Lee Zeldin

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1343, the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2017. This is bipartisan legislation that will remove outdated barriers to capital formation and job creation imposed on the small businesses and startups that are driving America's innovation economy. The SEC still hasn't updated a rule from 17 years ago that imposed an undue burden on entrepreneurs when they want to attract and retain talent through employee compensation plans. Startup ventures, by offering their employees a stake in the company through equity and other forms of deferred compensation, can reward hardworking employees by giving them direct ownership while their business continues to grow. SEC rules governing these compensation plans haven't been updated since 1999, and they are imposing burdensome compliance and reporting requirements on the very entrepreneurs we should be encouraging to expand and create more good-paying, private sector jobs. We see the effects of this compliance tax placing a drain on our economy because it diverts the resources and human capital of entrepreneurs away from expansion and job creation. In my district on Long Island and nationwide, entrepreneurs who have the next great invention or idea are struggling to gain access to capital. By regulating small startup ventures as if they are large, publicly traded companies, the SEC is imposing an unnecessary mound of paperwork on startups. A large corporation may have the lawyers and accountants to fill out the mountain of paperwork imposed on them by the SEC, but a small business can't compete, and that is why they need relief. This Congress we have an opportunity through bipartisan reforms like this legislation to reverse that troubling trend by removing the regulatory burdens that harm the economy, consumers, and prospects for job growth. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from the Committee on Financial Services, Randy Hultgren, for his leadership on this issue. I urge adoption of this commonsense bipartisan bill.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joseph Philip Roberge. Immediately following his graduation from High School in 1942, Joseph enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and became a Navigator on a B-17 bomber with the 398th Bomb Group located at Nuthampstead Air Base in England. Joseph flew 35 missions over Europe, including being part of air support at Omaha Beach on D-Day. Throughout his time in service, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, European Theater of Operations Ribbon, two Bronze Stars, and Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. Our country owes a debt of gratitude to Joseph for his selfless actions taken to protect his homeland. It is important we honor these types of individuals as best we can and I hope that many will follow in his footsteps and give back to our country as graciously as he did. People like him are a rare breed and they help make not only our country, but our world a much safer and better place.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Adam David Nuszen, who tragically lost his life after struggling with mental illness and addiction. Adam, who grew up in my congressional district, had a bright future ahead of him and was taken too soon from his family and community. According to his mother, Linda, ``Adam was the protector of our family. The oldest of three, his arms were always around his siblings and his loyalty was surpassed by his quiet quest for justice. He marveled at the night sky and couldn't resist sharing his enthusiasm with his friends and family. He taught us about the wonder and grandeur of the planets, galaxies and beyond. He was a gifted musician, a poet, a writer, a philosopher and an inventor.'' At 22, Adam was suddenly stricken with psychosis and diagnosed with schizophrenia. For ten years,he was in and out of hospitals attempting to balance his disease with normalcy. His illness slowly evolved into the dangerous and devastating world of addiction. Tragically, in November of 2015, Adam lost his life to an overdose while in rehab. While in rehab, Linda explained to me that despite his dark times, Adam always managed to remind his loved ones to ``look ups'' or you will miss all that there is in the world. Sadly, their last conversation before he passed, carried this same sentiment and tone. The words look up remain with her today as an important reminder of Adam's character and spirit. In honor of Adam David Nuszen, I would like to support Linda's request in declaring Adam's Birthday, March 12, National Look Up Day. This is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and show support for those struggling with addiction and those we have lost to this disease. As members of Congress, we must all continue to support legislation that addresses the rise in drug and alcohol addiction to stop the tragic loss of life that is devastating our communities and loved ones across the country.