Bill Pascrell

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in opposition to Brother McCaul's amendment.

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, while not opposed to the amendment, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition.

Mr. PASCRELL. Reclaiming my time, that's your story. We come here with different stories, many rise quickly to the specter of terror and cause fear in people. But you're the last to act to protect the American people. You get some flak from an industry, and all of a sudden you back off. Clorox did this voluntarily; November 2 they made the announcement. Because these simple assessments that you have tried to minimize not only help protect and save lives, but they have also proven to actually save the chemical companies money, which is just the opposite of what you tried to communicate to the American people and to this body for the last 25 minutes, just the opposite: greater efficiencies and safety measures that prevent catastrophic accidents. And it only stands to reason if you're using highly volatile chemicals, it would seem that you would want to reduce your risk, and providing it is because most of the companies aren't going to be forced to do anything, if you read the legislation. Please read the legislation. I say that to all bills, not just health bills. I say that to security bills. Read it, you may like it. Please, get off the kick of using the industry's program. I think highly of you. Don't follow the script. announcement by the acting chair

Mr. PASCRELL. Yes, sure.

Mr. PASCRELL. I must remind my friend from Pennsylvania, my good friend, that you voted for this bill last session.

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chair, this amendment I support gives effective coordination, which we certainly had been lacking, between the Department of Homeland Security and Environmental Protection Agency in carrying out the requirements of the bill. In committee, we worked to require the Department of Homeland Security, Mr. Chairman, to alert State Homeland advisers on any chemical security emergencies. This is a big relief, as my friend from Pennsylvania said. And I want to reiterate and support his words that this will be a great big help to first responders all across this United States of America.

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is written so imprecisely that it could preempt the rights of States and localities to pass or enforce any State regulation or standard that applies to a chemical facility, such as worker safety laws or even zoning laws. Try that on for size. One could even read the language as prohibiting States from passing stronger drinking water standards. This is an unacceptable infringement on the right of States. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment. Please vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Mr. PASCRELL. The New Jersey Turnpike, the FBI has ruled very specifically that it is the most dangerous section in the whole country. We can't protect ourselves? The volatile chemicals that are on that site would put a million people in jeopardy, God forbid, if something happens. We need to raise Federal standards, not force States to lower theirs. We can all agree. And I just got a letter from the National Governors Association in total support of this legislation, opposed to this amendment; and they write in the letter that the bill rifely clarifies that chemical facility antiterrorism standards represent a floor, not a ceiling.

Mr. PASCRELL. Thank you. The section which Mr. Barton is referring to is on page 42 of the bill and extends over to page 43. Mr. Chair, I rise strongly against Ranking Member Barton's amendment to the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009. It would strip State preemption language out of this bill. Simply put, that's what it would do. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I worked hard to secure language in this bill that protects the rights of States to mandate higher chemical security standards than the Federal Government. It is bizarre that you want to take that right away from the States. It is bizarre. Most of the time, you are always fighting that we ignore States' rights. Here is a perfect example. In fact, it is very clear in the Constitution of the United States of America, article VI, paragraph 2: ``This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.'' This is a very clear violation of that. I have to say that I am surprised that the Ranking Member, who hails from the proud State of Texas, would now want to infringe on the right of the States to take extra steps. You know what's happened in New Jersey. We have been the pioneers of being first on this issue. We have stringent rules. No part of the chemical industry has opposed those rules. There is not one chemical facility that is opposed to what has gone on in the State of New Jersey. What right does the Federal Government have to come in and say that you should lower your standards and increase the risks of the citizens?

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, after months of fire and fury and endless rhetoric, after months of staged protests and shouting down honest debate about health reform, after months and months of promising a real plan for the reform we all agreed we need, I stand before this Congress literally astounded by the health reform plan offered by the loyal opposition. After all this time, this is the best you could produce? It seems that you have backtracked. Now you don't believe in health reform. Instead, the Republicans have embraced a plan that will drive up the cost of health insurance for the sickest and most vulnerable, a plan that will start a race to the bottom where insurers drop the sick and flock to States with the weakest regulations. Yes, that's exactly what I said. A plan that bails out the insurance companies, relieving them of any responsibility to cover the individuals that need insurance the most. You are going backwards instead of forwards. I must admit that I congratulate them for somehow turning the status quo into 230 pages of legislative text. I contend there is only one real reform plan, and we will be voting on it in a few days.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Which regulations?

