Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud ACT Underground, LLC for receiving the 2014 Commerce City Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award recognizes a company or entrepreneur that demonstrates a pioneer spirit towards new product development, a business start-up, or growth into new markets. ACT Underground, LLC is a franchisee of Badger Daylighting Corporation and has operated in Commerce City since 2007. ACT Underground has a combined workforce with over 90 years of experience in the hydro-excavation industry. They operate from the northern edge of Wyoming to Breckenridge in the west, New Mexico south and Kansas and Nebraska out east. Through their acquisition of a new facility in 2014 they have expanded their fleet and created 37 new jobs. I extend my deepest congratulations to the ACT Underground, LLC for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Arati Lamichhane for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Arati Lamichhane is an 8th grader at Wheat Ridge 5-8 and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Arati Lamichhane is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Arati Lamichhane for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to thank Mr. Stivers for joining me in H.R. 233, and I want to thank the chairman of the committee, Mr. Hensarling, and the ranking member, Ms. Waters, for their support of this bill as well. Mr. Stivers has described it well, but I think we should go through it one more time, just so the record is clear for future generations. H.R. 233, the Tenant Income Verification Relief Act of 2015, represents a bipartisan effort to aid our most vulnerable constituents and to provide marginal regulatory relief to public housing authorities and to those who have privately owned rental properties who wish to service housing vouchers. Currently, private property owners and State and local housing agencies must review income annually for all rental assistance recipients. That includes recipients who receive most or all of their income from fixed sources--such as from Social Security or other pensions--and, therefore, see little income change from year to year. Our legislation reduces administrative burdens by allowing for the recertification of rent and income to occur every 3 years rather than annually for those on fixed incomes. In other words, housing authorities and those who accept vouchers would be allowed to conduct triennial income recertifications for households of which 90 percent or more of their income is fixed. The annual review requirement also places burdens on those within fixed income households themselves, who must gather and submit information needed to verify income and deductions and who, in some cases, must go to agencies for in-person reviews. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which wrote in support of H.R. 233, said that this change would substantially reduce paperwork burdens for low-income seniors and for people with disabilities and administrative costs for agencies and owners. More than half of rental assistance recipients are elderly or disabled, who often rely on fixed incomes, and income reviews are the single largest source of rental assistance administrative costs. Due to ongoing budget pressures, our public housing authorities are struggling to manage their Section 8 housing programs. In fact, it is estimated the amount Congress appropriates to fund the housing choice voucher program is only 74 percent of what is actually required to run the program. The Public Housing Authorities Directors Association wrote to me, saying: Both in principle and in practice, your bill is a commonsense approach to streamlining Federal rental assistance programs at a time when scarce financial resources are straining housing authorities' program delivery. Since continued budget pressures are precluding Congress from funding the cost of administering this program 100 percent, we must look at solutions to control expenses or the cost of running the program. This provision or concept is not new. In fact, it has been included in several comprehensive Section 8 reform bills by both Democrats and Republicans. In fact, the administration included language similar to H.R. 233 in the 2016 budget proposal. I stand here today with my friend, Mr. Stivers from Ohio, with a reasonable and commonsense proposal, making our public housing programs more efficient, and we all want to find ways to make our government run more efficiently. I have a number of letters to include for the Record. Public Housing Authorities Directors Association, Washington, DC, January 12, 2015. Hon. Ed Perlmutter, House of Representatives, Washington DC. Dear Congressman Perlmutter: On behalf of the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA), I would like to thank you for introducing the Tenant Income Verification Relief Act of 2015 (HR 233) as an original co- sponsor. If enacted, this bill would allow Housing Authorities (HAs) to conduct triennial recertifications for households where 90 percent or more their income is fixed. Passage of the Tenant Income Verification Relief Act of 2015 would benefit millions of low-income elderly and disabled households with fixed incomes in the Section 8 Tenant-Based Voucher and Public Housing programs. Fixed- income households, who are served by Housing Authorities, would benefit if they could be spared from having to go through the burdensome, confusing and stressful recertification process annually but to do so every three years instead. Many households who receive Federal rental assistance live on fixed incomes. According to HUD's Resident Characteristics Report August 2013 through November 2014, approximately 20 percent of voucher-assisted households have a disabled head of household and approximately 22 percent have an elderly head of household. Approximately 17 percent of Public Housing-assisted households have a disabled head of household and approximately 31 percent have an elderly head of household. Although HUD's national data reflects a degree of overlap in households' types of income, approximately 55 percent of households receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security and/or a pension for all or some of their annual income, in both Section 8 tenant-based and Public Housing programs. Your legislation would also produce cost-savings for Housing Authorities, which struggle each year from downward funding prorations in Section 8 voucher program administrative fees and/or the Public Housing Operating Fund. Taken together, the above figures illustrate the scope and scale of relief that would benefit applicable low-income households and the Housing Authorities that serve them. Legislation regarding triennial recertifications for fixed- income households has been a feature of both House and Senate authorizing rental assistance reform bills for several years, but has not been enacted into law yet. PHADA has demonstrated the adverse impacts of downward funding pro-rations, in terms of Housing Authorities' operations to serve low-income households, participating property owners and the communities in which they live. Introduction of the bill is an important step for future action that could not come a moment too soon. Both in principle and practice your bill is a common sense approach to streamlining Federal rental assistance programs at a time when scarce financial resources are straining Housing Authorities' program delivery. Given the urgent need for relief to low-income households and Housing Authorities, we believe that the bill can and should be enacted either as an amendment or a stand-alone bill as soon as possible. Thank you and your staff for working on issues important to HAs and the low-income people they serve. PHADA and its members look forward to working with you and your colleagues to secure passage of the bill. If you need any information or have questions, please feel free to call me at 202-546- 5445. Sincerely, Timothy G. Kaiser, Executive Director.