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brookhaven National Laboratory on its 70th anniversary. The United States is the greatest Nation in the world, and one of the reasons why is Brookhaven National Laboratory. Their science research is aggressively pursuing cures to illnesses, protecting our national security, and increasing our energy independence. Imagine being able to witness a recreation of the very beginning of our universe, a replica of the primordial soup which once comprised all that had existed right before your very eyes. Also imagine that this very same equipment could be used to find cures to illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. I am proud that Brookhaven National Laboratory is located in the greatest congressional district in America, the First Congressional District of New York. For nearly three-quarters of a century, Brookhaven has stood as a world-class research center that conducts groundbreaking studies within the scientific community. Brookhaven asks the big questions that scientists have been researching for generations, and has allowed us to look into the building blocks of our world. Between preservation of our ecosystem, studies on the environment, and researching new forms of sustainable energy, Brookhaven is a world leader in scientific research. There is also incredible cultural and historical relevance of the site of Brookhaven National Laboratory. There was once a World War I Army training center called Camp Upton located where Brookhaven stands today. It was at this camp that Irving Berlin wrote ``God Bless America'' while serving in the U.S. Army. Brookhaven is not only a local and regional treasure, but also a national asset. The machines in Brookhaven have been utilized by the most brilliant minds in America, from the scientists of MIT and Yale to the engineers at GE and IBM. While there are 17 national labs across our great country, Brookhaven is a unique user facility which focuses in a number of disciplines, not limited to particle physics, chemical engineering, and systems engineering and integration. In previous Congresses, critical funding has been provided in support of the ARPA-E program for several of Brookhaven's phenomenal projects on energy production and storage, and so much more. There has been discussion in the past to cut funding for Brookhaven's nuclear physics program to levels that haven't been seen since 2008. This would be a mistake. Brookhaven features some of the most important scientific efforts in the world, with assets like the National Synchrotron Light Source II, or NSLS-II. NSLS-II has allowed for incredible advancement in the research and development of super conductors, which have the potential to revolutionize energy consumption in the U.S. and save into the billions for the American people and American businesses. Another program in need of our continued support is the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, or RHIC. This multi-faceted machine is essential for studies on matter and has key practical applications, like figuring out how to best protect our homeland using detector technology. There is also the Brookhaven Linac Isotope Producer, or BLIP, which has been recently upgraded to advance the field of medical science. This upgrade allows BLIP to better diagnose and treat illnesses, including heart disease and many forms of cancer, such as leukemia and melanoma. With Congress' continued support, there is limitless potential for needed discovery and advancement. I thank the Speaker for allowing me to discuss this amazing national treasure. I also thank Doon Gibbs, who is the lab director, for his outstanding leadership at this facility. It is a privilege to stand here on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to speak on behalf of America's great scientists and their vital work. Congratulations again to Brookhaven National Laboratory on 70 years of groundbreaking, innovative research. And to everyone at home, Happy Valentine's Day.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Article IV, section 1. ``Full faith and credit shall be given in each State to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such acts, records and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof.''

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I oppose U.N. Security Council Resolution 2334--an anti-Israel, anti-Jewish attempt on behalf of pro-Palestinian nations to delegitimize Israel and ethnically cleanse East Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria of the Jewish people. The Israelis have long been willing to compromise large swaths of land in this region in pursuit of a two-state solution. It has been the Palestinians who have, time and again, declined real offers on the table for their own state. Just think about this reality. If the Israelis agreed right now to make all of the concessions this U.N. Security Council resolution calls for, there would still not be peace. A viable two-state solution isn't just about Israel's recognizing the Palestinians' right to exist; it is also about the Palestinians' recognizing Israel's right to exist. As for me, I stand for freedom, and America should stand strong-- shoulder to shoulder--with Israel. President Obama lit a menorah this year at the White House. He reflected on Hanukkah as a celebration of the Maccabees' fight for freedom--the Maccabees, who lived, prayed, and fought on the land that this resolution now calls illegally occupied territory. It is an insult this resolution was passed just one day before the start of Hanukkah. Israel is one of America's greatest allies and is a beacon of freedom and liberty in a very dark region of the world. The Obama administration, by allowing this resolution to pass, is attempting a dangerous shift in American foreign policy that cannot be allowed to stand. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution, and I thank Chairman Royce for his leadership.