Thomas Reynolds

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as my good friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), commented on the length of debate, it is apparent that we will also add 60 minutes for the rule for additional debate on this subject as we continue through the time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 274 is a structured rule that provides for the consideration of H.R. 3150, the Secure Transportation for America Act. This is a fair rule, allowing ample time for free-flowing discussion on both the base text and the Democratic substitute. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate to be equally divided between the chairman and the ranking minority member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in the Committee on Rules report accompanying the resolution. These amendments may be offered only in the order printed in the report and may be offered only by a Member designated in the report. They shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. Further, the rule waives all points of order against such amendments. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit, with or without instructions. Mr. Speaker, at this point I would like to announce that at the conclusion of the debate on this resolution, it is my intention to offer an amendment to the rule that simply replaces the manager's amendment currently made in order under the rule with a new manager's amendment. This manager's amendment eliminates a provision dealing with preferred compensation for airline employees and adds airport parking lots to a provision that requires airports receiving financial aid to work with airport restaurants, shops and other concessionaires on rent adjustments to account for their loss of revenue. The new manager's amendment also adds language that establishes a preference for the hiring of laid-off airline workers as screeners and a provision that states that, where possible, airline security companies should be American companies. Mr. Speaker, as our Nation searches for answers in the wake of the September 11 tragedy, we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory. Our personal freedoms and liberties are so rooted in the fabric of American society that we almost take them for granted. But now that those freedoms have been attacked in the most despicable and cowardly manner, we are all keenly aware of just how precious they are. As we strive to maintain a sense of normalcy and familiarity, we also struggle to reconcile our fears and apprehensions in a new and uncertain global atmosphere. Enhancing our Nation's air travel by making it as safe and secure as possible is critical in easing those fears among our citizens. The comprehensive legislation before us today focuses on our Nation's aviation security system. This security plan establishes a new transportation security administration within the Department of Transportation that will be responsible for the security of all forms of transportation, not just air travel. This legislation not only expands law enforcement on aircraft by placing Federal marshals on commercial airlines, but it also positions law enforcement personnel at every airport screening location, because safety must include defenses on both the ground and in the air. Additional ground safety measures incorporate strict new standards for screening, including certification and uniformed personnel. Federal supervision will oversee the screening process, background checks and testing. Baggage screeners will have to undergo more extensive training, adhere to tougher performance requirements, be U.S. citizens, and be deputized with law enforcement powers. As the holiday season fast approaches, it is more important than ever that Americans are free to spend time with their families and their loved ones and it is incumbent upon us to do everything in our power to make sure that their travel, by any means, but especially by air, is as safe and as secure as possible. A stronger infrastructure means a stronger economy, and a stronger economy means a stronger America. By passing this rule and its underlying legislation, we can move quickly move forward with the important business of making our airports and airplanes safe and secure for the American people. Mr. Speaker, as I conclude, I would like to commend the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for his hard work and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation, for his hard work. I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. The comprehensive legislation before us today focuses on our Nation's security system. The security plan establishes a new transportation security administration within the Department of Transportation that will be responsible for security of all forms of transportation, not just air travel. As the holiday season fast approaches, it is more important than ever that Americans are free to spend time with their families and loved ones. It is incumbent upon us to do everything in our power to make sure their travel by any means, but especially by air, is as safe and secure as possible. By passing this rule and its underlying legislation, we can quickly move forward with the important business of making our airports safe and secure for the American people. Amendment Offered by Mr. Reynolds Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I heard the parliamentary inquiry from the gentleman from Florida. The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) was discussing the contents of the bill. I believe under the rules of the House the gentleman has the freedom to express what he felt was in the legislation.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella), who has put this legislation together and brought it before the House. Certainly the pain that he and so many of my New York colleagues have had due to this terrible tragedy, what a great opportunity it is to speak on behalf of this legislation. It would be an understatement to say that the events of the past month and a half have had a profound and lasting impact on each and every citizen. September 11 is a day few of us will ever forget. Yet, it is a day we must all remember. As a Nation, we were horrified and saddened at the images of destruction and death at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon: despicable attacks perpetrated by evil cowards. But we were uplifted, too, by the scenes of a Nation coming together, of complete strangers laying themselves on the line to aid their fellow man and of the sheer heroism to save countless lives. The death toll in these attacks on our Nation, upon our very freedom, has already surpassed that of Pearl Harbor. Just as December 7 shall forever live in American history as the Day of Infamy, September 11 should forever live as a day of remembrance, a day that we honor our fallen brothers and sisters, and reflect once again on the real freedoms that we enjoy in the country, and what it means to be an American. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 20th anniversary of the Clarence Senior Center in Clarence, NY. The Clarence Senior Center is an important gathering place for our community--providing social, educational, recreational, and nutritional support for the town's independent senior population. The center is a place to share friendships and experiences, and encourages independence of its members, who range in age from 60 to 96. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in saluting Clarence Senor Citizens, Inc., upon the occasion of the 20th anniversary of its center, and that this honorable body extend its sincerest appreciation to the staff, volunteers, members, and visitors who have made this facility such a tremendous asset to our community.