Grand Marshal of the Newark Saint Patrick's Day Parade in 1971. Throughout their lives, Bill and Maura have not only given much of their own time and energy to community efforts, but have also inspired others through the example they set. Bill and Maura are the Standard Bearers of the Frank McGovern Association and members of many civic, social and charitable organizations. They welcome this tribute and thank everyone for all the love and support over the last 50 years. It's their sincere wish for Peace with Justice for all the people of Ireland, both North and South. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing individuals like Bill and Maura Scully. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the Scullys' family and friends, the members of the Frank McGovern Association, everyone who has enjoyed a visit to McGovern's, and me in recognizing the contributions of Bill and Maura Scully.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. The very people who stand on this floor today spoke with us, Mr. Delahunt, 10 years ago, when we fought to make sure that Poland was a member of NATO. Ironically, as you stand to manage the resolution, House Resolution 1246, your career has been filled with building bridges between communities. This tragedy is ironic in that, hopefully, it will lead--and the signs are there--to greater relationships between Russia and Poland. Madam Speaker, Poland is our ally. In Saint John Kanty church in Clifton--in my district--and members in Passaic, in Wallington and in Garfield, there are Polish Americans who send out their deepest sympathies to the families. Picture the President of the United States, God forbid, and his family and all of the dignitaries of the government--the FBI, the head of the CIA--going to the 9/11 commemoration in New York City and the plane's going down and the whole government wiped out. This is the magnitude that we are looking at today. Our prayers go to the Polish people. We are all Poles today, and until all of these folks are buried, we wish them the best and their families the best. In closing, this is a very special friend of the United States of America. Polish Outreach Letter I was deeply saddened to hear about the tragic plane crash on April 10, 2010 that took the lives of 97 people, including high ranking Polish government officials, dignitaries, military leaders, President Lech Kaczynski and his wife, Maria Kaczynska. President Kaczynski served the Polish nation admirably, from his election as Mayor of Warsaw in 2002, to his Presidential election in 2005. He worked tirelessly for the people of Poland. His fight for freedom and democracy in Poland made him a great ally for the United States. My deepest condolences go out to the Polish people, as well as the Polish-American community during this time of mourning. The tragic events of last week are made even more poignant by the location of the crash site, as the flight was en route to Smolensk Air Base in Russia to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Katyn Massacre. The massacre of 20,000 Polish military officers in 1940 still resonates as one of history's worst wartime atrocities. This horrific event is magnified by the sudden loss of relatives of massacre victims who were on board the flight traveling to commemorate the anniversary. Remembering the Katyn Massacre and Poland's wartime contributions is why I am a proud cosponsor of H. Res. 715, recognizing the 70th anniversary of the Soviet and Nazi invasion of Poland and the pivotal role Poland has assumed at freedom's edge since gaining independence. This resolution commends the people of Poland for their historic struggle against communism and fascism, recognizes our continued friendship with our Polish allies and honors the historic ties between the United States and Poland. As you know, I am deeply committed to serving my many constituents in the Polish-American Community. Please be assured that I will continue to work hard to foster relationships between our two nations, and to represent the Polish American community in New Jersey. Please count on me if ever I may assist you regarding any federal matter. I would like to remind you that my website, www.pascrell.house.gov is frequently updated and provides a good way to communicate with me. Sincerely, Bill Pascrell, Jr., Member of Congress.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. PASCRELL. Bob Franks was a great friend. I served with him in the New Jersey legislature. We served on opposite sides, but it did not matter; he was a gentleman, a professional in every sense of the word. We are going to miss him. His beautiful wife and three young children are going to miss him. And the State of New Jersey will miss him. This body was made better when Bob Franks walked through this Chamber, served on major committees, and contributed to the security of this Nation. May he rest in peace, and may we remember what he stood for as a model of civility and bipartisanship. God bless him.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of Mr. Joseph Slavin, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and dedicated worker in the field of health care. Joseph was known for standing up for public health and for the consumer in the community in his effort to carry out and interpret good policies. Those who knew him can attest that Joseph was one of those unique men who was able to accomplish much, while maintaining perfect integrity and concern for others. Mr. Slavin was born and raised in Trenton, NJ as the son of Edward and Anna M. Slavin. As an academic he graduated at Trenton Catholic High School, earned an undergraduate degree at Villanova University, a master's degree in public administration from Rutgers University and was a graduate of Harvard University's Healthcare Leadership Program. Joseph's work began as an administrator for the late Trenton mayor, Arthur Holland, before embarking on a career in health care as an administrator at Donnelly Memorial Hospital. He also worked in the New Jersey Department of Health, served as executive director of the Regional Health Planning Council in Newark, NJ, and was the vice president of planning and regulatory affairs at the New Jersey Hospital Association. Joseph was the initial executive director of the Catholic Healthcare Partnership of New Jersey and also served as director of planning for St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center. Throughout his career he always carried out professional matters with a fair and intelligent hand. Joseph Slavin passed away at age 75 on February 11, 2010. