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Fighting Terror, Securing the Homeland: Protecting Staten Island’s Ports Safeguarding Chemical Plants from Terrorism Fighting for More Anti-Terror Money for NYC
Transportation: Fighting Traffic, Encouraging Transit Protecting Staten Island’s South Shore Staten Island Traffic Task Force
Improving Access to Quality Health Care Expanding Health Care Services on the North Shore Strengthening Emergency Rooms and Reducing Wait times Support funding for Find a Cure Fought to prevent $65 million in cuts to Medicare and Medicaid Fighting to keep the Brooklyn VA Hospital Open Ensure Children's Access to Vision Care
Energy: Securing America’s Energy Future
Providing Tax Relief to Hard Working Americans Protecting Mortgage and local Income Tax Deductions Reducing the Marriage Tax Penalty Reducing the Tax Burden Caused by the Alternative Minimum Tax Expanding and Guaranteeing the 10% Tax bracket
Improving Education Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Reauthorization Reducing the Burden on Public Schools
Environment: Enhancing New York’s Drinking Water Quality Bolstering Regulations for Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Protecting Consumers from Identity Theft Protecting Staten Island’s Ports I arranged the first ever port security review of Staten Island to enhance safety and preparedness at local facilities. Congressional investigators assessed the ability of Howland Hook and other critical ports to prevent terrorist attacks. The review also examined officials’ ability to detect weapons of mass destruction terrorists may try to smuggle into the country through seaports. I have been a key player in many other efforts to secure America’s ports. I helped pass the Maritime Transportation Security Act (P.L. 107-295), which requires port facilities to conduct vulnerability assessment and develop security plans. I am also responsible for passing legislation bringing over $41 million dollars in port security grants to the Port of New York and New Jersey. In addition, I will continue to study and advance different ways to enhance security at our ports as a Member of the House Port Security Caucus.
Following my successful effort to prevent a Dubai company from gaining control of six American ports, I became an original cosponsor of a bill that would require Congressional oversight of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the interagency group that approved DP World’s acquisition of six American ports last month. The Reform of National Security Reviews of Foreign Direct Investments (HR 5337) requires a mandatory 45-day investigation of any transaction involving companies controlled by foreign governments and requires a notice to bipartisan congressional leadership and to every congressional committee with jurisdiction over any aspect of a transaction after such an investigation. The port controversy showed that Congress and CFIUS don’t always see eye-to-eye and cosponsored HR 5337 to help fix this problem.
Safeguarding Chemical Plants from Terrorism The chemicals industry represents an important sector of our national economy. It could also be a target for terrorism. While there is diverse spectrum of existing statutes governing chemical safety, none of them adequately address security and the terrorist threat. The President's National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets states, "There is currently no clear, unambiguous legal or regulatory authority at the federal level to help ensure comprehensive, uniform security standards for chemical facilities.” Last Congress I introduced H.R. 2901, which provides a comprehensive approach towards addressing these concerns, without placing an undue burden on industry and commerce. This bill calls on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify “high-priority” chemical facilities and requires industry to conduct vulnerability assessments and prepare security plans. It recognizes current efforts addressing chemical security, while preventing duplicative regulations that hamper commerce and tie the hands of security officials. The bill also allows for greater information sharing between government and industry, while containing stringent protections against dissemination of security related information. I reintroduced this legislation in the 109th Congress (H.R. 1562) and will press Congress to address this important issue.
As a Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I was a key player in passing the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-188). This bill requires drinking water facilities to conduct vulnerability assessments and prepare security plans. It also implements new protections on food and drug supplies and increases stockpiles of antibiotics and vaccines. Since passage of the bill, I have worked to strengthen controls on biological agents, while increasing bioterrorism funding 300% to $6 billion.