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to Mr. Anthony Xuereb. Anthony was born in Malta, and he had always yearned to come to the United States to make a better life for himself. He came to this country in 1934 during the Great Depression and struggled mightily to survive the terrible economic and social conditions of the time. He sought employment in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and had the pleasure to work on the USS Missouri. As he continued working and living in the United States, Anthony applied for U.S. citizenship and became a naturalized citizen in 1943. During World War II, he applied for military service, but unfortunately he lost most of his hearing in his left ear due to a diving accident he suffered from, and was unable to serve. Anthony still wanted to contribute to the country in whatever way possible, so he volunteered for civilian duty as an Air Raid Warden and served in this position until the end of the war. Air Raid Wardens were vital in ensuring the safety of everyone in the neighborhood and he did not take his role lightly. He returned to Malta in 1948, met the love of his life, and returned to the United States to start their new life together. Anthony's exemplary life of service was motivated and fueled by his love of God, family, and country. He was a humble man who lived on a modest income and was very proud of his service as an Air Raid Warden. The service these dedicated civilians provided was vital in keeping civilians safe. It is important we acknowledge people like Anthony, who dedicated their services to a nation in need during a time of war. In honor and memory of Anthony Xuereb and all who served, and continue to serve, our great nation, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize his devotion to our country.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Master Sergeant Michael Thomas Donohue, in appreciation of his 30 years of meritorious service in the United States Army, Navy, Navy Reserve, and New York Army National Guard. Throughout his military career, Master Sergeant Donohue has served with honor and distinction in numerous positions, from Aircraft Handler and Tank Mechanic, to Intelligence Analyst and Operations NCOIC, culminating with his service as a Senior Maintenance Supervisor for the 42nd CAB. His unwavering dedication to duty and unparalleled professionalism has consistently earned the respect of subordinates, peers, and superiors alike. An innovative and relentless troubleshooter, his vast technical knowledge greatly aided in his Brigade's success while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-09. His experience, gained from serving in two combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, proved invaluable as he mentored junior non-commissioned officers and officers on a wide spectrum of operational and technical topics, increasing their readiness for deployment and ultimately, unit effectiveness. His long and illustrious career has been marked by humility and service, and reflects great credit upon himself, the New York Army National Guard, United States Army, and United States Navy. MSG Donohue's deployments include Operation El Dorado Canyon (USN, 1986), Operation Ernest Will (USN, 1988), multiple natural disasters (1997-2012), Counter Drug operations (1998-2001), World Trade Center (2001), OIF (2008-2009), and OEF (2012-2013). He provided mentorship and leadership and skillfully groomed the next generation of leaders, which resulted in the Soldier and NCO Warrior of the Year competitions for the Aviation Brigade in 2009, 2010, and 2011 and New York State Soldier of the Year in 2011. His faithfulness through these times was and is a testimony for others to follow, and I would like to take this opportunity to recognize his devotion to our country.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6303, which would create a new, unique ZIP Code for the hamlets of Flanders, Riverside, and Northampton in my district. These three hamlets currently share the same ZIP Code with the nearby town of Riverhead, and there are at least 18 identical street names and 32 similar street names. This causes a number of issues, including delay of mail and packages, which can hold important goods like medications. Shared street names can also delay the response time of emergency and medical personnel in situations where every second counts. This could all be avoided by assigning a new and unique ZIP Code to Flanders, Northampton, and Riverside, which is why I have been working closely with Chairman Chaffetz, even bringing him to Long Island to speak with those impacted in the community firsthand. I thank Chairman Chaffetz for his exceptional help with this issue. For many years, residents, local elected officials, and community organizations have been aware of this issue and the problems it brings. But despite their previous efforts, the issue still serves to be a burden for those in this area of the First Congressional District of New York. I would also like to thank Ron Fisher, chairman of the Flanders/ Riverside/Northampton Citizen Advisory Council and president of the Flanders, Riverside and Northampton Community Association, and all the members of these organizations for continuing this effort over the years. This has been a priority for them for many years, and it is an honor to be their voice in the House. I know this legislation also includes a new ZIP Code for the area, including Glendale. I have spoken with my colleague, Ms. Meng, who has been a tireless advocate on behalf of those residents in Glendale. I am real thrilled to see that that is included as well. I thank Mr. Gosar for his support and his efforts. To the entire staff of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Chairman Chaffetz is fortunate to have an amazing team working with him.