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that we pass this today here on the floor of the House and that the Senate passes it quickly and sends it to the President's desk. I thank my friend, Mr. Stivers, for joining me on this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Andrew Tafoya for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Andrew Tafoya is an 8th grader at Wheat Ridge 5-8 and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Andrew Tafoya is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Andrew Tafoya for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Suncor Energy for receiving the 2014 Commerce City Business of the Year Award. The Business of the Year Award is given to a company showing leadership within its industry and the community. Suncor's refinery is the only petroleum refinery in Colorado and one of the largest refineries in the Rocky Mountain region, employing 440 workers. It is a major supplier of gasoline and diesel fuel and is the state's primary producer of asphalt. This refinery is committed to invigorating the community by volunteering and supporting local organizations in Commerce City and in the Denver metro area. Since 2003, Suncor contributed more than $2.8 million to numerous organizations directly serving the Commerce City community, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and the Adams 14 Education Foundation. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Suncor Energy for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Ziggi's Coffee for receiving the 2014 Commerce City Business on the Move Award. The Business on the Move Award recognizes businesses that have brought new employment to Commerce City. Ziggi's Coffee opened its first drive-thru and cafee combination in December 2014, adding 15 employees at the location. With their growth in Commerce City, they also have a strong commitment to community involvement. Ziggi's donates to hundreds of causes and supports local schools. Their commitment is year round, raising thousands of dollars through their annual back-to-school fundraiser and donating hundreds of gift cards to local nonprofit organizations throughout the year. I extend my deepest congratulations to Ziggi's Coffee for this well- deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Rocky Mountain Recycling, Inc. for receiving the 2014 Commerce City Pam Downs Lilac Award for Leadership. The Pam Downs Lilac Award for Leadership honors businesses or individuals that have been a catalyst toward economic vitality in Commerce City through creative leadership, innovation, facilitation, collaboration or through contribution of resources. Rocky Mountain Recycling buys and recycles all scrap metals and ferrous metals. The owners of Rocky Mountain Recycling have made significant investment into the community in recent years as the business has grown. In addition to investing in the business, the company also invests in the community, annually providing a $20,000 scholarship for a graduate of Adams City High School. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Rocky Mountain Recycling for this well-deserved recognition by Commerce City.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Alyssa Gomez for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Alyssa Gomez is an 8th grader at Wheat Ridge 5-8 and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Alyssa Gomez is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Alyssa Gomez for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and applaud Lockheed Martin for their leadership and pioneer attitude within Jefferson County and our global economy. Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs 112,000 people worldwide and is engaged in research, development, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, headquartered in Jefferson County, is one of five Lockheed Martin business areas and has demonstrated significant and sustained growth to Jefferson County and Colorado's economic success. Most recently, Lockheed Martin and Jefferson County made history with NASA's Orion test launch on December 5, 2014. Orion is the next- generation spacecraft designed to transport humans to destinations beyond low Earth orbit, going 15 times deeper into space than the International Space System at 3,600 miles from Earth. I extend my deepest congratulations to Lockheed Martin for their well-deserved Pioneer Award. I know we will see great things from them in the future.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 127 I was unavoidably detained and missed voting of rollcall No. 127. Had I been present, when the vote was called, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Cruz Garcia for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Cruz Garcia is a 12th grader at Standley Lake High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Cruz Garcia is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Cruz Garcia for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Yuritzi Mora for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Yuritzi Mora is a 12th grader at Wheat Ridge High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Yuritzi Mora is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Yuritzi Mora for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Bianca Martinez for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Bianca Martinez is a 12th grader at Standley Lake High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Bianca Martinez is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Bianca Martinez for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Alexsander Hay for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Alexsander Hay is a 12th grader at Standley Lake High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Alexsander Hay is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Alexsander Hay for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Austin Gut for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Austin Gut is a 12th grader at Standley Lake High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Austin Gut is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Austin Gut for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Robert