Mr. PASCRELL. You're not. Then what are you suggesting?

Mr. PASCRELL. My good friend from the 15th District of Pennsylvania, you're not suggesting that each State should decide for itself as to what the standard for chemical security should be, are you?

Mr. PASCRELL. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. PASCRELL. I am also very disappointed that the chemical industry and Members of this body continue to raise unnecessary fears about the inherently safer technology assessments. We have gone over this in testimony since 2006. The State of New Jersey has rightfully required chemical facilities to assess for safer technology assessments, and believe it or not, our State is not only safer for it, but the sky hasn't fallen on the chemical companies in New Jersey. The truth is that this bill is not only the best thing for our homeland security, but also the best thing for the chemical industry, because assuring safety and greater efficiencies is a tremendous cost saver in the long run. Mr. Chairman, this should be a bipartisan issue. We say that protecting the American people is our number one priority. Now is the moment to prove it. I urge bipartisan passage of this bill.

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support as an original cosponsor of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009. We must take extraordinary measures to defend America. This is common sense. I want to thank the chairman of Homeland Security for all of his work on the bill, as well as commending Chairman Oberstar and Chairman Waxman for coming together with one voice on this critical piece of legislation. It has to be clear to all of us that this bill is long overdue and that chemical security is one of the greatest vulnerabilities to our homeland security infrastructure. Both sides admit to that point. This bill reauthorizes the Department of Homeland Security's authority to implement and enforce the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards which are currently set to expire in October of 2010. In fact, the bill strengthens these standards in a number of significant ways. Now, let's get to the meat and potatoes of what we will be debating this afternoon--and getting the amendments whenever the heck that happens. The State of New Jersey is home to the most dangerous 2 miles in America--the FBI has pointed this out many times--along the Jersey Turnpike. Because it is the most densely populated State, with a very large chemical industry presence, I am proud to say that the State has adopted some of the strongest chemical security standards in the Nation, and it's time the Federal Government caught up. That is why I am surprised and deeply disappointed that there are Members of this body who actually hope to strip the State preexemption language out of this bill. We need to raise Federal standards, as we do in this bill, and not force States to lower their standards.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, last week we saw that 5.8 million Americans were collecting unemployment benefits at the end of October. I want to remind my friends on both sides of the aisle that in the first quarter of this year, we saw a loss of 691,000. The stimulus went into effect-- partially, anyway--after we passed it in February with no votes from the other side, and in the third quarter of this year, we're at a loss of 256,000. That's a gain of 435,000 jobs. You compare that to the last year, the last 4 years of the former administration, and I think that the stimulus has been a great help. This Congress is working hard to get people back on their feet. For this reason, it is imperative that, today, we pass the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act. I am proud to say that we've also extended the homebuyer assistance through the first-time homebuyer tax credit while putting in place new and significant fraud protection. I think that's important. It came out in Mr. Lewis' hearings, and we've done something about that. I applaud Chairman Lewis for convening a hearing through the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee on the first-time homebuyer tax credit, which brought light to some of the abuses that were plaguing this important credit. The American people need to know that this Congress is working to remedy the insufficient regulation and oversight that has plagued our Nation for too long. I urge all my colleagues on both sides to take swift and decisive action to pass this legislation.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I want to state for the record that yesterday I missed the six rollcall votes of the day. Unfortunately I missed these votes because I was detained in my district. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 835, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended--H.R. 3949-- Veterans' Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 836, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass--H. Res. 398--Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift's success. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 837, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass--H. Res. 866--Expressing support for designation of a National Veterans History Project Week to encourage public participation in a nationwide project that collects and preserves the stories of the men and women who served our nation in times of war and conflict. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 838, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended--H. Res. 867--Calling on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose unequivocally any endorsement or further consideration of the ``Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict'' in multilateral fora. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 839, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass--H.R. 3157--To name the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Alexandria, Minnesota, as the ``Max J. Beilke Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.'' Lastly, had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 840, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Res. 736-- Honoring President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address on ``Dedication Day'', November 19, 2009.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today regarding H. Res. 867 condemning the United Nation's Goldstone Report on last winter's conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip, which the House of Representatives considered today. I am unable to attend today's legislative session, but had I been present I would have voted ``aye.'' The right of our close friend and ally Israel to defend itself from rocket fire originating in the Gaza Strip is without question. Since 2000, over 9,000 rockets have fallen on the residents of southern Israel, who live in constant fear of this violent terrorism. Since Hamas took over the leadership in Gaza, the number of rockets fired has increased considerably, and the range of these rockets is ever expanding. The situation in the Gaza Strip remains unsustainable. The ongoing blockade and the damage to the territory inflicted during the recent conflict have caused great hardship to many innocent Palestinian's living in Gaza. This situation is only made worse by Hamas, who embed themselves in private homes, schools, mosques, hospitals, and use innocent Palestinians as human shields during the conflict. Judge Richard Goldstone has previously investigated war crimes in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. His report on the Gaza war contains many accusations of