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Chairman, I serve on the Committee on Rules which has the responsibility of technically looking at claims of jurisdiction, waiving points of order, and other considerations relative to the farm bill this year. We know that it is an open rule. We recognized that the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary wrote a very clear cover letter on the history of jurisdiction and the judiciary responsibility over dairy compacts, and he stated that case in his letter. The Committee on Rules stood by that as no waivers or points of order were made on the legislation. So we have it before us today with a point of order that gets down to family farmers, not technical decisions of the House of Representatives. As some of my colleagues eloquently said before me, September 30 expired the Northeast Dairy Compact. Those farmers in the existing compact and those from my State that have the ability to make the drive into that compact no longer have the compact in existence. So when we look at jurisdiction and the aspect of respect of jurisdiction, particularly as this legislation has had that history since being referred there by the parliamentarian in the 1990s when the compact concept came before us, that is a tough thing to explain to my farmers in New York. Mr. Chairman, I represent the largest dairy-producing county in New York. I cannot tell them why I cannot get an up-or-down vote on farm policy that affects their very livelihoods. In a 10-year period, the number of dairy farms in New York drastically dropped from 13,887 to only 8,700, a loss of more than 5,000 family farms. Though dairy farms are going out of business at a rate of 36 percent a year. Compacts would help save the farm lands in rural communities, and the family farms need the assurance of stable milk prices which the compact provides. Dairy compacts will make certain that the bottom does not fall out on the dairy market. That has been the message of the tough deliberation on the concept of dairy compacts that were brought before the State, as Farm Bureaus, county by county decided to support it years ago. Today when we look at jurisdiction, which no one can explain back home why the farm bill will not allow with 165 cosponsors of the legislation calling for dairy compacts throughout the country, if those States so desire, why there is not an up-or-down vote. Mr. Chairman, I implore the gentleman who has raised the point of order that we look at the possibility of that happening today, and pleas from across the country; or, that we begin to look at when I can look my farmers in the eye in New York and tell them there will be a vote on the will of the Congress based on the dairy compact legislation. Either it will pass or it will not, so we know where we go from here. But not to have a vote, as the dairy compacts have expired on September 30, and find us today debating a farm bill on the 2nd day, and not having the ability to use a commonsense approach of an up-or- down vote on the will of 165 cosponsors of this House, is something that no one can explain outside of the House of Representatives. Mr. Chairman, I implore consideration if not today, tomorrow or the next day, but that we proceed with hearings and a vote of finality up or down on dairy compacts by this House.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Chairman, I wish to be heard on the point of order.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. There has been a lot of debate on this rule about jobs and providing some assistance for what will be laid-off airline workers. And as I said earlier, I hope that we will have the opportunity, by strengthening our airline system, that they will be called back. We have many challenges ahead of us in the hard work that this House and the other body and the administration has. I think about New York City, at the other end of my State, faced with 30 to 40 million square feet of lost office space, and 40,000 workers no longer working every day. And while we look at some of the things we face, and it is apparent we will have future debate on some of the airline industries assistance for laid-off workers, we have so much work to do in a comprehensive package that we need to work together on as we address some of these national tragedies that occurred in America in loss of jobs, let alone loss of life in New York City. Our focus here today was to save jobs and continue an airline industry that this country is critically dependent on. The ripple effect of last week's attacks have been felt all over the world. In the blink of an eye, the way of life that we have taken for granted for so long has been changed forever. Despite that national state of shock, thousands of our fellow citizens immediately went to work to ensure the safety and security of our American citizens. Within a matter of hours on the day of the attacks, the Federal Aviation Administration carefully orchestrated the safe grounding of every single airplane flying within the United States. This quick response and cooperation from the entire airline industry ensured the safety and well-being of countless individuals. But in the wake of the cowardly attacks on our Nation, scheduling cutbacks and subsequent reductions in the number of flights have hit the industry hard. We as Members of Congress know that full well. Already there have been over 80,000 airline-related layoffs with more expected. We must remember that this is not just an industry giant that is suffering. It is a critical component of our way of life and a vital segment of our national economy. Our airlines move people and products across America and throughout the world. They serve not just business and tourism, but can, quite literally, determine whether we are able to compete in a global economy. The rule is now before us.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As I have been working on seeing this rule come to the floor for some 24 hours, I cannot help but reflect that the goal I hope to achieve by helping to invest some of America into our airlines is to protect those jobs that I have heard so much discussion about, to stop the layoffs, to stop the slowdowns of our economy, not just for the employees of the airlines that we have made reference to today but for all of America who is dependent on those airlines being in the air. We are now in a global economy. We are dependent on the strength of the airline industry to make America work strong. And when I look at the investment of taxpayer dollars into our airlines, I am thinking about jobs and the economy first. I am thinking about not only the airline jobs, which are so important, but I am thinking about the jobs in my community and across America that people are working in. Americans working day in and day out are dependent on our airlines, whether they use them in their work or they are dependent on the goods and services that those airlines bring about in the reality of their jobs. We are looking today to move forward with an opportunity for saving jobs, creating jobs, and addressing the jobs so dependent on our airlines. We have heard speeches made in debate today regarding the workers themselves, the airlines, men and women working across America in the tourism industry. That is why I think we need to move ahead and pass this rule so that we can get America working strong, able to depend upon the airline industry, which is so vitally important. I think we have seen a recognition of that in the last rule vote. I think we will see that in this vote as we move forward to debate the bill. This legislation is about preserving and growing jobs in the airline industry, which means so much to this country. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Traficant). (Mr. TRAFICANT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Grucci).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. Thune).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes), who has spent countless hours in committee hearings on this very subject.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw.)