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Katherine C. Slavin; four sons and three daughters-in-law: Kevin and Wendy Slavin, of Hackettstown, NJ; Tim Slavin and Ami Leaming of Dover, DE; Al Slavin and Catherine Johnson, of Clarks Summit, PA, and Peter Slavin of Port Orange, FL. Survivors also include 11 grandchildren, one great grandchild and 18 nieces and nephews. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Joseph's family and friends, and me, in recognizing a great man, Joseph Slavin.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Thank you for yielding, Mr. Chairman. No more loopholes. No more sheltered tax havens. No more privileged class perks. Period. That is how we're paying for this bill. Mr. Speaker, once again, the day after significant legislation has been passed, we're back at our greatest priority--putting people back to work. There are many sections of this bill that do that. I want to highlight just one of them: the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Investment Act. I hope you support that part of the legislation. As it was introduced, this provision will generate significant investment through the use of tax-exempt bonds, and if we don't go that way, our communities are going to have to find the money to fix their infrastructure, to fix their sewer systems, to fix their water systems, and you know that is not going to happen. Our communities look to us for help. Our infrastructure is in disrepair, and it's just not our roads and it's just not our bridges. Earlier this year the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the nation's water and water system the lowest grade of any infrastructure category, a D minus. This legislation aims to repair our crumbling water infrastructure while leveraging private capital to create jobs. Every dollar invested in public water and sewer infrastructure will add $8.97 to the national economy. Economists estimate a $1 billion investment----

Mr. PASCRELL. Economists estimate a $1 billion investment in water infrastructure will create 28,500 jobs. For anybody to stand up here and say that this particular legislation does not specifically face off against the job lag in this country, they haven't read the bill.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise in strong support of the rule and the underlying legislation, H.R. 4899, the Disaster Relief and Summer Jobs Act of 2010. I want to commend the Rules Committee, Chairman Obey and the rest of the Appropriations Committee for bringing this legislation to the floor. This legislation further shows the Democratic majority's commitment to supporting jobs for the American people. Jobs for over 300,000 young people this summer are supported and fully offset in this legislation. Last weekend, the 8th Congressional District of New Jersey, along with many other communities throughout the State, were hit with a severe nor'easter that caused near record flooding throughout the Passaic River basin. The rising waters, combined with downed trees and power lines, have led to the closing of many roads and bridges. Over 2,500 residents were forced to evacuate; and State, county and local first responders continued their great work to help safeguard life and property. The flooding has damaged over 3,000 homes. I went back on Monday to see for myself. I took 3 hours and came right back. Over 400 businesses were devastated. A preliminary damage assessment estimates the loss to the public sector alone to be almost $10 million. That is the public sector. On Monday when I briefly returned to my district to see for myself, FEMA was there on schedule, and we hope there will be a very short period between the time they present their information to the Governor of the State of New Jersey and then he will make his appeal to the Federal Government. That is how FEMA should work. We just got notice, in fact, yesterday that the snow disaster that occurred in the southern part of the State is just being responded to, so these are bureaucratic nightmares, particularly to those people forced out of their homes.

Mr. PASCRELL. It is critical that we approve the $5.1 billion included in this emergency legislation to allow FEMA to continue its work helping areas of the country like northern New Jersey recover from these natural disasters. I urge an ``aye'' vote on the rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, many things are said across the aisle in the heat of a debate, and if it hasn't been said yet, maybe the reason is it has been said by everybody. I believe that the ranking member is an honorable person. I believe my chairman is. * * * Even the President of the Vietnam Veterans of America said this is shameless. * * * It's not right. Tell the truth and then let the chips fall where it may. It is utterly * * * to suggest, Mr. Chairman, that we are seeking to deny any soldier the health care they deserve and the benefits that nearly all Republicans and Democrats have spent our careers in Congress working to protect and prove.