troubling actions taken by both sides during the recent conflict. I have extreme reservations regarding the history of the United Nations Human Rights Council and it is troubling that their original mandate focused solely in Israel and ignored Hamas' clear violations of international law. I applaud Judge Goldstone for his insistence on changing that mandate to include investigations of both sides, however the pattern of bias exhibited by the UNHRC is troubling and difficult to ignore. Therefore, I would not support any further action by the United Nations that unfairly singles out Israel, and would urge the administration to work to actively defeat any such attempts. I believe many of the allegations in the report are serious, and the most appropriate course of action to take would be for the Israelis and Palestinians to each commission independent investigations into their countries respective conduct during the war. The war in Gaza last winter brought terrible suffering to both the Israelis in southern Israel and Palestinians in Gaza and this cannot be ignored. The recent conflict makes it clearer than ever that the endless cycle of violence has done nothing to bring peace or security to the region. I applaud the Obama administration for their commitment to a two state solution that represents the best chance for a lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. I urge both sides to start negotiations as soon as possible.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I want to state for the record that yesterday I missed the three rollcall votes of the day. Unfortunately I missed these votes because I was detained in my district. Had I been present I would have voted Yea on rollcall vote No. 832 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended--H.R. 1168--Veterans Retraining Act of 2009. Had I been present I would have voted Yea on rollcall vote No. 833 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Res. 291--Recognizing the crucial role of assistance dogs in helping wounded veterans live more independent lives, expressing gratitude to The Tower of Hope, and supporting the goals and ideals of creating a Tower of Hope Day. Lastly, had I been present I would have voted Yea on rollcall vote No. 834 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass--S. 509--To authorize a major medical facility project at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Walla Walla, Washington, and for other purposes.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I want to state that yesterday I missed the final three rollcall votes of the day. Unfortunately I missed these votes because I had to return to my district. Had I been present I would have voted ``Nay'' on rollcall vote No. 816 On Motion to Instruct Conferees--H.R. 2996--Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations, 2010. Had I been present I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 817 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended--H.R. 2489-- National Land Remote Sensing Outreach Act. Lastly, had I been present I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 818 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Res. 854-- Recognizing Weber State University for the 120th anniversary of its founding as an institution of higher education.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, yesterday I missed the final three rollcall votes of the day. Unfortunately I missed these votes because I had to return to my district. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 809, On Ordering the Previous Question--H. Res. 853--Providing for consideration of H.R. 3619, Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 810, On Agreeing to the Resolution--H. Res. 853--Providing for consideration of H.R. 3619, Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010. Lastly, had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 811, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Res. 836-- Expressing support for Teen Read Week.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Thank you, Mr. Gordon. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of this bipartisan H.R. 3585, the Solar Technology Roadmap. I want to thank Chairman Gordon and Congresswoman Giffords for their tireless work in shepherding this legislation to the floor. In the 111th Congress, the House of Representatives has taken many important steps towards weaning our country off foreign oil and toward reducing the dangerous carbon emissions that create global warming. This bill would authorize $2 billion to new research partnerships and demonstration projects for solar energy technologies. Yet, Mr. Chairman, while the United States has some of the best solar resources of any industrialized nation in the world and while America is currently a leader in solar technology development, other countries like Spain, Germany and China are devoting much more effort and attention to this field, putting the U.S. and its competitiveness within this industry in jeopardy. This is an important part of our country's clean energy future, and this legislation, which will spur the development of this renewable and efficient technology, is an important step in the right direction. In my home State of New Jersey, our Governor has embarked on an ambitious and forward-looking energy strategy, and solar development is a top priority. It may surprise many of my colleagues to know that New Jersey is second only to California in the number of solar installations and capacity, and it is first in terms of the amount of solar installed per square mile. Using innovative financing strategies, combined with a strong renewable portfolio standard, New Jersey recently reached the milestone of 100 megawatts of solar capacity generated from more than 4,300 solar projects Statewide. Considering that 7 years ago our State only had six installations, this achievement is especially impressive. Great Falls of Paterson, New Jersey, my hometown, was once the source of power that helped build this Nation into an industrial power. Today, new solar panels are being installed at the Great Falls hydroelectric plant to make that building more energy efficient. New Jersey and its Governor have shown their commitment to solar energy development and reducing greenhouse gas admissions. I applaud the sponsors.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Mr. Waxman and Mr. Barton, Mr. Deal and Mr. Pallone, our Chair of the Subcommittee. This is tough work. I rise to express my deep support for the reauthorization of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program; a debt of thanks to Chairman Pallone for your outstanding work in New Jersey. For nearly two decades now, the Ryan White program has made it possible for individuals living with HIV/AIDS to access life-saving services. In the program's early years, I served as the chairman of the Paterson-Passaic-Bergen HIV Planning Council, and I saw firsthand how the Ryan White program reduces health disparities and improves and extends the lives of thousands. Families have been held together because of Ryan White legislation. I see that firsthand day after day. New Jersey has the fifth largest HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Nation. In my hometown, we have over 1,700 individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Even after 20 years of progress, these sobering facts are a reminder that we still have work to do. I urge my colleagues to join with me in passing this legislation to extend and provide additional much-needed funding for the vital services provided by the Ryan White program.