In 2002 , Congress passed and President Bush signed into law the Terrorist Risk Insurance Act
(TRIA), which provided a temporary solution for the lack of available terrorism insurance for large construction projects and other buildings in need of terrorism insurance. The effects of the legislation were significant
billions of dollars were released into the marketplace for construction projects in lower Manhattan, putting people back to work and revitalizing the lower Manhattan economy.
Fighting for More Anti-Terror Money for NYC Following the recent 40% cut in New York’s homeland security funding I proposed legislation to reform the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) grants program to avoid future reductions to high-threat cities like New York. The legislation, the Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Enhancement and Authorization Act (H.R. 5595), would require all UASI grants to be distributed based only on risk (defined as threat, vulnerability and consequences) and eliminate all needs-based variables. For instance, a locality is currently eligible for funding if it can prove it needs a haz-mat truck even though it does not face the threat of a chemical, biological or radiological attack. Under the legislation, that locality would not receive funding. UASI is clearly broken, and this bill would fix its shortcomings by requiring every dollar be directed to cities that face legitimate threats.
In addition to my UASI legislation, I have fought for years to change flawed federal homeland security funding distribution formulas which send more money per capita to Wyoming than New York City. I introduced legislation (H.R. 1093, 109th Congress) doing away with the existing broken formula and requiring the Department of Homeland Security to send money out based solely on an area’s risk to terrorist attack. I have also voted three times in support of legislation which passed the House changing the current formula to one that is more risk based. In addition, I successfully used procedural measures in Congress to prevent attempts at further diverting Homeland Security money away from high risk areas.
Fighting Traffic, Encouraging Transit Bottlenecks at bridges and population growth outpacing infrastructure enhancements give Staten Islanders one of the nation’s toughest commutes. Recognizing this problem, I am a strong supporter of expanding and improving mass transit. Congress has made great strides in enhancing ferry service, as well as bringing home funds for subway and ferry terminal improvements, a third bus depot on the South Shore, and lobbying for reactivation of the North Shore Railroad. I have also made headway in advancing Ferry safety. Federal funding I have brought home to Staten Island in appropriations bills for the 2005 and 2006 includes: * $4.25 million home for renovation of the St. George Ferry Terminal ($3.25 million in ‘05, $1 million in ‘06). * $800,000 for the Whitehall Ferry Terminal (2005). * $1.95 million to replace the Kennedy Class Ferries (2005). * $2 million to purchase fast ferries for the Staten Island Ferry fleet (2006). My record of success securing funding through the Congressional Appropriations process continued this year. The Fiscal Year 2007 (FY07) Transportation Appropriations recently passed the House containing key funding for Staten Island transportation initiatives, including. * $1.1 million to replace Barberi Class Ferries. * $800,000 more to purchase fast ferries for the Staten Island fleet. * $1.1 million to replace ferry racks at St. George and Whitehall ferry terminals. * $250,000 for studies needed to reactivate passenger service on the North Shore Railroad. * $1 million for Voyage Data Recorders, or “black boxes” for the Staten Island Ferry fleet. Similar devices are installed on all airplanes. They will help track boats in an emergency, as well as providing a detained record of what happens in pilothouses in the event of an accident. I have been successful in obtaining key transportation funding outside of the appropriations process as well. During reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act (TEA-21, now known as SAFETEA-LU), the main federal surface transportation law, I secured $10 million to build a needed third bus depot for Staten Island, located on the South Shore and an agreement from the Governor and the Mayor to obtain the remaining funds necessary to build the depot. These efforts will soon enable commuters on the South Shore to have a direct transit link to Manhattan, reducing travel times and alleviating traffic. The new Charleston Depot is expected to house 220 buses and will be completed early in 2008.
To date, I have brought $2.85 billion home for lower Manhattan renovation and reconstruction, including funds for the South Ferry subway and am constantly fighting for appropriations to reactivate the North Shore Railroad’s passenger service, examine the development of a light rail transit system on Staten Island and pay for bus service from the Island to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail in New Jersey. In regards to the last initiative, I recently received a letter from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration stating the MTA could run the bus service from Staten Island to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail without a federal permit if it makes two stops in each state. The letter states they can also obtain a federal permit and not have to worry about the number of stops in a period of 30 days for as little as $300 dollars (read the letter).