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove any word or words that were taken as offensive.

Mr. PASCRELL. Don't push me. I include the following material for the Record: Vietnam Veterans of America, March 21, 2010. Vietnam Veterans of America Applauds Passage of Skelton Bill Ensuring Protection of TRICARE, VA Health Care, and CHAMPUS; Decries ``Scare Tactics'' Washington, DC.--``We thank and applaud passage of H.R. 4887 yesterday in the House of Representatives, by a vote of 403-0. Passage of this bill ensures that health care programs for veterans, active duty military, retired military, and their families/survivors will not be affected negatively by the pending health care reform legislation.'' said John Rowan, National President of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). ``It is unfortunate that some continue to raise what is now is even more clearly a false alarm that is apparently meant to frighten veterans and their families in order to prompt them to oppose the pending legislation. While there is legitimate debate as to whether or not the pending health care measures should become law, VVA does not appreciate spreading rumors that are not accurate by any political partisan from any point of the political spectrum.'' continued Rowan. ``Last summer there was a similar incident, also involving partisans in the health care reform debate that VVA soundly condemned. We said then: ``It is our hope that sane minds reject fear-mongering, and that veterans recognize these scare tactics for what they are,'' Rowan said. Rowan concluded by saying ``VVA has always worked hard for justice for veterans of all generations, and their families. We have always, and will continue to, work with public officials representing all political parties and points of view. Issues affecting veterans and their families are not, should not, and must not become partisan footballs to bat around. VVA decries any effort, by anyone, that would do just that.''

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, if you look at the data, it is clear that since the start of the Obama administration and the passage of the Recovery Act-- which you've heard depicted by the three former speakers--we are stemming the number of job losses per month; there is no doubt about that. But we need to do everything we can to actually start gaining jobs instead of just losing fewer. It would seem like the charts, it would seem by the facts that in the next several months we will see, finally, for the first time in several years a plus in terms of the creation of jobs. The U.S. jobs deficit has reached millions. Our unemployment rate is 9.7 percent. That is an intolerable rate. The problem we are facing is how to address the shortfall in employment opportunities and articulate a new strategy that targets and engages our small businesses and American workers. Mr. Speaker, we simply need jobs. Which brings me to what I think is the most obvious answer. It was obvious many years ago, it's obvious now: Our infrastructure. Our infrastructure is in disrepair. And it's not just our roads, and it's not just our bridges that are falling down. Earlier this year, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave the Nation's wastewater systems and water systems the lowest grade of any infrastructure category, a D-minus. I want to have our viewers in the House see this. This is a rotted water main pipe, much like the pipes in many of our districts and many of our communities. I like to call these the out-of- sight, out-of-mind pipes; you don't see them until you have a problem with your water main. But as we have learned over the last couple of years, just because our infrastructure needs are not visible doesn't mean that they are not deteriorating. A quick look at the recent news headlines across the country illustrates the state of our water infrastructure, and I can only list a few because time does not permit: ``Franklin Water Main Break Closes Roads and Schools''; ``Boil your water,'' says Franklin, New Jersey''; ``Lancaster Water Main Breaks''; ``Sinkhole Swallows Car in California''; ``Water Main Break in Manhattan Causes Evacuations in Traffic, Subway Disruptions in New York City''; ``Water Main Break Cuts Off Water Service to the Medical Center in West Virginia.'' Here we have an illustration of the water main break on River Road in Bethesda, Maryland, watching people airlifted out of their cars. We're not making this stuff up; this is real. In metropolitan D.C. on Christmas Eve, 2008, it was quite a spectacle. One headline actually read, ``Water main break forces dramatic rescue of nine.'' The road literally exploded. We cannot turn a blind eye to two realities: America needs jobs, and our infrastructure cannot put people to work fast enough. As a former mayor of Paterson, New Jersey, I understand the significance of local water and wastewater systems. A strong water infrastructure is essential to the community's public health and economic vitality. The Environmental Protection Agency and the General Accounting Office estimate that community water systems will require $500 billion above their expected rate of investment in order to meet safe drinking water standards and sanitation needs just over the next 20 years. As Congress struggles with historic deficits, I strongly believe that we must leverage private capital investment and look at options for public-private partnerships. That is what we are talking