Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 114 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

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E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 114 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 161 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 No. 142 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was round up and deport millions of un- ica Act of 2015, a bill to give complete called to order by the Speaker pro tem- documented immigrants. It remains to access to the Affordable Care Act re- pore (Mr. JOLLY). be seen how Republicans in the House gardless of their immigration status. f will conduct themselves without adult The Exchange Inclusion for a Healthy supervision, but the Speaker is going America will extend healthcare insur- DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO out on a high note. ance access to millions of our neigh- TEMPORE Having the Pope speak to America bors and family members who live The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- from the floor of the House of Rep- here, work here, raise families here, fore the House the following commu- resentatives was a crowning achieve- and will probably live here for the rest nication from the Speaker: ment for the Speaker. Now that his job of their lives, but who lack legal immi- WASHINGTON, DC, is no longer on the line, I hope we will gration status. September 30, 2015. see immigration reform as the jewel in It gives them access to healthcare ex- I hereby appoint the Honorable DAVID W. that crown and act before he steps changes in ObamaCare under the ordi- JOLLY to act as Speaker pro tempore on this down. But we all know that is unlikely. nary rules of residency in the States in day. The concurrent hysteria on the cam- which they live and makes them eligi- JOHN A. BOEHNER, paign trail makes action by these Re- ble for subsidies if and when they file Speaker of the House of Representatives. publicans or any Republicans unlikely. taxes, just like the rest of us. It also f Even though I still believe we have subjects them to the individual man- MORNING-HOUR DEBATE the votes—like we did for the last sev- date that requires individuals to have eral years—to pass immigration reform health insurance. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- in the House, I don’t think the Speak- The goal is to make integration and ant to the order of the House of Janu- er, even as a lame duck, will allow a inclusion real for millions of families ary 6, 2015, the Chair will now recog- vote. But the Pope’s visit certainly in- that are locked out under current law. nize Members from lists submitted by spired me to think about the moral ex- Now, if I remember correctly, the the majority and minority leaders for ample he sets. President was standing right here in morning-hour debate. Look, the Holy Father simply re- 2009 talking about his healthcare re- The Chair will alternate recognition minded Members of Congress about the form proposal would exclude undocu- between the parties, with each party Golden Rule—‘‘Do unto others as you mented immigrants and one of our col- limited to 1 hour and each Member would have them do unto you’’—and he leagues on the other side of the aisle other than the majority and minority could not even complete his sentence interrupted him by shouting, ‘‘You lie’’ leaders and the minority whip limited before he got a standing ovation. to the President of the United States of to 5 minutes, but in no event shall de- If we had a daily reminder of the America, who, we should all note, was bate continue beyond 11:50 a.m. Golden Rule, we could cut through a reelected comfortably in 2012. f lot of the bull in Congress and have a I do not expect that Member of Con- better country and a better world. It is gress to join me as a cosponsor. But, in EXCHANGE INCLUSION FOR A the Golden Rule I am here to discuss. fact, as we all know, he was dead wrong HEALTHY AMERICA ACT OF 2015 Treat your brother and your sister and about the Affordable Care Act. In addi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The your neighbor with compassion as you tion to death panels and a number of Chair recognizes the gentleman from would like to be treated yourself. other fictions, the Republicans were Illinois (Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ) for 5 minutes. And in the case of health care and ac- wrong that undocumented immigrants Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ. The Pope visited cess to health care, it is not simply out were included in ObamaCare. They just America and he inspired a lot of people, of a sense of moral altruism, although weren’t. even cynical Washington, D.C. For one, that is part of it. Rather, it is out of I am and have always been an advo- he inspired Speaker BOEHNER to wake the reality that treating our brothers cate for the single payer approach to up the next morning and announce his and sisters and neighbors as we want to universal health coverage, and I fought resignation. be treated when it comes to health care to include all of the people who live in As I said last week, it must be hard and access to health care and access to this country in the Affordable Care for a decent man like Speaker BOEHNER health insurance is in our own self-in- Act, but they were written out. As it to be head of a new know-nothing terest as well. stands right now, undocumented immi- party of increasingly extreme measures That is why I am introducing the Ex- grants are not subject to the individual to cut health care for women and to change Inclusion for a Healthy Amer- mandate and cannot buy into the

b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Sep 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE7.000 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6710 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 health insurance exchanges, even if and respect. School organizations such some, particularly those that build and they use their own money. as National Honor Society, student operate in the United States, they do My legislation will change that. It council, and the school’s Inspire group pay that statutory rate and it is a says that we stand for inclusion. It are intended to boost student perform- problem and it is unfair. says that we understand the principle ance in the classroom and highlight There is also still the incentive for that, if you are here, if you are work- their service in the community. some to park more money overseas. ing and caring for your family and con- I know that the administrators for Most of us think that it is going to re- tributing to society, you should be both the Youngsville and North East quire revenue to buy down the cor- healthy. Not only that, but your health High Schools have worked for many porate rate, to reform it, and repatri- and your protection from diseases, in- months toward this goal. I congratu- ated dollars would be a source to adjust juries, and preventable illnesses im- late them, their students, and teachers that in a way that doesn’t make the pacts my health care and the health on this major accomplishment. deficit much, much worse. There is also a problem of competi- care of my family. f As a nation, we all benefit when we tiveness. Some organizations actually spread the risk, invite younger, TAX REFORM AND have offshore operations to be closer to healthier workers to join our ex- INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING their markets. If you are going to sell changes, reduce the costs of compen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The in China, for instance, it makes sense sating hospitals for caring for the unin- Chair recognizes the gentleman from perhaps to manufacture it there rather than ship it halfway around the world sured, and reducing the number of un- Oregon (Mr. BLUMENAUER) for 5 minutes. with all the complexity and expense. insured who live and work here. I have been meeting with a wide vari- Doing unto others as you would have Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, Politico yesterday had a fascinating ety of corporate tax officers who ask them do unto you means moving for- the question about equity. Why should story about CHUCK SCHUMER, widely ex- ward with no restrictions on which they with their overseas operations pected to become the next Democratic brother and sister and neighbor we pay for domestic infrastructure that leader in the Senate, in talks with Re- think of as eligible or deserving or is, everybody benefits from? That is a publican leaders in the House and Sen- in fact, considered my neighbor, my great question. sister or my brother. ate about a major tax and infrastruc- This has the potential of actually My party and the vast majority of ture deal. costing the Treasury more in the long my country understands that getting It would give a lower tax rate on run, making it harder to have an equi- immigrants on the books and into the hundreds of billions of dollars parked table adjustment in corporate tax re- system and integrating them into to- overseas by international corporations form, and shift the burden that should day’s American society should be the and use the tax on those proceeds to fi- be paid by all American users instead goal, just as we have done with every nance a more robust 6-year transpor- concentrated on a small portion of other group of immigrants throughout tation bill. What is not to like? American taxpayers on their overseas our history. My legislation, the Ex- I have been working tirelessly for us operation. They ask where is the eq- change Inclusion for a Healthy Amer- to be able to finance America’s failing uity, and it is hard to see. ica Act, is a step in that direction. infrastructure, having introduced the That is why we have the basic prin- f first gas tax increase on the Federal ciple of a user fee: People use a service level in 22 years. I have been working and they pay for it. The gas tax for NORTH EAST BLUE RIBBON with stakeholders, like the U.S. Cham- decades has served that purpose since The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ber of Commerce, organized labor, it was first introduced in my home Chair recognizes the gentleman from truckers, AAA, contractors, transit, State of Oregon in 1919 for road con- Pennsylvania (Mr. THOMPSON) for 5 the whole array of people who build, struction. It is still the simplest, most minutes. operate, use, and rely upon American direct, most fair, easiest to administer, Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. infrastructure. and would enable us to solve this prob- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend I am sympathetic to getting this job lem in a matter of months. two schools in my district that were done. America is falling apart while we Unfortunately, the path we are on is named this week as National Blue Rib- are falling behind. It doesn’t work to very uncertain as well as unfair. We bon Schools for 2015. try to pay for 2015 infrastructure with are going to have the 35th short-term The National Blue Ribbon Schools 1993 dollars. extension of the highway trust fund program was started by the United The simple answer that Ronald next month. No country has become States Department of Education in 1982 Reagan successfully championed as great building its infrastructure 10 and recognizes overall academic excel- President was raising the gas tax, in months at a time. lence or the success of the schools in his case, 125 percent. It is taking hold The answer is not an elaborate deal closing achievement gaps in their stu- around the country as even very red that is being discussed which makes it dent population. Republican States—six already this less likely we solve the problems. Why Youngsville High School in Warren year—have raised their gas taxes, and don’t we just deal with it directly, put County and North East High School in our legislation in Congress is gaining hundreds of thousands of people to Erie County both received this honor. more attention as people understand work at family-wage jobs, actually re- They are among less than 20 schools in that this is the best way forward to duce the deficit, increase the economy, the State of Pennsylvania to be recog- solve the problem. and strengthen the quality of life in nized, which is quite an accomplish- What is wrong with the deal that is communities large and small all across America. ment when you consider the many hun- being examined by Senator SCHUMER? Let’s not engage in gimmickry. Let’s Well, first of all, the path towards dreds of schools in Pennsylvania’s 500 rebuild and renew America. school districts. Overall, 285 public international tax reform is very com- schools across the Nation received this plex and rocky, with many competing f honor. interests. No one disputes that the HONORING SPECIALIST KYLE For Youngsville High School, this patchwork of our corporate tax system GILBERT honor is many years in the making. that we have currently is unfair to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The school has greatly improved its some and produces distorted results. Chair recognizes the gentleman from test scores and is using the collabora- We have the highest stated statutory Georgia (Mr. HICE) for 5 minutes. tion of teachers, students, and staff, corporate tax rate in the world. But, Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. along with community members, to for many corporations, that is not so Speaker, I rise today to commemorate make sure its academic success con- much of a problem because they have the life and legacy of U.S. Army Spe- tinues to grow. been working to carve out their own cialist Kyle Gilbert. In Erie County, administrators at the exemptions and loopholes so that what Specialist Gilbert was recently killed North East High School say that their the average that corporations pays is in Afghanistan while serving our Na- learning model is built on heart, trust, much less than the stated rate. But, for tion just days before his 25th birthday.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:06 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.002 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6711 Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my care for women. We should not be roll- While in office, Branden worked hard most sincere and heartfelt condolences ing back women’s rights and cutting to improve Minnesota’s schools, econ- to Kyle’s family and to let them know access to lifesaving cancer and pre- omy, and budget, all while being part that I and we have them in our ventative health screenings for women, of a growing family that now includes thoughts and our prayers. men, and youth across the country. three little ones at home. It has been Kyle is survived by many loving fam- As a mother, a daughter, and a Mem- wonderful to see Branden’s dedication ily members and friends, including his ber of Congress, I understand the value over the past 5 years, and I believe that mother and stepfather, Ceann and of increasing access to health care for the people of his district are so lucky Clyde Tate; father and stepmother, women; and that is why I am proud to to have benefited from his service. Ralph and Sandra Gilbert; sisters, introduce the 21st Century Women’s Branden’s leadership will be truly Sasha Ashley and Becky Bailey; broth- Health Act, with my colleagues Con- missed, but I have no doubt that he er, Myles Gilbert; as well as his grand- gresswoman BARBARA LEE, Congress- will find success and happiness in his mother, Jean Ann Carrington; his step- woman DIANA DEGETTE, and with our future endeavors. brother, Chris Manning; as well as a leadership of our ally in the Senate, Enjoy your time with your family, host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, Senator PATTY MURRAY from Wash- Senator. You deserve it. cousins, and friends. ington. MANUFACTURING DAY 2015 Mr. Speaker, Kyle was born in This comprehensive bill will increase Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Lawrenceville, Georgia, and graduated access to preventative health services Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Man- from Mill Creek High School in 2009 and contraception for low-income ufacturing Day and the importance of and in 2013 joined the United States women, and it will help women report Minnesota’s manufacturing industry. Army. He was a 10th Mountain Division instances of inappropriate charges for Manufacturing is one of the main soldier with the 2nd Battalion, the 14th birth control, a problem that affects drivers of the economy in my district Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Com- too many women across the country. It and my State. Manufacturers generate bat Team. will also expand the primary care billions of dollars in revenue for my Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to share workforce and ensure that survivors of State each year, making them a key with you that Specialist Gilbert re- sexual assault are provided with free pillar of Minnesota’s economy. Minnesota is home to an impressive ceived the Army Commendation Medal, emergency contraception and compas- 292,000 manufacturing jobs, and the the Army Achievement Medal, the Na- sionate care. State’s manufacturing industry has the tional Defense Service Medal, the Glob- I want my daughter and every woman second largest payroll of any business in this country to live in a place where al War on Terrorism Service Medal, the sector. Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the they have access to affordable Minnesotans are hardworking people, Army Service Ribbon. Additionally, healthcare providers like Planned Par- and they deserve the best that life has Mr. Speaker, Kyle received the Bronze enthood, a full range of reproductive to offer. They deserve a strong State Star, the Army Good Conduct Medal, choices, and, most importantly, the economy, which allows for individual and the NATO Medal. ability to make their own healthcare growth, prosperity, and the pursuit of decisions. b 1015 happiness. That is why I will continue Colleagues, I grew up before Roe v. to emphasize the importance of manu- Though I did not have the privilege Wade, and I know what our country of meeting Kyle personally, I would facturing-friendly policies for as long looks like when women don’t have ac- as I serve in Congress. like to use this opportunity to sin- cess to a full range of reproductive I am proud to support Manufacturing cerely thank him for his incredible healthcare options. We know that if Day in our country, but I want to make service to the State of Georgia and to abortion is restricted, it does not go it clear that every day is Manufac- our Nation. away. turing Day in Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, it has been relayed to Let us not return to a time when HAL BECKER, A SERVANT TO DELANO me that Specialist Gilbert’s deepest women had to seek care in the shadows Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. dream was to serve our Nation in the or the back alleys. Let us come to- Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hal military, and I thank him for his in- gether to prevent unwanted preg- Becker for his tireless service to the credible service and sacrifice so that so nancies, and let us champion our city of Delano and to wish him luck in many others can share the American march forward toward a more equal so- his upcoming retirement. Dream. Kyle leaves a legacy of service, ciety with the introduction of the 21st Hal graduated from the University of dedication, and kindness that will be Century Women’s Health Act. Minnesota in 1977 with a degree in sorely missed. I urge my colleagues to join me as mathematics. Not long after com- Mr. Speaker, I humbly ask that you cosponsors, and I look forward to work- pleting his education, Hal began to join me in praying for Specialist Gil- ing toward the passage of this impor- work at Delano Municipal Utilities and bert’s family during this time of their tant bill. served as the general manager there for bereavement. f 30 years. He was the perfect candidate f THANK YOU STATE SENATOR for this position, as he also graduated 21ST CENTURY WOMEN’S HEALTH BRANDEN PETERSEN from the St. Paul Public Schools elec- ACT tricity course, holds an electrician’s li- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The cense and a water supply system oper- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from ator license. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Mr. EMMER) for 5 minutes. Hal has done an outstanding job over Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI) for 5 minutes. Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. the past 30 years, which is proven by Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, today I Speaker, I rise today to honor State the recognition he has received for his introduce the 21st Century Women’s Senator Branden Petersen of Andover work. In 2013, he was the recipient of Health Act to increase access to repro- for his public service. Branden was the impressive American Public Power ductive health care and to provide elected to the Minnesota House in 2010 Association’s Larry Hobart Seven Hats compassionate care to survivors of sex- at the young age of 24 and then re- Award. ual assault. elected to serve his constituents, but Hal has been a great neighbor and Funding for the government runs out this time in the Minnesota Senate in member of our Delano community and, in a matter of hours. Rather than 2012. Recently, Branden resigned to above all, our friend. crafting a bipartisan solution on the spend more time with his young fam- Hal, your shoes will be tough to fill, Nation’s budget, House leadership has ily. His leadership in the Minnesota and we will all miss your service. I been focusing on denying women their Legislature will be sorely missed. wish you a peaceful and happy retire- right to make their own healthcare de- Branden represents portions of my ment. cisions. district, and I have been honored to MARCO, INC., OF ST. CLOUD, MINNESOTA This is 2015. We should be doing all work with him and to know him. He is Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. we can to increase access to health a man of great character and principle. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Sep 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.004 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6712 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 Marco, Inc., of St. Cloud, Minnesota, York City, Mr. Jones started OIC of impact in his community, in his State, for making Fortune’s list of best small- Wilson, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organiza- and in his country. and medium-sized companies to work tion, with the goal of helping to em- f for. power individuals to find employment RUSSIA’S ATTACK ON SYRIA Marco has an incredible story and is opportunities. proof that the American Dream is alive Wilson OIC, as we call it, provides The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and well. What began as a small type- services to disadvantaged youth and Chair recognizes the gentleman from writer shop in St. Cloud quickly adults, including prevocational train- Illinois (Mr. KINZINGER) for 5 minutes. evolved into one of the top technology ing, employment readiness and referral Mr. KINZINGER of Illinois. Mr. providers in the country, with offices services, health educational programs, Speaker, I had no intention of coming located throughout the Midwest. and programs to help dislocated work- to the floor and actually speaking this However, what truly stands out ers transition to new careers. morning—I have a committee hearing, about Marco is that they are one of the Remarkably, Mr. Jones began OIC in fact—until I saw the news. first companies to create an employee with little more than his faith in God Now, let me paint a picture just stock ownership plan, and they are and an unshakeable resolve and stead- briefly. Every day there are men, among the few companies in this coun- fast dedication that it could be done. women, and children that live in a na- try to be 100 percent employee owned. He had no funding. He had no staff tion called Syria that wonder if the I truly commend Marco, Inc., for un- when he started except volunteers. next barrel bomb is going to come and derstanding that employees are the Over the years, Wilson OIC has ex- drop in their neighborhood. Now, this heart and soul of every company and panded to employ 35 workers and place isn’t a barrel bomb targeted, by the that they must be taken care of and re- more than 200 citizens per year in jobs. way, at any real opposition. It is tar- warded. Your quick rise and large suc- Importantly, Wilson OIC adapts the geted at inflicting the maximum cess is undoubtedly due to the way you services and training they provide amount of pain on innocent civilians so treat your employees and your positive through our changing world and assists that a brutal dictator by the name of work environment. I am proud to rec- clients in acquiring the skills needed Bashar al-Assad can ruthlessly, heart- ognize you here today. to compete in the 21st century econ- lessly keep power for himself in a coun- f omy. try that does not want him. NORTH CAROLINA OPPORTUNITIES For 10 years, I had the honor of serv- We know that Bashar al-Assad used INDUSTRIALIZATION CENTER ing as board chair for Wilson OIC and chemical weapons against his own peo- was involved in helping to secure its The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ple. Young kids were choking and gasp- present site, which was an abandoned Chair recognizes the gentleman from ing for air, knowing that this was their elementary school in the city. last breath and knowing that their North Carolina (Mr. BUTTERFIELD) for 5 In addition, Mr. Speaker, to Mr. minutes. dreams of becoming a doctor, a police Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I Jones’ work with OIC, he has been a officer, maybe a teacher was cut short rise today to recognize a great Amer- leader among OICs nationally and by this ruthless, heartless man, Bashar ican, Howard Curtis Jones, a con- internationally. He was a personal al-Assad. stituent and dear friend who is the friend and confidant of the national You know, Mr. Speaker, the Presi- founder and president of the Wilson, founder, the Reverend Dr. Leon Howard dent said a few years ago, almost divi- North Carolina, Opportunities Indus- Sullivan, who must be remembered as sively, that the opposition to Bashar trialization Center. the first African American to serve on al-Assad is just a bunch of doctors, This past Monday, September 29, Mr. the board of directors for General Mo- lawyers, and pharmacists, as if that Jones was presented with the Out- tors and the author of the Sullivan were a bad thing. principles, which led to the disman- standing Rural Leader of the Year b 1030 award at an auspicious occasion in Ra- tling of South Africa’s system of apart- leigh, North Carolina, the highest heid. I believe that a bunch of doctors, award bestowed by the North Carolina Mr. Speaker, Howard Jones has re- lawyers, and pharmacists in charge of Rural Center and the Rural Economic ceived more than 100 awards during his Syria today would be a very good Development organization. career: in 1987, he received the Gov- thing. Mr. Speaker, about 2 weeks ago This recognition could not be award- ernor’s Award for Outstanding Volun- I stood in this Chamber and gave just a ed to a more deserving individual. Mr. teer Service; in 1987, he was recognized 1-minute address and said: Let me be Jones has long been an inspiration to at the national level with the Thomas clear. There is one reason and one rea- many with his compassion and work. I Jefferson Award; in 1997, President son only that Russia finds itself in the am honored to call Howard Jones my Clinton presented Mr. Jones with the Middle East and one reason and one friend of more than 45 years. Lifetime Achievement Jefferson reason only that Russia finds itself in The Rural Leader award recognizes Award; and in 2009, he received the Syria, and that one reason is to prop up an individual who demonstrates re- First Community Stellar Award by this brutal dictator Bashar al-Assad. markable commitment to improving Success Dynamics. The list goes on and Now, let me remind people that ISIS the way of life in rural North Carolina on. would not exist in Syria had it not by enhancing the community and posi- Finally, Howard Jones and Wilson been for Bashar al-Assad brutally tively impacting the quality of life for OIC, four times each year, distribute cracking down on the opposition, the its residents. thousands of pounds of food to low-in- peaceful opposition of his own people, Mr. Jones has been helping people come families in the community. When but today we see that ISIS calls Syria from Wilson and surrounding commu- they conduct their food distribution home and we find ourselves engaged— nities for more than 40 years. He has program, hundreds of citizens literally albeit halfheartedly—in a war against earned this recognition through decline up through the night to receive ISIS because of this brutal dictator ades of hard work and community in- these commodities. Howard Jones, Mr. Bashar al-Assad. I stood in this Cham- volvement. Speaker, is an icon in our community. ber and warned that the reason Russia Born in Sims, North Carolina, during Howard has been married to his wife, is there is to prop him up. the Depression in 1933 as one of 16 chil- Sylvia Neal Jones, for many years. He Now, I told you that this morning I dren, Howard has spent the majority of is the father of five adult children and had no intention of coming onto the his life trying to empower disadvan- seven grandchildren. floor, Mr. Speaker, except this morning taged populations in rural eastern Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to I saw the news that Russia has begun North Carolina. He motivates them to join me in congratulating Howard Cur- airstrikes in the Middle East. Now, if reach their full potential by teaching tis Jones on being selected as Out- they were striking against ISIS, some vocational skills and helping them se- standing Rural Leader of the Year. He could maybe argue that, hey, this is an cure gainful employment. is most deserving of this honor. Mr. opportunity to unite a world coalition. In 1972, after returning to his home Jones is an example of how a single in- But it appears that, actually, the Rus- community from employment in New dividual can make an immense positive sians have struck the doctors, lawyers,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Sep 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.006 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6713 and pharmacists that are the loyal op- Instead of doing the job the Amer- nore obstructionist demands, we can position for a free Syria against Bashar ican people sent us here to do, we are get back to passing budgets under regal-Assad. celebrating that maybe we have found ular order, not a partisan budget that This is not a Russia interested in de- a way to keep the government open for fails to address the sequester, not a CR feating ISIS for the sake of the peace 2 months—2 months. That is what we that operates to keep agencies from of the world. This is a Russia inter- consider a bipartisan victory these planning more than 2 months out, and ested in rebuilding the Soviet empire days. Now, we may prevent a shutdown definitely not the threat of another and propping up their dictators in the today, but let’s be clear. Doing the shutdown. Middle East, regardless of that dictator bare minimum to keep the government My hope is with the new Republican having killed a quarter million of his from closing is not responsible. It is leadership will come a renewed effort own people. This is not a choice be- hardly governing at all. to bring back long-term budgeting tween Bashar al-Assad or ISIS. Mr. The American people sent us here to under regular order. That is the kind of Speaker, to defeat ISIS, you must de- take on the big issues and to get things responsible government the American feat Bashar al-Assad. The two choices done. They want us to fight for infra- people expect of us. That is the kind of are not separate. They are one and the structure, for education, for jobs, not responsible governing that the Amer- same. just to keep the lights on. We are let- ican people deserve. Sometimes in my party’s Presi- ting partisan games get in the way of f dential debate I hear candidates, one or governing, and it is not only hurting our government, it is hurting our con- PROTECTING PRIVATE PROPERTY two in particular, that say Assad is our RIGHTS best choice in the Middle East. Mr. stituents. Speaker, if you would allow me, as a Unreliable, unpredictable short-term The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Christian, to say, as a follower of Jesus funding prevents the government from Chair recognizes the gentleman from myself, no Jesus Christ I follow would operating effectively and efficiently, New York (Mr. REED) for 5 minutes. Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I have come call a man who brutally murders and it costs taxpayers money. We are to this floor numerous times to stand 250,000, at least, of his own people, es- short-term funding, and we are ignor- for a priority that I have committed pecially women and children—no ing changes in our policy priorities and myself to here as a Member of this Christ I follow would call that man an restricting agencies from shifting dol- Congress, and that is to stand up for in- ally or a friend in any way. lars around to meet emerging chal- dividuals and protect the private prop- This is not a choice that is just one lenges. erty rights that our fellow American layer deep. This is a complicated situa- Defense officials recently warned citizens enjoy in owning their prop- tion in the Middle East that must be that forcing the Pentagon to operate on a short-term CR would hurt our na- erties, their homes, their family farms, handled with American leadership. Mr. tional security by restricting our abil- and their other property that they Speaker, I hope that the President sees ity to respond to new threats. More- have worked tirelessly to obtain. this as an opportunity to reassert over, a CR severely limits the govern- I care about defending the constitu- America’s role in the Middle East. It ment’s ability to plan ahead or start tional rights given to all Americans doesn’t mean he has to send 300,000 new projects. That is because there is and the generations that will follow us troops back into the Middle East. Not no guarantee the money will be there in the future. I fundamentally believe, a single person I have heard on either in 2 months. Mr. Speaker, the American citizens’ side of the aisle has suggested even How do agencies manage this uncer- land is their land; it is not our govern- once another 300,000 troops in the Mid- tainty? By freezing hiring and training, ment’s. dle East. shortening terms for grants and con- Every day, Mr. Speaker, I am getting What is being suggested is that, in tracts, forgoing maintenance, and de- more and more input in our office the absence of American leadership, laying scheduled pay raises. In addi- about examples of Big Government chaos, violence, death, and poverty fol- tion, agencies have to waste countless taking people’s property without just low suit. What we are seeing in the resources preparing for contingency compensation and abusing the power of Middle East is a lack of American lead- plans for shutdowns that may or may eminent domain. I have heard of family ership and a situation spun out of con- not happen. farms. I have heard of homes. I have trol. Republicans like to talk about run- heard of rights that have been Mr. Speaker, I know George W. Bush ning government more like a business. squashed time and time by Big Govern- has taken his licks for his policy in the Is this how they would run a business? ment. Middle East, but at the end of the What successful business budgets 2 And individuals have nowhere to go. George W. Bush administration, if you months at a time? They essentially have two choices, ei- looked at the Middle East then com- What we need and what Democrats ther roll over, submit to the govern- pared to the Middle East today, it is no have been demanding is for Repub- ment and take what the government comparison. licans to sit down with us and craft a gives them or they try to fight and Mr. Speaker, I hope I wake up tomor- long-term, bipartisan budget so we can they use up their own precious re- row and hear on the news that Presi- finally get rid of the harmful, across- sources while they fight a Big Govern- dent Obama has said that America will the-board spending cuts of sequestra- ment that seems to have endless reassert its leadership in the Middle tion so we can reprioritize and restore amounts of resources and time, Mr. East, but I won’t hold my breath. funding in areas like education, R&D, Speaker, on their side. f infrastructure, and national security in I want to put this in a personal per- a fiscally responsible way so we can spective for my fellow Members and THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE plan for the future. American citizens. This gentleman is a RESPONSIBLE GOVERNING The best way to do that is to return gentleman by the name of Charlie The SPEAKER pro tempore. The to regular order. That means offering Birnbaum of Atlantic City, New Jer- Chair recognizes the gentleman from pro-growth budget resolutions that ad- sey. Mr. Birnbaum is the son of immi- Illinois (Mr. QUIGLEY) for 5 minutes. dress our long-term fiscal challenges in grants who came to America after sur- Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, Senate a responsible way. No partisan aus- viving the brutality of the Holocaust. Majority Leader MITCH MCCONNELL has terity plans that keep the indiscrimi- His parents bought a home, raised a described the Republican House and nate and harmful sequestration in family, and passed that home on to Senate as a ‘‘responsible right-of-cen- place. It also means bringing appro- Charlie. They lived and are living the ter governing majority.’’ But how re- priation bills to the floor free of ideo- American Dream. sponsible is it that we are about to logical policy riders. There is a time Mr. Speaker, this is that home. This start a new fiscal year with no plan for and place to debate controversial is something where they have raised how to fund our government? We are issues. That is why we have author- their family, enjoyed family memories, hours away from a shutdown, and Con- izing committees. and where Mr. Birnbaum is living the gress has yet to even begin budget ne- I am confident that, as long as we American Dream and providing re- gotiations. can put partisan politics aside and ig- sources by teaching piano lessons out

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Sep 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.008 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6714 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 of this home and renting portions of it JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF IRANIAN the U.N. General Assembly, and his to tenants to make ends meet. TERRORISM ACT speech will be nothing more than polit- Since early 2014, the Casino Reinvest- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ical theater. ment Development Authority of New Chair recognizes the gentleman from In his speech later today, Abu Mazen Jersey wants to take this home and California (Mr. DENHAM) for 5 minutes. will surely continue his ploy to achieve give it to an unknown entity. They Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise unilateral statehood recognition from don’t even have a plan to redevelop today in support of H.R. 3457, the Jus- sympathetic states and U.N. entities this home. They just want his prop- tice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism that are dominated by anti-Israel bias, erty. That is not right, Mr. Speaker. Act. Iran currently owes $43.5 billion to like the Human Rights Council. What a That is not the American way of life. victims of state-sponsored terrorism. misnomer. And, of course, he will That is not the American Government Hundreds of Americans have personally blame Israel for not being able to that I am going to allow to abuse this felt the impact of Iranian terrorism. In achieve peace, when it is Abu Mazen man’s precious home. the last 30 years, Americans studying who repeatedly has rebuffed overtures The solution is something that I have abroad, teaching or traveling through from Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu put together. The Defense of Property the Middle East have been taken hos- to return to the table to discuss a mu- Rights Act is a piece of legislation that tage, killed in suicide bombings and tually agreeable resolution. has come out of the Property Rights gunned down by members of the Is- Mr. Speaker, we have seen over the Caucus, working with my fellow Mem- lamic jihad. past several years—a sight unseemly bers from Maine to Alabama, to Cali- The damages owed have been pre- and unbecoming—the administration fornia, to stand up for private prop- viously awarded by U.S. courts under publicly admonish and insult our ally erties in America. Federal law, and the judgments remain Israel and its leaders, applying a false I introduced the legislation in Janu- unsatisfied by the Islamic Republic of moral equivalency between Israel and ary. The Defense of Property Rights Iran. Under the President’s Iran deal, the Palestinians; yet when it comes to Act would stand with people like Char- sanctions on Iran will be lifted, and an Abu Mazen’s intransigence or Pales- lie and say: What America and the Big estimated $150 billion in assets will be tinian incitement, the Obama adminis- Government mentality of today is released to them, and not one single tration remains reserved in its con- doing is wrong, and there are Members cent will be used to pay the debts owed demnation, if it feigns the appearance in Washington, D.C. who are joining us to the victims of Iranian-sponsored ter- of disapproval at all. in the fight to say no more. We will rorism. For peace, Abu Mazen must recognize force through that legislation account- Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, ability. We will make sure that govern- b 1045 must renounce the use of violence and ment thinks about what it is doing be- H.R. 3457 holds Iran accountable to put an end to the repeated rocket at- fore it destroys Charlie’s American the victims of its terrorism by ensur- tacks and acts of terror, and must sit Dream and the Charlies across the ing that not one cent of sanction relief down with Israel to be an earnest part- country. Because, if it can happen to goes to Iran until the victims are paid. ner for peace. Charlie, Mr. Speaker, it can happen to I am a proud cosponsor of Mr. MEE- Abu Mazen, who is currently in his anyone. HAN’s legislation, and I urge my col- 10th year of a 5-year term as the leader On my watch in Congress, I will do leagues to do the same. of the Palestinian Authority, is only whatever I can to stand with those fel- f interested in self-preservation and self- interest. The onus lies with Abu Mazen low American citizens and say: We are UNWAVERING BOND WITH ISRAEL not going to let this happen. and the Palestinian Authority to live The SPEAKER pro tempore. The up to their obligations and previous f Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from diplomatic agreements. If and when it Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) for 5 min- doesn’t—for surely, I know that they HONORING FRED SIMON utes. won’t—the U.S. must be ready to cut The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, off financial assistance to the Palestin- Chair recognizes the gentleman from this morning, the United Nations will ians. Nebraska (Mr. ASHFORD) for 5 minutes. take yet another action that only We must see that our assistance is Mr. ASHFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise serves to further undermine the pros- used as leverage to ensure that the Pal- today to honor a dear friend who has pects for peace between Israelis and estinians honor their commitments not only left his mark on a nationally Palestinians and underscores the and negotiate a peaceful two-state so- recognized Omaha business, but also on lengths to which the United Nations lution directly with Israel without any the city itself. Fred Simon joined the and many of its member states will go preconditions. We must also veto any family business Omaha Steaks back in in order to wrongly isolate and attempts by the Palestinians to bring 1959, helping to make it the household delegitimize the democratic Jewish another resolution to the U.N. Security name and success story it is today. State of Israel. Council to advance their illegal unilat- But the memory of Fred Simon goes By raising the Palestinian flag for eral statehood scheme and must make beyond the bottom line. Through his the first time ever at the U.N., that Abu Mazen pay for the consequences of love of the arts, he spent many years body is allowing Palestinians to con- these destructive actions. helping propel the city of Omaha into a tinue with their scheme to achieve uni- The Obama administration will offer world-class community. Art lovers in lateral statehood without having to platitudes, and the administration offi- Omaha have long recognized the role honor their obligations to reach a cials will say that no other President Fred played in elevating the city’s cul- peaceful settlement through direct ne- has done more for Israel’s security. But tural stature. It has been said that he gotiations with Israel. I caution that it isn’t what the admin- knew that great cities need great art. While addressing the U.N. General istration or the President says regard- With that goal in mind, Fred helped Assembly this week, President Obama ing Israel; it is what they don’t say bring a full-time professional opera had an opportunity to denounce this that we should also be paying atten- company to Omaha, and he didn’t stop latest stunt and press for the United tion to. That is why the President’s si- there. Nations to abandon its course of action lence on Israel and the Palestinians at Serving as Opera Omaha’s board and return to the principles of its own the U.N. General Assembly this week is president, financially backing and at- diplomatic agreements with regard to all too telling, and that is why it is up tending the opera for more than four resolving the peace process; yet, as to us in Congress to do what we can to decades, Fred once said that he was usual, the President remained silent. support Israel, to support the Jewish sensitive to the meaning of words and That silence speaks volumes about the state’s right to exist and its right to the power of music. Fred, you will cer- administration’s policy toward Israel, defend herself, and to use the leverage tainly be missed on many levels. our closest friend and ally, and it will we have. Omaha thanks you for a life that has surely only serve to embolden Abu Ladies and gentlemen, nearly $10 bil- indeed been well lived. Mazen. Today, Abu Mazen will address lion in U.S. taxpayer dollars, your

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Sep 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.009 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6715 money, is being sent to the U.N. We It is time to abandon this failed train displaced more than 6.5 million people must use that leverage at the U.N. to and equip program. into places like Jordan and Turkey— hold those entities accountable and to The reality is just as bleak on the on- and now, in Europe and elsewhere fight back this fraudulent unilateral line battlefield. ISIS has 30,000 to 40,000 around the world. statehood scheme and these efforts to social media accounts. It uses the Sadly, it appears that the efforts delegitimize Israel. Internet to spread propaganda, raise that we have made, which my friend We need to make every effort we can money, and find recruits as far away as from Texas referred to, have been inef- to signal to the world that our commit- Washington State. fectual, to put it mildly, and the situa- ment is an unbreakable bond between In 2011, the administration promised tion grows worse. We watch now the the U.S. and the democratic Jewish a strategy to combat terrorist use of Russians introducing military equip- state and that that bond is unwavering. social media. Four years later, we still ment into Syria, something that can f haven’t seen that plan. No plan, no de- only result in more violence, more grading ISIS, no defeating ISIS. death, and more refugees. We see, ARE WE IN OR OUT IN The intel given to the administration sadly—and I have watched this closely ELIMINATING ISIS? has also been doctored to cover up how from my perch on the House Perma- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The badly the war against ISIS is going. nent Select Committee on Intel- Chair recognizes the gentleman from Meanwhile, thousands of people are ligence—ISIS gaining in strength, not Texas (Mr. POE) for 5 minutes. fleeing the Middle East—flooding Eu- losing strength. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on rope and demanding entry into other There are lots of conversations to be September 10, 2014, President Obama Western nations because of the ISIS had about U.S. efforts to train and announced that the United States carnage and the chaos in Syria as well. equip the so-called Syrian moderates. would ‘‘degrade and ultimately de- In the face of our failure to destroy There are conversations to be had stroy’’ ISIS. ISIS has obviously not ISIS, we should be focusing on what we about how we deal with Russian influ- gotten the memo. This terrorist group can do better and how we can improve ence in the area. But something we keeps moving across the Middle East, our strategy without using U.S. ground must focus on now, and something that killing those who stand in its way by troops. is the subject of a letter that I and 54 raping, pillaging, and murdering those ISIS’ advances in Syria translate of my colleagues have sent to the who disagree with them. ISIS controls into more direct threats to our na- President of the United States, is that half of Syria and large parts of Iraq. tional security and interests, both the only real solution in Syria, a solu- Civilized society is losing to these bar- abroad and at home. ISIS wants to de- tion that should be implemented today, barians. stroy the United States and everything is for the international community, all Despite the U.S. spending billions on we stand for. ISIS fears no one—cer- of the players that have a stake and in- a counterterrorism strategy, the ter- tainly not the United States—so it con- fluence in Syria, to come together rorist group’s numbers have not de- tinues to murder in the name of its today to begin the process of working creased. In fact, ISIS has grown in size, radical jihad. It has already killed in- out an international agreement, the with affiliates all over the world, innocent Americans. terms of which will undoubtedly be un- cluding Indonesia, Yemen, Egypt, and We need a strategy that protects comfortable for us, but an agreement even Libya. American people from this radical Is- that will bring an end to the civil war. A $3 billion U.S. airstrike campaign lamic threat. So what is the plan? Let This agreement should provide for the exit of Bashar al-Assad. He has lost all has been plagued with little measur- the Russians defeat ISIS and prop up credibility as a global leader, but he re- able successful results. From the very the butcher of Syria, Assad, and let mains there. beginning, military officials warned him remain in power? Who knows. The that airstrikes alone that relied on vir- Apart from ending the humanitarian current U.S. plan seems to be like the and moral crisis in Syria, that con- tually no human intelligence or on-the- war in Vietnam: don’t win, don’t lose. ground intelligence would not be suc- ference would allow us to finally align The American people need to know if behind an objective that I believe is cessful. Without good intelligence, the the U.S. is in or out in the fight number of airstrikes the U.S. has car- shared by pretty much everybody in against ISIS. If it is in the national se- the region, which is the destruction of ried out have been few, and the results curity interest of the United States to ISIS. are uncertain. degrade and defeat them, we need to Until we take this step of coming to- Also, ISIS fighters killed by our air- define the enemy and defeat them. gether around a table that, yes, will in- strikes are just replaced by other And that is just the way it is. volve some unsavory characters, that, jihadists. Our intelligence estimates f yes, will not lead to an agreement that that ISIS’ numbers are the same as SITUATION IN SYRIA we regard as perfect, until we do that, they were when our airstrikes began. we will simply be managing chaos. And In addition, the administration’s $500 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The maybe we will manage chaos well, but million train and equip program has Chair recognizes the gentleman from it will still be managing chaos: hun- proved to be a failure by anyone’s Connecticut (Mr. HIMES) for 5 minutes. dreds of thousands of refugees and the measure. In July, officials reported Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, I am not destabilization that that will cause, they had identified 7,000 planned par- generally in the habit of agreeing with more weaponry being introduced, more ticipants but only trained 60 of these my friend from Texas, but I do thank U.S. taxpayer dollars expended. mercenaries. Later that month, 54 him for posing some really challenging We can do that. That is what we have fighters crossed into Syria to fight questions about our activities in Syria. been doing. We can do it for more ISIS forces that numbered in the tens I think it is fair to say that the situ- months and more years. Or we can do of thousands. Of those 54 mercenaries, ation in Syria has gotten worse, not the obvious thing, which is get around virtually all were killed, captured, or better. And only now that the chaos in a table—and I do call on the President scattered when attacked. We are now Syria results in the flow of hundreds of of the United States to show American down to four or five U.S.-trained mer- thousands of people into Europe and leadership in this—and say we don’t cenaries, according to General Lloyd into surrounding and delicately con- leave the room until this moral trag- Austin of CENTCOM. structed countries, only now that we edy is stopped. Despite this failed policy, just last are having a conversation about how This is what it would mean to be a week, we sent a second group of 70 many Syrian refugees we will take in leader in the world. We can bomb. We U.S.-trained mercenaries into Syria. the United States are we beginning to can send military equipment. We do Just 1 day later, reports suggested that take notice of the moral tragedy that that a lot. Real leadership will involve one of the officers defected and surren- has been with Syria for many, many saying we will come together with peo- dered his arms to al Qaeda’s Syrian af- years. ple we like and people we don’t to solve filiate, and several truckloads of weap- The civil war in Syria has resulted in this problem. ons were allegedly traded to the ter- the deaths of more than 300,000 people. I call on this House to assist me and rorist group al-Nusra for safe passage. It has created 4 million refugees and others in the effort to make sure that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:41 Sep 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.010 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6716 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 this becomes a national priority so we on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER can finally bring this tragedy in the of the Journal. PRO TEMPORE Middle East to an end. The SPEAKER. The question is on The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. the Speaker’s approval of the Journal. f YODER). The Chair will entertain up to The question was taken; and the 15 further requests for 1-minute speech- MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE Speaker announced that the ayes ap- es on each side of the aisle. A message from the Senate by Ms. peared to have it. f Curtis, one of its clerks, announced Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I object that the Senate concurs in the House to the vote on the ground that a AN AMERICAN HERO of Representatives amendment to the quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not (Mr. STEWART asked and was given Senate amendment with an amend- permission to address the House for 1 ment to the bill (H.R. 719) ‘‘An Act to present. The SPEAKER. Pursuant to clause 8, minute and to revise and extend his re- require the Transportation Security rule XX, further proceedings on this marks.) Administration to conform to existing question will be postponed. Mr. STEWART. Mr. Speaker, I sit by Federal law and regulations regarding The point of no quorum is considered an American hero, my friend, SAM criminal investigator positions, and for withdrawn. JOHNSON, to recognize three American other purposes.’’. f heroes in my own hometown: a brave f police officer and two sisters, Bre and PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Kaylie Lasley. RECESS The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman Last week, a man broke into their The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- from Delaware (Mr. CARNEY) come for- house and began to viciously attack ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair ward and lead the House in the Pledge these two sisters with a knife. They de- declares the House in recess until noon of Allegiance. fended each other, they supported each today. Mr. CARNEY led the Pledge of Alle- other, and they fought for each other’s Accordingly (at 11 a.m.), the House giance as follows: lives. stood in recess. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the Fortunately, a police officer was in United States of America, and to the Repub- f the area and, when he heard their lic for which it stands, one nation under God, screams, he ran to the rescue. Just sec- b 1200 indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. onds before this intruder was expected f AFTER RECESS to take Bre’s life, this heroic police of- WELCOMING REVEREND WILLIAM ficer entered the scene and saved her. The recess having expired, the House VANDERBUSH Speaking of this officer, Bre said: was called to order by the Speaker at ‘‘Right when we made eye contact, I noon. The SPEAKER. Without objection, knew that I was safe. It’s a miracle the gentlewoman from South Dakota f that he had so much composure. He (Mrs. NOEM) is recognized for 1 minute. was our angel.’’ PRAYER There was no objection. Mrs. NOEM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today I am proud to serve in a country Reverend William Vanderbush, Ca- to thank Reverend Bill Vanderbush for where police officers put their lives on thedral of Praise, Austin, Texas, of- serving as guest chaplain of this body the line every single day to save us. I fered the following prayer: today. am proud to serve in a country where My gracious Heavenly Father, I When I was a little girl living on a we know that the country isn’t great stand in awe and gratitude at Your ranch in South Dakota, every Sunday because of the actions of the govern- goodness and Your grace for our Na- morning, my dad would load us up in a ment; it is great because of heroic and tion. big Oldsmobile four-door diesel car and courageous actions of individuals, I pray today that You would grant drive us the long way into town to which is why I would like to present our Congress, our Representatives, and church. And every Sunday morning he this police officer with my first Profile our President a spirit of wisdom and religiously would turn on the radio to of Courage award. revelation in the knowledge of You and KWAT, and we would listen to the f of Your love. sound of Henry Vanderbush’s voice fill Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, and MANUFACTURING DAY the car all the way to town. may You give them visions, dreams, My dad loved Henry Vanderbush. He (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given and new ideas that will shape the was proudly known as the ‘‘cow barn permission to address the House for 1 course of history for Your glory. preacher,’’ and he spoke to us every minute.) May they display in every decision single Sunday growing up. When I hear Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, this the States united and not divided. his voice today still, my eyes fill with Friday, October 2, is Manufacturing Jesus, let us be one with each other tears thinking of my dad and how Day, a day to celebrate the American just as we are one with You. much he loved him. manufacturing industry that has made I pray for their families, that You In a God-ordained meeting a few our country great and to highlight would bless them in their sacrifice and years ago, I had the opportunity to emerging opportunities in the field of service. I declare healing, grace, whole- meet Bill Vanderbush, his son, on an advanced manufacturing. ness, and peace for all of our Rep- airplane. They have prayed for me; My home State of Rhode Island is the resentatives and our Nation today. they have encouraged; they have lifted birthplace of the American industrial Let Your kingdom come, and let me up, and they have been wonderful revolution. It was in Pawtucket, Rhode Your will be done on Earth as it is in friends and prayer partners throughout Island, where Samuel Slater opened Heaven. that. our country’s first successful cotton In Jesus’ name, amen. I want to thank him for coming spinning factory that marked the be- f today and opening this House floor ginning of a new era in American inno- with prayer. vation. THE JOURNAL I ask God to continuously bless him From the textile mills in Woonsocket The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- and his ministry. They are working to to the shipyards in Newport, good-pay- ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- expand it, not only just to people in ing manufacturing jobs helped build a ceedings and announces to the House the country, but people in the city and thriving middle class in Rhode Island his approval thereof. people across the world. They carry a and all across our country. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- burden for people’s hearts in their Today, advanced manufacturing nal stands approved. souls, and I appreciate them and ask fields like 3–D printing, medical device Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, pursu- God to richly bless them and their fam- production, and renewable energy offer ant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote ily. the promise of new opportunities to a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:06 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.011 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6717 new generation of Rhode Island and in challenging me to do the right thing RURAL CALIFORNIA HARMED BY American workers. It is critical that and take on those in Congress who are OBAMACARE we seize these opportunities to help our getting in the way of progress. (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given country lead the world in manufac- Mr. Gilliam was a real leader and permission to address the House for 1 turing. great Delawarean whose legacy will minute and to revise and extend his re- Let’s honor the great manufacturing live on through those who continue to marks.) history of America by investing in poli- fight for fairness and equal opportunity Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, cies that create good-paying American for all Americans. ObamaCare is simply failing rural jobs. I urge my colleagues to stand up f America. A recent report showed that for commonsense policies that will en- rural residents are left with even high- able the American manufacturing in- HONORING HARRY WEBB er skyrocketing costs and even more dustry to lead the world. Let’s move (Mrs. WALORSKI asked and was barriers to care. forward in a bipartisan way with our given permission to address the House A knee replacement in northern Cali- Make It In America agenda. for 1 minute and to revise and extend fornia, for example, is $43,000, but the her remarks.) f price tag for that same service for a Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise GOLD STAR PARENTS knee replacement in Los Angeles is today to recognize a pharmacist in my $27,000. In addition, residents in north- (Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas asked district, Harry Webb, for his dedication ern California face a 7 percent increase, and was given permission to address to curbing the meth epidemic that has or a total of $384 a month or $4,600 a the House for 1 minute and to revise taken America by storm. year, under Covered California. and extend his remarks.) Meth has infected rural communities Our health industry needs competi- Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. across America, consuming working tion, the key to driving costs down and Speaker, this weekend was Gold Star class Americans who build meth labs in increasing options for quality care. Un- Mother’s Day, a day we set aside each rural areas using household products fortunately, the ACA has only discour- year to honor the women who have lost and ingredients. aged competition, especially in rural a child or a grandchild who was ac- Make no mistake, Indiana’s meth areas where more and more physicians tively serving in our great Nation’s problem is appalling. In 2013, the Hoo- and providers are closing up shop, cit- military. It is a time to honor their sier State had more meth incidents ing difficulties to operate under arbi- strength, will, and perseverance. It is than any other State in the U.S. trary regulations coming out of D.C. also a time to honor the memories of Harry and his team, the Citizen Ac- Mr. Speaker, rather than hindering their loved ones. tion Committee, are working to curb Freedom is not free. There is a cost, small business with red tape, let’s work meth production by partnering with and that cost is paid first by our vet- to advance policies that encourage local and State officials and phar- erans and their families. That is why I competition and location of doctors macies to reduce pseudoephedrine am glad this week the House also did and nurses coming to rural America; sales, the active ingredient in pro- something to honor America’s Gold and reward that innovation so we can ducing meth. They have taken the ini- Star Fathers with the Gold Star Fa- tackle the issues plaguing rural health tiative in marketing drug abuse resist- thers Act. This bill grants these men care, such as the staggering doctor and ant products to their customers. the same status as Gold Star Mothers, This is a critical issue for the whole nurse shortage and increasing pre- regardless of their eligibility for civil country, but I am grateful for Harry’s miums and barriers to timely care. service. dedication and work to reduce the f To all Gold Star parents, please know amount of meth labs in our commu- your Nation supports you and that we b 1215 nities. are grateful for the service and sac- CONGRESS NEEDS TO SIT DOWN Mr. Speaker, once again, join me in rifice of your loved ones. AT THE TABLE honoring Harry Webb for his meth lab f reduction program and his service to (Mr. KILMER asked and was given RECOGNIZING JIM GILLIAM, SR. our State. permission to address the House for 1 minute.) (Mr. CARNEY asked and was given f Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, it looks permission to address the House for 1 WEAR RED WEDNESDAY minute and to revise and extend his re- like Congress will narrowly avoid an- marks.) (Ms. WILSON of Florida asked and other costly and unnecessary shut- Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise was given permission to address the down. That is the good news. The bad today to recognize the life and work of House for 1 minute.) news is that Congress will have the Mr. Jim Gilliam, Sr. Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, same fight again just before the holi- Mr. Gilliam was one of Delaware’s today is Wear Red Wednesday to bring days start. most prominent leaders. He fought back our girls. All summer we have Why does this place keep playing the tirelessly for social justice, gave voice heard reports of Boko Haram’s atroc- same dysfunctional record over and to the voiceless, and created opportuni- ities. This summer of savagery and over? In my region, the last shutdown ties for generations of Delawareans. We brutality left us fearful for the fate of cost furloughs at our military installa- are unquestionably better off because Nigeria and the Chibok girls. tions; Olympic National Park closed its of the work to which Mr. Gilliam de- But with a change of the seasons doors, hurting local employers; tribes voted his life. comes renewed help. We have learned and social service providers and others Mr. Gilliam served our country as a of the reopening of public schools in faced painful disruptions of funding. I Buffalo Soldier in the U.S. Army. Borno State, the very region where the don’t want to see that happen again. Afterwards, he served Delaware in Chibok girls were kidnapped over 500 This place is spending a lot of time many capacities, from being a peace- days ago simply because they wanted and energy obsessing about who the maker after the assassination of Mar- an education. This reopening of schools next Speaker will be. That is one job. tin Luther King to the director of New gives us hope that, once the girls are We should be more concerned about the Castle County’s Department of Com- returned, they will receive the edu- thousands of jobs we need to grow and munity Development and Housing. cation Boko Haram tried to steal from keep not just in my region, but all I was privileged to work with Mr. them. There are also negotiations tak- around this country. Gilliam in New Castle County, and ing place for the release of the girls. Congress needs to end the since then, I have often sought and re- Until these precious girls are re- grandstanding and sit down at the spected Mr. Gilliam’s counsel. He never turned and Boko Haram is defeated, we table. Let’s hammer out a budget minced words or pulled punches when will wear red every Wednesday and we agreement that finally ends the across- giving you his opinion. will continue to tweet, tweet, tweet the-board sequestration cuts and fo- I joined Mr. Gilliam for lunch re- #bringbackourgirls. cuses on this Nation’s economy and its cently, and he was as engaged as ever Tweet, tweet, tweet #joinrepwilson. long-term growth.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.016 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6718 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 HONORING CHERYL THIBODEAU we face, but we can’t do it all by our- without changing our disastrous fiscal WITH THE FRIST HUMANITARIAN selves. We need a partner. Do your job. course, the CBO warns that our inter- AWARD f est costs will exceed our entire defense (Mr. GUINTA asked and was given budget in just 8 years. SPECIAL OPERATIONS permission to address the House for 1 For the first time in a decade, this APPRECIATION MONTH minute and to revise and extend his re- Congress has adopted a budget to remarks.) (Mr. ZINKE asked and was given per- store fiscal solvency. Having set that Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise mission to address the House for 1 course, we now must stay that course. today to recognize one of New Hamp- minute.) That is what the appropriations proc- shire’s leading citizens, Cheryl Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ess is all about. Thibodeau of Portsmouth Regional to honor October as Special Operations For months, Senate Democrats have Hospital. The hospital, serving the sea- Appreciation Month. The significance blocked consideration of any of the ap- coast region of my State, awarded of October dates back to the roots of propriations bills we have sent them Cheryl its 2015 Frist Humanitarian the first Special Forces service, aka unless we discard the budget and put Award for her service to the local com- the Devil’s Brigade. This unit, like oth- our country back on the road to bank- munity. ers—Scouts and Raiders, Rangers, and ruptcy. A nurse in the emergency ward, Naval Demolition Units—is where mod- Today we have reached the fiscal Cheryl is a consummate teammate to ern Special Operations Forces draw deadline. A temporary funding bill is her coworkers, frequently going above their roots. necessary to keep the government and beyond the call of duty. Outside We should also recognize the sac- open, and I would support it if the work, she donates her time as part of rifices of the families of these warriors. House and Senate leadership an- the Pease Greeters organization to wel- From my own experience, having nounced a timetable to complete our come home returning troops at Ports- served 23 years as a Navy SEAL and work and pledged to keep to that time- mouth airport. commander at SEAL Team 6, my wife, table. Without that announcement, a She is an active participant in Lola, was oftentimes both mom and fa- short-term CR simply continues us on Sarah’s Ride, a charity that raises ther. At one time during the war in an unsustainable course. money for the Portsmouth Firefighters Iraq, my wife, Lola, was at home with f Charitable Association. Also in her our two young boys while her husband, HUNGER TOUCHES EVERY spare time, Cheryl lends her medical daughter, and son-in-law were all for- COMMUNITY ward deployed. expertise and friendly bedside manner (Mr. DEUTCH asked and was given to others in need of home care and she Special Operations Appreciation Month is just as much about the heroes permission to address the House for 1 teaches New Hampshire’s young about minute and to revise and extend his re- the valuable profession she is engaged at home as it is the heroes abroad. I ask you today to please join me in sup- marks.) in. Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, this Sep- It seems that everyone has some- porting and recognizing October as Special Operations Appreciation tember Feeding America’s national thing positive to say about Cheryl and network of food banks and hunger ad- her efforts to make our State a better Month. May God bless America and the troops that defend her. vocates took part in Hunger Action place. I have seen up close what she Month, yet here in Congress, as Sep- and the fantastic doctors and nurses at f tember comes to an end, I am not sure Portsmouth Regional Hospital do and that Hunger Action Month ever began. could not be prouder of her work. DO THE BUSINESS OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE Nearly 49 million Americans, including f over 15 million children, live in food-in- (Mr. JEFFRIES asked and was given secure households. That is shameful. DO YOUR JOB permission to address the House for 1 Hunger touches every community— (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given minute and to revise and extend his re- every community. In my own Florida permission to address the House for 1 marks.) district in Palm Beach and Broward minute.) Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Speaker, from Counties, about 15 percent of house- Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, the Re- the moment that House Republicans holds are food-insecure. That is nearly publicans have brought us again to the came to power, the majority has failed half a million people who don’t know brink of another government shut- to do its job. They have consistently where their next meal will come from. down. Here we are, the last day of the abdicated their responsibility to gov- Thankfully, the generosity of our fiscal year, and what we have before us ern. They have consistently taken the community and the work of groups like today is a temporary, 2-month budget American people on reckless legislative Feeding South Florida help keep hun- to keep the government open, basically joyrides guaranteed to crash and burn. gry families fed, but those with the kicking the can down the road, failing As former New York Knick Michael greatest power to end hunger are right to take up the priorities of the Amer- Ray Richardson once famously ob- here in the United States Congress. As ican people, failing to bring any kind of served as his team’s season was headed Pope Francis said to this Chamber just a jobs plan, any kind of a plan to fix in the wrong direction, this ship be last week: The fight against poverty our roads and bridges in this country sinking. and hunger must be fought constantly to put Americans back to work. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans need and on many fronts. Let’s heed his When I go home, I hear one thing to end their obsession with the Afford- words. over and over again, and I imagine able Care Act, end their obsession with This week I will introduce the Food other Members do, too. They tell us: hurting immigrant families, end their Security Improvement Act of 2015, a Do your job. Do your job. You have had obsession with Planned Parenthood. It bill to ensure SNAP benefits reflect the months to bring budgets to this floor. is time to end sequestration, to fully real costs of feeding a family in need. I Do your job. fund the government, and get back to invite my colleagues to join me in It is that simple. We may disagree on doing the business of the American sponsoring this legislation. Let’s mark what the outcome looks like, but what people. the end of Hunger Action Month by we can’t accept is the fact that the f taking action here in this House. Congress of the United States fails to f do the one thing that it is directed to OUR NATION’S DEBT IS EATING US do under this Constitution. Do your ALIVE NATIONAL PEDIATRIC BONE job. (Mr. MCCLINTOCK asked and was CANCER AWARENESS DAY This has gone on far too long. Demo- given permission to address the House (Mr. FARENTHOLD asked and was crats are ready to sit down and nego- for 1 minute.) given permission to address the House tiate, to work together to try to come Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, our for 1 minute and to revise and extend up with solutions to the big problems Nation’s debt is eating us alive, and his remarks.)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.018 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6719 Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speak- TITLE I—EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY today I rise because September is er, I rise today to call attention to how RELATING TO HEALTH CARE Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. sequestration and the current dysfunc- Sec. 101. Extension of authority for collec- Every year countless children are diag- tion in the House is hurting the Amer- tion of copayments for hospital nosed with different cancers, altering ican people, our infrastructure, our care and nursing home care. their lives forever. education, our national security, and Sec. 102. Extension of requirement to pro- Fourteen-year-old Kaitlyn our veterans. Sequestration has caused vide nursing home care to cer- Jankovsky of Corpus Christi was diag- tain veterans with service-con- a severe slowdown in our job growth in nected disabilities. nosed last year with acute this country, especially as it affects Sec. 103. Extension of authorization of ap- lymphoblastic leukemia. Although her the middle class. propriations for assistance and cancer and treatment have been a chal- We have seen reduction of job growth support services for caregivers. lenge, Kaitlyn has shown great tenac- resulting in the potential loss of close Sec. 104. Extension of authority for recovery ity in her fight against cancer. to 800,000 American jobs. These are jobs from third parties of cost of Our country should take inspiration my constituents in Baltimore County care and services furnished to from children like Kaitlyn and thou- region desperately need. Just yester- veterans with health-plan contracts for non-service-con- sands of others living with cancer day my staff met with a constituent every day. It is why I have introduced nected disability. from Owings Mills, Maryland, who was Sec. 105. Extension of authority for pilot H. Res. 102 to designate a day in Sep- laid off from a defense contractor due tember as National Pediatric Bone program on assistance for child to sequestration cuts. care for certain veterans receiv- Cancer Awareness Day. The current fiscal year 2016 transpor- ing health care. Today we wish Kaitlyn and all the tation and housing appropriation bill Sec. 106. Extension of authority to make other children living with pediatric cuts TIGER grants, which are used to grants to veterans service orga- cancer well. Treatment and survival fund critical highway, transit, and im- nizations for transportation of rates for pediatric bone cancer have re- portant investments, by approximately highly rural veterans. mained virtually unchanged for a quar- $400 million. That is less than the fiscal Sec. 107. Extension of authority for DOD–VA ter of a century. For Kaitlyn and other Health Care Sharing Incentive year 2015 level and $1.2 billion less than children, let’s start changing that. Fund. the President’s request. We need this Sec. 108. Extension of authority for joint De- f transportation money for jobs. Our in- partment of Defense-Depart- SICKLE CELL ANEMIA frastructure is failing. ment of Veterans Affairs Med- (Ms. ADAMS asked and was given We cannot stay competitive without ical Facility Demonstration permission to address the House for 1 investment. Sequestration is not the Fund. Sec. 109. Extension of authority for pilot minute.) answer. Continuing resolutions are not the answer. Passing the buck is not the program on counseling in re- Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise treat settings for women vet- today to discuss a topic near and dear answer. It is time for Congress to stop erans newly separated from to my heart: sickle cell anemia. Sickle the nip-and-tuck tactics and make service. tough decisions about our priorities. cell is an inherited blood disease where TITLE II—EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY red blood cells are abnormally shaped, f RELATING TO BENEFITS making it hard to deliver oxygen Sec. 201. Extension of authority for the Vet- throughout the body, often causing ex- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE erans’ Advisory Committee on treme pain, damaging vital organs, and Education. possible stroke. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Sec. 202. Extension of authority for calcu- I have seen these effects firsthand. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair lating net value of real prop- My sister died from sickle cell just 2 will postpone further proceedings erty at time of foreclosure. weeks before her 27th birthday. I will today on the motion to suspend the Sec. 203. Extension of authority relating to never forget the many night trips to rules on which a recorded vote or the vendee loans. the emergency room to get care for yeas and nays are ordered, or on which Sec. 204. Extension of authority to provide her, since we didn’t have health insur- rehabilitation and vocational the vote incurs objection under clause benefits to members of the ance. 6 of rule XX. Armed Forces with severe inju- Back then we didn’t know much Any record vote on the postponed ries or illnesses. about sickle cell disease. Today med- question will be taken later. TITLE III—EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY ical treatment and research for sickle f RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS cell has evolved. Thanks to the Afford- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- Sec. 301. Extension of authority for home- able Care Act, more people now have less veterans reintegration pro- health insurance, but we must still FAIRS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES grams. support Federal efforts to fund addi- ACT OF 2015 Sec. 302. Extension of authority for home- tional research and treatment opportu- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, less women veterans and home- nities. I move to suspend the rules and pass less veterans with children re- That is why I am proud to cosponsor the bill (S. 2082) to amend title 38, integration program. Sec. 303. Extension of authority to provide H.R. 1807, the Sickle Cell Research Sur- United States Code, to extend certain veillance, Prevention, and Treatment housing assistance for homeless expiring provisions of law administered veterans. Act, which supports funding for ad- by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, vanced medical treatment and re- Sec. 304. Extension of authority to provide and for other purposes. financial assistance for sup- search. The Clerk read the title of the bill. portive services for very low-in- My colleagues, please join me in rec- The text of the bill is as follows: come veteran families in per- ognizing September as Sickle Cell S. 2082 manent housing. Awareness Month by supporting legis- Sec. 305. Extension of authority for grant lation to treat this disease and by Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- program for homeless veterans keeping our government running so resentatives of the United States of America in with special needs. Congress assembled, critical sickle cell research and treat- Sec. 306. Extension of authority for the Ad- ment can continue at the National In- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. visory Committee on Homeless (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as stitutes of Health. Veterans. the ‘‘Department of Veterans Affairs Expir- Sec. 307. Extension of authority for treat- f ing Authorities Act of 2015’’. ment and rehabilitation serv- SEQUESTRATION IS HURTING THE (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- ices for seriously mentally ill tents for this Act is as follows: AMERICAN PEOPLE and homeless veterans. Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 308. Extension of authority to provide (Mr. RUPPERSBERGER asked and Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States referral and counseling services was given permission to address the Code. for certain veterans at risk of House for 1 minute.) Sec. 3. Scoring of budgetary effects. homelessness.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0655 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.019 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6720 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 TITLE IV—OTHER EXTENSIONS AND the House Budget Committee, provided that Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111– MODIFICATIONS OF AUTHORITY such statement has been submitted prior to 163; 124 Stat. 1143) is amended by striking Sec. 401. Extension of authority for trans- the vote on passage. ‘‘December 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘Decem- portation of individuals to and TITLE I—EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY ber 31, 2016’’. from Department facilities. RELATING TO HEALTH CARE (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— Sec. 402. Extension of authority for monthly Subsection (f) of such section is amended by SEC. 101. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR COL- striking ‘‘and 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘2015, and assistance allowances under the LECTION OF COPAYMENTS FOR HOS- Office of National Veterans PITAL CARE AND NURSING HOME 2016’’. Sports Programs and Special CARE. TITLE II—EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY Events. Section 1710(f)(2)(B) is amended by striking RELATING TO BENEFITS Sec. 403. Extension of authority for oper- ‘‘September 30, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘Sep- SEC. 201. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR THE ation of the Department of Vet- tember 30, 2016’’. VETERANS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE erans Affairs regional office in SEC. 102. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT TO PRO- ON EDUCATION. Manila, the Republic of the VIDE NURSING HOME CARE TO CER- Section 3692(c) is amended by striking ‘‘De- Philippines. TAIN VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CON- cember 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, Sec. 404. Extension of requirement to pro- NECTED DISABILITIES. 2016’’. vide reports to Congress regard- Section 1710A(d) is amended by striking SEC. 202. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR CALCU- ing equitable relief in the case ‘‘December 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘Decem- LATING NET VALUE OF REAL PROP- of administrative error. ber 31, 2016’’. ERTY AT TIME OF FORECLOSURE. Section 3732(c)(11) is amended by striking Sec. 405. Extension of authorization of ap- SEC. 103. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION OF AP- ‘‘October 1, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘October 1, propriations for adaptive sports PROPRIATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CARE- 2016’’. programs for disabled veterans GIVERS. and members of the Armed SEC. 203. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY RELATING Section 1720G(e) is amended— TO VENDEE LOANS. Forces. (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘and’’; Section 3733(a)(7) is amended— Sec. 406. Extension of authority for Advi- (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph sory Committee on Minority at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and (A), by striking ‘‘September 30, 2015’’ and in- Veterans. (3) by adding at the end the following new serting ‘‘September 30, 2016’’; and Sec. 407. Extension of authority for tem- paragraph: (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘Sep- porary expansion of eligibility ‘‘(3) $625,000,000 for fiscal year 2016.’’. tember 30, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘September for specially adapted housing SEC. 104. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR RECOV- 30, 2016,’’. assistance for certain veterans ERY FROM THIRD PARTIES OF COST with disabilities causing dif- SEC. 204. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PRO- OF CARE AND SERVICES FURNISHED VIDE REHABILITATION AND VOCA- ficulty ambulating. TO VETERANS WITH HEALTH-PLAN TIONAL BENEFITS TO MEMBERS OF Sec. 408. Extension of authority to enter CONTRACTS FOR NON-SERVICE-CON- THE ARMED FORCES WITH SEVERE into agreement with the Na- NECTED DISABILITY. INJURIES OR ILLNESSES. tional Academy of Sciences re- Section 1729(a)(2)(E) is amended, in the Section 1631(b)(2) of the Wounded Warrior garding associations between matter preceding clause (i), by striking ‘‘Oc- Act (title XVI of Public Law 110–181; 122 diseases and exposure to dioxin tober 1, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘October 1, 2016’’. Stat. 458; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended by and other chemical compounds SEC. 105. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PILOT striking ‘‘December 31, 2015’’ and inserting in herbicides. PROGRAM ON ASSISTANCE FOR ‘‘December 31, 2016’’. Sec. 409. Extension of authority for perform- CHILD CARE FOR CERTAIN VET- ERANS RECEIVING HEALTH CARE. TITLE III—EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITY ance of medical disabilities ex- RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS (a) EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY.—Subsection aminations by contract physi- SEC. 301. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR HOME- cians. (e) of section 205 of the Caregivers and Vet- erans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 LESS VETERANS REINTEGRATION Sec. 410. Restoration of prior reporting fee PROGRAMS. (Public Law 111–163; 124 Stat. 1144; 38 U.S.C. multipliers. Section 2021(e)(1)(F) is amended by strik- 1710 note) is amended by striking ‘‘December Sec. 411. Extension of requirement for an- ing ‘‘2015’’ and inserting ‘‘2016’’. 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2016’’. nual report on Department of SEC. 302. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR HOME- (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— Defense-Department of Vet- LESS WOMEN VETERANS AND HOME- erans Affairs Interagency Pro- Subsection (h) of such section is amended by LESS VETERANS WITH CHILDREN gram Office. striking ‘‘and 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘, 2015, and REINTEGRATION PROGRAM. Sec. 412. Modification of authorization of 2016’’. Section 2021A(f)(1) is amended by striking fiscal year 2008 major medical SEC. 106. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO MAKE ‘‘2015’’ and inserting ‘‘2016’’. facility project at Department GRANTS TO VETERANS SERVICE OR- SEC. 303. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PRO- GANIZATIONS FOR TRANSPOR- VIDE HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR medical center in Tampa, Flor- TATION OF HIGHLY RURAL VET- ida. HOMELESS VETERANS. ERANS. Section 2041(c) is amended by striking Sec. 413. Authorization of major medical fa- Section 307(d) of the Caregivers and Vet- cility projects. ‘‘September 30, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘Sep- erans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 tember 30, 2016’’. TITLE V—MATTERS RELATING TO (Public Law 111–163; 124 Stat. 1154; 38 U.S.C. SEC. 304. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PRO- MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT IN DENVER 1710 note) is amended by striking ‘‘2015’’ and VIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR Sec. 501. Increase in authorization for De- inserting ‘‘2016’’. SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VERY partment of Veterans Affairs SEC. 107. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR DOD– LOW-INCOME VETERAN FAMILIES IN medical facility project pre- VA HEALTH CARE SHARING INCEN- PERMANENT HOUSING. viously authorized. TIVE FUND. Section 2044(e)(1)(E) is amended by strik- Sec. 502. Project management of super con- Section 8111(d)(3) is amended by striking ing ‘‘fiscal years 2013 through 2015’’ and instruction projects. ‘‘September 30, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘Sep- serting ‘‘fiscal years 2015 through 2016’’. tember 30, 2016’’. SEC. 305. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR GRANT TITLE VI—OTHER MATTERS SEC. 108. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR JOINT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS VET- Sec. 601. Technical and clerical amend- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE-DEPART- ERANS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. ments. MENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MED- Section 2061(d)(1) is amended by striking SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED ICAL FACILITY DEMONSTRATION ‘‘2015’’ and inserting ‘‘2016’’. STATES CODE. FUND. SEC. 306. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR THE Except as otherwise expressly provided, Section 1704(e) of the National Defense Au- ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HOME- whenever in this Act an amendment or re- thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public LESS VETERANS. peal is expressed in terms of an amendment Law 111–84; 123 Stat. 2573), as amended by Section 2066(d) is amended by striking ‘‘De- to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, section 722 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. cember 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, the reference shall be considered to be made ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Author- 2016’’. to a section or other provision of title 38, ization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law SEC. 307. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TREAT- United States Code. 113–291;128 Stat. 3417), is amended by striking MENT AND REHABILITATION SERV- ‘‘September 30, 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘Sep- ICES FOR SERIOUSLY MENTALLY ILL SEC. 3. SCORING OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS. tember 30, 2017’’. AND HOMELESS VETERANS. The budgetary effects of this Act, for the ENERAL REATMENT SEC. 109. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PILOT (a) G T .—Section 2031(b) purpose of complying with the Statutory PROGRAM ON COUNSELING IN RE- is amended by striking ‘‘September 30, 2015’’ Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be deter- TREAT SETTINGS FOR WOMEN VET- and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2016’’. mined by reference to the latest statement ERANS NEWLY SEPARATED FROM (b) ADDITIONAL SERVICES AT CERTAIN LOCA- titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legisla- SERVICE. TIONS.—Section 2033(d) is amended by strik- tion’’ for this Act, submitted for printing in (a) EXTENSION.—Subsection (d) of section ing ‘‘September 30, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘Sep- the Congressional Record by the Chairman of 203 of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus tember 30, 2016’’.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE7.003 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6721 SEC. 308. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PRO- SEC. 411. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT FOR AN- TITLE V—MATTERS RELATING TO VIDE REFERRAL AND COUNSELING NUAL REPORT ON DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT IN DENVER SERVICES FOR CERTAIN VETERANS DEFENSE-DEPARTMENT OF VET- AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS. ERANS AFFAIRS INTERAGENCY PRO- SEC. 501. INCREASE IN AUTHORIZATION FOR DE- Section 2023(d) is amended by striking GRAM OFFICE. PARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Section 1635(h)(1) of the National Defense MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT PRE- ‘‘September 30, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘Sep- VIOUSLY AUTHORIZED. tember 30, 2016’’. Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Pub- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2(a) of the Con- lic Law 110–181; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amend- TITLE IV—OTHER EXTENSIONS AND struction Authorization and Choice Improve- ed by striking ‘‘2015’’ and inserting ‘‘2016’’. MODIFICATIONS OF AUTHORITY ment Act (Public Law 114–19; 129 Stat. 215), SEC. 412. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORIZATION OF SEC. 401. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TRANS- FISCAL YEAR 2008 MAJOR MEDICAL as amended by section 1 of Public Law 114–25, PORTATION OF INDIVIDUALS TO FACILITY PROJECT AT DEPART- is further amended by striking AND FROM DEPARTMENT FACILI- MENT MEDICAL CENTER IN TAMPA, ‘‘$1,050,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$1,675,000,000’’. TIES. FLORIDA. (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Section 111A(a)(2) is amended by striking (a) MODIFICATION OF AUTHORIZATION.—In Congress that the Continuing Appropriations ‘‘December 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘Decem- chapter 3 of the Supplemental Appropria- Resolution, 2016 authorizes the Secretary of ber 31, 2016’’. tions Act, 2008 (Public Law 110–252; 122 Stat. Veterans Affairs to transfer discretionary SEC. 402. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR 2326), in the matter under the heading ‘‘De- unobligated balances appropriated for fiscal MONTHLY ASSISTANCE ALLOW- partment of Veterans Affairs–Departmental year 2015 and discretionary advance appro- ANCES UNDER THE OFFICE OF NA- TIONAL VETERANS SPORTS PRO- Administration–Construction, Major priations for fiscal year 2016 to fund the in- GRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS. Projects’’, after ‘‘Five Year Capital Plan’’ increase under subsection (a) of the authoriza- Section 322(d)(4) is amended by striking sert the following: ‘‘and for constructing a tion to carry out the medical facility con- ‘‘2015’’ and inserting ‘‘2016’’. new bed tower at the Department of Vet- struction project in Denver, Colorado, speci- SEC. 403. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR OPER- erans Affairs medical center in Tampa, Flor- fied in section 2 of the Construction Author- ATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ida, in lieu of providing bed tower upgrades ization and Choice Improvement Act (Public VETERANS AFFAIRS REGIONAL OF- at such medical center’’. Law 114–19; 129 Stat. 215). FICE IN MANILA, THE REPUBLIC OF (b) EMERGENCY DESIGNATION.— (c) PROHIBITION ON TRANSFER OF CERTAIN THE PHILIPPINES. (1) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) is des- AMOUNTS.—The Secretary may not transfer Section 315(b) is amended by striking ‘‘Sep- ignated as an emergency requirement pursu- any amounts from the Veterans Choice Fund tember 30, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘September ant to section 4(g) of the Statutory Pay-As- established under section 802 of the Veterans 30, 2016’’. You-Go Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 933(g)). Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of SEC. 404. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT TO PRO- (2) DESIGNATION IN SENATE.—In the Senate, 2014 (Public Law 113–146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) VIDE REPORTS TO CONGRESS RE- subsection (a) is designated as an emergency to fund the increase under subsection (a) of GARDING EQUITABLE RELIEF IN requirement pursuant to section 403(a) of S. the authorization to carry out the medical THE CASE OF ADMINISTRATIVE Con. Res. 13 (111th Congress), the concurrent facility construction project described in ERROR. resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2010. Section 503(c) is amended by striking ‘‘De- subsection (b). SEC. 413. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL SEC. 502. PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF SUPER cember 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, FACILITY PROJECTS. 2016’’. CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. (a) AUTHORIZATION.—The Secretary of Vet- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 8103 of title 38, SEC. 405. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION OF AP- erans Affairs may carry out the following PROPRIATIONS FOR ADAPTIVE United States Code, is amended by adding at major medical facility projects, with each the end the following new subsection: SPORTS PROGRAMS FOR DISABLED project to be carried out in an amount not to VETERANS AND MEMBERS OF THE ‘‘(e)(1) In the case of any super construc- ARMED FORCES. exceed the amount specified for that project: tion project, the Secretary shall enter into Section 521A(g)(1) is amended by striking (1) Construction of a community living an agreement with an appropriate non-De- ‘‘2015’’ and inserting ‘‘2016’’. center, outpatient clinic, renovated domi- partment Federal entity to provide full ciliary, and renovation of existing buildings SEC. 406. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ADVI- project management services for the super SORY COMMITTEE ON MINORITY in Canandaigua, New York, in an amount not construction project, including management VETERANS. to exceed $158,980,000. over the project design, acquisition, con- Section 544(e) is amended by striking ‘‘De- (2) Seismic corrections to the mental struction, and contract changes. cember 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, health and community living center in Long ‘‘(2) An agreement entered into under para- 2016’’. Beach, California, in an amount not to ex- graph (1) with a Federal entity shall provide SEC. 407. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TEM- ceed $126,100,000. that the Secretary shall reimburse the Fed- PORARY EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY (3) Seismic correction of 12 buildings in eral entity for all costs associated with the FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING West Los Angeles, California, in an amount provision of project management services ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN VET- not to exceed $70,500,000. under the agreement. ERANS WITH DISABILITIES CAUSING (4) Construction of a spinal cord injury ‘‘(3) In this subsection, the term ‘super DIFFICULTY AMBULATING. building and seismic corrections in San Section 2101(a)(4) is amended— construction project’ means a project for the Diego, California, in an amount not to ex- construction, alteration, or acquisition of a (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘Sep- ceed $205,840,000. tember 30, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘September medical facility involving a total expendi- (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— ture of more than $100,000,000.’’. 30, 2016’’; and There is authorized to be appropriated to the (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘each (b) APPLICATION.—The amendment made by Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year subsection (a) shall apply with respect to the of fiscal years 2014 and 2015’’ and inserting 2015 or the year in which funds are appro- ‘‘each of fiscal years 2014 through 2016’’. following: priated for the Construction, Major Projects, (1) The medical facility construction SEC. 408. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO ENTER account, a total of $561,420,000 for the project in Denver, Colorado, specified in sec- INTO AGREEMENT WITH THE NA- projects authorized in subsection (a). tion 2 of the Construction Authorization and TIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES RE- (c) LIMITATION.—The projects authorized GARDING ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN under this section may only be carried out Choice Improvement Act (Public Law 114–19; DISEASES AND EXPOSURE TO using— 129 Stat. 215). DIOXIN AND OTHER CHEMICAL COM- (2) Any super construction project (as de- POUNDS IN HERBICIDES. (1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2015 pursuant to the authorization of appropria- fined in section 8103(e)(3) of title 38, United Section 3(i) of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 States Code, as added by subsection (a)) that (Public Law 102–4; 38 U.S.C. 1116 note) is tions in subsection (b); (2) funds available for Construction, Major is authorized on or after the date of the en- amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2015’’ and actment of this Act. inserting ‘‘December 31, 2016’’. Projects for a fiscal year before fiscal year TITLE VI—OTHER MATTERS SEC. 409. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PER- 2015 that remain available for obligation; FORMANCE OF MEDICAL DISABIL- (3) funds available for Construction, Major SEC. 601. TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL AMEND- ITIES EXAMINATIONS BY CONTRACT Projects, for a fiscal year after fiscal year MENTS. PHYSICIANS. 2015 that remain available for obligation; Title 38, United States Code, is amended— Subsection (c) of section 704 of the Vet- (4) funds appropriated for Construction, (1) in section 111(b)— erans Benefits Act of 2003 (38 U.S.C. 5101 Major Projects, for fiscal year 2015 for a cat- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘sub- note) is amended by striking ‘‘December 31, egory of activity not specific to a project; section (g)(2)(A)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2016’’. (5) funds appropriated for Construction, (g)(2)’’; and SEC. 410. RESTORATION OF PRIOR REPORTING Major Projects, for a fiscal year before 2015 (B) in paragraph (3)(C), by striking ‘‘(42 FEE MULTIPLIERS. for a category of activity not specific to a U.S.C. 1395(l))’’ and inserting ‘‘(42 U.S.C. Section 406 of the Department of Veterans project; and 1395m(l))’’; Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014 (6) funds appropriated for Construction, (2) in the table of sections at the beginning (Public Law 113–175; 38 U.S.C. 3684 note) is Major Projects, for a fiscal year after 2015 for of chapter 5 of such title, by striking the amended by striking ‘‘one-year’’ and insert- a category of activity not specific to a item relating to section 521A and inserting ing ‘‘two-year’’. project. the following:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE7.003 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6722 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 ‘‘521A. Adaptive sports programs for disabled b 1230 project. This bill could allow VA to veterans and members of the GENERAL LEAVE proceed with the Department’s pro- Armed Forces.’’; Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, posed plan to use $200 million in offsets (3) in section 1503(a)(5), by striking ‘‘sub- from the medical services account and clause’’ and inserting ‘‘subparagraph’’ each I ask unanimous consent that all Mem- place it appears; bers may have 5 legislative days in through delayed activations for other (4) in section 1710(e)(1)— which to revise and extend their reconstruction projects. (A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘(as marks on S. 2082. Mr. Speaker, to understand the mag- defined in section 1712A(a)(2)(B) of this The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there nitude of the management incom- title)’’; and objection to the request of the gen- petence of the Department of Veterans (B) in subparagraph (F)(viii), by striking tleman from Florida? Affairs as it relates to construction, I ‘‘Myleodysplasic’’ and inserting There was no objection. think a little history is in order. ‘‘Myelodysplastic’’; Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, The replacement of the existing Den- (5) in section 1710D(c)(1), by striking ‘‘(as ver VA Medical Center began as a dis- defined in section 1712A(a)(2)(B) of this I yield myself such time as I may con- title)’’; sume. cussion item back in 1999. The project (6) in section 1720G(a)(7)(B)(iii), by striking Mr. Speaker, this bill, which is spon- was first envisioned as a shared facility ‘‘has’’ and inserting ‘‘have’’; sored by our Senate colleague, Senator on the former Fitzsimons Army Base in (7) in section 1781(a)(4), by striking the ISAKSON, chairman of the Senate VA Aurora, Colorado. The initial estimate semicolon and inserting a comma; Committee, would extend a number of for a shared facility was $328 million. (8) in section 1832(b)(2), by striking ‘‘(b)(2)’’ expiring current authorities and crit- After undergoing numerous scope and inserting ‘‘(b)(3)’’; ical programs at both the Department changes over a period of several years, (9) in section 2044(b)(1)(D), by striking VA requested appropriations in 2010 for ‘‘federal’’ and inserting ‘‘Federal’’; of Veterans Affairs and the Depart- (10) in section 2101(a), by moving the mar- ment of Labor. These include exten- a stand-alone medical center replace- gins of paragraph (2), and of the subpara- sions for veterans’ health care and ment with a total estimated cost of graphs, clauses, and subclauses therein, 2 homeless programs; benefits for dis- $800 million. However, in December of ems to the left; abled veterans; vocational rehabilita- last year, with less than 50 percent of (11) in section 2101(a)(2)(B) by striking tion programs for servicemembers and the facility complete and staring down clause (ii) and inserting the following new veterans; home loan programs; and a the $800 million authorization cap, the clause (ii): variety of advisory committees, pilot Civilian Board of Contract Appeals ‘‘(ii) The disability is due to— found VA to be in breach of its con- ‘‘(I) blindness in both eyes, having only programs, and medical facility light perception, plus projects. tract with its general contractor ‘‘(II) loss or loss of use of one lower ex- Absent passage of this legislation Kiewit-Turner. As a result, VA had no tremity.’’. today, these important and non- choice but to come to Congress and fi- (12) in section 2109(a) by striking ‘‘provi- controversial authorizations and pro- nally admit the severity of the missions of section’’ and inserting ‘‘provisions of grams are set to expire at the end of management and the cost and schedule sections’’; this fiscal or calendar year. These are overruns that have come to charac- (13) in section 2303(c), by striking ‘‘intern- not new programs, and the costs have terize the Denver project. ment’’ and inserting ‘‘interment’’; either been fully offset or have been as- In June, following an assessment to (14) in section 2411(e)(1), by striking ‘‘fed- determine the probable cost of com- eral official’’ and inserting ‘‘Federal offi- sumed in the baseline budget for fiscal cial’’; year 2016. Furthermore, both the ma- pleting the project, the Army Corps of (15) in section 3108(b)(4), by inserting ‘‘the’’ jority and minority of the House and Engineers provided the final total re- before ‘‘rehabilitation program concerned’’; Senate Committees on Veterans’ Af- quired to finish the Denver project: (16) in section 3313, by striking ‘‘1070a’’ fairs have worked on this language and $1.675 billion. each place it appears and inserting agree on the need to extend all of these Several weeks ago, VA provided the ‘‘1070a(b)’’; programs. committee with their plan as to what (17) in section 3313(e)(2)(A)(iii), by striking In addition to the extensions that are budget resources would be made avail- the second period; included, this bill also contains lan- able to fund the remaining dollars nec- (18) in section 3313(g)(3)(A)(iii), by inserting a comma after ‘‘books’’; guage that would increase the total au- essary for this project. This bill as- (19) in section 3319, by striking ‘‘armed thorization for the Denver Replace- sumes that VA’s plan is an appropriate forces’’ each place it appears and inserting ment Medical Center project to $1.675 way to move forward on this project. ‘‘Armed Forces’’; billion. This is an increase of $625 mil- VA first proposes to use $100 million (20) in section 4102A(c)(9)(A)(ii)(III), by lion above the amounts that have pre- in offsets derived from the higher than striking the quotation mark at the end; viously been authorized for this budgeted medical collections VA ex- (21) in section 5302A— project. pects it will receive in fiscal year 2015 (A) by amending the enumerator and sec- To ensure that the many egregious and 2016. Under law, VA medical care tion heading to read as follows: mistakes the VA has made in Denver collection funds are retained by VA ‘‘§ 5302A. Collection of indebtedness: certain are not repeated in the future, this bill medical facilities to supplement their debts of members of the Armed Forces and would put into place initial reforms for budgets to care for veterans. Thus, veterans who die of injury incurred or ag- managing the most expensive VA con- their proposed offset actually reduces gravated in the line of duty in a combat struction projects. Namely, these re- VA’s medical care budget by $100 mil- zone’’; and forms include creating a new classifica- lion in fiscal year 2016 to partially fund (B) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘(as that tion category called a super construc- the remainder of the Denver project. term is defined in section 1712A(a)(2)(B) of tion project. I would have reservations about re- this title)’’; ducing VA’s medical care budget in any (22) in section 7309(c)(1), by inserting ‘‘the’’ A super construction project would before ‘‘Veterans Health Administration’’; be defined as the construction, alter- year, but I am particularly concerned (23) in section 7401(3)(A)(ii), by striking ation, or acquisition of a VA medical this year, because just a few weeks ago, ‘‘that’’; facility involving the total expenditure I am sure the Members will recall, VA (24) in section 7683(d), by inserting a period of more than $100 million. Each super sounded the alarm that the funds budg- at the end; and construction project would be managed eted for hepatitis C medications and (25) in section 8162(a)(2), by inserting ‘‘if’’ not by VA, but instead by a non-De- care in the community for fiscal year after ‘‘housing and’’. partment Federal entity, such as the 2016 are short. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Army Corps of Engineers. Importantly, VA also stated that they would need ant to the rule, the gentleman from the bill would classify the Denver to shut down the whole hospital system. The whole hospital system would Florida (Mr. MILLER) and the gentle- project as a super construction project. While I am supportive of the provi- have to be shut down if additional woman from Florida (Ms. BROWN) each sions of this bill up to this point, I ve- funds for fiscal year 2015 were not pro- will control 20 minutes. hemently oppose and disagree with the vided. As a result, Congress met VA’s The Chair recognizes the gentleman Department’s proposal to cover some of eleventh hour plea with an additional from Florida. the increased costs of the Denver $3.43 billion to ensure that veterans