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Royce and rise in support of his legislation, Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act, which I cosponsored, to prohibit ransom payments to Iran, the largest state sponsor of terror. Iran calls America the Great Satan and pledges death to America. Iran is illegally test-firing ICBMs. They finance Assad in Syria, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terror groups. Iran recently detained and embarrassed, publicly, U.S. Navy sailors. Iran currently is threatening U.S. Navy warships. Iran leaders do not respect American weakness--they prey upon it--and the U.S. is feeding into it, like the unsigned political commitment otherwise known as the Iran nuclear deal. Purchasing Iran's heavy water didn't help. Speaker Ryan has aptly pointed out, Secretary Kerry has been a shill for Iran, as if he is the president of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce. I am deeply troubled that earlier this year the Obama administration airlifted a cash ransom payment at the exact same moment as the release of four unjustly detained American hostages. Some people blindly loyal to this President will say that this was Iran's money. No, it wasn't. This was a disputed claim for decades, and for very good reason. In the late 1970s, Iran fell behind in their payments under the Foreign Military Sales program. Iran canceled their orders, overtook our Embassy, and then repudiated all foreign obligations. Not only have we been disputing Iran's claim for $400 million, we had counterclaims against Iran, including one for $817 million. In fact, a Federal law from 2000 details a very specific requirement regarding payments to Iran from the FMS account, which was directly violated by the ransom payment to Iran. Between the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the 2000 law, U.S. victims of Iranian-sponsored terrorism sued the Iranian Government in U.S. court with claims caused by Iran's terrorism. The claims were paid by the U.S. Government. These claims were subrogated to the U.S., meaning that their claims against Iran became the U.S.' claims against Iran. The 2000 law clearly states that ``no funds shall be paid to Iran, or released to Iran . . . from the Foreign Military Sales Fund, until such subrogated claims have been dealt with to the satisfaction of the United States.'' Yet President Obama paid Iran the full $400 million amount from the FMS fund, plus more than three times that amount in interest, a total of $1.7 billion in cash, in violation of the 2000 law. You can call a ransom payment leverage. But guess what, folks; it is still ransom. And why don't we pay ransom? Because now, with the price paid on American hostages, Iran has now captured new, unjustly imprisoned American hostages. Passage of this bill is critically important, and I thank Chairman Royce for his unyielding, inspiring leadership on this issue to hold Iran accountable.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Kansas for offering this amendment to a very important underlying bill from the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Ed Royce. It is really important to point out, as a matter of policy and what, unfortunately, is very necessary for this Congress to take action on, to make it very clear that we don't pay ransom. Now, with regard to the $1.7 billion that has been paid to Iran to secure the release of the four Iranian hostages, other terms have been used. The one most often used lately is called ``leverage.'' The fact is, if the money did not arrive immediately, the hostages wouldn't have been released. No money, no hostage release. Why are we debating as if this wasn't a ransom? If the money didn't show up, $400 million in cash, the hostages wouldn't have been released. Why do we not put a price on securing the release, a financial price? It is because now more Americans are being unjustly imprisoned by Iran. Mr. Shahini, from California, in Iran visiting his mother, is being held, accused of ``cooperating with hostile governments, actions against national security, and communication with antirevolutionary agents and media.'' This is an American visiting his mom in Iran. And why do we not pay ransom? Why we do not give money to secure the release of American hostages is that now more Americans have been taken hostage.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to Mr. Lawrence Cervellino, who passed away on December 7, 2015. Lawrence was born on March 24, 1925. Larry, as he was known to his friends and family, had a fervent passion for life and his country. On the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, Larry went to his local recruiter's office to sign up to serve his country, but was sent away because he was not old enough. Sure enough, on his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the Navy in 1943. He received his wings at Pensacola, Florida in 1946, and began serving in the Navy occupation of Saipan. He was recalled to active duty from October 3, 1952 to July 26, 1955 during the Korean War. During his time in the service, Larry was awarded numerous medals, including the American Defense, WWII Victory, Reserve Medal, Navy Occupation, and National Defense. In addition to his active duty status, Larry served as a reservist from 1949 to 1968 and retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1968. Larry would go on to graduate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering in June 1955. That same year, Larry accepted a position with Grumman Aerospace Corporation as a Structural Flight Test Engineer, involving among other activities, Carrier Suitability Flight Tests at Patuxent River, Maryland. Larry stayed with Grumman until 1993, when he retired after four decades working to ensure the defense of our country. Throughout these years, Larry contributed to over thirty military