Chrysafis for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Robert Chrysafis is a 12th grader at Arvada High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Robert Chrysafis is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Robert Chrysafis for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Carly Bauer for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Carly Bauer is a 12th grader at Ralston Valley High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Carly Bauer is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Carly Bauer for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Ayla Schuetz for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Ayla Schuetz is a 12th grader at Standley Lake High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Ayla Schuetz is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Ayla Schuetz for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Miriam Galvan for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Miriam Galvan is a 12th grader at Wheat Ridge High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Miriam Galvan is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Miriam Galvan for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Emma Eaker for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Emma Eaker is a 12th grader at Standley Lake High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Emma Eaker is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Emma Eaker for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Chairman, it is time for Congress to analyze the effectiveness of the train horn rule and work with FRA to improve the ability of our communities all across the country to continue investing in railway crossing safety. A more flexible rule could enable these communities to craft solutions reducing noise, promoting long-term economic growth, and, at the same time, ensuring the safety of residents. With that, Mr. Chairman, I ask for an ``aye'' vote on this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman of the Transportation Committee and all of the Members for working with me on this amendment. I would ask for an ``aye'' vote. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Chairman, my amendment to H.R. 749 requires the Government Accountability Office, the GAO, to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress evaluating the effectiveness of the Federal Railroad Administration's 2005 rule on the use of locomotive horns at rail crossings. We were just talking about rail crossings. After 10 years of being in effect, I believe it is fair we ask the FRA to update and modernize the train horn regulation, allowing flexibility for new technologies and innovations that may become available. The basic premise behind the rule has not changed: to promote public safety by requiring train operators to sound horns at certain decibel levels while passing through railway crossings to alert motorists and pedestrians. While the rule currently allows municipalities to apply for ``quiet zone'' status, I am concerned the current requirements for obtaining a quiet zone waiver are far too rigid, cost prohibitive, and time consuming. Achieving quiet zone status can take years of work and cost millions of dollars. By requiring the GAO to study the train horn rule, I am confident the FRA can craft an updated rule striking a balance between public safety and providing communities flexibility to establish quiet zones. I hope the GAO study will provide insight on how the FRA can update train horn requirements when communities invest in certain safety enhancements and measures installed at crossings, including barriers, warning signals, and other features to keep the public safe. Last year, I attended an event for the unveiling of a new quiet zone in one of the cities in my district, Commerce City, Colorado, which was established after significant investment from the city. I want to thank the FRA and State officials for working with Commerce City. But we need to review how long and how costly these quiet zone applications can be. Just last week, another city in my district, Arvada, announced four planned railway crossing improvements to establish crossing zones. According to a story published in The Denver Post last week, the city has been in discussions with the FRA for more than 5 years on getting the quiet zones approved. I include the text of The Denver Post article for the Record. Railroad Quiet Zones Will Silence Train Horns at Four Arvada Crossings Arvada residents living along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks could sleep a little easier next year with the establishment of ``quiet zones'' at four crossings. City Council recently approved a $1.8 million agreement with Union Pacific that will see barriers and gates added where the tracks intersect at Lamar and Carr Streets, Olde Wadsworth Boulevard and West 66th Avenue. Arvada communications manager Maria Vanderkolk said the city has been in discussions for more than five years with the Federal Railroad Administration, the Public Utilities Commission and Union Pacific on getting the quiet zones approved. ``It's expensive--we got a couple approved elsewhere about 10 years ago, then we had issues with these four and they're right in the heart of the city,'' Vanderkolk said. ``We told the neighborhood this would be done last year. . . various and sundry delays means this has literally taken years to get approved.'' Train horns are sounded in compliance with federal rules and regulations, which require a train to blast its horn for 15 to 20 seconds at any public crossing. Under terms of the agreement, the city will install four-quadrant gate systems-- or gates with four arms, in addition to flashing lights and ringing bells, at the four crossings. These type of gates make it difficult for motorists to drive around. Once they're built, the trains will no longer have to blast their horns and the Union Pacific train will run quietly through the entire length of Arvada. ``Without a quiet zone, people see a train coming and think they may be able to beat it and skirt around the gate,'' Vanderkolk said. 'With a quiet zone, you construct a barrier so the car physically can't get around it.'' Michael Smith has lived blocks from the railroad tracks in his home near 64th Avenue and Field Street for almost 35 years. He said over the years, the trains have become more frequent and the horns so prevalent that at times they have kept him and family members from getting a good night's sleep. Things got so bad they considered moving, but decided to stay once it became clear the city was working to address the problem. ``We really appreciate the work city staff has done on getting this completed,'' Smith said. ``It's a lot of money, but it will be great for the community.'' The city is coordinating with the railroad on getting the crossings built by the end of 2015, said Chris Sveum, a city civil engineer. She added: ``There's no guarantee the trains still won't have to sound their horns from time to time, but this should cut down the rate by 95 percent.''