With cargo ships getting bigger and bigger, keeping the Port of New York and New Jersey deep is integral to ensuring it maintains prominence in national and international commerce. These efforts helped secure $110 million last year for dredging the channels into Howland Hook and the rest of New York Harbor and secure an additional $90 million for the project in Fiscal Year 2007. The completion of these projects will ensure the Harbor keeps its status as one of the nation’s preeminent destinations for shippers, strengthening the regional economy. I will continue to fight for funding necessary for important harbor deepening projects to move forward.
Protecting Staten Island’s South Shore I won $1.79 million in federal funding for a protection and restoration study of Staten Island’s South Shore. To date, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has used the study’s preliminary results to identify several proposals for protecting shorefront properties from potentially significant storm damage.
In addition to advancing mass transit, I’m constantly fighting to alleviate traffic through improvements to our roads and bridges. In 2004, I secured $350,000 in federal funding to help implement highway speed E-ZPass on the Outerbridge Crossing, allowing motorists to continue traveling at regular speeds without having to stop or slow down to pay the toll. Early in 2005, I teamed up with the Amalgamated Transit Union calling on local transportation agencies to create and expand contraflow lanes on the Gowanus and Staten Island Expressways. Most recently, I have been working with the State Department of Transportation on ways of turning the new bus only lane on the Staten Island Expressway into a bus AND HOV lane – with the prospect of expanding such a lane across the entire expressway.
During reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act (TEA-21, now known as SAFETEA-LU), the main federal surface transportation law, I secured $6 million for improvements on the 86th St. Subway station in Brooklyn. This same legislation included authorization for ferry service from Brooklyn Army Terminal to Manhattan and brokered an agreement with City officials to provide funding for improvements to the badly damaged Shore Parkway walkway and seawall – in addition to securing $5 million in federal funding for the initiative. The two-mile project runs from 69th Street to the Verrazano Bridge and will repair several dangerous sinkholes threatening the structure of the entire promenade and the Belt Parkway itself! The groundbreaking for this project occurred July 2005. Work is well underway and ahead of schedule.
Staten Island Traffic Task Force Furthermore, Councilman Andrew Lanza and I recently secured the commitment from Mayor Bloomberg to establish a Transportation Task Force charged with developing a "Marshall Plan" to improve traffic on Staten Island. The Task Force recently issued its recommendations, which call for more than 50 specific improvements, including:
Expanding Health Care Services on the North Shore Last year, I secured $3 million from the Mayor to establish a community health center on the North Shore to provide primary care to the areas medically underserved residents. There has been significant progress to that end, and the entire health care community on Staten Island has contributed to its development to ensure the result is a health center that most appropriately serves the needs of the North Shore population.
Strengthening Emergency Rooms and Reducing Wait Times One of the most frequent complaints I hear about health care on Staten Island and in Brooklyn are the
cramped conditions and long waiting times at each borough’s emergency rooms. In an effort to alleviate these conditions, I recently secured $300,000 to expand the emergency rooms at Staten Island University Hospital and Victory Memorial Hospital.
Support Funding to Find a Cure I supported the FY2006 Budget for the NIH to provide the following categorical funding:
Overall Cancer Research $5.6 billion Mental Health $1.8 billion Diabetes $1 billion Alzheimer’s Disease $652 million Prostate Cancer $376 million Arthritis $372 million Hypertension $372 million Parkinson’s Disease $223 million Osteoporosis $189 million
In addition, in May of 2005 I voted for legislation to expand public funding for embryonic stem cell research. The legislation is narrowly crafted, permitting only those embryos that would otherwise be discarded to be donated for research. In addition, it includes safeguards to ensure parents are aware of all of their options, including putting the embryos up for adoption, prior to making a decision to donate. This legislation holds the potential to lead to cures for deadly diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes, diseases that significantly reduce the quality of life for the afflicted and their families.