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE7.003 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6723 were not denied the care that they had pay for themselves and to other senior Colorado do not come at the expense of earned. executive service employees and work VA’s most important mission: pro- Obviously, VA’s proposal to cut med- around the pay freezes and bans on per- viding high-quality health care for vet- ical care funds to complete the Denver formance awards for senior leaders. erans. Unfortunately, VA’s plan offers replacement hospital when the public One VBA leader alone received almost no assurance. record clearly reflects VA’s previous $300,000 in relocation expenses when I am also frustrated that the Depart- testimony over lack of funding in the she moved from Washington, D.C., to ment’s plan, which this bill presumes is medical care account is entirely incon- Philadelphia. appropriate, offers no measure of ac- sistent and inappropriate. Frankly, it In total, VBA spent over $1.7 million countability for those responsible for borders on an attempt to mislead this on reassignment expenses, including al- allowing this project to balloon out of Congress. most $1.3 million on relocation ex- control. The VA senior executives in Secondly, VA proposes to use $100 penses for senior executives for fiscal charge of the Denver disaster collected million in offsets derived from reduc- years 2013 through 2015. massive bonuses as projected costs in- tions in construction and leasing acti- And now yesterday, the VA Office of creased and delays stretched on for vation costs due to schedule adjust- Inspector General substantiated allega- years. They have all retired with full ments associated with several projects. tions that the St. Louis VA Health retirement benefits. It is inexcusable. When I asked what VA’s plan was to Care System mental health clinic inap- To allow rewards, bonuses, and full address the funding for these adjust- propriately changed the status of men- retirement benefits to be retained, ments, VA’s response was that the De- tal health consults to ‘‘complete’’ prior even when the facts indicate that an partment would ensure that they re- to a provider actually completing the employee has not performed at the quest sufficient activation funding in appointment with a patient in 60 per- level expected, is not only wrong, it is future budget years to account for the cent of sampled consults. a blatant and woeful misuse of tax- reductions in the other projects. To make matters worse, the IG sub- payer dollars. In other words, it is not really an off- stantiated that, in a review of fiscal b 1245 set. They are going to ask for the 2013 facility performance pay assess- money back. So by reducing other ments, eight full-time outpatient psy- I have said repeatedly that the great projects by $100 million in one year chiatrists received an average of nearly majority of VA employees are hard- only to ask Congress next year for the $14,000 in performance pay. Seven of working public servants who go to funds to be replaced strains credibility the eight psychiatrists met or exceeded work every day and live up to Presi- once again for the Department of Vet- the productivity goal, and, as a result, dent Lincoln’s words, to provide qual- erans Affairs. each received an average of around ity health care and benefits to our Na- This isn’t an offset. It is nothing $2,900 for what proved to be faulty pro- tion’s veterans. more than a delayed supplemental re- ductivity achievements. What’s more, I believe that the ma- quest. In other words, VA is expecting This is in keeping with the wanton jority of VA employees who are dedi- the taxpayers to bail them out again. and abusive VA spending practices that cated to the mission and purpose of the To agree to such a tactic would be akin the committee has uncovered at VA fa- Department are just as frustrated and to taking a child’s allowance away for cilities across our country. demoralized as we are when they see misbehavior, only to increase it later For example, the committee recently problem employees receiving bonuses to make up for the reduction. found that the VA Palo Alto Health or performance awards in spite of poor, Offsetting the biggest construction Care System has spent at least $6.3 unethical, and sometimes illegal job failure in VA’s history by cutting million on art and consulting services. performance. money from VA’s medical services ac- These projects include an art installa- I just wish that this legislation could count and delaying facility activation tion on the side of a parking garage assure those quality employees that costs until next year punishes the vet- that displays quotes by Abraham Lin- the veterans that they serve—that this erans of this Nation and the taxpayers coln and Eleanor Roosevelt in—wait Congress and this Department are com- for VA’s incompetence. for it—Morse code that cost $285,000. It mitted to breaking VA’s vicious cycle Now, I appreciate the challenge VA actually lights up; also, a large rock of ignoring and even rewarding poor has in identifying available money and sculpture in the courtyard in the mid- performance. producing a way ahead for this project dle of the mental health center that I reserve the balance of my time. that is fair to taxpayers and veterans cost $1.3 million—for a rock; a stainless Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, alike in a tight fiscal environment. steel and aluminum sculpture in the how much time do we have? However, VA continues to be oblivious aquatic center entrance that cost The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- to the need to prioritize their spending. $365,000; another sculpture that I am at tlewoman has 20 minutes remaining. For example, as I address this House a loss to describe in an exterior lobby The gentleman from Florida has 41⁄2 this afternoon, VA officials from across that cost $305,000; a sculpture in the minutes remaining. the country have gathered 40 miles shape of a half arc that is located in- Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, away in Leesburg for a leadership con- side the mental health center that cost I yield myself as much time as I may ference that is costing the Department $330,000. As many of these projects are consume. $1 million. That may seem like a small not yet complete, these costs actually I rise in support of S. 2082, the De- amount, but this is in addition to the could increase. partment of Veterans Affairs Expiring $33.4 million that VA reported spending Let me be clear: spending money on Authorities Act of 2015. on conferences so far through the end conferences and relocation expenses for This bill is an important and nec- of the third quarter of this fiscal year. VA employees and on art installations essary bill for us to take up and pass To repeat, VA has reported spending for VA facilities is not more important today and send to the President. Let $33.4 million so far through the end of than taking care of the veterans of this me repeat that. This bill is an impor- the third quarter, with at least one Nation, providing them the health care tant and a necessary bill for us to take and, likely, several other costly con- that they have earned. It is simply be- up and pass today and send to the ferences that have yet to be accounted yond me why VA would choose to pay President. for. to complete the Denver project by cut- S. 2082 makes sure that some of the What’s more, Monday, the VA inspec- ting medical services and medical facil- vital programs we have in place to take tor general released a report on VA’s ity dollars, but not the exorbitant con- care of our veterans continue past the relocation expenses program, which ference spending, bloated relocation end of the fiscal year and continue to found that senior Veterans Benefits expenses, or art. help our veterans. I want to highlight Administration officials had misused I remain committed to finding a way just some of those importance pro- their positions for their own personal forward in Denver, and I am going to grams. and financial benefit. These senior offi- be supporting the bill today. However, S. 2082 ensures that several programs cials engineered the transfers of other I am equally convinced that we must serving the homeless veterans con- senior officials as a way to increase ensure that the offsets that VA uses in tinue, including the Homeless Veterans

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.022 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6724 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 and Homeless Veterans With Children different construction agency, but not The VA, I can tell you, has proposed Reintegration Programs. the VA, will take on the task of man- cutting IT services, despite the fact S. 2082 ensures that there is adequate aging these large construction pro- that many of their IT systems are 30 authorization levels for much-needed grams. years old and need to be replaced. assistance and support service for vet- We must be good stewards of the tax- They want to cut funds for a program erans’ caregivers. payers’ money and use that money that helps recruit and retain the best S. 2082 continues a successful pilot wisely to care for the veterans. This personnel to serve veterans at a time program that counsels newly separated bill is a step in the right direction to when they are struggling to recruit and women veterans in retreat settings. get VA construction back on the right retain qualified employees, including This is an important program. path, while fulfilling the promise made specialists and doctors. They want to I have a bill, H.R. 1575, that would with the hospital to our Nation’s vet- cut eight construction projects around make this program permanent and has erans. the country, from operating rooms to a passed the Committee on Veterans’ Af- We have a sacred trust to take care dialysis center. fairs, and I hope it will be brought to of the men and women who have de- Now, how can you say these cuts the floor soon so that we can vote for fended our country. won’t hurt veterans? it. Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Now, we know a thing or two about S. 2082 also extends the authorization I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman sure things in Las Vegas. Well, I can of the National Academy of Sciences to from Nevada (Ms. TITUS). tell you it is a sure thing that, soon continue its research into the health Ms. TITUS. I thank the ranking enough, the VA will be coming back to consequences of Agent Orange expo- member for yielding and for her leader- Congress, proclaiming yet another sure, providing the necessary link for ship on the VA Committee. doomsday if we don’t refill these ac- the VA to make disability presump- Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant sup- counts that they are now robbing. tions. port of this bill, S. 2082, the VA Expir- So I say to you Congress needs to do I am disappointed that the provision ing Authorities Act. its job and actually pay for what we mandating the Secretary to make As my colleagues have outlined, this have bought. Wars are expensive. We these presumptions is not in the bill, legislation will extend the authoriza- need to recognize that. We can’t keep and I know that we will all work to- tion for some very good programs at playing budget games and nickel-and- gether to make sure that the VA does the VA that provide valuable support dime the services that the brave men the right thing for our veterans. and services for our Nation’s heroes. and women who fought in these wars S. 2082 extends the authorization for I have serious concerns, however, need and deserve when they come the VA to provide transportation about one provision included in the home. grants for highly rural veterans and bill. Title V raises the authorization Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the ability of the VA to provide trans- for the Denver medical facility by I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman portation to and from VA facilities. more than $600 million. This facility is from Denver (Mr. COFFMAN), an able co- This is important to ensure that our already $1 billion over budget and chair of the committee who has been in veterans have access to care. years behind schedule. the forefront of this entire fight look- S. 2082 extends the authorization of The bill, however, does not explain ing at the cost overruns, the mis- the VA to provide rehabilitation and how we are going to pay for this in- management, and trying to keep this vocational benefits for our wounded crease. That will come later today project on schedule. warriors. when the House considers a continuing Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to And, finally, S. 2082 provides for an resolution to keep the government run- voice my support for the Veterans Af- increase in the authorization level for ning for another 10 weeks. Buried in fairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015. the Denver Regional VA Medical Cen- the CR is a provision that allows the This legislation will continue numer- ter. This center will provide specialty VA to play a shell game within their ous programs of critical importance to care for all VISN 19, which includes budget to pay for the Denver project. our Nation’s veterans, including a pilot Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Ne- Now, we all believe that veterans ev- program to increase women veterans’ braska, Kansas, Utah, and Idaho. We erywhere, including in Denver, should access to health care, nursing home need to finish this project and better have access to the best health care pos- care authorities, and measures to com- provide health care for our veterans. sible. But the funds for the Denver bat veteran homelessness. I reserve the balance of my time. project should not come at the expense I am proud that this legislation will Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, of veterans in Nevada and in other allow for the completion of the VA re- I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from parts of the country. placement hospital in Aurora, Colo- Colorado (Mr. LAMBORN), a distin- Nonetheless, the VA has identified rado, an absolutely critical project guished member of the committee. the $600 million to pay for the Denver which will serve veterans not just in Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in facility and has said that these specific Colorado, but also in Utah, Montana, support of S. 2082, and I thank Chair- cuts are designed to ‘‘minimize the im- Wyoming and parts of four other man MILLER for his efforts to extend pact on veterans.’’ States. authority for various VA healthcare, Well, this couldn’t be further from In spite of the incredible mismanage- benefits, disability, housing, education, the truth, and it ignores reality. It is ment of this project by the VA and a job training, and other assistance pro- the epitome of robbing Peter to pay shocking lack of accountability for grams. Paul. those responsible, completing the hos- Part of this bill also ensures that Let me remind you that, in the sum- pital in Aurora has been my number Colorado veterans will receive a commer of 2014, we passed an emergency one legislative priority. We must not pleted, state-of-the-art new hospital in CHOICE Act of some $15 billion to help punish our Nation’s veterans for the Denver. the VA with the healthcare backlog. sins of incompetent VA bureaucrats. In addition to funding the hospital, Then the VA came back to us this Finally, this bill would accomplish a though, S. 2082 ensures that the type of summer and said they would have to goal that I have worked towards for construction mismanagement and cost close hospitals if we didn’t allow them over a year, getting the VA out of the overruns will not happen on future to move some money out of the major construction business once and large-scale VA construction programs. CHOICE Act. for all. The VA has shown us on multiple Then the VA came back and said For decades, the Government Ac- projects, Denver being, unfortunately, they needed $200 million just to keep countability Office has highlighted the largest, that they are not properly the Denver project going for a while. enormous construction management equipped to handle these large con- Now the VA is saying: Oh, no problem. deficiencies by the VA. struction projects with their own in- We can just move $600 million out of After the GAO highlighted hundreds house capabilities. existing programs so we can help Den- of millions in cost overruns in April of The bill requires that the Army ver without it hurting veterans. 2013, the House passed my legislation, Corps of Engineers or NAVFAC or a How can they possibly do this? which would have handed over the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.024 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6725 worst VA projects to experts at the brought in to oversee completion of the Authorities bill, the chairman of the Army Corps of Engineers. medical center. Bringing in the Army Subcommittee on Disability Assistance Worse, billions of dollars have been Corps is important so we, as a Con- and Memorial Affairs. wasted by VA on mismanaged congress, can be certain that any addi- Mr. ABRAHAM. I thank the chair- struction projects which could have tional funds spent on this project are man. gone instead towards veterans’ health spent appropriately and the facility is Mr. Speaker, I stand today in support care and benefits. completed without further delay. of S. 2082; however, I would like to note I am proud that this bill will finally The contractor, Kiewit-Turner, and that I am also deeply disappointed that leave the construction management of subcontractors have shown tremendous we are not voting on the House bills large projects to the experts, organiza- commitment to our Nation’s veterans which would have limited awards and tions like the Army Corps of Engi- by building a world-class facility, and I bonuses to VA employees. It is my be- neers, and allow VA to focus back to am confident they will deliver this fa- lief that we have missed an oppor- its core competencies, providing health cility to our veterans throughout the tunity to bring much-needed account- care and benefits to our veterans. Rocky Mountain West. ability to the VA, and know that I will Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, This bill requires the VA to use a work tirelessly to bring accountability I yield such time as he may consume to non-VA Federal entity, like the Army to the VA for the American people. the gentleman from Denver, Colorado Corps, to complete major construction S. 2082, also known as the Depart- (Mr. PERLMUTTER), who really can give projects valued at over $100 million. ment of Veterans Affairs Expiring Au- us a little institutional memory on the This is critically important towards thorities Act of 2015, includes multiple Denver regional hospital and who has ensuring accountability and preventing necessary provisions supporting our been at the forefront of this hospital these large projects from being mis- Nation’s heroes, including veterans and this regional problem from the be- managed again. who are homeless, disabled, or suf- ginning. I want to thank Chairman MILLER fering from PTSD. Mr. PERLMUTTER. I thank Ranking and Ranking Member BROWN, as well as As chairman of the Subcommittee on Member BROWN for yielding me time. Congressman CHARLIE DENT and Con- Disability Assistance and Memorial Af- Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gressman BISHOP, for their work with fairs, I introduced a particular provi- chairman of the committee for bring- me and the gentleman from Colorado sion in S. 2082 to extend contract ing S. 2082 to the floor for debate and (Mr. COFFMAN), who now represents the exams for veterans applying for dis- hearing today. district. ability benefits. Extending contract I rise today to support S. 2082, the There has been a great deal of anger exams is a commonsense measure to Department of Veterans Affairs Expir- at the VA recently and much of it is cut through the bureaucratic red tape ing Authorities Act. The legislation be- well-deserved, but through the help of and ensure our veterans are getting the fore us passed the Senate unanimously the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and care they need when they need it. last week and is important for a num- the Appropriations Committee, Rocky Many veterans undergo a VA medical ber of VA programs our veterans rely Mountain veterans will eventually see examination in support of their appli- on day in and day out. this medical center completed and re- cation for disability benefits. The prob- In addition to these important VA ceive the health care that they earned lem is that there are not enough exam- extensions, this legislation will author- by their service to the United States of iners to perform these evaluations in a ize completion of the VA Medical Cen- America. timely manner in the VA system. ter under construction in Aurora, Colo- I thank my friend, the gentlewoman Expanding contract exams will make rado. This center is part of a major from Florida, for yielding. it easier for the VA to arrange for the medical campus that includes the Uni- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, veterans to get disability examinations versity of Colorado Medical School as I thank the gentleman from Colorado by permitting a licensed physician to well as Children’s Hospital of Denver. (Mr. PERLMUTTER) for working so conduct these examinations anywhere The professors at the University of closely with Mr. COFFMAN, a true bipar- in the United States as long as the doc- Colorado are also many of the doctors tisan effort, to see this project to com- tor is under a VA contract. This is at the VA Medical Center. The center pletion. common sense, and I urge passage of will include a full range of medical, Mr. Speaker, how much time do I the bill. laboratory, research, and counseling have remaining? Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, services as well as a 30-bed spinal cord The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman injury unit serving hundreds of thou- DUNCAN of Tennessee). The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. SMITH), the sands of veterans throughout the from Florida has 11⁄2 minutes remain- former chairman of the Veterans Af- Rocky Mountain West. ing. The gentlewoman from Florida has fairs Committee, a stalwart supporter As the chairman mentioned, this hos- 9 minutes remaining. of America’s veterans. pital’s genesis began under President Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank Clinton in 1999 with the Secretary of might I inquire from Ms. BROWN if she my good friend for yielding, and I VA at that time. Under George Bush, it would yield 5 minutes of her time. thank the gentlewoman from Florida, went through four Secretaries of the Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, CORRINE BROWN, for her courtesy. VA and, under President Obama, now since I have 9 minutes remaining, and Mr. Speaker, I served on the House two VA Secretaries. I have no further speakers, I yield 5 Veterans’ Affairs Committee for a minutes to the gentleman from Florida quarter of a century, including stints b 1300 (Mr. MILLER). as vice chairman and full committee It is moving forward and, with this The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- chair. I believe that our Nation’s vet- bill, will continue to move forward. tlewoman from Florida yields 5 min- erans are fortunate to have a great There is no doubt the VA mis- utes to the gentleman from Florida. champion with the gentleman from managed this project from the start; Without objection, the gentleman Florida, Chairman MILLER, at the and as disappointing and unacceptable from Florida will control those 5 min- helm. as this situation has been, we are utes. Chairman MILLER has led the com- where we are. Under the leadership of There was no objection. mittee with aggressive oversight and Secretary McDonald and Deputy Sec- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- accountability of the often-troubled retary Gibson, the VA has admitted tleman from Florida is recognized. Department. He has shepherded numer- their mistakes on this project, and Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank the ous bills into law, including the VA they are both personally involved in gentlewoman from Florida for yielding. Choice Program, which expands timely completion of this facility. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the and local access to health care for vet- Today, construction continues on the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. ABRA- erans, and, working so closely in a bi- project in earnest. The facility is more HAM), a member of the committee that partisan way with Ranking Member than 50 percent complete, and the U.S. has worked very hard on this par- BROWN, ensured that the VA has the re- Army Corps of Engineers has been ticular issue, especially the Expiring sources and the authorities to meet

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.025 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6726 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 evolving needs. The chairman always by landmark legislation I authored in 2001 but our job here is not finished. We puts veterans and their dependents known as the Homeless Veterans Comprehen- must ensure that the appropriators first. sive Assistance Act (Public Law 107–95). now do their job and make sure that Chairman MILLER has explained the That law established the grant programs we VA doesn’t, as the gentlewoman from bill. I will just take a brief moment to are reauthorizing today that focused on home- Nevada (Ms. TITUS) said, rob Peter to comment on title III. less female veterans; homeless veterans with pay Paul. It is important that we not Title III reauthorizes a number of special needs, children, serious mental ill- take necessary dollars away from vet- provisions from a law that I wrote back nesses, and incarcerated veterans. The Act eran health care in order to pay for in 2001 known as the Homeless Vet- authorized dental care—for better oral health their massive mismanagement of this erans Comprehensive Assistance Act, and overall health—job training and expanded particular facility. or Public Law 107–95. That law estab- domiciliary care programs. It is hard to get a I urge a positive vote on this Senate lished the grant programs that in- job if your teeth are cracked and deteriorated. bill. cluded female veterans, homeless vet- It authorized the Advisory Committee on I yield back the balance of my time. erans with special needs, children, seri- Homeless Veterans and launched the national Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ous mental illnesses, and incarcerated goal of attempting to end chronic homeless- thank my good friend from Florida for his work veterans. The act authorized dental ness among veterans within a decade of the on the VA extenders bill. I appreciate his part- care. We learned through our hearing enactment of the Act. And among its many nership as we continue to fight for our vet- process that not only oral health—but other provisions, it increased funding for two erans. overall health as well—is negatively af- programs that were effective but seriously un- However, Mr. Speaker, I remain deeply dis- fected with broken and diseased teeth derfunded. appointed that this extenders bill does not in- and gums. And you don’t get a job with The first was the Department of Labor’s clude an extension of the Agent Orange Act. busted teeth. Oral health was critical, Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program— As you know, Congress passed the Agent so we put that into the bill. Job train- which helps homeless veterans reenter and Orange Act in 1991 to ensure care and coming and expanded domiciliary care pro- stay in the labor force. Allowing more veterans pensation to Vietnam veterans exposed to grams were also expanded. It also au- access to this program was critical, as a Agent Orange. Before this bill, it was up to our thorized the Advisory Committee on steady job is key to successfully maintaining a veterans to prove their cancer or Parkinson’s Homeless Veterans and launched the residence. was connected to their service in Vietnam and national goal, which has now been rep- The second is the HUD-VASH program, their exposure to Agent Orange. licated since 2010, of attempting to end which combines rental assistance with case The Agent Orange Act changed all of that, chronic homelessness among veterans. management and clinical services. After enact- shifting the burden of proof from the veteran to We also did the Department of Labor’s ment, utilization of these services spiked and the VA. Under the Agent Orange Act, the IOM Homeless Veterans Reintegration Pro- more veterans received the assistance that would study Agent Orange and determine gram and the HUD-VASH program. has led to self-sufficiency and independence. which diseases were associated with exposure In 2001, the estimation from VA was Today, these programs continue to be a to Agent Orange. This process removed the that almost 300,000 veterans were highly effective means of reducing homeless- burden of proof from our Vietnam veterans homeless at some time during that ness among our veterans population. when they applied for disability compensation. year. By fiscal year 2013, that number In 2001, it was estimated that almost Over the years, the IOM has issued reports had decreased to approximately 140,000 300,000 veterans experienced homelessness that have led to the presumption of service veterans. Of course we now have a dif- that year. By fiscal year 2013, that number connection for diseases such as Parkinson’s, ferent, altered way of calculating, but, had decreased to approximately 140,000 vet- B-cell leukemia and early onset peripheral unfortunately, on any given night last erans. neuropathy. Without these studies, thousands year, just under 50,000 veterans were The VA and HUD have since changed how of Vietnam era veterans would have gone still on the street. they calculate homeless veterans to a point-in- without the benefits they greatly deserve. This legislation will go far and do time estimate. The latest numbers show that The Agent Orange Act is set to expire to- much so that no veteran is on the we still have much work to do: on any given morrow, but IOM is still working on their last street and suffering homelessness. We night last year, just under 50,000 veterans report. And, despite the good the Agent Orange Act need to bring them back into society. were on the street. has done for our Vietnam veterans, Congress Again, I thank Chairman MILLER for Of course one homeless veteran is one too is going to let this bill expire tomorrow. his strong leadership. many. Yet we are continuing to make progress And it’s all because it costs too much. Thank you, Chairman MILLER, for your lead- and the numbers demonstrate how these pro- Mr. Speaker, it never costs too much to en- ership on this bill and your staff’s work to bring grams, coupled with other recent and success- sure justice for our veterans. it to the floor in a timely manner to ensure that ful programs like the Supportive Services for We should be ashamed that we are letting the VA continues to provide the services nec- Veteran Families (SSVF) Program which we this bill expire and leaving it up to the VA to essary for veterans to successfully transition are reauthorizing today, are tangibly assisting add new diseases to the presumption list. back to civilian life and live independently. homeless or potentially homeless women and The Agent Orange Act has worked for our Mr. Speaker, I served on the House Vet- men who served in our nation’s armed forces. veterans for over a decade, and it is irrespon- eran’s Affairs Committee for a quarter of a It is estimated that approximately 135,000 vet- sible to let our oversight expire and simply century, including stints as vice and full com- erans and their families got assistance through leave it up to the VA’s discretion. mittee chair and I believe that our nation’s vet- SSVF in (FY) 2015 including funds to Soldier Mr. Speaker, we cannot step away from our erans are fortunate to have a great champion On and other initiatives in my state. responsibilities and hand them over to an with Chairman MILLER at the helm. Chairman Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, agency, simply because we do not like the MILLER led the committee with aggressive I yield myself the balance of my time. price tag. oversight and accountability of the often trou- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to Instead, we should do the right thing and bled Department. You have shepherded nu- join me in supporting S. 2082, sending find an offset. merous bills into law including the VA Choice this important bill to the President so Mr. Speaker, I would like to demand Lead- program which expands timely and local ac- that the vital programs helping our ership go back and find an offset outside of cess to healthcare for veterans and you’ve en- veterans will continue past the end of the VA to ensure our veterans get the benefits sured that the VA has the resources and au- this fiscal year. they earned. thorities to meet evolving needs. You have al- Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman We have a responsibility to these veterans. ways put veterans and their dependents—first. from Florida (Mr. MILLER). They completed their mission in Vietnam, now Mr. Speaker, the bill we are voting on today I yield back the balance of my time. we must complete ours. will reauthorize over 30 critical programs that Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank By finding an offset and passing this exten- provide healthcare, education, and child care Ranking Member BROWN for her cour- sion, we will make certain that when the IOM’s benefits to veterans and continue the VA’s tesy in yielding an additional few min- final report is published, the VA is obligated to homeless veterans and caregiver assistance. utes for some of our Members who review it and follow their recommendations. Since Chairman MILLER has explained the wanted to speak. We owe these heroes nothing less. bill let me focus for a moment on Title III I, too, think it is very important that Mr. TOM PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I which extends many provisions first authorized we pass this piece of legislation today, would like to express my concerns regarding

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:06 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.040 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6727 two provisions in S. 2082, the Department of SEC. 412 MODIFICATION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR THE VA Representatives to make corrections in Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT IN TAMPA, FLORIDA the enrollment of H.R. 719, and pro- 2015: Sec. 501 the increased authorization for S. 2082 calls for modifying the authorization viding for consideration of the Senate the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) med- for the Tampa facility from ‘‘providing bed amendment to the House amendment ical facility project in Denver, Colorado and tower upgrades,’’ which was originally author- to the Senate amendment to the bill Sec. 412 the modification of authorization for ized and appropriated in the Supplemental Ap- (H.R. 719) to require the Transpor- the VA medical facility project in Tampa, Flor- propriations Act of 2008 (P.L. 110–252), to tation Security Administration to con- ida which is designated as an emergency. ‘‘constructing a new bed tower’’ and desig- form to existing Federal law and regu- nating this new purpose of the monies as an lations regarding criminal investigator SEC. 501 INCREASED AUTHORIZATION FOR THE VA emergency requirement. The emergency des- positions, and for other purposes, MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT IN DENVER, COLORADO ignation, which is under the jurisdiction of the which was referred to the House Cal- Originally budgeted to be an $800 million Budget Committee, is defined for needs that endar and ordered to be printed. dollar project, the VA is now requesting yet are urgent, unforeseen, and would result in another funding transfer from Congress to imminent loss of life or property if left unmet. f bring the total price tag of this medical facility I do not believe that the authorization modi- PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION to an astounding $1.675 billion, more than fication in S. 2082 meets these criteria since OF H. CON. RES. 79, DIRECTING $800 million dollars over budget. Mismanage- it is occurring seven years after the original THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF ment of construction projects, and the unac- emergency designation for this purpose in P.L. REPRESENTATIVES TO MAKE ceptable waste of taxpayer dollars, unfortu- 110–252. I think most members of Congress CORRECTIONS IN THE ENROLL- nately have been an ongoing problem at the would agree that this provision does not qual- MENT OF H.R. 719, AND PRO- VA. It is deplorable and should not be toler- ify as an emergency as defined by the Com- VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF ated by Congress or the Administration. mittee’s criteria and I am disappointed that this THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO This project is a perfect example of why the emergency provision is included in S. 2082. THE HOUSE AMENDMENT TO THE VA is in dire need of wholesale reform in addi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. tion to continued oversight by Congress to en- question is on the motion offered by 719, TSA OFFICE OF INSPECTION sure that the VA is transparent, accountable, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. MIL- ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2015 and ultimately able to best serve our nation’s LER) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, S. 2082. Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, by direction veterans. I fully support the House Committee of the Committee on Rules, I call up on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman JEFF MILLER’s The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the House Resolution 448 and ask for its efforts to directly address the construction immediate consideration. problems at the VA and other efforts by his opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- Committee to enforce accountability agency- lows: wide, including H.R. 1994, the VA Account- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, H. RES. 448 ability Act of 2015, which passed the U.S. on that I demand the yeas and nays. House of Representatives on July 29, 2015. I The yeas and nays were ordered. Resolved, That upon adoption of this reso- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- lution it shall be in order to consider in the also applaud Chairman MILLER’s version of an House the concurrent resolution (H. Con. increased authorization for the Denver project ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion will be post- Res. 79) directing the Clerk of the House of bill, H.R. 3595, because it included offsets to Representatives to make corrections in the help pay for the increase in costs at the Den- poned. enrollment of H.R. 719. All points of order ver facility. These offsetting policies in H.R. f against consideration of the concurrent resolution are waived. The concurrent resolution 3595 are a clear indication that the U.S. RECESS House of Representatives is no longer willing shall be considered as read. All points of to tolerate misbehavior and poor performance The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- order against provisions in the concurrent resolution are waived. The previous question at the VA and include the following: limitation ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess subject to shall be considered as ordered on the concur- on awards and bonuses for VA employees, re- rent resolution to adoption without inter- duction of benefits for members of the Senior the call of the Chair. vening motion or demand for division of the Executive Service at the VA convicted of cer- Accordingly (at 1 o’clock and 10 min- question except 20 minutes of debate equally tain crimes, and authority for the VA Secretary utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. divided and controlled by the Majority Lead- to recoup bonuses or awards paid to employ- f er and the Minority Leader or their respec- ees in the past if deemed appropriate pursu- tive designees. b 1409 ant to regulations. Unfortunately, S. 2082 does SEC. 2. Upon adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to take from the Speaker’s not include these offsets and allows the VA to AFTER RECESS table the bill (H.R. 719) to require the Trans- decide which funds to transfer to the Denver The recess having expired, the House portation Security Administration to con- project. was called to order by the Speaker pro form to existing Federal law and regulations As Chairman of the House Committee on tempore (Mr. SIMPSON) at 2 o’clock and regarding criminal investigator positions, 9 minutes p.m. and for other purposes, with the Senate the Budget, I do not condone mismanagement amendment to the House amendment to the by any Federal agency, especially an agency f Senate amendment thereto, and to consider tasked with the heavy responsibility of taking REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- in the House, without intervention of any care of the men and women who have served point of order, a motion offered by the chair our country in uniform. Our veterans should VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF of the Committee on Appropriations or his not be punished by the lack of competence H. CON. RES. 79, DIRECTING THE designee that the House concur in the Senate within the VA bureaucracy, which would be CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REP- amendment to the House amendment to the the effect of not approving the transfer of addi- RESENTATIVES TO MAKE COR- Senate amendment. The Senate amendment and the motion shall be considered as read. tional funds for this medical facility. However, RECTIONS IN THE ENROLLMENT OF H.R. 719, AND PROVIDING FOR The motion shall be debatable for one hour the VA should not take the approval of this equally divided and controlled by the chair newest transfer of funds as an indication of CONSIDERATION OF THE SENATE AMENDMENT TO THE HOUSE and ranking minority member of the Com- congressional support for their mismanage- mittee on Appropriations. The previous ques- ment of the Denver facility. Further, the VA is AMENDMENT TO THE SENATE tion shall be considered as ordered on the hereby placed on notice that the Budget Com- AMENDMENT TO H.R. 719, TSA motion to adoption without intervening mo- mittee will work closely with the Veterans’ Af- OFFICE OF INSPECTION AC- tion. fairs Committee in the months ahead to ad- COUNTABILITY ACT OF 2015 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- vance the long overdue efforts to reform the Mr. COLE, from the Committee on tleman from Oklahoma is recognized department’s dysfunctional operations. Our Rules, submitted a privileged report for 1 hour. veterans who have served this nation with (Rept. No. 114–272) on the resolution (H. Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, for the pur- honor and distinction deserve nothing less Res. 448) providing for consideration of pose of debate only, I yield the cus- than Congress’ commitment to fix the man- the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. tomary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman agement problems at the VA. 79) directing the Clerk of the House of from New York (Ms. SLAUGHTER), my

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:06 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE7.006 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6728 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 good friend, pending which I yield my- tains the moratorium on State and foolish then; it would be doubly foolish self such time as I may consume. Dur- local jurisdictions’ taxation of the now. We are now on the edge of what ing consideration of this resolution, all Internet. we are going to do because we couldn’t time yielded is for the purpose of de- I hope that in the weeks and months get anything done. bate only. ahead the House, the Senate, and the I am obsessed today by what oc- GENERAL LEAVE President can come to an agreement on curred last night on television. I want Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- a path forward which ensures we are to explain it to you, because I have mous consent that all Members have 5 not in this same place in December. said on this floor so many times— legislative days to revise and extend Some of my colleagues have stated mostly during the 54 times we voted to their remarks. publicly that they cannot support this defund health care—that what was The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there CR because it provides funding for going on here was a gigantic hoax. objection to the request of the gen- Planned Parenthood. I want to assure I said just this morning at the Rules tleman from Oklahoma? my colleagues that no funding for Committee that what we do has only a There was no objection. Planned Parenthood is included in this passing resemblance to what we are Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, earlier today legislation. supposed to do. And I want to read a the Committee on Rules met and re- First, a majority of Planned Parent- quote from what was said last night on ported a rule for consideration for both hood funding, about 90 percent, comes Fox News by Representative MCCAR- H. Con. Res. 79, directing the Clerk of through Medicaid and is not subject to THY, who is the presumptive new the House of Representatives to make appropriations. Of the remaining 10 Speaker of the House. He said: corrections in the enrollment of H.R. percent, the largest portion, roughly What you are going to see is a conservative 719, and H.R. 719, the Continuing Ap- $28 million, is funded through title X. Speaker, that takes a conservative Congress, propriations Act 2016. These grant programs are competed for that puts a strategy in place to fight and The rule provides for consideration of every year and are awarded in April, win. And let me give you one example. H. Con. Res. 79 under a closed rule with long past the length of this continuing Everybody thought Hillary Clinton was un- 20 minutes of debate equally divided resolution. beatable, right? But we put together a While I share the same disgust over Benghazi special committee, a select com- and controlled by the majority leader mittee. What are her numbers today? Her and his designee and the minority lead- the evidence seen in the atrocious vid- numbers are dropping. No one would have er or her designee. In addition, the rule eos that are so widely known, I want to known any of that happened had we not makes in order a motion offered by the assure my colleagues that no addi- fought and made that happen. chair of the Committee on Appropria- tional funds are provided for this orga- Sean Hannity responds: nization in this bill. tions that the House concur in the Sen- I agree. I’ll give you credit for that. ate amendment to H.R. 719, with 60 I am encouraged by the hard work of minutes equally divided and controlled Chairman ROGERS, Ranking Member I tell you what that means, Mr. by the chair and the ranking member LOWEY, and, of course, the Speaker, Speaker. It means that this was used of the Committee on Appropriations. whose leadership has made all this pos- as a hoax. We concerned ourselves with Mr. Speaker, first, this resolution al- sible. that, and now we are going to see an- lows for consideration of H. Con. Res. One of the preeminent responsibil- other one of these special committees. 79, which directs the Clerk of the House ities we are tasked with as Members of The Benghazi Committee has already to include the text of the Defund Congress is to ensure that the govern- spent $4.5 million, on top of all the Planned Parenthood Act of 2015 in the ment continues to function. While a money that was spent in committees, enrollment of H.R. 719. This would continuing resolution is not the ideal to point out that there was nothing allow the House to again state its posi- vehicle, the alternative of a govern- wrong in Benghazi. tion in opposition to the funding of ment shutdown is not what we have all And, once again, I was on the floor of Planned Parenthood as it has already been sent to Washington to do. the House for the rule talking about done by passage of both H.R. 3495 and I urge support of the rule and the un- setting up special committees for H.R. 3134. In addition, Mr. Speaker, the derlying legislation. Benghazi, when I got a call from the rule provides for consideration of the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of mother of one of the former Navy short-term continuing resolution. my time. SEALs who had died in that awful at- As a member of the Committee on Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I tack saying that her son had been a Appropriations, I am always dis- yield myself such time as I may con- Navy SEAL, he knew his risks, and appointed when we are forced to consume, and I thank the gentleman for would we please stop bringing this up sider continuing resolutions, especially yielding me the time. over and over again. given the work this House has done in Mr. Speaker, when the House shut We heard basically the same thing the appropriations process this year. down in 2013, I happened to be on the from the Ambassador’s family, who floor at midnight. Why, at this mo- said that he knew the language. He b 1415 ment, eludes me. But I remember when liked to be out with the people. He For the first time since 2009, the the clock struck midnight that I made could not be confined behind a wall. House Appropriations Committee was the comment that the great govern- So what are we doing here today? able to complete all 12 appropriations ment of the United States of America More hoax? More money wasted? Per- bills, and complete them before the Au- was closed. haps. gust recess. Unfortunately, just as in That 16-day exercise took $24 billion I told the chairman of the Rules years past, Senate Democrats pre- out of this economy at a time when we Committee this morning that we would vented consideration of any appropria- were struggling, really, to get our be happy to give them the rule for the tions bills on the floor of that body. economy back on track. That money CR. We want a clean CR. We were This leads us to the unfortunate situa- mostly came from mom-and-pop stores pleased as all get out when the Senate tion of having to put forward a short- that were in Federal buildings or in the sent us a clean CR. But no, we are not term CR to fund the government national parks. The inconvenience to going to do that. We are going to pre- through December 11. Federal employees was enormous. They tend, as part of the CR rule, that we This continuing resolution is simple. did get paid, but they were worried to are going to defund Planned Parent- Most programs will continue being death whether they would be able to hood, which Mr. COLE just pointed out funded at their FY15 levels; however, it meet their mortgage payments or to has no money allocated to it directly does adjust certain spending levels for meet the college tuition payments. in the Federal budget. critical needs, such as providing $700 And yet so many people were dispos- So what we are going to defund is I million for wildfire suppression activi- sessed, practically. Veterans came to don’t know what. HHS? Who knows. ties in the West, and it extends several Washington to visit their memorials, Maybe we will find out, maybe we programs that would otherwise lapse, only to find them closed. won’t. But they are doing this hoax like the collection of recreation fees I certainly concur with Mr. COLE. We again simply to fool some of the people for public lands. In addition, it main- do not want to see that again. It was on their side who obviously know

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.030 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6729 about it because it has been in every I want to disagree with my friend, govern. The CR abides within the budg- paper and on everybody’s lips that I with all due respect, on Planned Par- et caps and does not provide any addi- have talked to that we were going to enthood. That is just an area where we tional funding for Planned Parenthood, have to probably do that. But putting have a difference of opinion. I don’t as some have claimed. In addition, the that on the rule this morning meant think it is appropriate that they re- rule provides for consideration of an that we cannot support it. Perhaps you ceive Federal funds. There are plenty enrollment correction bill that would have the votes to do it by hoaxing peo- of other ways. We provide $3.5 billion again make the position of the House ple, but I don’t know. to thousands of public healthcare cen- clear in opposition to any additional We do know that that most conserv- ters and community healthcare centers funding for Planned Parenthood. ative wing has harangued its leadership around the United States. Those pro- I want to encourage my colleagues to enough to add that vote on the bill vide all these same services. That is ap- support this rule and the underlying even though, as I point out, we were propriate, and we should do that. legislation. And, frankly, I want to en- very willing to give the votes on our But I also want to agree with my courage those who are now engaged in side. friend. I agree very much with her sen- negotiations to arrive at a framework Now, the Senate had 78 majority timents on a government shutdown. where the appropriations process can votes to keep the Senate open and Con- She is precisely right, in my view, actually go forward, where we can sit gress moving, but we will not do that about what happened in the last gov- down and seriously consider in a bipar- because we want to try to restrict a ernment shutdown. It should not have tisan way how best to fund the govern- woman’s access to health care. We do it occurred. This is a sincere effort to ment in the coming year, and where, all the time. We have already had 14 make sure that doesn’t occur now. The hopefully, we can get an agreement votes. We did two or three this week. Appropriations Committee is certainly large enough that we can have a nor- What in the world is it that makes doing everything in its power to do mal appropriations process next year this majority want to take health care that. where we actually bring bills individ- away from people—54 times to kill Obviously, we need the administra- ually to this floor, as we did 6 times, health care, 14 times to kill choice, tion, the Senate, and the House leader- but actually do it for the full 12 that which is constitutionally protected, I ship to sit down and give us a frame- would be in order. That is my hope. must add. work. We are trying to buy them that So across the country, our constitu- That is what I am going to be working time. I think we are doing it in a very ents must be thoroughly surprised at toward. I know my friend will be work- responsible way. what really is going on here. A lot of ing in the same direction. So, while my friend and I may have money is getting spent. It takes $24 Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance some disagreements in some areas, on million a week to run the House of of my time, and I move the previous the functioning of the government we Representatives. And think of the question on the resolution. have absolutely no disagreement what- Benghazi Committees. If you recall, at The previous question was ordered. soever. I am pleased to be here working both Armed Services and Intelligence, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The with her in those areas, and I am hope- their Republican chairs—and bless question is on the resolution. ful that the President, the Speaker, the them for it—said there is nothing The question was taken; and the there. majority leader, and the respective mi- Speaker pro tempore announced that But we find out last night that the nority leaders can indeed come to a the ayes appeared to have it. whole purpose of all of it was never to larger agreement that would allow a Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, on do anything except to cause eternal normal appropriations process to take that I demand the yeas and nays. grief to the families of the four people place. First, an omnibus bill this year, The yeas and nays were ordered. who lost their lives and to destroy a and, hopefully, next year, an actual The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Presidential candidate. Could the Con- complete appropriations process such ant to clause 8 of rule XX, this 15- gress really stoop that low? I certainly as we haven’t seen around here in minute vote on adoption of the resolu- hope not. The facts belie my hope. many, many, many years. tion will be followed by a 5-minute vote So we will be back here in December, I reserve the balance of my time. on the motion to suspend the rules and December 11, actually, when I suspect Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I pass S. 2082. we will go through the same thing: Are yield myself the balance of my time. The vote was taken by electronic de- we going to shut down the government Mr. Speaker, we find ourselves in a vice, and there were—yeas 239, nays or are we going to try to do our job? We precarious time. At midnight tonight, 187, not voting 8, as follows: the Government of the United States do the same thing. We will have to put [Roll No. 525] will close yet once again. Mr. COLE and some things in to fool some people all YEAS—239 the time so that they will think they I certainly have strong agreement on that, and I am happy for that. He is a Abraham Clawson (FL) Forbes are voting for something entirely dif- Aderholt Coffman Fortenberry ferent. Frankly, I am not going to try true gentleman and a scholar here in Allen Cole Foxx to explain why this is happening, be- Congress. But I continue to say that it Amash Collins (GA) Franks (AZ) cause the people that it is meant to ap- saddens me greatly, because all of us Amodei Collins (NY) Frelinghuysen who were wanting to vote for a clean Babin Comstock Garrett pease obviously know we are appeasing Barletta Conaway Gibbs them. And it won’t last, but it sure is CR, because of this rule, we will not Barr Cook Gibson expensive. have an opportunity to do that. Barton Costello (PA) Gohmert I reserve the balance of my time. I call for a ‘‘no’’ vote on the rule. Benishek Cramer Goodlatte Bilirakis Crawford Gosar Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- I yield back the balance of my time. Bishop (MI) Crenshaw Gowdy self such time as I may consume. Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Bishop (UT) Curbelo (FL) Granger I want to, first, point out a couple of self the balance of my time. Black Davis, Rodney Graves (GA) areas where my friend and I do dis- I want to thank my friend again for Blackburn Denham Graves (LA) Blum Dent Graves (MO) agree. We certainly disagree about the also emphasizing the areas where we Bost DeSantis Griffith value of the Benghazi Committee. agree, which is on the maintenance of Boustany DesJarlais Grothman Frankly, I think it has been conducted the government. And while we may Brat Diaz-Balart Guinta professionally and seriously by Mr. have a difference over the rule, I would Bridenstine Dold Guthrie Brooks (AL) Donovan Hanna GOWDY. I think we have already hope that my friend and many of her Brooks (IN) Duffy Hardy learned some things we wouldn’t have colleagues on the CR that has been Buchanan Duncan (SC) Harper known, including the fact that the agreed to would look on that favorably Buck Duncan (TN) Harris Bucshon Ellmers (NC) Hartzler former Secretary of State had a private and would be able to support the CR, Burgess Emmer (MN) Heck (NV) server over which only she had access itself, as opposed to the rule. Byrne Farenthold Hensarling and control, a very unusual arrange- Mr. Speaker, passage of the CR is Calvert Fincher Herrera Beutler ment. So I will just let the committee critical to prevent a government shut- Carter (GA) Fitzpatrick Hice, Jody B. Carter (TX) Fleischmann Hill continue its work and see where we end down and to demonstrate to the Amer- Chabot Fleming Holding up at the end of the day. ican people that Congress can actually Chaffetz Flores Huizenga (MI)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.031 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6730 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 Hultgren Miller (FL) Scalise Rangel Serrano Tsongas Cummings Hurt (VA) Newhouse Hunter Miller (MI) Schweikert Rice (NY) Sewell (AL) Van Hollen Curbelo (FL) Israel Noem Hurd (TX) Moolenaar Scott, Austin Richmond Sherman Vargas Davis (CA) Issa Nolan Hurt (VA) Mooney (WV) Sensenbrenner Roybal-Allard Sinema Veasey Davis, Danny Jackson Lee Norcross Issa Mullin Sessions Ruiz Sires Vela Davis, Rodney Jeffries Nugent Jenkins (KS) Mulvaney Shimkus Ruppersberger Slaughter Vela´ zquez DeFazio Jenkins (KS) Nunes Jenkins (WV) Murphy (PA) Shuster Rush Smith (WA) Visclosky DeGette Jenkins (WV) O’Rourke ´ Johnson (OH) Neugebauer Simpson Sanchez, Linda Speier Walz Delaney Johnson (OH) Olson T. Swalwell (CA) Johnson, Sam Newhouse Smith (MO) Wasserman DeLauro Johnson, E. B. Palazzo Jolly Noem Smith (NE) Sanchez, Loretta Takai Schultz DelBene Johnson, Sam Pallone Jordan Nugent Smith (NJ) Sarbanes Takano Denham Jolly Palmer Waters, Maxine Joyce Nunes Smith (TX) Schakowsky Thompson (CA) Dent Jones Pascrell Watson Coleman Katko Olson Stefanik Schiff Thompson (MS) DeSantis Jordan Paulsen Welch Kelly (MS) Palazzo Stewart Schrader Titus DeSaulnier Joyce Payne Wilson (FL) Kelly (PA) Palmer Stivers Scott (VA) Tonko DesJarlais Kaptur Pearce King (IA) Paulsen Stutzman Scott, David Torres Yarmuth Deutch Katko Pelosi King (NY) Pearce Thompson (PA) NOT VOTING—8 Diaz-Balart Keating Perlmutter Kinzinger (IL) Perry Thornberry Dingell Kelly (MS) Perry Kline Pittenger Tiberi Brady (TX) Johnson (GA) Reichert Doggett Kelly (PA) Peters Knight Pitts Tipton Culberson Kelly (IL) Ryan (OH) Dold Kennedy Peterson Labrador Poe (TX) Trott Hudson Meeks Donovan Kildee Pingree LaHood Poliquin Turner Doyle, Michael Kilmer Pittenger LaMalfa Pompeo Upton b 1500 F. Kind Pitts Lamborn Posey Valadao Duckworth King (IA) Pocan Lance Price, Tom Wagner Mr. SARBANES changed his vote Duffy King (NY) Poe (TX) Latta Ratcliffe Walberg from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Duncan (SC) Kinzinger (IL) Poliquin LoBiondo Reed Walden Mrs. GRANGER and Mr. WENSTRUP Duncan (TN) Kirkpatrick Polis Long Renacci Walker Edwards Kline Pompeo Loudermilk Ribble Walorski changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to Ellison Knight Posey Love Rice (SC) Walters, Mimi ‘‘yea.’’ Ellmers (NC) Kuster Price (NC) Lucas Rigell Weber (TX) So the resolution was agreed to. Emmer (MN) Labrador Price, Tom Luetkemeyer Roby Webster (FL) The result of the vote was announced Engel LaHood Quigley Lummis Roe (TN) Wenstrup Eshoo LaMalfa Rangel MacArthur Rogers (AL) Westerman as above recorded. Esty Lamborn Ratcliffe Marchant Rogers (KY) Westmoreland A motion to reconsider was laid on Farenthold Lance Reed Marino Rohrabacher Whitfield Farr Langevin Renacci McCarthy Rokita Williams the table. Fattah Larsen (WA) Ribble McCaul Rooney (FL) Wilson (SC) Fincher Latta Rice (NY) McClintock Ros-Lehtinen Wittman f Fitzpatrick Lawrence Rice (SC) McHenry Roskam Womack Fleischmann Lee Richmond McKinley Ross Woodall DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- Fleming Levin Rigell McMorris Rothfus Yoder FAIRS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES Flores Lewis Roby Rodgers Rouzer Yoho ACT OF 2015 Forbes Lieu, Ted Roe (TN) McSally Royce Young (AK) Fortenberry Lipinski Rogers (AL) Meadows Russell Young (IA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Foster LoBiondo Rogers (KY) Meehan Ryan (WI) Young (IN) finished business is the vote on the mo- Foxx Messer Salmon Zeldin Loebsack Rohrabacher Mica Sanford Zinke tion to suspend the rules and pass the Frankel (FL) Lofgren Rokita bill (S. 2082) to amend title 38, United Franks (AZ) Long Rooney (FL) Frelinghuysen NAYS—187 Loudermilk Ros-Lehtinen States Code, to extend certain expiring Fudge Love Roskam Adams DeSaulnier Langevin provisions of law administered by the Gabbard Lowenthal Ross Aguilar Deutch Larsen (WA) Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for Gallego Lowey Rothfus Ashford Dingell Larson (CT) Garamendi Lucas Rouzer Bass Doggett Lawrence other purposes, on which the yeas and Garrett Luetkemeyer Roybal-Allard Beatty Doyle, Michael Lee nays were ordered. Gibbs Lujan Grisham Royce Becerra F. Levin The Clerk read the title of the bill. Gibson (NM) Ruiz Bera Duckworth Lewis The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Gohmert Luja´ n, Ben Ray Ruppersberger Beyer Edwards Lieu, Ted Goodlatte (NM) Rush Bishop (GA) Ellison Lipinski question is on the motion offered by Gosar Lummis Russell Blumenauer Engel Loebsack the gentleman from Florida (Mr. MIL- Gowdy Lynch Ryan (WI) Bonamici Eshoo Lofgren LER) that the House suspend the rules Graham MacArthur Salmon Boyle, Brendan Esty Lowenthal Granger Maloney, Sa´ nchez, Linda F. Farr Lowey and pass the bill. Graves (GA) Carolyn T. Brady (PA) Fattah Lujan Grisham This will be a 5-minute vote. Graves (LA) Maloney, Sean Sanchez, Loretta Brown (FL) Foster (NM) The vote was taken by electronic de- Graves (MO) Marchant Sanford Brownley (CA) Frankel (FL) Luja´ n, Ben Ray vice, and there were—yeas 423, nays 0, Grayson Marino Sarbanes Bustos Fudge (NM) Green, Al Massie Scalise Butterfield Gabbard Lynch not voting 11, as follows: Green, Gene Matsui Schakowsky Capps Gallego Maloney, [Roll No. 526] Griffith McCarthy Schiff Capuano Garamendi Carolyn Grijalva McCaul Schrader Ca´ rdenas Graham Maloney, Sean YEAS—423 Grothman McClintock Schweikert Carney Grayson Massie Abraham Boyle, Brendan Chaffetz Guinta McCollum Scott (VA) Carson (IN) Green, Al Matsui Adams F. Chu, Judy Guthrie McDermott Scott, Austin Cartwright Green, Gene McCollum Aderholt Brady (PA) Cicilline Gutie´rrez McGovern Scott, David Castor (FL) Grijalva McDermott Aguilar Brat Clark (MA) Hahn McHenry Sensenbrenner Castro (TX) Gutie´rrez McGovern Allen Bridenstine Clarke (NY) Hanna McKinley Serrano Chu, Judy Hahn McNerney Amash Brooks (AL) Clawson (FL) Hardy McMorris Sessions Cicilline Hastings Meng Amodei Brooks (IN) Clay Harper Rodgers Sewell (AL) Clark (MA) Heck (WA) Moore Ashford Brown (FL) Cleaver Harris McNerney Sherman Clarke (NY) Higgins Moulton Babin Brownley (CA) Clyburn Hartzler McSally Shimkus Clay Himes Murphy (FL) Barletta Buchanan Coffman Hastings Meadows Shuster Cleaver Hinojosa Nadler Barr Buck Cohen Heck (NV) Meehan Simpson Clyburn Honda Napolitano Barton Bucshon Cole Heck (WA) Meng Sinema Cohen Hoyer Neal Bass Burgess Collins (GA) Hensarling Messer Sires Connolly Huelskamp Nolan Beatty Bustos Collins (NY) Herrera Beutler Mica Slaughter Conyers Huffman Norcross Becerra Butterfield Comstock Hice, Jody B. Miller (FL) Smith (MO) Cooper Israel O’Rourke Benishek Byrne Conaway Higgins Miller (MI) Smith (NE) Costa Jackson Lee Pallone Bera Calvert Connolly Hill Moolenaar Smith (NJ) Courtney Jeffries Pascrell Beyer Capps Conyers Himes Mooney (WV) Smith (TX) Crowley Johnson, E. B. Payne Bilirakis Capuano Cook Hinojosa Moore Smith (WA) Cuellar Jones Pelosi Bishop (GA) Ca´ rdenas Cooper Holding Moulton Speier Cummings Kaptur Perlmutter Bishop (MI) Carney Costa Honda Mullin Stefanik Davis (CA) Keating Peters Black Carson (IN) Costello (PA) Hoyer Mulvaney Stewart Davis, Danny Kennedy Peterson Blackburn Carter (GA) Courtney Huelskamp Murphy (FL) Stivers DeFazio Kildee Pingree Blum Carter (TX) Cramer Huffman Murphy (PA) Stutzman DeGette Kilmer Pocan Blumenauer Cartwright Crawford Huizenga (MI) Nadler Swalwell (CA) Delaney Kind Polis Bonamici Castor (FL) Crenshaw Hultgren Napolitano Takai DeLauro Kirkpatrick Price (NC) Bost Castro (TX) Crowley Hunter Neal Takano DelBene Kuster Quigley Boustany Chabot Cuellar Hurd (TX) Neugebauer Thompson (CA)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE7.007 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6731 Thompson (MS) Vela´ zquez Westerman 448 may be subject to postponement as Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 (division G of Thompson (PA) Visclosky Whitfield Public Law 113–235), except title VI. Thornberry Wagner though under clause 8 of rule XX. Williams (9) The Legislative Branch Appropriations Tiberi Walberg Wilson (FL) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Act, 2015 (division H of Public Law 113–235). Tipton Walden Wilson (SC) DENHAM). Is there objection to the re- Titus Walker Wittman quest of the gentleman from Ken- (10) The Military Construction and Veterans Tonko Walorski Womack tucky? Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Torres Walters, Mimi Woodall Act, 2015 (division I of Public Law 113–235). Trott Walz There was no objection. Yarmuth Tsongas Wasserman (11) The Department of State, Foreign Oper- Yoder f Turner Schultz ations, and Related Programs Appropriations Yoho Upton Waters, Maxine TSA OFFICE OF INSPECTION Act, 2015 (division J of Public Law 113–235), ex- Valadao Watson Coleman Young (AK) ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2015 cept title IX. Van Hollen Weber (TX) Young (IA) Young (IN) GENERAL LEAVE (12) The Transportation, Housing and Urban Vargas Webster (FL) Development, and Related Agencies Appropria- Veasey Welch Zeldin Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Vela Wenstrup Zinke tions Act, 2015 (division K of Public Law 113– Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 235). NOT VOTING—11 all Members may have 5 legislative (13) Section 11 of the Consolidated and Fur- Bishop (UT) Johnson (GA) Reichert days in which to revise and extend ther Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub- Brady (TX) Kelly (IL) Ryan (OH) their remarks and include extraneous lic Law 113–235). Culberson Larson (CT) Westmoreland material on H.R. 719, and that I may Hudson Meeks (b) The rate for operations provided by sub- include tabular material on the same. section (a) is hereby reduced by 0.2108 percent. b 1507 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there SEC. 102. (a) No appropriation or funds made Mr. BLUMENAUER changed his vote objection to the request of the gen- available or authority granted pursuant to sec- from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ tleman from Kentucky? tion 101 for the Department of Defense shall be So (two-thirds being in the affirma- There was no objection. used for: (1) the new production of items not tive) the rules were suspended and the Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. funded for production in fiscal year 2015 or bill was passed. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution prior years; (2) the increase in production rates 448, I call up the bill (H.R. 719) to re- above those sustained with fiscal year 2015 The result of the vote was announced funds; or (3) the initiation, resumption, or con- as above recorded. quire the Transportation Security Ad- ministration to conform to existing tinuation of any project, activity, operation, or A motion to reconsider was laid on organization (defined as any project, subproject, the table. Federal law and regulations regarding activity, budget activity, program element, and f criminal investigator positions, and for subprogram within a program element, and for other purposes, with the Senate any investment items defined as a P–1 line item MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT amendment to the House amendment in a budget activity within an appropriation ac- A message in writing from the Presi- to the Senate amendment thereto, and count and an R–1 line item that includes a pro- dent of the United States was commu- ask for its immediate consideration. gram element and subprogram element within nicated to the House by Mr. Brian The Clerk read the title of the bill. an appropriation account) for which appropria- Pate, one of his secretaries. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tions, funds, or other authority were not available during fiscal year 2015. f Clerk will designate the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the (b) No appropriation or funds made available REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- Senate amendment. or authority granted pursuant to section 101 for VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF The text of the Senate amendment to the Department of Defense shall be used to initiate multi-year procurements utilizing advance H.R. 3457, JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS the House amendment to the Senate OF IRANIAN TERRORISM ACT; procurement funding for economic order quan- amendment is as follows: tity procurement unless specifically appro- PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION At the end add the following: priated later. OF CONFERENCE REPORT ON The following sums are hereby appropriated, SEC. 103. Appropriations made by section 101 H.R. 1735, NATIONAL DEFENSE out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise shall be available to the extent and in the man- AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FIS- appropriated, and out of applicable corporate or ner that would be provided by the pertinent ap- CAL YEAR 2016; AND PROVIDING other revenues, receipts, and funds, for the sev- propriations Act. eral departments, agencies, corporations, and FOR CONSIDERATION OF MO- SEC. 104. Except as otherwise provided in sec- other organizational units of Government for tion 102, no appropriation or funds made avail- TIONS TO SUSPEND THE RULES fiscal year 2016, and for other purposes, namely: able or authority granted pursuant to section Mr. BYRNE, from the Committee on SEC. 101. (a) Such amounts as may be nec- Rules, submitted a privileged report essary, at a rate for operations as provided in 101 shall be used to initiate or resume any project or activity for which appropriations, (Rept. No. 114–273) on the resolution (H. the applicable appropriations Acts for fiscal year 2015 and under the authority and condi- funds, or other authority were not available Res. 449) providing for consideration of during fiscal year 2015. the bill (H.R. 3457) to prohibit the lift- tions provided in such Acts, for continuing projects or activities (including the costs of di- SEC. 105. Appropriations made and authority ing of sanctions on Iran until the Gov- rect loans and loan guarantees) that are not granted pursuant to this Act shall cover all obli- ernment of Iran pays the judgments otherwise specifically provided for in this Act, gations or expenditures incurred for any project against it for acts of terrorism, and for that were conducted in fiscal year 2015, and for or activity during the period for which funds or other purposes; providing for consider- which appropriations, funds, or other authority authority for such project or activity are avail- ation of the conference report to ac- were made available in the following appropria- able under this Act. company the bill (H.R. 1735) to author- tions Acts: SEC. 106. Unless otherwise provided for in this ize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 (1) The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food Act or in the applicable appropriations Act for for military activities of the Depart- and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies fiscal year 2016, appropriations and funds made Appropriations Act, 2015 (division A of Public available and authority granted pursuant to ment of Defense, for military construc- Law 113–235), except section 743 and title VIII. this Act shall be available until whichever of the tion, and for defense activities of the (2) The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Re- following first occurs: (1) the enactment into Department of Energy, to prescribe lated Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 (divi- law of an appropriation for any project or activ- military personnel strengths for such sion B of Public Law 113–235). ity provided for in this Act; (2) the enactment fiscal year, and for other purposes; and (3) The Department of Defense Appropriations into law of the applicable appropriations Act for providing for consideration of motions Act, 2015 (division C of Public Law 113–235), ex- fiscal year 2016 without any provision for such cept title X. project or activity; or (3) December 11, 2015. to suspend the rules, which was re- (4) The Energy and Water Development and SEC. 107. Expenditures made pursuant to this ferred to the House Calendar and or- Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 (divi- Act shall be charged to the applicable appro- dered to be printed. sion D of Public Law 113–235). priation, fund, or authorization whenever a bill f (5) The Financial Services and General Gov- ernment Appropriations Act, 2015 (division E of in which such applicable appropriation, fund, PERMISSION TO POSTPONE PRO- Public Law 113–235). or authorization is contained is enacted into CEEDINGS ON MOTION TO CON- (6) The Department of Homeland Security Ap- law. CUR propriations Act, 2015 (Public Law 114–4). SEC. 108. Appropriations made and funds (7) The Department of the Interior, Environ- made available by or authority granted pursu- Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. ment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, ant to this Act may be used without regard to Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 2015 (division F of Public Law 113–235). the time limitations for submission and approval the question of adopting a motion to (8) The Departments of Labor, Health and of apportionments set forth in section 1513 of concur pursuant to House Resolution Human Services, and Education, and Related title 31, United States Code, but nothing in this