Mr. PASCRELL

Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the deeds of an outstanding American, Dr. Eugene C. Ged, who was recognized by the St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center Foundation with the 2009 William F. Johnson Award for his decades of service to his community. Eugene was born in St. Joseph's Hospital, Paterson, and has spent the majority of his life in the city and its surrounding areas. He attended grammar school at St. George's, and went on to high school at St. John's. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania and then earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. He served his internship and residency at St. Vincent's and a fellowship in cardiology at St. Michael's Medical Center. Soon, he was back to serve his hometown and the surrounding communities, joining St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center as an attending physician in cardiology. He also practiced at North Jersey Internal Medicine Associates. Dr. Ged has worked hard to stay at the forefront of new practices in his field, and to help St. Joseph's to do the same. He performed the first-ever angiogram at St. Joseph's. He has served as a respected member, and later as vice president, of the medical board. After his retirement from private practice, Dr. Ged sought to continue to give back to the Paterson community, his patients and his colleagues. Working with the late Don Alois, Dr. Ged spearheaded the creation of a non-profit entity for the hospital so that funds could be raised for crucial programs and facilities. In 1982, he worked with the other founding members to create the St. Joseph's Foundation, of which he would later serve as president. He was also the founder of the annual Charity Ball. Thirty-three years ago, the Charity Ball was held at Westmount Country Club and raised $50,000. Now, the Charity Ball is still the most important benefit for St. Joseph's and raises more than one million dollars annually. After his retirement from practicing medicine, Dr. Ged joined his brother George at Travel Forum, Inc., a full service travel business located in Totowa, New Jersey. He has since retired from the company. He now resides in Wyckoff, New Jersey and Naples, Florida with his wife, Erika. They have seven children and nine grandchildren. The job of a United States congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to working with and recognizing the efforts of dedicated community servants like Dr. Eugene Ged. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, everyone involved in the St. Joseph's Foundation, Eugene's family and friends and me in recognizing Dr. Eugene C. Ged's outstanding service to his community.