Fought to prevent $65 billion in cuts to Medicare and Medicaid
As a result of these efforts, along with support from a bipartisan coalition of House members, the cuts were removed from the budget, preserving the ability of our hospitals and health systems to provide:
* Inpatient, rehabilitation and outpatient hospital services * Services at skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and hospices * Post-acute hip and knees
Fighting to keep the Brooklyn VA Hospital Open I oppose any proposal by the Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Realignment Enhancement (CARES) Commission, which is currently reviewing the possibility of consolidating the Manhattan and Brooklyn VA Hospitals, that could result in the closure of the Brooklyn VA. To protect this first-class medical facility, I testified twice before the Local Advisory Panel urging the Commission to reject closure of the Brooklyn VA and also hosted VA Secretary James Nicholson and Congressman Steve Buyer, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, for tours of the Brooklyn VA Hospital to highlight its unique and irreplaceable role in the delivery of health care to New York City’s veterans.
Ensure Children's Access to Vision Care There are 11 million children currently without health insurance in the United States. Many of these children suffer from correctable vision disorders, but simply cannot afford the treatment they need. These vision disorders serve as a significant impediment to normal learning development, and can cause irreversible damage if left untreated. This is why I introduced legislation to send up to $75 million in grants to states to provide comprehensive eye exams and follow-up treatment for children whose eye disorders would otherwise go untreated.
I have constantly fought for lower gas prices. I was among the first Members of Congress to write the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) earlier in 2005 asking them to monitor for price gouging, called on New York State to slash its 31.9 cents per gallon gas tax nearly in half, as well as forming the Gas Price Task Force with House Minority Whip Roy Blunt, have supported legislation in Congress to ban price gouging for the first time ever, abolish obsolete gasoline regulations costing each New York driver $400 annually, provide tax incentives and research funding for alternative fuels and alternative fueled vehicles, limit the number of specialty gas blends that drive prices up, and tear down government barriers to competition in the refining industry. To read more on these efforts to lower gas prices, visit the Gas Prices Resource Page.
I have long advocated the institution of mandatory reliability standards for electric utilities and greater coordination among regional electricity grid operators. I successfully lobbied for the inclusion of reliability language in comprehensive energy legislation that allows New York to maintain and enhance its stringent electricity reliability standards. My foresight is validated in the August 14th, 2003 Blackout Report (https://reports.energy.gov/), which calls for greater regional coordination and for New York to maintain its ability to set tougher reliability standards. With the energy bill now law, the probability of future blackouts has greatly diminished due to this important provision.
Securing America’s Energy Future With America in dire need of a national energy policy, Congress took steps to alleviate gasoline and natural gas prices, create jobs and boost domestic production of resources and renewable energy to reduce our reliance on foreign oil. To learn more about Congress’ efforts on this front, please visit my Gas Prices Resource Page.
Protection Mortgage and local Income tax deductions The President’s Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform recently reported a number of ideas for changing the tax code to Treasury Secretary Snow. Two recommendations made by the panel raise major red flags for New Yorkers- the elimination of the deduction for state and local tax, and the elimination of the mortgage deduction. I oppose the elimination of these deductions and will work in Congress to defeat them from being enacted into law. I know that these deductions come as a saving grace to New York families who endure high tax rates and real estate costs relative to most other states. I am fighting to keep these provisions to ensure that my constituents receive, and not have to send, a check from the federal government. This November I organized a letter signed by 22 members of the New York Congressional delegation urging Secretary Snow to oppose these recommendations. Furthermore, I testified in front of the House Committee on Ways and Means to bring to their attention the problem with eliminating these deductions. Read a copy of the letter and my testimony.