about this evening. In order to encourage this possibility, I introduced the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Investment Act, H.R. 537, which will generate significant investment through the use of tax-exempt bonds for water infrastructure, and that is water and wastewater projects. Congress already exempts airports, intercity rail, and solid waste disposal sites from those bond caps. My bill would remove water infrastructure projects from the cap as well. By exempting water projects from the bond cap, we can get people working on the very projects to my right in 90 to 120 days. This isn't hot air; this is real relief. This is real jobs. Standard & Poor's estimates that $180 billion in new money infrastructure is available for investment. This capital cannot be deployed until a private activity bond cap exemption is crested. This legislation aims to repair our crumbling water infrastructure while leveraging private capital to create jobs. Every dollar invested in public water and sewer infrastructure will add $8.97 to the national economy. This is a win-win situation. Economists estimate a $1 billion investment in water infrastructure will create 28,500 local jobs. You cannot in any manner, shape or form produce any other job plan that is going to do what this can do, because these are our needs. These need to be done because things are only going to get worse. That pipe, which I showed you before, is not going to cleanse itself. It has led that pipe and many other pipes like it to this particular situation of people being airlifted, to rescue workers having to go to a particular community and, of course, to vehicles that have been raised in the air because of the explosion of our water mains. This would be 28,500 jobs in 1 year. This is bipartisan legislation. Both sides of the aisle have signed onto this. It could put Americans in every State to work within 120 days of its enactment. It is time to focus on creating jobs and on building a strong infrastructure for future generations. Let's stop talking about what needs to get done, and let's actually get this done. There are huge economic benefits that come with water and wastewater infrastructure projects. In fact, a recent study found that every $1 billion invested in water and wastewater infrastructure creates 27,000 new jobs with average annual earnings of more than $50,000. Each $1 billion invested generates approximately $82.4 million in State and local tax revenue at a time when States and localities need it most. This chart shows how construction dollars ripple through local communities. Right here, an estimated 20,000 to 26,669 jobs can result from a national investment of $1 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure--everything from construction, to real estate, to retail, to legal services, to the management of companies and enterprises, to private households, and to maintenance and repair. This chart shows how these construction dollars ripple through our entire communities. Let's face it: as of this unemployment situation that we are in today, 40 percent of those jobs will never return, and 40 percent of those jobs that have been lost--get this--are by people who have been out of work for more than 6 to 8 months. They will not return to those jobs. We need to invest with the private community in order to do things that must be done that communities cannot afford. We have found that every $1 billion invested in these projects creates jobs in 325 other industries, and they are listed. I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to take action to support this legislation and to push its passage for measures that will empower American workers and that will provide them with opportunities. Eligible and essential public health and environmental projects approved for 2010 are waiting for funding. They are waiting for private and public investment, which we can leverage with a very small amount of money. The resulting jobs are important. In California, 285,000 jobs can be created and, in Illinois, 133,950 jobs. In New Jersey, $1.8 billion will mean 51,300 jobs on projects that are needed. In every State we go over, this is the case. There are 60 different organizations which support this legislation-- from engineers to waterworks associations, to equipment manufacturers-- Caterpillar, Coca Cola, Design-Build Institute of America. There are 60 different organizations which support this bipartisan legislation that will create jobs and not hot air. We have had a lot of hot air in Washington. I think this legislation is what we need. My good friend, Mr. Boccieri, I thank you for bringing us together tonight. America needs jobs. This is our priority. I have presented an idea which, I hope, will be accepted. I hope that America can get back to work again. Our people need jobs--jobs that will be needed and that are needed so that we don't have to make work. Remember school? Make work. Keep the kids busy. These are things we need. We understand this, but we don't look at it because these waterworks, whether they are sewers, whether they are water or whether they are watersheds, are all mostly under the ground. It's not a romantic or a sexy thing to talk about, but I have presented to the House a way to put people to work. These jobs need to be done, and the private and public sectors must be brought together. With that, I yield back. I thank you for allowing me to share in this important evening.