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Act may be construed to waive any other provi- SEC. 115. During the period covered by this tioned up to the rate for operations necessary to sion of law governing the apportionment of Act, discretionary amounts appropriated for fis- avoid disruption of continuing projects or activi- funds. cal year 2016 that were provided in advance by ties funded in this appropriation. SEC. 109. Notwithstanding any other provision appropriations Acts shall be available in the (b) The Secretary of Energy shall notify the of this Act, except section 106, for those pro- amounts provided in such Acts, reduced by the Committees on Appropriations of the House of grams that would otherwise have high initial percentage in section 101(b). Representatives and the Senate not later than 3 rates of operation or complete distribution of ap- SEC. 116. Notwithstanding section 101, days after each use of the authority provided in propriations at the beginning of fiscal year 2016 amounts are provided for ‘‘Department of Agri- subsection (a). because of distributions of funding to States, culture—Domestic Food Programs—Food and SEC. 124. Notwithstanding any other provision foreign countries, grantees, or others, such high Nutrition Service—Commodity Assistance Pro- of this Act, except section 106, the District of Co- initial rates of operation or complete distribu- gram’’ at a rate for operations of $288,317,000, of lumbia may expend local funds under the head- tion shall not be made, and no grants shall be which $221,298,000 shall be for the Commodity ing ‘‘District of Columbia Funds’’ for such pro- awarded for such programs funded by this Act Supplemental Food Program. grams and activities under the District of Co- that would impinge on final funding preroga- SEC. 117. Amounts made available by section lumbia Appropriations Act, 2015 (title IV of divi- tives. 101 for ‘‘Department of Agriculture—Rural sion E of Public Law 113–235) at the rate set SEC. 110. This Act shall be implemented so Housing Service—Rental Assistance Program’’ forth under ‘‘District of Columbia Funds—Sum- that only the most limited funding action of may be apportioned up to the rate for operations mary of Expenses’’ as included in the Fiscal that permitted in the Act shall be taken in order necessary to pay ongoing debt service for the Year 2016 Budget Request Act of 2015 (D.C. Act to provide for continuation of projects and ac- multi-family direct loan programs under sections 21–99), as modified as of the date of the enact- tivities. 514 and 515 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. ment of this Act. SEC. 111. (a) For entitlements and other man- 1484 and 1485): Provided, That the Secretary SEC. 125. Notwithstanding section 101, no datory payments whose budget authority was may waive the prohibition in the second proviso funds are provided by this Act for ‘‘Recovery provided in appropriations Acts for fiscal year under such heading in division A of Public Law Accountability and Transparency Board—Sala- 2015, and for activities under the Food and Nu- 113–235 with respect to rental assistance con- ries and Expenses’’. trition Act of 2008, activities shall be continued tracts entered into or renewed during fiscal year SEC. 126. Amounts made available by section at the rate to maintain program levels under 2015. 101 for ‘‘Small Business Administration—Busi- current law, under the authority and conditions SEC. 118. Amounts made available by section ness Loans Program Account’’ may be appor- provided in the applicable appropriations Act 101 for ‘‘Department of Commerce—National tioned up to the rate for operations necessary to for fiscal year 2015, to be continued through the Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—Pro- accommodate increased demand for commit- date specified in section 106(3). curement, Acquisition and Construction’’ may ments for general business loans authorized (b) Notwithstanding section 106, obligations be apportioned up to the rate for operations nec- under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 for mandatory payments due on or about the essary to maintain the planned launch sched- U.S.C. 636(a)). first day of any month that begins after October SEC. 127. Sections 1101(a) and 1104(a)(2)(A) of 2015 but not later than 30 days after the date ules for the Joint Polar Satellite System. SEC. 119. (a) The first proviso under the head- the Internet Tax Freedom Act (title XI of divi- specified in section 106(3) may continue to be ing ‘‘United States Marshals Service—Federal sion C of Public Law 105–277; 47 U.S.C. 151 note) made, and funds shall be available for such Prisoner Detention’’ in title II of division B of shall be applied by substituting the date speci- payments. fied in section 106(3) of this Act for ‘‘October 1, SEC. 112. Amounts made available under sec- Public Law 113–235 shall not apply during the tion 101 for civilian personnel compensation and period covered by this Act. 2015’’. SEC. 128. Section 101 shall be applied by as- benefits in each department and agency may be (b) The limitation in section 217(c) of division suming that section 7 of Public Law 113–235 was apportioned up to the rate for operations nec- B of Public Law 113–235 on the amount of excess essary to avoid furloughs within such depart- unobligated balances available under section enacted as part of title VII of division E of Pub- ment or agency, consistent with the applicable 524(c)(8)(E) of title 28, United States Code, shall lic Law 113–235. SEC. 129. The authority provided by section appropriations Act for fiscal year 2015, except not apply under this Act to the use of such 831 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 that such authority provided under this section funds for ‘‘United States Marshals Service— U.S.C. 391) shall continue in effect through the shall not be used until after the department or Federal Prisoner Detention’’. agency has taken all necessary actions to re- SEC. 120. (a) The authority regarding closeout date specified in section 106(3) of this Act. SEC. 130. Section 401(b) of the Illegal Immigra- duce or defer non-personnel-related administra- of Space Shuttle contracts and associated pro- tion Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act tive expenses. grams provided by language under the heading SEC. 113. Funds appropriated by this Act may ‘‘National Aeronautics and Space Administra- of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1324a note) shall be applied by be obligated and expended notwithstanding section—Administrative Provisions’’ in the Omni- substituting the date specified in section 106(3) tion 10 of Public Law 91–672 (22 U.S.C. 2412), bus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Public Law 111–8) of this Act for ‘‘September 30, 2015’’. section 15 of the State Department Basic Au- shall continue in effect through fiscal year 2021. SEC. 131. Section 610(b) of the Departments of thorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2680), section 313 (b) This section shall be applied as if it were Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fis- in effect on September 30, 2015. and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 cal Years 1994 and 1995 (22 U.S.C. 6212), and SEC. 121. (a) Notwithstanding section 1552 of (8 U.S.C. 1153 note) shall be applied by subsection 504(a)(1) of the National Security Act of title 31, United States Code, funds made avail- stituting the date specified in section 106(3) of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3094(a)(1)). able, including funds that have expired but this Act for ‘‘September 30, 2015’’. SEC. 114. (a) Each amount incorporated by have not been cancelled, and identified by SEC. 132. Subclauses 101(a)(27)(C)(ii)(II) and reference in this Act that was previously des- Treasury Appropriation Fund Symbol 13–09/10– (III) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 ignated by the Congress for Overseas Contin- 0554 shall remain available for expenditure U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(C)(ii)(II) and (III)) shall be gency Operations/Global War on Terrorism pur- through fiscal year 2020 for the purpose of liqui- applied by substituting the date specified in sec- suant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced dating valid obligations of active grants. tion 106(3) of this Act for ‘‘September 30, 2015’’. Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of (b) For the purpose of subsection (a), grants SEC. 133. Section 220(c) of the Immigration 1985 or as being for disaster relief pursuant to for which the period of performance has expired and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of section 251(b)(2)(D) of such Act is designated by but are not finally closed out shall be considered 1994 (8 U.S.C. 1182 note) shall be applied by sub- the Congress for Overseas Contingency Oper- active grants. stituting the date specified in section 106(3) of ations/Global War on Terrorism pursuant to sec- (c) This section shall be applied as if it were this Act for ‘‘September 30, 2015’’. SEC. 134. Section 810 of the Federal Lands tion 251(b)(2)(A) of such Act or as being for dis- in effect on September 30, 2015. Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6809) is aster relief pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(D) of SEC. 122. The following provisions shall be ap- amended by striking all that follows after ‘‘shall such Act, respectively. plied by substituting ‘‘2016’’ for ‘‘2015’’ through (b) The reduction in section 101(b) of this Act the earlier of the date specified in section 106(3) terminate’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2017.’’. shall not apply to— of this Act or the date of the enactment of an SEC. 135. In addition to the amount otherwise (1) amounts designated under subsection (a) Act authorizing appropriations for fiscal year provided by section 101 for ‘‘Department of Agri- of this section; or 2016 for military activities of the Department of culture—Forest Service—Wildland Fire Manage- (2) amounts made available by section 101(a) Defense: ment’’, there is appropriated $700,000,000 for an by reference to the second paragraph under the (1) Section 1215(f)(1) of the National Defense additional amount for fiscal year 2016, to re- heading ‘‘Social Security Administration—Limi- Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public main available until expended, for urgent tation on Administrative Expenses’’ in division Law 112–81; 10 U.S.C. 113 note), as most recently wildland fire suppression activities: Provided, G of Public Law 113–235; or amended by section 1237 of the Carl Levin and That such funds shall only become available if (3) amounts made available by section 101(a) Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense funds previously provided for wildland fire sup- by reference to the paragraph under the head- Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public pression will be exhausted imminently and the ing ‘‘Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Serv- Law 113–291). Secretary of Agriculture notifies the Committees ices—Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Ac- (2) Section 127b(c)(3)(C) of title 10, United on Appropriations of the House of Representa- count’’ in division G of Public Law 113–235. States Code. tives and the Senate in writing of the need for (c) Section 6 of Public Law 113–235 shall apply SEC. 123. (a) Funds made available by section these additional funds: Provided further, That to amounts designated in subsection (a) for 101 for ‘‘Department of Energy—Energy Pro- such funds are also available for transfer to Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War grams—Uranium Enrichment Decontamination other appropriations accounts to repay amounts on Terrorism. and Decommissioning Fund’’ may be appor- previously transferred for wildfire suppression:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A30SE7.010 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6733 Provided further, That such amount is des- erans Affairs—Departmental Administration— and operating after the end of the fis- ignated by the Congress as an emergency re- General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits cal year on September 30. quirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of Administration’’ at a rate for operations of This necessary measure funds gov- the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit $2,697,734,000. ernment and services at the current Control Act of 1985, except that such amount SEC. 146. Notwithstanding section 101, section shall be available only if the President subse- 226(a) of division I of Public Law 113–235 shall rate through December 11 of this year. quently so designates such amount and trans- be applied to amounts made available by this As in previous years, the CR also in- mits such designation to the Congress. Act by substituting ‘‘division I of Public Law cludes a small across-the-board reduc- SEC. 136. The authorities provided by sections 113–235’’ for ‘‘division J of Public Law 113–76’’ tion to keep within the fiscal year 2016 117 and 123 of division G of Public Law 113–76 and by substituting ‘‘2015’’ for ‘‘2014’’. cap level set by the Budget Control shall continue in effect through the date speci- SEC. 147. Section 209 of the International Reli- Act. fied in section 106(3) of this Act. gious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6436) shall SEC. 137. (a) The authority provided by sub- Mr. Speaker, this is a responsible be applied by substituting the date specified in measure that prevents a harmful gov- section (m)(3) of section 8162 of the Department section 106(3) of this Act for ‘‘September 30, of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000 (40 U.S.C. 2015’’. ernment shutdown, while allowing 8903 note; Public Law 106–79) shall continue in SEC. 148. Amounts made available by section time for a larger budget agreement to effect through the date specified in section 101 for ‘‘Broadcasting Board of Governors— be reached, and time to complete the 106(3) of this Act. International Broadcasting Operations’’, ‘‘Bi- full year appropriations work for 2016. (b) For the period covered by this Act, the au- lateral Economic Assistance—Funds Appro- thority provided by the provisos under the head- It also includes a few responsible pro- priated to the President—Economic Support visions to prevent disastrous, irrevers- ing ‘‘Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commis- Fund’’, ‘‘International Security Assistance—De- sion—Capital Construction’’ in division E of ible damage to government programs partment of State—International Narcotics Con- or to address current urgent needs. Public Law 112–74 shall not be in effect. trol and Law Enforcement’’, ‘‘International Se- SEC. 138. Section 3096(2) of the Carl Levin and curity Assistance—Department of State—Non- These changes are limited in scope and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense proliferation, Anti-terrorism, Demining and Re- noncontroversial. For instance, these Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 is provisions extend the authority for amended by inserting ‘‘for fiscal year 2015’’ lated Programs’’, and ‘‘International Security after ‘‘$37,000,000’’. Assistance—Funds Appropriated to the Presi- critical Department of Defense activi- SEC. 139. Funds made available in prior ap- dent—Foreign Military Financing Program’’ ties that fight terrorism, increase fund- propriations Acts for construction and renova- shall be obligated at a rate for operations as ing for the Department of Veterans Af- tion of facilities for the Centers for Disease Con- necessary to sustain assistance for Ukraine to fairs to help address the disability trol and Prevention may also be used for con- counter external, regional aggression and influ- claims backlog, and provide emergency ence, including for the costs of authorized loan struction on leased land. funding to the Forest Service to help SEC. 140. Subsection (b) of section 163 of Pub- guarantees. lic Law 111–242, as amended, is further amended SEC. 149. Section 1334 of the Foreign Affairs respond to the disastrous wildfires that by striking ‘‘2015–2016’’ and inserting ‘‘2016– Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. are devastating our Western States. 2017’’. 6553) shall be applied by substituting the date While I firmly believe this legislation SEC. 141. Section 101 shall be applied by as- specified in section 106(3) of this Act for ‘‘Octo- is the best path forward at this time, it suming that section 139 of Public Law 113–164 ber 1, 2015’’. is also my strong opinion that Con- was enacted as part of division G of Public Law SEC. 150. (a) Funds made available by section gress should do its job and enact ac- 101 for ‘‘Department of Housing and Urban De- 113–235, and section 139 of Public Law 113–164 tual, line-by-line, separate appropria- shall be applied by adding at the end the fol- velopment—Management and Administration— lowing: ‘‘and of the unobligated balance of Administrative Support Offices’’ may be appor- tions bills ahead of our September 30 amounts deposited or available in the Child En- tioned up to the rate for operations necessary to deadline. Clearly, this is not an option rollment Contingency Fund from appropriations maintain the planned schedule for the New Core at this time, so we must resort to a to the Fund under section 2104(n)(2)(A)(i) of the Shared Services Project. temporary measure like this CR. Social Security Act and the income derived from (b) Not later than 3 days before the first use A CR doesn’t reflect our most cur- investment of those funds pursuant to of the apportionment authority in subsection rent budgetary needs. It creates uncer- 2104(n)(2)(C) of that Act, $1,664,000,000 is re- (a), each 30 days thereafter, and 3 days after tainty across the whole government scinded’’. the authority expires under this Act, the Sec- SEC. 142. Section 114(f) of the Higher Edu- retary of Housing and Urban Development shall and does not adequately address our cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1011c(f)) shall be submit to the Committees on Appropriations of national security obligations, and it applied by substituting the date specified in sec- the House of Representatives and the Senate a causes needless waste when taxpayer tion 106(3) of this Act for ‘‘September 30, 2015’’. report specifying each use of the authority dollars are spent inefficiently and inef- SEC. 143. Notwithstanding any other provision through the date of the report. fectively. of this Act, there is appropriated for payment to This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Continuing Ap- So it is to my great dismay, Mr. Tori B. Nunnelee, widow of Alan Nunnelee, late propriations Act, 2016’’. a Representative from the State of Mississippi, Speaker, that we have arrived at this MOTION OFFERED BY MR. ROGERS OF KENTUCKY $174,000. point once again requiring a temporary SEC. 144. Of the discretionary unobligated bal- Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Band-aid to buy us time to do our con- ances of the Department of Veterans Affairs Speaker, I have a motion at the desk. stitutionally mandated duty. from fiscal year 2015 or prior fiscal years, or dis- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The House this year got off to a great cretionary amounts appropriated in advance for Clerk will designate the motion. start—beginning our appropriations fiscal year 2016, the Secretary of Veterans Af- The text of the motion is as follows: work at the earliest date since 1974— fairs may transfer up to $625,000,000 to ‘‘Depart- Mr. Rogers of Kentucky moves that the ment of Veterans Affairs—Departmental Admin- the current Budget Control Act’s anni- House concur in the Senate amendment to istration—Construction, Major Projects’’, to be versary—and passing six of our 12 bills the House amendment to the Senate amend- merged with the amounts available in such ac- by July of this year. My committee re- ment to H.R. 719. count: Provided, That no amounts may be ported out all 12 bills for the first time transferred from amounts that were designated The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- since 2009. And yet, the Senate refuses by the Congress as an emergency requirement ant to House Resolution 448, the mo- to act, giving us no choice but to try a pursuant to the Concurrent Resolution on the tion shall be debatable for 1 hour continuing resolution. Budget, the Balanced Budget and Emergency equally divided and controlled by the Deficit Control Act of 1985, or the Statutory chair and ranking minority member of b 1515 Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010: Provided further, the Committee on Appropriations. But now, with progress stalled, it is That no amounts may be transferred until the clear that all sides must come together Secretary submits to the Committees on Appro- The gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. priations of the House of Representatives and ROGERS) and the gentlewoman from to find some sort of agreement that ad- the Senate a request for, and receives from the New York (Mrs. LOWEY) each will con- dresses our current fiscal situation in a Committees written approval of, such transfers: trol 30 minutes. comprehensive way. This CR, while not Provided further, That the Secretary shall speci- The Chair recognizes the gentleman ideal, is the next step toward that end, fy in such request the donor account and from Kentucky. keeping the government’s lights on as amount of each proposed transfer, the fiscal Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. we work to find a solution. year of each appropriation to be transferred, the Speaker, I yield myself such time as I With current funding set to expire amount of unobligated balances remaining in just hours from now, I urge my col- the account after the transfer, and the project may consume. or program impact of the transfer. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present leagues to do the responsible and rea- SEC. 145. Notwithstanding section 101, H.R. 719, a short-term continuing reso- sonable thing and support this con- amounts are provided for ‘‘Department of Vet- lution to keep the government open tinuing resolution today.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE7.010 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6734 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 I reserve the balance of my time. One more indication of the dire out- time to negotiate the framework for a Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield look is the cynical gimmick—an ‘‘en- larger deal, for a larger understanding, myself such time as I may consume. rollment correction’’—the majority has that would allow us to move ahead and Mr. Speaker, we may temporarily put forward today to supposedly defund actually have an omnibus bill where we avert this most recent crisis if we can Planned Parenthood. Fortunately, it actually—not as good as moving it get this bill to the President tonight, will have no practical effect on the CR across the floor—but had a large bill just hours before the entire Federal for two reasons. First, the Senate will where we looked at every line, we made Government shuts down, but it is cer- ignore it. Second, there is no need for concessions to one another, we made tainly not a cause for celebration. a correction since, as my friend Mr. agreements, we moved the ball for- This very short-term continuing res- COLE noted this weekend, ‘‘there is no ward, and it could open up a possibility olution avoids the most immediate cri- money’’ in the CR for Planned Parent- for a normal appropriations process sis. But what is step two? After we hood. PolitiFact even confirmed this next year. enact this stopgap measure, are there claim. In that regard, I was very heartened any firm plans to begin negotiating the I will strongly oppose this attack on by Majority Leader MCCONNELL’s re- full-year appropriations bills we should women’s health today as I support the cent remarks that he is interested in a be passing today? I remain deeply con- temporary continuing resolution and 2-year deal, somewhat similar to Ryan- cerned about the potential of finding urge all of my colleagues to do the Murray in terms of its duration. Again, ourselves facing a government shut- same so we can at least avoid a worst- that would allow this House next year down again in December. case scenario. to move appropriations bills across the The stakes are very high. We have an But I again implore outgoing and in- floor one at a time in a give-and-take economy that is genuinely recovering. coming Republican leadership to please bipartisan manner. I think that is ex- Unemployment is down. Economic engage with the President and House traordinarily important. growth is up. But we still have progress Democrats immediately on an agree- If you look at where this committee to make. The uncertainty and unneces- ment to replace the sequester-level was at in terms of frozen activity be- sary tumult of playing games right up caps, avert the next crisis just weeks fore my good friend, the chairman, be- to the brink of a government shutdown away, stop playing political games came the chairman, he and, again, with is not helpful to our fragile economy. with women’s health, and invest in my good friend, the gentlewoman from The last shutdown cost the economy American economic growth and secu- New York, have brought us back a $24 billion in GDP, according to Stand- rity. long, long way. If we don’t finish that ard & Poor’s. I reserve the balance of my time. journey in the next 21⁄2 months, we This continuing resolution buys us 10 Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. have got several things that are going weeks and takes care of only a handful Speaker, I yield such time as he may to happen, the worst of which will be a of the most pressing Federal respon- consume to the gentleman from Okla- sequester of $40 billion, roughly, on the sibilities: Provides desperately needed homa (Mr. COLE), a very valued mem- American military. emergency firefighting funds to ad- ber of my committee who happens also That is an unacceptable outcome. dress the cataclysmic fires raging in to be the chairman of the Labor HHS And, frankly, that is something that the West; provides additional resources Subcommittee. the Commander in Chief and the re- for processing disability claims at the Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, first, I want spective leaders on both sides of the Veterans Administration; increases the to begin by congratulating both my aisle in this body need to make sure authorization in the Small Business chairman and my ranking member for doesn’t happen. I promise you, if the administration, Loan Guarantee Program to ensure the exceptional job they have done this the Senate, and the House can get to a new loans can be administered to help year in getting all 12 appropriations larger agreement, I have no doubt that small businesses across the country; bills through the full committee for my chairman and my ranking member and extends several expiring authoriza- the first time since 2009. So we really and their counterparts in the United tions for programs within the Depart- have on the Appropriations Committee States Senate will then introduce a ment of Homeland Security. done our work. Six of those bills have normal negotiating process and we will Notably, the continuing resolution come across the floor. get to the right place. does not address other key priorities And, frankly, I think we would have So we have a moment, an opening, a that could bolster our economy, such had more across the floor if our friends little bit of bipartisanship here. I as the expired authority of the Export- in the Senate, who are blocked by the would expect, when this bill is actually Import Bank, which has created or sus- Democratic minority, had an oppor- voted on, we will have large majorities tained 1.5 million private sector jobs at tunity to bring their bills to the floor. on both sides of the aisle that actually no cost to the taxpayer since 2007 and I think we are here, in part, because support it. supported billions in American eco- the inaction by the minority in the So I urge the other Members—again, nomic activity. United States Senate has ground the both Democrat and Republican—to By settling on this short-term exten- whole process to a halt. seize this opportunity, to not just focus sion, we fail to provide proposed in- But I am very pleased to see both my on where there are differences, but creases for medical research at the Na- chairman and my ranking member here focus here where we have come to- tional Institutes of Health and the Na- making the argument to keep the gov- gether, bought the time, and then, tion’s aging transportation system and ernment funded. I think we all know frankly, where they can use their influ- infrastructure. The President’s request that shutting down the government is ence on both sides of the aisle in both for defense funding is shortchanged, always a mistake. It is a political mis- Chambers and with the President to which would put our national security take, frankly, for people that want to make sure that an adequate deal is ar- at risk in a long-term CR. use it to achieve some political tactic. rived at and that we spare the country Leaving our Federal agencies on But, more importantly, it is simply and certainly the men and women in autopilot without the line-by-line, the wrong thing to do for the American uniform that defend us each and every year-by-year adjustments that should people. They send us here expecting us day from the agony of dealing with a come from this committee and this to get our work done. The fact that second sequester. Congress is irresponsible and hurts our some amongst us has kept that from This is not the time for that to hap- ability to grow our economy, create happening is regrettable and I think a pen. It is a dangerous world. We have jobs, and give hard-working families disservice to all of our constituents. not Russia relitigating the borders of the services they need. I also believe, in this particular case, Eastern Europe. We have got China Yet, with the Republican dysfunction that we have an opportunity, if we pass building islands in the South China that has driven a change in the major- this continuing resolution for those Sea. We have got ISIL having estab- ity’s leadership on the brink of a gov- that are, as I like to say appropriately, lished a caliphate of sorts in the Mid- ernment shutdown, the prospects for above our pay grade—that is, the Presi- dle East. We have a dangerous Iran. forging a reasonable, responsible solu- dent, the Speaker, the majority leader, The worst thing in the world would tion by December are not good. and the two minority leaders—to have be to not do this CR and then not carry

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.041 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6735 it through to a fuller agreement and The list of failures goes on and on. we are not going to have a government undercut our military. So I think the We are failing our workers. We are fail- shutdown, and that is good news, but stakes of what we are doing are very, ing working families. We are failing we need to get on with the business of very high here. students and medical researchers and this budget agreement. I want to conclude again by com- first responders and veterans and fami- Also, I wanted to point out—I heard mending my chairman and com- lies and millions of others. my friend and colleague from Con- mending our ranking member for work- Our job in this body is to provide op- necticut made a comment about bio- ing together, as they have this entire portunity for people. During this eco- medical research—in the bill that we year, so we could get our bills across, nomic struggle that we have, we ought had passed out of the Labor, Health, as they are doing now in this process, to be focused like a laser on the issues and Human Services Subcommittee, we to buy our leaders time, and, frankly, that work to better the economic situ- actually did increase funding for the as I know they will do in normal nego- ation of working families in this coun- National Institutes of Health by $1.1 tiation on an omnibus bill at the end of try. billion. I do hope that, in the event this process and then, hopefully, on a b 1530 that we do come to a budget agreement regular appropriations process next and move the appropriations bills, we year. What we do here is to continue to will be able to see an increase in fund- Again, I urge my fellow Members on hold a cap on what we need to move ing for the NIH. We will be able to pro- both sides of the aisle to pass this very forward, and, more importantly than vide for our veterans and, in my case, important piece of legislation. that, what we do from the other side of also the military construction projects. Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I am very the aisle is to threaten the government Also, our friends who are serving pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gen- shutdown over the issue of women’s overseas, our men and women serving tlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. health. overseas in the Armed Forces, are very DELAURO), a distinguished member of Who are we? What are we about? much depending on us to do the right the committee. Where are the great values of this Na- thing, to pass appropriations bills, a Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am tion that helped to provide an oppor- long-term continuing resolution, not disappointed in this bill. We are faced tunity so that families could join the the one we are voting on today. If we with this continuing resolution in middle class of this country and con- are to do one after December 11, it order to avert a government shutdown. tinue to make it strong? would have real impacts on our force This is no way to govern. America de- That is what our job is today to do, readiness and the ability for our troops serves better than a month-to-month not to be involved in these mindless ex- and our men and women overseas to do government, forever on the brink of a ercises that the other side of the aisle the jobs that we have asked them to shutdown and held back by needless continues to move forward on. do. budget constraints. Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I yield Those who call this a clean con- So for all these reasons, I am urging such time as he may consume to the people to vote for this CR today, keep tinuing resolution are mistaken. In gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. fact, it puts in place yet more indis- the government functioning, do our DENT), a hardworking member of the criminate cuts. It cuts .2 percent duty, and then set up a process where Appropriations Committee, the chair- we can complete the appropriations across the board for most discretionary man of the Military Construction, Vet- programs. Apparently, we have not process in December and take care of erans Affairs, and Related Agencies the responsibilities that have been en- learned our lesson about mindless aus- Subcommittee, and, coincidently, the terity. trusted to us. chairman of the House Ethics Com- Instead of fighting over women’s I want to thank Chairman ROGERS mittee. health care, we should use the next and, also, Ranking Member LOWEY for Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- month to negotiate a budget agree- their strong leadership on the Appro- ment that addresses the single biggest port of passing a clean continuing reso- priations Committee. They are doing economic issue that we face in this lution, the one the Senate sent over to all that they are doing to try to help us country. Today working men and us. We should do that immediately. work together and make sure that Con- women in the United States are in jobs It would be utterly reckless to let the gress maintains its power of the purse that don’t pay them enough money. government shut down for any reason, and does exactly what we promised the Real wages have been stagnant for 30 regardless of one’s feelings about American people we would do, and that years. Planned Parenthood. Whether you like would be to govern. We need to stop spending hundreds of them or not isn’t the point. We should Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 billions of dollars every year on tax never shut the government down over minutes to the distinguished gen- loopholes for the wealthy and for big that or, frankly, any other issue at this tleman from New York (Mr. ISRAEL). corporations. We need to invest once time. Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank more in education and job training and It is imperative that we pass this CR my very good friend and colleague health and all the other priorities that so that it will give us the time and from New York, Ranking Member American families hold dear. space we need to enter into a broader LOWEY. Right now we cannot meet their budget agreement, hopefully, for this Mr. Speaker, I have a tremendous needs. Poor children are struggling. fiscal year and the next and so that we amount of respect for the chairman, Their vocabularies are, on average, can then, also, pass the appropriations the gentleman from Kentucky. I have one-third those of their middle income bills. great personal admiration for him and peers. But since 2010, we have cut over As our very fine Chairman ROGERS his leadership, and I thank him for his $1 billion in real terms from education. mentioned, I am the chair of the Sub- earnest, hard work; but what we are Workers need help learning the right committee on Military Construction, doing today is a disappointment to the skills, finding work in a tough econ- Veterans Affairs, and Related Agen- American people, and it is a dis- omy, so that they can support their cies. This CR is essential to making appointment to those of us who are on families, but we have cut more than $1 sure that veterans’ services go uninter- the Appropriations Committee. Suc- billion from job training programs. rupted. It also makes sure that we can cess can’t be defined as avoid catas- Millions of Americans depend upon continue moving forward on many of trophe, and all we are doing today is lifesaving medical research to cure dis- the projects that are ongoing within avoiding catastrophe. The majority’s ease and to improve the quality of life. the VA system through the anomalies. triumph today is not shutting down the I stand here as a survivor of ovarian Nevertheless, we need to move forward government. cancer. I am here because of the grace on this for that reason. Mr. Speaker, there is not a small- of God and biomedical research. Yet, Also, I want to make a point that we business owner anywhere in America we will continue to cut biomedical re- need to stop lurching from one budget who would say ‘‘had a good day because search. We have cut more than $3.5 bil- crisis to the next. The events of the I am not shutting down,’’ ‘‘had a good lion from the National Institutes of last few weeks have been very dis- day because I am not throwing my em- Health. maying to me, personally. That said, ployees out of work,’’ ‘‘had a good day

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:45 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.042 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6736 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 because I am not telling my customers all Members will do their job and vote So as we go forward from this con- they can’t come for services.’’ That is to pass this CR. tinuing resolution, which is a good out- not success. That is failure. That is, by Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. come of the conversations that have itself, a catastrophe. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my gone back and forth—a strong bipar- Mr. Speaker, the managers of those time. tisan vote in the Senate, and I hope a small businesses are judged by their I have no further requests for time. I strong bipartisan vote in the House— performance and success. The man- am prepared to close if the gentle- let us take heed of the words of Pope agers of this Congress, the majority, woman is prepared. Francis, who just, not even 1 week ago, are judged in the same way. They are Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield spoke to us in this Chamber. judged by their ability, as the major- myself such time as I may consume, Pope Francis asked us to work to- ity, to produce bills, to pass budgets, to and I was thinking about that, except, gether for the common good of the peo- do the work of the American people. I believe, we have some distinguished ple. He urged and said a good leader It is time for them to do their jobs, members of our committee who are would have a spirit of openness and to stop the gimmicks, to pass a long- running a little late. pragmatism, again, to get the job done term budget that invests in the edu- So I would just like to say, Mr. for the American people. Speaker, that I am very pleased that cation of our children, that supports b 1545 job skills for people and careers, that we are here today, and I do hope that As we go forward, we will have some protects our veterans and our national there will be strong bipartisan support difficult choices to make. We all share security. It is time to do their jobs, Mr. for the continuing resolution. This has been a difficult year. I know the values of strengthening our na- Speaker. how hard our distinguished chairman tional security, investing in our chil- Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. has worked, trying to put together a dren’s future, reducing the deficit as Speaker, I reserve the balance of my bipartisan appropriations bill. Al- we go forward, but as we do so, there time. though I am very pleased that we are are some important differences that we Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 passing a continuing resolution today, share. minutes to the gentlewoman from Min- it is really amazing that we should be Let’s hope that we recognize a good nesota (Ms. MCCOLLUM), a distin- celebrating in the United States of idea, wherever it springs from. Let us guished member of the Appropriations America, the most distinguished coun- also recognize what our responsibilities Committee. try, supposedly representative of our are to the American people first and Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, this great democracy, that we are keeping foremost. Republican majority has driven the ex- the government open. I consider this a very positive action pectations of the American people so I feel very confident, Mr. Speaker, we are taking today. I wish that we low that the very act of funding gov- that if members of the Appropriations were finished with all of our appropria- ernment operations has become a sig- Committee, both Democrats and Re- tions work. As an appropriator, I know nificant achievement. Unfortunately, publicans, would sit down very seri- that that is always the goal of our the cost extraction by the Republican ously, we could work out an arrange- chairman and ranking member. extremists for this 3-month clean CR ment whereby we would lift the seques- I thank our ranking member, Con- was the resignation of Speaker BOEH- ter, just as we did with Ryan-Murray. gresswoman LOWEY, for her leadership, NER, a good man who has served this I was on that committee with some but also for the optimism she just ex- House honorably. distinguished members of the party, pressed, that, as we go forward, we will Passing this CR, however, will keep and we had some good discussions. We do so in a timely fashion, maybe long the government working, which is crit- had some differences of opinion; we had before December 11, so we will have re- ical to American families, their econ- some lively debates; but at the end of moved all doubt in the public’s mind omy, and the safety and security of our the day, we came up with a product that government will work, that it will Nation, and it continues to protect by that we could be proud of. function, as the Pope had asked us, for providing healthcare coverage for So, Mr. Chairman, I do hope that the good of the American people. women. after this continuing resolution has There are important decisions ahead, In 2013, when the Republicans shut passed—and I think you have another though, in terms of what our priorities down the government for 16 days, the speaker who would like to speak while are in a budget. A budget should be a U.S. economy lost $24 billion, and more we are waiting for our speaker. statement of our national values, and than 100,000 Americans lost their jobs. In closing, I would just like to say what is important to us should be re- The American people cannot afford an- that I am cautiously optimistic that, flected on how we allocate those re- other Republican shutdown. Passing after the CR is passed, we can really do sources. We have the omnibus bill to this 3-month CR is the first step to- our work and come up with a good, deal with. ward responsibly meeting the needs of strong omnibus bill that reflects our We also have investments in the in- the American people. values. frastructure of our country and our As a ranking Democrat on the Inte- I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman transportation. That will be an impor- rior, Environment and Related Agen- from California (Ms. PELOSI), our distant bill that we will be debating at cies Appropriations Subcommittee, I tinguished leader. the same time, but has a relationship am pleased that this bill includes $700 Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank in terms of how we offset, how we pay million in emergency funds for Forest the gentlewoman for yielding, and I for that. Service to fight wildland fires in West- thank her for her leadership, as well as We have the issue of the Ex-Im Bank, ern States. This is critical funding. that of our distinguished chairman, a great job creator for our country and, The CR will keep our national parks Mr. ROGERS, to bring us to the floor yet, still unauthorized, long overdue open to the public, keep Native Amer- today where we can vote in a bipar- for us to authorize it. ican healthcare and education pro- tisan way to keep government open Before Thanksgiving probably we grams operating, and prevent the fur- without doing harm to women’s health will have the issue of a vote on hon- loughing of tens of thousands of Fed- in our country. oring the full faith and credit of the eral employees in the Department of To shut government down is a really United States of America. The last the Interior and EPA. bad decision for this Congress to make. time that was put into doubt, it was I am going to vote to pass this con- The last time we did that, we lost $24 unfortunate because it lowered our tinuing resolution, and I applaud all billion. The last time this Congress credit rating, even though we didn’t the Democrats and Republicans who voted to shut down government, we follow through with it. Even though will vote to pass the CR, but we need to lost $24 billion to our economy, 120,000 the full faith and credit ended up being work to find a bipartisan path forward jobs in our workforce. Our Federal honored, just the threat, the suspicion, to fund the government for the coming workforce, which contains more than that it could be undermined lowered year. Our job is to serve the American 30 percent of veterans in its composi- our credit rating. people. The American people expect tion, was furloughed or worse. The We have really important work to do Congress to do their job. Today, I hope American people deserve better. for the good of the people. Again, let us

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:06 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.043 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6737 honor our responsibilities in the beau- The irony is that, for each good idea leagues that I look forward to working tiful spirit of Saint—Pope Francis. I on the other side of the aisle about in a bipartisan way with the distin- say Saint Francis because that is the where to invest money, there was a guished chairman of the Committee on patron saint of my city, of San Fran- willful ignorance of the fact that any Appropriations to move the process cisco, and the namesake also of Pope additional investment must come with forward. Francis. an offset under the Budget Control Act. I particularly think, because it was But Pope Francis instructed us as to There were good amendments in the just mentioned by the previous speak- what good leaders do, and good leaders committee, and, frankly, many of them er, that for us not to increase the ap- have a sense of humility to respect the would have passed if they had included propriations to the National Institutes views of other people and not be conde- responsible offsets. But there were no of Health—this is just one area of the scending in terms of our views are the offsets. bill that came through the committee only ones that matter. I point that out only for this, not to in the committee process. This means In that spirit, I look forward to relitigate all the markups we had in research for a whole range of illnesses, working with you, Mr. Chairman, with committee, but to suggest that some- whether it is autism or diabetes or the Speaker, with others, and certainly how it is the Republicans’ issue that heart. under the leadership of our distin- somehow we have to resolve this. We guished ranking member, Congress- have not had a willing partner We have a responsibility to lift these woman LOWEY. throughout the markup of all of these caps, negotiate a really good bill, and Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. bills. provide adequate funding for the Amer- Speaker, I yield such time as he may Just as the spirit of cooperation is ican people. This is important for their consume to the gentleman from Flor- here on the floor—and rightfully so— health, for their work life. We have to ida (Mr. JOLLY), a member of our com- and we are going to pass the CR that be sure we are investing so we are cre- mittee. funds the government and keeps it ating jobs and keep the economy mov- Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, my com- open—that highway of goodwill has to ing. I look forward to that process. pliments to the chairman and to the go both ways. Rather than just talk Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance ranking member for shepherding us about what is not funded, let’s talk of my time. thus far into this year. about how we are going to operate Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. I often say the first job of Congress is under what is a statute, what is the Speaker, I yield myself such time as I to govern, and that means keeping the law of the land that was signed by this may consume. I shall be brief. government open. I think what we are President and, frankly, recommended doing today is honoring the responsi- by this President. I appreciate the work of my col- bility we have, our article I respon- As we talk about where spending league, Mrs. LOWEY, ranking member sibilities to keep the government open. comes between now and December 11, on the committee, and all of the people We talk a lot about Congress having we have to recognize and be honest on her side of the aisle and, of course, the power of the purse, but with the with the American people that we oper- on our side of the aisle as well. This is power also comes responsibility. So as ate under a budget agreement that has a good bill. It is a responsible bill. It we have hard conversations as a coun- statutory caps signed by this Presi- does not do anything controversial. try and as a Congress about whether we dent. There are great ideas on both It does do one important thing, and fund certain programs, whether we sides of the aisle about where to spend that is keep the government operating. fund certain entities, that is an appro- money, but if we ignore the fact that We can’t afford to abandon our sol- priate conversation to have, and I they are required to be offset, then we diers, particularly those overseas in think we have handled that appro- have not advanced this conversation harm’s way. We can’t abandon the peo- priately thus far. one day. ple that depend upon the programs You sometimes would not know that It is important that we keep the gov- that our Federal Government provides. based on comments on the other side of ernment open. I am glad that my col- I urge Members to vote ‘‘yes’’ on this the aisle because they continue to try leagues on the other side of the aisle bill. It is a good bill, and it keeps the to score political points and use polit- and enough colleagues on this side of government operating. ical capital to suggest we are on the the aisle are saying: Yes, we have to brink of a shutdown. The simple fact is keep the government open. We have to Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance we are not. keep the Department of Defense fund- of my time. Our colleagues on the other side of ed. Our men and women in uniform Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the aisle have acknowledged today that who carry the flag for us every day, we I rise today in support of this continuing reso- they intend to vote for what is a re- have to ensure that they are funded. lution, which will allow us to avoid another sponsible continuing resolution that Our first responders, DHS, coastguards- completely unnecessary and potentially dev- will ensure that our government re- men, coastguardswomen, our transpor- astating government shutdown. My vote in mains funded. tation programs, education, critical favor of the CR does not mean I support the The irony of some of the criticisms healthcare research is all that we will irresponsible sequestration-level budget reso- that often come—and this comes from continue to fund through this respon- lution that has made it impossible to pass FY colleagues on our committee—is that, sible continuing resolution. 2016 appropriations bills, much less the reck- to finally reach a deal, to finally have We all wish we had a full-year bill less manner in which the majority continues to responsible governance, it takes a will- that we were considering today, but we manage the budget process. ing partner on the other side of the do not have that. The responsible ac- The Republican budget announced this aisle and it takes intellectual honesty tion by this body is to pass this bill spring made no room for the critical invest- on both sides of the aisle of every mem- with sufficient numbers on both sides ments in infrastructure, housing, research, ber of our committee. of the aisle. I would charge those on health care, and education that our country I would respectfully point out to my side of the aisle who care deeply needs to thrive. In fact, it made deeply dam- those on the other side of the aisle who about certain extraneous issues in- aging reductions. serve on the committee that we had a volved in the debate this week, we have debate over and over and over with responsible ways to continue to address Defense appropriators were able to avoid each markup about the Budget Control how we provide critical nonabortion-re- sequestration levels only by using the so- Act and the caps that are in place by lated women’s healthcare service in un- called OCO gimmick, amounting to a $38 bil- statute. There were very good sugges- derserved communities, while we still lion sleight of hand. tions from both sides of the aisle about act today to keep the government It was evident from the beginning that we where taxpayer dollars should be in- open. It is a responsible path forward. would have to negotiate new budget num- vested, which programs they should be Mr. Chairman, I thank you for bring- bers—if not a comprehensive agreement of invested in, from defense to transpor- ing this forward. the sort that balanced the budget in the tation, to education, to healthcare re- Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I just 1990s, then at least a more modest deal like search, and so forth. want to reiterate again to my col- the Ryan-Murray agreement of the last two

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:06 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.045 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6738 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 years—in order to pass our appropriations The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ‘‘(c) REPAYMENT.—The Secretary of Health bills. I and other Democratic colleagues took ant to House Resolution 448, the con- and Human Services and the Secretary of to the floor again and again to decry these un- current resolution is considered read. Agriculture shall seek repayment of any Federal assistance received by Planned Par- acceptable budget numbers that simply set us The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows: enthood Federation of America, Inc., or any up for failure. Our leaders have been offering affiliate or clinic of Planned Parenthood to negotiate for months, knowing full well that H. CON. RES. 79 Federation of America, Inc., if it violates the President Obama would be forced to veto any Resolved by the House of Representatives (the terms of the certification required by sub- appropriations bills passed under the Repub- Senate concurring), That in the enrollment of section (a) during the period specified in sub- the bill H.R. 719, the Clerk of the House of section (a). lican budget. Will it take a government shut- Representatives shall make the following down, we asked, to make us do our job? corrections: ‘‘SEC. 4. FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM. Apparently the answer is ‘‘yes’’. The Senate (1) Insert after the enacting clause (before couldn’t pass a single appropriations bill. The section 1) the following: ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—There is authorized to be appropriated, and appropriated, House passed a few with Republican votes ‘‘DIVISION A—TSA OFFICE OF INSPECTION alone, and then the process collapsed under $235,000,000 for the community health center ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2015’’. program under section 330 of the Public the weight of the Confederate battle flag de- (2) Insert after section 8 (before the state- Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b), in addi- bate. That was a particularly disgraceful epi- ment of appropriations) the following: tion to any other funds made available to sode, but the process was already on life sup- ‘‘DIVISION B—CONTINUING such program, for the period for which the port. It was never going to work, and Repub- APPROPRIATIONS RESOLUTION, 2015’’. funding limitation under section 3(a) applies. lican leaders have known that all year. (3) Insert after section 150 (before the short ‘‘(b) LIMITATION.—None of the funds au- Despite the failure of the appropriations title) the following new section: thorized or appropriated pursuant to sub- process, as represented by this short-term ‘‘SEC. 151. Except as expressly provided section (a) may be expended for an abortion CR, all hope is not lost. We can still salvage otherwise, any reference in this division to other than as described in section 3(b). the hard bipartisan work of my and other ap- ‘this Act’ shall be treated as referring only ‘‘SEC. 5. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. to the provisions of this division.’’. ‘‘Nothing in this division shall be con- propriations subcommittees, if, when this CR (4) Add at the end the following new divi- expires, we can stitch together an omnibus strued to reduce overall Federal funding sion: available in support of women’s health.’’. appropriations bill for the balance of the year. ‘‘DIVISION C—DEFUND PLANNED The Appropriations Committee still avoids PARENTHOOD ACT OF 2015 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The con- some of the ideological battles that divide this ‘‘SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE. current resolution shall be debatable body, and I have been able to work closely ‘‘This division may be cited as the ‘Defund for 20 minutes equally divided and con- with Chairman DIAZ-BALART to negotiate a Planned Parenthood Act of 2015’. trolled by the majority leader and mi- framework for transportation and housing ‘‘SEC. 2. FINDINGS. nority leader or their designees. funding. I know that many of the other sub- ‘‘Congress finds the following: The gentlewoman from Alabama ‘‘(1) State and county health departments, committee Chairs and Ranking Members have (Mrs. ROBY) and the gentlewoman from community health centers, hospitals, physi- made similar progress. Given realistic funding cians offices, and other entities currently Connecticut (Ms. DELAURO) each will levels, these bills can relatively quickly be con- provide, and will continue to provide, health control 10 minutes. verted into acceptable appropriations legisla- services to women. Such health services in- The Chair recognizes the gentle- tion. clude relevant diagnostic laboratory and ra- woman from Alabama. So I once again join my colleagues in urging diology services, well-child care, prenatal GENERAL LEAVE Speaker BOEHNER to resume bipartisan budg- and postpartum care, immunization, family planning services (including contraception), Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- et negotiations and produce reasonable, re- imous consent that all Members may sponsible funding levels that can allow the ap- cervical and breast cancer screenings and referrals, and sexually transmitted disease have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- propriations process to move forward. Today, tend their remarks, and to include ex- we’re buying ourselves a couple of months. In- testing. ‘‘(2) Many such entities provide services to traneous material on H. Con. Res. 79. stead of lurching toward another crisis in De- all persons, regardless of the person’s ability The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there cember, let’s actually come to a consensus on to pay, and provide services in medically un- objection to the request of the gentle- the kind of investments in our future that a derserved areas and to medically under- woman from Alabama? great country must make. served populations. The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time ‘‘(3) All funds that are no longer available There was no objection. for debate has expired. to Planned Parenthood Federation of Amer- Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Pursuant to House Resolution 448, ica, Inc., and its affiliates and clinics pursu- self such time as I may consume. the previous question is ordered on the ant to this division will continue to be made I rise today in strong support of H. motion to concur. available to other eligible entities to provide Con. Res. 79, a concurrent resolution The question is on the motion to con- women’s health care services. directing the Clerk of the House of cur by the gentleman from Kentucky ‘‘(4) Funds authorized to be appropriated, Representatives to make corrections in and appropriated, by section 4 are offset by (Mr. ROGERS). the enrollment of H.R. 719. This resolu- The question was taken; and the the funding limitation under section 3(a). tion directs the Clerk of the House of ‘‘SEC. 3. MORATORIUM ON FEDERAL FUNDING TO Speaker pro tempore announced that PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERA- Representatives to make several cor- the ayes appeared to have it. TION OF AMERICA, INC. rections in the enrollment of H.R. 719, Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—For the one-year period the Continuing Appropriations Act Speaker, on that I demand the yeas beginning on the date of the enactment of 2016, including by adding at the end of and nays. this division, subject to subsection (b), no the text of the House-passed version, The yeas and nays were ordered. funds authorized or appropriated by Federal law may be made available for any purpose H.R. 3134, the Defund Planned Parent- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- hood Act of 2015. ant to the order of the House of today, to Planned Parenthood Federation of Amer- ica, Inc., or any affiliate or clinic of Planned The House passed H.R. 3134 by a vote further proceedings on this question Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., un- of 241–187 on September 18. The bill pre- will be postponed. less such entities certify that Planned Par- cludes any Federal funds from being f enthood Federation of America affiliates and authorized or appropriated for 1 year DIRECTING THE CLERK OF THE clinics will not perform, and will not provide for any purpose to Planned Parenthood HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES any funds to any other entity that performs, Federation of America or any affiliate an abortion during such period. TO MAKE CORRECTIONS IN THE ‘‘(b) EXCEPTION.—Subsection (a) shall not or clinic of that organization unless en- ENROLLMENT OF H.R. 719 apply to an abortion— tities certify that affiliates and clinics Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to ‘‘(1) if the pregnancy is the result of an act will not perform and will not provide House Resolution 448, I call up the con- of rape or incest; or any funds to any other entity that per- current resolution (H. Con. Res. 79) di- ‘‘(2) in the case where a woman suffers forms elective abortions during such recting the Clerk of the House of Rep- from a physical disorder, physical injury, or period. The bill also redirected funding physical illness that would, as certified by a from Planned Parenthood facilities to resentatives to make corrections in the physician, place the woman in danger of enrollment of H.R. 719, and ask for its death unless an abortion is performed, in- federally qualified health centers to immediate consideration in the House. cluding a life-endangering physical condition provide women’s health services. The Clerk read the title of the con- caused by or arising from the pregnancy This resolution and the related en- current resolution. itself. rollment process sends a signal about

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:06 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE7.015 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6739 this House’s commitment to bar fund- men and women of the United States Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ing for Planned Parenthood and gives House of Representatives have the op- minutes to the gentlewoman from the Senate the opportunity to limit portunity to do. Open your hearts, be- North Carolina (Ms. ADAMS) funding in the continuing resolution. cause for many, Planned Parenthood is Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. Speaker, this is actually the their only way of receiving these today as a woman who is angry. These exact same language in the Defund healthcare services. attacks on Planned Parenthood aren’t Planned Parenthood Act sponsored by The president of the American Con- about some deceptive videos. It is my friend, the gentlewoman from Ten- gress of OB–GYNs has warned that, about a woman’s right to make deci- nessee (Mrs. BLACK), which the House without Planned Parenthood, many pa- sions about her own body. Women’s re- passed earlier this month. Mrs. BLACK tients will be left without a doctor; and productive rights are decisions she is a tireless defender of the unborn, and that is what these attacks are designed should make. It should be between a I have been privileged to work with her to achieve. The rightwing does not woman, her doctor, and her family, not on several pro-life measures, including want poor women to have health care, a male-dominated Congress. a very similar defund correction to the period. It is spiteful, it is cruel, and it So let’s be clear. Attacking Planned spending bill back in 2011. is wrong. Parenthood is part of a ploy to roll So why this correction? My col- We know what happens when funding back women’s rights. What hypocrisy. I leagues might be wondering if I just is taken away from Planned Parent- wish my colleagues on the other side of saw what happened in the Senate. Why hood. In Scott County, Indiana, a full- the aisle cared this much about the take up this bill when the votes just scale HIV epidemic was triggered that millions of women and children who go aren’t there in the Senate? The answer has been declared a public healthcare hungry every day or the educational is simple. Because I believe, as long as emergency. Do we want more people to inequities that exist in our most vul- there is an opportunity before us to die? Are we really prepared to see that nerable communities. defund Planned Parenthood, we should picture repeated across the country? I stand with Planned Parenthood for take it because, when it comes to this The American people have made it the services they provide. Last year, fight, I want to leave it all on the field. clear that they will not accept any bill they served more than 2.7 million I understand that, so far, we have that cuts funding for women’s health across our Nation, and more than 31,000 lacked the votes in the Senate to in- care or compromises reproductive free- in North Carolina just through nine clude defund language in the con- doms. Let us in this body respect and centers. More than 21,000 patients re- tinuing resolution, and I realize this is trust the healthcare decisions that ceived safe contraception; more than a last-ditch effort to do this and that women make. 18,000 STI tests were conducted, and The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. POE the chances of this correction maneu- more than 3,500 Pap tests and more of Texas). The time of the gentle- ver succeeding in the Senate are low. than 2,500 breast exams. Real women woman has expired. But I believe, Mr. Speaker, I believe getting real preventive care. Ms. DELAURO. I yield myself an ad- I will continue to advocate for wom- that we have to fight until the very ditional 10 seconds. end. Let’s respect and trust the en’s comprehensive health care and their right to control their own body. b 1600 healthcare decisions that women make. We must respect their wishes. I urge The war on women must stop. I have always been up front with Ms. DELAURO. I would inquire as to my colleagues to vote against this dis- those I represent about the low likeli- how much time is remaining. hood of defunding Planned Parenthood, graceful bill. I reserve the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- especially in a stopgap spending bill. Mrs. ROBY. I reserve the balance of tlewoman from Connecticut has 5 min- Pro-life advocates in my State and my time. utes remaining. around this country understand the Ms. DELAURO. I yield 2 minutes to Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 math; and while they hope that Senate the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. minute to the gentlewoman from Cali- Democrats will change their hearts, LOWEY), someone who has spent her en- fornia (Ms. LEE). they don’t really expect them to. What tire career working at issues that help Ms. LEE. First, I want to thank Con- they do expect is for us to try, to fight working families with their health gresswoman DELAURO for yielding and to the very end, and to exhaust every care, and particularly women. for her tremendous leadership on so possible option in our effort to stop tax Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, this reso- many issues important to women and dollars from flowing to this organiza- lution is more political theater: all the entire country. tion. sound and fury, signifying nothing and Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposi- That is why, Mr. Speaker, I urge my going nowhere. We are proceeding to tion to H. Con. Res. 79, which once colleagues in the House and in the Sen- debate this resolution even though again attempts to defund Planned Par- ate to support this defund correction there is no money—zero money—in the enthood for 1 year. This callous action and to join me to fight until the very CR for Planned Parenthood and even would leave millions of women across end to defund Planned Parenthood. though we all understand that if the the country without access to critical I reserve the balance of my time. Senate also adopts this resolution, it healthcare services. This shameful res- Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield will effectively shut down the govern- olution is the 15th anti women’s health myself 2 minutes. ment, slowing economic growth and job vote this year. This ‘‘enrollment correction’’ is yet creation. We know that Planned Parenthood another procedural maneuver. It is de- Planned Parenthood provides essen- centers are essential to the health and signed to destroy health care for mil- tial preventive health services, includ- well-being of women and their families. lions of American women. It is unac- ing birth control, lifesaving cancer They serve as primary care facilities ceptable, and we will not stand for it. screenings, well-women exams, and ad- for women seeking birth control, com- The disgraceful rightwing assault on vice on family planning to nearly 3 prehensive family planning services, reproductive freedom has become an million women each year. and cancer and STI screenings. all-out war on the health and the well- Community health centers are not an According to the Guttmacher Insti- being of millions of low-income Amer- alternative to Planned Parenthood. tute, in 21 percent of counties where ican women. Each year, Planned Par- The California Primary Care Associa- Planned Parenthood operates health enthood provides 2.7 million people, tion noted: ‘‘Eliminating Planned Par- centers, it is the county’s only family men and women, with lifesaving serv- enthood from our State’s comprehen- planning provider. Mr. Speaker, for ices. sive network of care would put unten- these communities, there are no other I would hope that my colleagues on able stress on remaining providers. We options. Defunding Planned Parent- the other side of the aisle would open do not have the capacity for such an hood would hurt the communities that their hearts—open their hearts—to increase in care.’’ need help the most: low-income women healthcare services for women who I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on the resolution. and women of color. don’t have the wherewithal to go to the Mrs. ROBY. I reserve the balance of Politicians have no business inter- same kinds of private doctors that the my time. fering with a woman’s personal health

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.048 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6740 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 decisions that are best for her and her seemly legislative initiative that is at- This requirement meant that only 7 clinics family, and she needs family planning tacking women’s health. And what would be allowed to continue to provide a full centers to exercise all of her options as does that mean? We use it under the spectrum of reproductive healthcare to it relates to her health care. guise of Planned Parenthood. women. This resolution is deceitful and it is Planned Parenthood has any number Any woman facing an unintended pregnancy wrong. It is past time to end this war of clinics in almost 50 States that deal needs to be able to make her own decisions on women, and it is past time for Re- with women’s health, contraception, and weigh all her options—and these laws publicans to listen to the American sexually transmitted disease; places take those options away. people, develop a responsible budget, where women who are impoverished Texas has 268,580 square miles only sec- and stop their attacks on women’s can go when they cannot go anywhere ond in size to the state of Alaska. health. else. The impact of the law in implementation Vote ‘‘no’’ on this very backward, In a hearing yesterday, someone was would have ended access to reproductive egregious resolution. It is going to debating why they don’t do mammo- services for millions of women in my state. harm women. It is going to hurt grams. Women know that when we go In 2015, the State of Texas once again women. It does not protect the health to any doctor, the doctor refers mam- threatened women’s access to reproductive and safety of women. mograms. health care when it attempted to shutter all but Ms. DELAURO. I yield 2 minutes to So this is a bad bill. It is against 10 healthcare providers in the state of Texas. the distinguished gentlewoman from women’s health. The sequester is bad. The Supreme Court once again intervened the District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON). Vote down both bills. on the behalf of Texas women to block the Ms. NORTON. I thank my good friend Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H. move to close clinics in my state. for her incredibly excellent work on Con. Res. 79. It seems every month we are faced with a this bill. We are here again wasting valuable time on new attack on women’s access to reproductive A threat to shut down the govern- measures we know are having no real chance health care, often couched in deceptive terms ment over funding Planned Parent- of survival beyond these debates. and concern for women’s health and safety. hood’s contraceptive and preventative I strongly oppose this continued effort to And in fact we are here today supposedly to care measures looms again in 3 drag women’s health issues and women’s talk about the safety of women—but we know months, although 73 percent of the rights through this political circus. that’s not really the case. public is against forcing a shutdown At what point will the Majority step back and If my colleagues were so concerned about over Planned Parenthood. get regal about substantive and genuine legis- women’s health and safety, they would be pro- I am grateful for the high-quality lation. moting any one of the number of evidence- coverage Planned Parenthood gives The amount of legislative time we have based proactive policies that improve women’s women’s health across the board, in- wasted on these offensive messaging bills is health and well-being. cluding abortion services, not funded ridiculous and must end. Instead, they are proposing yet another at- by the Federal Government. The Dis- Our constituents deserve better. tempt to ban abortion. trict of Columbia is the only jurisdic- Our legislative and public service roles de- That is their number one priority. This is cer- tion Congress denies the full reach of mand more. tainly not about protecting women’s health, it’s Roe v. Wade to low-income women, by And as we approach yet another deadline about politics. denying the local government the right for piecemeal fiscal fixes, we should be fo- We must separate the personal views of to spend its own local funds on abor- cused on passing a comprehensive and cost- abortion from the legal issues and funda- tion services for poor women. savings budget. mental constitutional rights. For the Nation, to cut government Yet, we are here today debating another Undisputable, every woman has the con- funds for Medicaid, family planning, measure that threatens millions of Americans’ stitutional right to make personal health care and preventative care would cut off our access to preventative care and could end up decisions so basic that it must be equally pro- collective noses to spite our faces. costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dol- tected for all. Every public dollar spent on family lars. Restricting access to women’s reproductive planning services alone saves $7 in However, we know H. Con. Res. 79 is not health care providers makes it increasingly dif- undesired births and other preventa- a serious attempt at passing real legislation. ficult—and sometimes impossible—for women tive care. As such, it is simply being offered here who have decided to end a pregnancy to get For all the heat generated by Repub- today as a shameless political decoy to attack the safe, legal, high-quality care they need. licans, Planned Parenthood is regarded the legal rights of women. The result is not the elimination of abortions, more favorably now than it was before Politicians are continuing to try to sneak but higher costs, longer delays, and extra the current fight began. The reason is, around the Constitution and four decades of steps for women seeking abortion care, and in for nearly a century, Planned Parent- Supreme Court precedent with sham laws that the process punish women for their decision to hood’s incredibly effective work for do nothing to improve women’s health care exercise their constitutional right to end a women’s health has won it a strong fol- and only make it more difficult, if not impos- pregnancy. lowing across our country from both sible, to obtain safe and legal abortion. History tells us that unsafe and late-term parties. Restricting all access to reproductive and abortions did not cease to exist without ade- Ms. DELAURO. I yield 1 minute to women’s health services only exacerbates a quate access to clinical service. Rather, the the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. woman’s risk of an unintended pregnancy and exact opposite—as we know limited and re- JACKSON LEE). fails to accomplish any meaningful overthrow stricted access only leads to unsafe and dan- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Let me thank of Roe v. Wade. gerous practices. the gentlewoman from Connecticut for In recent years, state policymakers have Today, countless women in states like her kindness. As well, let me thank the passed hundreds of restrictions on abortion Texas and Mississippi, Wisconsin, Alabama, chair and ranking member of the Ap- care under the guise of protecting women’s Tennessee, and Louisiana—where state laws propriations Committee, because we health and safety. are already gravely impacting women’s access know the work that they have done. Fights here in Congress have been no dif- to health care providers—women are being Mr. Speaker, let me just simply say ferent. forced to travel upwards of hundreds of miles that I am very disappointed that we In my state of Texas a law that would have or cross state lines to access their constitu- are now settling for a CR that con- cut off access to 75 percent of reproductive tional right to an abortion. tinues to have a sequester that cuts healthcare clinics in the state was challenged These restrictions create sharp disparities in across and denies Border Patrol agents, before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2014 and access to care that are troublingly reminiscent Customs and Border Protection, Secret 2015. of the time before Roe v. Wade, when access Service, and leaves the American peo- On October 2, 2014, the Supreme Court depended on a woman’s social status, where ple vulnerable. struck down as unconstitutional a Texas law she lived or her ability to travel to another So, the first order of business is that that required that all reproductive healthcare state. we are not doing what we are supposed clinics that provided the full range of services In an effort to undermine what they could to do in providing for the American would be required to have a hospital-style sur- not otherwise overturn, politicians are attempt- people. Now we move to another un- gery center building and staffing requirements. ing to ‘‘turn back the clock’’ to the pre-Roe era

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.049 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6741 by shuttering reproductive health care clinics Think about shutting the government here, right now, to support these com- and cutting off women’s access to safe and down because of women’s health. The munity health centers. legal abortion care. lack of care and concern, first and fore- But you see, Mr. Speaker, that is not Yet, far too many women who cannot afford most, about the 2.7 million men and what this is about. You see, while fed- to travel elsewhere will face an impossible women that Planned Parenthood serves erally qualified and rural health cen- choice between carrying an unintended preg- every year is a grave consequence. But ters provide a wide range of medical nancy to term or seeking drastic options out- in addition, shutting down the Federal services, they don’t perform abortions. side the law. Government the last time cost $24 bil- That is what they really want. They A right that only exists on paper is no right lion to American taxpayers, held up want to preserve the pipeline of fund- at all. disability checks for veterans, and, in ing to the Nation’s largest abortion Simply, restricting a women’s right and ac- fact, held back people’s IRS rebates. provider. cess to legal abortion services discriminately Their preoccupation with denying This talk of women’s health is noth- endangers the lives of women. women’s health is cruel, it is spiteful, ing but a charade, a false pretense, Congress should be doing everything it can it is wrong, and it does great harm to that I believe more and more Ameri- to ensure that women have access to preven- this great Nation. Vote against this cans are realizing is phony. tive care, not eliminating it. bad piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to This is a legislative assault on all progres- I yield back the balance of my time. support this concurrent resolution. sive health care, service, and advocacy orga- b 1615 I yield back the balance of my time. nizations who aim to provide vital care and The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time services to women and men across this coun- Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- for debate has expired. try. self such time as I may consume. Pursuant to House Resolution 448, Hundreds of thousands have already spo- Mr. Speaker, not everyone, I recog- the previous question is ordered. ken up, including leading groups and commu- nize, in this country is pro-life, like I The question is on the concurrent nities such as the growing voice of our millen- am. But those who are should not be resolution. nial generation. forced to have their tax dollars fund an The question was taken; and the For instance, the nearly 60,000 OB-GYN organization that aborts more than Speaker pro tempore announced that physicians and partners in women’s health 350,000 unborn babies every year. the ayes appeared to have it. warn that this bill would scare providers away Federal law has long prohibited pub- Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, on that I from providing comprehensive, compassionate lic funds from being used to actually demand the yeas and nays. care to women, in a time where America des- perform abortions. However, Planned The yeas and nays were ordered. perately needs more ob-gyns participating in Parenthood gets millions in grants and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Medicaid programs. reimbursements for other services that Physicians and experts in the field have ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the order they provide, like pregnancy tests, of the House of today, this 15-minute long argued that these damaging measures birth control, Pap smears, STD tests, serve no medical purpose, interfere in the doc- vote on adoption of the concurrent res- and other various treatments. olution will be followed by 5-minute tor/patient relationship, and do nothing to pro- Of course, low-income women should mote women’s health. votes on adoption of the motion to con- have access to these critical services. cur in the Senate amendment to the My colleagues should not be closing the But why is it necessary—why is it nec- door to health care services. House amendment to the Senate essary—for those services to be funded amendment to H.R. 719, and agreeing Rather, my colleagues should be doing at the Nation’s largest abortion pro- more to connect our youth and women to to the Speaker’s approval of the Jour- vider? nal, if ordered. services that help them reduce their risk of un- It isn’t actually, but the abortion in- intended pregnancies and STD’s, and improve The vote was taken by electronic de- dustry and its supporters—it is what vice, and there were—yeas 241, nays their overall health through preventative they want you to think it is. And they screenings, education and planning, and not 185, answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting 7, talk about women’s health because as follows: restricting their access to lawfully entitled fam- they don’t want to talk about abortion. [Roll No. 527] ily planning and private health services. They don’t want to talk about how I urge all Members to vote against the con- ugly it is and how painful it is not just YEAS—241 tinued attack on women’s health and rights. to the mother having to make the deci- Abraham Conaway Graves (GA) Ms. DELAURO. I yield to the gen- sion, but to the unborn baby who Aderholt Cook Graves (LA) tleman from Florida (Mr. HASTINGS) for Allen Costello (PA) Graves (MO) doesn’t have a voice, who doesn’t have the purpose of a unanimous consent re- Amash Cramer Griffith a say. Amodei Crawford Grothman quest. When it comes to funding, they like Babin Crenshaw Guinta (Mr. HASTINGS asked and was given Barletta Cuellar Guthrie permission to revise and extend his re- to pretend, Mr. Speaker, that abortion Barr Curbelo (FL) Hardy marks.) doesn’t exist and that Planned Parent- Barton Davis, Rodney Harper hood is the only place where low-in- Benishek Denham Harris Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise Bilirakis DeSantis Hartzler in strong opposition to this measure. come women can get health care. Bishop (MI) DesJarlais Heck (NV) Mr. DeLAURO. May I inquire as to Taking away Federal funding from Bishop (UT) Diaz-Balart Hensarling how much time is remaining. Planned Parenthood means attacking Black Donovan Herrera Beutler women’s health, they say. That is not Blackburn Duffy Hice, Jody B. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Blum Duncan (SC) Hill tlewoman from Connecticut has 11⁄2 true. Bost Duncan (TN) Holding minutes remaining. The truth is that there are more than Boustany Ellmers (NC) Huelskamp Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 13,000 federally qualified and rural Brat Emmer (MN) Huizenga (MI) Bridenstine Farenthold Hultgren myself the balance of my time. health centers throughout this country Brooks (AL) Fincher Hunter What we are facing here today and that offer low-cost health care to Brooks (IN) Fitzpatrick Hurd (TX) what this is about, this so-called en- women. In fact, these centers out- Buchanan Fleischmann Hurt (VA) rollment correction, is a procedural number Planned Parenthood clinics 20– Buck Fleming Issa Bucshon Flores Jenkins (KS) maneuver because the United States 1. Burgess Forbes Jenkins (WV) Senate sent over a continuing resolu- If those who defend Federal funding Byrne Fortenberry Johnson (OH) tion that continues to fund Planned of Planned Parenthood truly just want- Calvert Foxx Johnson, Sam Carter (GA) Franks (AZ) Jolly Parenthood. Because the majority is ed to make sure that low-income Carter (TX) Frelinghuysen Jones interested in defunding the oppor- women have access to health care and Chabot Garrett Jordan tunity for healthcare services for not abortion, then why not simply sup- Chaffetz Gibbs Joyce women, they have asked for this proce- port these noncontroversial commu- Clawson (FL) Gibson Katko Coffman Gohmert Kelly (MS) dural maneuver to defund Planned Par- nity health centers instead? Cole Goodlatte Kelly (PA) enthood. If this argument is really about mak- Collins (GA) Gosar King (NY) It is simply about taking funds away ing sure women have access to health Collins (NY) Gowdy Kinzinger (IL) from American women. Think about it. care, then we would all agree right Comstock Granger Kline

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE7.016 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6742 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 Knight Olson Shuster Sewell (AL) Thompson (CA) Vela´ zquez Fudge Lujan Grisham Ryan (WI) Labrador Palazzo Simpson Sherman Thompson (MS) Visclosky Gabbard (NM) Sa´ nchez, Linda LaHood Palmer Smith (MO) Sinema Titus Walz Gallego Luja´ n, Ben Ray T. LaMalfa Paulsen Smith (NE) Sires Tonko Wasserman Garamendi (NM) Sanchez, Loretta Lamborn Pearce Smith (NJ) Slaughter Torres Schultz Gibson Lynch Sarbanes Lance Perry Smith (TX) Smith (WA) Tsongas Waters, Maxine Graham MacArthur Scalise Latta Peterson Stefanik Speier Van Hollen Watson Coleman Grayson Maloney, Schakowsky Lipinski Pittenger Stewart Swalwell (CA) Vargas Welch Green, Al Carolyn Schiff LoBiondo Pitts Stivers Takai Veasey Wilson (FL) Green, Gene Maloney, Sean Schrader Long Poe (TX) Stutzman Takano Vela Yarmuth Grijalva Matsui Scott (VA) Loudermilk Poliquin Gutie´rrez McCarthy Scott, Austin Thompson (PA) ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 Love Pompeo Thornberry Hahn McCollum Scott, David Lucas Posey Tiberi King (IA) Hanna McDermott Serrano Luetkemeyer Price, Tom Hardy McGovern Sewell (AL) Tipton NOT VOTING—7 Lummis Ratcliffe Trott Hastings McHenry Sherman MacArthur Reed Turner Brady (TX) Kelly (IL) Reichert Heck (NV) McKinley Shimkus Heck (WA) McMorris Simpson Marchant Renacci Upton Culberson Meeks Marino Ribble Herrera Beutler Rodgers Sinema Valadao Hudson Pingree Massie Rice (SC) Higgins McNerney Sires Wagner McCarthy Rigell Himes McSally Slaughter Walberg b 1647 McCaul Roby Hinojosa Meehan Smith (NE) Walden McClintock Roe (TN) Honda Meng Smith (WA) Walker Mr. LOEBSACK changed his vote McHenry Rogers (AL) from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Hoyer Miller (MI) Speier McKinley Rogers (KY) Walorski Huffman Moore Stefanik McMorris Rohrabacher Walters, Mimi Messrs. DUNCAN of South Carolina Hurd (TX) Moulton Stivers Rodgers Rokita Weber (TX) and PERRY changed their vote from Israel Mullin Swalwell (CA) McSally Rooney (FL) Webster (FL) Issa Murphy (FL) Takai Wenstrup ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Meadows Ros-Lehtinen So the concurrent resolution was Jackson Lee Nadler Takano Meehan Roskam Westerman Jeffries Napolitano Thompson (CA) Messer Ross Westmoreland agreed to. Jenkins (WV) Neal Thompson (MS) Mica Rothfus Whitfield The result of the vote was announced Johnson (GA) Newhouse Thompson (PA) Miller (FL) Rouzer Williams as above recorded. Johnson (OH) Noem Thornberry Miller (MI) Royce Wilson (SC) Johnson, E. B. Nolan Tiberi Moolenaar Russell Wittman A motion to reconsider was laid on Jolly Norcross Tipton Mooney (WV) Ryan (WI) Womack the table. Joyce Nunes Titus Mullin Salmon Woodall Kaptur O’Rourke Tonko Mulvaney Sanford Yoder f Katko Pallone Torres Murphy (PA) Scalise Yoho Keating Pascrell Trott Neugebauer Schweikert Young (AK) TSA OFFICE OF INSPECTION Kennedy Paulsen Tsongas Newhouse Scott, Austin Young (IA) ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2015 Kildee Payne Turner Noem Sensenbrenner Young (IN) Kilmer Pelosi Upton Nugent Sessions Zeldin The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Kind Perlmutter Valadao Nunes Shimkus Zinke finished business is the vote on the mo- King (NY) Peters Van Hollen tion to concur on the bill (H.R. 719) to Kinzinger (IL) Peterson Vargas NAYS—185 Kirkpatrick Pingree Veasey require the Transportation Security Kline Pitts Vela Adams Doyle, Michael Lofgren Administration to conform to existing Knight Pocan Vela´ zquez Aguilar F. Lowenthal Federal law and regulations regarding Kuster Poliquin Visclosky Ashford Duckworth Lowey LaMalfa Polis Walden Bass Edwards Lujan Grisham criminal investigator positions, and for Lance Price (NC) Walters, Mimi Beatty Ellison (NM) other purposes, offered by the gen- Langevin Quigley Walz Becerra Engel Luja´ n, Ben Ray tleman from Kentucky (Mr. ROGERS), Larsen (WA) Rangel Wasserman Bera Eshoo (NM) Larson (CT) Reed Schultz Beyer Esty Lynch on which the yeas and nays were or- Lawrence Rice (NY) Waters, Maxine Bishop (GA) Farr Maloney, dered. Lee Richmond Watson Coleman Blumenauer Fattah Carolyn The Clerk will redesignate the mo- Levin Rigell Welch Bonamici Foster Maloney, Sean tion. Lewis Rogers (KY) Whitfield Boyle, Brendan Frankel (FL) Matsui Lieu, Ted Rohrabacher Wilson (FL) F. Fudge McCollum The Clerk redesignated the motion. Lipinski Ros-Lehtinen Womack Brady (PA) Gabbard McDermott The SPEAKER pro tempore. The LoBiondo Roybal-Allard Woodall Brown (FL) Gallego McGovern question is on the motion to concur. Loebsack Royce Yarmuth Brownley (CA) Garamendi McNerney Lofgren Ruiz Young (AK) Bustos Graham Meng This is a 5-minute vote. Lowenthal Ruppersberger Young (IA) Butterfield Grayson Moore The vote was taken by electronic de- Lowey Rush Zeldin Capps Green, Al Moulton vice, and there were—yeas 277, nays Lucas Ryan (OH) Zinke Capuano Green, Gene Murphy (FL) Ca´ rdenas Grijalva Nadler 151, not voting 6, as follows: NAYS—151 Carney ´ Gutierrez Napolitano [Roll No. 528] Abraham Duncan (TN) Holding Carson (IN) Hahn Neal Aderholt Ellmers (NC) Huelskamp Cartwright YEAS—277 Hanna Nolan Allen Emmer (MN) Huizenga (MI) Castor (FL) Adams Carson (IN) Davis, Danny Hastings Norcross Amash Farenthold Hultgren Castro (TX) Aguilar Cartwright Davis, Rodney Heck (WA) O’Rourke Babin Fincher Hunter Chu, Judy Amodei Castor (FL) DeFazio Higgins Pallone Barr Fleischmann Hurt (VA) Cicilline Ashford Castro (TX) DeGette Himes Pascrell Barton Fleming Jenkins (KS) Clark (MA) Barletta Chu, Judy Delaney Hinojosa Payne Bilirakis Flores Johnson, Sam Clarke (NY) Bass Cicilline DeLauro Honda Pelosi Bishop (UT) Forbes Jones Clay Beatty Clark (MA) DelBene Hoyer Perlmutter Black Fortenberry Jordan Cleaver Becerra Clarke (NY) Denham Huffman Peters Blackburn Foxx Kelly (MS) Clyburn Benishek Clay Dent Israel Pocan Blum Franks (AZ) Kelly (PA) Cohen Bera Cleaver DeSaulnier Jackson Lee Polis Boustany Garrett King (IA) Connolly Beyer Clyburn Deutch Jeffries Price (NC) Brat Gibbs Labrador Conyers Bishop (GA) Coffman Diaz-Balart Johnson (GA) Quigley Bridenstine Gohmert LaHood Cooper Bishop (MI) Cohen Dingell Johnson, E. B. Rangel Brooks (AL) Goodlatte Lamborn Costa Blumenauer Cole Doggett Kaptur Rice (NY) Buck Gosar Latta Courtney Bonamici Collins (NY) Dold Keating Richmond Bucshon Gowdy Long Crowley Bost Comstock Donovan Kennedy Roybal-Allard Burgess Granger Loudermilk Cummings Boyle, Brendan Connolly Doyle, Michael Kildee Ruiz Byrne Graves (GA) Love Davis (CA) F. Conyers F. Kilmer Ruppersberger Carter (GA) Graves (LA) Luetkemeyer Davis, Danny Brady (PA) Cook Duckworth Kind Rush Carter (TX) Graves (MO) Lummis DeFazio Brooks (IN) Cooper Edwards Kirkpatrick Ryan (OH) Chabot Griffith Marchant DeGette ´ Brown (FL) Costa Ellison Kuster Sanchez, Linda Chaffetz Grothman Marino Delaney Brownley (CA) Costello (PA) Engel Langevin T. Clawson (FL) Guinta Massie DeLauro Buchanan Courtney Eshoo Larsen (WA) Sanchez, Loretta Collins (GA) Guthrie McCaul DelBene Bustos Cramer Esty Larson (CT) Sarbanes Conaway Harper McClintock Dent Butterfield Crenshaw Farr Lawrence Schakowsky Crawford Harris Meadows DeSaulnier Calvert Crowley Fattah Lee Schiff DeSantis Hartzler Messer Deutch Capps Cuellar Fitzpatrick Levin Schrader DesJarlais Hensarling Mica Dingell Capuano Cummings Foster Lewis Scott (VA) Duffy Hice, Jody B. Miller (FL) Doggett Ca´ rdenas Curbelo (FL) Frankel (FL) Lieu, Ted Scott, David Duncan (SC) Hill Moolenaar Dold Loebsack Serrano Carney Davis (CA) Frelinghuysen