Reducing the Marriage Tax Penalty Over the past three years, I have proudly supported major tax cut proposals that have provided significant tax savings to hard-working Americans. Among the most beneficial provisions of these tax relief packages was a reduction in the marriage penalty tax, which unfairly penalizes roughly 75,000 married couples in our district alone. The Congress significantly reduced the marriage penalty by increasing the standard deduction to $9,500 twice that of a single filer or a married couple filing separately. And, most recently I co-sponsored legislation, which the House passed in April, that makes this relief permanent
Reducing the Tax Burden Caused by the Alternative Minimum Tax The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) was designed to prevent the nation's highest earners from using special tax benefits to pay little or no tax. Unfortunately, in recent years a growing number of middle-income Americans are being unfairly forced to pay the AMT. In addition, the AMT is one of the most complex and confusing taxes, making it nearly impossible for accountants to calculate whether an individual would be required to pay it in any given year. This year, I voted for the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (H.R. 4297). This bill would protect 17 million mostly middle-income Americans from being hit with higher federal tax bills next year by shielding them from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). The legislation extends for one year the increase in the levels of income that would be exempt from the AMT. The new exemption levels for 2006 are $62,550 for joint filers and $42,500 for single filers. Claiming these credits may push an individual into the AMT. The provision extends current law which allows most non-refundable personal tax credits to be claimed against the AMT so that families continue to receive the full benefit of these tax credits.
Expanding and Guaranteeing the 10% Tax Bracket The 2001 tax relief legislation created the 10% tax bracket for the lowest income Americans. The previous lowest level was 15%. The 2003 tax relief bill expanded and accelerated the phase in of this new tax bracket. Recently, I was proud to co-sponsor HR 4275, legislation that passed the House in May and that would make this new tax bracket permanent. On top of guaranteeing this new relief to low-income Americans, HR 4275 will also save taxpayers $218 billion over the next decade. The average individual taxpayer can expect save more than $2,400 over that time.
Congress passed this landmark legislation almost four years ago, and it has shown proven results for our children. In New York today, 58% of Eighth-graders passed the math exam compared to 38% in 1999 while almost 80% of Fourth-graders passed the math exam compared to 67% in 1999. The Great City Schools report shows improvement of fourth and eighth grade public school students in state-developed reading and math tests under NCLB. According to the report, 47.8 percent of urban school students performed at or above proficient in fourth grade reading and 51 percent scored at or above proficient in fourth grade math, a 4.9 and 6.8 percentage point increase respectively compared to 2002 scores. Eighth grade reading and math scores showed increases as well from 2002 to 2003. When compared to 2002, eighth grade reading and math scores increased by 1.1 and 3 percentage points in 2003. I will continuously monitor the progress of NCLB in New York to ensure it continues to advance the best interests of our children. http://edworkforce.house.gov/nclb.htm
Federal Education Spending has increased by 142% since 1994. Between ’01 and ‘04 K-12 funding has increased 43% and Title I funding received larger increases between 2001-2003 than it did in the previous 8 years and we continue to maintain this level of federal funding.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Reauthorization. Near the end of the 108th Congress the House passed the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). This legislation removed many legal impediments for parents to amend their child’s education programs as well as allowing increased flexibility for both parents and schools. The end result is to make it easier for schools and parents to provide the highest level of education possible for students with disabilities.
Reducing the Burden on Public Schools You are well aware of the outstanding educational opportunities and record of academic achievement that characterizes New York’s non-public schools. However, with tuition averaging about $4,500 annually, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for many families to afford to send their children to the schools they want. While taxpayers save money for every child that attends a non-public school, the tax code offers families like yours no such benefit. I believe this needs to change. That is why I have introduced legislation creating a $4,500 federal tuition tax credit for K-12 parochial and private school education. Here’s how the tax credit would work: Families like yours would be permitted to take a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their tax liability for non-public school tuition expenses. For example, if you had a liability of $10,000 and a tax credit of $4,500, you would be required to pay only $5,500 in taxes. Simply, it allows your family to keep more of your hard-earned money to spend on your children’s education.