organizations and was dedicated to helping veterans in any way that he could. He also served as Suffolk County Vice-Chair of the Long Island Coalition for Life and faithfully attended the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. each year since its inception. Larry enjoyed 47 years of marriage with his beautiful wife, Johanna Cisternino and is survived by his two children, Stacey Leigh Cervellino and Peter Lawrence Cervellino. Larry's exemplary life of service was motivated and fueled by his love of God, family, and country. What he managed to accomplish during his lifetime and give back to the country cannot be summarized in a few words; however it is important we honor these types of individuals as best we can. It is my hope that many will follow in his footsteps and give back to our country as graciously as he did. People like him are a rare breed and they help make not only our country, but our world a much safer and better place.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 6014.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6014) to direct the Federal Aviation Administration to allow certain construction or alteration of structures by State departments of transportation without requiring an aeronautical study, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6014. This bill clarifies that the Federal Aviation Administration may enter into an agreement with a State or local government agency to carry out a project at an airport in exchange for reimbursement by that State or local government agency. The agreement to provide these services would have to include measures for cost-effective completion of the project and not negatively affect the safety or efficiency of the National Airspace System. The text before us includes a minor technical change to clarify that the legislation applies only to projects located at airports. This bill does not create any new authority; rather, it clarifies the application of the Federal Aviation Administration's existing authority to provide in-kind services to State and local government agencies in exchange for payment. I appreciate Mr. Nolan's commitment to this issue and his willingness to work with the committee on a bipartisan basis. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6014. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support H.R. 6014. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5944) to amend title 49, United States Code, with respect to certain grant assurances, and for other purposes.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5944.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5944. This bill will ensure regulatory consistency and stability for airports that are co- located with Air National Guard or Air Force bases. In recent years, several Air National Guard units have had their manned aircraft mission replaced with an unmanned aircraft mission. For some of these units, the unmanned aircraft are remotely operated from the Guard facilities but not located at the airport. Since, in some instances, the unmanned aircraft do not land at the airport from where they are being operated, there is concern that the nominal leases these units have long enjoyed may no longer be permitted by the Federal Aviation Administration. This bill ensures that an airport's simple renewal of a nominal rate lease with an Air National Guard unit that operates aircraft, remotely or otherwise, does not result in the airport losing its Federal grant funding. The bill in no way prohibits airports from negotiating new lease terms with Air National Guard units, but it ensures that should an airport and an Air National Guard unit agree to renew a nominal rate lease they may do so. Mr. Speaker, in this time of transition for military aviation, this bill allows airports and the Department of Defense sufficient flexibility to rebalance and adjust the missions of Air National Guard units without jeopardizing the airports' FAA grants. This bill provides that flexibility while preserving the right of airports to renew leases that it believes are in the best interest of the airport and surrounding community. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5944. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer).

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support H.R. 5944. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5957) to include disabled veteran leave in the personnel management system of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5957.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5957. When Congress passed the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act last year, it inadvertently excluded new FAA employees from coverage under a new sick leave system. This bill corrects that omission. Mr. Speaker, one-third of veterans who served after September 11 report having a service-connected disability, with more than two-thirds of those disabilities rating 30 percent or higher. There are more than 35,000 veterans in my district alone, many of whom have the skill sets and background in aviation necessary to succeed in highly technical FAA positions. This bill will help ensure that a veteran's service to our Nation does not become a barrier to future employment. I want to thank Aviation Subcommittee Chairman LoBiondo and Subcommittee Ranking Member Larsen for their leadership and bipartisan partnership on this simple, yet important fix to remove an unnecessary barrier to employment for our Nation's veterans. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5957. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support H.R. 5957. I yield back the balance of my time.