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE7.024 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6743 Mooney (WV) Roby Stewart After consultation with counsel, I will Seychelles as a beneficiary sub-Saha- Mulvaney Roe (TN) Stutzman make the determination required by Rule ran African country under the African Murphy (PA) Rogers (AL) Wagner VIII. Neugebauer Rokita Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Walberg Sincerely, Nugent Rooney (FL) Walker program. ELEANOR H. NORTON, Olson Roskam Walorski Section 506A(a)(1) of the Trade Act of Member of Congress. Palazzo Ross Weber (TX) 1974, as amended (the ‘‘1974 Act’’) (19 Palmer Rothfus Webster (FL) f Pearce Rouzer U.S.C. 2466a(a)(1)) authorizes the Presi- Wenstrup Perry Russell Westerman INTENT TO TERMINATE dent to designate a country listed in Pittenger Salmon Westmoreland SEYCHELLES, URUGUAY, AND section 107 of the AGOA (19 U.S.C. 3706) Poe (TX) Sanford Pompeo Schweikert Williams VENEZUELA AS BENEFICIARY as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African Posey Sensenbrenner Wilson (SC) DEVELOPING COUNTRIES UNDER country eligible for the benefits de- Price, Tom Sessions Wittman THE GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF scribed in section 506A(b) of the 1974 Ratcliffe Shuster Yoder Act (19 U.S.C. 2466a(b)), if the President Renacci Smith (MO) Yoho PREFERENCES PROGRAM—MES- Ribble Smith (NJ) Young (IN) SAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF determines that the country meets the Rice (SC) Smith (TX) THE UNITED STATES (H. DOC. eligibility requirements in section 104 NOT VOTING—6 NO. 114–59) of the AGOA (19 U.S.C. 3703), subject to the authority granted to the President Brady (TX) Hudson Meeks The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Culberson Kelly (IL) Reichert fore the House the following message under subsections (a), (d), and (e) of from the President of the United section 502 of the 1974 Act. 1657 Pursuant to section 502(e) of the 1974 b States; which was read and referred to Act, I have determined that Seychelles Mr. ROHRABACHER changed his the Committee on Ways and Means and has become a ‘‘high income’’ country vote from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ ordered to be printed: and its designation as a beneficiary So the motion to concur was agreed To the Congress of the United States: sub-Saharan country is no longer with- to. In accordance with section 502(f)(2) of in the authority granted to the Presi- The result of the vote was announced the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the dent under section 502 of the 1974 Act. as above recorded. ‘‘1974 Act’’) (19 U.S.C. 2462(f)(2)), I am Accordingly, pursuant to section A motion to reconsider was laid on providing notification of my intent to 506A(a)(1) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. the table. terminate the designations of 2466a(a)(1)), I have determined that Seychelles, Uruguay, and Venezuela as f Seychelles is no longer eligible for ben- beneficiary developing countries under efits as a beneficiary sub-Saharan Afri- the Generalized System of Preferences THE JOURNAL can country for the purpose of section (GSP) program. Section 502(e) of the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. ROS- 506A of the 1974 Act, effective January 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2462(e)) provides LEHTINEN). The unfinished business is 1, 2017. that if the President determines that a the question on agreeing to the Speak- BARACK OBAMA. er’s approval of the Journal, which the beneficiary developing country has be- THE WHITE HOUSE, September 30, 2015. come a ‘‘high income’’ country, as de- Chair will put de novo. f The question is on the Speaker’s ap- fined by the official statistics of the PUNISHMENT FOR MILITARY proval of the Journal. International Bank for Reconstruction WHISTLEBLOWER WAS WRONG Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- and Development of the World Bank nal stands approved. (the ‘‘World Bank’’), the President (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given shall terminate the designation of such permission to address the House for 1 f country as a beneficiary developing minute and to revise and extend his re- country for purposes of the GSP pro- b 1700 marks.) gram, effective on January 1 of the sec- Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I was HOUR OF MEETING ON TOMORROW ond year following the year in which shocked and outraged to learn recently such determination is made. Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. that a decorated Green Beret was dis- Pursuant to section 502(e) of the 1974 Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous con- missed from the military for blowing Act, I have determined that it is appro- sent that when the House adjourns the whistle on a child rapist who was a priate to terminate the designations of today, it adjourn to meet at 9:00 a.m. member of the Afghan forces. Seychelles, Uruguay, and Venezuela as When our forces are abroad, our mili- tomorrow. beneficiary developing countries under tary should strive to uphold American The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the GSP program, because they have values, and that is exactly what Ser- objection to the request of the gen- become high income countries as de- geant First Class Charles Martland did tleman from Illinois? fined by the World Bank. Accordingly, when he confronted Afghan officials en- There was no objection. their eligibility for trade benefits gaging in perverse actions. However, f under the GSP program will end on instead of being commended, Sergeant January 1, 2017. Martland was punished for his actions COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON- BARACK OBAMA. and was taken out of the region, de- ORABLE ELEANOR H. NORTON, THE WHITE HOUSE, September 30, 2015. spite being a soldier that was critical MEMBER OF CONGRESS f to the mission. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. As someone who has worked to pro- INTENT TO TERMINATE YOUNG of Iowa) laid before the House tect children and keep them safe from SEYCHELLES AS A BENEFICIARY the following communication from the sexual exploitation, it is disheartening SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN COUN- Honorable Eleanor H. Norton, Member to see the military look the other way TRY UNDER THE AFRICAN of Congress: when children are being assaulted by GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT our allied forces. This has to change. CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, PROGRAM—MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Steps must be taken to ensure that our PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED Washington, DC, September 30, 2015. military uphold American values while STATES (H. DOC. NO. 114–60) Hon. JOHN A. BOEHNER, overseas. Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Mr. Speaker, our military should not DC. fore the House the following message be looking the other way when our al- DEAR MR. SPEAKER: This is to notify you from the President of the United lies are engaging in wrongful acts. formally, pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules States; which was read and referred to of the House of Representatives, that I have f received a subpoena, issued by the Superior the Committee on Ways and Means and ordered to be printed: SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL Court for the District of Columbia, in con- PREPAREDNESS MONTH nection with a particular criminal case, that To the Congress of the United States: I produce certain official documents and ap- I am providing notification of my in- (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given pear to testify at trial on official matters. tent to terminate the designation of permission to address the House for 1

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE7.025 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6744 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 minute and to revise and extend his re- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as uary 6, 2015, the gentleman from New marks.) a responsible Member of Congress con- York (Mr. REED) is recognized for 60 Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am hon- cerned for the American people, today minutes as the designee of the major- ored once again today to serve as a I voted for a continuing resolution that ity leader. Congressional co-chair of National Pre- will take us to December 11, but that is GENERAL LEAVE paredness Month. National Prepared- not the responsible way to handle the Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, before I ness Month reminds us that we cannot business of this Nation. begin this evening, I ask unanimous become complacent in our efforts to It is time now for this Congress to consent that all Members may have 5 build and improve emergency prepared- put aside partisanship and to begin to legislative days in which to revise and ness capabilities. have the Republican leadership and Re- extend their remarks and include ex- Coming from the 10th Congressional publicans to sit down with members of traneous materials on the topic of this District of the State of New Jersey, the Democratic Caucus and talk about Special Order. which had experienced Hurricane a real funding bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Sandy and the September 11 attacks, I Yes, we have kept the doors open and objection to the request of the gen- know that disasters can strike at any provided for our employees, but we tleman from New York? time. have undermined defense and the pre- There was no objection. As the ranking member of the Emer- Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, gency Preparedness Subcommittee, I paredness of our men and women. We joined this evening with colleagues on have also observed a concerning gap in have cut $1.7 billion from the Chil- coordination between communication dren’s Health Insurance Program, and both sides of the aisle, to celebrate the of emergency response plans for chil- we are barely hanging on for other nec- upcoming October 2 National Manufac- dren and schools. Each day more than essary items. turing Day. 65 million children are separated from Yes, we have allowed for wildfire Manufacturing in the U.S. is some- their parents during work-hours, but funding and disaster funding. Other thing that I support fully. U.S. manu- roughly 42 percent of the parents do items dealing with law enforcement facturing is something that, I think, not know where to reunite with their and provisions for transportation and shares bipartisan support across the children after a school evacuation. the environment are all cut by some- country, coast to coast, north to south, Parents, teachers, and emergency re- thing called the sequester. east to west, because it is about real, sponders should engage with commu- Mr. Speaker, the American people de- family-sustaining jobs where we build nity partners so that responsibilities serve better, and we need to get busy things in America, where we can actu- and resources are in place when disas- starting next week and put forward an ally manufacture our products here to ters strike. appropriations process that funds this sell not only to the American economy, f government, responds to those who are but to the world economy. in need, prepares our young men and Mr. Speaker, as I co-chair the U.S. PRESIDENT MUST IMMEDIATELY women in the military, and as well re- Manufacturing Caucus here in Con- SUSPEND ALL ASSISTANCE TO stores that children’s health insurance gress, I wanted to ask my colleague on PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY money. Shame on us. We need to do it the U.S. Manufacturing Caucus to rise (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was now. and open us up on this Special Order given permission to address the House this evening to celebrate U.S. manufac- f for 1 minute and to revise and extend turing. her remarks.) HONORING COACH TONY NAPOLET I yield to the gentleman from Ohio Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, if (Mr. RYAN of Ohio asked and was (Mr. RYAN), a good friend and my co- we didn’t already have enough proof given permission to address the House chair on the Manufacturing Caucus. that the Palestinian Authority is not for 1 minute and to revise and extend Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I an honest partner for peace with Israel, his remarks.) thank the gentleman from New York. Abu Mazen’s speech at the U.N. Gen- Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I This is a great opportunity for us to eral Assembly today confirmed it and rise to honor the life of Coach Tony share, I think, as Democrats and Re- showed that he is a self-serving auto- Napolet, who was a great man, a person publicans. crat who is more interested in of God, and a great coach. My friend from New York represents delegitimizing Israel, the Jewish state, upstate New York, and that area of our than in building up a future Pales- We sent him off this morning at his funeral mass at St. Mary’s, and I want- country and the State of New York tinian state. have a long history of manufacturing. I Abu Mazen’s message was clear. He ed to take a few moments here on the House floor to say thank you on behalf represent northeast Ohio, which also intends to scuttle any prospects for has a long history of manufacturing. peace, pursue Israel at the Inter- of all of those who coached with him, played for him, and in some way he I think we recognize the importance national Criminal Court, and continue of manufacturing jobs and how to cre- his ploy for achieving unilateral state- helped shape so many lives. To Natalie and Harold and Mario— ate policies that will further allow for hood at the U.N. investment in manufacturing and for President Obama must immediately his children—Aunt Norma, Aunt Marie, workforce development within the con- suspend all assistance to the Pales- Manlio, Christopher, the entire crew, text of manufacturing. tinian Authority. we want to say that we sent a great Also, I think we recognize, as we If the Palestinians do move to join man to heaven today who embodied have seen the transition over the last additional international conventions John F. Kennedy High School, Kennedy 20 or 30 years in our country, how much and organizations, the U.S. law is un- football. we miss these manufacturing jobs. ambiguous. We must suspend all fund- The one lesson he always taught, Mr. They pay a higher wage, more of a ing to any of these bodies that accept Speaker, was to have a strong faith in solid pension for most manufacturers, a nonexistent state of Palestine to its God, make God your best friend, and better benefits, and are where people membership. treat others the way you would like to can learn a craft, learn a skill, get into Mr. Speaker, the President has been be treated. He left a major, major im- a good company, and make a good, seeking ways to circumvent and waive pression in the Mahoning Valley in honest living; and that is what we are these provisions for years, but we must Trumbull County in the State of Ohio. celebrating here today. see to it that the President implements God bless you, Coach Napolet. You Through our Manufacturing Caucus, the full intent and letter of the law. will be missed. Suspend all aid now. Congressman REED and I try to stimu- f late some conversations and bring real f b 1715 people from our congressional districts CONTINUING RESOLUTION to help educate us on what the best (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was NATIONAL MANUFACTURING DAY process, what the best issues, what the given permission to address the House The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under best approaches would be for the for 1 minute.) the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- United States Congress to try to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.063 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6745 incentivize manufacturing here in the across the aisle and we have joined to- competitive than what we are finding United States. gether to promote U.S. manufacturing. today. I know I will be doing an event on I yield to the gentleman. When we see the energy rebirth here Friday back in Youngstown, Ohio, and Mr. RYAN of Ohio. It is hard not to in America with the shale revolution further celebrating in my community. get a little bit nostalgic. I think a lot for oil and natural gas coming online I know you will, as well. of times those of us who advocate for and the feedstock and the utility costs So I just want to say thank you to manufacturing spend a little too much going down and going lower and lower, my friend. I look forward to us con- time in the nostalgia phase and not it is positioning U.S. manufacturing to tinuing—not just the old-line manufac- enough time, I think, working in the be in a competitive position on the turing that we know a lot about and space where we are trying to enhance, world economic stage. To me, that is have lost of lot of those jobs, not just grow, and create new opportunities in such a hopeful, optimistic position of the advanced manufacturing either—to manufacturing. time for the United States of America work on the issue of making sure that And I am not going to get political, to be in. we create more of these institutes to but to go back to all of the elections, I can tell you story after story, Mr. try to nurture new ways of manufac- whether Republicans won or Democrats Speaker. When I talk to U.S. manufacturing, but also the additive manufac- won, if you go back 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, turers, they talk about the lessons that turing piece, which is happening in 2012, 2014, I think the economic insecu- they have learned over the years of Youngstown, Ohio, at America Makes, rity, in my analysis, was at the heart maybe chasing that cheap labor dollar, where the 3–D printing movement, the of each of those elections. maybe chasing that overseas market, Maker Movement is happening and bur- As we have seen the decline in manu- the whole issue of outsourcing. geoning in an old warehouse in down- facturing, we have seen the increase in What I hear from U.S. manufacturers town Youngstown. I mean, it doesn’t anxiety for families to be able to make today is that they want to come back get better than that, to have millions ends meet. So I am thankful that we to America, because in America we of dollars of equipment in the down- can try to promote this together and have the best workforce and we have town of an iconic city that is really try to find an issue like manufacturing the best work ethic across the world. leading our community forward in this that garners 60 to 70 percent support What we have in America, also, is the new line of manufacturing. from regions, demographics all over rule of law. So many of these manufac- I want to thank you for your leader- the United States. turers that have looked overseas and ship. I appreciate your friendship, and I I think there is an inherent under- relocated overseas, they are finding appreciate the opportunity to say a few standing of making something. I start that their intellectual property is dis- words here tonight. it, and then I pass it to your company. regarded. Those innovative ideas, those Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I thank the You add value to it, and then you pass new ideas, those inventions that are gentleman from Ohio. He truly is a it to someone else. They add value to going to spur that next product growth friend, and he is just as committed to it, and it goes through that supply of tomorrow, they just get ripped off. U.S. manufacturing as I am. I have chain, tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3, and ev- They have no recourse to enforce seen it firsthand. I have seen him in his erybody benefits. what we in America, as the cornerstone district in action supporting U.S. man- Back in the day, you know, we had a of our philosophy, respect, and that is ufacturers. manufacturing facility for General Mo- property rights and that is the rule of The 3–D printing hub, the advanced tors that had 15,000 or 16,000 people law and saying that, if you invent it, manufacturing center that you ref- that now has 3,000 or 4,000. We had a you own it. That is something that is erence and that we are so supportive supplier to General Motors, Packard critical for us as we go forward is to of—working with JOE KENNEDY here in Electric and then Delphi, that had recognize the opportunity—and I know the House and ROY BLUNT and SHERROD 13,000 employees, and now it is down to my good friend shares this—that U.S. BROWN on a bipartisan, bicameral 2,000 or 3,000. Those were all solid, mid- manufacturing has right now with the basis, getting that legislation signed, dle class jobs. I know you could prob- competitive nature of the American which was a priority of the administra- ably give similar examples in Corning marketplace. tion—and having that type of advanced and other places. There are some things we can do. manufacturing center in Ohio, in your So I think, if we have an industrial Serving on the Ways and Means Com- home State, obviously has dem- policy, if we continue through the Tax mittee here in the House of Represent- onstrated his commitment and his be- Code and other ways to make sure that atives, in charge of tax policy, trade lief in U.S. manufacturing. we incentivize investment in these policy, and health care, to a large de- As the gentlemen indicated, it is not areas, that we can help regrow those gree, one of the things I think we have just advanced manufacturing. It is the new-age manufacturing jobs that ev- a shared commitment to is fixing our traditional manufacturing. It is the erybody, I think, is looking for, as you broken Tax Code. I don’t know of any- manufacturing that we believe in said, to make a good living, have a one across America that will stand up where the American spirit is alive and solid retirement, have good benefits, and take that 70,000 pages of Tax Code well, where the American Dream can and not have to work so hard that you and say this is working and this is put- be reached and obtained. miss the soccer match, you miss the ting our manufacturers in a competi- I mean, as my good friend from Ohio baseball game, or you can’t go on a vative position on the world stage. indicated, these are good, solid, family- cation. We can help regrow those mid- I hear it time and time again that we sustaining, middle class jobs to a large dle class jobs where you can still have need to fix that Tax Code. Because if extent that put food on the table for time with your family, which ulti- we do that, that is another piece to ad- our fellow Americans and put roofs mately is the most important thing vance U.S. manufacturing to that re- over their heads and allow families to anyway. birth, that renaissance that I know— maybe pass on to the next generation a So I appreciate the opportunity to be and I know my good friend from Ohio little bit better lifestyle or a little bit here and continue to work with you. shares—can happen and will happen, better American Dream than they en- Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, as the gen- because this is America where that op- joyed by having a little bit of money to tleman points out, you know, what portunity can rise again. invest in a college education for their manufacturing represents is oppor- Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, we kids and to try to enjoy and live that tunity, an opportunity to so many all know that there are the larger man- American Dream that I know my Americans, so many people. ufacturers who can hire accountants friend from Ohio believes in. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleague and all the rest to figure it out, but it So I applaud my friend, and I appre- from Ohio will agree with me that U.S. is the small- and medium-sized tier 3, ciate my friend for all the work you do manufacturing is positioned on a preci- tier 4 suppliers, you know, that maybe on U.S. manufacturing. This is what pice of rebirth here in America. have 50 or 100 people and it is a family gives me continued optimism here in Now, my friend points out some areas business and people aren’t making a the United States Congress that we can that we need to continue to work on to ton of dough, and to have to deal with get things done, because we have come make U.S. manufacturing even more the increased complexity of a Tax Code

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.065 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6746 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 for the small business, I think it is ap- I remember vividly one story. It was it here to sell it around the world, propriate for us to try to simplify that the first time when I asked the ques- make it with our hands, create wealth, and make it a little bit easier for them. tion, ‘‘What do you want to be when create something.’’ I know that my I am glad you mentioned natural gas. you get older?’’ The kids’ hands went friend from Ohio shares that passion. Especially in our region, in western up. You have got the lawyers. You have One of the things that I am so com- New York, western Pennsylvania, east- got the doctors. You have got the peo- mitted to when we talk about this is ern Ohio, it is a huge opportunity for ple that want to be like the Al Rokers. the STEM, the science, technology, en- us. We should all be beating on the They want to be the weatherman or on gineering, mathematics need of edu- doors of the European companies to try the broadcast TV, that type of thing. cation policy going forward. That is to say, you know, move your manufac- I said, ‘‘That is all fine and good. what our advanced manufacturing bill turing base into our region because of That is great.’’ Then one young man, with JOE KENNEDY was all about. what the opportunities are going to be who was a senior, said, ‘‘Congressman, And working with the Senate in a bi- into the future. I am going to be a welder.’’ I went over cameral and getting it signed into law We have talked about this, and I the Moon with that young man. was to take these public-private part- think we have had a hearing about it Mr. RYAN of Ohio. You are going to nerships, to take our schools, our uni- through our caucus, is how do we get have a job. versities, our colleges, work with our young people and their parents to rec- Mr. REED. I said, ‘‘Do you under- manufacturers to develop those skills ognize and see manufacturing as a real stand’’—to the rest of his class—‘‘I just that are necessary to do this manufac- opportunity for them. A lot of people left a steel facility in this district turing. think, parents think: Well, I don’t where they are going to start welders Because, as my good friend who has want my kids going into manufac- at $60,000 a year starting pay?’’ been in many of the manufacturing fa- turing. You know, they picture the I said, ‘‘This young man is going to cilities, just as I have—when you go steel mill in Youngstown where there be able to have a career. This is a ca- and you look at these machines, you were 20,000 people coming out dirty, in reer. He is going to be able to have a look at how these operations and as- hard hats with a metal lunch bucket. little extra money in his pocket. He is sembly lines occur, you need high edu- Now, today, you walk into a manufac- going to be able to maybe get married cation. This is highly skilled stuff. You turing facility, it is about metrology and raise a family.’’ He got it, as a sen- can just see the pride in the workers and it is about precision manufac- ior. I was so excited. when they explain to me how they turing. You could eat off the floor be- As I walked out of that room and I learned that computer program or they cause it is so clean. It is a whole dif- was walking and exiting the building, I learned how to do that assembly line ferent idea of what manufacturing is. had one of the school officials, a guid- work. I will tell you, it is inspiring. We have got to figure out how to ance counselor, say, ‘‘Oh, Congress- I yield to the gentleman if he has got work with guidance counselors and man, that was great. You made that any stories. teachers in the STEM areas about how young man’s day. There is no doubt Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Yes. It is not like to get kids engaged in this area earlier, about it. He is going to remember that it is a 4-year degree either. It is some- because kids are naturally inclined—I day for the rest of his life.’’ ‘‘But,’’ she thing that can be learned in a year or think of my 12-year-old son, Mason. He said, ‘‘we really don’t try to promote two because you are focused on exactly is always building, creating, trying to those types of careers, though.’’ where you are going to be. use his hands the best he can, or even I went almost through the roof, Mr. And you talk about a welder maybe if he is on the computer, how he is or- Speaker. I said, ‘‘That is the problem. starting at $60,000-plus. You think ganizing, you know, his troop align- We have to change that concept, that about, if you could do that, start mak- ments in some of the war games that stigma, that manufacturing histori- ing $60,000 a year at 20—it takes a lot of he plays. But it is all about con- cally carries with it.’’ I know we are people, schoolteachers, for example— structing something and putting some- doing it. I know the gentleman from how long does it take in Corning, New thing together, building things, and Ohio is working with us, Mr. Speaker, York, or Youngstown, Ohio, to get to how do you create that. to get that done. $60,000? It is a little while. These young kids just naturally What I see is, when you explain the So that is money you can begin to gravitate toward that. So the more we opportunities to that next generation, save, invest, put in your retirement, can get them engaged at a very, very when you talk to mothers and fathers whatever, your kids’ college. I mean, young age about designing and build- and say this is really what is out there, you have that money not starting at ing, the more we are going to unleash their eyes light up. The burden is lifted $30,000, but starting at $60,000 or $70,000. the creative potential of that genera- from their shoulders to see that their And that can go vertical, too. tion to further build out the manufac- kids are choosing to go into a career The more skills you get and if you turing base here in the United States. that they want to and that they recog- are in the right position in the right nize is rewarding, safe, and productive. company, you can start making up- b 1730 I will tell you I am going to continue wards of $100,000 as a welder. That is a Mr. REED. Reclaiming my time, I the efforts to promote U.S. manufac- lot of money that, if you plan your fi- couldn’t have said it better. I know the turing because it is not just the manu- nances properly, you can have a lot of gentleman has shared stories that I facturers. As my good friend from Ohio savings. have experienced myself. indicated, it is all those supply chains, To that point as well, I was at Stark When we look at the present state of all those mom-and-pops, those small State Community College, which is U.S. manufacturing, these are not the businesses, that are not only supplying just outside of Canton, a few weeks days of smoke-filled rooms where safe- the pieces or the raw material to the ago, and there were kids there from ty wasn’t a concern and that it was a manufacturers, but you think about Barberton High School and Norton dirty, drudgery type of environment the restaurants, you think about the High School, about 10 or 15 of them. that they existed in. This is cutting- service folks that are cleaning the fa- They just started a program where edge. This is a safe workplace. This is cilities, you think about all that it these kids in high school were earning where safety is paramount and where takes to put that together. That is a credits for the welding certificate. skills are so necessary. vibrant, growing economy, Mr. Speak- With this program, those kids can One of the things that I still see er. earn 13 credit hours for a 30-hour cer- today that we have to fight—and I That is what we are promoting here tificate. So by the time you graduate think the gentleman will share this po- with U.S. manufacturing. That is why I from high school, if you get in as a jun- sition with me—is I do a lot of work am so glad that October 2 is National ior and you do it your junior and senior back in the district going to local high Manufacturing Day, so that we, as a year, you will have 13 of 30 credits. So schools, standing in front of juniors nation, could maybe take a moment on you don’t need much longer. You are and seniors and having conversations Friday and say, ‘‘You know what. We over a third of the way to your certifi- with those kids about what they want are going to believe in American manu- cate, and you just graduated from high to be when they get older. facturing again. We are going to make school.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.066 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6747 Those are the kind of innovative caucus, in the Congress, when it comes of the House of the following title, things I think we need to continue to to U.S. manufacturing. which was thereupon signed by the figure out how to incentivize and cre- I again commit to you that we will Speaker: ate. Part of it is the awareness that we continue to make this a priority so H.R. 3614. An act to amend title 49, United were talking about, that it is okay for that we can make it here to sell it States Code, to extend authorizations for the your kid to be a welder because of what around the world again, bring those airport improvement program, to amend the we have already talked about. jobs back to American soil and create Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the But how do we create incentives to these middle class jobs to a large ex- funding and expenditure authority of the streamline the education process, to tent so that families, men and women, Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes. get kids on a track so, when they are sons and daughters, can enjoy the 18, 19, 20 years old, they have a job and American Dream. I appreciate the gen- f they are not sleeping in our base- tleman for joining us this evening. SENATE ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Thank you, sir. ments? The Speaker announced his signature Mr. REED. Reclaiming my time, Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I to enrolled bills of the Senate of the yeah, think about this. As we see the just want to summarize some of the numbers that are associated with U.S. following titles: cost of colleges and your college de- manufacturing. gree, kids coming out of school—I came S. 136. An act to amend chapter 21 of title Manufacturing supports an estimated 5, United States Code, to provide that fa- out of law school at the end of the day 17.6 million jobs in the United States. thers of certain permanently disabled or de- owing over $110,000. I was raised by a That is about 1 in 6 private sector jobs. ceased veterans shall be included with moth- single mother. I am the youngest of 12. More than 12 million Americans are ers of such veterans as preference eligibles I have 8 older sisters and 3 older broth- employed directly in manufacturing. for treatment in the civil service. ers. To start life after school with a They earn almost $15,000 more annu- S. 139. An act to permanently allow an ex- clusion under the Supplemental Security In- $110,000 mortgage on my head was a ally than the average worker. very difficult thing. come program and the Medicaid program for This is what U.S. manufacturing is compensation provided to individuals who You talk to these young men and all about. It is about creating wealth. women who are going into these pro- participate in clinical trials for rare diseases It is about creating opportunity for or conditions. grams—it is not just welding. It is generations to come. S. 565. An act to reduce the operation and manufacturing. It is HVAC. It is I will tell you, as we continue our ca- maintenance costs associated with the Fed- plumbing. It is all of the things that go reer here in Washington, D.C., I will be eral fleet by encouraging the use of remanu- into U.S. manufacturing—and they are a voice for U.S. manufacturing every factured parts, and for other purposes. getting through school with these day. We will break down barriers S. 2082. An act to amend title 38, United guaranteed programs or these commu- across the world so that we can have an States Code, to extend certain expiring pro- nity college programs. even playing field, so that we can make visions of law administered by the Secretary We have got a couple manufacturers those products, build those products of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. in the district that have a certification here, access those markets where 95 f process system that they put together percent of the world’s consumers live BILL PRESENTED TO THE where they guarantee 100 percent hir- outside of America’s borders so that we PRESIDENT ing at the end of the certificate pro- have a vibrant economy not only serv- Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House, gram for these kids after—I think it is icing the American demand, but the reported that on September 29, 2015, 24 weeks, if I remember correctly. world demand. They are getting into that job, mak- I think, if we get our policies right she presented to the President of the ing that type of salary, and have no here, if we get that trade policy done United States, for his approval, the fol- debt to pay for that college degree. correctly, if we get that tax policy lowing bill: That is a win-win-win. And they enjoy done where we have a Tax Code that is H.R. 2051. To amend the Agricultural Mar- it. And they enjoy it. I am sure the simple, fair, and is competitive for the keting Act of 1946 to extend the livestock 21st century—I am very confident, Mr. mandatory price reporting requirements, and gentleman knows these stories and has for other purposes. seen those people firsthand. Speaker, that what we will create is an Mr. RYAN of Ohio. This has been opportunity not just for U.S. manufac- f great. Let’s keep it rolling and figure turing, but all American citizens, but, ADJOURNMENT in particular, U.S. manufacturing to out what we can do moving forward in Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I move that a bipartisan way like you and Con- prosper and grow for generations to come. the House do now adjourn. gressman KENNEDY did. The motion was agreed to; accord- I think that is essential with growing I am excited to be here this evening, Mr. Speaker. I am excited to share ingly (at 5 o’clock and 42 minutes the ecosystem around different kinds p.m.), under its previous order, the of manufacturing in auto and additive with such a good man from the State of Ohio a passion and commitment to a House adjourned until tomorrow, and all the rest. We stand ready to Thursday, October 1, 2015, at 9 a.m. work with you on the Democratic side priority issue of U.S. manufacturing. to make that happen. Mr. Speaker, I just ask all of my fel- f low American citizens to take a mo- Mr. REED. From this side of the EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, ment this Friday, October 2, and cele- aisle, on behalf of the people that we ETC. represent in western New York, you brate National Manufacturing Day. Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive have that commitment, that I will con- Let’s come together to have a great op- communications were taken from the tinue to fight with you, stand with you portunity for the future generations of Speaker’s table and referred as follows: to fight for U.S. manufacturing. I will America to come. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance not fight against you, but fight to- 2966. A letter from the Acting Director, of my time. Program Development and Regulatory Anal- gether so that we can advance U.S. f ysis, Rural Utilities Service, Department of manufacturing. Agriculture, transmitting the Department’s It has been a pleasure to call you a LEAVE OF ABSENCE interim rule — Rural Broadband Access friend. It has been a pleasure to be part By unanimous consent, leave of ab- Loans and Loan Guarantees (RIN: 0572-AC34) of this caucus. Our caucus is strong, sence was granted to: received September 29, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104- Mr. Speaker. We have bipartisan rep- Mr. CULBERSON (at the request of Mr. 121, Sec. 251; to the Committee on Agri- resentation across the country. MCCARTHY) for today on account of ill- culture. As we started this conversation to- ness. night, in celebrating National Manu- 2967. A letter from the Comptroller, Under f Secretary, Department of Defense, transmit- facturing Day this Friday, this is not a ENROLLED BILL SIGNED ting a letter reporting a violation of the partisan issue. I go across the entire Antideficiency Act, Navy case number 14-02, country, and people always tell me Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House, as required by 31 U.S.C. 1351; to the Com- they appreciate the work we do in the reported and found truly enrolled a bill mittee on Appropriations.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.067 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6748 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2015 2968. A letter from the Director, Defense 2977. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- ment’s report entitled ‘‘Report to Congress: Procurement and Acquisition Policy, ment of the Treasury, transmitting a six- Evaluations of Hospitals’ Ambulance Data OUSD(AT&L), Department of Defense, trans- month periodic report on the national emer- on Medicare Cost Reports and Feasibility of mitting the Department’s final rule — De- gency with respect to the situation in or in Obtaining Cost Data from All Ambulance fense Federal Acquisition Regulation Sup- relation to the Democratic Republic of the Providers and Suppliers’’, in accordance to plement: Electronic Copies of Contractual Congo that was declared in Executive Order Sec. 604(d)(3)(A) of the American Taxpayer Documents (DFARS Case 2012-D056) [Docket 13413 of October 27, 2006, as required by Sec. Relief Act of 2012; jointly to the Committees No.: DARS 2015-0009] (RIN: 0750-AI29) re- 401(c) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 on Energy and Commerce and Ways and ceived September 28, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 1641(c), and Sec. 204(c) of the Inter- Means. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104- national Emergency Economic Powers Act, f 121, Sec. 251; to the Committee on Armed 50 U.S.C. 1703(c); to the Committee on For- Services. eign Affairs. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON 2969. A letter from the Director, Defense 2978. A letter from the Assistant Director PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Procurement and Acquisition Policy, for Regulatory Affairs, Office of Foreign As- OSUD(AT&L), Department of Defense, trans- sets Control, Department of the Treasury, Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of mitting the Department’s final rule — De- transmitting the Department’s final rule — committees were delivered to the Clerk fense Federal Acquisition Regulation Sup- Cuban Assets Control Regulations received for printing and reference to the proper plement: Contract Debts-Conform to FAR September 29, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. calendar, as follows: Section Designations (DFARS Case 2015- 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104-121, Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- D029) [Docket No.: DARS 2015-0047] (RIN: Sec. 251; to the Committee on Foreign Af- ural Resources. H.R. 1880. A bill to require 0750-AI70) received September 28, 2015, pursu- fairs. the Secretary of the Interior to take into ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public 2979. A letter from the Chief Administra- trust 4 parcels of Federal land for the benefit Law 104-121, Sec. 251; to the Committee on tive Officer, transmitting Statement Of Dis- of certain Indian Pueblos in the State of New Armed Services. bursements For The Period July 1, 2015 Mexico (Rept. 114–271). Referred to the Com- 2970. A letter from the Acting Under Sec- through September 30, 2015, pursuant to 2 mittee of the Whole House on the state of retary, Personnel and Readiness, Depart- U.S.C. 104a; Public Law 88-454; (H. Doc. No. the Union. ment of Defense, transmitting a letter au- 114—61); to the Committee on House Admin- Mr. COLE: Committee on Rules. House thorizing Rear Admiral John N. Christenson, istration and ordered to be printed. Resolution 448. Resolution providing for con- 2980. A letter from the Assistant Adminis- United States Navy, to wear the insignia of sideration of the concurrent resolution (H. trator for Fisheries, NMFS, National Oce- the grade of vice admiral, in accordance with Con. Res. 79) directing the Clerk of the House anic and Atmospheric Administration, trans- 10 U.S.C. 777a; to the Committee on Armed of Representatives to make corrections in mitting the Administration’s final specifica- Services. the enrollment of H.R. 719, and providing for 2971. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- tions — Pacific Island Fisheries; 2015 Annual consideration of the Senate amendment to ment of Defense, transmitting a letter on the Catch Limits and Accountability Measures the House amendment to the Senate amend- approved retirement of Lieutenant General [Docket No.: 141009847-5746-02] (RIN: 0648- ment to the bill (H.R. 719) to require the Patricia D. Horoho, United States Army, and XD558) received September 29, 2015, pursuant Transportation Security Administration to her advancement to the grade of lieutenant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law conform to existing Federal law and regula- general on the retired list in accordance with 104-121, Sec. 251; to the Committee on Nat- tions regarding criminal investigator posi- 10 U.S.C. 777a; to the Committee on Armed ural Resources. tions, and for other purposes (Rept. 114–272). Services. 2981. A letter from the Assistant Adminis- 2972. A letter from the Comptroller, Under trator for Fisheries, NMFS, National Oce- Referred to the House Calendar. Secretary of Defense, Department of De- anic and Atmospheric Administration, trans- Mr. BYRNE: Committee on Rules. House fense, transmitting the Department’s semi- mitting the Administration’s temporary Resolution 449. Resolution providing for con- annual Defense Cooperation Account report, final rule — Revisions to Framework Adjust- sideration of the bill (H.R. 3457) to prohibit period ending March 31, 2015, and semiannual ment 53 to the Northeast Multispecies Fish- the lifting of sanctions on Iran until the Coalition Contributions: Personal Property ery Management Plan and Sector Annual Government of Iran pays the judgments report period ending March 31, 2015, as re- Catch Entitlements; Updated Annual Catch against it for acts of terrorism, and for other quired by 10 U.S.C. 2608; to the Committee on Limits for Sectors and the Common Pool for purposes; providing for consideration of the Armed Services. Fishing Year 2015 [Docket No.: 150623545-5545- conference report to accompany the bill 2973. A letter from the Chief Counsel, 01] (RIN: 0648-XE015) received September 29, (H.R. 1735) to authorize appropriations for FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the transmitting the Department’s final rule — by Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; to the Com- Department of Defense, for military con- Suspension of Community Eligibility (Provi- mittee on Natural Resources. struction, and for defense activities of the dence County, RI, et al.) [Docket ID: FEMA- 2982. A letter from the Acting Director, Of- Department of Energy, to prescribe military 2015-0001] [Internal Agency Docket No.: fice of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, Na- personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and FEMA-8399] received September 29, 2015, pur- tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- for other purposes; and providing for consid- suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Pub- tion, transmitting the Administration’s tem- eration of motions to suspend the rules lic Law 104-121, Sec. 251; to the Committee on porary rule — Fisheries of the Exclusive Eco- (Rept. 114–273). Referred to the House Cal- Financial Services. nomic Zone Off Alaska; Dusky Rockfish in endar. 2974. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Alaska [Docket No.: 140918791-4999-02] (RIN: ural Resources. H.R. 2168. A bill to make the transmitting a Memorandum of Justification 0648-XE169) received September 29, 2015, pur- current Dungeness crab fishery management for the use of Secs. 506(A)(1) and 552 (C)(2) of suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Pub- regime permanent and for other purposes the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide lic Law 104-121, Sec. 251; to the Committee on (Rept. 114–274). Referred to the Committee of commodities and services for immediate as- Natural Resources. the Whole House on the state of the Union. sistance to Ukraine; to the Committee on 2983. A letter from the Acting Director, Of- Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- Foreign Affairs. fice of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, Na- ural Resources. H.R. 1541. A bill to amend 2975. A letter from the Director, Inter- tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- title 54, United States Code, to make His- national Cooperation, Acquisition, Tech- tion, transmitting the Administration’s tem- panic-serving institutions eligible for technology and Logistics, Office of the Under porary rule — Fisheries of the Exclusive Eco- nical and financial assistance for the estab- Secretary, Department of Defense, transmit- nomic Zone Off Alaska; Several Groundfish lishment of preservation training and degree ting Transmittal No. 03-15, informing of an Species in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Is- programs; with an amendment (Rept. 114– intent to sign the Memorandum of Under- lands Management Area [Docket No.: 275). Referred to the Committee of the Whole standing Among the Department of National 141021887-5172-02] (RIN: 0648-XE144) received House on the state of the Union. Defence of Canada, the Minister of Defence September 29, 2015, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. f of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104-121, Department of Defense of the United States Sec. 251; to the Committee on Natural Re- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS of America for Standard Missile In-Service sources. Under clause 2 of rule XII, public Support, pursuant to Sec. 27(f) of the Arms 2984. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- bills and resolutions of the following Export Control Act and Executive Order ment of the Treasury, transmitting a letter titles were introduced and severally re- 13637; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. from the Secretary of the Treasury providing 2976. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, an update regarding the Treasury’s ability to ferred, as follows: Legislative Affairs, Department of State, continue to finance the government and the By Mr. SHUSTER (for himself, Mr. transmitting the Department’s Waiver and extraordinary measures taken to avoid de- DEFAZIO, Mr. DENHAM, and Mr. CAPU- Certification of Statutory Provisions of Sec. fault; to the Committee on Ways and Means. ANO): 1003 of Pub. L. 100-204 regarding the Pal- 2985. A letter from the Assistant Secretary H.R. 3651. A bill to amend title 49, United estine Liberation Organization Office; to the for Legislation, Department of Health and States Code, to provide for the extension of Committee on Foreign Affairs. Human Services, transmitting the Depart- certain deadlines related to positive train

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L30SE7.000 H30SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6749 control, and for other purposes; to the Com- H. Con. Res. 80. Concurrent resolution ex- Congress has the power to enact this legis- mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- pressing the sense of the Congress on Hunger lation pursuant to the following: ture. in our Communities; to the Committee on Article 1, Section 8, Clauses 1 and 18 of the By Ms. BONAMICI (for herself, Ms. Education and the Workforce, and in addi- Constitution of the United States. LEE, and Ms. DEGETTE): tion to the Committees on Agriculture, and By Mr. ENGEL: H.R. 3652. A bill to expand programs with Ways and Means, for a period to be subse- H.R. 3658. respect to women’s health; to the Committee quently determined by the Speaker, in each Congress has the power to enact this legis- on Energy and Commerce. case for consideration of such provisions as lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. POE of Texas (for himself and fall within the jurisdiction of the committee Article 1, Section 1 of the Constitution. Ms. ESTY): concerned. By Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ: H.R. 3653. A bill to authorize funding for, By Mr. FINCHER: H.R. 3659. and increase accessibility to, the National H. Res. 450. A resolution providing for the Congress has the power to enact this legis- Missing and Unidentified Persons System, to consideration of the bill (H.R. 597) to reau- lation pursuant to the following: facilitate data sharing between such system thorize the Export-Import Bank of the Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 and the National Crime Information Center United States, and for other purposes; to the Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 database of the Federal Bureau of Investiga- Committee on Rules. tion, to provide incentive grants to help fa- By Mr. BUCHANAN (for himself and f cilitate reporting to such systems, and for Mr. HUNTER): ADDITIONAL SPONSORS other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- H. Res. 451. A resolution expressing the diciary. sense of the House of Representatives that Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors By Mr. POE of Texas (for himself, Mr. Sergeant Charles Martland, a decorated were added to public bills and resolu- SHERMAN, Mr. ENGEL, and Mr. member of the Special Forces, should be re- tions, as follows: ROYCE): instated in the United States Army; to the H.R. 3654. A bill to require a report on H.R. 167: Ms. STEFANIK, Mrs. KIRKPATRICK, Committee on Armed Services. United States strategy to combat terrorist Mr. POCAN, and Mr. DOLD. By Mr. ASHFORD: use of social media, and for other purposes; H.R. 213: Mr. COHEN. H. Res. 452. A resolution amending the to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in H.R. 241: Mr. BURGESS. Rules of the House of Representatives to re- addition to the Committees on the Judici- H.R. 343: Mrs. COMSTOCK. quire the Clerk of the House to conduct the ary, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for H.R. 546: Mr. ENGEL. election of the Speaker of the House by se- a period to be subsequently determined by H.R. 649: Mr. GROTHMAN. cret ballot; to the Committee on Rules. the Speaker, in each case for consideration H.R. 662: Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi and By Ms. PLASKETT (for herself, Ms. of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- Mr. RANGEL. CLARKE of New York, Ms. WILSON of tion of the committee concerned. H.R. 699: Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Mr. LAMBORN, and Florida, Mr. ENGEL, and Ms. MAXINE By Mr. WESTMORELAND (for himself, Mr. HARPER. WATERS of California): Mr. BROOKS of Alabama, Mr. FRANKS H.R. 814: Mr. CLAWSON of Florida and Mr. H. Res. 453. A resolution expressing the of Arizona, Mr. ZINKE, Mr. SMITH of FINCHER. sense of the House of Representatives that Missouri, Mr. JODY B. HICE of Geor- H.R. 840: Mr. PETERS. the United States Government should pro- gia, Mr. LAMALFA, Mr. BABIN, and H.R. 868: Mr. HARRIS. vide additional relief and assistance to the Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia): H.R. 879: Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. island of Dominica; to the Committee on H.R. 3655. A bill to amend the Comprehen- H.R. 921: Mr. HURD of Texas and Mr. CREN- Foreign Affairs. sive Environmental Response, Compensa- SHAW. tion, and Liability Act of 1980 with respect f H.R. 969: Mr. RICHMOND and Mr. LAMALFA. to Federal Government liability and to re- H.R. 997: Mr. WEBER of Texas. quire reimbursement to the Judgement Fund CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT H.R. 1062: Mr. JORDAN. for certain claims, and for other purposes; to H.R. 1089: Mr. ROKITA. the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of H.R. 1124: Mr. BEYER. and in addition to the Committee on Trans- the Rules of the House of Representa- H.R. 1197: Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. portation and Infrastructure, for a period to tives, the following statements are sub- H.R. 1221: Mrs. WALORSKI and Mr. be subsequently determined by the Speaker, GARAMENDI. in each case for consideration of such provi- mitted regarding the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitu- H.R. 1232: Ms. BASS. sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the H.R. 1258: Mr. DELANEY. tion to enact the accompanying bill or committee concerned. H.R. 1266: Mr. JOLLY and Mr. MESSER. By Ms. DEGETTE (for herself and Mr. joint resolution. H.R. 1272: Mr. O’ROURKE. TAKAI): By Mr. SHUSTER: H.R. 1399: Ms. MATSUI and Mr. JOYCE. H.R. 3656. A bill to prohibit the sale or dis- H.R. 3651. H.R. 1401: Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of tribution of tobacco products to individuals Congress has the power to enact this legis- New York. under the age of 21; to the Committee on En- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1441: Mr. KEATING. ergy and Commerce. Article I, Section 8 of the United States H.R. 1447: Mr. CUELLAR. By Mr. DEUTCH: Constitution, specifically Clause 3 (related H.R. 1475: Mr. TAKANO, Mr. HECK of Nevada, H.R. 3657. A bill to amend the Food and Nu- to regulation of Commerce among the sev- trition Act of 2008 to require that supple- Mr. YOUNG of Iowa, and Mr. KILMER. eral States). H.R. 1550: Mr. MULVANEY and Mr. POLIQUIN. mental nutrition assistance program bene- By Ms. BONAMICI: fits be calculated with reference to the cost H.R. 1571: Mr. HUFFMAN and Ms. H.R. 3652. VELA´ ZQUEZ. of the low-cost food plan as determined by Congress has the power to enact this legis- the Secretary of Agriculture, and for other H.R. 1600: Mr. LYNCH and Mr. DANNY K. lation pursuant to the following: DAVIS of Illinois. purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 By Mr. ENGEL (for himself and Mr. H.R. 1603: Mr. MOULTON, Mr. BYRNE, and By Mr. POE of Texas: Mr. HECK of Nevada. BURGESS): H.R. 3653. H.R. 1610: Mr. PALAZZO, Mr. DESAULNIER, H.R. 3658. A bill to provide grants to better Congress has the power to enact this legis- Mr. LARSEN of Washington, and Mr. UPTON. understand and reduce gestational diabetes, lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1644: Mr. JOYCE and Mr. JORDAN. and for other purposes; to the Committee on Article 1 Section 8 H.R. 1666: Mr. YOHO. Energy and Commerce. By Mr. POE of Texas: ´ H.R. 1671: Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. HANNA, By Mr. GUTIERREZ (for himself and H.R. 3654. Ms. JUDY CHU of California): Congress has the power to enact this legis- Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina, Mr. BUR- H.R. 3659. A bill to amend the Patient Pro- lation pursuant to the following: GESS, Mr. BUCK, Mr. HUELSKAMP, and Mrs. tection and Affordable Care Act to remove Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 BLACK. citizenship and immigration barriers to ac- By Mr. WESTMORELAND: H.R. 1683: Mr. LARSEN of Washington. cess the Exchanges under such Act; to the H.R. 3655. H.R. 1716: Mr. BURGESS. Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1752: Mrs. WALORSKI. addition to the Committee on Ways and lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1786: Ms. TITUS and Mr. PETERS. Means, for a period to be subsequently deter- Article I, Section 8, of the United States H.R. 1877: Mr. LOWENTHAL. mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- Constitution. H.R. 1948: Ms. JUDY CHU of California. sideration of such provisions as fall within By Ms. DEGETTE: H.R. 2016: Ms. GABBARD. the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. H.R. 3656. H.R. 2025: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. By Ms. ADAMS (for herself, Ms. FUDGE, Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2050: Mr. SMITH of Washington. Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2090: Mr. GARAMENDI. Mexico, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Ms. NOR- Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 H.R. 2156: Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. TON, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. NADLER, By Mr. DEUTCH: H.R. 2241: Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. STIVERS, and and Mr. MCGOVERN): H.R. 3657. Mr. TED LIEU of California.

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H.R. 2254: Mr. KILMER and Mr. CONNOLLY. H.R. 2944: Ms. ESTY, Mr. BUCSHON, Mr. TED H.R. 3542: Ms. JACKSON LEE, Ms. NORTON, H.R. 2257: Mr. PETERS. LIEU of California, Mr. CRENSHAW, and Mr. Ms. BROWN of Florida, and Mr. ELLISON. H.R. 2290: Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. SMITH of Washington. H.R. 3555: Mr. CARSON of Indiana. H.R. 2408: Mr. HUFFMAN and Ms. TITUS. H.R. 3016: Mr. BLUMENAUER. H.R. 3573: Mr. NEWHOUSE. H.R. 2441: Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. H.R. 3094: Ms. BORDALLO and Mr. COLLINS H.R. 3579: Ms. PINGREE. H.R. 2463: Mr. PETERS. of Georgia. H.R. 3590: Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. H.R. 2494: Mr. CONNOLLY, Ms. WILSON of H.R. 3119: Mr. GIBBS and Mr. TONKO. RENSHAW AGNER Florida, Mr. AGUILAR, Mr. MILLER of Florida, H.R. 3129: Mr. ROUZER. H.R. 3611: Mr. C , Mrs. W , UCAS RAVES Mr. MARINO, and Mr. HASTINGS. H.R. 3137: Ms. PINGREE. Mr. L , Mr. G of Missouri, and Mr. ´ H.R. 2515: Ms. JUDY CHU of California. H.R. 3150: Ms. VELAZQUEZ. JOHNSON of Ohio. H.R. 2521: Mr. HUFFMAN. H.R. 3151: Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. H.R. 3635: Mr. FORBES. H.R. 2567: Mr. JORDAN. H.R. 3177: Mr. DOLD. H.R. 3641: Mr. CARSON of Indiana and Ms. H.R. 3180: Mr. KATKO. H.R. 2597: Mr. ASHFORD. LEE. H.R. 3183: Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. H.R. 2602: Mr. MOULTON. H.J. Res. 51: Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illi- H.R. 3225: Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. H.R. 2622: Mr. TAKANO and Mr. YOUNG of nois. H.R. 3268: Mr. WALBERG, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. Iowa. POMPEO, Ms. GABBARD, Ms. CASTOR of Flor- H. Con. Res. 65: Mrs. BEATTY, Mr. BRADY of H.R. 2624: Ms. LOFGREN. ida, Mr. AGUILAR, and Ms. EDWARDS. Pennsylvania, Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts, H.R. 2646: Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. SCALISE, and H.R. 3309: Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Michael F. Doyle of Pennsylvania, Ms. Mr. ISRAEL. H.R. 3381: Mr. FARENTHOLD and Mr. LAN- FRANKEL of Florida, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, H.R. 2669: Mr. DESAULNIER. GEVIN. Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 2671: Mr. BARR. H.R. 3412: Mr. POCAN and Mrs. DAVIS of LARSON of Connecticut, Mr. LEWIS, Mr. H.R. 2672: Mr. BARR. California. MCNERNEY, Ms. SEWELL of Alabama, Ms. H.R. 2673: Mr. BARR. H.R. 3423: Mr. JOLLY. SPEIER, Mr. THOMPSON of California, Ms. H.R. 2674: Mr. BARR. H.R. 3429: Mr. BRADY of Texas. TSONGAS, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Mr. COURT- H.R. 2698: Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina H.R. 3457: Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. LOUDERMILK, NEY, Mr. AGUILAR, Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, and Mr. and Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. CRAMER, Mr. YOUNG of Iowa, and Mr. JEFFRIES. OEBSACK H.R. 2726: Mr. L . POSEY. H. Con. Res. 75: Mr. ABRAHAM, Mr. DOLD, H.R. 2739: Mr. TROTT and Mr. RANGEL. H.R. 3473: Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. SMITH of Nebraska, and Mr. FORBES. H.R. 2759: Mr. WALZ, Mr. LOWENTHAL, Ms. H.R. 3475: Mr. CONYERS, Mr. JEFFRIES, Mr. H. Res. 394: Mr. PETERS and Ms. BASS. JUDY CHU of California, and Ms. MATSUI. CLAY, Ms. ADAMS, Ms. FUDGE, and Mr. CAR- H. Res. 416: Mr. RIGELL, Mr. FLEISCHMANN, H.R. 2855: Mr. KILMER. SON of Indiana. and Mr. KIND. H.R. 2858: Mr. AGUILAR, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, H.R. 3515: Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. H. Res. 428: Mr. GRIJALVA and Mr. and Mr. POLIS. HUELSKAMP, and Mr. ROUZER. LOWENTHAL. H.R. 2866: Mr. LOWENTHAL, Mr. CARNEY, and H.R. 3516: Mr. MCCAUL and Mr. WEBER of Mr. GALLEGO. Texas. H. Res. 438: Miss RICE of New York and Mr. H.R. 2896: Mr. WALBERG, Mr. BUCHANAN, H.R. 3518: Mr. POLIS. TAKANO. and Mr. ROSS. H.R. 3523: Mr. RANGEL. H. Res. 443: Mr. HONDA and Mr. VAN HOL- H.R. 2903: Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- H.R. 3532: Mr. ROUZER, Ms. HERRERA LEN. fornia. BEUTLER, and Mr. CRAMER. H. Res. 445: Ms. MATSUI.

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Vol. 161 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 No. 142 Senate The Senate met at 9:30 a.m. and was his leadership will be missed in Ken- succeeded in doing that, but I think called to order by the President pro tucky too. Our troops at Fort Campbell the American people are ready for our tempore (Mr. HATCH). will miss it. The workers at the Padu- colleagues to finally get serious and f cah Gaseous Diffusion Plant will miss get back to work. Americans are ready it. Kentucky’s countless coal families— to see Democrats start supporting, not PRAYER hard-working Kentuckians he never blocking, the very bipartisan funding The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- failed to stand up for—will certainly legislation Democrats previously voted fered the following prayer: miss it as well. for and bragged about in press releases. Let us pray. ED was rightly considered a western Our colleagues will have that oppor- Lord, through all the generations, Kentucky trailblazer. He became the tunity this week when we turn back to You have been our refuge. We live our first Republican elected to represent the regular appropriations process. lives sheltered by Your love. that district in 1994. Our party, the Re- It is true that moving forward will Enable our Senators to find hope in publican Party, never held that district require Democrats to definitively turn the knowledge that You are indeed in going back to the Civil War. It was an the page on years of bad habits and such control of our world that no weap- enormous breakthrough. ED has dysfunction, but it is the right thing to on formed against us will prosper. De- worked hard and delivered for the Com- do for our country. We will see if they liver our lawmakers from judgmental monwealth in the two decades since. are ready to do so later this week. attitudes that prompt them to think He will leave behind a record of service f about others in any way contrary to and accomplishment. RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY Your love. f LEADER Lord, transform us all by the power GOVERNMENT FUNDING The PRESIDING OFFICER. The of Your Grace. We praise You and give Democratic leader is recognized. You thanks because nothing can sepa- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, the rate us from Your love. Senate will complete its work on the f We pray in Your compassionate continuing resolution today. GRIDLOCK Name. Amen. We remember watching our Demo- Mr. REID. Mr. President, my friend f cratic colleagues swerve from crisis to the Republican leader is reciting facts crisis when they ran the Senate. Per- that are not real. Everyone knows PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE haps that is just all Democrats have what has happened in this body and in The President pro tempore led the known, but it is not right for them to the House of Representatives the last Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: again force America into another few years—gridlock. Republicans in the I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the short-term funding situation such as House cannot agree with Republicans United States of America, and to the Repub- this. in the Senate, and it appears Repub- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, We are working to change the culture licans in the Senate cannot agree indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. around here. Our determination re- among themselves. So for my friend to f mains to get the Senate back to nor- talk about how great things are going mal, with a functional appropriations is not reality. RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY process. That is why for the first time LEADER We need to start working together, in 6 years the Senate actually passed a not apart. And, working with Repub- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. budget. That is why for the first time licans, we find it is very difficult to de- PAUL). The majority leader is recog- in 6 years the Senate actually passed velop any kind of partnerships, as we nized. through committee the dozen appro- always did in the past until Republican f priations bills necessary to properly leaders took over the Congress. fund the government. I would hope my friends the Repub- TRIBUTE TO ED WHITFIELD Now that the CR appears to be on licans would understand we have to Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, yes- track, we can turn back to the last start doing things to help the country. terday Representative ED WHITFIELD step in the Senate’s normal appropria- We are in the situation we are in. It is announced that he will retire at the tions process; that is, getting the fund- September 30. The country will be out end of this term. ED has served the ing bills passed on the floor. Democrats of money in just a few hours. Why do First District of Kentucky for more have blocked them all this year as part we wait until the last minute and then than 20 years. He will be missed in the of some arbitrary strategy to force our only provide enough money to get us to Capitol when he retires. It is clear that Nation to the brink. They certainly the first part of December?

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.