Enhancing New York’s Drinking Water Quality In 1997, environmental groups came together with New York City and State officials, upstate communities and the federal government in support of the New York City Watershed Agreement. This historic accord guaranteed the continued and long-term protection of New York City’s drinking water, while safeguarding the economic viability and environmental quality of upstate communities in the watershed region. The agreement enabled New York City to receive from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a series of waivers of the federal requirement that it build water filtration systems costing approximately $8 billion dollars at its Catskill/Delaware supply in exchange for establishing a comprehensive monitoring and surveillance program to protect and enhance the drinking water. The Safe Drinking Water Act authorized $15 million annually in federal funds for implementation of the agreement.
With authorization for the Watershed Agreement set to expire last congress, I introduced H.R. 2771, extending federal recognition of the agreement through 2010. After I successfully shepherded this important legislation through both houses of Congress, President George W. Bush signed it into law October 2004. New York City can now continue receiving federal funding to protect its pristine sources of drinking water.
Bolstering Regulations for Leaking Underground Storage Tanks In the 108th Congress, I introduced a bill (H.R. 2733) enhancing regulations to stop petroleum products from leaking out of underground storage tanks. The Federal Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund is intended to help states operate their programs and deal with orphaned USTs. Historically, however, these funds cannot be used to enforce the law. The LUST Trust Fund has a balance in excess of $2.5 billion, received about $190.8 million in new fees and earned $77.7 million in interest in 2005. EPA’s 2005 budget requested only $72 million from the Fund - less than the interest earned on the balance! HR 2733 corrects this inadequacy and gives more money and flexibility to the State to do what must be done! Through my efforts, this important piece of legislation was attached to the Energy Bill signed into law in August 2005. This measure will finally provide states extra resources to crack down on and prevent leaking underground storage tanks, clean up petroleum spills and protect drinking water for countless Americans.
I have constantly pressured EPA to ensure it makes extensive efforts to enhance New York’s Air quality. Initiatives include letters on proposed designations for the 8 hour ozone standard, scrutinizing emissions from local power plants, and successfully lobbying for the repeal of obsolete gasoline requirements that hamper air quality. I will examine current proposals to reauthorize the Clean Air Act with intense scrutiny.
I
have continued to support of homeownership when in the 108th Congress
co-sponsored H.R. 3755, legislation that would eliminate down payment
requirements for first-time homebuyers seeking federally insured home
mortgages known as FHA loans. The legislation would have provided an opportunity for families who can’t afford to make the typical 3 percent down payment to roll that down payment into the loan. It is estimated that in the first year alone, this legislation will allow more than 150,000 new families to purchase homes. H.R. 3755 is currently pending with the Financial Services Committee. Also in the 108th Congress I co-sponsored legislation that would allow homeowners with insured mortgages to claim an itemized tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums paid or accrued during the year. The bipartisan measure would particularly help first-time and low-income home buyers by giving them access to tax benefits similar to those enjoyed by home buyers who are able to make large down payments. It is estimated that 12 million existing homeowners would benefit from this initiative. Under current law, mortgage insurance payments are not tax-deductible. This raises the cost of homeownership for those who otherwise benefit from mortgage insurance programs – typically first-time, low-income and veteran borrowers who are trying to purchase their own home. Mortgage insurance enables these prospective buyers to make a down payment of 3 percent or less of the appraised value of a home. H.R. 1336 would have lowered the cost of homeownership by making mortgage insurance payments tax-deductible. In the 109th Congress I am continuing to look for new and innovative ways to achieve these goals.
Protecting Consumers From Identity Theft In the past two years, I have supported efforts to protect consumers from identity theft by stiffening criminal penalties for those convicted, increasing access to consumer credit reports and credit monitoring services, and I am currently working on legislation to strengthen personal data security requirements for financial institutions that hold sensitive information about customers.
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