S7011

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE6.000 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 We have received word that the went and on everybody we talked to. This continuing resolution only House Speaker is going to resign. Why? He has written a number of important funds our government through Decem- He is resigning because everyone scholarly works on Russian history, ber 11, as I said earlier. That means knows he cannot deal with the people culture, and politics. that within the coming weeks, we need he has to deal with in the House. He In 1973 James Billington came to to negotiate with Republicans to keep has tried very hard, and it hasn’t Washington, DC, to lead the Woodrow our government open. worked. Wilson International Center for Schol- Yesterday Senator MCCONNELL fi- I would hope my friend the Repub- ars, a prestigious organization. As di- nally took Democrats up on our call to lican leader would start talking re- rector, he founded the Kennan Insti- begin budget negotiations. I welcome ality, not come in and boast about how tute for Advanced Russian Studies. He that, and I welcome Senator MCCON- great the country is doing under Re- served as their director for 14 years be- NELL to the table. We should have publican leadership. We have gotten fore coming over here to become the started this process months ago, but nothing done under the Republican director of the Library of Congress. better late than never, so I am pleased leadership. Dr. Billington has done extraor- he has come around. I am reminded of what Albert Ein- dinary work during his tenure at the stein said when he defined insanity as Library of Congress. He has brought Lifting the sequester has been one of doing the same thing over and over and the Library into the 21st century. Dr. my top priorities for years, and I am expecting different results. That is Billington doubled the size of the Li- hopeful that we can finally achieve this what we have been doing here. We have brary’s analog collections from 85 mil- key Democratic goal. Just take what it votes on everything, everyone knowing lion to 160 million. He oversaw the cre- has done in the past—just take one en- what the results are going to be. The ation of the Library of Congress’s on- tity. The National Institutes of Health latest episode was—what a waste of our line portal, making hundreds of mil- lost almost $2 billion and they have time—we had a vote here to defund lions of documents, books, and mate- never gotten it back. It has been dev- Planned Parenthood. It didn’t even get rial available to the American public. astating to the most prestigious, im- a majority of the Republicans—well, it Using his relationship with Russian portant medical research facility in got a majority of the Republicans; it scholars, Dr. Billington founded the the world. That is what sequestration certainly didn’t get a majority of the Open World Leadership Forum. This did. Senate. It didn’t get a majority of the important forum creates dialogue and This time around, we have to do bet- Senate and certainly didn’t get 60 cultural exchanges between U.S. and ter than just keeping the Federal Gov- votes, which they were trying to do— Russian leaders. James Billington has ernment operating by a continuing res- revoting on things, always knowing the accompanied 10 congressional delega- olution. We have to stop devastating results are going to be the same. It ap- tions to Russia. I was fortunate to be sequester cuts from hitting our mili- pears that Albert Einstein had a few on one of them, as I just said. In June tary and our middle class. Even the Re- organizations in mind when he gave 1988, he accompanied the President and publican leader agrees, it appears, be- this definition of ‘‘insanity,’’ and one Mrs. Reagan to the Soviet summit in cause a week or 10 days ago he said: of them, as he looked forward, would be Moscow, and I am confident President ‘‘We are inevitably going to end up in this Republican Senate we have. Reagan and his staff depended on negotiations that will crack the Budg- f James Billington’s outstanding mind. et Control Act once again.’’ And I say Dr. Billington helped establish the hallelujah. TRIBUTE TO DR. JAMES congressionally mandated Veterans BILLINGTON Here we are, ready to negotiate History Project, which collects and months before the December 11 dead- Mr. REID. Mr. President, in the preserves first-person accounts from line. After all, that was the original in- original Hall of Representatives, which U.S. veterans dating back to World tent of sequestration—to force Demo- is now called National Statuary Hall, War I. Dr. Billington helped create the crats and Republicans to the negoti- there is a beautiful clock that stands National Book Festival, which brings ating table. That should be easy to do. over the Chamber’s doorway. The clock thousands of authors and readers to the We hate sequestration, and I know and its adjoining sculpture depict Clio, National Mall every year. there are a significant number of Re- the Greek muse of history, watching In every way imaginable, Dr. James publicans who don’t like it. I have over the House of Representatives. The Billington has made the Library of heard Senator GRAHAM, and I have meaning of the clock and statue are Congress and, by extension, the United heard Senator MCCAIN give speeches in clear: History will bear witness to all States better—a better library, a bet- committees and publicly about how we do in Congress. ter country. As he embarks on a well- terrible it is. So let’s get rid of it for For the last 28 years—almost three deserved retirement after 28 years of the good of the country. This is a so- decades—James Billington has served exemplary service, I wish him the very called no-brainer. as the Librarian of Congress. He has best. I have no doubt Dr. Billington Let’s work together—not in Decem- been our Clio, ensuring that the annals will enjoy time with his wife Mar- ber—to repeal the sequester caps, but of American history are complete and jorie—a lovely woman I have come to let’s work now to repeal the caps and available to everyone. know and admire greatly—and their 4 build a long-term, bipartisan funding Dr. Billington came to the Library of children and 12 grandchildren. Congress in 1987. What a remarkable James Billington, thank you for a job bill. Then we can turn our attention to re´sume´—valedictorian at Princeton well done. We will all miss you. the other matters that deserve our immediate attention, such as the debt University, a Rhodes Scholar, and he f earned his doctorate from Oxford Col- ceiling. lege. Following his graduation from GOVERNMENT FUNDING We can’t put off the debt ceiling Oxford, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I have much longer. I don’t know the exact After his service in the Army, he never been a sentimental person—I date when we are going to run out of taught history—first at Harvard and have never tried to be one—but today I money, but I am sure it is going to be then at Princeton—for 16 years. During can’t help but think back to a time sometime before Thanksgiving. We all that time Dr. Billington became one of when keeping the government open and know that in a matter of weeks, unless the foremost scholars of Russia. funded wasn’t a last-minute exercise. we act, the United States will lose its I had the good fortune of being able Looking at the clock now, we are al- ability to pay its bills. And if you to travel with Dr. Billington to the So- most 14 hours away from what could think shutting the government down is viet Union. It was like having an ency- have been another Republican shut- bad, which I do, that pales in compari- clopedia with you. It was wonderful to down of the Federal Government. This son to the government of the United travel to this country with which we kind of brinkmanship is totally unnec- States defaulting on all of our debts. had been involved in a Cold War for so essary. Although we will likely avert a The consequences would be dire and many years and to have a scholar with shutdown tonight, Republicans brought the fallout would be felt around the us to give us insight everyplace we us dangerously close to a shutdown. world.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.002 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7013 We also need to reauthorize the Ex- some sort of agreement that is longer under the leadership in the Democratic port-Import Bank. It is closed. Repub- lasting and more thoughtful. and Republican precincts and to come licans made a terrible mistake by al- We know the notion of a government together in the House and Senate in lowing the Bank’s charter to expire, shutdown is a disaster, but it is not a the next few weeks of this continuing jeopardizing hundreds of thousands of unanimous opinion in the Senate or in resolution. Let’s make sure we have a American jobs. Congress must also the House of Representatives. There budget and one that is befitting a great craft a long-term highway bill to en- are actually Members of the Senate nation. sure the highway trust fund will be sol- and the House who are applauding the I yield the floor. vent for years to come. possibility of a government shutdown. Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, today We have a lot to do in the coming Some of them were the same people we are voting on a clean, short-term weeks and months, and we certainly who inspired the shutdown several continuous funding resolution, CR. don’t have time for any more manufac- years ago—a shutdown which cost us Passing this legislation means no gov- tured crises. So I sincerely hope the 800,000 jobs in America because of the ernment shutdown. There may be some Republican leadership will instead uncertainty created by it and which drama, but we intend to keep the gov- choose to do what is right to meet our created real hardship for people around ernment open and avoid shutdown, slamdown politics. country’s obligations. our country. A shutdown, if it hap- Shutdowns are bad for everyone. pened again in this context, would be Would the Chair tell us what we are Shutdowns create uncertainty which even more serious in terms of its im- going to do the rest of the day. slows economic growth, hurts the pact on the American economy. f health and well-being of the entire Na- So we have a chance. And I would tion, and causes the loss of private sec- RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME just say to those who follow this de- tor jobs. Shutdowns make it impossible bate—and there is no reason why peo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under for Federal agencies to meet missions ple would follow the minutia—that in the previous order, the leadership time that serve the American people. is reserved. June of this year we asked on the Let’s show the American people we Democratic side for the Republican f can work across the aisle and across leader to sit down and avoid this actual the dome to get the job done. TSA OFFICE OF INSPECTION confrontation we are having today. We Avoiding a shutdown is just the first ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2015 asked Senator MCCONNELL and Speaker step. Next, we need a budget deal to BOEHNER to negotiate with the Presi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under cancel sequester. Right now, our budg- dent a new budget—a budget that is re- the previous order, the Senate will re- et caps spending, but doesn’t cap tax alistic and will not harm innocent peo- sume consideration of the House mes- breaks for billionaires and corporations ple. sage to accompany H.R. 719, which the that send jobs overseas. I am troubled by the notion that Re- Americans are angry. They feel like clerk will report. publicans have that we should find war the rules are rigged against them and The legislative clerk read as follows: funds to continue funding the Depart- that those who write the rules don’t House message to accompany H.R. 719, an ment of Defense and ignore the non- care. act to require the Transportation Security defense parts of the budget. Senator Let’s show them this Congress cares. Administration to conform to existing Fed- The people deserve a government on eral law and regulations regarding criminal REID made reference to one. National investigator positions, and for other pur- Institutes of Health medical research, their side. poses. which is critical to America and its fu- That is why I am fighting to make sure they have a government that Pending: ture, is now facing the uncertainty of no budget, and that is unfair. works as hard as they do. After we pass McConnell motion to concur in the amend- Last night we had a meeting with the bill to fund the government, we can ment of the House to the amendment of the some of the major medical researchers move on to a new budget deal that can- Senate to the bill, with McConnell (for Coch- cels sequester, raising the caps equally ran) amendment No. 2689, making continuing in the United States, and they said it is appropriations for the fiscal year ending hard to convince the next generation of for defense and nondefense domestic September 30, 2016. researchers that we as a nation are se- spending. McConnell amendment No. 2690 (to amend- riously committed, and it is because of The budget deal will give us a frame- ment No. 2689), to change the enactment this uncertainty in budgeting. It is a work for an omnibus funding bill that date. political problem, and one that should invests in America, protecting national The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under be solved by politicians, namely, Mem- security, rebuilding our physical infra- the previous order, the time until 10 bers of the House and Senate working structure, creating jobs for today and jobs for tomorrow, and meeting our a.m. will be equally divided between with the President. the two managers or their designees. So we will likely vote—and I cer- compelling human needs. The Appro- The Senator from Illinois. tainly will vote in the next few min- priations Committee needs 30 days to Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I would utes—to extend the operations of the get the job done after a new budget like to speak to the vote we are about government until December 11. But if deal is passed. I challenge leadership to work with to cast this morning at 10 o’clock. This it is only for more speechifying and Speaker BOEHNER to enact a new is a vote to basically extend the au- breast-beating by those who want to topline budget deal by the end of Octo- thority and budget of the Federal Gov- shut down the government to prove ber. We can’t let October ernment until December 11. This Sep- some political point, I have to say they brinksmanship become a Christmas tember 30 is the end of our fiscal year, are seriously mistaken. It is the wrong crisis. and at least legally, the authority to thing for America to shut down the It is clear we need to cancel seques- continue the government depends on government. It is the wrong thing for ter. And it is clear that the 2013 shut- budget and appropriations bills being job creation to shut down the govern- down was a disaster for everyone—not passed by the House and Senate. That ment. It is the wrong thing for our fu- to be repeated. has not happened. So what we are ture, when it comes to medical re- This bill provides the resources to doing is a continuing resolution. It ba- search, education, and critical pro- keep our government open so agencies sically extends last year’s budget until grams, to shut down the government. can continue to serve the American December 11. Those who are preaching that gospel people, keeping us safe, healthy, edu- Now, that will keep the lights on at should be reminded that 3 out of 4 cated, moving, and thriving. Federal agencies, and it will avoid the Americans think they are not very The bottom line is we need a new catastrophic outcome of a government thoughtful—I will clean up my words a topline. With a new budget deal we get shutdown, but it is not good policy. We little bit—not very thoughtful in using a new topline to invest in America’s have done it on our side—on the Demo- this approach. safety and future. cratic side—and now the Republicans, So I urge my colleagues on both sides But we need to pass this short-term in control of the Congress, are doing it of the aisle to support this continuing CR to get to a deal and not to another on their side. It buys time to reach resolution but really to light a fire shutdown.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.004 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 Mr. DURBIN. I suggest the absence of MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, THE PTC EXTENSION a quorum. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I rise on The PRESIDING OFFICER. The FAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES a subject of urgency and importance to clerk will call the roll. APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2016—MO- our Nation’s economy. The looming The legislative clerk proceeded to TION TO PROCEED deadline for implementing a new rail- call the roll. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I road safety technology known as posi- Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I ask move to proceed to Calendar No. 98, tive train control, or PTC, could soon unanimous consent that the order for H.R. 2029. wreak havoc on our Nation’s transpor- the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tation system. This havoc would not The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without clerk will report the motion. just affect the millions of Americans objection, it is so ordered. The senior assistant legislative clerk who board commuter trains every day read as follows: AMENDMENT NO. 2690 WITHDRAWN but also Americans who depend on crit- Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 98, H.R. Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I ask ical freight rail deliveries. These serv- 2029, a bill making appropriations for mili- ices could be interrupted because—de- unanimous consent to withdraw tary construction, the Department of Vet- amendment No. 2690. spite years of warning—implementa- erans Affairs, and related agencies for the tion of PTC has not kept pace with an The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for overly ambitious schedule set by Con- objection? other purposes. gress. Without objection, it is so ordered. CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Let me explain how we got here. the previous order, all postcloture time send a cloture motion to the desk. Seven years ago, following a deadly is expired. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- Metrolink passenger train collision in ture motion having been presented California caused by an engineer who VOTE ON MOTION TO CONCUR under rule XXII, the Chair directs the was texting and failed to react to track The question occurs on agreeing to clerk to read the motion. signals, this body passed legislation the motion to concur with amendment The senior assistant legislative clerk mandating the installation of PTC, an No. 2689 in the House amendment to read as follows: innovative safety technology on over the Senate amendment to H.R. 719. CLOTURE MOTION 60,000 miles of rail lines. Though a The yeas and nays have been ordered. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- meaningful and important safety up- The clerk will call the roll. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the grade, PTC is not a panacea. It will not The senior assistant legislative clerk Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby make a difference when rail tracks are called the roll. move to bring to a close debate on the mo- damaged or in situations when people Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators tion to proceed to Calendar No. 98, H.R. 2029, trespass on tracks or at highway rail are necessarily absent: the Senator an act making appropriations for military crossings where the most accidents construction, the Department of Veterans from South Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM) and occur, but PTC can and will have an Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal impact in preventing three specific ac- the Senator from Florida (Mr. RUBIO). year ending September 30, 2016, and for other The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. COT- purposes. cident scenarios; first, the technology TON). Are there any other Senators in Mitch McConnell, Orrin G. Hatch, Thom will prevent train-on-train collisions the Chamber desiring to vote? Tillis, Tom Cotton, James Lankford, when both trains and the track they The result was announced—yeas 78, Shelley Moore Capito, Deb Fischer, are traveling on have fully functioning Thad Cochran, John Barrasso, John nays 20, as follows: PTC systems installed; second, the sys- Cornyn, Richard C. Shelby, Cory Gard- tem will prevent accidents or [Rollcall Vote No. 272 Leg.] ner, Richard Burr, Jerry Moran, Jeff derailments caused by excessive train YEAS—78 Flake, Steve Daines. speeds like the deadly Amtrak derail- Alexander Fischer Murkowski Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous ment in Philadelphia earlier this year; Ayotte Flake Murphy consent to waive the mandatory and, third, the technology will help Baldwin Franken Murray quorum call for this cloture motion. Barrasso Gardner Nelson protect individuals working on railroad Bennet Gillibrand Perdue The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there tracks from being hit by a train Blumenthal Grassley Peters objection? accidently routed onto the wrong Booker Hatch Portman Without objection, it is so ordered. track. Boxer Heinrich Reed Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, this Brown Heitkamp Reid morning I said the American people are PTC systems operate by relying on Cantwell Hirono Roberts ground-based computer systems, equip- Capito Hoeven Rounds ready to see Democrats start sup- Cardin Isakson Sanders porting, not blocking, the very bipar- ment installed on train locomotives, Carper Johnson Schatz tisan funding legislation they pre- satellites and wireless radio spectrum- Casey Kaine Schumer based communications coming from a Cassidy King Shaheen viously voted for and actually bragged Cochran Kirk Stabenow about. I also said we would give our network of thousands of towers being Collins Klobuchar Sullivan colleagues a chance to do so this week. built along rail tracks. A PTC system Coons Leahy Tester So I have just set up a vote that will can help certain trains automatically Corker Manchin Thune communicate with one another and Cornyn Markey Tillis give them that opportunity. Daines McCain Udall The Military Construction and Vet- sense if operator instructions—namely Donnelly McCaskill Warner erans Affairs bill is one of the 12 pieces speed—are appropriate for where the Durbin McConnell Warren train is operating. Because it isn’t ef- Enzi Menendez Whitehouse of appropriations legislation we must Ernst Merkley Wicker pass to properly fund our government. fective unless all trains are linked to- Feinstein Mikulski Wyden It is a bipartisan bill that does a lot of gether on a network, PTC will be required on all passenger and freight NAYS—20 important things for our country, but here is the headline: It supports our trains that travel on rail tracks that Blunt Heller Sasse carry passengers or certain hazardous Boozman Inhofe Scott veterans. Burr Lankford Sessions This bipartisan bill passed com- materials regardless of what an indi- Coats Lee Shelby mittee with support from both Demo- vidual train might be hauling. Cotton Moran Toomey Crapo Paul Vitter crats and Republicans. Democrats have Our colleague, the senior Senator Cruz Risch said nice things about it in press re- from California, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, cham- NOT VOTING—2 leases that were sent out to their var- pioned the legislative provision that ious States. Now it is time to cooper- put this requirement in place back in Graham Rubio ate across the aisle to finally pass it 2008. The legislative mandate was for- The motion was agreed to. and support our veterans. ward-looking and set an aggressive The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- schedule for fully implementing the jority leader. ator from South Dakota. technology.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.005 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7015 Seven years later, both freight and halt some freight and passenger serv- PTC? Railroads point out that, regard- commuter railroads have made sub- ices by January 1, 2016. In fact, the ef- less of fines, their insurance would not stantial progress in implementing posi- fects would be felt weeks earlier when cover an incident if the railroad had tive train control, but there have been it comes to the shipment of hazardous knowingly violated a safety law regula- some unexpected delays in imple- materials such as anhydrous ammonia, tion like operating in noncompliance menting the technology. a critical fertilizer for our Nation’s with the PTC mandate. They also point The Federal Communications Com- crops, because it takes time to move out that Federal law provides indi- mission halted the construction of nec- tank car traffic off the rail network. vidual workers with the right to refuse essary communications towers for over The Obama administration—in testi- instructions that are counter to Fed- a year in 2013 over concerns about his- mony before the commerce committee eral safety laws or regulations. In ef- toric preservation and potential im- this month—noted that the law leaves fect, railroad workers across the coun- pacts on tribal lands. There have also no possibility of exempting publicly try would have an individual right, and been delays in regulatory approvals, owned commuter railroads that do not protection from consequence, to refuse problems in obtaining necessary com- meet the PTC deadline from fines, but to participate in the operation of munications spectrum, and many dif- the threat of Federal fines is only one trains in noncompliance with the PTC ficulties that come with building a new worry for railroads among other much mandate. technology. larger consequences of missing the PTC Different railroads have different The complexity of a positive train deadline. Remember, the vast majority concerns. Freight railroads have ex- control system falls somewhere in be- of passenger rail service relies on track pressed some varying ideas about how tween a new version of computer oper- owned by freight railroads. To run they interpret the law. But, remember, ating software and driverless cars. Any commuter rail service on freight lines railroads are interconnected. Let me of us who have had a just-released in compliance with the PTC mandate, explain a common view we have heard version of software installed on our not only must commuter rail trains and how it will affect the Nation’s computer know about bugs that have and tracks be fully equipped but all interconnected rail system and econ- to be worked out, and like driverless freight tracks and freight trains that omy more broadly. cars, when lives are at stake, you have run on them must also be properly The PTC mandate applies only to to get the technology right before rely- equipped. routes where there is passenger travel ing on a system as advanced as PTC. There are approximately 40 railroads, or shipment of certain hazardous mate- Over $5.5 billion in private funding mostly commuter railroads in the rials, such as chlorine used for water has already been spent on imple- United States, that will be affected by reservoir purification. Under normal menting PTC. The debate on the need, the December 31, 2015, deadline for cer- circumstances, freight railroads are costs, and benefits is long over. When tified implementation of positive train bound by something called the common this body voted in 2008 to mandate full control. I asked them to tell us about carrier requirement. This means that and certified implementation of PTC their situations in dealing with the up- freight railroads can’t refuse to haul a by December 31, 2015, there were con- coming mandate. specific cargo such as chlorine simply cerns that the timeline was too aggres- I will tell you what we heard. Not because it is unprofitable or inconven- sive. Those concerns have steadily one railroad said they have met the ient, but railroads argue that this com- grown. Both the independent Govern- legal obligation for implementing PTC. mon carrier requirement cannot be rea- ment Accountability Office and the I will repeat that. Not one railroad, sonably interpreted as requiring them Federal Railroad Administration, commuter or freight, told us that after to haul cargo on tracks if doing so which regulates railroad safety, have 7 years of work, and with 3 months to would violate Federal law. warned for years that the deadline set go before the legal deadline for full im- Dan Elliott, the Chairman of the by Congress was unrealistic. plementation of positive train control, Federal Surface Transportation Board, Some saw great value in keeping this that they have been certified by the which regulates railroad business prac- overly aggressive deadline in place. It Federal Railroad Administration as tices, added weight to these concerns. was a way of maintaining pressure on compliant with the requirement. In a letter to me this month about the freight and commuter railroads to We had one railroad, Metrolink in situation, Mr. Elliott stated to me that move aggressively. At the end of the California, that would go so far as to the ‘‘common carrier obligation is not day, the thinking went that if railroads express that they were ‘‘cautiously op- absolute.’’ He informed us that he did not meet the deadline, they would timistic’’ that they could meet the ‘‘cannot predict’’ how regulators would be subject to financial fines, and these end-of-the year deadline for imple- rule on specific railroad decisions to penalties would motivate to quickly menting PTC, but neither Metrolink exclude cargo or passenger traffic in finish work on PTC. If the pressure nor any other railroad advised us order to comply with the PTC man- didn’t work, these individuals assumed against the legal deadline for positive date. things could go on much as if the law train control. Some commuter rail- So how do we avert this safety and hadn’t been put in place at all, and roads bluntly told us they saw no op- economic disaster? The independent freight railroads could just continue to tion for continuing passenger service experts at the Government Account- haul critical shipments of products after December 31 without action by ability Office who studied this issue like chlorine and fertilizer, which Congress to extend the deadline. and released a report told us that the would pose greater public hazard if Last week, the board of directors of railroads would need an additional 1 to hauled on highways. Metra in Chicago, with over 70 million 5 years to meet the requirements of the There was even a naive belief that riders annually, voted in favor of a res- implementation. They documented the commuter railroads run by State and olution to shut down on January 1, immensely complex technological chal- local governments could get exempted 2016, if the deadline is not extended. lenges associated with new PTC compo- from fines mandated under the law. Our Nation does not have the transit nents. This report and the letters I re- Some believed commuter railroads bus capacity to move these displaced ceived from both railroads and regu- could continue to move passengers in- riders. This will dramatically increase lators about the positive train control stead of adding to the congestion and the number of people who are stuck in deadline are posted on the Commerce, safety risks on our Nation’s roads, but traffic each day and decrease the safety Science, and Transportation Com- over the past month, these myths have of our transportation system. mittee Web site: commerce.senate.gov/ been put to rest as the real con- Sarah Feinberg, the Acting Adminis- ptc. sequences of failing to meet the legal trator for the Federal Railroad Admin- The Senate acted in July by passing deadline for positive train control im- istration, testified last week that she a provision on the multiyear highway plementation have come into focus. had not recently spoken to a railroad reauthorization bill that would extend Both freight and commuter railroads that planned to continue operating on the deadline on a case-by-case basis. have informed Congress, regulators, January 1, 2016. The Senate’s bill, which passed by a and even stockholders that an inability Why are railroads so concerned about vote of 60 to 34, took the best parts of to comply with the PTC mandate could running over the legal deadline for legislation to extend the deadline that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.009 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 had been put forward by the Obama ad- METRA, Hiring a system integration team to design ministration, by Senator FEINSTEIN, Chicago, IL, September 10, 2015. Metra’s PTC system. who championed the PTC requirement, Hon. JOHN THUNE, Awarding contracts to engineering firms to Chairman, Committee on Commerce, Science, and by Senators ROY BLUNT and CLAIRE design necessary upgrades to our signal sys- and Transportation, U.S. Senate, Wash- tem and to draft specifications for other MCCASKILL of Missouri, who saw this ington, DC. tasks. problem coming some time ago and DEAR CHAIRMAN THUNE, Thank you for Filling key leadership positions on the have worked with me to prevent it. your letter requesting information about PTC project, as well as hiring more than 50 Under the bipartisan Senate plan, the Metra’s positive train control (PTC) installa- full-time employees to install PTC in the Secretary of Transportation gets the tion and the impact on our system if Con- field and on our trains. gress does not extend the December 31, 2015 legal authority to approve or dis- CONTINUING PTC CHALLENGES approve requests for extensions sub- implementation deadline. As the commuter However, despite our progress, many sig- mitted in plans where railroads show rail service provider for the northeastern Il- linois region, our primary goal is the safe op- nificant challenges remain, including cost how and when they will meet the full and funding. PTC implementation is an un- requirements of PTC implementation. eration of more than 750 trains that run daily throughout our system, providing funded mandate and expected to cost Metra If approved, this essentially becomes a about 300,000 passenger trips each day and more than $350 million. Our agency receives contract, and railroads will face con- 83.4 million passenger trips per year. We re- approximately $150 million each year in fed- sequences if they do not adhere to it, main committed to the implementation of eral formula funding for all of our capital including fines. Under no circumstance PTC in a safe and prudent manner. However, needs, such as bridges, track and signals. could the Secretary approve a date for many significant challenges prohibit our Thus, to fully fund PTC, Metra would need full PTC installation that is later than ability to meet the federally-mandated dead- to spend 100 percent of its federal funding for line. two and one-half years. Nationwide, the 2018. The Secretary also has the au- American Public Transportation Association METRA OVERVIEW thority to identify and require changes (APTA) estimates that it will cost more than to deficient schedules that do not show Metra is one of the largest and most com- $3.48 billion to fully implement PTC on all safe and successful implementation as plex commuter rail systems in North Amer- commuter railroads. soon as practicable. ica, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane In addition, Metra, like all other railroads, The proposal is specifically designed and McHenry counties in Northeastern Illi- has been constrained by the limited number to maintain pressure on railroads to in- nois. The agency provides service to and of firms that can provide signal design serv- from downtown Chicago with 241 stations stall and implement PTC systems with- ices and the limited expertise available to over 11 routes totaling nearly 500 route miles accelerate design and deployment. Those out undue delay. It also recognizes that and approximately 1,200 miles of track. review by regulators after installation, firms and expertise are needed by most rail- Metra owns and operates four of its 11 roads to help redesign and renew existing which is necessary to achieve legal cer- lines, has trackage-rights or lease agree- signals and install trackside components—a tification of full PTC implementation, ments to operate Metra trains over freight tough job made even more so by the sheer may take additional time. Of serious railroads on three lines, and has purchase of volume and complexity of the task. We have concern to the many commuters and service agreements with two freight rail- also been limited by the availability of the shippers who rely on railroad transpor- roads which operate commuter service on needed equipment. four other Metra lines. Another challenge has been the deploy- tation, the deadline for congressional Metra’s core business is to serve people ment of a national 220MHz communications action on the PTC mandate is actually traveling to downtown Chicago to work. Ap- network for PTC among U.S. railroads. The well before December 31 of 2015. With- proximately half of all work trips made from network is critical. The onboard, trackside out a legal extension, railroads will suburban Chicago to downtown are made on and back office components of every rail- Metra. Our customers come from all parts of have to begin preparations weeks in ad- road’s PTC system have to be able to com- our region’s 3,700 square miles. vance to operate under the assumption municate via a radio network. In Chicago, it that no change would be made. This METRA PTC IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE is undetermined if we have enough spectrum will mean railroads will be contacting Metra faces unique challenges imple- available for the PTC needs of the region’s customers such as water treatment fa- menting PTC as a result of Chicago’s com- railroads until a spectrum study is com- cilities by Thanksgiving to cancel crit- plex railroad infrastructure and role as the pleted by Transportation Technology Center, ical shipments. It will mean contacting nation’s busiest transportation hub. In fact, Inc. passenger and commuter rail cus- Chicago handles one-fourth of the nation’s Another challenge is that the initial tech- tomers to have tickets refunded be- freight rail traffic each day, handling 37,500 nology continues to be revised. A major pre- rail cars. requisite for the PTC system is the creation cause passenger railcars will have to be More than 1,300 trains operate in the Chi- of a detailed database of every route on the cleared off the rail system before Janu- cago area each weekday, including 750 Metra system—a time-consuming and extremely ary 1. trains, 500 freight trains and the remainder labor-intensive process. A process will be To avoid this calamity, not to men- Amtrak trains. Metra must interact and co- needed to document and update GPS coordi- tion the other backups that such ordinate its railroad operations on a daily nates every time a critical PTC asset is changes could have on a vast rail net- basis with all railroads operating in Chi- moved more than one foot. These processes work, we need to pass an extension cago—including six of the seven Class 1 rail- are dependent upon the final onboard soft- into law before these cancellations roads. PTC implementation must be closely ware. A final production release date is not begin. Working on a bipartisan basis, and carefully coordinated with each of them. known at this time. As a result, Metra has directed much of its we can help our constituents avert a Other challenges include expected issues initial resources toward our contract car- with components and software as full system transportation calamity that would riers, Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and BNSF testing continues this year. So far, only par- have a much more serious impact on Railway (BNSF). tial testing of individual segments of the our economy than last year’s west Despite these challenges, we have made system has taken place. And, the fear of coast ports slowdown. steady and consistent progress in imple- component failure is driving designs with This is about helping millions of menting PTC. We currently expect to have more redundancy, which is further length- Americans who are dependent on rail- on-board equipment completely installed on ening the design process. In addition, the roads for their livelihood and essential BNSF by the end of this year and on UP by Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) deliveries. We have a responsibility to the second quarter of 2016. After those sys- must review and certify every railroad’s tems are tested and become operational, plans. act. more than 40 percent of Metra’s train fleet I ask unanimous consent to have Metra’s current timeline for full PTC im- will be PTC-compliant. plementation is 2019, although we expect sev- printed in the RECORD letters that the Metra has also made significant progress eral lines to be completed before then. Committee on Commerce, Science, and toward implementing PTC on the lines we CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXTEND THE PTC Transportation have received from own. To date, that includes: DEADLINE railroads and officials that I have with Allocating $153 million in capital funding me here today, which I think explain from federal formula funds and state sources Metra has been tirelessly advocating for an very clearly what the consequences are toward PTC. extension of the PTC deadline due to numerous technical, regulatory and operational if this body fails to act before these Installing PTC equipment on half of our 530 locomotives and cab cars. challenges. The railroad industry and the deadlines are upon us. Continuing signal upgrades at 12 inter- FRA have also known that the 2015 deadline There being no objection, the mate- locking locations—half the all signal loca- is unattainable. In our view, the time has rial was ordered to be printed in the tions on our system. come to adjust the implementation schedule RECORD, as follows: Installing 118 wayside interface units. to reflect reality.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.010 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7017 Working with the American Public Trans- average in 2014 because of delays caused by movement authorization, switch positions, portation Association and the American As- gridlock. work zone locations, and other operational sociation of Railroads, we have asked Con- A shutdown would result in an increase of data. It must also factor in locomotive and gress to allow the FRA to give waivers to vehicles on our local roadways. Such action rail car mix, train length, weight, speed, agencies that have made a good faith effort would be forcing our customers to move from track conditions and terrain to determine to meet the 2015 deadline. We remain hopeful one of the safest modes of transportation to safe stopping distances. Based on this data, that we can work with Congress and the FRA one that is less safe, which was not the in- the system must calculate, multiple times a on a solution that will allow us to safely im- tent of the 2008 Rail Safety Act. If Metra second, all of these measurements to allow plement PTC on our system and continue to service did not exist, it would take 29 extra the train to move safely. Finally, PTC must provide 300,000 daily passenger trips. lanes of expressways to accommodate our also be interoperable, meaning that the Time is now running out. It is with great riders. As you know, mass transit also re- Union Pacific system must work with the concern and trepidation that we must begin duces the carbon footprint in an already con- systems of other railroads. Beyond these for- to prepare contingency plans in the event gested and polluted region. midable technical elements, we also face reg- that the December 31, 2015 PTC implementa- The shutdown would put many of our cus- ulatory obstacles to obtain the necessary tion deadline passes. In addition, our plan is tomers—those with little or no other transit spectrum and permits to install wayside to fully brief our Board of Directors at its options—at risk at the beginning of one of communication towers. September 21st meeting to discuss the path the historically coldest months in Chicago. While we will not make the deadline, I forward. This includes seniors, students and low-in- want you to know we take our responsibil- In addition, we are currently working with come riders who depend on Metra to get to ities seriously, and we have made monu- the FRA to obtain further clarification on work, school and doctors’ appointments. mental efforts to implement PTC. These in- the legality of our ability to operate past the Metra is a lifeline for many in our region. clude: December 31, 2015 deadline. Metra along with The shutdown would impact our local Investing $1.8 billion through June with other APTA members will be meeting with economy by contributing to roadway conges- another $200 million for the rest of this year. the FRA to discuss these concerns at the end tion that already costs our region $7.2 billion Hiring nearly a thousand workers to imple- of the month. annually and by impacting communities ment the technology. In the absence of an extension, there is a whose residents may not be able to go to Acquiring spectrum and developing custom strong possibility that Metra will not be able work and collect their paychecks. radio equipment. to operate our trains beginning January 1, In 2014, Metra experienced the second-high- Developing the software necessary to cre- 2016. Additionally, the two railroads with est ridership in history. Clearly, at a time ate an interoperable PTC system. which we have purchase of service agree- when customers and their families need us Working with more than 50 vendors to de- ments—UP and BNSF—have stated that they the most, a shutdown would be devastating. velop or acquire components. do not plan to operate passenger rail until At a time when funding sources are scarce, We have made enormous strides toward im- PTC is fully implemented and operational. now more than ever we depend upon growing plementation, and I am very proud of the Both have stated that they will not have our ridership revenue. Union Pacific people who have gotten us to PTC fully operational by the December 31, Further, if Metra shut down it could take this point. 2015 deadline. These lines are our busiest and several months to restart our operations as a We have installed PTC hardware and soft- carry more than 50 percent of our customers. result of furloughs of train crews and main- ware on 13,480 miles out of approximately While it will be a limited option, we have tenance forces. This would place an enor- 20,000 miles. The 20,000 miles we need to already reached out to our transit partners mous financial burden on our employees, equip represents roughly two thirds of our at CTA and Pace to learn if any operational who would cease to collect the wages they network. changes can be made to accommodate an in- need to support their families. I want to as- We have installed 6,275 out of 10,000 way- crease in passengers on their systems. How- sure you that we take these matters seri- side antennas. ever, we recognize that there is no way our ously. We will do all we can to prevent this We have partially installed (phases one and transit partners can accommodate any but a crisis from happening within the confines of two) PTC hardware on 4,500 locomotives, out small fraction of our 300,000 riders. We are the law as it exists today. of 6,500. (Locomotive hardware installations also developing communication plans to I would like to thank you for your support must be done in three phases due to the need alert our customers of a decision before Oc- for legislation that would responsibly extend to design and build the necessary compo- tober 31 so that they can begin to consider the PTC deadline. As always, Metra remains nents. The first phase takes the locomotive and prepare for alternate transportation. committed to implementing PTC as quickly out of service for one week. The second phase As background, under federal regulations and as safely as we can, but like most of the takes the locomotive out of service for a cou- all qualified maintenance personnel must en- rest of the U.S. railroad industry, we simply ple of days, and the third phase will take the sure locomotive and cab cars have the re- need more time. We remain hopeful that locomotive out of service for several hours.) quired safety systems and that they are with your leadership, Congress will take ap- We expect to have PTC fully installed functioning properly. After December 31, propriate action. Please do not hesitate to throughout our network by the end of 2018. 2015, procedures for pre-service inspections contact me should you require any further Then we will need time to test the system will include PTC as a legal requirement. To information. before the FRA can certify it as imple- be clear, Metra does not and will not support Sincerely, mented. PTC is the largest and most com- any action that would cause our employees DON ORSENO, plex technological undertaking ever at- to operate our trains in violation of any reg- Executive Director/CEO, Metra. tempted by the freight rail industry. With- ulation. out a period to test the system to ensure This is not a decision we plan to make UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION, that it works properly across the estimated without thoughtful consideration of all of Omaha, NE, September 9, 2015. 63,000 miles of freight rail lines where it will our options and the impact this would have Hon. JOHN THUNE, be installed, gridlock could occur as trains on our customers and our employees. Oper- Chairman, Committee on Commerce, Science and will simply stop when they shouldn’t. This ating in violation of regulations poses seri- Transportation, U.S. Senate, Washington, could cause the entire national rail network ous consequences. Our employees could face DC. to meltdown, and the thousands of cus- a personal civil fine of $25,000 per violation DEAR CHAIRMAN THUNE: Thank you for tomers and communities we serve would be as well as loss of their certifications. We your letter requesting information on posi- significantly impacted. place a tremendous value on our employees tive train control (PTC) installation, and the What will happen if Congress does not ex- and will not put them at risk in this way. If impacts if Congress does not extend the De- tend the deadline? As you know, we have these fines were to be paid by Metra, we an- cember 31, 2015, implementation deadline. been contemplating that question for several ticipate they could cost our agency nearly This is an incredibly important issue for the months now. Because we would be operating $19 million per day. nation’s rail shippers and passengers, and I in violation of federal law, and because we The potential impacts of a shutdown of appreciate the opportunity to respond. would be potentially subject to hundreds of Metra service on our customers, employees, Union Pacific is implementing PTC, and millions of dollars in fines and expose our- Chicago area residents and others are severe since the mandate in 2008, we have worked selves to untold liability should a toxic by and far-reaching. tirelessly to design, install, and test the sys- inhalation gas (TIH) or passenger accident First, if Metra is unable to operate past tem. However, despite our best efforts, we occur on a line that was supposed to be the deadline and we shut down our oper- will not make the installation deadline. This equipped with PTC, it is our plan to embargo ations, our 300,000 weekday passenger trips is because PTC isn’t a simple and established all TIH traffic as well as passenger traffic on will have to be made by alternate means. off-the-shelf technology. Rather, PTC is a our railroad. TIH traffic would be embargoed The great majority of our riders will likely complex new system comprised of several several weeks prior to January 1, 2016, to en- be forced onto our region’s already congested independent technologies. Installing PTC re- sure an orderly shutdown and clear our sys- roads and highways. In fact, a report by the quires integrating thousands of components tem of TIH carloads prior to the end of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute found across the telecommunications spectrum year. We expect to issue the TIH embargo that five of the 20 most congested roads in along tens of thousands of miles of track. notice prior to Thanksgiving. Commuter op- the nation are in the Chicago area. This re- The software must continuously relay crit- erations would cease before midnight on De- sulted in 61 extra hours behind the wheel on ical information such as speed limits, train cember 31, 2015, and long distance passenger

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trains will stop originating several days ear- SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD, mercial factors, such as relative market lier to ensure that all passengers reach their Washington, DC, September 3, 2015. share and the likelihood of permanent loss of destinations before the deadline. Hon. JOHN THUNE, traffic, revenue, and goodwill. Chairman, Committee on Commerce, Science, While many of the legal and economic fac- I want you to know these decisions are not tors identified above are not directly within made lightly or in haste. We carefully re- and Transportation, U.S. Senate, Wash- ington, DC. the Board’s jurisdiction, freight rail carriers viewed our options, which are limited. Em- DEAR CHAIRMAN THUNE: Thank you for do have a common carrier obligation to pro- bargoing this traffic, which is the traffic your letter dated August 28, 2015, concerning vide service pursuant to a reasonable re- that necessitates PTC installation, is in the the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 quest. The common carrier obligation in- best interest of our employees and share- (RSIA). RSIA requires rail common carriers cludes service for hazardous materials such holders. We simply don’t see another option. to install positive train control (PTC) on as the toxic-by-inhalation commodities that This will cause significant economic dis- lines that carry passengers and toxic-by-in- partly motivated RSIA’s PTC requirement. ruption for our country. Chlorine and anhy- halation hazardous materials by December At the same time, the common carrier obli- drous ammonia (fertilizer) are the two larg- 31, 2015. In your letter, you observe that rail- gation is not absolute, and railroads can law- est TIH commodities we carry. Chlorine is roads are not likely to meet that deadline, fully suspend service for various reasons, in- not only a feedstock for many products, it is and you note that some railroads have indi- cluding safety. Prior agency cases assessing also critical for many cities to purify their cated that they may curtail service absent the reasonableness of service embargos have been very fact-specific, examining the rea- drinking water. The suspension of anhydrous an extension of the deadline. Given the like- sons for the service suspension, the length of ammonia shipments will mean farmers will ly disruptive effect that a curtailment of service could have on the economy, you re- the suspension, and the impacted traffic be unable to get the fertilizer they need to (among other factors). Sometimes the Board ensure healthy crops. Finally, millions of quested that I respond to three questions. I will answer each in turn. has found that a railroad’s actions in initi- commuters will be forced onto already con- ating and maintaining an embargo were rea- gested highways and roads. Again, we did not First, you ask what information we have sought or received from freight and pas- sonable, but other times the agency has con- make this decision lightly. We are in the senger railroads on the actions they might cluded that a carrier acted improperly by re- process of notifying our customers of this de- take absent an extension. On July 13, I sent fusing to serve. Because prior safety-related cision, and within the next month, we will be the Nation’s largest freight railroads, as well curtailment-of-service cases often involved letting them (and you) know of the exact as short line carriers, a ‘‘fall peak letter’’ re- services that complied with comprehensive date we will have to start embargoing TIH to questing information about their ability to safety regimes administered by FRA (and clear the network by the end of the year. meet forecasted freight rail demand and any the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Our decision to stop only the traffic that challenges they see for the upcoming season. Administration), a carrier-initiated curtail- led to the requirement to install PTC will be Two carriers, CSX Transportation, Inc. ment of service due to a failure to comply revisited if the Federal Railroad Administra- (CSXT) and BNSF Railway Company with RSIA would present a case of first im- pression before the Board. I cannot predict tion (FRA) imposes fines on freight trains (BNSF), stated in their response letters that the outcome of such a case. My expectation without TIH, as they are authorized to do. they foresaw PTC compliance as a signifi- is that the views of the FRA, which has pri- Should the FRA take such a broad action, we cant challenge. CSXT stated that the industry would not make the current year-end mary jurisdiction over rail safety in general will have to consider an embargo on vir- and over implementing RSIA in particular, PTC installation deadline but indicated that tually all rail freight that we handle on lines would be a critical consideration. that are to be equipped with PTC despite its it was ‘‘premature to anticipate what deci- Third, you ask how the Board plans to untold consequences for the U.S. economy. sions might be necessary should an extension proactively monitor and analyze potential not pass.’’ BNSF confirmed that it would not Finally, you asked how this decision could service issues that could arise if the current meet the deadline and offered the possibility statutory deadline is not extended. As I impact safety. Extending the deadline would that ‘‘neither passenger nor freight traffic not diminish safety in the rail industry. We noted during my confirmation hearings, I would operate on BNSF lines that are re- will continue to ensure that service quality are a safe industry. In fact, last year was the quired by federal law and regulation to have safest year on record as was the year before for all shippers remains a primary focus of an interoperable PTC system’’ after the cur- the Board. I have been reaching out to rail- that. PTC, when ready and fully imple- rent deadline. Additionally, we have received mented, will be another mechanism to con- roads and to shippers, and I have directed information about the railroad industry’s our Office of Public Assistance, Government tinue that improvement, but it is not the concern with the potential repercussions of Affairs and Compliance (OPAGAC) to con- only one we employ and are pursuing. Rail the deadline from reviewing recent testi- tinue its outreach to freight and passenger inspections, wheel testing, innovative tech- mony before Congress. railroads, shippers, and other stakeholders nologies that predict when something will The Board has also obtained information affected by issues related to PTC compli- fail so that it can be repaired or replaced be- about the status of PTC compliance through ance. OPAGAC has held informal conversa- fore failure, and employee engagement are informal meetings. These include discussions tions with our stakeholders and will con- just some of the other tools we use to ensure at Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory tinue to do so in order to keep the Board a safe and efficient rail system. Council meetings and conversations that the abreast of developments and informed on the However, failure to extend the deadline Board’s Office of Public Assistance, Govern- perspectives of the public. Indeed, the rail will increase safety risks, not for the rail in- ment Affairs and Compliance has had with service problems that occurred in 2013–14 dustry, but for the public at large. Rail is the rail and shipper stakeholders. Based on these made clear that obtaining timely informa- safest way to transport hazardous chemicals. informal channels, it appears that some rail- tion is one of the keys to managing service Overall 99.997% of all hazardous material roads are considering suspending all freight issues. The STB has continued to collect and shipments by rail reach their destination and passenger service on lines that are re- analyze rail service data, including Amtrak without release caused by train accident. quired to be RSIA-compliant if an extension passenger service data, as part of the interim However, if services cease, TIH traffic will be is not authorized. initiative we began in 2014. We also continue Second, you ask what would be the pri- to make progress on a permanent data col- forced to move by trucks on our nation’s mary legal or economic factors that could lection rulemaking. My staff speaks regu- highways. Union Pacific carries 27,000 car- cause freight and passenger railroads to con- larly with railroads and shippers to hear loads of TIH traffic a year. If this commodity sider suspending or reducing service. I under- about any potential service issues in real were to still move in commerce, it would stand that railroads are considering a broad time. We will continue these efforts with re- need to be carried by about 100,000 trucks. array of legal and economic factors in decid- gard to the impact of RSIA and other service Moreover, people who currently use coming whether to suspend or curtail service if issues, using a fair and balanced approach. muter trains would be forced onto the high- the PTC deadline is not extended. Without I recognize that PTC is an important tool ways, creating an even more congested mix- commenting on the merits of any particular to enhance the safety of the Nation’s freight ture in some of our country’s most dense concern, it would seem that the railroads and passenger rail network, and that it needs urban environments. would be considering how noncompliance to be deployed in a timely way. Following up Chairman Thune, I thank you for your let- would affect them in matters such as: insur- on our success in working closely with your ter and your leadership on this issue. We are ance coverage; exposure to tort or other Committee to help resolve the service issues committed to install PTC as rapidly and commercial liability; labor-relations issues; shippers faced in 2013–2014, I look forward to safely as we can. I think our actions have and potential civil penalty assessments by the important dialogue about the issues shown that. However, we will not make the the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)/ raised in your letter. Thank you for allowing end of the year deadline. If Congress does not USDOT. And I assume that railroads are also me the opportunity to express my views. If extend the deadline, we will embargo TIH considering whether a railroad that has not you have further questions, please do not and passenger traffic on our network. Please implemented PTC may suspend or curtail hesitate to contact me. do not hesitate to contact me if you need ad- service (in the event the PTC deadline is not Sincerely, ditional information. extended) without violating its common car- DANIEL R. ELLIOTT III, Sincerely, rier obligation and without incurring liabil- Chairman. LANCE M. FRITZ, ity to its shippers. Additionally, railroads Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I yield President and CEO. would likely consider competitive and com- the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE6.003 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7019 I suggest the absence of a quorum. The senior assistant legislative clerk the time, and his Secretary of Defense, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The proceeded to call the roll. to arm the Free Syrian Army—and he clerk will call the roll. Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask turned it down—that was another sem- The senior assistant legislative clerk unanimous consent that the order for inal moment. proceeded to call the roll. the quorum call be rescinded. This is a series of decisions or non- Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. decisions which has led to the situation unanimous consent that the order for BOOZMAN). Without objection, it is so we see today, where Vladimir Putin the quorum call be rescinded. ordered. may have inserted Russia into the Mid- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask dle East in a way that Russia has not objection, it is so ordered. unanimous consent that I may speak enjoyed since 1973 when Anwar Sadat REMEMBERING WALTER DALE MILLER as in morning business for such time as threw the Russians out of Egypt. He is Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, yester- I may consume. still on course to repeat this nightmare day South Dakotans were saddened to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without by withdrawing nearly all U.S. forces learn that former South Dakota Gov. objection, it is so ordered. from Afghanistan as well. Walter Dale Miller passed away on The Senator is recognized. As we see in the last couple of days, Monday evening. RUSSIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST the Taliban is capturing the strategic Governor Miller served as South Da- Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, we now city of Kunduz. That is terrible in the kota Governor for just 20 months— have information that the Russians respect that Kunduz is in the northern from April 1993 to January 1995—but have now launched airstrikes in Syria, part of Afghanistan, where it was be- during his brief tenure, he steered ostensibly against ISIS. In reality, it is lieved it was fairly stable, showing the South Dakota through a number of not clear. In fact, there is information ability of the Taliban and the effects of challenges and provided a sense of sta- that some of those strikes were at our withdrawal. bility and calm during a period of up- Homs, and the latest information is But I come back to Syria and the heaval. that the Syrian Observatory for Russian activities today. After 4 years In the wake of Governor Mickelson’s Human Rights reports that at least 27 in Syria, the United States has stood tragic death, Governor Miller led the people were killed, and that 6 children by as Bashar Assad with his war on the State in grieving and secured funding were among the dead. Syrian people goes on and on and on. for a memorial to the Governor and the These strikes near the city of Homs, It is this slaughter that has been the seven other South Dakotans who died which is not under control of ISIS, of single greatest contributor to the rise when their plane crashed as it was re- the Islamic State—so already we are and continued success of ISIL. Have no turning to our State. seeing the true intentions of Vladimir doubt, it was Bashar Assad that gave When inmates at the State peniten- Putin, which are to maintain a strong birth to ISIL. The President has said tiary rioted less than a month into his position in Syria, his foothold in the for years—for years—that Assad must tenure, Governor Miller succeeded in Middle East, and his propping up of go. But he has done nothing that has ending the standoff without loss of life. Bashar Assad—Bashar Assad, who has brought us any closer to achieving that When the Great Flood of 1993 struck killed at least 250,000 of his own citi- outcome. My friends, it is not that we the Midwest, he led South Dakota’s re- zens through the horrible process of have done nothing, but we have not sponse and worked tirelessly to help barrel bombing and has driven millions done anything that would reverse the those who were affected. into refugee status with the full and And when a Supreme Court decision trend and in any way further the goal complete support of Iran and Vladimir shut down South Dakota’s video lot- that the President articulated a year Putin. tery, resulting in a sudden revenue ago—that we would degrade and de- I say to my colleagues, over the past loss, Governor Miller ensured that stroy ISIL. 61⁄2 years President Obama has sounded In short, this administration has con- South Dakota’s most important needs retreat across the Middle East. In fact, fused our friends, encouraged our en- were met. In all, Governor Miller spent nearly it was 1 year ago at this time when the emies, mistaken an excess of caution 30 years serving South Dakota in State President of the United States said: for prudence, and replaced the risks of government—first in the State legisla- Our strategy is to degrade and destroy action with the perils of inaction. Into ture, then as Lieutenant Governor, and ISIS. A report yesterday said some the wreckage—into the wreckage of finally as Governor. In every office he 28,000 Europeans and some Americans this administration’s Middle East pol- held, he served with a commitment and have come into the fight on the side of icy—has now stepped Vladimir Putin. integrity that were recognized by ISIS. Mosul and Ramadi remain in the As in Ukraine, as elsewhere, he per- South Dakotans of all political persua- hands of ISIS. Of course, the continued ceives the administration’s inaction sions. advances of ISIS in Syria are well and caution as weakness, and he is tak- I always felt a particular kinship known. ing full advantage. with Governor Miller since we both In short, a year after the President Over the past few weeks, Vladimir hailed from western South Dakota, made that statement, there is no strat- Putin has been engaged in a significant which we in our State like to call West egy, and there is no success. In fact, we military buildup in western Syria, de- River. The Governor was from Meade now see the results of this failure, ploying strike aircraft—by the way, he County, and I grew up in a little town which is a flood of refugees out of Syria is also deploying aircraft that are air- called Murdo. and Iraq because they have given up to-air, not air-to-ground; my friends, I think for many South Dakotans, hope of ever returning to their home- ISIS has no air force—significant Governor Miller embodied the West land. Our hearts go out to those who buildup of bombers, tanks, artillery, River cowboy: independent, self-reli- are victims and have had to flee their Russian military personnel. ant, and courageous, with a deep and homeland. We see these refugees. It Meanwhile, our Secretary of State abiding love of the wide open spaces breaks our hearts when we see a little calls Lavrov frantically and asks him that still characterize South Dakota’s baby’s body washed up on the beach. what is going on—not once, not twice, landscape. I know that is how I, along It did not have to happen. It did not three times. My friends, it is obvious with many other South Dakotans, will have to happen. Everybody knows that what Vladimir Putin is doing. These remember him. when the President of the United airstrikes are a logical follow-on to his I want to offer my deepest condo- States said that we have drawn a red- ambition, which he is realizing to, one, lences to Governor Miller’s wife Pat line in Syria and did not do it, it had a play a major role in Syria, preserve the and to the Governor’s children. You are profound effect on the Middle East, in- port of Latakia, prop up Bashar Assad, all in South Dakotans’ thoughts and cluding Sunni Arab States, as well as and play a major role in the Middle prayers. Shia. Everybody knows that when the East. Mr. President, I yield the floor. President turned down the rec- All of this is not lost on countries in I suggest the absence of a quorum. ommendations of his Secretary of De- the region. Today Vladimir Putin esca- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The fense, his Secretary of State, which lated his involvement as Russian pilots clerk will call the roll. happened to be Secretary Clinton at carried out their first airstrikes in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.011 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 Syria. Initial reports, as I mentioned, Ryan Crocker is right. The legislative clerk proceeded to are that they are hitting targets that I would also remind my friends that call the roll. are not controlled by ISIL. That should because of American inaction, the Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask fool no one because Vladimir Putin’s countries in the region are making unanimous consent that the order for primary authority and responsibility their own accommodations. Saudi Ara- the quorum call be rescinded. and ambition are to prop up Bashar bia, UAE, and Qatar have all been to The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Assad against all of his enemies. Russia for arms deals. The Saudi Ara- SASSE). Without objection, it is so or- The White House has said: ‘‘It’s un- bians have bought $17 billion worth of dered. clear exactly what Russia’s intentions weapons from Russia; UAE, $7 billion; GOVERNMENT FUNDING AND ABORTION are.’’ My friends, I am not making that Qatar, $5 billion. Would that have ever Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, the up. The White House has said: ‘‘It’s un- happened 10 years ago? Of course not. Senate has now passed a continuing clear exactly what Russia’s intentions But they see America leaving, and they resolution to keep the lights on, to are.’’ If the White House is confused are accommodating. And we have, of keep the government employees paid, about Putin’s intentions and plans in course, refused in many respects to to pay our military and make sure our Syria, then the United States is in give the kinds of weapons particularly veterans get the benefits they are enti- even worse trouble than many fear be- that the Kurds need. tled to from now until December 11. cause it is not hard to discern what I won’t go on too much longer. I will I think it is important to reflect on Vladimir Putin wants. summarize by saying that this is a why it is we had to do this in this way, In fact, from Russia’s military build- very sad day for America and the with all of the attendant drama and up in Syria to its recently announced world. The world is watching. It is not the suggestion that we were going to military and intelligence coalition confined to the Middle East. We see somehow shut down the government, with Syria, Iran, and Iraq—remember, Vladimir Putin continue to dismember which was never a likelihood. The main Iraq is the country where we lost thou- Ukraine, and now some phony sepa- reason we find ourselves in this posture sands of American lives. Now, the Iraqi ratist elections are going to be held in is because for the first time since 2009, Government announces sharing intel- the area he now controls. The Chinese the Senate has actually passed a budg- ligence with Syria and Iran—amazing, leader made some nice comments et. This new majority that was elected amazing. Putin’s ambitions are about how they would stop the hacking last November saw that one of the blindingly obvious, my friends. He that allowed them to compromise our most important things we could do in wants to prop up Assad, play king- most important industrial, military, terms of the basic fundamentals of maker in any transition, undermine and other secrets. We will see if that good governance was to pass a budget— U.S. policy and operations, and ulti- happens, but they are also continuing something that hadn’t happened since mately expand Russian power in the their expansion in the islands in the 2009. Middle East to a degree, as I men- South China Sea. There are many benefits, of course, of tioned, unseen since 1973. An absence of American leadership is passing a budget, but one of the bene- This week at the United Nations, very visible and very understood by na- fits was to allow the Appropriations President Obama said: ‘‘The United tions throughout the world. Committee to begin to go to work and States is prepared to work with any Today we see Vladimir Putin attack- take up and pass 12 different appropria- nation, including Russia and Iran,’’ to ing with his airplanes not just ISIS but tions bills that would keep the whole of resolve the Syrian conflict. It requires others who are enemies of Bashar al- the Federal Government funded. self-delusion of tremendous scale to be- Assad. I would like to add that these As the Presiding Officer knows, there lieve that Russia and Iran have any in- airstrikes are indiscriminate in nature, is a lot of policy written in those Ap- terest in resolving the Syrian conflict. and there has been no attempt whatso- propriations Committees. You can They seek only to keep the murderous ever to stop the horrible barrel bomb- make a decision not to fund something Assad regime in power. Russia’s inter- ing, as GEN David Petraeus rec- because it is not working or maybe it vention in Syria will prolong and com- ommended before the Armed Services is obsolete or outdated or perhaps to plicate this horrific war. The main ben- Committee just a few days ago. fund something else; say perhaps we eficiary will be ISIL, which has fed off So this is a bad day, and it is time for need to reform the way this particular the ethnic and sectarian divisions fos- American leadership. It is time that service is delivered and consolidate it tered by the Assad regime. President Obama woke up to the reali- in a way that it is cost-effective and It is tragic. It is tragic, my fellow ties in the world and reassert American more efficient. Americans, that we have reached this leadership. That does not mean we are So it is important to pass a budget point. It is a Syrian conflict that has going to send thousands of ground and to pass appropriations bills. Unfor- killed more than 200,000 people, created troops back into Iraq or Syria, but it tunately, our Democratic colleagues the worst refugee crisis in Europe since does mean that we develop a policy. are trying to use the appropriations World War II, spawned a terrorist army I am told that these bombings—that process to hold it hostage in order to of tens of thousands, and now created a the American Government had said force us to increase government spend- platform for a Russian autocrat to join that American planes should not fly ing. The way they try to do that is to with an Iranian theocrat to prop up a and that we have somehow approved of filibuster the appropriations bills and Syrian dictator. It did not have to be these airstrikes. I do not know if that to say: We are not even going to take this way. But this is the inevitable is true. I hope that is not true. What up a defense appropriations bill, the consequence of hollow words, redlines we should be saying to Vladimir Putin one that actually pays our troops and crossed, tarnished moral influence, is ‘‘You fly, but we fly anywhere we takes care of their families. Well, they leading from behind, and a total lack of want to when and how we want to, and are going to have a chance to vote on American leadership. you had better stay out of the way.’’ a veterans appropriations bill very My friends, today in the Washington That is the message that should be soon, and we will see whether they Post there is an article by David Igna- sent to Vladimir Putin. keep up this tactic of holding hostage tius, who quotes Ryan Crocker, one of So I hope the American people under- our appropriations process, creating all the greatest diplomats I have ever had stand how serious this is and that this this unnecessary drama associated the honor and privilege to know. rogue dictator named Vladimir Putin, with whether there is going to be a The article says: who is a thug and a bully, can only un- shutdown here or a shutdown there. It ‘‘Russia has played a horrible hand bril- derstand a steadfast and strong Amer- is very important that we get back to liantly. We folded what could have been a ican policy that brings America’s work and we do the basic work of gov- pretty good hand,’’ argues Ryan Crocker, a strength back to bear. We are still the ernance—passing a budget, passing ap- retired U.S. diplomat who has served in nearly every hot spot in the Middle East and is strongest Nation in the world. Now it propriations bills. I know the Presiding among the nation’s wisest analysts of the re- is time for us to act like it. Officer agrees with that. gion. ‘‘The Russians were able to turn a de- I suggest the absence of a quorum. I think lost in all of this debate over fensive position into an offensive one be- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The government shutdowns and over appro- cause we were so completely absent.’’ clerk will call the roll. priations bills has been the shocking

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.012 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7021 videos we saw of Planned Parenthood, down] exist for achieving success’’ be- stay after it until we actually achieved these Planned Parenthood videos that cause the Senate continues to work on passage of the Partial-Birth Abortion showed Planned Parenthood executives several measures, including key pieces Ban Act. I believe, with the same sort speaking callously about the unborn. of legislation that would advance the of long-term commitment on the Pain- These are late-term abortions. These culture of life in this country—legisla- Capable bill and on the Born-Alive bill, are unborn babies who could well be tion such as the Pain-Capable Unborn we can continue to make progress in viable outside of the womb, because Child Protection Act. This would do this House, as well as the House of Rep- after 20 weeks, give or take 2 weeks, it what Texas has already done, which is resentatives, and to be able to tell our is amazing what neonatologists and to say there can be no elective abor- constituents back home we have what medical science can do. I know we tions after 5 months of gestation. It is changed the culture of Washington, have all seen babies as small as 1 pound at this stage in development—just 20 DC, and on a national level and shown or less who actually grow into thriving weeks—that many experts believe an the respect for unborn life it deserves. adults later on, and it is amazing what unborn child can feel pain. I am still I yield the floor. can be done even with these young ba- unclear why our Democratic friends I suggest the absence of a quorum. bies as young as 20 weeks or more. But across the aisle would block such a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The of course these videos I think have simple, moral imperative like pro- clerk will call the roll. served one important role; that is, to tecting these young lives as they did The bill clerk proceeded to call the be a wake-up call, to try to wake up last week, but I would like to also re- roll. the moral conscience of our Nation. mind our friends across the aisle that Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I ask Somehow we have trivialized this this legislation is not going away, and unanimous consent that the order for whole process and talked about choice we will not stop raising the visibility the quorum call be rescinded. and talked about the convenience of of this issue and making the point that The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without adults, when in fact there is another a child at 5 months—a child with fin- objection, it is so ordered. competing interest involved; that is, gerprints and taste buds—deserves pro- SEA LEVEL RISE IN SOUTH FLORIDA the potential life of a human being tection under the law. Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I want that is being overlooked. Our country also needs another piece to talk about what is happening to our At different times in our Nation’s of legislation that I cosponsored and environment in South Florida as a re- history I think we have seen that that actually passed in the House. This sult of sea level rise. We can put this somehow we became so desensitized, we is called the Born-Alive Survivors Pro- into political terms of climate change, became so self-focused on ourselves tection Act, which the Presiding Offi- but that seems to be an issue some that we forgot the fact that this speaks cer is the lead sponsor of. Quite simply, want to deny. So I want to talk about about our humanity and who we are as this bill would mandate that doctors what you can’t deny, and that is that a people. So I think these sorts of provide infant care to newborns who the sea is rising, particularly as shown wake-up calls that these videos have survive an abortion procedure. This is in South Florida. provided have been useful if we make A year and a half ago, I brought the the most of them. different, I think, in kind from the commerce committee to Miami Beach I know that as we have talked about defund Planned Parenthood debate. the continuing resolution and the so- This is about the delivery of a born and brought a whole series of wit- called shutdown scenario—which is not child and whether a physician or the nesses, one of whom was a NASA sci- going to happen—there has been con- abortion provider has any duty—which entist who testified that measure- cern that this might be the only way they should—to make sure that child ments—now, this is not a forecast and that we stop this horrific practice of gets the care they need so they can this is not a projection; these are meas- late-term abortions and harvesting of survive or whether they can, at their urements of the level of the sea over fetal body parts for sale that were de- option, simply end that life as part of the course of the last four decades— picted in these videos. But I am thank- an abortion practice. It is a sad com- that the sea has risen in South Florida ful there are a number of pro-life mentary on the conscience of America between 5 and 8 inches. groups in Texas and nationally who un- when we need a law like this to spell The reason I am bringing this to the derstand that we need to make sure out the fact that doctors should care attention of the Senate today is that I this is a long-term agenda and not just for babies once they are born. just returned from Miami, where the a one-vote situation. As I mentioned This legislation was introduced last latter part of September, the first part yesterday, earlier this week two groups week, and I hope we are successful—as of October is the seasonal high tide, involved in the pro-life mission in my I said, the Presiding Officer is the lead and the streets of Miami Beach are home State announced their support cosponsor—in getting broad support of flooded. As a matter of fact, 2 years for efforts in Congress to hold Planned cosponsors on this bill. Then we can go ago the mayor of Miami Beach, when Parenthood accountable and to work to Senator MCCONNELL, the Senate ma- he was campaigning for that position, toward long-term, meaningful change jority leader, and ask him to schedule did a campaign commercial in a kayak on the pro-life agenda. One of those this legislation for a vote. on Alton Road, which is on the west- groups, the Texas Alliance for Life, re- So this bill, along with the pain-ca- erly side of the barrier island, away leased a statement that affirmed ac- pable bill, will not only save thousands from the ocean, and it was flooded. In tions taken last week—a vote to defund of unborn lives a year, but if enacted the intervening 2 years, the city of Planned Parenthood and to redirect would be the biggest step forward for Miami Beach, in cooperation with the funding to other providers of women’s the pro-life movement since the Par- local governments of all of the south- health services that are not involved in tial Birth Abortion Ban Act was signed east Florida governments, has spent the abortion industry. If we are truly into law a decade ago. millions of dollars on big pumps so concerned about women’s access to Both of these bills are part of a long- that when the tides come, they can get health care—and we all are—then why term, proactive strategy to fight for the water out of the streets. can’t we take the money that goes to the lives of the unborn and to make A year ago, Senator SHELDON WHITE- pay the No. 1 abortion provider in this country one that truly prizes the HOUSE and I went down there at this America and redirect it to community life of the unborn as a young life with time of year—the seasonal high tide— health centers that actually do provide limitless potential. It took time for the and lo and behold the pumps worked women’s health services? enactment of the Partial-Birth Abor- and the pumps got the water back into The statement of the Texas Alliance tion Ban Act. I was in the Senate when Biscayne Bay so that the roads stayed for Life went on to say that the group we passed that legislation. It is incred- dry. was ‘‘not asking for a government ible to me it took as long as it did for But look what happened 2 days ago, shutdown over the issue’’ and that that to pass, but it also took a commit- as shown in this picture. This is down- ‘‘better options exist for achieving suc- ment from leaders to stand up, time town Miami Beach. Do you see the fel- cess.’’ and time again, not to just have one low? It is above his ankles, and he is up I want to spend a moment or two fo- vote and then call it quits, to say we on the curb. Right here is the curb. He cusing on ‘‘better options [than a shut- tried and we were unsuccessful, but to steps down, and it comes up to just

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.017 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 below his knees. You see the cars. You Earth on the daylight side of the ket will dictate whether a person puts see the water. That is downtown Miami Earth. The spacecraft is placed 1 mil- more CO2 into the air as a result of Beach. This is not just the phenomenon lion miles away from planet Earth, be- burning carbon. That will drive the of the full Moon; this is the phe- tween the Earth and the Sun. So the marketplace to find alternative fuels nomenon of sea level rise. spacecraft, looking back at Earth, is that are a lot cleaner so that we can Let’s take another view. Here is a always looking at the daylight side of show the rest of the world what we are lady who is trying to keep her feet dry, the Earth as it revolves about its axis going to have to do. up on a wall. You can see that here is 365 days a year, as it revolves around I think it was rather prophetic that the sidewalk. Here is the curb. Here is the Sun. That is one instrument. last week the Pope continuously talked the street. As you can see, this is a There is another instrument, and about climate change in all of his middle part of the barrier island of that is the instrument which measures speeches. I think it was also prophetic Miami Beach. This isn’t right next to the amount of the Sun’s heat that goes that the Chinese President, in his visit the beach. This isn’t right next to Bis- into the Earth and the amount of heat to the United States—apparently they cayne Bay, on either side, the east and that is radiated back out. If you sub- are so choked because of the pollutants the west, of the barrier island. This is tract the amount radiated back out in the air in major cities in China that in the middle where you have all of into space from the amount of heat they are finally coming to the altar, so these—in this case, it is condominiums that goes into the Earth, you get a pre- to speak, and realizing that they have where people live. cise measurement of how much of the to do something about it. Otherwise, What is causing this? What is causing heat sent by the Sun is trapped in the they are threatening the complete it is that planet Earth is heating up. Earth’s atmosphere. Now we have a health of their people in China. The measurements are there. Why is it precise instrument that will tell us ex- With this newfound attention to this heating up? It is simply this: As the actly what that is instead of the sci- problem, let’s do something about it by Sun’s rays come in and hit the Earth, entific projections that we have used, building bipartisan support for a solu- they reflect off of the Earth, and that and that is as a result of this new sat- tion. That is the right thing to do. And heat radiates back out into space. ellite spacecraft called Discover that we this is just another reminder that what It is the same principle, for example, just put up earlier this year. is happening in Miami Beach right now on the space shuttle. When I partici- We can’t keep denying what in fact is is the wave of the future unless we pated in the space program 30 years happening. The proof is in the pudding. change our policies. ago, when we were in orbit—in the The proof is right here. There is no I yield the floor. early part of the space shuttle pro- other way you can explain this sea- I suggest the absence of a quorum. gram, on the space shuttle Columbia, sonal high tide when for the last two The PRESIDING OFFICER. The once we got in orbit, we opened those centuries this barrier island has basi- clerk will call the roll. payload bay doors—and they served as cally been dry during the seasonal high The senior assistant legislative clerk radiators of all the heat that is gen- tide but now we are seeing this. proceeded to call the roll. erated onboard the spacecraft. We radi- The consequences of this are quite se- Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask ated it back out into space so that the vere. First of all, 75 percent of Flor- unanimous consent that the order for spacecraft does not overheat. So, too, ida’s population is along the coast. the quorum call be rescinded. planet Earth. Florida is now the third largest State. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The natural phenomenon is that the We have surpassed New York. We have objection, it is so ordered. Sun’s rays hit the Earth and reflect 20 million people now, and 75 percent of Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask back out. Some of the heat is retained, that population is along the coast. As unanimous consent to enter into a col- but most of that heat is radiated back the sea level rises and people have to loquy with Senators AYOTTE, ALEX- out into space, until you start to cre- start dealing with this, what do you ANDER, BURR, COLLINS, and GARDNER. ate the effect of a ceiling high in the think is going to happen to the value of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without atmosphere of the greenhouse gases, their property? What about their fresh- objection, it is so ordered. such as carbon dioxide and sulfur diox- water? Florida sits on a honeycomb of LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND ide. Those gases start to create a ceil- limestone that is filled with fresh- Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, Mon- ing effect, so that as the heat is radi- water. Saltwater is heavier than fresh- tana’s national forests and public lands ating back towards space, it is trapped, water. As the sea level rises, it starts have been a pleasure and a part of our and therefore the whole planet starts to penetrate that honeycomb of fresh- State’s heritage for generations. to heat up. What is most of the Earth water. That is the substructure of the As a fifth-generation Montanan and covered with? The oceans. That is peninsula of Florida. That then causes as someone who loves the outdoors, I where most of that additional heat is saltwater intrusion into our drinking recognize how valuable our public absorbed. Ninety percent of the heat water, into the water we have to use to lands are and the importance of ensur- that is trapped in the Earth’s green- sustain life. ing access for generations to come to house effect is absorbed into the oceans There are no good results as a con- hunting, backpacking and fishing—tra- of the planet. As a result, when water sequence of sea level rise. ditions that I, like many Montanans, is heated, water expands, and thus one I once again bring up to the Senate have been thankful to pass along to my of the phenomena of seeing the seas that we have some who say this is not kids. I know firsthand the important begin to rise. The melting of the gla- real. In fact, here is the proof. The role that the Land and Water Con- ciers, the melting of the polar ice caps, proof is in the pudding. There is some- servation Fund holds in protecting and adding more—instead of frozen gla- thing we can do about it. What we can increasing Montanans’ access to our ciers, that is going into the sea, dis- do about it is start adopting policies public lands. placing water. And those glaciers are that will put less carbon dioxide into That is why since coming to Congress melting. That adds to it as well, but it the atmosphere, and that means we I have been actively working to secure is the trapping of the heat that is caus- have to be diligent in making sure we funding for the Land and Water Con- ing this phenomenon. enact policies to do it. servation Fund every year. In fact, We have made projections as to what There are several different ways you through the appropriations process this the heat is that we are trapping, but can do that. One, of course, is the regu- summer, Senator SUSAN COLLINS and I now we have an instrument out in latory way, which is going on right successfully passed an amendment to space that can precisely measure be- now, which a lot of our colleagues increase the funding for the LWCF pro- cause there is a spacecraft that was don’t like. You regulate smokestacks. gram by nearly $14 million. This launched earlier this year, Discover, You regulate the amount of pollutants brought the overall funding for LWCF that has several instruments on it. One that can be put out and so forth. There to $306 million and ensured that LWCF of the instruments, by the way—you is another way, and that is to use the did not lose out on work for permanent can go to the NASA Web site and you private marketplace of supply and de- authorization. can see in real time, every hour and a mand by putting a price or a fee on the In Montana and throughout the coun- half, another picture of the entire use of carbon, and therefore the mar- try, the Land and Water Conservation

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.018 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7023 Fund plays a critical role in achieving that facilitates recreation on our pub- reauthorize this program. We should be the goal of increased access. Despite lic lands, allowing Montana businesses permanently reauthorizing this pro- the tireless efforts and the work of to attract world class employees. We gram. That is what I have supported in Senators BURR, COLLINS, AYOTTE, can’t let it slip away. legislation so that we are not in this ALEXANDER, and GARDNER to move re- I remind the Members of the Senate, position and in this situation again in authorization forward, yet again today, we passed the reauthorization of the future. the authorization for LWCF will expire LWCF. We have that in the bipartisan It is important to understand that tonight. The Continuing Resolution did energy bill that passed the Energy and the funds that go to LWCF under the not include a reauthorization for Natural Resources Committee this law were supposed to be there from LWCF. year. I hope for cooperation from our leasing revenues from oil and gas leas- Because LWCF is funded through friends across the aisle to bring that to ing that were supposed to be specially royalties generated from offshore en- the floor for a vote and move it forward dedicated for this purpose of giving the ergy development, it is a fundamental in regular order, which is the way the American people more access to public tool to help preserve and protect Mon- Senate should operate. lands and preserving our natural beau- tanans’ opportunity to enjoy hunting, Now I wish to pause and yield to my ty. Yet, historically, unfortunately, fishing, and outdoor recreation. In fact, distinguished colleague from the great this money has been diverted, and not during the August recess while I was State of New Hampshire, Senator all of it has gone to the purpose for back home in Montana, this is where I KELLY AYOTTE, who is also a big sup- which it was collected, which is a clas- was: On the public lands of Montana. porter of LWCF. I am glad she has sic Washington move. That is why I This is the Beartooth Wilderness area. come to the floor today and is joining would like to see the funds go to where they were designated. I would like to This is my wife Cindy and our dog me in our fight to make sure we keep see reauthorization of this important Ruby. I have my fly rod on my back. LWCF reauthorized. program because there is bipartisan This is, in fact, up near Granite Peak, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- support for reauthorizing it and for Montana’s highest peak. That is over ator from New Hampshire. preserving our great outdoors for ev- 10,000 feet where that picture was Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Montana for his in- eryone to enjoy. taken. It was a chance to enjoy our There have been thousands and thou- public lands—something that is an ab- credible support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. I love the sands of acres in New Hampshire that solute treasure for the people of Mon- have been preserved and protected for tana and the people of our great coun- picture showing the Senator from Mon- tana and his wife because, just like people to be able to use for all kinds of try. outdoor recreation in our State. In Montana, in my home State of New LWCF keeps family ranches in the New Hampshire, as in Montana, the Hampshire, there are so many beau- family and working. It is a funda- outdoor industry is important to the tiful places to hike. We have the White mental tool that preserves and protects economy and to who we are in the ‘‘live Mountain National Forest and places our opportunities to enjoy hunting, free or die’’ State. In fact, if we look at where the Land and Water Conserva- fishing, and outdoor recreation. It what the outdoor recreation industry tion Fund has made such a difference keeps forests in productive use through generates, it is $4.2 billion in consumer in giving anyone an opportunity to en- the Forest Legacy Program, as in the spending in our State annually, which sure the use of our public lands. In Haskill Basin where my good friend directly supports 49,000 New Hampshire fact, having been born in New Hamp- Chuck Roady of Stoltz Land and Lum- jobs. In addition to that, the Outdoor ber works. shire and having grown up there, I have Industry Association estimates that at That is why it is so disappointing so many fond memories of my child- least 76 percent of Granite Staters par- that reauthorization was not included hood of hikes in our beautiful forests in ticipate in outdoor recreation each in the CR we voted on today. New Hampshire. year, but that doesn’t surprise me. Without the Land and Water Con- Under the current CR, LWCF will be Having been born in New Hampshire, servation Fund, we would not have funded, as will the rest of the Federal having grown up there, I love our Government, through December 11. been able to do—at this point there State, and the great outdoors is such LWCF will be funded at fiscal year 2015 have been 650 individual acquisition an important part of our State. People levels and all projects will continue as projects in the State of New Hampshire in New Hampshire love to go hiking, planned. However, any new deposits that have been supported by this in- fishing, hunting, and use all types of into the fund will stop tomorrow, on credible fund. In fact, one of my favor- recreation in enjoying the beauty of October 1. ite things to do—as we think about the our great State. I have heard from many Montana important work that the Land and Protecting our outdoor spaces is not businesses, outfitters, and guides who Water Conservation Fund does, it is in a partisan issue. We need to work to- love the outdoors and are very con- our forests such as the White Mountain gether to ensure the preservation of cerned about the program’s lapse in au- National Forest, but it is also in our our environment for future generations thorization. These small businesses cities. I live in Nashua, NH. It is our to enjoy. As the mother of a second rely on it for public access to Mon- second largest city. We have Mines grader and a fifth grader, a big part of tana’s treasured public lands for out- Falls Park, which is a real jewel right my kids’ life too is enjoying the beauty door recreation which supports mil- in the middle of the city. In the morn- of New Hampshire. I know that if we lions of dollars of revenue and hun- ings, when I am in New Hampshire, my reauthorize the Land and Water Con- dreds of jobs for our State. favorite thing to do is get up early and servation Fund, not only in New Hamp- Like Eric Grove of Great Divide go for a run through these parks that shire but across this country, we will Cyclery in Helena who has built his are beautiful with forested areas in the continue to preserve the beauty of our mountain bike business around the middle of the city that so many people country and the open spaces so that ev- South Hills Trail System outside of in Nashua enjoy every single day, in- eryone can enjoy them and get the ex- Helena which was facilitated by LWCF. cluding myself and my children. As I ercise and be healthy and enjoy the There are many other small businesses am running along, I see so many Gran- clean, fresh air they have an oppor- such as Eric’s in Montana. ite Staters who are taking a beautiful tunity to breathe, as well as our beau- Before being elected to the Senate, walk in the morning in the beautiful tiful forests and beautiful lands in this before coming to Congress, I spent woods in the second largest city in New country. more than 12 years growing a tech- Hampshire. LWCF also has funds granted to the nology company in Bozeman. We were So as Senator DAINES has said, I am Forest Legacy Program, which has able to attract quality employees not very disappointed that we did not in- helped conserve New Hampshire’s for- only because we offered good-paying clude the reauthorization of the Land ests, supporting our forest products in- salaries, but also because of Montana’s and Water Conservation Fund in the dustry, and aiding wildlife preserva- unparalleled quality of life. In fact, our continuing resolution. Within hours, tion, to make sure we have healthy, slogan was ‘‘work where you also like the authorization for LWCF expires, so working forests, which is so important to play.’’ The LWCF is a critical tool I believe we should act immediately to to our forest industry.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.020 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7024 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 I call on my colleagues to act imme- talked about. It passed the committee In the 1980s President Reagan asked diately to reauthorize this essential on a large bipartisan vote. In the com- me to chair the President’s Commis- program, which has helped preserve the ing days I think the momentum behind sion on Americans Outdoors. I worked beauty of New Hampshire and our Na- reauthorization is only going to grow with Gil Grosvenor, Chairman of the tion. This is one that I hope, with stronger. We have that evidenced here National Geographic Society; Patrick pending legislation we bring to the today as I am joined by a number of Noonan, the founder of The Conserva- floor, we will include a vote on reau- my colleagues who support the LWCF, tion Fund; and others. Our rec- thorizing the Land and Water Con- and we are not going to let this con- ommendation included full funding of servation Fund. Our country is beau- versation die. We are going to continue the Land and Water Conservation tiful, and this money was specially des- to fight for the permanent reauthoriza- Fund, and continuing to tie it to some ignated for this purpose. We should tion of LWCF. It is a tool for public ac- of the proceeds from offshore oil drill- stop diverting it. We should continue cess. It is a tool to ensure that Mon- ing. to use it for this very purpose so that tanans and the American people can In the Energy bill 9 years ago, when everyone can enjoy the great outdoors have access to the public lands. Senator Domenici was chairman of the and the beauty of the United States of I am hopeful the momentum will lead Energy and Natural Resources Com- America. the House to prioritize reauthorization mittee, we actually made mandatory a Thank you, Mr. President. in the near future. It is vital that we little bit of funding from the offshore I yield the floor. permanently reauthorize the Land and drilling in the Gulf of Mexico into the Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I wish to Water Conservation Fund and not State side of the Land and Water Con- thank Senator AYOTTE for her great allow reauthorization to lapse. We need servation Fund. But, we need to recog- comments and for speaking as well to get this reauthorization passed and nize the broad support for the Land and about her heritage that has been on the President’s desk. Water Conservation Fund, pass Senator I see that another supporter of passed down in New Hampshire. BURR’s bill, the Senator from North LWCF, the Senator from Tennessee, In this picture, this is not a selfie Carolina who has fought tirelessly to Mr. LAMAR ALEXANDER, has joined us that was taken with a selfie stick. The permanently reauthorize the Land and in this colloquy. I am glad to have Sen- reason we happened to have this pic- Water Conservation Fund, and then we ator ALEXANDER here and look forward ture is that we had our son along. Our need to appropriate $900 million for the son took that picture of my wife Cindy, to his comments on LWCF. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Land and Water Conservation Fund our dog Ruby, and me. and gradually set aside those special These are lands that I hiked in when ator from Tennessee. Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I areas of our country that deserve to be I was a little boy, when my parents in- salute Senator DAINES. Since his ar- protected. troduced me to the public lands of rival in the Senate, he has been a I am here to say that even though it Montana wilderness areas. Outdoor strong fighter for the great American expires today, I am very hopeful we can heritage is an important part of who outdoors, which he enjoys so much in take some action very quickly to ex- we are as Americans, as is the impor- the beautiful State of Montana. tend it at least temporarily and that tance of preserving and protecting our He and I were talking not long ago soon we will have a chance to do what clean water and our clean air. about his next hunting trip. One thing Senator BURR and Senator DAINES pro- I know our States’ Governors don’t that unites us on both sides of the aisle posed and something I proposed—and want this program to lapse either. In and unites Americans is the great have supported during my entire adult fact, in a letter sent yesterday from American outdoors. I often say that life. the National Governors Association, Egypt has its pyramids and Italy has I see the Senator from Maine. I know they stated that a lapse in authoriza- its art; England has its history and we of her interest in conservation and the tion would create uncertainties for our have the great American outdoors. outdoors. We need to get this done. The States. One of the best ideas we have had in American people expect us to do it, and We can still do the right thing. We the government to support, protect, I fully support it. can still reauthorize this important and conserve the great American out- I thank the Presiding Officer, and I program. doors for the benefit of all Americans There was an appropriations bill that yield the floor. is the Land and Water Conservation Mr. DAINES. I want to thank the was passed which gave us funding at Fund. It was first proposed in the 1960s the same level we had from last year, Senator from Tennessee for his leader- by the Commission headed by Laurance ship and unwavering commitment to at $306 million. It is short of where I Rockefeller. The Commission rec- would like to have it, and I know it is the LWCF through the many years. ommended a number of conservation We are also joined by the Senator short of where Senator AYOTTE would issues. The idea was very simple. It was from Maine, Ms. COLLINS. Senator COL- like to see it funded, but at least we to say that when we have an environ- LINS comes from the beautiful State of held our funding consistent with where mental burden, we should have an envi- Maine and shares a passion for the out- we were at last year. ronmental benefit. If we are going to doors. I am grateful to have Senator The energy committee, through the drill for oil offshore, for example, that COLLINS speak on behalf of the LWCF. Energy Modernization Act, had the re- is an environmental burden. Let’s take Senator COLLINS. authorization provisions in it. That some of those revenues and use it for would permanently reauthorize the an environmental benefit. So we have, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. program. since that time in the 1960s, money for PERDUE). The Senator from Maine. So there are a lot of options on the the Federal Government and for State Ms. COLLINS. Thank you, Mr. Presi- table to get this done. We can still do and local governments to conserve im- dent. the right thing. We need to double portant parts of America. It is such a pleasure to join my col- down our efforts and reauthorize this I know in our State of Tennessee we leagues in supporting legislation that most important program. I am a proud celebrated just in the last few weeks would provide a short-term extension cosponsor of the multiple-piece legisla- the final acquisition of the Rocky Fork for the Land and Water Conservation tion to make the LWCF permanent and tract, about 10,000 acres in Unicoi and Fund, and I think you can see by the the fight to reauthorize this program. Greene Counties, which was a national breadth of the number of Senators on In fact, I am the only Republican mem- priority of the Forest Service. It pro- the floor on the Republican side of the ber on the Senate Energy and Natural vides great opportunities for Ten- aisle supporting this extension that Resources Committee to cosponsor S. nesseans to go hiking, to go hunting, this program has widespread support 338, Senator BURR’s legislation, that and to go fishing. Those are the kinds from Montana to North Carolina, to will secure a permanent solution for of things we like to do in our State. We Tennessee, to New Hampshire, to the LWCF. don’t have a lot of protected land like great State of Maine. All of us have Permanent reauthorization of LWCF they do in the Western States, and this come together to urge the Senate not is also included in the Senate Energy was something the Land and Water to allow this important conservation Policy Modernization Act that we just Conservation Fund helped us to do. and recreational program to expire.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.021 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7025 It was 50 years ago that the Land and vitalize local communities for another isting boundaries. Let me emphasize Water Conservation Fund Act estab- 50 years. that—the existing boundaries. There lished America’s most successful con- I remain committed to working with are some who claim the Land and servation and recreation program. The Senator DAINES, Senator BURR, and the Water Conservation Fund is only to fund was designed to assure that out- other leaders in this area, along with create new national parks or to expand door recreation lands would be secured the bipartisan coalition that truly our current national parks. In many on a pay-as-you-go basis for future gen- spans the country to support creating a cases we have in-parcels that have been erations. As we mark this anniversary, more stable long-term plan for the owned by individuals and we have wait- it is inconceivable to me that we would LWCF that allows landowners, States, ed for generational change for the op- allow this successful and valuable pro- local communities, and conservation portunity to complete that footprint of gram to expire. partners to plan for the future rec- our historic treasures. The Land and The Land and Water Conservation reational and conservation opportuni- Water Conservation Fund is that seed Fund is arguably our most important ties for our country. I strongly urge my money to go in and match it with pri- and successful program of this type. colleagues to support this 60-day exten- vate dollars to get that in-parcel and There is nothing else like it, and it has sion. buy it from a generation that also be- widespread bipartisan support. While Thank you, Mr. President. Again, I lieves it should be protected. the funding for this program could con- thank the Senator from Montana for No. 2, it provides the buffers for na- tinue to be appropriated beyond the organizing this colloquy and the Sen- tional trails and parkways, wildlife ref- September 30 expiration date, the au- ator from North Carolina for his lead- uges and military battlefield parks— thority to collect new revenue into the ership in this area. and I would also add military bases, fund would expire. So we must act Mr. DAINES. I thank the Senator such as Fort Bragg. Fort Bragg—I call it the ‘‘Pentagon quickly today to reauthorize the LWCF from Maine for those great remarks. so we do not lose the important con- It is important to get our young peo- of the Army’’—in Fayetteville, NC, ac- nection between the funding stores for ple outside—outdoors. In fact, this pic- tually received conservation awards for this conservation program and the pro- ture was taken about 5 weeks ago by the last several years for how they have treated the buffer zone around ac- gram itself. my son with his smartphone. The good tive military bases. Everybody is in Investments in this landmark con- news is that the smartphone wasn’t conservation to some degree. It also servation program expand assets to the working because it was so far away was designed to provide matching outdoors to all Americans. We are liv- from cell phone towers, but the camera grants to States and local governments ing in a time where so many children did work, so he took the picture. for working forests, State and local and so many teenagers are spending all It is important to get out and pass it parks, as well as recreation projects, of their time inside before computer on to the next generation to get our screens and tablets and iPhones. This what Senator COLLINS talked about. children out on the public lands. The A lot of my colleagues on the other is the program that helps ensure that LWCF has an important role in ensur- side of the Capitol have said: We don’t they have access to recreational activi- ing that access and preserving it for want to reauthorize this because it ties outside—the great American out- generations to come. does not do anything. This ought to all doors. The Land and Water Conserva- We heard from the Senator from New go to State and local. Boy, I don’t tion Fund has created numerous out- Hampshire, Ms. AYOTTE; from the Sen- know how to do it any fairer than to door recreational opportunities in ator from Tennessee, Mr. ALEXANDER; let those who are really involved in every single State in the Nation and 98 and the Senator from Maine, Ms. COL- conservation every day decide where percent of the counties across our LINS. I spoke from Montana. You can the most valuable leverage of those great country. It is funding that will see the geographic diversity across our dollars can go. As you notice, I am open key areas for hunting, fishing, entire country to support this pro- tongue-twisted because we always have and other recreational access to sup- gram. a tendency here to say Federal dollars. port our working forests and ranches, It is only fitting that the Senator These are not Federal dollars. These to acquire inholdings and protect crit- from North Carolina is here now, Mr. are dollars that were designed as royal- ical lands in national parks, national BURR. He has been the leader in perma- ties of the exploration of the Outer wildlife refuges, national forests, Civil nent reauthorization for LWCF. That is Continental Shelf. They should come War battlefields, and other Federal why both Senator COLLINS and I are to about $900 million a year. But the areas that are so special to our herit- proud cosponsors of S. 338, which would Land and Water Conservation Fund, age, and to support State and local permanently reauthorize the LWCF. I when they go through this gauntlet of projects from ball parks to rec- thank the Senator from North Caro- appropriations in Washington, seems to reational trails. lina, Mr. BURR, for his leadership and only get somewhere between $300 and If you have a bike trail, a ball park what he is doing to remove this uncer- $400 million a year. or a hiking path in your community, it tainty we have today in the LWCF and On a continual basis, they have been may well have been constructed with get it permanently reauthorized. cheated from what the American peo- funds from the Land and Water Con- Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I thank ple embraced and said: We want you to servation Program. I support the per- Senator DAINES and my colleagues who have this. Imagine, what they could manent reauthorization of the program have come to the floor and spoken. have done if they had the money. But that has been introduced by Senator It was my intention to come and ask that gets thrown into the general fund BURR and believe that Congress has an unanimous consent for the Senate to and dissipates. Some have said: You obligation to make good on the prom- consider a 60-day extension of the Land don’t need to reauthorize this today. ise that was made to the American peo- and Water Conservation Fund in terms There is $20 billion in the Land and ple back in 1964 to take the proceeds of its configuration. I will not be doing Water Conservation Fund. No, I hate to from natural resource development and that. I think we are making progress tell you, America. It is sort of like So- invest a portion in conservation and toward unanimous consent in the Sen- cial Security. We have used that outdoor recreation. ate, which is the best way to get things money for something else. There is an The Senate Energy and Natural Re- done. So I will refrain from asking for IOU in there, but it has been des- sources Committee has favorably re- that UC at this time. ignated for general funding reasons. ported a bipartisan bill that would per- If we don’t act now, this program So, it is important that we not de- manently extend the program. A short- which has been successful for over 50 couple the funding mechanism, which term extension is needed now to pro- years will expire today—tonight at is the royalty, from the authorized provide the time over the next few weeks midnight. This program has delivered gram. Now, some have said: This is a for us to work together to achieve that on its promise to conserve and enhance land grab. Let me suggest to my col- permanent authorization and con- our natural landscape. leagues that this is a land solution. sistent funding for this program and to LWCF was set up for three reasons; This is actually one of the Federal help ensure that the fund plays the No. 1, to protect areas within our na- Government programs that I can hon- strongest possible role in helping to re- tional parks’ and national forests’ ex- estly say works. LWCF has supported

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.028 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7026 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 41,000 projects across the country in its go on the Blue Ridge Parkway and end source—offshore oil—and we were tak- life. up at the Great Smokies. They were ing a resource that was irreplaceable— In my State alone, the Land and not acquired because of the Land and the idea that once you use it, it is Water Conservation Fund has pro- Water Conservation Fund, but they are gone—and we were saying: Why don’t tected over 900 sites, from the Great protected, in many ways, because of we dedicate some of those resources to Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Ref- the Land and Water Conservation the permanent protection of land, of uge to Mount Mitchell State Park, the Fund. parks, for the American people? So Blue Ridge Parkway, the Pisgah Na- So I urge my colleagues, let’s have a that was the idea behind it, and it was tional Forest. In North Carolina, out- unanimous consent request. Let’s pass endorsed by a nationwide commission door recreation contributes $7.5 billion this and send it to the House, and let’s of very distinguished Americans who to our State’s economy and supports at some point in the not-too-distant fu- said: We aren’t keeping up with the 95,000 jobs. This is not just about con- ture talk about a permanent reauthor- amount of parks and other public lands servation. It is about the economy. ization of the Land and Water Con- that our growing population needs. We It is hard for me to say to somebody servation Fund. This should not be an all knew that the American people from the West that the most visited exercise that we have every predeter- loved their parks, and the same is true national park in America is the Great mined number of years. It should last today. Smokies, in Tennessee and North Caro- as long as the revenue source, which is So this outdoor commission rec- lina, where most Americans would our ability to explore our natural re- ommended something along this line think it is out where you are. The most sources. Those natural resources fund of, how do we make sure we are able to traveled national treasure, the Blue the preservation of these historic and create these great national parks and Ridge Parkway, is the entry point to significant landmarks of America. create parks at the State and the city North Carolinas from Virginia. More I thank the Senator for his time. level? So the fund was designed in such Americans travel that road than any I yield the floor. a way that there was a State-fund side road in our Federal park system. Mr. DAINES. I want to thank the of the program, and on the State-fund Now, let me just suggest that Sen- Senator from North Carolina, Mr. side of the program, you could take ator DAINES is not the only one that BURR. I thank you for your leadership dollars that were dedicated to the has pictures. This is from the Pisgah on the LWCF. Senator BURR has been State program, which would be Federal National Forest, where we have many truly out in front, working first to get dollars, and match them at the State spectacular sites. But without the the temporary reauthorization here as and local level and create a Federal LWCF, we would not have protected a bridge until we get the permanent re- park. So in most of your communities this piece—an unbelievable environ- authorization. I appreciate the com- today, if you drive around and you see mental component. Now, they get bet- ments. See, this is not about a land a beautiful park, if you go and look at ter. This is a recent one—Catawba grab. This is about a land solution, as the plaque, most of the time that Falls. It is an LWCF success story. It Senator BURR said. It allows us, in plaque will say: Done in cooperation was acquired in 2010 through LWCF many cases, to provide access to public with the Land and Water Conservation money. It made this fall open to the lands that we currently do not have ac- Fund. public. So for my detractors who say cess to because they might be land- What local people have told me many LWCF shuts it down, it becomes part of locked through private holdings. times is that in the planning they do to the Federal Government, and nobody So thank you, Senator BURR. In con- try to create a new park—they have an can use it, no, LWCF’s mission is to clusion, I am hopeful that the momen- area that is growing or they have a open up treasures such as this for the tum that we are seeing here in the Sen- housing development that has gone use of the American people. ate will lead the House to prioritize the in—they say: How do we get the In the case that we put it to States, LWCF reauthorization in the near fu- money? Well, if they know there is hopefully States convert that to access ture. It is vital that we permanently going to be a Federal match and they for hunters and to recreational use. As reauthorize the Land and Water Con- are able to get the Federal money, they to the last one, I don’t think Senator servation Fund and do not allow au- can do the planning. They can go to DAINES has one that looks like this— thorization to lapse. We have less than their local taxpayers, raise some funds, Chimney Rock. How do you not protect 11 hours and this program will lapse. and then pool the money together and something like this? Chimney Rock is We need to get reauthorization passed, get a city park or a State park, that in North Carolina. The site is a good and get it on the President’s desk, and kind of thing. example of a project that will be sus- get this signed. As everybody knows well, the Land pended if LWCF is not renewed. It is I yield the floor. and Water Conservation Fund has fund- probably one of North Carolina’s most The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ed Federal purchases of land, from our loved monuments, but expansion of the ator from New Mexico. national parks, to national wildlife ref- site will halt eventually if LWCF does Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I wish to uges, to many other public lands. For not receive support. join several Senators who have come to example, in my home State of New You see, the Land and Water Con- the floor to talk about the Land and Mexico, we have 14 national parks. We servation Fund is dollar-for-dollar the Water Conservation Fund. I know Sen- have a brandnew national park that most effective government program ator BURR and Senator DAINES have was just put into place within the last that has ever existed. It is hard for me spoken, and I think there were several year called the Valles Caldera National to believe, with as much support on others who spoke about this very Preserve, which is one of the newest both sides of the aisle as this fund has, worthwhile program that has been on parks in the country. Here you have that it would be so difficult to get a the books for a very long time. I come about 89,000 acres which is a collapsed unanimous consent request. But I am to the floor to say I support their ef- volcano that has been used in many committed to work with my colleagues fort. I support the idea that we should different ways in the past but now is who still have reservations for some be able to get a unanimous consent re- available for hunting, fishing, camping, reasons to try to work through those quest so that we can extend the Land and all sorts of outdoor recreation. So reservations and then to shorten our and Water Conservation Fund. this is something the people of New differences with our brethren on the I thought I would talk first a little Mexico know. House side who might not see this in bit about the history because my fa- I think the crucial point to make the same light as I do. ther, Stewart Udall, was one of the here is the economic one. We don’t But I think when most Americans see people who actually worked with Con- have any doubt that investments in a picture like this, they see something gress to create the Land and Water parks, wildlife refuges, and other Fed- to save, something to protect, some- Conservation Fund in the 1960s. He eral lands create many jobs outside thing that is enjoyed not by Federal worked with Wilbur Mills in the House those parks. They create jobs in the bureaucrats but by average folks who of Representatives and a number of gateway communities, but they also travel there over the Blue Ridge Park- other Members of Congress. The idea at create jobs in the outdoor industry. We way and end up at Chimney Rock, who the time was, here we had this re- have seen, with two new national

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.023 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7027 monuments that were just created in had this headline: ‘‘Health Insurers De- We are talking about all of the people New Mexico, big economic growth 6 fend Deals.’’ that get their health insurance months and a year after the creation of If you flip the page over, the bottom through work, which is about 150 mil- those monuments. So this is about the half of that page has ‘‘Cost of a family lion Americans. This is not just a small economic integrity of our commu- health plan tops $17,000’’ with a chart group of people. This is all of the peo- nities. of rising costs. The annual cost of an ple that get their insurance through In less than 11 hours right now on the employer family health coverage, the work. Deductibles have gone up almost clock, the Land and Water Conserva- portion paid by workers, continues to seven times as much as earnings. It is tion Fund could expire. It has been in go up—1 day, one page. The top article an enormous hit to the finances of place for decades, and we could let it is about a wave of health insurance American families. The article talked expire because of the gridlock here. company mergers which we have been about how these high deductibles are Well, we aren’t going to do that. And seeing recently. hurting a woman named Beth why aren’t we going to do that? Be- Now, the President said that his Landrum. She is 52. She is a teacher. cause we have Members on both sides health care law would actually in- The articles says that about 2 years of the aisle who care about this. crease competition among insurance ago, ‘‘Beth saw the deductible on her I would like to say a word about Sen- companies. But just like a lot of the family’s plan increase to $3,300 a year.’’ ator BURR. I have worked with him other predictions that President She is a teacher. She is 52—$3,300 a very well. He is a member of the Inter- Obama made, this one has not come year for the deductible under Obama’s national Conservation Caucus in the true. You know, back in June, the in- health care law. Senate, and he has taken a real inter- surance company Aetna announced So a couple years ago was when a lot est in conservation around the world plans to buy Humana. Then the com- of these ObamaCare mandates were and has been a real leader. Senator pany Anthem decided to buy Cigna. really starting to bite. The woman sur- Now, if these mergers are approved BURR has been out front on this land vived a brain tumor 10 years ago. So and continue to go through, it means and water conservation issue. He has here she is. She has insurance. She had that the five largest insurance compa- led a letter to various officials that 53 a brain tumor 10 years ago, success- nies in the United States will now be Senators signed that said: We want the fully treated, but she is putting off down to three. The President said there Land and Water Conservation Fund re- having the MRI that has been rec- would be more competition. Well, authorized before it expires. He has ommended by her doctor. She says: Americans are about to have much less shown real leadership to make sure ‘‘My doctor’s mad at me because I competition. It is not only because of that as we approach this deadline, this haven’t had the MRI.’’ the giant insurance company mergers. doesn’t happen. They want to see if there is any re- You know, ObamaCare also set up Senator BURR was on the floor just a currence of the tumor. She said that health co-ops in 24 States. Now, these few minutes ago. I want to say to him she and her husband need to save up co-ops were supposed to add competi- and the other Senators who worked money to pay for the test, to pay for tion to help keep prices down. with him that I think it is very impor- Taxpayers put up almost $2.5 billion the deductible—the $3,300 deductible. tant that we continue to work in these to help these companies get started. She has health insurance under last 11 hours to make sure the Land Over the past few months, what has ObamaCare, and she can no longer af- and Water Conservation Fund is con- happened? These co-ops have been ford to get care—coverage without tinued. Obviously, what we are trying dropping like flies. Just the other day, care. The President continues to ignore to do right now is a 60-day period, but, regulators in New York shut down the this fact about his unaffordable health as Senator BURR mentioned, the impor- largest ObamaCare co-op in the coun- care law. You cannot afford to get care, tant thing is permanent reauthoriza- try. Why? Because it lost so much not under ObamaCare. tion of the Land and Water Conserva- money. Now 215,000 New Yorkers have Now, President Obama promised that tion Fund. Then the big task we need fewer options for where they can go to people would save $2,500 per family per to get these Presidential candidates to buy Washington-mandated insurance. year under the health care law. But av- face is we have to have the funding for This is the fourth co-op to fail in the erage premiums are up nearly $4,000 it. It always had a funding level that past few months. Another one failed since the law passed. Does the Presi- was reasonable and rational and sup- right before it. It had not even enrolled dent really believe it is affordable? The ported, but unfortunately we don’t ever a single person. Think of that: Govern- new study by Kaiser only looked at in- meet the funding level. The money is ment loans set up a co-op that doesn’t surance that people get, as I say, there. The money is in the fund. It enroll anyone and closes shop. There is through their jobs. It did not look at comes out every year from the offshore only one co-op of the original 24 that is the deductibles people are paying when oil resources into the fund; it is just actually making any money so it can they buy their own insurance through taken for other purposes. So we have to stay in business. the ObamaCare exchanges. make sure we get a permanent Land Look, the American people know President Obama said that these and Water Conservation Fund reau- they are not getting the increased com- plans would be cheaper than a cell thorization and the funds in that are petition the President has promised. phone bill. That is what he said— going to really make a difference. They also know they are not getting cheaper than a cell phone—easier to Mr. President, I see my good friend the lower prices the President has use than Amazon for shopping on the Senator CASEY from Pennsylvania. I promised. web and cheaper than a cell phone. know he is waiting in line, and I am Another article came out last Well, let’s take a look at the article in sure you are going to hear some wise Wednesday that talked about how the New York Times. That is not how words from him. much more Americans are paying for it has worked out for Rebecca Bullard. I yield the floor. their health care. This was a Sep- Now, Rebecca is 27. She purchased The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tember 23 New York Times headline: her plan through her State exchange ator from Wyoming. ‘‘Health insurance deductibles rising for $129 a month. To get that plan, she OBAMACARE faster than wages.’’ ‘‘Health insurance had to accept a deductible of $6,000. But Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, the deductibles rising faster than wages.’’ she has ObamaCare. Oh yeah, the American people have gotten used to Here it is—unaffordable care. This is President can say: I did her a favor—a hearing bad news about their health from 2010 to 2015. Wages are up 10 per- $6,000 deductible. care ever since the Democrats passed cent, premiums up 24 percent, The article says that when she was ObamaCare. It seems that each and deductibles up 67 percent. The article worried that she had a cracked rib—do every day there is another headline describes a recent study by the Kaiser you know how she chose to take care of about another way that the health care Family Foundation. According to Kai- it? She chose to ask friends on social law is hurting people. Last Wednesday ser, health insurance premiums for a media about what to do rather than go there was a remarkable amount of bad single person have gone up more than to a doctor because of the ObamaCare news in just 1 day. The Wall Street twice as fast as people’s earnings since that was actually not worth very much Journal on Wednesday, September 23, ObamaCare became law. to her. That is how concerned she was

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.024 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7028 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 about paying the out-of-pocket costs President Obama is a lameduck. He recent graduate of Edinboro University that ObamaCare brought her. She said, forced a terrible program through Con- in Northwestern Pennsylvania. I men- ‘‘Now I don’t even want to go to the gress. It is time for Democrats in Con- tioned yesterday also Kayla McBride— doctor.’’ gress to sit down with Republicans and she is from Temple—and I will refer Is that what the President promised start talking about the kinds of health back to her story in a moment. But the American people—deductibles so care reforms that the American people when we consider Nikki’s story or high that people don’t even want to go need, that the American people want, Kayla’s or so many other young people to their doctor? and that the American people deserve. in Pennsylvania or across the country, People may have coverage, but they I yield the floor. we have to focus on what our priorities cannot afford care. It is unaffordable Mr. UDALL. I suggest the absence of are here in the Senate. under the President’s plan and man- a quorum. We do have a bipartisan opportunity dates. People are paying more and they The PRESIDING OFFICER. The here. Democrats and Republicans are are getting less. So it is not surprising clerk will call the roll. coming together to extend the Perkins that this administration is starting to The bill clerk proceeded to call the Loan Program. By way of example, worry. They have to figure out how to roll. when you consider those students in convince people that it is worth sign- Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask Pennsylvania, here is what it breaks ing up for this outrageously expensive unanimous consent that the order for down to when you go institution by in- ObamaCare insurance. That is what the the quorum call be rescinded. stitution. This will not be a full recita- Wall Street Journal said in another ar- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tion of all the institutions in Pennsyl- ticle on September 23. There is a pic- objection, it is so ordered. vania, but here are a few. In Pennsyl- ture of the Secretary of Health and FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM vania, this is what this program could Human Services, Sylvia Burwell. There Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise to mean for individual students and is a picture of her right here on this speak today about the Perkins Loan schools: At Temple University, 6,200- page. It says: ‘‘Insuring More People Program, which we spent some time on some students; at Penn State, 3,100; at Seen as Tough.’’ According to this arti- yesterday and over the last couple of the University of Pittsburgh, 2,800; and cle, the Secretary of Health and weeks. Senator BALDWIN from Wis- at West Chester University, 1,000. So Human Services says that ‘‘this open consin, who is with us now on the floor, those are the kind of numbers just to enrollment is going to be tougher than has worked so hard on this, as have give a few examples of the impact. last year.’’ many others. We have more than a We know Perkins has been part of We know it is going to be tough for quarter of the Senate working together our law and part of the life of our col- families who are getting hit with high- to try and get an extension of the Per- leges and universities for decades. er premiums and other costs. Now, the kins Loan Program. Some 30 million Americans have bene- Obama administration isn’t worried Many Americans are familiar with fited. We have to consider what this about these people; what the Obama this program. It is one of the best ways means for those students, what this administration is now worried about is to guarantee access to higher edu- means for our States and, of course, how tough it is going to be to sign up cation for young people across the what it means for the rest of the coun- enough customers for this awful law. country. We have always said, and I try. You know, by now they were supposed have always said—and we will say it I know we are going to be having to have 21 million people signed up for again—if young people can learn more more of a discussion here and offering ObamaCare by next year. Right now now, they will earn more later. It is a consent request, so at this time I will they have fewer than 10 million. They not just a rhyme. There is a direct con- yield the floor. are not even halfway to where they nection between learning and earning The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- need to be and where they said they in the context of early education as ator from Wisconsin. would be. What this means is if they well as higher education. Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, while don’t get more young, healthy cus- We need to make sure all students, it appears we will avert a government tomers to sign up, this whole system is regardless of their income or the cir- shutdown, another serious deadline likely to collapse. That is why the cumstances of their birth, have a fair with serious consequences looms over Obama administration is worried. They shot to go to college and have the op- this body. Tonight, unless the Senate are worried about the impacts of their portunity to reach their full potential. acts by midnight, the Federal Perkins ability to sustain this law. Perkins allows those students to do Loan Program will expire, impacting There is a reason that people haven’t just that. These are fixed-rate, low-in- the education of over one-half million signed up. The people who haven’t terest loans meant for students with students across America. I am here signed up yet know this insurance is exceptional financial needs. Because now to call on all of my colleagues to not a good deal for them. It is not good these loans are part of a revolving join me in supporting the extension of for them personally; it is not worth it. fund, as one student pays them off, an- this critical investment in our Nation’s About half of the people who still don’t other student can use the dollars to re- students. have insurance have less than $100 in ceive a loan. I am not alone in my desire to see us savings. How is someone with less than By way of example in one State, in take action instead of creating what I $100 in savings supposed to pay a $6,000 Pennsylvania, in the academic year would consider another manufactured deductible? 2013–2014, some 40,000 students at some crisis—a crisis of our own making. In Why won’t the President answer 100 colleges and universities were able fact, we have already seen strong bi- these questions? Why won’t the Demo- to go to school because of these loans. partisan support for this investment in crats come to this floor and answer That 40,000 student number in Pennsyl- our future. Senators PORTMAN, COL- these questions? I haven’t seen a Dem- vania is a much bigger number nation- LINS, KIRK, AYOTTE, and THUNE have ocrat come to address these issues or wide, of course—almost 540,000. The ac- joined with more than 20 Senate Demo- any of these headlines. tual number is 539,000 students. crats on a resolution urging the con- Look, President Obama promised the So for many students this is the tinuation of the Federal Perkins Loan American people that his health care choice between going to college and Program supporting low-income stu- law would produce lower costs and not going at all. It is that stark. For dents in their pursuit of a higher edu- produce more choice. Instead, he has example, the Coalition of Higher Edu- cation. given people fewer choices, more pow- cation Assistance Organizations tells Yesterday Senators COLLINS, erful insurance companies, higher us that one quarter of all loan recipi- PORTMAN, and AYOTTE joined me and deductibles, and higher premiums. ents are from families with incomes Senator CASEY and Senator MURRAY We have had too many of these less than $30,000 a year. Unfortunately, here on the Senate floor in support of alarming headlines—and that is in just because of inaction here in the Con- saving this program. I am pleased the 1 day alone—and too much bad news gress, these students will be left high junior Senator from New Hampshire about ObamaCare. The American peo- and dry if we don’t take action. and Senator CASEY are here with me ple get it. It is a bad deal for them per- I shared a story yesterday of Nikki now, once again calling to protect this sonally. Ezzolo, who is going to school and is a incredibly important investment.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.026 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7029 On Monday, our colleagues in the than other undergraduate loans. It when the decision was made to sunset House of Representatives unanimously does not give students the advantage of the program, a clawback provision was passed a measure that would extend participating in income-based repay- included that basically collects the this student loan program for 1 year, ment programs—this is available in the loan funds back from the institutions and I am here to call on my colleagues law for all students receiving Direct that loan it out. It is actually a revolv- in the Senate to do the same. Loans which are not affected by this ing fund—which I will return to later— While I look forward to a much discussion—which allow students to which makes it such a fiscally respon- broader conversation about improving pay back their student loans at no sible loan program. Federal support for students as we look more than 10 to 15 percent of their dis- When I travel around my home State to reauthorize the Higher Education posable income every year, and if after of Wisconsin, one of the things I hear Act, we can’t sit idly by and watch it 20 to 25 years it is not repaid, it is for- the most about these days from my expire as America’s students are left given. You can’t get that with a Per- constituents is their frustration that with such uncertainty. kins loan. Congress isn’t doing enough to make UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—H.R. 3594 According to the Congressional Budg- higher education more affordable and Therefore, Mr. President, I ask unan- et Office, reauthorizing the Perkins more accessible. Yet, today, the fact imous consent that the Senate proceed loan will cost nearly $5 billion over 10 that we just saw a single Senator stand to the immediate consideration of H.R. years. Many witnesses before our com- up and reject a bipartisan and com- 3594, which is at the desk; that the bill mittee have said that $5 billion would monsense measure to do just that is, be read a third time and passed and the be better spent paying for more Pell frankly, a perfect example of why my motion to reconsider be considered grants, which will be necessary for sim- constituents and the American people made and laid upon the table with no plifying the student aid application, are so upset with Washington. intervening action or debate. from authorizing a year-round Pell Since 1958 the Federal Perkins Loan The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there grant and from simplifying the repay- Program has been successful in helping objection? ment process. Americans access affordable higher Mr. ALEXANDER. Reserving the So the question is, Do you spend the education with low-interest loans for right to object, rather than making a $5 billion for that or do you spend it for students who cannot borrow or afford a program with a higher interest rate statement, I hope it will be suitable to more expensive private student loans. and without an income based repay- the Senator from Wisconsin for me to In Wisconsin, the program provides ment program, and which many of our make my explanation of why I am ob- more than 20,000 low-income students witnesses said it is time for this projecting after I object. And I will object. with more than $41 million in aid. But gram to expire? I am one of a bipar- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- the impacts of this program aren’t just tisan group of Senators who propose we tion is heard. isolated to the Badger State. In fact, replace the Perkins Loan program with The Senator from Tennessee. the Federal Perkins Loan Program aids student loans that are simpler, have a Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, the over half a million students with finan- lower interest rate and more generous goal here is to help students. The goal cial need each year, and it does that here is to find ways to help college stu- repayment opportunities. We will finish our review of higher across 1,500 institutions of higher edu- dents find easier ways to apply to a cation. college and to avoid overborrowing. education by the end of the year. It will be ready for the full Senate. We Schools originate, service, and col- The goal would be to give them a year- lect the fixed-interest-rate loans. And round Pell grant. The goal would be to can look at all the various loan programs. We loan more than $100 billion what is more, institutions maintain simplify the application form they loans available for future students be- have to complete. The goal would be to a year. The Perkins Loan program is a very small part of that. All those other cause it is managed within a revolving keep the interest rates as low as we fund. Since the program’s creation, in- can. The goal would be to make it easi- loan programs are still available at a lower rate with a better income based stitutions have invested millions of er to repay student loans. That is our repayment program. In the meantime, their own dollars, their own funds, into goal. the program. And in addition to mak- Our education committee, in which as I said, students who currently have Perkins loans will continue to have ing higher education accessible for low- the Senator from Wisconsin and the income students, the program serves as Senator from Pennsylvania are very them while we continue our work. So our goal is to simplify the system, an incentive for people who wish to go valuable members, is completing work make it easier for students to apply for into public service by offering targeted on the reauthorization of the Higher grants and loans, allow them to have loan cancellations for specific profes- Education Act with just those goals. year-round Pell grants, allow them to sions in areas of national need, such as We have had eight hearings. We are not overborrow so much, and to allow teaching, nursing, and law enforce- considering a number of bipartisan pro- them to repay their loans back easier. ment. posals to, as I said, simplify the grants The Perkins loan is not as effective a As a Member of the Senate Health, and loans for college, to provide for loan in meeting those goals as the Education, Labor and Pensions Com- year-round Pell Grants, to make it other loans that we have. mittee and as a Senator representing a easier to repay student loans and to So I object at least until we have a State with such a rich history of high- discourage overborrowing, which is chance to further continue our review er education, it is one of my top prior- weighing down these students. in the Senate education committee. ities to fight to ensure that the Federal One of the most important of those I yield the floor. Perkins Loan Program continues for proposals, which was recommended to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- generations to come. But, unfortu- us by witnesses, is that we should sim- ator from Wisconsin. nately, as we just saw, a single Senator plify the process so there is one grant Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I am stood up today and said no to students and one loan. That would be a Pell very disappointed that my offer to ex- across America who ask for nothing grant and a loan. In the last reauthor- tend the Federal Perkins Loan Pro- more than an opportunity to pursue ization of the Higher Education Act in gram was just blocked by my Repub- their dreams—students such as Ben- 2008, Congress agreed to sunset the Per- lican colleague from Tennessee. While I jamin Wooten, a 2004 UW-Madison kins Loan Program, and that is what is understand and, frankly, I share his de- graduate and small business owner happening now. I support sunsetting sire to have a broader conversation from Genoa City. His family fell on this program, although students who about Federal student aid as part of really hard times when he was attend- currently receive a Perkins loan would the Higher Education Act’s reauthor- ing school. Ben told me: continue to do so. ization effort, I do not think it is right As I said, our committee is hopefully The fact that I didn’t have to pay interest or fair to end this program today with while I was in school was a huge help to me. finishing by the end of the year our nothing to replace it to the detriment I was attending school full time, working work on reviewing our student loan of thousands of students in need. and trying to live on a meager budget. . . . I programs, including Perkins loans. The I want to mention briefly the issue of am a grateful and successful small business Perkins loan has a higher interest rate the cost of its reauthorization because owner.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.029 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7030 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 I paid my loan off in full about a year ago Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I come college degrees and are not being able with pride and excitement. today to the floor first to thank the to put them to good use. That is some- I know that when I repaid my loan it was Senator from Tennessee for taking my thing we should really be taking a look returned to a revolving fund and will be lent call last night as we discussed his ob- at. back out to other students in need. jection to extending this, which, from Again, I think it was a reasonable Today this body has stood up and my standpoint, for the many reasons proposal to extend the Perkins Loan said no to students such as Brittany my college from Wisconsin stated, I Program for another year for many of McAdams, a medical school student think is a reasonable proposal to ex- the reasons my colleague from Wis- with a passion for pediatrics and a pas- tend the Perkins Loan Program for a 1- consin stated. A lot of people are sion for helping the most vulnerable year time period. But I certainly un- counting on these. But I fully respect among us—something that doesn’t al- derstand some of the concerns my col- what the Senator from Tennessee is ways yield a significant paycheck. league from Tennessee has with this trying to do—to consolidate these pro- Brittany said to me: particular loan program—and, quite grams, to make them more stream- I want to be able to treat patients from all honestly, all the loan programs—often lined, to address the affordability socioeconomic levels, despite their ability to in terms of the affordability of college issue—which really is something that pay. loans. we are really ignoring far too often in In other words, I want to do important But as the Senator from Tennessee work for less money than most other physi- this body as we take the Federal Gov- cians. . . . The Perkins Loan is so valuable stated, we share the same goal here. ernment and we involve it more and because it does not collect interest while we Everyone in this body really does want more in higher education. We really are in school. every American to have the oppor- have to take a serious look at what the To me, that says the government believes tunity to get a good education, to get Federal Government’s involvement has that what I am doing with my life is impor- the tools so they can lead a productive actually been in terms of the unin- tant. life and build a good life for themselves tended consequence of making college That our country needs more doctors will- and their families. That is a goal we all less accessible because we have made it ing to tackle primary care. share, and we understand the impor- That while we need to pay for our graduate so much more unaffordable. degrees, that they are going to do their part tance of education and the afford- Again, I thank the Senator from Ten- to make it just a bit easier. ability of it—making it accessible to nessee for taking my phone call and The Perkins Loan makes me feel valued every American. But that is the point listening to my viewpoint. And I cer- and respected and even more passionate I want to make here. tainly appreciate his dedication to try- about my work. We held a pretty interesting hearing ing to achieve that same goal that we Finally, I am disappointed that, be- in our Senate Committee on Homeland all share—providing the accessibility cause of this body’s inaction here Security and Governmental Affairs, for every American to have a good today, we are letting down students and we really took a look at these stu- quality education so they can build a such as Nayeli Spahr. Nayeli was dent loan programs and the potential good life for themselves and their fam- raised by a single immigrant mother effect on the affordability of college. In ily. who worked two full-time jobs. She at- testimony today, we certainly found I yield the floor. tended ten different schools in three out that the student loan program has The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- different States before she finished exploded over the last 20 years, from a ator from New Hampshire. high school. Without the Federal Per- level of about $100 billion in 1994 to now Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I have kins Loan Program, Nayeli said her op- $1.3 trillion. On average, students grad- great respect for the senior Senator portunity to get a college education uating with a 4-year degree are about from Tennessee, but I disagree with would have been ‘‘an illusionary $29,000 in debt. That is a concern. One him on his objection to extending the dream.’’ Today Nayeli is the first in of the reasons we are concerned about Perkins Loan Program for 1 year. This her family to finish college and is now affordability is that the cost of col- is why I disagree. I very much appre- in her last year of medical school and lege—again, in testimony—has in- ciate the work he has laid out and the is planning to work with those in un- creased somewhere between 2.5 and 2.8 goals he has laid out in reauthorizing derserved urban communities. She fin- times the rate of inflation over the last the Higher Education Act. Certainly, I ished by telling me: few number of decades. I think it is a think we all want to make sure it is The Perkins loan program helped me reach legitimate question to ask: Why? What easier for students to repay their loans, this point. is so different about what colleges and and I share the goal of also making col- And, its existence is essential to provide universities spend their money on that lege more affordable and more acces- that opportunity for other young adults the cost would increase 2.5 to 2.8 times sible for everyone. wanting to believe in themselves and to em- the rate of inflation? But as I look at this timeframe of power their communities to be better. We had some explanation provided to where we are with the work that will Please save it! our committee today, and it does in- be done by the HELP Committee, We don’t have to look very far to find volve Federal Government involve- which the Senator from Tennessee the very significant impact this investment, for example, in the accreditation chairs, by the end of the year, this is, ment has on American students. There process. We had one witness state that unfortunately, what happens too often are thousands of stories like the few I the supply of colleges since the mid- in Washington. With the Perkins Loan just shared, representing thousands of 1970s has increased about 14 percent, Program, 5,000 of our students in New students who are still benefiting from and yet, because we want to have more Hampshire receive a loan from this the opportunities provided to them by access for college, the demand for col- program. So it is important to 5,000 this hugely successful program. lege education has increased 111 per- Granite Staters. I am disappointed that the bipartisan cent. Part of the problem, in terms of If we wait until the end of the year effort I have led has been obstructed. I the increasing cost of college, is the and let it lapse, and then the Com- will continue to fight to extend this fact that we are creating barriers to mittee does its work, there are so support for America’s students, and I entry through the accreditation proc- many other pressing things that need hope the senior Senator from Ten- ess. So I think we have to take a very to be addressed in the Senate—this is nessee will change his mind so we can serious look at that. pressing too—and if we don’t get to it, find a way to show the half million stu- Another thing that was quite trou- we are in the position where the Per- dents who depend on the Federal Per- bling during our hearing is that there kins loans lapse. kins Loans that we stand with them have been a number of studies, includ- I appreciate the work done by the and are committed to helping them ing one from the Federal Reserve Bank HELP Committee—which I hope is bi- build a stronger future for themselves in New York, one from Northeastern partisan—to address this important and our country. University, that show that 40 to 50 per- issue of making it easier for students. I yield the floor. cent of recent college graduates are ei- But I don’t think we should let this The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ther unemployed or underemployed, program lapse in the interim. I think SCOTT). The Senator from Wisconsin. which means they are getting these there is a very reasonable position here

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.031 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7031 to say, let’s extend this program and higher interest rate than the loan they dent aid system. We have bipartisan not leave people hanging out there. could get in a regular student loan? No, proposals to simplify it, and this is Apparently, the House of Representa- the Perkins loan rate is higher than part of that. Instead of getting three tives agreed unanimously to extend it the interest rate on a Direct Loan that Federal loans, you get one. You will be a year, to give that breathing room, every single undergraduate student able to potentially borrow more, but and send over here earlier this week who applies for federal aid is entitled you will get a loan with the lowest rate the Higher Education Extension Act of to. No. 2, by continuing the Perkins and a generous income based repay- 2015, to do that for the students who loan which does not have the income- ment program. Why wouldn’t that be a are including the Perkins loan as part based repayment program offered in better deal for the students we are try- of their student aid package and, as I the Direct Loan program? ing to help? Why would we extend understand it, for those for whom this What is that income-based repay- something with a higher rate and no loan makes sense—low-income stu- ment plan? It says that you can pay generous repayment program? That is dents, vulnerable students, the ones we your loan back over 20 to 25 years, not the argument here. want to fight for here—to make sure paying more than 10 percent to 15 per- I see no need to rush through the they have access to the American cent of your disposable income each House and the Senate a subject that we dream. That is about $2,000 for students year. If you are a teacher or a fire- are considering in our committee—and who are some of the most financially in fighter or if you have a lower-income debating it fully in a bipartisan way. need. position, you are not treated the same We plan to mark up and have ready for I understand there are other loans as someone with a higher income. You the full Senate our proposal by the end available. But when you look at a stu- pay back less because you earn less. If of the year. I see no need to rush that dent aid package, it is usually a com- you get to the end of the 20 years and through so fast. Every student with a bination of loans, especially if you are you haven’t paid it back, your loan is Perkins loan today still has one tomorrow. Those who might apply for one someone who comes from a background forgiven. That is the law today. That is next year will have time to do that if where you aren’t able to pay for college a loan that is available to every single for some reason the program is rein- yourself. I think the reasonable posi- student going to college. A low-income stated. They will also be able to apply tion here would be this: Let’s extend student can take advantage of that. for a Federal loan that now exists with this; let’s provide that certainty while What we are seeking to do in our dis- a lower interest rate and a better re- cussions—and they are indeed bipar- the HELP Committee is doing the work payment plan. That is my reason for tisan as are the proposals to change that I think we all agree on needs to be standing here today because we are the structure of the loan programs—is done to address higher costs, to make trying to help students afford college it easier for students, to give more to say that instead of a combination of by simplifying the process of applica- transparency in this system for stu- student loans, which is where you have tions and the process of paying their dents and for parents, and to make it a whole stack of confusing student loan back. You don’t make it easier easier for students to repay these loans and you pay one to this part of with a loan with a high interest rate, loans. the Federal Government and another no income based repayment program I am here fighting for the 5,000 stu- to this part, you will have one student and a confusing bunch of loans. dents in New Hampshire and for others loan at the lowest possible rate. Under You could come back and say: But like them. I don’t want them to be a our proposal, you will make only one this is an additional loan, and that victim of Washington uncertainty or payment to the Federal Government, would be true. We haven’t decided yet those who come after them for whom and you will have the advantage of a exactly how much a full-time student the Perkins loans make sense. Until we 20-year repayment. If you haven’t paid may borrow from the Federal Govern- get to this broader discussion, which is it off, it is forgiven. ment in our new reauthorization. This an important discussion, let’s not let We will simplify your application for is a third loan on top of the other two this lapse on behalf of those students. I that loan from a 108-question form, federal loans. How many Senators have think there is a reasonable position which I can’t hold up according to the stood up on this floor and complained that allows the important work of the Senate rules, to 2 questions, and we about the overborrowing of students, HELP Committee to go forward, but it will simplify the process for paying it about how we have $1 trillion-plus of extends this important loan program. back. That is how we are proposing to loans outstanding, and about how stu- With all the respect I have for the replace the Perkins Loan program, but dents can’t pay back their loans? What senior Senator from Tennessee, this is we haven’t made a decision about that. we are saying to students is that we something on which I agree with my We have had eight hearings. I am don’t want to encourage you to over- colleague from Wisconsin and others working with Senator MURRAY, the borrow. We don’t want you borrowing who have said: Let’s not leave them senior Democrat on the education com- more than you can afford. What we hanging on this issue. mittee, and other members of the com- want to offer you is a plain, clear, sim- I yield the floor. mittee to make sure that we come to a ple opportunity to borrow an amount The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- conclusion. I am not sure what conclu- of money at a low interest rate with a ator from Tennessee. sion we will come to. But the argument generous repayment plan, and we want Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, the I am making is the same argument to give the university you are attend- Senator from New Hampshire is always that so many witnesses before our coming more latitude in explaining to you eloquent as she is fighting for students mittee said: Simplify the student aid whether you can pay that back or not. in New Hampshire. I want to assure her process. You are discouraging low-in- Now they are handcuffed. Who is put- and any of those 5,000 New Hampshire come kids whose parents may never ting them in handcuffs? The federal students who already have a Perkins have gone to college. Those parents government is. We have Federal laws loan are not affected by this. In fact, may say: Ok, you can go to college and that make it hard for universities to almost no students across the country we will help you, but in your senior counsel students about how much to who have a student loan are affected by year of high school you need to fill out borrow. I don’t think we are doing stu- this. There are about $8 billion worth this 108-question form requiring infor- dents any favor by extending this loan. of outstanding Perkins loans out of $1.3 mation about your taxes before you file We are not cutting anybody out of a trillion in student loans. We are talk- your tax return. And sorry, you can’t loan who already has one. In fact, we ing about less than 1 percent of all stu- use your Pell grant year-round. are offering all students a low-interest- dent loans. We are talking about stu- After completing college, there is a rate loan. dents that might be awarded loans a complex repayment form. The program The last point I want to make is that year from now. No one who currently is generous, but it is so complex that it is a revolving fund. It is true that has a Perkins loan is affected by this. you will never use it. We are losing the Federal Government has contrib- What is our goal here? Our goal is to millions of students, most of them uted about two-thirds of the revolving help students afford college. How do lower income, most of them are the fund and the universities themselves you help students afford college, No. 1, first in their families to go to college, contribute the rest. I heard from uni- by continuing a program that has a because of the complexity of our stu- versity presidents that they find this

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But for the last number of ment rate of 3 percent, the average in- lutely necessary to stop this continued years, the Federal Government hasn’t come that is almost twice what the av- deficit spending and plunge into debt— been contributing to the Perkins fund. erage total student loan debt of an in- the larger issues that we will be deal- For the last number of years, Congress dividual, a chance for 2 years of coming with later in this session—we can has said that it is time to sunset the munity college or any 2-year school if at least hopefully stand together and Perkins Loan program. Both President you are low-income, with the taxpayer support those documented spending Bush and President Obama at one time paying the average tuition of $3,300. waste, fraud, and abuse issues that or another have recommended that we That is a pretty good system. We are have been presented to us by the var- sunset the Perkins Loan program. trying to make it better. But the right ious nonpartisan agencies that audit Many of the witnesses before our com- way to do this is to take all of this dis- and look at how we control our spend- mittee said the same thing. They said: cussion that we have had in a bipar- ing. You are overwhelming these students tisan way—all of these things I have Today I will add some more money to and their families. Give them some- talked about have been proposed by that amount by discussing an agency thing simple. Give them something di- Democratic Senators and Republican called the National Technical Informa- rect. Give them one grant. Give them Senators—and finish our work in the tion Service, NTIS. This is an agency one loan. committee, which is the way our Sen- within the Department of Commerce. That is our proposal—one grant, one ate is supposed to work, and then rec- It was created during the Truman ad- loan, and the loan will be at the lowest ommend to the full Senate what the ministration to keep all the reports possible rate—which is currently lower student loan program ought to be. If produced by the Federal Government than a Perkins loan—with the most some Senators want to say that we in a central location and make them generous repayment terms that are re- want to take $5 billion and for the next available to the American public sponsible. The Perkins loan doesn’t 10 years authorize extending the Per- through sale. The idea here was that have those repayment plans. Make it kins Loan Program—that is what it various research papers, and other available to every single student at an costs, according to the Congressional studies which were conducted by var- amount that we would agree upon and Budget Office—I am probably going to ious agencies in the government, would then allow the universities, colleges, stand up and say: Let’s take that $5 bil- be centrally located in one place and and technical schools to be able to lion and instead give a year-round Pell that the American people would have counsel these students. Don’t borrow grant for students. Let’s pay for the access to that research and informa- too much, because a loan is not a Pell grants for all those students who tion. They had to pay for the receipt of grant. You can keep a grant. You are are persuaded to go to college because that, and it was a modest pay-for, but going to have to pay back a loan. we have simplified their application the money they paid for that was to be There has even been some talk—and I form and their repayment form. We are used to pay for the administrative support the concept—of saying to the going to have a lot more Pell grants, a costs of storing this information and universities and schools that you are lot more students getting degrees. If providing it and making it available going to have to have some skin in the we do, we will have a lot more Ameri- for people. Frankly, it was a good idea. game. If you are one of those schools or cans joining the middle class. It was the only way we could truly ac- universities with too great a default We are all for helping students. We cess that. It had important informa- rate on your student loans, you will want you to succeed. But my argument tion that the government could access have to pay some of the amount bor- is that so far I am not persuaded that as well. rowed because we want you to take you succeed more with a Perkins loan Times have changed. Obviously, the some responsibility for it. that has a higher rate and no repay- way we store information and the way I, actually, am not one of those ment program than you do with a stu- we make information available to peo- Americans who is so concerned about dent loan that I have described that is ple is entirely different than it was the amount of student loans out- already available to you with a lower back during the Truman administra- standing today. I think it is a pretty rate and a generous repayment pro- tion some 70 years ago. Today the healthy indication in many ways. We gram. This is a healthy debate. It is American people access and conduct have $1.2 trillion or $1.3 trillion in out- one we are having in our committee. research using a variety of tools and standing student loans. We have about Actually, I am glad it has gotten the methods, largely online and largely for $900 billion in outstanding car loans. attention of enough Senators. We are free. The abundance of free informa- The average student loan for a 4-year hearing from college presidents all tion has obviously greatly decreased graduate is about $29,000. The average over the country. Soon we will have the need for the NTIS. car loan is about $27,000. Your car will this debate in our full committee and In fact, last year, the Government depreciate. Your degree will appre- then on the Senate floor. I look for- Accountability Office, GAO, found that ciate. Some say it will earn you a mil- ward to it, and I think the students of three-quarters of the documents added lion dollars more in your lifetime than America will benefit from the work we to the NTIS collection in the past 20 you would otherwise. are doing in a bipartisan way. years can be found elsewhere, and 95 The unemployment rate in America I thank the Presiding Officer, and I percent of it can be found for free by today for Americans with a 4-year de- yield the floor. using a basic search on Google. gree is 3 percent. The average income The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- When testifying before the Senate, for those Americans is in the mid-40s. I ator from Indiana. the Government Accountability Office think it is a pretty good investment if WASTEFUL SPENDING said ‘‘the legislation that established we can say to Americans: Go on to the Mr. COATS. Mr. President, as many NTIS requires it to be financially self- community colleges where the average of my colleagues know, I have been sustaining to the fullest extent fea- tuition is $3,300—and the average Pell coming to the floor for 22 weeks now— sible. However, the increasing avail- grant is about $3,300—if you are low-in- every time the Senate has been in ses- ability of the information that NTIS come. For all intents and purposes, it sion during this cycle—to address an- collects and disseminates—primarily is free today for most low-income stu- other waste of the week, and that is through the Web—has called the serv- dents. Go on and earn that degree and what I am doing here this afternoon. ice’s basic statutory function into improve your skills. That is the way The amount of money we would be question.’’ you make it up the ladder in this coun- able to save that has been designated Well, that is a mild way of saying: try. In order to help, we will loan you as waste, fraud, and abuse has an esti- Look, this is an outdated, antiquated some money at a lower rate with a gen- mated total of nearly $116 billion, and way of providing benefits to the Amer- erous repayment term on top of that if though people continue to say we can’t ican people to get these scientific pa- you need it. But we are going to take cut a dime because every dime of tax- pers and research. They no longer have steps to make sure we don’t loan you payer money is used for an essential to go through NTIS to get this infor- more than you can pay back. function, that is simply not true. mation. It is available for free.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.036 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7033 The irony here is that if you do dial We need to make a major effort, and later, we would do it all over again. De- up NTIS on their Web site, a large mes- hopefully we will make an effort this bate was largely on amendments that sage comes up—first thing on the year. I have already announced that I were relevant to the main underlying screen—saying ‘‘Before purchasing will not support any spending effort to bill. There was no delaying, no wasted from NTIS, you may want to check for continue funding for this government time between amendments. There was free access from’’ and then they list unless we put some policy changes in no agreement that had to be negotiated those Web sites. NTIS says you can use to start us down the path to fiscal re- between the Democratic and the Re- their Web site to get this information sponsibility. We are working hard on publican leaders; it was simply who- for free. They list the U.S. Government that, and I will outline a number of ever got the attention of the Presiding Publishing Office’s Digital System Web ways in which we can do that. Officer after the preceding amendment site, the Federal Government Internet In the meantime, I am saying: If you was completed. In a lot of ways, it rep- portal, usa.gov, or a Web search con- can’t go big, let’s at least start small. resented how the Senate had operated ducted by a commercial search firm, Let’s at least take those things that we since our founding. such as Google. already know have been declared But today we are in a very different In fact, one of my colleagues, who re- waste, fraud, and abuse by nonpartisan place. Today we are in a place where tired from the Senate just last year, agencies. At least we are taking steps multiple aspects of the Senate are bro- actually introduced a bill called Just in the right direction. ken. We all wrestle with getting bills Google It Act, a clear indication that Mr. President, with that, I yield back to the floor. We wrestle with wasting we no longer need this agency and it no my time. time and not being able to bring our longer serves its function. That has I suggest the absence of a quorum. amendments forward. We wrestle with been introduced again by Senator KIRK The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the responsibility of the Senate to exe- this year, and I have cosponsored it. clerk will call the roll. cute advice and consent responsibility This is an agency that is saying: Don’t The senior assistant legislative clerk on nominations in a responsible fash- use us anymore. You can get it for free, proceeded to call the roll. ion. So I wish to speak a little bit and we will even show you how to get Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ask about these three areas, and, again, at it for free. Why are we covering the unanimous consent that the order for the core of my message is an invitation cost of NTIS at a rate of $880 million the quorum call be rescinded. to a bipartisan dialogue to try to ad- over 10 years when that savings could The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without dress these issues. be applied to reducing our deficit, giv- objection, it is so ordered. Let’s talk first about the motions to ing money back, and not requiring that BIPARTISAN DIALOGUE IN THE SENATE proceed to the floor. These motions amount of money to come from tax- Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I rise used to be routine. This is a chart payers—or better used for another es- today with my friend and colleague, which shows when there was a neces- sential purpose of the Federal Govern- TOM UDALL, the Senator from New sity of doing a cloture motion—a moment. Mexico, to talk about how to come to- tion to close debate on a motion to get What we are putting up and adding to gether to fix our broken Senate and to a bill. This chart goes back to about our ‘‘Waste of the Week’’ this week is specifically to invite our colleagues 1915. From 1915 through 1960, no one another $880 million, bringing our total from both sides of the aisle to engage ever contested a vote on whether to to nearly $117 billion of savings that in a dialogue together to address the bring a bill to the floor. It just was not has been declared through nonpartisan dysfunction that we see so evident on done. It was a social contract. It was government agencies that oversee our the floor of the Senate day after day. voted either up or down; let’s go to the spending as waste, fraud, and abuse. So What we have come to understand in bill or not go to the bill. Members cannot come down here and the course of 2015 is that the frustra- Starting in 1962—and we see the ac- simply say: Where are we going to get tion with a broken Senate is a bipar- celerating number of red bars—it be- the money to cover this or do that? tisan, equal opportunity frustration. came more and more routine, through They can’t come down here and say: It In 2013 and 2014, Democrats were in times when Democrats were in the ma- is impossible to cut any more spending. the majority and Republicans were in jority and through times when Repub- We have done all that we can do, and the minority. The majority was frus- licans were in the majority, to contest now we need more revenue. That is trated and couldn’t get onto bills to and obstruct the effort to even start simply not the case. start debate, and when we did get on debate on a bill. So this is an area we Each week I will continue to bring up the bills, we couldn’t start the process can work together to address. examples that are documented by non- of having amendments; the time on the Let’s talk about the frustration of partisan agencies to be totally unnec- floor was being wasted. Now here we actually being able to debate amend- essary. This is a small step in the di- are in 2015 and the roles are reversed. ments. I thought one way of con- rection of trying to deal with a much Republicans are in control, and Repub- trasting this would be to look at the larger problem. That much larger prob- licans are frustrated that we can’t get number of amendments the Senate has lem is something I have been dealing to bills and have them on the floor and considered in different years. Back in with since I came back to the Senate that the amendment process is broken. the 1993 through 1995 session, 2000, after the election of 2010, and I am And on amendments, it affects the mi- roughly, or 1,961 amendments were de- going to continue to talk about it even nority and the majority. So here we bated and voted on here in the Senate. though it is not foremost on many peo- have Democrats and Republicans with The following 2-year period, 1995 ple’s minds right now, given all of the something deeply in common: a com- through 1997, 2,540 amendments were dysfunction and other problems we are mon interest in fixing this broken Sen- voted on. How does that contrast with dealing with. We must not ignore the ate. the two previous Congresses? In 2011 fact that we are continuing to act on a The perspective I bring to this goes through 2013, we were under 1,000—974; deficit-spending basis, meaning we back to when I first came to this from 2013 to 2015, just over 500 amend- spend more than we take in each year, Chamber in the summer of 1976. I was ments, or roughly one-fifth of the num- and we have to borrow the money to an intern for Senator Hatfield. I was ber that were considered 20 years ear- cover the difference. assigned to work on a bill called the lier. So those are the numbers. Our national debt has moved to a Tax Reform Act of 1976 that came up But what it really looks like here on staggering level of nearly $19 trillion, on the floor of the Senate. I was as- the floor is we get onto a bill, and then and almost $9 trillion of that amount signed to follow the debate because, of nothing happens because the tree has accumulated in less than a decade. It course, we didn’t have television cov- been filled—filled by the Democratic was more than 200 years before we first erage at that point and we didn’t have leader when the Democrats have been reached the $1 trillion mark. We have emails at that point. I would meet Sen- in the majority, filled by the Repub- been on a spending binge ever since ator Hatfield out at the elevators, just lican leader when the Republicans have then, and it has to stop or we will pay outside these beautiful double doors, been in the majority—so no one can in- a huge price. The debt collector will be and brief him on the amendment, and troduce an amendment unless they at the door. he would go in and vote. Then, an hour have unanimous consent, and there is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.037 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7034 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 always someone willing to object. to the minority. Were the defensive privilege transparent to the American public. So Therefore, we are paralyzed. This is an limited to particular cases, an interested mi- I love that idea, but perhaps that is not area we can address. nority might take advantage of it to screen an idea on which we can build a bipar- Virtually every Senate legislature themselves from equitable sacrifices to the tisan bridge. I don’t know, and I won’t has worked out a system where they general weal, or, in particular emergencies, to extort unreasonable indulgences. know unless we can come together in a can come to the floor on a bill and im- bipartisan way to discuss it. mediately start considering amend- He continues to address super- I love the idea of coming to the floor ments. There are many different ways majority rule and says: ‘‘The funda- with a protocol for amendments, since we can solve this problem, but we mental principle of free government we have been so paralyzed, so that im- won’t solve it unless we come together would be reversed.’’ mediately five amendments from the as Democrats and Republicans and Let me translate that. What he is minority and five from the majority work together to figure it out—figure saying is that in a principled democ- that are relevant to the bill and that out a way that will work for both sides. racy, there is wisdom in the majority; are in order could be offered. That Let’s turn to nominations. Here that if the majority says this is the would be terrific. It would be a simple again we see that before 1960—this right decision, that is the decision we majority passage. I think if that was chart goes back to about 1915—we should make. But if we systematically done, then the majority and minority never had cloture votes on nomina- go in the direction in which the minor- Members would hear from their leaders tions. The nomination was proposed, ity says we should go, then we have and say: Let’s do five more on each debated, and then there was an up-or- chosen the less wise option. Those deci- side. But we wouldn’t come to the floor down vote. That was the social con- sions build up over time and undermine and play music on C–SPAN because we tract. There could have been an objec- the success of the Nation, and that can’t even start debate on an amend- tion to closing debate, but there would be a huge mistake. ment. Let’s use the valuable time we wasn’t. People understood that the Hamilton addressed this as well. He have on this floor to do the people’s time is short and if a nominee has ma- said—and this is Federalist Paper No. work, not to sit here in deep-freeze pa- jority support, then that nominee for a 22, and he was speaking from painful ralysis. judicial position, for an executive posi- experience as a New York Representa- I love the idea of establishing a rule tion, should be in that position; that tive in Congress that was created under that creates a specific way to discuss we shouldn’t allow one branch of gov- the Articles of Confederation. He said and debate rule changes. We don’t have ernment—the legislative branch—to that supermajority rule results in ‘‘te- that right now. When we start every 2- systematically undermine and attack dious delays; continual negotiation and year Congress, we wrestle with how can the other branches of government. intrigue; contemptible compromises of we create a conversation over rules. Now, it is true that we haven’t quite the public good.’’ There is no systematic way in our rules reversed roles at this point in time the I think a lot of Americans, when they to do that. I love the idea of us work- way we did in terms of being here on think about the way Congress is oper- ing together to lay out a way to do the floor of the Senate simply because ating now, would say: That is what we that. I think it would serve this body both last session and this session we see. We see contemptible compromises well. still have the same President—we still of the common good. We don’t see 100 We need to work together to restore have a Democratic President. But let’s Members of the Senate working to- this body. It has often been referred to turn our minds to the next election in gether for the public. Instead, we see a by the nickname ‘‘the world’s greatest November of 2016, which is not that far lot of special interest deals, contempt- deliberative body.’’ That certainly is away—a year and a month a way—and ible compromises, really abuse of mi- not an accurate description today, but then January 2017, when that new nority role in blocking. together we can restore that. We have President is going to take office. At They have seen both the Democrats a responsibility to the citizens of the this point, we have no idea whether in the minority this year, Republicans United States to restore that vision. that will be a Democratic President or in the minority before, so it is an equal Let’s make deliberation work and a Republican President and we have no opportunity critique, if you will, to- characterize this body, not deep freeze. idea whether control of this Chamber ward both parties. Of course, our na- Let’s engage in respectful dialogue, not will be in Democratic hands or Repub- tional rating is very low. rigid partisanship. Let’s take this mo- lican hands. But I do know that my Re- Again, as we look toward the future ment, as we plan toward January 2017, publican colleagues across the aisle—if and have no idea whether the next and build a vision together, dialogue there is a Republican President, they President will be a Democrat or Repub- together, a vision of how to make the don’t want this Chamber to systemati- lican, and we don’t know whether the Senate work for Americans. cally obstruct the ability of that Re- next majority leader will be a Demo- Thank you, Mr. President. publican President to be able to put ca- crat or a Republican, we have a chance, It is my privilege to introduce my pable people into the necessary posi- an opportunity, an incentive to work colleague from New Mexico, who has tions to operate the government. Our together to establish new rules—rules wrestled with this issue even before he role is to screen out terrible nominees, that will make this place work again, came to the Senate and has been en- not to systematically undermine the rules that will restore the Senate. gaged in it from day one and has ability of an administration to func- Senator UDALL and I have laid out brought so much insight and wisdom to tion. ideas on how we might address these bear on this challenge. So as we look forward to 2017, not things, but those ideas—there is no one The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- knowing who will be in charge, maybe wisdom, no silver bullet. So let’s come ator from New Mexico. this is a window of opportunity where together in a dialogue. Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I have we can come together and work out a There are ideas that I absolutely said many times. The Senate is too plan to expedite nominations so that love. I love the idea of a talking fili- often a graveyard for good ideas. And we can return to the traditions of the buster. That is, let’s get rid of the fili- the shovel is the broken filibuster. I Senate and serve our role of advice and buster on motions to proceed. That is want to thank Senator MERKLEY for consent without conducting a war on in sync with the way the Senate used his remarks about the need to reform the judicial branch or a war on the ex- to operate. Let’s get rid of it on con- the Senate rules. And I want to say a ecutive branch. ference committees. That is the way few words myself, because this issue This concept of a supermajority was the Senate used to operate. And on continues to prevent this body from not the vision of the Founding Fathers. final passage, if 41 Senators want to working for the American people. In fact, they worried about this. Madi- continue debate, then let’s insist that That is why we pushed for reform in son spoke to it. So did Hamilton. Madi- one of them be on the floor speaking. the 112th Congress and in the 113th son talked about the danger of a super- That makes it both a commitment of Congress. Some said it was just a majority. He said: time and energy, which is not required power grab by the majority—a partisan It would be no longer the majority that now under the supermajority require- push—nothing could be further from would rule: The power would be transferred ment, and it makes it visible and the truth. Now that the shoe is on the

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You filibusters in recent years are now broader filibuster reform. see the Presidential candidates who complaining about the filibuster when We said it before, and we will say it look at our Senate rules and say there Democratic Senators use it. again: We can do this with respect for ought to be reforms. There ought to be Conservative commentators, House the minority, with respect for differing filibuster reform. You see Republicans Members, and Republican Presidential points of view, and with respect for over in the House almost every week candidates all are now talking about this Chamber, but most of all with re- raising the issue that there should be the filibuster. spect for the people who send us here. filibuster reform. We need democracy Several years ago, a number of senior The right to change the rules at the be- to work. Republican Senators said Senator ginning of a new Congress is supported Many of the outside scholars—people MERKLEY and I would step back once by history and by the Constitution. Ar- such as Thomas Mann, Norm Ornstein, we were in the minority. They said we ticle I, section 5 is very clear. The Sen- and scholars like them—write books would not try again, but we renewed ate can adopt and amend its rules at over and over again, and always a big our fight at the beginning of this Con- the beginning of a new Congress by a part of the reform package goes to the gress. We are in the minority today. simple majority vote. This is known as Senate rules. We hope that does not last long, but we the Constitutional Option. It is well So I would ask the Senator, do you support filibuster reform—regardless of named. It has been used numerous think that we are really talking about who is the majority leader. The Amer- times—often with bipartisan support— there being fertile ground right now for ican people want a government that since the cloture provision was adopted us to come together; that this is a works. Majorities will change, but the in 1917. time, when enough people are speaking need for responsive government does We opened the door, as we said we about this, that we should be able to not—at least it should not. So we will would, at the beginning of this Con- come together? And what we are urg- keep pushing for reform that is fair, gress. Our reform proposal remains on ing—are we urging them to join us in that reins in abuse, and protects the the table. The majority leader can some kind of format on the floor, off minority. That was our goal before and bring it up at any time. This is not just the floor, to have a meeting with var- that is our goal now. about rules. It is about the norms and ious Senators who have worked on this The heart of our proposal is the traditions of the Senate. in the past? Is this a good time to do ‘‘talking filibuster.’’ It is simple, it is I support any Senator’s right to op- this? reasonable, and it makes sense. If you pose bad legislation. The filibuster has Mr. MERKLEY. I think Senator oppose a bill, then go to the floor and a role to play. The abuse of the fili- UDALL is absolutely accurate that this explain why. The filibuster was once buster does not. is the perfect moment to do it. used sparingly. It allowed the minority Our constituents are waiting. There When we first engaged in this dia- to be heard. But under the current is a lot of work to be done. We need to logue, we reached out to our Repub- rules, it is used too much and too eas- make sure we get it done, and get it lican colleagues. We held one-on-one ily. One Senator just needs to notify done right. These are commonsense re- meetings. We sought to champion this. the floor staff of his or her objection. forms to restore the best traditions of What we found was that the view of re- The American people deserve a real de- the Senate. Neither side is 100 percent form was polarized on whether you bate, not one Senator picking up a pure. Both sides have used the rules for were in the majority or the minority. phone. obstruction. And no doubt they had We said that we were going to have This is not news to our Republican their reasons. But most Americans this test for what we put forward: that colleagues, who are now in the major- don’t care about that. They don’t want what we put forward when we were in ity. In the last Congress, we voted on a history lesson or a lesson in par- the majority is what we put forward cloture 218 times. To put that in per- liamentary procedure. They want a when we are in the minority. If we spective, the Senate voted on cloture government that is fair, reasonable, don’t think it would work for us in the only 38 times in the 50 years after the and works no matter which party is in minority, then it is not an honest or rule was adopted in 1917. Filibuster re- the majority. fair appraisal of making the Senate form will allow a majority to pass We changed the process for nomina- work. more legislation in the Senate. But as tions, and that was a good start, but, it So now we have come to that test be- everyone who has served here knows, was the beginning, not the end. We still cause here we are now in the minority floor time is a precious commodity. have a lot of work to do. and we are proposing the same set of The ability to come to the floor and Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- ideas. This Senator absolutely believes delay action by debating forces com- sent to carry on a short colloquy with these ideas would make this place work promise, and most importantly, fili- Senator MERKLEY or maybe other Sen- better. It would enable more bills to be buster reform would apply to both par- ators who could join us and also for as debated, which is—to have that value ties equally going forward. much time as we may consume. when you are in the minority, to actu- If legislation is passed more easily The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ally put your amendments forward and under a reform scenario, it can also be objection, it is so ordered. have that debate, is a gift. reformed, amended, or repealed more Mr. UDALL. Thank you, Mr. Presi- Certainly it says that if you really easily. Demanding one party to give up dent. believe—the idea that we put forward, its rights under the rules will never Senator MERKLEY, I have listened a talking filibuster—if you really be- succeed. The solution is to change the very carefully, and I think you and I lieve you want to block something, you rules for both parties going forward on have worked diligently since we got have to stand on this floor and debate a permanent basis. into the Senate to try to make sure the it. I think that is a way to keep the We made some progress in the last Senate functions properly. What we theory of the filibuster and return it to Congress by allowing for simple major- want to see more than anything is bi- the social contract of the past where ity votes for qualified nominees for ju- partisanship, working together. people understood that it was a simple- dicial and Executive appointments, and Whenever we have worked on the majority body, as envisioned in the the Senate is working better. By rules, I know one of our principles— Constitution, as envisioned by Ham- changing the rules, we confirmed 96 which was a good one—was to draft ilton, as envisioned by Madison; that judges—more judges than any modern rules so that they apply to either the they had the experience of the super- Congress since 1980. majority or minority. That is some- majority and knew that caused deep We also confirmed 293 Executive thing I think we have done on a regular damage, but that if you really believe nominations in 2014—the most since basis, is to look at the rules and say: If in something so deeply, then you are 2010. That was an important change. It we do the right set of rules, then if we willing to spend the time and energy.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE6.007 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7036 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 So I think the things we crafted in are blocked here on the motion to pro- about national security during a war, the majority still hold up. But the big- ceed and the filibuster on the motion and he wanted to arm our merchant ger point is this: Now that we have had to proceed. ships. He got a bill out of the House of a reversal, many of our colleagues are Mr. MERKLEY. Indeed, my experi- Representatives, and it was rolling to- experiencing firsthand the frustrations ence in the Oregon State Legislature ward the Senate. It was near the end of the minority can inflict on the major- was dramatically different. In many the session, and he took that bill very ity. I think that opens a window of op- ways, it was much more similar to the seriously. He thought it was vital to portunity. way I thought the Senate was oper- the national security of the country, I have a list of 20 quotes. The Senator ating when I was here in the 1970s and and he asked the Senate to act on it. referred to people in the House—he is a then working for Congress in the 1980s. There were about 11 or 12 Senators, I former Member of the House—saying to Once we got to a bill on the floor of the believe, who had decided: We are near their Senate Republican colleagues: Oregon House, where I served for 10 the end of the session; let’s just run out Why don’t you do something to fix the years and spent 2 years as speaker, the clock. There was no procedure to Senate? And now we are standing here every moment was utilized in debate. be able to get to the bill before the saying: Join with us in a dialogue to There was no paralysis. People only clock ran out. These 11 Senators took fix the Senate. had limited time. We were there to to the floor and they ran out the clock, Mr. UDALL. I say to Senator hear each other and to make decisions and Woodrow Wilson said: No way am I MERKLEY, I couldn’t think of this being and certainly in a more expeditious going to allow that to happen again. He a more appropriate time. I think it is style than is the custom in the Senate. got a bee in his bonnet on that one. fertile ground, and I think it is great But what we had in common was floor The next Congress that came in, the that we have come here. time was well utilized in the Senate in President said he wanted a rule so that The important thing to remember is the past and well utilized in Oregon. wouldn’t happen again. So they put in a point you and I both made in the As you were speaking about tradition a rule which was at the time 67 votes in past, and it has to do with the old and how the Senate worked, I was order to cut off debate, and that rule movie everybody knows called ‘‘Mr. thinking about how all this began. has really been turned on its head with Smith Goes to Washington.’’ People al- When they had the first U.S. Senate, what is happening in recent times. The ways thought the filibuster was as it is they had in their rule book a motion to rule was originally so that a small mi- portrayed in that movie. You have Mr. force a vote. They had that rule, but nority could cut off debate and could Smith coming to Washington, and he is they never used it. Why didn’t they use proceed to the issue. Now we have calls concerned with a passion about an it? Imagine if there are 13 States and to the cloakroom, calls to the leader- issue, and he thinks he may be in the just 26 Senators and they stand here ship. You and I don’t know what is minority, but he wants to fight it out. occupying a quarter of the space we going on. We don’t know why we don’t He comes to the floor and he speaks now occupy and they say: Well, we cer- get on an issue. We go on a motion to about it, and he rallies people outside. tainly can extend the courtesy of hear- proceed, and we have a motion to in- Now today, as we know, you don’t see ing each person’s insight or opinion be- voke cloture and all these procedural that very often. Actually, sometimes fore we vote. things nobody understands, until peo- what people call a filibuster, we are at So after a couple of years, when they ple say: Why can’t you get on the bill? the early stage of a motion to proceed rewrote the rule book, they decided not Well, because the filibuster rule has before we even get onto the bill. to include the rule. They didn’t need it been turned on its head. That is some- What we are doing is trying to return because they had the courtesy of hear- thing people have to understand. We to ‘‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.’’ ing each other. So suddenly there is a are not using this filibuster rule the What we want to see happen is a talk- Senate with no rule on how to close de- traditional way that we used it in the ing filibuster where every Senator gets bate and force a vote. And over time Senate for the purpose it was origi- to talk. that courtesy eroded. It was after nally put in. As you and I know—you have been a World War I that the first time oc- As Senator MERKLEY pointed out on real scholar and a student of the Sen- curred when the Senate said: Well, let’s the motion to proceed—and I wanted to ate in terms of its history—before enable a majority—a supermajority of ask one more question about the mo- there was this rule in place on the fili- the Senate to close debate if there is tion to proceed. You talked about how buster, the tradition was always that too much abuse or paralysis. in 1962 we increasingly started to see every Senator had an opportunity to The point is that the filibuster is not obstruction in terms of the motion to speak. That was a fine Senate tradi- in the Constitution. Some of my col- proceed. It would prevent bills from tion. It was established. They didn’t leagues have said this is the way the getting to the floor. There wasn’t any have to write it down. Everybody said: Founders designed the Senate—to be a way to get on these bills. It jammed We are not going to take any action supermajority body. That is wrong, things up. until we let every Senator speak. wrong, wrong. It is not in the Constitu- I will never forget the Senator whom The other part of it was just what tion, it was not in the early Senate, I succeeded, Senator Pete Dominici, a you talked about in our amendment and it was not a major feature of the solid Republican who believed in the proposal—allowing Senators to offer Senate in terms of it being a common Senate. He came out and said we amendments. Today we are so far away experience until these recent years. shouldn’t have filibusters on a motion from that. So if we can recapture the spirit and to proceed; we should get right on the We have this motion to proceed. We the courtesy of hearing each other’s bill. I remember several Senators who don’t even get onto the bill. That opinion but enable us to get onto the came in in our class and after—Repub- causes so much mischief because you bill, debate the bill, do amendments, lican Senators—who said the same have all these procedural things that and then if someone finds a moment of thing. So I think there is a lot of room happen in advance of even getting on great principle, great heartfelt objec- here. the bill. tion, and wants to spend the time and I am asking you again, in terms of You were a leader in the Oregon Leg- energy to extend debate, they do so in the motion to proceed and us calling islature, so I would ask you to just re- this visibile talking-filibuster fashion, for a bipartisan effort—we should be flect a little on that because you have I think that would be a huge improve- able, with the people who are here, to seen that when you get a bill on the ment and well worth our time. either work on a motion to proceed, floor, you work on it, you get to amend Mr. UDALL. I say to Senator work on the talking filibuster, or work it, to debate it—and most of the time MERKLEY, what you point out that is so on a variety of other amendment issues when people are working on it, they important for people to understand— that are crucial. Don’t you think this want to get to the end game, but we when we put the original bill back in is the time? are not able to do that. Was that your there in World War I, it was put in so I just want to make sure before you experience in working in the Oregon that a minority could not block it. We leave that we make sure there is an in- Legislature? If you get on the bill, that had Woodrow Wilson as President. He vitation from us to 98 other Senators is half the work right there. And we was very concerned. We were talking to sit down in some format, whether it

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.043 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7037 is a bipartisan conference or something The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. The senior assistant legislative clerk else, and talk about how we make this TOOMEY). The Senator from Colorado. proceeded to call the roll. place work better and how we make it AURORA, COLORADO, VETERANS HOSPITAL Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I more democratic. Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, today ask unanimous consent that the order Mr. MERKLEY. There are two former marks a pivotal day for veterans in for the quorum call be rescinded. Members of the Senate right now who Colorado and the Rocky Mountain re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without are working on a book that is coming gion. Just minutes ago, the House of objection, it is so ordered. out in January that will be addressing Representatives approved the Senate CONDUCT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE ST. PAUL reform in the Senate, and that is Trent bill to extend several important au- OFFICE OF THE VBA Lott and Tom Daschle. They have al- thorizations to Coloradans, authoriza- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ready issued a number of ideas about tions important to the health care of rise today to express my concern and how to reform this. our country’s veterans because the bill disgust at recent revelations of im- The point I am making is that when includes the authorization to complete proper and dishonest conduct by senior people leave the Senate, they reflect the Denver VA replacement medical fa- executives at the Department of Vet- back and say: You know, there is a bi- cility. erans Affairs, including the director of partisan opportunity, a bipartisan re- After years of persistence, years of the St. Paul office of the Veterans Ben- sponsibility to make this Chamber passion, years of emotion, we have fi- efits Administration. According to a report released by the work. nally passed a bill to finish the job at VA’s Office of the Inspector General What we are saying is that this can’t the Denver VA replacement facility in this week, two Veterans Benefits Ad- be accomplished through folks who Aurora, CO. This bill will allow us to ministration executives used their po- have left the Senate; that we must in- finish the job, allowing the replace- sitions to assign themselves to dif- vite bipartisanship here and solve it ment facility that is critical for the ferent jobs that involved fewer respon- ourselves; and that any rule changes care of veterans in Colorado and the that are envisioned, any agreements sibilities while maintaining their high Rocky Mountain region to move for- salaries. One of them has been the di- that are forged have to be done here on ward, to fulfill the promise we have the floor, and we are extending that in- rector of the VBA St. Paul regional of- made to our veterans. fice since October of 2014. The inspector vitation, as you put it, to our 98 col- This bill also turns the page on the general found that the St. Paul VBA leagues to be part of that dialogue. gross mismanagement by the VA of director used her influence as director We can draw on the ideas that our this project and will allow the Army former Members have put forward as a of the VBA Eastern Area Office to com- Corps of Engineers to take over the pel the relocation of the previous St. starting point. We can draw on the management of the project to ensure ideas that you and I have put forward, Paul office director. She then pro- its completion without further delay. ceeded to submit her own name for but these ideas, there is no one way to There is simply no acceptable excuse consideration to fill the vacancy she address this. We are inviting others to for how the project ended up in this brainstorm together in a dialogue to herself had created. current state—years delayed, hundreds Taking on the job of directing the St. try to gather a vision that perhaps we of millions of dollars over budget. Paul regional office was actually a step can commit ourselves to, in a bipar- While the bill will turn the page on down in responsibility for this adminis- tisan fashion, to enact at the start of this day, it will not turn our focus trator. In the inspector general’s the next legislature, when we realize away from reforms at the VA to ensure words, she ‘‘went from being respon- we may not be minority or majority, accountability and to ensure this never sible for oversight of 16 [regional of- and that becomes a magical way to es- happens again. I have worked with a fices] to being responsible for only 1 cape our current status as we are em- number of my colleagues to initiate [regional office].’’ But she kept her pre- battled and we are having deep emo- these reforms, including an amendment vious senior executive service salary of tional fights over foreign policy, social to the Defense authorization bill that $173,949 per year. She also received over policy, and how to create jobs in Amer- will get the VA out of the big construc- $129,000 in relocation expenses. ica—but to get some distance on that tion business. So look at this: She had a responsible and say how to make this Chamber I come to the floor to say thank job managing 16 regional offices. She work the way it was envisioned, be- you—thank you to my colleagues, spe- created an opening by transferring the cause certainly I think 100 Members cifically Senator ISAKSON, Senator person under her. She took that open- can agree the Senate is broken. Would BLUMENTHAL, Senator KIRK, Senator ing and went from supervising 16 re- it not be phenomenal if, in a bipartisan TESTER, the majority leader, their gional offices to supervising 1. Then effort, we were able to restore the U.S. staff, and my colleague MICHAEL BEN- she kept the same salary, going from 16 Senate to being a great deliberative NET for their leadership on this issue. offices to 1 office, and then took body? Of course, none of this would be pos- $129,000 in relocation expenses. Mr. UDALL. Yes, I say to Senator sible without the incredible work of This is the kind of action that has MERKLEY, you are absolutely right. I MIKE COFFMAN, the Congressman rep- created the breach of trust between our am just going to close by saying that resenting the area, ED PERLMUTTER, veterans and the departments that the thing we have—and I said this in the entire Colorado delegation who exist to serve their needs. There are so the beginning. The thing we have worked so hard to make this happen. many people who have such good will worked on and tried to achieve is to They have all provided a great service who work at the Veterans’ Administra- make sure that when we crafted to veterans in passage of the legislation, including in Minnesota, and there changes to the rules—motion to pro- tion out of the House today. Years are so many deserving veterans who de- ceed, talking filibuster, how we allow from now, when veterans go to this serve their help. But to make this each side to have amendments—we hospital to receive the care we have truly work, we have to show that the have always said we could live with promised, they will enter into what people at the top are accountable. them if we were in the minority. will be the crown jewel of the VA infra- What this director did was not re- We have been in the minority now for structure, the crown jewel of the VA sponsible, it was not a good use of tax- almost a year. In a couple of months it system. It took a lot of hard work to payer money, and it certainly was not will be a year. We came out right at get here. fair to our veterans. This is a senior ex- the beginning of the Congress and Today I am excited, with the passage ecutive who is supposed to be focused talked about our rules again. We proof the House bill, passage in the Sen- on ensuring that veterans are being posed the same rules in the majority. ate, that a bill is on its way to the served the way they deserve and who We want to be fair to both sides, but President to finish the job, to complete instead used her position to push out what is more important isn’t that fair- the hospital, and to fulfill our promise. one of her colleagues and get herself a ness; it is the fairness to the American I yield the floor. plum assignment where she would have people to get their democracy back I suggest the absence of a quorum. fewer responsibilities but at the same again so it works. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time keep the same salary. This con- I yield the floor. clerk will call the roll. duct is unacceptable. It erodes the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.044 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7038 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 public’s trust in the VA. It is com- the effects of toxic exposure—some- such as lifesaving but costly new hepa- mendable that the VA inspector gen- thing we are struggling to better un- titis C treatments. eral took action by referring these two derstand and treat and something that That is why I offered an amendment cases to the U.S. attorney for possible could have effects on their children and in committee to restore $857 million to criminal prosecution. The VA needs to grandchildren. bring the VA to its requested level. Un- do right by our veterans and our tax- At the same time, a younger genera- fortunately, none of my colleagues on payers by holding bad actors account- tion of veterans is struggling to cope the other side of the aisle joined me, able and implementing reforms to pre- with the unseen wounds of war. They and it failed on a party-line vote. I am vent exploitation such as this from are fighting to keep their lives and at a complete loss as to why we are ever happening again. their families together, and for some of now being asked to move to a bill that I yield the floor. them it is a daily struggle to overcome we all know underfunds the VA by al- I suggest the absence of a quorum. the suicidal thoughts that claim the most $1 billion. For what? So that we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The lives of at least 22 of their peers each can send this bill to conference with clerk will call the roll. and every day. Those are the stakes the House, whose own VA bill The bill clerk proceeded to call the here. They are that high. underfunds the VA by $1.4 billion—$600 roll. We are also talking about an unprec- million more than the Senate. That Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I ask edented demand for expensive new will not improve the quality or the unanimous consent that the order for treatments for diseases, such as hepa- timeliness of veterans health care nor the quorum call be rescinded. titis C, which are shorter in duration will giving the VA authority to fire The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and which have fewer side effects and more doctors and nurses without due objection, it is so ordered. have cure rates approaching 100 per- process. Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I want cent. That is good news, but we have to It is time to stop the political games to talk today about the bill we are con- have money to do that. We are talking and maneuvering. To serve our vet- sidering currently—the MILCON-VA about addressing a chronic shortage of erans, to serve this country, and to bill. I urge the Senate to take up and medical professionals, particularly serve all Americans, Congress must es- pass an appropriations bill that does mental health professionals in rural tablish funding levels driven by what right by our Nation’s veterans. I think America, which greatly hinders our the VA actually needs, not by some ar- it is very important. But the MILCON- ability to provide veterans with timely bitrary mathematical formula. We VA bill before us today—and I might and quality care. We are talking about need a rational, realistic, bipartisan add along with the rest of the appro- a growing population of caregivers who budget agreement to replace the draco- priations bills—is shackled to an un- have been forced to abandon their jobs nian sequestration funding levels en- wise and unrealistic budget that locks and their livelihoods to care for loved trenched in the majority’s fiscal year in destructive sequestration cuts and ones with debilitating medical condi- 2016 budget. vastly underfunds programs vital to tions, and we are talking about facili- I have been calling on Senate leaders this Nation’s security and prosperity, ties that are literally crumbling in for months to sit down and hash out a and it doesn’t deal with the challenges some cases and severely impacting the long-term budget agreement. The ma- the Veterans’ Administration faces. delivery of care. jority leader’s response was to wait Make no mistake about it, America’s I believe we need more transparency until the day before the government veterans would be severely short- and accountability from the VA to en- was scheduled to shut down and then changed by this bill as it is currently sure it is spending taxpayer dollars in pass a short-term CR. As early as to- drafted. a responsible way. But let’s be clear. morrow, we expect to vote on an appro- Coming from the State of Montana, Today we are asking more and more of priations bill that will drastically where we have the second highest per the VA, and this bill gives them less underfund the VA for the next fiscal capita veterans population, I cannot than they need. Now is not the time to year. This is clearly an attempt to look in the eyes of our Nation’s brave take a step backward. If we do that, we paint those of us who think this bill is men and women and say to them that are never going to catch up. insufficient as voting against veterans. this bill will fulfill our promise to you. If we don’t enact a commonsense, That plan will not work because I am This bill underfunds our veterans by long-term budget that better reflects here to tell you that veterans are well over $850 million, subjecting the VA to our priorities, our values, and provides aware of the funding shortfall. It is one the across-the-board spending caps the the tools and resources required to ful- of the chief problems that is currently majority is desperate to avoid on the fill our promises to veterans and their plaguing the VA. I will continue to pro- Defense bill. That is hypocritical be- families, then we should all question vide adequate funding to support cause, let’s be honest with ourselves, just what are we doing here. America’s veterans. caring for our veterans is a cost of war. Mr. President, there are cases when While I am disappointed the majority What we know and what the majority each of us has looked at a bill or wouldn’t work with us on a broader knows is that this bill is severely lim- amendment and said: You know, it is budget deal this summer, the CR that iting the VA’s ability to fulfill its mis- not perfect, but it is good enough. we passed today gives us just over 2 sion—caring for those who have borne Sometimes that is what it takes to get months to reach a reasonable budget the battle. Need I remind everyone work done around here. But when it agreement—an agreement that will that just a few weeks ago, because of a comes to our veterans, when it comes support our veterans, an agreement surge in demand for hepatitis C treat- to restoring confidence in the VA after that Members on both sides of the aisle ments and a historic increase in non- the problems they have had in the last agree we need. That is the job we are VA care referrals, the VA medical serv- 2 years, I don’t think that is a path we elected to do. But make no mistake, if ices account ran out of money. As a re- should take. we are having this same conversation sult, we had to pass emergency legisla- I know my chairman, Senator KIRK, on December 10, we have failed—failed tion to allow Choice Act funding to be did his best in writing this bill to soft- our veterans, failed the American peo- used to shore up the VA and prevent a en the blow of budget constraints that ple. serious disruption for veterans across he was forced to meet. I truly appre- I urge my colleagues to oppose the this country. ciate his efforts and his inclusiveness motion to proceed to this bill so that The budget pressures that caused in working with me. But the fact is we can finally negotiate a bipartisan that shortfall are the result of an un- that he was handed a no-win allocation budget agreement that will do away precedented demand for services in by his party’s budget. You can’t patch with the devastating impacts of seques- terms of both numbers and complexity, the holes in the VA budget created by tration and will instead provide a re- and that demand will only continue to sequestration. You can’t shift money sponsible way forward to fund our gov- grow. At some point during the next from known medical care require- ernment, to protect our national secu- year, nearly half the veterans will be 65 ments—treatment for cancer, diabetes, rity, and to care for this Nation’s vet- years old or older. Many of these folks or kidney disease, to name just a few— erans. will be seeking treatment to deal with to plug gaps in emerging requirements, Mr. President, I yield the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.046 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7039 I suggest the absence of a quorum. hottest years, based on average global nect the ports of the Pacific, including The PRESIDING OFFICER. The surface temperatures, have all occurred Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, clerk will call the roll. since 1998, with 2014 being the hottest Vancouver, Alaska, and all of East The bill clerk proceeded to call the year on record. However, many climate Asia to Western Europe and the North roll. scientists are projecting that this year, Atlantic, have depended on ice break- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask 2015, will surpass last year as the hot- ers to clear channels and were only unanimous consent that the order for test year on record. Temperature in- open during narrow summer melt sea- the quorum call be rescinded. creases at the Poles have been even sons. These northerly routes have his- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. more significant, and the impacts and torically been across the Russian side GARDNER). Without objection, it is so consequences are more severe. of the Arctic. ordered. I show this photograph here that In recent years, the shipping chan- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask points out that the data from the Na- nels have grown shorter in distance as unanimous consent to speak as in tional Snow and Ice Data Center shows what was once permanent and thick ice morning business. that over the past 30 years, the Arctic located at the Poles has become in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without has warmed at a higher rate than any creasingly thinner with each passing objection, it is so ordered. other region on Earth. Arctic warming warmer year. Each year, the shipping LAW OF THE SEA TREATY is causing changes to sea ice, snow routes across the Arctic are getting Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise cover, and the extent of permafrost in closer and closer to being ‘‘over the today to speak on climate change’s the Arctic. top.’’ radical alteration of the Earth’s ma- According to NOAA, in the first half The blue lines I depict on the chart I rine environments—particularly in the of 2010, air temperatures in the Arctic brought to the floor, this chart—this Arctic—and how these epic changes in were 4 degrees Celsius—7 degrees Fahr- would not require any ice-breaking the environment strengthen the case of enheit—warmer than the 1968-to-1996 ships to assure clear passage during the U.S. accession to the Law of the Sea reference period. Satellite data shows peak of the summer melt seasons. The Treaty. that over the past 30 years, Arctic sea red lines are routes that are passable Competitors of the United States in ice cover has declined by 30 percent by ships that can either break ice or the global economy are taking advan- during the months of September—the follow behind ice breakers. As you can tage of climate change’s environmental month that historically marked the see, from 2006 to the present, the ice- impact on the Arctic, particularly how end of the summer melt season. breaking routes are very close to tra- the disappearance of Arctic sea ice is In this NASA survey photo from versing directly over the North Pole opening new shipping lanes and access April 2012, you can see for miles toward and all the other routes are in the Rus- to the mineral resources in the Arctic the horizon how thin the ice is over the sian Kara, Barrents, and Laptev Seas. seabed. Our competitors’ advances in Arctic Ocean, and you can see open The modeling data run through this the Arctic are happening at the ex- channels in the ice with icebergs in the peer-reviewed study, however, projects pense of U.S. national security, energy background. That is a new phe- that in 30 years the Arctic Ocean will development, and maritime transit in- nomenon. That didn’t exist many years reach near open water status, passable terests, and it is the failure of the ago. by most ships on either the Canadian United States to join the treaty that is This image is of the Arctic Ocean in or Russian side of the Arctic. giving those countries a huge advan- April, 1 month into the spring melt In the simplest of economic terms, tage of staking a claim in largely un- season. It shows just how thin the aer- climate change’s impact on diminished claimed territory. ial coverage of Arctic sea is and in sea ice in the Arctic will be a major In the 31⁄2 years since a partisan ef- some places where the ice has dis- boon to foreign ports at the expense of fort thwarted the Senate from pro- appeared altogether. While annual var- U.S. ports. viding the necessary advice and con- iation in ice coverage has always fol- The geopolitical consequences of a sent of the Law of the Sea Treaty, the lowed the seasons, the melt periods are more open and expansive Arctic Ocean United States has ceded millions in po- growing longer annually, meaning that is something we cannot afford to ob- tential economic opportunity in the much of the ice is never restored dur- serve from the sidelines. The Arctic’s Arctic, and we have no recourse to dis- ing the colder winter months. rapidly changing marine environment pute the legality of any of the terri- The peak melt periods during the is influencing the territorial claims torial and economic zone expansions protracted melt seasons have opened our Arctic neighbors Canada, Russia, countries like Russia are making in up new shipping channels that we must Denmark, Greenland, Iceland, and Nor- the Arctic waters and sea ice. start paying greater attention to. way are making, and all these coun- While the economic and territorial A 2013 report in the ‘‘Proceedings of tries are making legal advances under claims—including mineral, oil, and gas the National Academy of Sciences’’ en- the law of the sea—the treaty we have extraction rights—in the Arctic are not titled ‘‘New Trans-Atlantic shipping not ratified. The United States is the the only reason for the United States routes navigable by mid-century’’ only Arctic nation not staking any ex- to accede to the Law of the Sea Treaty, shows how declines of ice in the Arc- panded claims in the Arctic, nor are we the situation in the Arctic is arguably tic’s rapidly changing environment will willing to challenge the actions of the most dynamic due to the impact have dramatic changes in international neighbors who may be encroaching on climate change is having on the Arctic freight movement. waters we may have claims to. Ocean environment. As long as the Russia is already declaring that the The State Department cannot be United States sits on the sidelines by Northern Sea Route through Russian blamed for not making claims or chal- not being a party to this treaty, our territorial waters will rival the Suez lenging our neighbors because it is the global economic competitors will con- Canal as a faster and more efficient U.S. Senate that has failed to give the tinue to take leaps and bounds ahead of maritime passage between Europe and State Department the ability to right- the United States, accessing the oppor- West Asia and the west coasts of the fully stake claims and challenge the le- tunities we are squandering. United States, Canada, and East Asia. gality of our competitors’ claims pure- The Arctic Ocean environment has Climate, surface temperature, and sea ly out of unfounded and ideologically experienced notable changes that have ice data were run through extensive partisan opposition to the United tracked ahead of the global rise in tem- computer modeling at UCLA, and the States being party to the Law of the peratures. Starting in the mid-1970s, outcome produced pretty alarming re- Sea Treaty. global average temperatures have risen sults showing how wide open the Arctic The law of the sea establishes inter- 0.5 degrees Centigrade, with each of the will likely become for trans-hemi- national conventions allowing our last three decades being successively spheric transit between North Amer- neighbors to expand the reach of their warmer at the Earth’s surface than any ica, Europe, and Asia. economic zones, providing a framework preceding decade since 1850. According Historically, Arctic shipping lanes to for parties to the treaty to stake legal to the National Oceanic and Atmos- Western Europe and the North Atlan- claims to mineral, oil, and gas deposits pheric Administration, NOAA, the 10 tic, via the Bering Strait, which con- along the Continental Shelf beyond the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.048 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7040 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 200 miles of a country’s conventional mineral extraction, all support the U.S. accession to the treaty. In conclu- territorial seas—they can do that ratification of the Law of the Sea Trea- sion, let me quote what Senator Lugar under law of the sea, and we cannot; ty. told us at that time. I think it is still and to enjoy navigational freedom be- The combination of changes in the relevant today. He said: tween parties to the convention, mak- Arctic environment and changes and The substantial case for Law of the Sea is ing passage through treaty partners’ advancement in the maritime industry even stronger today than it was in 2004 when territorial seas easier—they can; we technologies is making the benefits I brought it up as chairman of the com- cannot. We have not ratified the law of this treaty stands to provide the mittee. . . . Every year that goes by without the sea. It provides legal certainty to United States greater and greater with the United States joining the convention re- each passing year. As long as the sults in deepening our country’s submission their nations’ industries operating in to ocean laws and practices determined by these dangerous yet potentially pro- United States is outside the conven- foreign governments without United States ductive waters—certainty that the tion, our companies are left with two input. United States simply cannot validly bad choices: Either take their deep sea Our Navy and our ocean industries operate claim without being party to the Law mining businesses to another country every day in a maritime environment that is of the Sea Treaty. Once again, they can or give up the idea altogether. Mean- increasingly dominated by foreign decision- give certainty to their industries; we while, China, Russia, and many other making. In almost any other context, the countries are already securing their li- Senate would be outraged at subjecting cannot. Americans to foreign controls without Our Arctic neighbors’ exploitation of censes under the convention to begin United States input. Arctic resources is happening right mining for valuable metals and rare What many observers fail to understand now and is as real as climate change’s Earth elements. about Law of the Sea is that the convention impact on the Arctic ecosystems that Accompanying the previously men- already forms the basis of maritime law re- is making these foreign economic ven- tioned New York Times story is a map gardless of whether the United States is a tures possible. They couldn’t do it be- depicting the breadth and scope of the party or not. International decisions related fore, but now they can do it. The re- international claims that are being to resource exploitation, navigation rights, made in the Arctic, the most con- and other matters will be made in the con- ports our Arctic Coast Guard fleet are text of the convention whether we join or making on the dramatic increase of cerning of the claims are the ones that not. commercial vessel activity in Alaskan Russia is making. This map dem- By not joining the treaty, we are abetting waters are testament to this new re- onstrates the urgency for U.S. action Russian ambitions in the Arctic. We are ality. The Coast Guard has monitored to ensure that these emerging opportu- making the job of our Navy more difficult and reported on this growth, all of nities don’t pass us by and go to our despite the longstanding and nearly unani- which has happened in the last decade. competitors. mous pleas of Navy leaders that the United Heightened Arctic maritime activity is The Law of the Sea Convention pro- States participation in Law of the Sea will vides the international framework to help them maintain navigational rights directly contributing to the declining more effectively and with less risk to the sea ice. deal with these new opportunities. We men and women they command. Both the Washington Times and the are the only Arctic nation outside the We are turning our backs on the requests New York Times, while covering the convention. Russia and other Arctic of important American industries that use President’s recent trip to Alaska, re- states are advancing their Continental the oceans and must abide by rules estab- ported on the increase of commercial Shelf claims in the Arctic. Some of lished under this convention, and we are di- and naval fleet traffic transiting these claims encroach on waters that minishing our chances for energy independ- through and across the Arctic. we could have a viable claim to if the ence by making U.S. oil and gas exploration United States were a party, but we are in international waters less likely. . . . We In the New York Times story, Coast will feel these costs more keenly in the Arc- Guard Commandant ADM Paul F. not a party to the convention. Yet we tic. Zukunft stated: ‘‘We [the Coast Guard] will willfully remain on the outside The decision . . . is whether the Senate have been for some time clamoring looking in, painfully complicit to let should continue to consign the United States about our nation’s lack of capacity to foreign businesses better our U.S. in- to a position of self-imposed weakness in our sustain any meaningful presence in the dustries. If the United States were a ability to influence ocean affairs despite the Arctic.’’ party to the convention, the United fact that no organization has a greater inter- U.S. accession to the Law of the Sea States would have a much stronger est in navigable freedoms, a larger exclusive economic zone, or a more advanced techno- Treaty has been a failure of many Con- basis to assert our interests through- logical capacity to exploit ocean resources. gresses, not just this one. The United out the entire Arctic region. The Senate should enthusiastically affirm States played a critical role in the de- Lastly, the absence of the United the leadership of the United States in this velopment of the treaty going back to States from the treaty weakens our na- vital area of international relations by giv- the 1970s. The United States has the tional security. In 2012, Defense Sec- ing advice and consent to the Law of the Sea most to gain from being part of this retary Leon Panetta and Chairman of Convention. treaty. For example, we shaped the the Joint Chiefs of Staff GEN Martin I took the time to give a long expla- constructs of the treaty to be very fa- Dempsey testified before the Senate nation as to why I believe it is impor- vorable to the United States, including Foreign Relations Committee—I was tant for the Senate to exercise its re- giving the United States the only per- present during that testimony—on how sponsibility to give advice and consent manent seat on the international coun- our security interests are intrinsically to a treaty that is the Law of the Sea. cil that will oversee and make deci- linked to the freedom of navigation. It is critically important that we take sions about seabed mining. Obviously They testified in favor of the Law of this issue up and that we ratify the that permanent seat remains vacant the Sea Treaty ratification. treaty. As I said earlier, it is supported and decisions are being made about The United States stands to gain by the Chamber, it is supported by our seabed mining in international waters considerably more from the legal cer- military, and it is supported by busi- without U.S. participation. tainty and the public order this treaty nesses. Laws are being made that affect The estimated area of territorial ex- provides on the oceans than any other the United States without our partici- pansion over which the United States country. The U.S. Armed Forces need pation. By ratifying the treaty, we will can claim sovereignty under the Conti- the navigable rights and freedoms pro- have a seat at the table, and we will be nental Shelf expansion conventions of vided under the Law of the Sea Conven- able to protect our interests—our com- the treaty is estimated to be about tion, granting global access to the mercial interests, our security inter- 291,000 square miles or roughly one and world’s oceans to ease and expedite ests or whether it is the interests of a half times the size of Texas. movement to combat areas when nec- our military. A broad set of stakeholders, ranging essary and to sustain our engaged de- I yield the floor. from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ployed forces. In 2012, the former Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. LEE). to environmental organizations, our ate Foreign Relations Committee The Senator from Iowa. Nation’s military brass, industry-spe- chairman and ranking member Senator ENERGY cific trade groups representing com- Richard Lugar of Indiana made one of Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I mercial fishing, freight shipping, and the most cogent set of arguments for don’t know how many times I have

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.050 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7041 come to the floor in the last several acting like pigs at the trough. It is speak in order to filibuster a debate. years or maybe in the last several days time for Big Oil to lay off the renew- The real debate here is whether the to talk about energy. In the process of able fuel standard. Senate will move forward with spartan talking energy, I always say I am for I yield the floor. Republican budget levels or whether we ‘‘all of the above,’’ as a lot of my col- I suggest the absence of a quorum. will come up with a new deal that will leagues do; meaning all forms of en- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The enable us to lift the cap we have and ergy, which would be petroleum, nat- clerk will call the roll. move ahead to getting a real deal. The ural gas, alternative energies, includ- The legislative clerk proceeded to Senate passed the bill to keep the gov- ing biofuels and wind, conservation as call the roll. ernment open. Now we need a budget a third one, and nuclear energy as a Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I ask deal that lifts the caps to make sure we fourth one. I still believe that. Al- unanimous consent that the order for have a 50–50 split between defense though I believe some of my colleagues the quorum call be rescinded. spending and domestic spending, ac- who say they are for ‘‘all of the above’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without knowledging that domestic spending are for everything that is underground objection, it is so ordered. also meets national security needs. but not much above the ground. So I Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I un- This bill is a perfect example. Mili- think there is an inconsistency there. derstand the pending business is that tary construction doesn’t come out of With that background, I want to talk we are discussing the motion to pro- DOD. There it is, in a domestic bill, about something that is going to hap- ceed to the VA-Military Construction and it is in the same subcommittee as pen tomorrow morning. The Senate bill, and I rise today to urge my col- funding our veterans. In terms of fund- banking committee is scheduled to leagues to vote against this motion to ing our veterans, the bill before us has mark up legislation called the Amer- proceed. And why? Well, because, quite an unacceptable cut of over $850 mil- ican Crude Oil Export Equality Act. I simply, this is a parliamentary maneu- lion from the VA, yet at the same time don’t have any fault with that action ver. This isn’t a real deal to get to real VA costs are rising. tomorrow. benefits and real help for America’s What am I talking about? Well, let’s This bill would repeal the four-dec- veterans or to modernize our military go to the new hepatitis C drugs that ade ban on the export of domestically bases. This maneuver, quite simply, is are causing veterans to seek treatment produced crude oil. This ban was put in a scam. The Republican leadership and really get the help they need. This place in response to the Arab oil em- knows we do not have enough resources inhibits us from buying the lifesaving bargo, which created an energy crisis for our veterans. This bill is inad- drugs we need. Then there is the cost of and led to fears of crude oil shortages. equate. And to bring up an appropria- the caregiver program. Those costs That goes back to the 1970s. The recent tions bill before we have a new budget have nearly doubled since the original technologies of horizontal drilling and deal is really just a hollow gesture. fiscal 2016 estimates that we received. fracking of oil shale has resulted in We passed a continuing resolution. I And who are these caregivers? They are enormous increases in domestic crude am so pleased we did that so we would wives, spouses, parents taking care of oil production and reduced oil and gas not have a government shutdown. We really sick wounded warriors. You prices. This has led to the domestic oil do not need a government shutdown. It know those pictures we see when we industry’s insistence on repealing the is not in our national interest, it is not have a concert for a fundraising drive export ban. good for the economy, it is not good for for a veterans charitable organiza- I am all for fair and free trade. I rec- our standing in the world, and most of tion—those men who are bedridden, ognize that Iowa manufacturers and all it is not good for the way we need many who can’t talk, and some who farmers benefit from the export mar- to help the American people, whether have traumatic brain injury or some kets. One of every five tractors pro- it is in the area of national security or causing injury that causes paralysis— duced by John Deere is exported. Much economic security. your heart goes out to them, and we of Iowa’s agricultural abundance, both Having passed the CR, it is well have families taking care of them. commodities and livestock, is ex- known that the leadership on both Those families need help. The cost for ported. I understand, then, the eco- sides of the aisle and the President that care is doubling. Yet this bill nomic benefit and economic impact want to negotiate a new budget deal. doesn’t take care of it. We say: Oh, a that vibrant export markets can have So what does that mean? A new budget grateful nation never forgets. Well, we on the domestic economy, creating deal gives the Committee on Appro- seem to forget when it comes time to good-paying jobs, and on productivity. priations a top line—something called voting on the budget. What bothers me is not that Big Oil a 302(a). A 302(a) tells the Committee We have held in the Committee on is on the cusp of achieving their high- on Appropriations what it can spend. Appropriations hearing after hearing. est priority in getting Congress to pass We can’t spend over a 302(a) unless we The VA’s Secretary McDonald testified a bill to repeal the export ban, what waive the Budget Act. And the whole that the budget request for hepatitis C bothers me is that Big Oil is pushing purpose of the negotiation for the is too low by as much as $1 billion. In Congress to repeal the ban, while at budget is to lift the cap through re- fiscal year 2015 alone, the VA spent the very same time continuing to at- sponsible, bipartisan, bicameral nego- close to $700 million just on hepatitis C tack and undermine domestic renew- tiations and to come up with addi- drugs. I think we need to be able to able fuels. Iowa does not produce any tional revenue by either cuts or new give veterans the medications they crude oil or natural gas, but Iowa farm- revenue. need. ers lead the Nation in the production of My advice to my colleagues is don’t Veterans care should not be held hos- homegrown, renewable, clean ethanol go through trying to pass the bill when tage to artificial budget caps, and vet- and biodiesel. we know we are going to be getting a erans in the audience watching this Congress created the renewable fuel new allocation to truly try to meet should understand this is not a single- standard to guarantee that consumers America’s needs. We all say we love our year problem. This cap will be in place have a choice to buy clean renewable veterans. Everybody wants to wear yel- until 2021. Remember, we are not fund- fuel. Big Oil has fought tirelessly to re- low ribbons, and we all want to go to ing an agency; we are funding help for peal and undermine the renewable fuel Veterans Day observations and so on. our veterans. We want to reduce that standard law because they are afraid of But I believe you show your support for backlog. We want to make sure our competition. If Big Oil wants to get the veterans by deeds and in this case by hospitals are fit for duty. We want to export ban lifted, I would suggest they putting forth the help we do need for make sure there are no waiting lists end their selfish pursuit of the repeal our veterans. for veterans. We want to be sure that of the renewable fuel standard. The bill pending now shows we need a the way they showed up for America, Big Oil should be satisfied with new budget agreement. We need to can- we are showing up for them. These vet- achieving their highest priority, a re- cel sequester—these across-the-board erans deserve to know that promises peal of the export ban, and drop then draconian cuts—so we can keep our we made will be the promises we keep. their crusade against clean-burning promises to our veterans. Cloture on I am asking my colleagues to get se- biofuels. It is time for Big Oil to stop the motion to proceed is Washington- rious. Let’s get a real budget deal. I

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.052 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7042 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 know the Republican leadership has ate proceed to the immediate consider- priations, roughly $300 million per been in contact with the President. We ation of S. 2101; I ask unanimous con- year, it would take around 60 years be- need our Democratic leadership to be a sent that the bill be read a third time fore that Fund was exhausted. At full part of that conversation. I am the vice and passed and the motion to recon- appropriation, $900 million, it would chair of the Committee on Appropria- sider be laid upon the table. take about 20 years. When we wake up tions. This is the committee that puts The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there tomorrow after allowing LWCF’s au- the money in the Federal checkbook. I objection? thorization to expire, nothing will have want to be complimentary about the The Senator from Utah. substantively changed. Both the Sen- chairman, the distinguished gentleman Mr. LEE. Mr. President, reserving ate Energy and Natural Resources from Mississippi, Senator COCHRAN. We the right to object. Committee and the House Natural Re- know how to move bills, but what we I wish to point out the Federal Gov- sources Committee are working to re- need are the right allocations given to ernment currently owns over 600 mil- form the LWCF to address the numer- us so we can make the right decisions. lion acres of land throughout the ous issues I have raised. I know I speak Now, can we make some trims here, United States. In the opinion of many for many of my colleagues in the West can we make some strategic cuts? Yes, Americans, that is way too much. when I say that LWCF reform, espe- but we need a new budget deal that Some of my colleagues are pushing a cially with regard to Federal land ac- lifts the caps. So I therefore will vote piece of legislation that would reau- quisition, is a necessary condition of no on the motion to proceed, which is thorize the Land and Water Conserva- reauthorization. parliamentary-speak, but by voting no tion Fund—or LWCF—a program that On that basis, I object. on the parliamentary maneuver I am is primarily used for land acquisition, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- saying we vote yes in meeting the com- and they want to do this without mak- tion is heard. pelling national needs we have. ing a single reform to that same pro- The Senator from Oklahoma. Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I Let’s get a new budget deal, let’s lift gram. also wish to speak to the issue of the the caps, let’s do it in a responsible Before taking such a drastic and I be- objection on this, the Land and Water way, and let’s help move America for- lieve misguided step, I would ask my colleagues to examine the Federal Gov- Conservation Fund. ward. Twenty-nine percent of all the land Mr. President, I yield the floor. ernment’s current landholdings and in in the United States is already under I suggest the absence of a quorum. particular evaluate the manner in Federal ownership. Let me clarify. This The PRESIDING OFFICER. The which they are being maintained. is not Federal control—Federal owner- clerk will call the roll. In many Western States, the largest ship, 29 percent of the land. There is $20 The legislative clerk proceeded to landholder is the Federal Government. billion in deferred maintenance on that call the roll. In my home State of Utah, the Federal land—$20 billion. So there is a signifi- Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I ask unani- Government owns close to 70 percent of cant issue we face where a tremendous mous consent that the order for the the land within the State. This reality amount of land that is owned by the quorum call be rescinded. is hard for a lot of my colleagues from Federal Government is not being man- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. States east of the Mississippi River to aged properly, including over $11 bil- ROUNDS). Without objection, it is so or- even comprehend. dered. lion of that just in our national parks. Imagine if the Federal Government The issue here is, what is this Land SIGNING AUTHORITY could tell your constituents where they and Water Conservation Fund going to Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I ask unani- could live, recreate, hunt and fish, and be used for? Continuing to acquire new mous consent that the junior Senator how they could earn a living. Imagine land. It is actually prohibited under from Colorado be authorized to sign that the Federal Government used its the structure of this account, to actu- duly enrolled bills or joint resolutions vast landholdings to block develop- ally do any of the maintenance. So we on Wednesday, September 30. ments of the valuable natural re- are continuing to acquire new land The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without sources. Imagine further that the Land constantly, expanding landholdings, al- objection, it is so ordered. and Water Conservation Fund was used ready at 29 percent of the total prop- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- to acquire privately held lands from erty in the United States, but we are ator from New Mexico. your constituents. not doing maintenance on what we al- UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 2101 Given how much land the Federal ready have, and we continue to com- Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. President, from Government owns, it is not surprising plain there is not enough money to be coast to coast the Land and Water Con- to find out that much of it is rather able to go around and get this done. servation Fund is the primary tool poorly maintained. Specifically, the If only this was the only program that our Nation uses to fund the pro- Department of the Interior currently that actually did land acquisition in tection of our natural and our cultural has a maintenance backlog on Federal Federal control. In the past several heritage. In my home State of New public lands with an estimated cost be- years, there have been 130 conservation Mexico, the LWCF has protected some tween $13.5 and $20 billion. Instead of banks also set up by the Fish and Wild- of our most iconic and famous land- looking to acquire even more land life Service. These 130 different con- scapes—places such as the Valles through the LWCF, the Federal Gov- servation banks that are scattered Caldera National Preserve, Ute Moun- ernment should focus on properly man- around the United States actually take tain, and the Rio Grande del Norte Na- aging the land it already owns. private land and set it aside for what tional Monument. These are places Make no mistake, LWCF is a land ac- they call perpetual—perpetual—set- families go back to year after year, quisition program. According to a Con- aside. This is land that is still in pri- generation after generation to camp, gressional Research Service report vate ownership, but that is under con- hunt, hike, and fish. from October 2014: ‘‘The $16.8 billion servation that can never be changed Our public lands are uniquely Amer- appropriated throughout the history of from its current status. Just in the re- ican, but the future of our outdoor the LWCF program has been unevenly cent decades, 160,000 acres have been places—all the places we enjoy as pub- allocated among federal land acquisi- moved into what they are calling these lic lands—depends on the Land and tion (62%), the state grant program conservation banks. Water Conservation Fund. We must (25%), and other purposes (13%).’’ To reiterate, we have a growing permanently authorize and fully fund Today we are talking about the expi- amount of land that is being taken in the LWCF. Permanently and fully ration of the LWCF’s ability to accrue Federal ownership through the Land funding the Land and Water Conserva- additional revenues to the fund—noth- and Water Conservation Fund, and tion Fund will help ensure the outdoor ing more, nothing beyond that, just then we have a separate set of pro- places we all enjoy will be protected that. According to CRS, LWCF cur- grams—and this is only one of many for future generations to enjoy as well. rently has an unappropriated balance programs—that is moving other land So I ask unanimous consent that the of around $20 billion that can be appro- into Federal control and mitigation, Energy and Natural Resources Com- priated to implement LWCF projects. and we have this expanding control of mittee be discharged from and the Sen- If we assume the current rate of appro- the Federal Government.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.053 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7043 We should have National Parks. We are key to Western States. LWCF buys FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN should have land that is set aside for from willing sellers in places that of- PROGRAM public use. That is not the issue, but tentimes reduce how much we spend on Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, time is we are not taking care of what we cur- maintaining, protecting, and managing running out for the Senate to act to rently have. The key issue is, what do our Federal lands. Imagine in-holdings save the Federal Perkins Loan Pro- we do with this program, and how do that make it harder for our foresters to gram. we reform it. As has already been men- manage wildfires and to protect and do If we do nothing, this critical pro- tioned, it is the key issue. If the Land the work. We need to do a better job of gram that makes college affordable for and Water Conservation Fund has a re- managing wildfires across the West. 30,000 students per year in Illinois will So many of these issues that have form, there are ways to be able to han- expire at the end of the day. been raised, particularly reform, are a dle some of our deferred maintenance Perkins was first authorized as part red herring for what is truly an ideo- and the backlog that is there. If it of the National Defense Education Act logical opposition to the Land and doesn’t have any reform at all, we are of 1958; and, unlike Federal student Water Conservation Fund—a program continuing to purchase new land, but loans that we often think about, Per- one key thing that is in this as well, as that has put soccer fields and baseball diamonds in just about every little kins is a campus-based loan program. it currently stands right now, the Land Participating colleges and univer- and Water Conservation continues to town across the United States. All of my counties, many of my cities, have sities make low-interest federally sub- function. Nothing changes about it. sidized loans to students with excep- The only thing that changes, as of to- benefited from sports fields specifically from this fund for decades now, as well tional financial need. morrow, is that we are not adding new The program also offers forgiveness dollars into it. Twenty billion dollars as purchases like the new National Wildlife Refuge in Albuquerque’s South and cancellation options to qualifying is already sitting in that fund, enough borrowers. money to fund this program at current Valley, the Valle de Oro National Wild- life Refuge, something the local com- The real key to Perkins is the flexi- rates for 65 years’—65 years’—worth of bility it offers to schools to provide fi- savings that is already built up in this munity has enormous pride in. They had a friends group set up for this wild- nancial aid to students to make up for program. I think it is fairly safe at this gaps in costs that Pell or other finan- point. Strangely enough, the Land and life refuge before the refuge even existed. cial aid may not cover. Water Conservation Fund is more sta- If a student has an unexpected ble than Social Security is. So it is an indication of just how off base and out of the mainstream some change in the financial situation of So the argument is that there is their family, say a parent loses a job, some urgent emergency here to be able of our conversations in Washington, DC, have become that we have this ide- Perkins allows a college or university to take care of it, and to continue to to step in and provide aid to that stu- add dollars to it without reform I think ological opposition to the Land and Water Conservation Fund—a program dent to allow them to continue their will not work. We need to reform this studies. program. We need to manage carefully that is actually working as it was designed to work and that has broad bi- The campus-based nature of the pro- the land we have, and we can do that. gram means that students’ individual I would highly suggest that the com- partisan support from one coast to the financial needs can be met more effec- mittees continue to do their work to be other in this Nation. tively, and in my home State of Illi- able to continue to reform this pro- So I am disappointed in the actions nois, more than 150 institutions of gram. With that, I would also join in of my colleagues. This issue is not higher education provide Perkins the objection to extending it as it cur- going away. We have a strong coali- loans. rently exists today. tion. We are going to continue to fight College presidents and financial aid I yield back the remainder of my for the reauthorization of the Land and administrators across Illinois have told time. Water Conservation Fund. I would The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- argue that we ought to stop taking me that without this key piece to the ator from New Mexico. money out of the Land and Water Con- Federal financial aid puzzle, many stu- Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. President, my servation Fund and using it to cover dents may be left behind, unable to af- colleague from Utah purports to speak other expenses within the general fund; ford a college education. for westerners. I want to make it clear, that we should remain true to the con- But it does not have to come to that. he doesn’t speak for New Mexico, he cept of this fund as it was created back The House sent us a bill passed with doesn’t speak for me, he doesn’t speak in the 1960s, under Secretary Udall, and overwhelming bipartisan support that for my constituents, and he certainly return to a level of fiscal responsi- would extend this worthy program for doesn’t speak for the businesses that bility, where the money flowing into another year. write letters to me speaking about how the Land and Water Conservation Fund I am disappointed that an attempt to the Land and Water Conservation Fund actually benefits land and water. take up and pass this House measure to has benefited their businesses—particu- With that, I yield the floor. continue the Perkins program was larly businesses that rely on tourism The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- blocked today on the Senate floor. and outdoor recreation, that rely on ator from Oklahoma. Despite today’s setback, I hope the Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I places like the Valles Caldera National Senate will still act to extend the Fed- suggest the absence of a quorum. Preserve, that rely on places like the eral Perkins Loan Program and help The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Rio Grande National Monument for keep college in reach for more than clerk will call the roll. their livelihood. The reason why, as half a million students across the coun- The legislative clerk proceeded to try who rely on this program. westerners, I can take my kids out and call the roll. go hunting on public land and the rea- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I f son we can go camping and cut fire- ask unanimous consent that the order BUDGETARY REVISIONS wood to heat our homes is because of for the quorum call be rescinded. the public land the Land and Water The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, section 251 Conservation Fund has provided in objection, it is so ordered. of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 establishes places like New Mexico. f We had a hearing in the Energy and statutory limits on discretionary Natural Resources Committee. If any- MORNING BUSINESS spending and allows for various adjust- thing, what we heard is that we didn’t Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ments to those limits, while section 302 need to reform this program; that, ask unanimous consent that the Sen- and 314(a) of the Congressional Budget frankly, it was working better than ate be in a period of morning business, Act of 1974 allows the chairman of the just about any program in the Federal with Senators permitted to speak Budget Committee to establish and Government. therein for up to 10 minutes each. make revisions to allocation, aggre- LWCF works. It has broad bipartisan The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without gates, and levels consistent with those support. It creates recreation jobs that objection, it is so ordered. adjustments. Today, the Senate passed

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.055 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7044 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 H.R. 719, the TSA Office of Inspection the revised nonsecurity category and REVISION TO SPENDING ALLOCATION TO THE COMMITTEE Accountability Act of 2015, with Senate $700 million in outlays. ON APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016— amendment 2689, the continuing resolu- I ask unanimous consent that this [Pursuant to Sections 302 and 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of tion. This measure included a provision notice and the accompanying tables, 1974] providing $700 million to the wildland which provide details about the adjust- $ Millions 2016 fire management account for the U.S. ment, be printed in the RECORD. Forest Service in the Department of There being no objection, the mate- Current Allocation: Agriculture that was designated as rial was ordered to be printed in the Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ... 523,091 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budg- emergency funding pursuant to section RECORD, as follows: et Authority ...... 493,491 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget General Purpose Outlays ...... 1,156,644 and Deficit Control Act of 1985. The in- REVISION TO BUDGETARY AGGREGATES— Adjustments: [Pursuant to Section 311 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and S. Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ... 0 clusion of this designation makes this Con. Res. 11, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2016] Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budg- spending eligible for an adjustment et Authority ...... 700 under the Congressional Budget Act. $ Millions 2016 General Purpose Outlays ...... 700 Revised Allocation: As a result, I am revising the budg- Current Spending Aggregates: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ... 523,091 etary aggregate for 2016 by $700 million Budget Authority ...... 3,032,788 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budg- in budget authority and $700 million in Outlays ...... 3,091,273 et Authority ...... 494,191 Adjustments: General Purpose Outlays ...... 1,157,344 outlays. I am also revising the 2016 al- Budget Authority ...... 700 Outlays ...... 700 Memorandum: Adjustments by Designation locations for budget authority and out- Revised Spending Aggregates: lays to the Appropriations Committee Budget Authority ...... 3,033,488 by $700 million in budget authority for Outlays ...... 3,091,973

Program integrity Disaster relief Emergency Total

Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 0 0 0 0 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 0 0 700 700 General Purpose Outlays ...... 0 0 700 700

NOMINATION OBJECTION gation to respond to congressional in- ference for this generation and every Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I in- quiries in a timely and reasonable generation to come.∑ tend to object to any unanimous con- manner. f sent request at the present time relat- f CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH ing to the nomination of Brian James ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS Egan, of Maryland, to be Legal Adviser ∑ Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President, I would of the Department of State. like to congratulate and honor Calvary I will object because the Department RECOGNIZING THE MARINE Baptist Church of Charleston, SC, who of State has failed to fully respond to MAMMAL CENTER will celebrate their 150th anniversary almost a dozen outstanding letters dat- ∑ Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, as the on October 10, 2015. ing back to 2013. In addition, on August Marine Mammal Center, MMC, cele- In 1865, the Calvary Baptist Church 20, 2015, my staff met with Department brates its 40th anniversary, I want to was founded by Reverend Charles officials in an effort to prioritize mate- Smalls as the Baptist Church in rial for production. The Department congratulate the staff, volunteers, and supporters of this extraordinary center Charleston. The church is known as a has failed to comply with its commit- the founding member of the Baptist ments, producing material late, failing for all they have done for decades to rescue and rehabilitate more than Education and Missionary Convention to provide all requested material, and of South Carolina and Gethsemane, the even failing to provide material to the 20,000 marine mammals along our Cali- fornia coast. first African American Baptist Asso- Senate Judiciary Committee contem- ciation in South Carolina. poraneously with providing the same MMC was founded in 1975 by a small group of local residents who wanted to Calvary was damaged, but not de- documents to Freedom of Information stroyed, by an earthquake in 1886, re- Act requestors. aid sick and injured marine mammals such as elephant seals, sea lions, built after being burned down in April This past August, I warned the De- 1887, and repaired after a 1938 tornado. partment that if it failed to change its whales, sea otters, and dolphins. Over Commendably, Calvary Baptist Church ways that I would be forced to escalate the years, MMC steadily expanded its has endured tough times, but still man- the scope of my intent to object to efforts to emerge as the only organiza- aged to greatly prosper. unanimous consent requests for De- tion authorized by the National Marine Calvary Baptist Church is an exam- partment nominees. Since then, the Mammal Fisheries Service to rescue ill ple of a group who remains committed Homeland Security and Governmental or injured marine mammals along 600 to Christ and community. During the Affairs Committee chairman has joined miles of California coast. This mission civil rights movement, the church me in requesting witness interviews of has become increasingly important as fought for justice and equal oppor- Department employees. Despite the De- the effects of climate change threaten tunity. Their leadership has helped partment’s commitment to make wit- our oceans and the marine life that de- nesses available and assist in the iden- pend on them. both the Charleston community and tification of additional relevant wit- MMC also has a robust scientific re- our beloved country march forward. nesses, none of these interviews have search program that serves as an in- Today, Reverend Arthur Evans, Sr., actually been scheduled. The Depart- credible resource for information about continues to lead the congregation ment needs to respond in good faith to mammal care, medicine, and health. with praise, love, and worship. Calvary the Senate Judiciary Committee and MMC offers educational programs that has shown tremendous faith through the Homeland Security and Govern- engage the public and enrich science works of charity, and their honorable mental Affairs Committee. Thus far, it education for children, and their re- legacy will forever be appreciated. I ac- has primarily been promises with little cently renovated headquarters will ex- knowledge with pleasure the church’s or no followthrough. The Department’s pand these efforts by allowing visitors influence in Charleston and therefore good faith will be measured in docu- to watch rescued animals be cared for recognize their growth, success, and 150 ∑ ments delivered and witnesses pro- at their modern animal hospital facil- years rooted in faith. vided. ity. f My objection is not intended to ques- For 40 years, MMC has worked tire- tion the credentials of Mr. Egan in any lessly to protect our magnificent ma- OTTAWA UNIVERSITY way. However, the Department must rine animals, and I know their work ∑ Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I wish to recognize that it has an ongoing obli- will continue to make a profound dif- commemorate the 150th anniversary of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.042 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7045 the founding of Ottawa University in TRIBUTE TO MIKE HORSLEY of these and all of his many accom- Ottawa, KS. ∑ Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, it is plishments, I want to congratulate him Ottawa University has grown from a with great pleasure and the highest re- on his outstanding career and to wish single building in 1865 to a comprehen- gards that I speak on the retirement of him the best in his impending retire- sive, global institution of higher learn- my long-time friend and valued con- ment.∑ ing dedicated to preparing and edu- stituent James Michael Horsley. Mike f cating students to have a lifetime of announced his retirement as president enlightened faith, exemplary service, of the Alabama Hospital Association MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT inspired leadership, and personal earlier this year and is planning to Messages from the President of the growth and significance. transition to his next venture in No- United States were communicated to The university traces its roots to a vember. the Senate by Mr. Pate, one of his sec- strong partnership between Baptist Mike has had a long and distin- retaries. missionaries and the Ottawa Indian guished career with the Alabama Hos- tribe. In 1865, the partnership between pital Association and has represented f members of the Baptist church and the well the interests of hospitals and the EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED Ottawa Indian tribe, under the leader- patients they serve. His tremendous ship of Tauy Jones, led to the founding knowledge of the health care industry As in executive session the Presiding of a school for the benefit of children of has been a valuable resource for mem- Officer laid before the Senate messages the Ottawa Indian tribe. Originally bers of the Alabama delegation. This from the President of the United chartered as a boarding school, OU’s knowledge is grounded not only in his States submitting sundry nominations leaders also recognized the importance 24 years of service to the association which were referred to the Committee of offering a college-level education but also in his service to the State as on Armed Services. and having a college to serve as an eco- commissioner of both the Alabama (The messages received today are nomic growth engine for the commu- Medicaid Agency and the Alabama De- printed at the end of the Senate pro- nity emerging around the Marais des partment of Mental Health. His knowl- ceedings.) Cygnes River. edge of health policy is unparalleled in f Ottawa University’s partnership with the State and his expertise will be sore- PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE the Ottawa Indian tribe remains ly missed as we continue to discuss the strong. In 2008, Kevin C. Eichner, presi- myriad of issues concerning health dent of Ottawa University, and Chief care delivery. Not only is Mike well versed in NOTIFICATION OF THE PRESI- John Ballard of the Ottawa Tribe of health policy, but he is also a skilled DENT’S INTENT TO TERMINATE Oklahoma, entered into an agreement negotiator, who has been able to con- THE DESIGNATIONS OF to grant, in perpetuity, free tuition and vene diverse interests and facilitate SEYCHELLES, URUGUAY, AND room and board to all certified mem- lasting solutions that benefit all par- VENEZUELA AS BENEFICIARY bers of the Ottawa tribe who wish to ties. He is respected as a man for his DEVELOPING COUNTRIES UNDER attend the residential college in Ot- word, with a reputation for being eth- THE GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF tawa, KS, or any of OU’s adult on- ical in all of his endeavors. PREFERENCES (GSP) PROGRAM— ground or online programs. This 2008 Mike is a strategic thinker who pos- PM 24 agreement has been widely embraced sesses the ability to find innovative so- The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- and celebrated by members of the tribe lutions for seemingly insurmountable and the faculty, alumni, board mem- fore the Senate the following message challenges. Under his leadership, Ala- from the President of the United bers, and friends of OU as emblematic bama’s hospitals have been able to proof the institution’s core mission and States which was referred to the Com- vide extraordinarily good care with mittee on Finance: principles and its enduring commit- very limited resources. In addition, he ment to maintaining a strong partner- has been very active in highlighting To the Congress of the United States: ship with the Ottawa Indian tribe. the inequalities of the current Medi- In accordance with section 502(f)(2) of Throughout its history, Ottawa Uni- care wage index payment mechanism the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the versity has pursued an innovative ap- and advocating for a change of the bro- ‘‘1974 Act’’) (19 U.S.C. 2462(f)(2)), I am proach to higher education. In the ken system. I commend Mike’s tireless providing notification of my intent to 1970s, OU was among the first univer- work to reform the Medicare Area terminate the designations of sities to embrace a growing demand for Wage Index, and I am proud to have Seychelles, Uruguay, and Venezuela as programs of higher education specifi- worked with him on many successful beneficiary developing countries under cally tailored to the needs of adult stu- endeavors to improve the wage index. the Generalized System of Preferences dents, opening an adult campus in Kan- In 2003, after leadership by the Ala- (GSP) program. Section 502(e) of the sas City in 1974; Phoenix, AZ, in 1977; bama Hospital Association, the Con- 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. 2462(e)) provides Brookfield, WI, in 1992; Jeffersonville, gress passed legislation that improved that if the President determines that a IN, in 2002; and Chandler, AZ, in 2009. the wage index for several rural States. beneficiary developing country has be- In 2008, OU began offering complete de- The action resulted in payment gains come a ‘‘high income’’ country, as degree programs online. for hospitals in Alabama of approxi- fined by the official statistics of the Today, Ottawa University serves mately $1 million per hospital per year. International Bank for Reconstruction more than 5,000 students from 50 States The State of Alabama has been lucky and Development of the World Bank and six countries. The university em- to have him as their champion on this (the ‘‘World Bank’’), the President ploys more than 200 faculty and staff issue. shall terminate the designation of such who are committed to ensuring that I also want to commend him for his country as a beneficiary developing each student receives a high-quality exemplary service to his country as an country for purposes of the GSP pro- education that honors OU’s mission active member of the U.S. Navy and as gram, effective on January 1 of the sec- and history. Today there are more than a long-time reservist. Mike was a re- ond year following the year in which 23,000 distinguished OU graduates serv- spected intelligence officer who retired such determination is made. ing their communities, professions, and at the rank of captain and was respon- Pursuant to section 502(e) of the 1974 churches around the world. sible for keeping many of our Navy Act, I have determined that it is appro- Congratulations to Ottawa Univer- men and women out of harm’s way. priate to terminate the designations of sity on the 150th anniversary of its In addition to this remarkable career Seychelles, Uruguay, and Venezuela as founding, its enduring partnership with and military service, Mike is also a de- beneficiary developing countries under the Ottawa Indian tribe, and the voted husband, father, and grandfather. the GSP program, because they have achievements of all faculty, staff, stu- He has been married to Wanda for al- become high income countries as de- dents, and alumni who have contrib- most 40 years, and together, they have fined by the World Bank. Accordingly, uted to the university’s success.∑ one son and two grandchildren. In light their eligibility for trade benefits

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.015 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7046 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 under the GSP program will end on visions of law administered by the Secretary REPORTS OF COMMITTEES of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. January 1, 2017. The following reports of committees ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED BARACK OBAMA. were submitted: THE WHITE HOUSE, September 30, 2015. At 5:20 p.m., a message from the House of Representatives, delivered by By Mr. BARRASSO, from the Committee f on Indian Affairs, without amendment: Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, NOTIFICATION OF THE PRESI- S. 209. A bill to amend the Indian Tribal announced that the Speaker has signed Energy Development and Self-Determination DENT’S INTENT TO TERMINATE the following enrolled bills: THE DESIGNATION OF Act of 2005, and for other purposes (Rept. No. S. 136. An act to amend chapter 21 of title 114–149). SEYCHELLES AS A BENEFICIARY 5, United States Code, to provide that fa- f SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN COUN- thers of certain permanently disabled or de- TRY UNDER THE AFRICAN ceased veterans shall be included with moth- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT ers of such veterans as preference eligibles JOINT RESOLUTIONS (AGOA) PROGRAM—PM 25 for treatment in the civil service. S. 139. An act to permanently allow an ex- The following bills and joint resolu- The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- clusion under the Supplemental Security In- tions were introduced, read the first fore the Senate the following message come program and the Medicaid program for and second times by unanimous con- from the President of the United compensation provided to individuals who sent, and referred as indicated: States which was referred to the Com- participate in clinical trials for rare diseases By Mr. LEE (for himself, Mr. GRASS- mittee on Finance: or conditions. LEY, and Mr. HATCH): S. 565. An act to reduce the operation and To the Congress of the United States: S. 2102. A bill to amend the Clayton Act maintenance costs associated with the Fed- and the Federal Trade Commission Act to I am providing notification of my in- eral fleet by encouraging the use of remanu- tent to terminate the designation of provide that the Federal Trade Commission factured parts, and for other purposes. shall exercise authority with respect to S. 2082. An act to amend title 38, United Seychelles as a beneficiary sub-Saha- mergers only under the Clayton Act and only States Code, to extend certain expiring pro- ran African country under the African in the same procedural manner as the Attor- visions of law administered by the Secretary Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) ney General exercises such authority; to the of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. program. Committee on the Judiciary. Section 506A(a)(1) of the Trade Act of H.R. 3614. An act to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the By Mr. DONNELLY (for himself and 1974, as amended (the ‘‘1974 Act’’) (19 airport improvement program, to amend the Mr. FLAKE): U.S.C. 2466a(a)(1)) authorizes the Presi- Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the S. 2103. A bill to modify a provision relat- dent to designate a country listed in funding and expenditure authority of the ing to adjustments of certain State appor- section 107 of the AGOA (19 U.S.C. 3706) Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for tionments for Federal highway programs, as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African other purposes. and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. country eligible for the benefits de- The enrolled bills were subsequently By Mr. PORTMAN (for himself and Mr. scribed in section 506A(b) of the 1974 signed by the Acting President pro CASEY): Act (19 U.S.C. 2466a(b)), if the President tempore (Mr. GARDNER). S. 2104. A bill to amend title XVIII of the determines that the country meets the Social Security Act to provide relief to eligibility requirements in section 104 At 5:42 p.m., a message from the Medicare Advantage plans with a significant of the AGOA (19 U.S.C. 3703), subject to House of Representatives, delivered by number of dually eligible or low-income sub- the authority granted to the President Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, sidy beneficiaries and to prevent the termi- under subsections (a), (d), and (e) of announced that the House agrees to nation of two star plans; to the Committee the amendment of the Senate to the on Finance. section 502 of the 1974 Act. By Mr. MURPHY (for himself, Mr. Pursuant to section 502(e) of the 1974 amendment of the House to the amend- HOEVEN, Mr. SCHUMER, and Mr. Act, I have determined that Seychelles ment of the Senate to the bill (H.R. BLUMENTHAL): has become a ‘‘high income’’ country 719) to require the Transportation Se- S. 2105. A bill to authorize funding for, and and its designation as a beneficiary curity Administration to conform to increase accessibility to, the National Miss- sub-Saharan country is no longer with- existing Federal law and regulations ing and Unidentified Persons System, to fa- in the authority granted to the Presi- regarding criminal investigator posi- cilitate data sharing between such system dent under section 502 of the 1974 Act. tions, and for other purposes. and the National Crime Information Center Accordingly, pursuant to section The message further announced that database of the Federal Bureau of Investiga- the House has agreed to the following tion, to provide incentive grants to help fa- 506A(a)(1) of the 1974 Act (19 U.S.C. cilitate reporting to such systems, and for 2466a(a)(1)), I have determined that concurrent resolution, in which it re- other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- Seychelles is no longer eligible for ben- quests the concurrence of the Senate: diciary. efits as a beneficiary sub-Saharan Afri- H. Con. Res. 79. Concurrent resolution di- By Mr. BROWN (for himself and Mr. can country for the purpose of section recting the Clerk of the House of Representa- TILLIS): 506A of the 1974 Act, effective January tives to make corrections in the enrollment S. 2106. A bill to require the Secretary of 1, 2017. of H.R. 719. Veterans Affairs to develop and publish an ENROLLED BILL SIGNED action plan for improving the vocational re- BARACK OBAMA. habilitation services and assistance provided THE WHITE HOUSE, September 30, 2015. At 5:53 p.m., a message from the House of Representatives, delivered by by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and f Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- for other purposes; to the Committee on Vet- MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE erans’ Affairs. nounced that the Speaker has signed By Mr. REED (for himself and Mr. At 9:55 a.m., a message from the the following enrolled bill: BLUNT): House of Representatives, delivered by H.R. 719. An act to require the Transpor- S. 2107. A bill to amend the Public Health Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, tation Security Administration to conform Service Act to help build a stronger health announced that the House has passed to existing Federal law and regulations re- care workforce; to the Committee on Health, the following bill, in which it requests garding criminal investigator positions, and Education, Labor, and Pensions. the concurrence of the Senate: for other purposes. By Mr. TOOMEY (for himself and Mr. BENNET): H.R. 3495. An act to amend title XIX of the The enrolled bill was subsequently S. 2108. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to allow for greater signed by the Acting President pro Social Security Act to provide for an exten- State flexibility with respect to excluding tempore (Mr. GARDNER). sion of certain long-term care hospital pay- providers who are involved in abortions. f ment rules and the moratorium on the estab- At 3:30 p.m., a message from the MEASURES REFERRED lishment of certain hospitals and facilities; House of Representatives, delivered by to the Committee on Finance. The following concurrent resolution By Mr. JOHNSON: Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- was read, and referred as indicated: S. 2109. A bill to direct the Administrator nounced that the House has passed the H. Con. Res. 79. Concurrent resolution di- of the Federal Emergency Management following bill, without amendment: recting the Clerk of the House of Representa- Agency to develop an integrated plan to re- S. 2082. An act to amend title 38, United tives to make corrections in the enrollment duce administrative costs under the Robert States Code, to extend certain expiring proof H.R. 719; to the Committee on Finance. T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE6.012 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7047 Assistance Act, and for other purposes; to end to modern slavery, and for other S. 1521 the Committee on Homeland Security and purposes. At the request of Mr. SCOTT, the Governmental Affairs. S. 613 name of the Senator from Kentucky By Mrs. MURRAY (for herself, Mrs. (Mr. PAUL) was added as a cosponsor of GILLIBRAND, Mrs. MCCASKILL, Mrs. At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, S. 1521, a bill to amend the Internal SHAHEEN, Ms. MIKULSKI, Ms. CANT- the name of the Senator from Vermont WELL, Ms. BALDWIN, Ms. STABENOW, (Mr. SANDERS) was added as a cospon- Revenue Code of 1986 to increase access Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Ms. sor of S. 613, a bill to amend the Rich- for the uninsured to high quality phy- HIRONO, and Ms. WARREN): ard B. Russell National School Lunch sician care. S. 2110. A bill to amend the Employee Re- Act to improve the efficiency of sum- S. 1539 tirement Income Security Act of 1974 to pro- mer meals. At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, the vide for greater spousal protection under defined contribution plans, and for other pur- S. 624 name of the Senator from Vermont poses; to the Committee on Health, Edu- At the request of Mr. BROWN, the (Mr. SANDERS) was added as a cospon- cation, Labor, and Pensions. names of the Senator from New Mexico sor of S. 1539, a bill to amend the Rich- By Mr. BENNET (for himself and Mr. (Mr. HEINRICH), the Senator from Mis- ard B. Russell National School Lunch RUBIO): souri (Mr. BLUNT), the Senator from Act to establish a permanent, nation- S. 2111. A bill to establish an alternative, Montana (Mr. TESTER), the Senator wide summer electronic benefits trans- outcomes-based process for authorizing inno- fer for children program. vative, high-quality higher education pro- from Rhode Island (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) S. 1555 viders to participate in programs under title and the Senator from Massachusetts IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965; to (Mr. MARKEY) were added as cosponsors At the request of Ms. HIRONO, the the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, of S. 624, a bill to amend title XVIII of name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. and Pensions. the Social Security Act to waive coin- MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor By Mr. SCOTT (for himself and Mr. surance under Medicare for colorectal of S. 1555, a bill to award a Congres- GRASSLEY): cancer screening tests, regardless of sional Gold Medal, collectively, to the S. 2112. A bill to require law enforcement whether therapeutic intervention is re- Filipino veterans of World War II, in agencies to report the use of lethal force, and recognition of the dedicated service of for other purposes; to the Committee on the quired during the screening. Judiciary . S. 711 the veterans during World War II. By Mr. COONS (for himself and Mr. At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, S. 1559 DAINES): the name of the Senator from New At the request of Ms. AYOTTE, the S. 2113. A bill to harness the expertise, in- York (Mr. SCHUMER) was added as a co- name of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. genuity, and creativity of all people to con- sponsor of S. 711, a bill to amend sec- SCHATZ) was added as a cosponsor of S. tribute to innovation in the United States 1559, a bill to protect victims of domes- and to help solve problems or scientific question 520J of the Public Service Health tions by encouraging and increasing the use Act to authorize grants for mental tic violence, sexual assault, stalking, of crowdsourcing and citizen science meth- health first aid training programs. and dating violence from emotional ods within the Federal Government, as ap- S. 931 and psychological trauma caused by propriate, and for other purposes; to the At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the acts of violence or threats of violence Committee on Commerce, Science, and name of the Senator from New Mexico against their pets. Transportation. (Mr. UDALL) was added as a cosponsor S. 1742 f of S. 931, a bill to amend the Internal At the request of Ms. HEITKAMP, the SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that a name of the Senator from Michigan SENATE RESOLUTIONS deduction equal to fair market value (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- shall be allowed for charitable con- sor of S. 1742, a bill to improve the pro- The following concurrent resolutions tributions of literary, musical, artistic, vision of postal services to rural areas and Senate resolutions were read, and or scholarly compositions created by of the United States. referred (or acted upon), as indicated: the donor. S. 1757 By Mr. MORAN (for himself and Mr. S. 968 At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the ROBERTS): S. Res. 272. A resolution congratulating the At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, name of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. University of Kansas for 150 years of out- the name of the Senator from Delaware ROBERTS) was added as a cosponsor of standing service to the State of Kansas, the (Mr. COONS) was added as a cosponsor S. 1757, a bill to amend title XVIII of United States, and the world; to the Com- of S. 968, a bill to require the Commis- the Social Security Act to promote mittee on the Judiciary. sioner of Social Security to revise the health care technology innovation and f medical and evaluation criteria for de- access to medical devices and services termining disability in a person diag- for which patients choose to self-pay ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS nosed with Huntington’s Disease and to under the Medicare program, and for S. 314 waive the 24-month waiting period for other purposes. At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the Medicare eligibility for individuals dis- S. 1833 name of the Senator from Minnesota abled by Huntington’s Disease. At the request of Mr. CASEY, the (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) was added as a co- S. 1013 name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. sponsor of S. 314, a bill to amend title At the request of Mr. COCHRAN, the HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of S. XVIII of the Social Security Act to name of the Senator from Arkansas 1833, a bill to amend the Richard B. provide for coverage under the Medi- (Mr. BOOZMAN) was added as a cospon- Russell National School Lunch Act to care program of pharmacist services. sor of S. 1013, a bill to amend title improve the child and adult care food S. 334 XVIII of the Social Security Act to program. At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the provide for coverage and payment for S. 1844 names of the Senator from Arkansas complex rehabilitation technology At the request of Mr. HOEVEN, the (Mr. COTTON) and the Senator from items under the Medicare program, and name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. North Carolina (Mr. TILLIS) were added for other purposes. HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of S. as cosponsors of S. 334, a bill to amend S. 1383 1844, a bill to amend the Agricultural title 31, United States Code, to provide At the request of Mr. PERDUE, the Marketing Act of 1946 to provide for for automatic continuing resolutions. name of the Senator from South Caro- voluntary country of origin labeling S. 553 lina (Mr. SCOTT) was added as a cospon- for beef, pork, and chicken. At the request of Mr. CORKER, the sor of S. 1383, a bill to amend the Con- S. 1915 name of the Senator from Michigan sumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 At the request of Ms. AYOTTE, the (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- to subject the Bureau of Consumer Fi- name of the Senator from California sor of S. 553, a bill to marshal resources nancial Protection to the regular ap- (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- to undertake a concerted, trans- propriations process, and for other pur- sponsor of S. 1915, a bill to direct the formative effort that seeks to bring an poses. Secretary of Homeland Security to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE6.016 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7048 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 make anthrax vaccines and S. 2101 Scholarship and Loan Repayment Pro- antimicrobials available to emergency At the request of Mr. TESTER, his grams, and the State Loan Repayment response providers, and for other pur- name was added as a cosponsor of S. Program, this legislation would estab- poses. 2101, a bill to amend title 54, United lish a state scholarship program. Like S. 1974 States Code, to extend the Land and the NHSC State Loan Repayment Pro- At the request of Ms. HEITKAMP, the Water Conservation Fund. gram, States would be able to receive a name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. S.J. RES. 15 dollar-for-dollar match to support indi- PORTMAN) was added as a cosponsor of At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the viduals that commit to practicing in S. 1974, a bill to require the Bureau of name of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. the State in which the scholarship was Consumer Financial Protection to SCHATZ) was added as a cosponsor of issued after completing their education amend its regulations relating to quali- S.J. Res. 15, a joint resolution remov- and training. At least 50 percent of the fied mortgages, and for other purposes. ing the deadline for the ratification of funding would be required to support S. 1996 the equal rights amendment. individuals committed to pursuing ca- At the request of Mr. WARNER, the S.J. RES. 16 reers in primary care. The States name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the would have the flexibility to use the re- KAINE) was added as a cosponsor of S. name of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. maining 50 percent to support scholar- 1996, a bill to streamline the employer SCHATZ) was added as a cosponsor of ships to educate students in other doc- reporting process and strengthen the S.J. Res. 16, a joint resolution pro- umented health care professional eligibility verification process for the posing an amendment to the Constitu- shortages in the state that are ap- premium assistance tax credit and tion of the United States relative to proved by the Secretary of Health and cost-sharing subsidy. equal rights for men and women. Human Services. S. 2015 S. RES. 267 The Building a Health Care Work- At the request of Mr. ALEXANDER, the At the request of Ms. BALDWIN, the force for the Future Act would also au- name of the Senator from Tennessee name of the Senator from South Da- thorize grants to medical schools to de- (Mr. CORKER) was added as a cosponsor kota (Mr. ROUNDS) was added as a co- velop primary care mentors on faculty of S. 2015, a bill to clarify the treat- sponsor of S. Res. 267, a resolution ex- and in the community. According to ment of two or more employers as joint pressing support for the continuation the Association of American Medical employers under the National Labor of the Federal Perkins Loan program. Colleges, graduating medical students Relations Act. f consistently state that role models are one of the most important factors af- S. 2034 STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED fecting the career path they choose. At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS name of the Senator from Oklahoma Building a network of primary care (Mr. LANKFORD) was added as a cospon- By Mr. REED (for himself and mentors in the classroom and in a vari- sor of S. 2034, a bill to amend title 18, Mr. BLUNT): ety of practice settings will help guide United States Code, to provide addi- S. 2107. A bill to amend the Public more medical students into careers in tional aggravating factors for the im- Health Service Act to help build a primary care. position of the death penalty based on stronger health care workforce; to the The legislation would couple these the status of the victim. Committee on Health, Education, mentorship grants with an initiative to Labor, and Pensions. S. 2067 improve the education and training of- Mr. REED. Mr. President, I am At the request of Mr. WICKER, the fered by medical schools in com- pleased to be joined by Senator BLUNT names of the Senator from Mississippi petencies most critical to primary in the reintroduction of the Building a (Mr. COCHRAN), the Senator from Penn- care, including patient-centered med- Health Care Workforce for the Future sylvania (Mr. TOOMEY), the Senator ical homes, primary and behavioral Act. health integration, and team-based from Louisiana (Mr. CASSIDY), the Sen- According to the Association of care. ator from North Dakota (Mr. HOEVEN), American Medical Colleges, by 2025, the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. KLO- there will be a shortage of up to 90,000 It would also direct the Institute of BUCHAR) and the Senator from Idaho physicians. Approximately 1/3 of the Medicine, IOM, to study and make rec- (Mr. RISCH) were added as cosponsors of shortage, up to 31,100 will be in pri- ommendations about ways to limit the S. 2067, a bill to establish EUREKA mary care. Individuals and families liv- administrative burden on providers in Prize Competitions to accelerate dis- ing in underserved areas, urban and documenting cognitive services deliv- covery and development of disease- rural, will continue to be those most ered to patients. Primary care pro- modifying, preventive, or curative disadvantaged by this shortage. viders treat patients in need of these treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and Last year, we expanded our health services almost exclusively, and as related dementia, to encourage efforts care system to provide health insur- such, spend a significant percentage of to enhance detection and diagnosis of ance to millions more Americans. In their day documenting care. That is such diseases, or to enhance the qual- fact, recent studies have shown that not the case for providers who perform ity and efficiency of care of individuals the uninsured rate has decreased to the procedures, like surgeries. This IOM with such diseases. lowest level since 1997 over the last 2 study would help uncover ways to sim- S. 2071 years. In Rhode Island, the uninsured plify documentation requirements, par- At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the rate decreased by half, down to 5 per- ticularly for delivering cognitive serv- name of the Senator from Washington cent. As a result, millions of Ameri- ices, in order to eliminate one of the (Ms. CANTWELL) was added as a cospon- cans are going to the doctor for preven- potential factors that may discourage sor of S. 2071, a bill to amend title tive health care for the first time. In medical students from pursuing careers XVIII of the Social Security Act to order for these efforts to be successful, in primary care. modernize payments for ambulatory we must expand our health care work- Providers across the spectrum of care surgical centers under the Medicare force to ensure that we have enough recognize that this bipartisan legisla- program, and for other purposes. health care professionals to treat the tion is part of the solution to address- S. 2075 newly insured. ing the looming health care workforce At the request of Mr. BROWN, the The Building a Health Care Work- shortage and have lent their support, name of the Senator from California force for the Future Act would author- including: the Alliance for Specialty (Mrs. BOXER) was added as a cosponsor ize programs that would grow the over- Medicine, the American Association of of S. 2075, a bill to amend the Internal all number of health care providers, as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the ex- well as encourage providers to pursue American Association of Colleges of cise tax on high cost employer-spon- careers in geographic and practice Osteopathic Medicine, the Association sored health coverage and to express areas of highest need. of Academic Health Centers, and the the sense of the Senate that the result- Building on the success of the Na- Association of American Medical Col- ing revenue loss should be offset. tional Health Service Corp, NHSC, leges.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE6.019 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7049 I look forward to working with these simple math: Lower wages make it It is time to make more progress on and other stakeholders as well as Sen- hard to support a family, let alone save paid sick leave, so women aren’t penal- ator BLUNT and our colleagues to pass enough for retirement. Women are also ized for taking care of their families. I the Building a Health Care Workforce much more likely to work part-time, have introduced a bill called the for the Future Act in order to help en- sometimes so they can take on Healthy Families Act to allow workers sure patients have access to the health caregiving responsibilities. to earn paid sick days. Those solutions care they need. This earnings gap leads to a retire- to empower women in today’s work- ment gap later in life. Don’t forget, place will pay off for their golden years By Mrs. MURRAY (for herself, workers in low wage and part-time to come. Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mrs. MCCAS- jobs, often don’t have access to a re- Today, I am proud to introduce a bill KILL, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Ms. MIKUL- tirement savings plan at work. A new with a number of my Democratic SKI, Ms. CANTWELL, Ms. BALD- GAO report shows that workers in low- women colleagues. It is called the WIN, Ms. STABENOW, Ms. KLO- wage and part-time jobs are among the Women’s Pension Protection Act, and BUCHAR, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Ms. least likely to participate in a work- it would take three major steps to pro- HIRONO, and Ms. WARREN): place retirement plan. It is mainly be- tect women’s retirement security. S. 2110. A bill to amend the Employee cause these plans are not offered or be- First, my bill would expand spousal Retirement Income Security Act of cause they are not eligible. Keep in protections to cover defined contribu- 1974 to provide for greater spousal pro- mind this is particularly problematic tion plans, like 401(k)s. These protec- tection under defined contribution for women, because they make up the tions already exist for defined benefit plans, and for other purposes; to the majority of low-wage and part-time plans, and it is just common sense to Committee on Health, Education, workers. extend these protections to defined Labor, and Pensions. It is not that these workers don’t contribution plans as well. It would Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise want to save for their future. This help improve access to retirement sav- today to introduce the Women’s Pen- same GAO report found that when ings plans for part-time workers. This sion Protection Act of 2015. given the opportunity, a majority of bill would improve women’s financial Out in Washington State, I recently part-time workers and workers in low- literacy. With fewer traditional pen- heard from a woman named Cathy. A wage jobs do participate in retirement sions, people will need to make some few years ago, Cathy said she got a plans. For a long time, people assumed difficult financial decisions in retire- taste of what it is like to have serious that these workers would not take ad- ment. So, increasing financial literacy doubts about her future in retirement. vantage of a workplace retirement ac- will be very important in the years Her husband was unemployed. On one count or that they couldn’t afford to ahead. income, they were trying to pay the save. This report busts that myth. In- Ensuring women are able to access a bills, pay for health insurance, and pay stead, it is the lack of access to retire- secure retirement is part of my ongo- for college tuition for their younger ment plans that prevent many workers ing work to help our economy grow in son. Every month, Cathy said they had from saving. the way we know is strongest: from the to dip further and further into their re- But, as if all that wasn’t enough, 401k middle out, not the top down. tirement savings. She said she would plans today lack basic consumer pro- Eighty years ago, Franklin D. Roo- stay awake at night, worrying how tections. I have heard from advocates sevelt signed the Social Security Act they were going to make it all work. who work with women whose husbands into law. At the time, he called it ‘‘a When I hear stories like Cathy’s, it cashed out their 401k during a separa- cornerstone in a structure, which is reaffirms for me what we should be tion or right before a divorce. Right being built, but it is, by no means, working on in Congress. We need to now, there is nothing in the law that complete.’’ We added on to that origi- grow our economy from the middle out, prevents that from happening. That is nal cornerstone with Medicare, Med- not the top down. Our country should just not right. icaid, and the Older Americans Act. work for all families, not just the Without consumer protections, both Those programs laid the foundation for wealthiest few. That is especially true husbands and wives are at risk of hav- seniors to have solid footing in Amer- for seniors—who, after a lifetime of ing the rug pulled out from under them ica’s middle class. hard work, deserve to live healthy, full, because their spouse made a financial Now, it is time to build on that foun- and financially secure lives. decision without their knowledge. dation. Because like FDR foresaw 80 I believe a secure retirement is one of These challenges—from inequality in years ago, the structure of retirement the surest hallmarks of a strong middle the workplace to gaps in consumer pro- security is still incomplete. We need to class. But seniors today are facing tections—won’t just go away. In fact, start the next phase to address the some daunting challenges, just like they will only get worse until we re- pressing challenges that seniors face Cathy. solve to do something about it for sen- today. I am going to be fighting to Many Americans simply don’t have iors today, for those who want to retire make sure more workers, more seniors enough savings. They are relying on in the next few years, and for future and more families have access to a thin Social Security checks that barely generations. healthy, independent, and financially last until the end of the month. Some- Thankfully, we can do something secure retirement. I am going to keep times, they are forced to choose be- about it. We need to address the in- fighting to build an ever-stronger foun- tween paying for groceries or paying equalities that women face during dation for families in my home State for a prescription. their working years. It is time to fi- of Washington State, and across the Too often, it is women who struggle nally ensure women get equal pay for Nation, for generations to come. the most with financial hardship in re- equal work. The Paycheck Fairness tirement, more so than men. Why is Act would tackle pay discrimination f this? Well, for one, women live longer head-on. I hope we can all agree that in SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS than men. So, they are more likely to the 21st century, workers should be outlive their retirement savings. paid fairly for the work they do, re- But there are also some systemic gardless of their gender. challenges we need to address to make We should raise the minimum wage SENATE RESOLUTION 272—CON- sure women are better able to have a to $12 by 2020. It will put more money GRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY secure retirement. During their work- in workers’ pockets so they can spend OF KANSAS FOR 150 YEARS OF ing years, women earn less than men. it in their local communities and put OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE Today, women make just 78 cents for more away for retirement. My bill will STATE OF KANSAS, THE UNITED every dollar a man makes. That is just provide a strong floor—a Federal bare STATES, AND THE WORLD patently unfair. Women are more like- minimum—that workers and cities can Mr. MORAN (for himself and Mr. ly than men to work low-wage jobs. In build off of and go even higher where it ROBERTS) submitted the following reso- fact, women comprise two-thirds of all makes sense—like in Seattle in my lution; which was referred to the Com- minimum-wage workers. It is plain and home State of Washington. mittee on the Judiciary:

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S. RES. 272 laureate, and Governors and Senators have ‘‘(B) increased by $0.40 an hour (or such Whereas the University of Kansas was launched careers at the University of Kan- lesser amount as may be necessary to equal founded in 1865 as the State university for sas, including former Senate Majority Lead- the minimum wage under section 6(a)(1) of the State of Kansas, embodying the values er Bob Dole; and such Act), beginning on September 30, 2015, and ideals of the people who fought and died Whereas the Robert J. Dole Institute of and on September 30 of every third year to ensure that Kansas would enter the Union Politics offers opportunities for all citizens thereafter, until the minimum wage applica- as a free State, as symbolized by the mascot to discover how to best serve their commu- ble to American Samoa under this paragraph of the university, the Jayhawk; nities: Now, therefore, be it is equal to the minimum wage set forth in Whereas, 150 years after its founding, the Resolved, That the Senate— such section.’’. University of Kansas is home to 28,000 stu- (1) recognizes that the diverse elements of (b) GAO REPORTS.—Section 8104 of the Fair dents and 2,800 faculty; the University of Kansas are united by the Minimum Wage Act of 2007 (29 U.S.C. 206 Whereas the university graduates more mission to educate leaders, build healthy note) is amended— than 6,700 individuals each year who join the communities, and make discoveries that (1) in subsection (a)— ranks of the 338,240 Jayhawk alumni living benefit and improve society; and (A) by striking ‘‘September 1, 2011’’ and in- throughout Kansas, the United States, and (2) congratulates the University of Kansas serting ‘‘April 1, 2017’’; and the world; for 150 years of outstanding service to the (B) by striking the second sentence and in- Whereas the University of Kansas has been State of Kansas, the United States, and the serting the following: ‘‘The Government Ac- a member of the prestigious Association of world. countability Office shall submit a subse- American Universities since 1909; f quent report not later than April 1, 2020.’’; Whereas the University of Kansas has been (2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘the study open to all genders and races since its found- AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND under subsection (a)’’ and inserting ‘‘any re- ing; PROPOSED port under subsection (a)’’; and Whereas the first valedictorian of the uni- SA 2704. Mr. BLUMENTHAL submitted an (3) by adding at the end the following: versity was Flora Richardson in 1873; amendment intended to be proposed by him ‘‘(c) REPORT ON ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF Whereas the University of Kansas has 13 to the bill S. 1493, to provide for an increase, INCREASING THE MINIMUM WAGE IN AMERICAN schools, offers more than 600 degree pro- effective December 1, 2015, in the rates of SAMOA.—Not later than 1 year after the date grams, and has students come from all 50 compensation for veterans with service-con- of enactment of ‘An Act to amend the Fair States and 105 countries to study at the uni- nected disabilities and the rates of depend- Minimum Wage Act of 2007 to reduce a sched- versity; ency and indemnity compensation for the uled increase in the minimum wage applica- Whereas the University of Kansas recog- survivors of certain disabled veterans, and ble to American Samoa’, the Government nizes that the understanding of world cul- for other purposes; which was ordered to lie Accountability Office shall transmit to Con- tures is essential for the progress of the on the table. gress a report on alternative ways of increas- United States; SA 2705. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. ISAK- ing the minimum wage in American Samoa Whereas the university offers more than 40 SON) proposed an amendment to the bill H.R. to keep pace with the cost of living in Amer- separate language courses; 2617, to amend the Fair Minimum Wage Act ican Samoa and to eventually equal the min- Whereas continuing education programs at of 2007 to reduce a scheduled increase in the imum wage set forth in section 6(a)(1) of the the University of Kansas include fire and law minimum wage applicable to American Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. enforcement training centers that annually 206(a)(1)).’’. train over 5,000 public safety officers across Samoa. SA 2706. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. ISAK- (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This Act, and the Kansas; SON) proposed an amendment to the bill H.R. amendments made by this Act, shall take ef- Whereas basketball was first played at the fect as of September 29, 2015. University of Kansas in 1898, coached by 2617, supra. f James Naismith, the inventor of the game, SA 2706. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. and the university has one of the most suc- TEXT OF AMENDMENTS ISAKSON) proposed an amendment to cessful programs in the country, winning 5 national championships and more than 2,150 SA 2704. Mr. BLUMENTHAL sub- the bill H.R. 2617, to amend the Fair games; mitted an amendment intended to be Minimum Wage Act of 2007 to reduce a Whereas Allen Fieldhouse has hosted the proposed by him to the bill S. 1493, to scheduled increase in the minimum University of Kansas basketball games since provide for an increase, effective De- wage applicable to American Samoa; as 1955 and the building remains one of the cember 1, 2015, in the rates of com- follows: most historically significant and prestigious pensation for veterans with service- Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘An Act to buildings in college athletics; amend the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 Whereas President Theodore Roosevelt connected disabilities and the rates of to reduce a scheduled increase in the min- pronounced the chant of the university, dependency and indemnity compensa- imum wage applicable to American Samoa.’’. Rock Chalk Jayhawk, the ‘‘greatest college tion for the survivors of certain dis- cheer ever devised’’; abled veterans, and for other purposes; f Whereas the University of Kansas has a which was ordered to lie on the table; NOTICE OF INTENT TO OBJECT TO long history of working with the United as follows: States Armed Forces, is one of only 53 PROCEEDING schools to host all 3 Reserve Officers’ Train- On page 3, strikes lines 8 through 14 and insert the following: I, Senator CHARLES E. GRASSLEY, in- ing Corps programs, and works with the tend to object to proceeding to the United States Army Command and General (c) RATE OF INCREASE.—Each dollar Staff College at Fort Leavenworth to amount described in subsection (b) shall be nomination of Brian James Egan, to be produce military and civilian faculty with increased by 0.9 percent. Legal Advisor of the Department of the advanced degrees necessary to teach at State, dated September 30, 2015. SA 2705. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. the highest level; f Whereas, in 1917, the first United States of- ISAKSON) proposed an amendment to ficer killed in World War I combat was a Uni- the bill H.R. 2617, to amend the Fair AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO versity of Kansas Medical Center student; Minimum Wage Act of 2007 to reduce a MEET Whereas research at the University of Kan- scheduled increase in the minimum COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS sas provides numerous economic and societal wage applicable to American Samoa; as contributions; Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask follows: Whereas helium was first isolated in Bai- unanimous consent that the Com- ley Hall, located on the main campus of the Strike all after the enacting clause and in- mittee on Foreign Relations be author- sert the following: University of Kansas, and the first time-re- ized to meet during the session of the lease capsule was developed by a university SECTION 1. MINIMUM WAGE FOR AMERICAN professor; SAMOA. Senate on September 30, 2015, at 2 p.m., Whereas the Spencer Museum of Art (a) MINIMUM WAGE.—Paragraph (2) of sec- to conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘The houses an internationally known and diverse tion 8103(b) of the Fair Minimum Wage Act Economic Crisis on Ukraine.’’ collection with approximately 38,000 of 2007 (29 U.S.C. 206 note) is amended to read The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without artworks and artifacts in all media; as follows: objection, it is so ordered. Whereas the Kenneth Spencer Research Li- ‘‘(2) the minimum wage applicable to COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, brary is home to some of the rarest and most American Samoa under section 6(a)(1) of the AND PENSIONS precious volumes and materials in the world, Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. including cuneiform tablets written 4 mil- 206(a)(1)) shall be— Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask lennia ago; ‘‘(A) the applicable wage rate in effect for unanimous consent that the Com- Whereas astronauts, artists, authors, busi- each industry and classification as of Sep- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, ness leaders, Pulitzer Prize winners, a Nobel tember 29, 2015; and and Pensions be authorized to meet

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE6.026 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7051 during the session of the Senate on opment of the New Regulatory Defini- priate to the circumstances, prudent, and ef- September 30, 2015, at 10 a.m., in room tion of ‘‘Waters of the United States.’’ fective. SD–430 of the Dirksen Senate Office The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY. Building. objection, it is so ordered. Section 209 of the International Religious The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without SUBCOMMITTEE ON SECURITIES, INSURANCE, AND Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6436) is objection, it is so ordered. INVESTMENT amended by striking ‘‘September 30, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2019’’. COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS unanimous consent that the Com- SEC. 4. STRATEGIC PLAN. Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask mittee on Banking, Housing, and (a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: unanimous consent that the Com- Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Secu- (1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- rities, Insurance, and Investment be TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional ernmental Affairs be authorized to committees’’ means— authorized to meet during the session (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of meet during the session of the Senate of the Senate on September 30, 2015, to the Senate; on September 30, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight (B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘A Review of the Securities Investor Protection the House of Representatives; of the Department of Education and Corporation.’’ (C) the Committee on Appropriations of Student Achievement.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the Senate; and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. (D) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. objection, it is so ordered. SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING (2) COMMISSION.—The term ‘‘Commission’’ COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask means the United States Commission on Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Special International Religious Freedom established unanimous consent that the Com- Committee on Aging be authorized to under section 201 of the International Reli- mittee on the Judiciary be authorized meet during the session of the Senate gious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6431). to meet during the session of the Sen- on September 30, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. in (3) COMMISSIONER.—The term ‘‘Commis- ate on September 30, 2015, at 10 a.m., in room SD-562 of the Dirksen Senate Of- sioner’’ means a member of the Commission. room SD–224 of the Dirksen Senate Of- fice Building to conduct a hearing enti- (4) VICE CHAIR.—The term ‘‘Vice Chair’’ means the Vice Chair of the Commission who fice Building, to conduct a hearing en- tled ‘‘Pension Advances: Legitimate was appointed to such position by an elected titled ‘‘Nominations.’’ Loans or Shady Schemes.’’ official from the political party that is dif- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ferent from the political party of the elected objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. official who appointed the Chair of the Com- COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS f mission. Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask (b) STRATEGIC POLICY AND ORGANIZATIONAL UNITED STATES COMMISSION ON REVIEW PLANNING PROCESS.—Not later than unanimous consent that the Com- INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be author- 60 days after the date of the enactment of FREEDOM REAUTHORIZATION this Act, and not less frequently than bienni- ized to meet during the session of the ACT OF 2015 ally thereafter, the Chair and Vice Chair of Senate on September 30, 2015, at 2:30 the Commission, in coordination with the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I p.m., in room SR-418 of the Russell Commissioners, the Ambassador-at-Large for Senate Office Building. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- International Religious Freedom, Commis- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ate proceed to the immediate consider- sion staff, and others jointly selected by the objection, it is so ordered. ation of Calendar No. 238, S. 2078. Chair and Vice Chair, shall carry out a stra- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tegic policy and organizational review plan- SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE clerk will report the bill by title. ning process that includes— Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask The senior assistant legislative clerk (1) a review of the duties set forth in sec- unanimous consent that the Select read as follows: tion 202 of the International Religious Free- Committee on Intelligence be author- dom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6432) and the pow- ized to meet during the session of the A bill (S. 2078) to reauthorize the United ers set forth in section 203 of such Act (22 States Commission on International Reli- U.S.C. 6432a); Senate on September 30, 2015, at 2:30 gious Freedom, and for other purposes. p.m. (2) the preparation of a written description The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without There being no objection, the Senate of prioritized actions that the Commission is objection, it is so ordered. proceeded to consider the bill. required to complete to fulfill the strategic Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous plan required under subsection (d); SUBCOMMITTEE ON FEDERAL SPENDING consent that the bill be read a third (3) a review of the scope, content, and tim- OVERSIGHT AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT time and passed and the motion to re- ing of the Commission’s annual report and Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask consider be considered made and laid any required changes; and unanimous consent that the Sub- (4) a review of the personnel policies set upon the table. committee on Federal Spending Over- forth in section 204 of the International Reli- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without sight and Emergency Management of gious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6432b) objection, it is so ordered. the Committee on Homeland Security and any required changes to such policies. The bill (S. 2078) was ordered to be and Governmental Affairs be author- (c) UNANIMOUS AGREEMENT.— engrossed for a third reading, was read (1) IN GENERAL.—To the greatest extent ized to meet during the session of the the third time, and passed, as follows: possible, the Chair, Vice Chair, and all of the Senate on September 30, 2015, at 2:30 S. 2078 Commissioners shall ensure that this section p.m., to conduct a hearing entitled, is implemented in a manner that results in Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ‘‘Prudent Planning or Wasteful Binge? unanimous agreement among the Commis- resentatives of the United States of America in A Look at End of the Year Spending.’’ sioners with regard to— Congress assembled, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (A) the strategic policy and organizational SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. objection, it is so ordered. review planning process required under sub- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘United section (b); and SUBCOMMITTEE ON FISHERIES, WILDLIFE, AND States Commission on International Reli- (B) the strategic plan required under sub- WATER gious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2015’’. section (d). Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I ask SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS. (2) ALTERNATIVE APPROVAL PROCESS.—If unanimous consent that the Sub- It is the sense of the Congress that the unanimous agreement under paragraph (1) is committee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and United States Commission on International not possible, items for inclusion in the stra- Water of the Committee on Environ- Religious Freedom— tegic plan may, at the joint discretion of the ment and Public Works be authorized (1) was created by Congress to independ- Chair and Vice Chair, be approved by an af- to meet during the session of the Sen- ently assess and to accurately and unflinch- firmative vote of— ate on September 30, 2015, at 10 a.m., in ingly describe threats to religious freedom (A) a majority of Commissioners appointed around the world; and by an elected official from the political room SD-406 of the Dirksen Senate Of- (2) in carrying out its prescribed duties, party of the President; and fice Building, to conduct a hearing en- should use its authorized powers to ensure (B) a majority of Commissioners appointed titled, ‘‘Oversight of the Army Corps of that efforts by the United States to advance by an elected official from the political Engineers’ Participation in the Devel- religious freedom abroad are timely, appro- party that is not the party of the President.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE6.024 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S7052 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 30, 2015 (d) SUBMISSION OF STRATEGIC PLAN.—Not The senior assistant legislative clerk ‘‘(2) the minimum wage applicable to later than 180 days after the date of the en- read as follows: American Samoa under section 6(a)(1) of the actment of the Act, and not less frequently Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. A resolution (S. Res. 266) designating Sep- than biennially thereafter, the Chair and 206(a)(1)) shall be— tember 2015 as ‘‘National Kinship Care Vice Chair of the Commission shall jointly ‘‘(A) the applicable wage rate in effect for Month.’’ submit, to the appropriate congressional each industry and classification as of Sep- committees, a written strategic plan that in- There being no objection, the Senate tember 29, 2015; and cludes— proceeded to consider the resolution. ‘‘(B) increased by $0.40 an hour (or such (1) a description of prioritized actions for Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous lesser amount as may be necessary to equal the Commission for a period of time to be consent that the resolution be agreed the minimum wage under section 6(a)(1) of specified by the Commissioners; to, the preamble be agreed to, and the such Act), beginning on September 30, 2015, (2) a description of any changes the Com- motions to reconsider be considered and on September 30 of every third year mission considers necessary with regard to thereafter, until the minimum wage applica- the scope, content, and timing of the Com- made and laid upon the table with no ble to American Samoa under this paragraph mission’s annual report; intervening action or debate. is equal to the minimum wage set forth in (3) a description of any changes the Com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without such section.’’. mission considers necessary with regard to objection, it is so ordered. (b) GAO REPORTS.—Section 8104 of the Fair personnel matters; and The resolution (S. Res. 266) was Minimum Wage Act of 2007 (29 U.S.C. 206 (4) the Commission’s funding requirements agreed to. note) is amended— for the period covered by the strategic plan. The preamble was agreed to. (1) in subsection (a)— (e) PENDING ISSUES.—The strategic plan re- (The resolution, with its preamble, is (A) by striking ‘‘September 1, 2011’’ and in- quired under subsection (d) may identify any serting ‘‘April 1, 2017’’; and issues or proposals that have not yet been re- printed in the RECORD of September 22, (B) by striking the second sentence and in- solved by the Commission. 2015, under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) serting the following: ‘‘The Government Ac- (f) IMPLEMENTATION OF PERSONNEL PROVI- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I countability Office shall submit a subse- SIONS AND ANNUAL REPORT.—Notwith- suggest the absence of a quorum. quent report not later than April 1, 2020.’’; standing section 204(a) and 205(a) of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The (2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘the study International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 clerk will call the roll. under subsection (a)’’ and inserting ‘‘any re- (22 U.S.C. 6432b(a) and 6533(a)), the Commis- The senior assistant legislative clerk port under subsection (a)’’; and sion is authorized to implement provisions (3) by adding at the end the following: related to personnel and the Commission’s proceeded to call the roll. ‘‘(c) REPORT ON ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF annual report that are included in the stra- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I INCREASING THE MINIMUM WAGE IN AMERICAN tegic plan submitted pursuant to this sec- ask unanimous consent that the order SAMOA.—Not later than 1 year after the date tion. for the quorum call be rescinded. of enactment of ‘An Act to amend the Fair (g) CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT.—Upon re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Minimum Wage Act of 2007 to reduce a sched- quest, the Commission shall— objection, it is so ordered. uled increase in the minimum wage applica- (1) make available for inspection any infor- ble to American Samoa’, the Government mation and documents requested by the ap- f Accountability Office shall transmit to Con- propriate congressional committees; and AMENDING THE FAIR MINIMUM gress a report on alternative ways of increas- (2) respond to any requests to provide tes- WAGE ACT OF 2007 ing the minimum wage in American Samoa timony before the appropriate congressional to keep pace with the cost of living in Amer- committees. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ican Samoa and to eventually equal the min- SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- imum wage set forth in section 6(a)(1) of the Section 207 of the International Religious ate proceed to the immediate consider- Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6435) is ation of H.R. 2617, which was received 206(a)(1)).’’. amended to read as follows: from the House. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This Act, and the ‘‘SEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The amendments made by this Act, shall take ef- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to fect as of September 29, 2015. be appropriated to the Commission $3,500,000 clerk will report the bill by title. for each of the fiscal years 2016 to 2019 to The senior assistant legislative clerk The amendment was ordered to be carry out the provisions of this Act and sec- read as follows: engrossed, and the bill to be read a tion 4 of the United States Commission on A bill (H.R. 2617) to amend the Fair Min- third time. The bill was read the third International Religious Freedom Reauthor- imum Wage Act of 2007 to postpone a sched- time. ization Act of 2015. uled increase in the minimum wage applica- The bill (H.R. 2617), as amended, was ‘‘(b) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—Amounts au- ble to American Samoa. thorized to be appropriated under subsection passed. (a) shall remain available until the earlier There being no objection, the Senate The amendment (No. 2706) was agreed of— proceeded to consider the bill. to, as follows: ‘‘(1) the date on which they have been ex- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I (Purpose: To amend the title) pended; or ask unanimous consent that the Isak- Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘An Act to ‘‘(2) the date on which the Commission is son amendment at the desk be agreed amend the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 terminated under section 209. to, the bill, as amended, be read a third to reduce a scheduled increase in the min- IMITATION.—In each fiscal year, the ‘‘(c) L imum wage applicable to American Samoa.’’. Commission shall only be authorized to ex- time and passed, the amendment to the pend amounts that have been appropriated title be agreed to, and the motions to f pursuant to subsection (a) if the Commis- reconsider be considered made and laid ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER sion— upon the table. 1, 2015 ‘‘(1) complies with the requirements set The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without forth in section 4 of the United States Com- objection, it is so ordered. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I mission on International Religious Freedom The amendment (No. 2705) was agreed ask unanimous consent that when the Reauthorization Act of 2015; and to, as follows: Senate completes its business today, it ‘‘(2) submits the annual financial report re- (Purpose: To reduce an increase in the min- adjourn until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, quired under section 208(e) to the appropriate October 1; that following the prayer congressional committees.’’. imum wage for American Samoa, to adjust the reporting requirements of the Govern- and pledge, the morning hour be f ment Accountability Office regarding the deemed expired, the Journal of pro- NATIONAL KINSHIP CARE MONTH proposed minimum wage increases for ceedings be approved to date, and the American Samoa and the Commonwealth Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I time for the two leaders be reserved for of the Northern Mariana Islands, and for their use later in the day; that fol- ask unanimous consent that the Judi- other purposes) ciary Committee be discharged from lowing leader remarks, the Senate be Strike all after the enacting clause and in- in a period of morning business for 1 further consideration of S. Res. 266 and sert the following: the Senate proceed to its immediate hour, with Senators permitted to speak SECTION 1. MINIMUM WAGE FOR AMERICAN therein; further, that the time be consideration. SAMOA. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (a) MINIMUM WAGE.—Paragraph (2) of sec- equally divided, with the majority con- objection, it is so ordered. tion 8103(b) of the Fair Minimum Wage Act trolling the first half and the Demo- The clerk will report the resolution of 2007 (29 U.S.C. 206 note) is amended to read crats controlling the final half; further, by title. as follows: that following morning business, the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE6.009 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7053 Senate then resume consideration of There being no objection, the Senate, IN THE ARMY the motion to proceed to H.R. 2029, at 6:36 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, THE FOLLOWING ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OF THE with the time until 1:45 p.m. equally di- October 1, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. UNITED STATES OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RE- SERVE OF THE ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER vided between the two leaders or their f TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12211: designees; finally, that notwith- NOMINATIONS To be brigadier general standing the provisions of rule XXII, the Senate vote on the motion to in- Executive nominations received by COL. MARTA CARCANA the Senate: THE FOLLOWING ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OF THE voke cloture on the motion to proceed UNITED STATES OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RE- to H.R. 2029 at 1:45 p.m. IN THE AIR FORCE SERVE OF THE ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12211: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without THE FOLLOWING AIR NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED STATES OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RESERVE To be brigadier general objection, it is so ordered. OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER f TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12212: COL. FRANK D. EMANUEL To be major general ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. IN THE MARINE CORPS BRIG. GEN. STEPHEN E. MARKOVICH TOMORROW THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL IN THE Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS WHILE ASSIGNED TO A there is no further business to come be- CATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- 601: sent that it stand adjourned under the To be lieutenant general To be lieutenant general previous order. LT. GEN. ANTHONY J. ROCK LT. GEN. JOHN E. WISSLER

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:23 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\G30SE6.062 S30SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1391 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

A TRIBUTE TO AMELIA BOYNTON It was a great honor to count myself among HONORING THE LIFE OF PAUL ROBINSON, CONGRESSMAN LOUIS the lives they touched. May the work they HLYNSKY STOKES, AND JULIAN BOND started continue until all forms of inequality are addressed. HON. TIM RYAN SPEECH OF And may their spirits soar as their memories OF OHIO HON. BARBARA LEE live on in our hearts. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA Wednesday, September 30, 2015 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Monday, September 28, 2015 RECOGNIZING FLORIDA’S 16TH to remember and honor the life of Paul Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT FIRE Hlynsky, an Akron, Ohio community leader tribute to three heroes of the Civil Rights AND RESCUE AND EMS PER- who passed away on September 23, 2015 at Movement: Julian Bond, Amelia Boynton Rob- SONNEL the age of 61 after a long and hard fought bat- inson and Former Congressman Louis Stokes. tle with cancer. As a man of great conviction My thoughts and prayers are with their fami- and dedication to those he served, Paul will lies during this very difficult time. HON. VERN BUCHANAN be remembered as a strident defender of his First let me thank Rep. DONALD PAYNE, JR., friends, family, and colleagues. and Rep. ROBIN KELLY for organizing this Spe- OF FLORIDA Through his 18 years of service as Presi- cial Order and for their leadership in the Con- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dent of the Akron Lodge 7 Fraternal Order of gressional Black Caucus. I have known Julian Police, Paul led countless fights for the rights since the 1970s and most recently stood with Wednesday, September 30, 2015 of his coworkers as the longest serving Presi- him to remember the 50th anniversary of the dent of the Order. After 16 years in the Army Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Vietnam Peace Movement at the Martin Luther where he rose to the rank of Major, Paul be- to recognize fire and rescue and EMS per- King, Jr. memorial in Washington, DC. As a came a police officer in 1992, serving his sonnel who have provided distinguished serv- cofounder of the Student Nonviolent Coordi- country and community for decades. Paul was ice to the people of Florida’s 16th Congres- nating Committee (SNCC), Julian galvanized a unifier, bringing together Akron union lead- sional District. young people to fight against segregation, ers to work collectively on fighting for their march in the Civil Rights movement, and bet- As first responders, fire departments and workers’ rights and interests. ter the lives of all Americans. emergency medical service teams are sum- As the child of Ukrainian immigrants who Julian dedicated his career to public service. moned on short notice to serve their respec- had been in a German labor camp during After his work with SNCC, he served in the tive communities. Oftentimes, they arrive at World War II, Paul faced difficult life chal- Georgia Legislature and as president of the scenes of great adversity and trauma, to lenges from the start, learning the value of National Association for the Advancement of which they reliably bring strength and staying dedicated to those you know and love. Colored People (NAACP). I know his legacy of composure. These brave men and women Paul was preceded in death by his parents tireless advocacy for equality and social jus- spend hundreds of hours in training so that and older sister. Paul is survived by his sister, tice will live on. It inspires me every day as we they are prepared when they get ‘‘the call.’’ Irene (Dan) Harland; nieces, Stephanie (Scott) work to address inequality and reform our bro- In 2012 I established the 16th District Con- Jowers and Jeannette Harland; fiance´e, Olya ken criminal justice system. gressional Fire and Rescue and EMS Awards Tymciurak. He is also survived by many of his I also rise to remember Amelia Boynton police brethren for whom he worked tirelessly. Robinson, a true hero of the Civil Rights to honor officers, departments, and units for outstanding achievement. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Paul Movement. Ms. Boynton Robinson was a trail- Hlynsky, a man who was such a vital servant blazer who championed civil rights and worked On behalf of the people of Florida’s 16th of the Akron, Ohio community. I hope you all tirelessly for justice and equality. As one of the District, it is my privilege to congratulate the will join me in offering my thoughts and pray- brave protestors at Selma, Amelia Boynton following winners, who were selected this year ers to him and his family. Robinson was brutally beaten in what would by an independent committee comprised of a f become known all around the world as cross section of current and retired fire and ‘‘Bloody Sunday.’’ Ms. Boynton Robinson, rescue personnel living in the district: IMPROVING RESEARCH AND along with her fellow protestors, drew nation- Firefighter/EMT Michael Dunn of the Cedar TREATMENT FOR DYSTONIA wide attention to the plight of African Ameri- Hammock Fire Rescue was chosen to receive cans and led us to the Voting Rights Act. the Preservation of Life Award HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH Last but not least, I want to commemorate Lt. Don Rossow of the Englewood Area Fire OF NEW JERSEY the life of Former Congressman Louis Stokes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congressman Stokes was a wonderful mentor Control District was chosen to receive the Wednesday, September 30, 2015 to me as a member of Congressman Ron Del- Dedication and Professionalism Award lums’ staff and later as a Member of Con- District Chief/Paramedic Robin Thayer of Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, gress. Congressman Stokes grew up in Cleve- the Manatee County Emergency Medical Serv- Janice and Len Nachbar of Freehold, New land public housing and his childhood in- ices was chosen to receive the Career Service Jersey, who lead the Central New Jersey formed the policies he championed. Award Dystonia Support and Action Group, elo- He was the first African American Congress- Lt. Jason Wilkins, Lt. Jamie Mann, Fire- quently addressed a congressional briefing man to represent Ohio, one of the Founders of fighter/EMT Nicholas Jones, Firefighter/Para- yesterday on dystonia—a neurological move- the Congressional Black Caucus and also the medic Sean Sponable and Firefighter/EMT ment disorder characterized by muscle con- first African American to win a seat on the Ap- Clayton Huber were chosen to receive the tractions causing abnormal and often painful propriations committee, a committee on which Unit Citation Award body movements and postures. Dystonia can I now sit. Congressman Stokes spent his con- cause a range of impairments, in some cases gressional career fighting for the poor and the Deputy Chief Brett Pollok of the West Man- leaving a person legally blind or unable to voiceless; he is a true American Hero. atee Fire and Rescue was chosen to receive walk or communicate. Mr. Speaker, it is because of the tireless ad- the Career Service Award Janice and Len are the loving parents of Jo- vocacy of these leaders that we saw an end Fire Investigator/Inspector Larry Betts of the anna, a remarkably brave and smart woman to legal segregation, the enactment of the vot- Southern Manatee Fire and Rescue District who is afflicted with dystonia. Janice and Len ing rights act, and the election of so many Af- was chosen to receive the Dedication and explained their daughter’s multi-year battle rican Americans to Congress. Professionalism Award. with this condition, saying in part:

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A30SE8.001 E30SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1392 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 30, 2015 ‘‘Eventually, her dystonia became so ad- Strange symptoms started appearing be- Some people have miraculous results. Jo- vanced and painful; she was approved for tween the ages of six and ten. Her hand- anna had minimal results, but the DBS did Deep Brain stimulation surgery, or commonly writing became cramped and her reading was lessen her pain. known as, DBS. She underwent seven hours not advancing properly. In the third grade, Remember she never vomited? It seems she she was moved out of the gifted class. has no gag reflex. She also cannot cough. As of brain surgery while wide awake to implant By the sixth grade, she was on the verge of a result, Joanna has had numerous pneu- electrodes in her brain with a second surgery repeating the grade. Although she moved up monias, with the last one requiring 11 days to follow.’’ to the seventh grade, her work was still in CCU, five days of which on a ventilator. It Ultimately, says Janice, ‘‘[Dystonia’s] largest below grade level. was a devastating experience for all of us. I tolls are emotional. How hard it is to see a We took her to a multitude of specialists, spent the entire 11 days next to her, only bright child with the world open to her disinte- including an eye therapist, reading labs and leaving her side to eat or shower in the hos- grate daily.’’ psychologists, thinking she had a learning pital or to take a short break when another Today, though Joanna faces significant mo- disability. Nothing was helping. She became family member sat with her. All patients bility and communication challenges, she frustrated and felt she was a failure. need advocates, but a non-verbal one is even serves as an online mentor for dystonia pa- While in High School, Joanna had braces more vulnerable. on her teeth. Coincidentally, her speech Because her dystonia affects her mouth so tients around the globe. started to become cluttered and hard to un- Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the intensely, she cannot take in enough nour- derstand. We attributed it to the braces. ishment to sustain health. Nachbars’ compelling testimony from the brief- She was classified as a learning disabled At 5′3 inches in height, she weighed about ing, along with testimony from Janet student and was placed in a special academic 88 pounds. She now has a permanent feeding Hieshetter, executive director of the Dystonia program in school. She was given individual tube and takes all nutrition and hydration Medical Research Foundation. I urge my col- help with her work. We also hired tutors, but through it. leagues to read their statements and seek to her work was still unsatisfactory. She can eat very little, since just about ev- join us in expanding improved research and We knew something was radically wrong erything is a choking risk and she can’t treatments for this little-understood condition. when her braces came off and we still could cough to move the food out. Her g tube be- not understand her. TESTIMONY OF JANET HIESHETTER, EXECUTIVE came infected and she spent 7 weeks in a Physically, she was still functional. She DIRECTOR OF THE DYSTONIA MEDICAL RE- rehab center. Of course, her dad and I spent drove her car. After graduation, she became SEARCH FOUNDATION 7 weeks there, as well. licensed as a home and nursing home aide Despite all of these treatments, Joanna’s Thank you all for being here today and and briefly was able to work. dystonia worsened. She lost all speech, most joining us for Dystonia Awareness Month. If By age 21, her speech was almost gone and of the use of her hands and the ability to you don’t know a great deal about dystonia, she was having pain and spasms. Her back you are in the right place. We have a great walk safely. was pulled to the side and her hips were un- My husband and I are aging and were fear- line up of speakers that can talk extensively even. Her balance was off and she fell repeat- about these conditions. ful for Joanna’s future security. As a family, edly. we made the most difficult decision of a life- My name is Janet Hieshetter, and I am Ex- The first neurologist she saw told us she ecutive Director of the non-profit Dystonia time. In March of 2014, Joanna moved to a had Fazio-Land disease. This was a form of Medical Research Foundation. The DMRF long-term care facility in Philadelphia. muscular dystrophy and we were told she works to advance medical research and sup- It’s a wonderful place and she has many would slowly strangle to death. port individuals and families impacted by friends, but it’s still not the life any of us en- We next took her to a well-known neurolo- dystonia. We also work collaboratively with visioned for our bright and lively child. gist in a large teaching hospital in NYC. He four other patient-driven dystonia organiza- Dystonia has affected Joanna and us in admitted her to their testing center and tions, the Benign Essential Blepharospasm many ways. Economically, we made huge spent three days having various medical Research Foundation, DySTonia, Inc., the changes in our work so as to be able to care staff poke, prod and test. He came up with National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association for her. Her medical bills, hospitalizations and the National Spasmodic Torticollis As- nothing, other than to watch her. and trips to see doctors added up. As parents, we were panicking as we sociation to improve patient care through a Socially, our family became hermits, watched her diminish and were fortunate nationwide grassroots effort known as the avoiding social activities either because Jo- Dystonia Advocacy Network. enough to obtain an appointment with Dr. anna couldn’t keep up or we had nobody who Briefly, dystonia is a neurological move- Mark Hallett, Senior Investigator of the could stay with her. We missed birthdays, ment disorder that is characterized by per- Human Motor Control Section of the NINDS. weddings, family vacations and other impor- sistent or intermittent muscle contractions Joanna and I traveled to Bethesda and tant events due to Dystonia. causing abnormal, often repetitive, move- spent an afternoon with Dr. Hallett. The largest tolls are emotional. How hard ments, postures, or both. The movements are Thanks to him, and after 15 years of it is to see a bright child with the world open usually patterned and twisting, and may re- searching, we finally had a diagnosis. to her disintegrate daily. How hard is it for semble a tremor. He referred us to a movement disorder spe- Joanna? There are multiple forms of dystonia, and cialist who, coincidentally, was in the same That’s our family story and Joanna’s jour- dozens of diseases and conditions may in- building and one floor below the neurologist ney. Thank you. clude dystonia as a symptom. Dystonia can she had been seeing for two years, but who TESTIMONY OF LEN NACHBAR affect a single body area like the eyelids had never mentioned the movement disorder leaving the person legally blind or be gener- clinic in his own department. My wife, Janice, spoke to you about how alized throughout multiple muscle groups in This kind of disconnect by physicians is a dystonia has affected our daughter, Joanna, the body—often placing people in wheel- huge issue for those seeking a diagnosis and and our family. I’m going to tell you about chairs. treatment. If a physician does not recognize how dystonia changed the lives of members Dystonia affects men, women, and children a movement disorder or avoids a referral to of our New Jersey and Philadelphia support of all ages and backgrounds. Estimates sug- a movement disorder specialist, the patient groups and of friends of ours around the gest that no fewer than 300,000 people are af- is helpless. country. fected in North America. Dystonia causes After seeing the new movement disorder Last week, a bright, beautiful and talented varying degrees of disability and pain, from neurologist, Joanna began taking medica- friend in her twenties wrote: ‘‘Feeling so mild to severe. tions for Dystonia. At this point, the mys- completely broken. Why was I even born? I Thanks in large part to our federal invest- tery of her school failure was revealed. Her live in such pain and agony. There is no end ment in medical research, significant ad- hairdresser commented that her head no in sight.’’ She’s a graduate student who vancements have been made in our under- longer had minute tremors. Tremors? I never should have a promising career and life, but standing of these conditions. While there re- saw them. When the tremors stopped, she the constant pain caused by her dystonia mains no cure, clinical research has led to could read. hasn’t allowed it. meaningful treatment options including bot- She didn’t have a learning disability; she Sometimes the pain, the inability to work ulinum toxin injections and deep brain stim- just couldn’t see the page. Imagine how dif- and the resulting poverty becomes too much ulation. ferent her school experience would have been to bear. A few years ago, a member of our TESTIMONY OF JANICE NACHBAR with an early diagnosis and treatment? Now New Jersey support group attempted to com- Joanna was a very bright, articulate child. she was able to go to a local college and ob- mit suicide. She is also a bright woman and She walked at ten months. She had a high tain an associate’s degree, something none of was a graduate student at Rutgers Univer- and big voice. us could have imagined. sity when dystonia struck. Her hands always had tremors, but so did Eventually, her dystonia became so ad- Another member of our support group was those of my mother and grandmother, so we vanced and painful; she was approved for the Facilities Administrator at a major shrugged it off. She also never vomited. A Deep Brain stimulation surgery, or com- Philadelphia hospital before he developed good thing, right. monly known as DBS. She underwent seven dystonia. His neck is involuntarily pulled to She was in the gifted class in first grade. hours of brain surgery while wide awake to the side. He’s unable to straighten it. He She attended dancing school and gymnastics implant electrodes in her brain with a second tried to continue working, but the constant and was good at both. surgery to follow. pain made him retire.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE8.003 E30SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1393 A member of our New Jersey support group facility. She is a mother of three sons: Mi- Mental Health Services Administration has been a teacher for many years. She loves chael; John; and Raymond, and a grand- (SAMHSA). I am proud of the programs in my the career and wants to continue teaching, mother of eleven, and a great-grandmother of district that serve as a positive and successful but says that her school district is trying to force her to resign. A second grade teacher two. example for others to follow—including, but who’s a member of our Philadelphia group is Ms. Hendrick is originally from Brooklyn, not limited to, High Point Treatment Center, still working, but sometimes needs assist- NY, where she attended Bay Ridge High South Shore Mental Health, Gosnold Treat- ance. So far, her colleagues have been able to School. She retired 35 years ago in 1980 from ment Center, and Stanley Street Treatment help her hide the problems. Bankers Trust, where she worked in the ac- and Resources (SSTAR) Addiction Treatment. A New Jersey Special Ed teacher is an ‘‘ex- counting department for 23 years. After her re- They have proven the extent to which we can pert’’ on the accommodations that people tirement, she moved from Brooklyn to Staten fight substance abuse through the integration with disabilities need. She’s angry because Island. Two years later, on August 24, 1984, of mental health services and treatment, there- her school makes accommodations for her students, but has refused to do so for her. she moved into the New Lane Assisted Living by providing opportunity for individuals in re- She asked for a chair and a program that Facility where she is now the longest, and old- covery. would enable her to dictate because she has est, resident in New Lane. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join difficulty writing. During her time at New Lane Shores, she me in highlighting this important issue. There Dystonia has impacted or ended the ca- volunteered and orchestrated trips for resi- is no single solution to fighting this epidemic, reers of many other friends and support dents, which included collecting money for but together we can make a difference. group members. The bass member of a sing- transportation that allows the residents to go ing group can no longer sing. A travel agent shopping, demonstrating her commitment to can no longer drive and has difficulty speak- f ing to clients. An attorney has similar prob- helping others. lems. A guitarist friend, who was a Grammy At the age of 100, Ms. Hendrick is very en- HONORING BEN RICHMOND OF THE winner, lost the ability to finger the strings. ergetic and loved by all. She enjoys playing LOUISVILLE URBAN LEAGUE ON A French Horn player’s lips stopped working poker and dancing with her walker. She loves HIS RETIREMENT properly. to attend parties and is a source of positive A half year ago, a story about a Midwest energy in every room. woman in her thirties received a lot of Inter- Mr. Speaker, Gertrude Hendrick’s positive HON. JOHN A. YARMUTH net and media attention. Her story was fea- personality and commitment to helping others OF KENTUCKY tured on national news programs and she was IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES interviewed on the Today show. The woman embodies the perfect example of a model had been diagnosed with CP, was treated un- American citizen. I commend her outstanding Wednesday, September 30, 2015 successfully for that disease for over thirty life and I am proud to honor this citizen from years and led a very disabled life. After liv- New York’s 11th District on her 100th birthday. Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in ing as a CP patient for over three decades, f honor of Benjamin K. Richmond, the President she finally received the correct diagnosis: and C.E.O. of the Louisville Urban League, dystonia. Her story is even more frustrating. IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL who retires today after serving our proud city The woman is one of a minute percentage of RECOVERY MONTH and community for nearly three decades. dystonia patients who have dopa responsive dystonia. The symptoms that those people Since 1987, Ben and his staff have helped have can be controlled by medication. After HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING countless individuals and families across the thirty years, the woman is now leading an OF MASSACHUSETTS city of Louisville achieve economic stability. almost ‘‘normal’’ life. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Under Ben’s leadership, the League has bro- Misdiagnosis is common. Many patients Wednesday, September 30, 2015 ken down barriers to ensure that all are told that their symptoms are psycho- Louisvillians have the opportunity to pursue a somatic. Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in better education, a better career, and a better A third of the hundreds of thousands of recognition of September as National Recov- life for their families. The organization has dystonia patients in this country are chil- ery Month. dren. An eight and a half year old girl from been a national model for success, regularly Established 26 years ago, National Recov- exceeding expectations and finding new ways New Jersey and a fifteen year old young ery Month strives to educate Americans about woman from Connecticut were both diag- to tackle the challenges facing our community. opportunities for addiction treatment and men- nosed with CP. Both had unnecessary and Ben was instrumental in creating REBOUND tal health services, and the urgent need to very painful surgeries that cut their leg ten- Inc., the Urban League’s charitable arm dedi- take advantage of them. This year, National dons in an attempt to straighten their feet. cated to housing development and rehabilita- Both actually have dystonia. A foot turning Recovery Month is highlighting the value of tion. This program not only transforms vacant in is often a first symptom. It wasn’t recog- peer-to-peer support in educating, mentoring, and abandoned properties into new houses for nized by their pediatricians or by their and helping others in their recovery. low and moderate income families, it helps orthopedists. Addressing the prescription drug abuse epi- When we started our New Jersey support transform the lives of those families and the demic is a uniquely American problem. It is group, it took our daughter and many of the neighborhoods they will call home. original members over ten years to be diag- not limited by geography or demographics. Prescription drug abuse has spread across the At every level, Ben’s passion and dedication nosed correctly. Research conducted by the has increased the Urban League’s presence NIH has shortened that time for many pa- country like wildfire—with the U.S. accounting tients. It has also improved the types and for less than five percent of the world’s popu- and stature throughout Louisville, forging new number of treatments that are available. lation yet consuming over 80 percent of the partnerships with local organizations, busi- However, as our presentations have illus- world’s opioids and 99 percent of its nesses, and members of the community. trated, there’s much more to learn and it’s hydrocodone. Tragically, 46 people die each Ben has spent his entire life making sure important to continue funding the research. day from an overdose of prescription drugs, that all individuals have the opportunity to not Please help us. only be successful, but to achieve that suc- Thank you. and, each year, a staggering 185,000 people over the age of twelve in Massachusetts are cess while helping others. Quite simply, he is f at risk of an overdose. This number rises to a the very embodiment of the mission of the RECOGNIZING THE 100TH BIRTH- chilling 424,000 when taking into account Urban League: to empower communities and DAY OF GERTRUDE HENDRICK those suffering from alcohol abuse. These sta- change lives. tistics neither fully convey the dangers of drug Louisville would not be what it is today with- HON. DANIEL M. DONOVAN, JR. and alcohol abuse nor the toll of this epi- out the contributions and commitment of Ben Richmond. I am proud to have worked closely OF NEW YORK demic—both on families nationwide and on with him through the years, but I’m even IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the limited resources available to law enforcement and social service agencies. prouder to be able to call him a friend. Wednesday, September 30, 2015 The first step toward stemming the rising On behalf of the people of Kentucky’s Third Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rates of addiction is investing directly in our Congressional District and the city of Louis- recognize the 100th Birthday of Staten Island’s communities. This includes promoting and en- ville, thank you, Ben, for your service and for Gertrude Hendrick. couraging prevention, treatment and recovery being such a powerful source of inspiration for Ms. Hendrick currently resides on Staten Is- measures in every state, as well as ensuring so many of us. I wish you all the best in your land at the New Lane Shores assisted living robust funding for the Substance Abuse and retirement. It certainly is well deserved.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE8.003 E30SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1394 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 30, 2015 RECOGNIZING THE 104TH found that of older adults living at home, one all the many facets of travel and tourism see NATIONAL DAY OF TAIWAN of every six are malnourished when they enter their commonalities and unite around a com- a hospital. Other studies have shown that an mon purpose. In doing so he elevated the in- HON. SCOTT DesJARLAIS additional 1 in 3 become malnourished while dustry’s interests in Congress from its myriad OF TENNESSEE in the hospital. Why is this important? Patients components into a singularly focused agenda. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with malnutrition have been shown to poten- Part of the way he did this was to organize the tially heal slower, experience longer hospital Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus. Wednesday, September 30, 2015 stays and be at greater risk for re-hospitaliza- After Santini left Congress the caucus dis- Mr. DESJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today tions and complications. appeared. But given California’s tremendous in recognition of the upcoming Double Ten This economic burden of disease-associated tourism industry and my involvement in pro- Day, the Republic of China’s, also known as malnutrition is profound. One study estimates moting travel and tourism when I was in the Taiwan, national day, which falls on October that the U.S. burden is roughly $156.7 billion California Assembly, one of the first things I 10th and to extend my very best wishes to the per year—and for those aged 65+ it is esti- did when I got elected to Congress was to re- people of Taiwan as they gather to celebrate mated to be $51.3 billion per year. As we establish the Caucus. I am proud to say that the 104th National Day. struggle to contain health care costs and get the Caucus today is quite vigorous with 116 As a vibrant democracy and contributor to the most value for patients and our health Members. We have significant accomplish- the global economy, Taiwan plays an impor- care dollars, it seems counterintuitive to ignore ments under our belt including the enactment tant role in the peace and security of the Asia- malnutrition, particularly among our most vul- and reauthorization of the BRAND USA legis- Pacific region. I am proud of the role our nerable populations. lation which helps promote the United States country and the United States’ Congress have So what can we do? A broader engagement to international travelers, and the JOLT Act played, through the Taiwan Relations Act, in by the healthcare community is the first step. which was introduced this year and proposes making it possible for the hard working and re- The critical role of nutrition in the prevention to reform and enhance the way visitor visas silient people of Taiwan to build a strong, and treatment of disease should have a great- are processed so as to make travel to the prosperous and democratic society. Our rela- er emphasis in physician training. Malnutrition U.S. easier from abroad. We have Jim Santini tionship is as strong as ever, as I believe it will screening should become part of regular pa- to thank for these accomplishments. It is his continue to be in the years and decades tient assessment. Knowing the nutrition status vision that is embodied in much of today’s ahead. of patients and undertaking appropriate inter- travel and tourism agenda. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs ventions are low-cost, common-sense solu- Jim Santini leaves behind his devoted wife, Committee’s Subcommittee on Asia and the tions that will improve health outcomes and Ann Crane Santini, his children David, Lisa, Pacific, I would also like to commend the ac- save health care dollars. Katherine, Lori, Mark and JD and their fami- tions taken by President Ma Ying-jeou and his This week of September 28 through October lies, 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. government to create an environment where 2 is Malnutrition Awareness Week. Let’s help Mr. Speaker, I feel certain the House joins peace and prosperity for all countries of the foster a greater attention to the problem and me in offering condolences to the Santini fam- region can be pursued. President Ma has pro- make a difference through solutions that better ily and in giving our former colleague post- posed both an East China Sea Peace Initiative support healthy aging among senior citizens humous thanks for all he did to serve the and a South China Sea Peace Initiative, which across our country. Sometimes the solution is great state of Nevada and the nation. easier than we think. lay out diplomatic approaches for all sides in- f volved in maritime disputes to set aside their f RECOGNIZING DYSAUTONOMIA differences and jointly explore the natural re- IN MEMORY OF REP. JIM SANTINI sources of the disputed waters, while uphold- AWARENESS MONTH ing international law. HON. SAM FARR In global disputes, such as these, it is this HON. BRIAN HIGGINS OF CALIFORNIA exact vision that is needed to reduce tensions OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and open up a dialogue between claimants, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, September 30, 2015 and as such, it should be given all due consid- Wednesday, September 30, 2015 eration by the international community. Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to re- In closing, I applaud the nation of Taiwan member the life and times of one of our Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to for its strong commitment to democratic values former colleagues, Rep. Jim Santini from Ne- recognize the millions that fight each day and more importantly, for the shining example vada. I actually never served with Jim, but I against dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is a it sets for aspiring countries, both in the Asia- came to know him well and appreciate him for group of debilitating medical conditions that re- Pacific region and around the world. As some- his work on travel and tourism issues, two sult in a malfunction of the autonomic nervous one who is very appreciative of Taiwan’s issues for which we shared a great passion. system. This system is responsible for ‘‘auto- many contributions to the global community, I Sadly, Jim Santini passed away on September matic’’ bodily functions such as respiration, encourage my colleagues to join me in wish- 22 from esophageal cancer. heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and tem- ing the people of Taiwan a happy Double Ten Jim Santini was elected in 1974 and left the perature control. Dysautonomia continues to Day. House in 1982. He served in the House at a significantly impact the lives of Americans f time when Nevada only had one representa- across the United States especially here in tive. In many respects he was the third Sen- Buffalo, New York. MALNUTRITION AWARENESS WEEK ator. He travelled to every corner of the state Multiple forms of dysautonomia can be ex- and was especially interested in protecting the tremely disabling and this disability can result HON. RENEE L. ELLMERS interests of the rural communities; he didn’t in social isolation, stress on the families of OF NORTH CAROLINA want even the smallest of towns in the desert those impacted, and financial hardships. The IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to be forgotten. outstanding character and strong moral fiber During his tenure in the House he honed in of those in the Western New York community Wednesday, September 30, 2015 on one of the great economic engines of our have provided the much needed support for Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina. Mr. country: travel and tourism. This industry often the victims suffering from dysautonomia. Look- Speaker, I rise today to speak about a hidden toils in disparate ways but Santini recognized ing ahead it will be important for the commu- epidemic facing millions of Americans and its potential power if it ever came together nity to rally around these victims as they con- their families. It is the epidemic of malnutrition, over its common goals: to encourage new ad- tinue their hard fought battle against this dis- often unrecognized, yet directly impacting ventures around the country through travel ease. many of our own families and the constituents and exploration and to serve customers by Dysautonomia awareness is monumental in we serve. It increases the burden of our na- creating memorable, lasting experiences for the early detection of the disease due to the tion’s health care costs and hits our elderly them in the process of travel. Currently, travel fact that most patients take years to get diag- and minority communities especially hard ac- and tourism accounts for $2.1 trillion in eco- nosed. Dysautonomia International, a cording to a number of studies. nomic output in the U.S. and employs 15 mil- 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advo- For example, a 2014 study conducted by re- lion persons. cates on behalf of patients living with searchers at the University of North Carolina Rather than letting this vast travel economy dysautonomia, encourages communities to and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm move along in all its separate parts he helped celebrate Dysautonomia Awareness Month

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K30SE8.007 E30SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1395 each October around the world. At this time ganizations like Community Action of Skagit timely manner, to the women who need it Dysautonomia International is funding re- County, Habitat for Humanity and the Helping most search to develop better treatments and hope- Hands Food Bank to offer students meaningful H.R. 3495 would not only deny critical fully find a cure for all forms of this condition service work. health services for low-income women, but it in the future. I congratulate Job Corps for 50 years of of- would undermine the entire Medicaid program. I wanted to recognize the contributions of fering young people from all walks of life the The language is so broad and vague that it the professional medical community, patients opportunity to build successful careers and ful- could result in whole hospital systems being and family members who are working to edu- filling lives. denied Medicaid participation—further eroding low-income individuals’ access to care. cate our citizenry about dysautonomia f throughout Western New York. Under this bill, a state could remove any Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a RECOGNIZING FEEDING SOUTH health professional that ever worked in a few moments to recognize Dysautonomia FLORIDA AND ITS WORK FOR health care practice of any kind that at one Awareness Month. I ask that my colleagues HUNGER ACTION MONTH point was involved in providing abortion. This join me in support for those suffering from the assault on Medicaid will result in fewer pro- devastating medical condition and encourage viders to serve the 72 million low-income men, HON. LOIS FRANKEL women, and children covered by the program. them to spread awareness across the United OF FLORIDA These attacks are appalling—they are built States this October. I am pleased to inform IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES on misinformation and rhetoric and need to you that on the night of October 1st, in my stop. Congressional District in Niagara Falls, New Wednesday, September 30, 2015 York, Niagara Falls will be lit up turquoise Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I f from 10:00 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. in support of rise today to commend Feeding South Florida HONORING CONSTANCE BOULWARE Dysautonomia Awareness Month. for their work during the 8th annual Hunger f Action Month this September. Hunger Action HON. JOHN GARAMENDI Month is a Feeding America nationwide cam- OF CALIFORNIA HONORING THE 50TH paign to mobilize the public, help raise aware- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ANNIVERSARY OF JOB CORPS ness about the issue of hunger, and take action to help end it. To celebrate Hunger Action Wednesday, September 30, 2015 HON. RICK LARSEN Month, Feeding South Florida ‘‘painted the Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today OF WASHINGTON town orange’’ and held a series of events to recognize the work of Constance Boulware throughout South Florida to raise awareness IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a City Councilwoman for Rio Vista and one of about food insecurity, making it clear that any- my district’s 2015 Woman of the year. Wednesday, September 30, 2015 one and everyone can do something to help Whereas, on the Twenty-Second Day of Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, end hunger. September, of the Year Two Thousand and today I congratulate Job Corps on the recent In South Florida, hunger and food insecurity Fifteen, Constance Boulware was recognized 50th Anniversary of the founding of the pro- are all too common. Nearly 14 percent of the as a 2015 Woman of the year. gram. population of South Florida is food insecure, Whereas, upon retirement after 30 years of Established in 1955 as a partnership be- with more than 785,000 people not knowing service with the Social Security Administration, tween public agencies and private businesses, where they will get their next meal. Feeding Constance (Connie) Boulware relocated from Job Corps has since offered more than 3 mil- South Florida is committed to providing assist- the Bay Area to Rio Vista in 2007. While on lion young people housing, educational oppor- ance to the South Florida residents living with her journey of discovery in her newly adopted tunities and job training to connect them with food insecurity. They have distributed 40 mil- hometown, she found volunteer organizations good jobs and financial independence. lion pounds of food in 2014 in Palm Beach, and service clubs in need of an extra pair of hands and offered hers. Over time, Connie’s Every year, more than 50,000 people enroll Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. interest in city government grew. She was ap- in Job Corps, including veterans, young par- No American should have to wonder where pointed first to the Airport Committee and then ents and youth aging out of the foster system, they’re getting their next meal. I join my com- to the Army Base Reuse Committee. In 2010, because Job Corps provides these individuals munity in raising awareness of this critical Connie was elected to the Rio Vista City with the critical resources they need to be- issue in the hope that every South Floridian Council and re-elected in 2014 where she come successful. Job Corps continues to has reliable access to nutritious food. I am serves today. evolve to meet the changing needs of youth proud to support Feeding South Florida in Whereas, as a council member, Connie has and employers, preparing students to succeed both their Hunger Action Month campaign and their day-to-day fight against hunger. a particular interest in the needs of Seniors in the current marketplace. And it changes and Children. Her hallmark has been her re- lives—more than 80% of Job Corps graduates f sponsiveness to constituents and her ability to obtain jobs, join the military or enroll in higher H.R. 3495 bring people together to tackle community education. needs. In the midst of a city budget crisis, Cascades Job Corps in Sedro-Woolley is Connie has been successful in bringing volun- one of four centers in Washington state. Cas- HON. EARL BLUMENAUER teers together to make much needed Senior cades Job Corps Center ably serves my con- OF OREGON Center repairs and provide unmet summer stituents, helping nearly 500 students each IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES recreational needs for children at little to no year learn skills necessary to fully participate Wednesday, September 30, 2015 cost to the City. in our economy and democracy. Hands-on Whereas, Connie also serves as President and self-paced job training in fields like car- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I voted of the Solano County Library Foundation, pentry, medicine and office administration en- against H.R. 3495, the so-called ‘‘Women’s Board Member of Rio Vision, Co-President of sures that students are qualified for jobs in the Public Health and Safety Act,’’ which is just Women’s Improvement Club, President of the local economy. After graduating from the pro- the latest attack on Planned Parenthood, an Rio Vista Lions Club, and President of the Rio gram students receive support to help them essential health service provider for 70,000 Vista Soroptimists Club. find housing, transportation and jobs in their women annually in Oregon and over 2.7 mil- Whereas, Constance Boulware inspires with field. lion women nationally. the quiet, modest and caring way she leads by Cascades Job Corps Center was recently In my community, Planned Parenthood has example, drawing others to join her in making selected by the Burlington Chamber of Com- provided compassionate and critical care for life better for her community. She never says, merce as Business of the Year, underscoring over 50 years and is a necessary part of our ‘‘We can’t do that,’’ but instead says, ‘‘Let’s its importance in the community. Nationally, health care system. Planned Parenthood cen- see what we can do together.’’ Job Corps generates an average of $1.91 in ters serve a greater share of safety-net contra- Resolved, That I Congressman JOHN local economic activity for each dollar invested ceptive clients than any other type of safety- GARAMENDI of California’s Third Congressional in it. The Cascades Job Corps Center also net providers. These clinics are more likely to District, do hereby recognize and celebrate the makes a difference by partnering with local or- make reproductive care accessible, and in a accomplishments of Constance Boulware.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K30SE8.010 E30SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1396 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 30, 2015 CONGRATULATIONS TO JESSE M. American officers posted to Korea that spoke addition to the most luscious hot roast beef BALTAZAR ON HIS 95TH BIRTHDAY both Russian and Chinese. During the Cold sandwiches anywhere in the world, the res- War, he was stationed in Berlin when the Ber- taurant also served such comfort food as HON. RYAN K. ZINKE lin Wall was erected. After retiring from the mashed potatoes and Red Wells’ famous OF MONTANA military he worked for the United States De- gravy, a hot turkey sandwich, green beans, partment of State, USAID and the Department corn, pies and pudding. Richard Wells also IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of Labor. From 1966–70 with USAID, he grew the business to other locations, but it Wednesday, September 30, 2015 served in Vietnam as Deputy Provincial Advi- was the Sylvania Avenue restaurant that was Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to rec- sor. During the Sandinista conflict, he served the business’ mainstay. ognize a great American patriot, Mr. Jesse M. as Regional Security Officer with the Voice of A gathering place for friends and family, Baltazar, on the occasion of his 95th birthday. America for Nicaragua, Belize and Costa Rica. both the regular and occasional diners of Red His service to America covers three wars, four He retired from the State Department in 1988 Wells will surely miss its homey cafeteria at- federal agencies, postings in nine countries and then returned as a contract employee. mosphere, friendly staff and hearty food. Just and government travel to over 80 nations. He Maj. Baltazar continues to serve at the Depart- as the restaurant was generational, so too is a true and tested member of the Greatest ment of State, where at 95, he is their eldest were the diners. Patrons passed their love of Generation. worker. Red Wells down through their children. On its Major Jesse M. Baltazar, USAF (Ret.) was Maj. Baltazar received his BS from George- last day there were so many people the res- born in Manila, Philippines on October 8th, town University in Linguistics and MA from the taurant could not serve them all. 1920, and began his military career with the University of Virginia in Education. He speaks As Richard Wells eases into retirement, we United States Armed Forces, Far East seven languages, including Russian, Chinese, wish him much enjoyment spending time (USAFFE). He is a veteran of WWII, Korea, German, French, Spanish, English and Taga- doing what he wishes and being with those for and Vietnam; a Japanese Prisoner of War and log. whom he cares. May he know that the legend Bataan Death March Survivor. His military awards and decorations include: that became Red Wells Roast Beef restaurant During Maj. Baltazar’s Purple Heart cere- Bronze Star, Purple Heart, WWII Victory will live on in Toledo memory. mony on January 20, 2015, former Chief-of- Medal, POW Medal, American Defense Serv- f ice Medal, WWII Theater Campaign (Pacific), Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno summa- HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVER- The Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service rized Maj. Baltazar’s career to this country as SARY OF KIWANIS INTER- Medal, UN Service Medal, Philippine Presi- follows: NATIONAL AND THE 95TH ANNI- dential Unit Citation, Korean Presidential Unit I am moved by Maj. Baltazar’s humility, VERSARY OF THE JOLIET CHAP- Citation. his selflessness, and his service to our Nation TER OF KIWANIS . . . It’s a story about a young man from the Maj. Baltazar is a devoted husband and fa- Philippines who fought to defend both his ther. He has been happily married to his wife home and our Nation following the fateful Margrit for 55 years. They have five children, HON. BILL FOSTER attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; Katherine, Susanne, Thomas, Phillip and OF ILLINOIS a story about a man who understands the im- Melchior, and are blessed with nine grand- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES portance of unparalleled national commitment and the willingness to volunteer and children and one great-grandchild. Wednesday, September 30, 2015 serve; a story of honor and courage; and a Few choose to lead a life of service like Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in story about an American Patriot, Soldier, Jesse M. Baltazar. He is a living inspiration to honor of the 100th anniversary of Kiwanis Airman, and Diplomat. all of us of the character, honor, and commit- International and the 95th anniversary of the And Gen. Odierno went on to describe the ment required to keep our nation free. It is a Joliet Chapter of Kiwanis. What began with bravery of Maj. Baltazar during the Battle of great honor today to recognize him on his only two members on a fateful fall day in 1914 Bataan, which earned him the Purple Heart: 95th birthday, for his dedication and sacrifice has grown to an international organization with On March 15, 1942, Sergeant Baltazar was to our great country. over 600,000 members that devote over 6 mil- hit by shrapnel in the leg when the Japanese f lion hours of service annually. On January 21, bombed an area near his camp. With the REMEMBERING A TOLEDO 1915 the state of Michigan returned the cor- American and Filipino forces now having TRADITION porate charter, this date has been celebrated been cut off since January 1942, supplies were as the birthday of Kiwanis ever since. dwindling and facilities were limited. So he With their motto, ‘‘Serving the Children of underwent surgery in an open air jungle hos- HON. MARCY KAPTUR pital with minimal anesthesia and little the World,’’ Kiwanis International has done OF OHIO time to recover. As the battle raged on and just that, improving the lives of children across our Soldiers valiantly fought to hold the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the world, one child and one community at a line, 76,000 American and Filipino soldiers Wednesday, September 30, 2015 time. Kiwanis International has reached this eventually were forced to put down their Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to milestone because it has always stayed true arms and surrender on April 9, 1942. to the six permanent Objects of Kiwanis Inter- When the Bataan Death March began, Ser- pay tribute to a landmark business in Toledo, Ohio. Red Wells Roast Beef restaurant closed national, which remain unchanged since their geant Baltazar was forced to use a bamboo approval in 1924. stick as a cane to help him walk. He suffered its doors this month after nearly 100 years of Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me brutality and starvation at the hands of his serving its traditional hot roast beef sandwich. in commemorating the 100th and 95th anni- Japanese captors in conditions that led to As he retires, owner Richard Wells does not versaries of Kiwanis International and the Jo- the spread of disease. Exhausted and fearing wish to sell the restaurant and its homemade liet Chapter of Kiwanis as they continue their that he was going to die, he seized an oppor- offerings. tunity to escape on the third night into the long tradition of fellowship and service. Legendary in West Toledo, Red Wells offi- infamous 66 mile march. Hiding in a fisher- f man’s boat for a two-hour ride through the cially began in 1894 when Allen and Eva thick swamp, Sergeant Baltazar found his Wells served food in their hotels, boarding HONORING DAWN DOWDY way back home, where he proceeded to join houses and saloons. After he returned from the Filipino resistance movement—what an service in World War 1, their son Clark HON. JOHN GARAMENDI incredible example of the strength of the Wells—nicknamed ‘‘Red’’—partnered with his OF CALIFORNIA human spirit. father to open up a restaurant serving signa- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES After being discharged from the army in ture hot roast beef sandwiches. The restaurant 1945, he went on to become the first Filipino- grew quickly and in 1930 the family opened up Wednesday, September 30, 2015 born Officer in the United States Air Force in two restaurants in downtown Toledo, one of Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 1948. He served for 20 years in the Air Force, which was the first restaurant in the city to be to recognize the work of Dawn Dowdy a track primarily overseas as a Special Agent in the electrified. Richard Wells started in the family coach and mentor and one of my district’s Office of Special Investigations (OSI), where business in 1946. He persuaded the family to 2015 Woman of the year. he authored the monthly Counter-Intelligence open up its current location on Sylvania Ave- Whereas, on the Twenty-Second Day of report for Korea (1950–52), West Berlin nue in West Toledo in 1957. September, of the Year Two Thousand and (1956–58) and France (1958–60). During the The business continued to do well offering a Fifteen, Dawn Dowdy was recognized as a Korean War, he was one of a handful of menu of items first cooked by Eva Wells: in 2015 Woman of the year.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A30SE8.005 E30SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1397 Whereas, Dawn Dowdy is a dedicated Track Waterloo, Iowa. Jaden, having already raced I extend my greatest sympathy to his wife Coach for Hamilton High School. Dawn has to a world record for his age group in last Bernice, children Darren, Sr., Michael, Kim redefined the term ‘‘dedication’’ and has not year’s Park-to-Park 5K, rewrote the record and Monica. I pray that God rests his soul and let the fact that Hamilton High does not have books again—completing the half marathon in gives peace and comfort to his family and a track on campus hinder her students from an astounding one hour, 43 minutes, and 34 friends. reaching personal goals and competing in re- seconds. f gional competitions. In addition to his remarkable race times, the Whereas, Dawn has not allowed substantial local running community recognizes Jaden by HONORING DEIDRE ROBINSON budget cuts deter her from attracting a high his signature smile. He simply beams through number of students into her program. She has every step of the race and his enthusiasm is HON. JOHN GARAMENDI orchestrated fundraising to ensure students undiminished despite the distances. He is an OF CALIFORNIA have the means to participate and takes a exceptional young man who enjoys having fun IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES personal interest in each student to make sure while competing. Wednesday, September 30, 2015 they keep up with their academics. Some of I extend my sincerest congratulations to her students have competed in the State Jaden and wish him well as he prepares to Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Finals and obtained college scholarship funds. compete in the Junior Olympics for cross to recognize the work of Deidre Robinson, a Whereas, Hamilton City is a small, tight-knit country and track in the upcoming spring. I business leader and one of my district’s 2015 community of 2,000. Dawn’s ability to mentor, would also like to congratulate Jaden’s par- Woman of the year. motivate and maximize students’ potential on ents Brent and Sabina, on their perpetual sup- Whereas, on the Twenty-Second Day of and off the Track is priceless. port of their son and their encouragement of September, of the Year Two Thousand and Resolved, That I Congressman JOHN his talents. Fifteen, Deidre Robinson was recognized as a GARAMENDI of California’s Third Congressional f 2015 Woman of the year. District, do hereby recognize and celebrate the Whereas, Deidre Robinson has worked tire- accomplishments of Dawn Dowdy. IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF lessly for over 20 years as a diverse leader of f FORMER INDIANA STATE REP- relationship-building and strategic alliances. RESENTATIVE WILLIAM A. Deidre’s community service and volunteerism TRIBUTE TO CYNTHIA WILLIAMS CRAWFORD starts in Solano County and reaches as far as AND THE AUSTIN PEOPLES AC- the San Francisco Bay Area. She recognizes TION CENTER HON. ANDRE´ CARSON the impact that others have had on her life OF INDIANA and career and her passion for volunteerism, HON. DANNY K. DAVIS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES leadership, and commitment are based on a OF ILLINOIS vision that is driven by personal experiences. Wednesday, September 30, 2015 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Whereas, her volunteer contributions to or- Wednesday, September 30, 2015 Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, it is ganizations such as CoachArt, Leukemia & with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance Lymphoma Society, Kid Fest, Relay for Life, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speak- that I rise today to pay tribute to a respected and other groups are remarkable. In addition, er, for more than thirty-five years the Austin public servant and outstanding citizen, former Deidre is also the Vice Treasurer of Alpha Peoples Action Center (APAC) has been an Indiana State Representative, William A. Kappa Alpha, Tau Upsilon Omega Chapter, integral part of the Austin community. Orga- Crawford. for which she provides volunteer services to nized principally by the Williams family and Maya Angelou once said, ‘‘A great soul students and young adult women through parishioners of the Third Unitarian Church, serves everyone all the time. A great soul mentoring and workshops on leadership. Re- APAC has grown to become one of the pre- never dies.’’ Representative Crawford is one cently, Deidre was appointed by Governor Ed- mier social service agencies in the state of Illi- such great soul, who served humanity in a mund G. Brown Jr. to the California Board of nois, and its principal staff person Ms. Cynthia special way. He spent his entire life dedicated Accountancy. Williams is known as one of the most effective to public service, pushing a message of equal- Whereas, as a single mother of two, nothing agency directors in the state. As a social serv- ity and justice during his 40 years in the Indi- has prevented Deidre from achieving monu- ice agency, APAC provides quality health and ana General Assembly. mental milestones both professionally and per- human services to thousands of Chicago’s On a personal note, Representative sonally. She has been a role model for both neediest residents, including people with dis- Crawford was a dear friend and mentor who I her children and the community. abilities, seniors at risk, children, youth and was privileged to know from a very young age. Resolved, That I Congressman JOHN adults with mental illness and substance I have fond memories of getting to know ‘Bill’ GARAMENDI of California’s Third Congressional abuse problems. APAC is known for having as he served alongside my grandmother dur- District, do hereby recognize and celebrate the the largest women, infants and children’s pro- ing her time at the Statehouse. With Bill’s accomplishments of Deidre Robinson. gram in the state of Illinois and I might add the passing, our state has lost a champion, our f most effective. For thirty-five years of great city has lost a leader, and I have lost a friend. leadership and community service I commend Revered as the most influential African- RECOGNIZING MAJOR WILLIAM Cynthia Williams and the Austin Peoples Ac- American state lawmaker in Indiana’s history, ‘‘BILL’’ CONKLIN NOSKER tion Center for their contributions to improving Representative Crawford made sure that Afri- the quality of life for Chicago residents. can-American Hoosiers had a voice in govern- HON. STEVE STIVERS f ment. He was the first African-American law- OF OHIO IN RECOGNITION OF JADEN maker to serve as chairman of the powerful IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and influential Indiana House Ways and MERRICK’S WORLD RECORD SET- Wednesday, September 30, 2015 TING RACE TIME FOR THE HALF Means Committee and was critical in starting MARATHON IN THE 7-YEAR-OLD the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus. Mr. STIVERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in AGE GROUP Representative Crawford was destined to recognition of Major William ‘‘Bill’’ Conklin lead and when he spoke people listened. He Nosker. Bill was a member of the 1939 Ohio HON. ROD BLUM was inspired to serve by the life and death of State Football Big Ten Championship team Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was present on and a Major in the U.S. Army Air Corps during OF IOWA April 4, 1968, and heard Senator Robert Ken- World War II. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nedy’s words at 17th and Broadway in Indian- Bill was born in 1919 in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, September 30, 2015 apolis announcing the death of Dr. King. Being and later moved to Upper Arlington. He was Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to con- there that night helped shape his career as an an active high school athlete, earning 14 var- gratulate a young constituent of mine—Jaden activist and led to his passionate work on be- sity letters in four sports. He became one of Merrick from Cedar Falls, Iowa—on his world half of the Kennedy/King Memorial on that his- the first athletes from Upper Arlington to play record setting race time for the half marathon toric site. Among his accomplishments was in- football at a major university and earned var- in the 7-year-old age group. creasing minority enrollment at Ivy Tech Com- sity letters three years at The Ohio State Uni- On September 12, 2015, Jaden raced in the munity College and creating the Indiana Black versity. In 1940, Bill was named to the hon- Cedar Valley Park-to-Park Half Marathon in Expo into the institution it is today. orary All-Big Ten Team.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A30SE8.008 E30SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1398 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 30, 2015 Bill left one quarter before graduation at Because of my experience with the pro- band, Charles are the proud parents of 3 Ohio State in 1941, along with six other ath- gram, I have always enjoyed having the privi- grown daughters and 3 grandchildren. Dionne letes, to serve his country in the Army Air lege of hosting Cal in the Capital interns in my established a career with the San Francisco Corps. Bill did obtain his degree a year later congressional office. The passion and dedica- Police Department where she served for 14 when he submitted a thesis paper to his pro- tion that these student leaders display toward years as a Peace Officer. fessor. While in basic training, Bill was se- serving their country, their communities, and Whereas, now, a resident of Solano County, lected as the ‘‘Typical Air Corps Cadet’’ for a those whose voices too often go unheard is Dionne is co-owner of a successful small busi- nationwide publicity recruiting campaign, but an inspiration to all. ness, Front2Back Designs in Fairfield. he was far from ‘‘typical.’’ On behalf of the residents of California’s Whereas, Dionne is Past President of Fair- As part of the 449th Bombardment Group, 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Uni- field Kiwanis Club and Chair of Salvation Army Bill was sent overseas at the end of 1943. He versity of California, Berkeley, for its Cal in the Red Kettle. Dionne is an active supporter of was the original commanding officer of the Capital program and salute its 50 years of Solano Hearts United/Solano Turkey Trot, Mis- 718th Squadron stationed in Italy and is cred- service to our community. I thank the UC Pub- sion Solano, Heather House, Rotary Club, ited with 35 total missions as a pilot or copilot. lic Service Center for providing its students Yippie Yogurt Foundation, Heart2Heart, Little His missions spanned all over Europe, includ- with decades of public service opportunities Wing Connections, The Leaven, Ride to De- ing Italy, Austria, France, Yugoslavia and Ro- while leading the nation in developing the next feat Diabetes, Children’s Nurturing Project, mania. In August of 1944, Bill died in a plane generation of leaders. The Continentals of Omega Boys & Girls Club crash as part of an air support mission for the f of Vallejo, and Children in Need of Hugs. invasion of Southern France, also known as Whereas, Dionne has also served as Am- Operation Anvil. He was awarded the Distin- TRIBUTE TO ESTHER GOLAR bassador for several area Chambers of Com- guished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, three merce. Her business motto is ‘‘to treat cus- Oak Leaf clusters, and the Bronze Star during HON. DANNY K. DAVIS tomers how we would want to be treated as his service. OF ILLINOIS consumers and to give back to the community Bill was a true American hero and I am IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that has helped to sustain our business.’’ True pleased to honor his service to our country Wednesday, September 30, 2015 to her word, Dionne is a shining star. during World War II. I wish his family all the Resolved, That I Congressman JOHN best this year as they recognize the 70th anni- Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speak- GARAMENDI of California’s Third Congressional versary of when he was set to return home er, Esther Golar was called home by the Lord District, do hereby recognize and celebrate the from war. on Monday, September 21, 2015 at age 71. accomplishments of Dionne McCullar. f Esther was born in Chicago, Illinois and was f educated here including attending college at HONORING CAL IN THE CAPITAL Malcolm X; and she was a member of Trinity PERSONAL EXPLANATION United Church of Christ. Esther devoted her HON. BARBARA LEE adult life to a tireless quest for social and eco- HON. JAMES A. HIMES OF CALIFORNIA nomic justice; and she worked with Alternative OF CONNECTICUT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Policing Strategy, Neighborhood Housing IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Services of Chicago and Robert Fulton Ele- Wednesday, September 30, 2015 mentary Local School Council. In 2006, Esther Wednesday, September 30, 2015 Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor was appointed to represent the people of Dis- Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, on September 25, the 50th anniversary of the University of Cali- trict 6 of the Illinois State House of Represent- 2015, I was unable to be present for roll call fornia, Berkeley Public Service Center’s ‘‘Cal atives and was first elected in 2006 to the Illi- vote 518, on passage of the Responsibly And in the Capital’’ internship program; long known nois House and re-elected again in each elec- Professionally Invigorating Development as one of the premier internship programs in tion since and she was known and loved as (RAPID) Act of 2015 (H.R. 348). Had I been Washington D.C. one of the kindest and most compassionate present, I would have voted NAY. Since 1965, this student-led organization elected officials in Illinois, a woman who used f has prepared 75 UC Berkeley students each her powerful voice and enduring passion to year for once in a lifetime internship opportuni- selflessly champion for her constituents. OUR UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL ties. Placement opportunities include: across Esther leaves to mourn her passing her DEBT all levels of government, the nonprofit sector, daughter: Tiffany Golar; and grandchildren think tanks, and within our most advanced re- Briana Golar, Toni Thomas, Ananda Thomas HON. MIKE COFFMAN search institutions. and Jayden Golar, along with a massive host OF COLORADO In its 50th year, Cal in the Capital has af- of friends and co-workers. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES forded a total of 3,745 interns the platform to Now, therefore be it resolved, that we deep- Wednesday, September 30, 2015 engage in 1,608,489 hours of service. Their ly mourn the passing of our dear friend Esther dedication to public service and civic engage- Golar; and be it further resolved, that we ex- Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January ment is showcased through real world experi- press to her family, friends and all who knew 20, 2009, the day President Obama took of- ences and professional growth platforms. her, our appreciation, admiration and respect fice, the national debt was Through its offerings, Cal in the Capital has for her life and works and we commend her $10,626,877,048,913.08. been providing leadership, service learning, soul to the Almighty God for peaceful repose. Today, it is $18,151,025,702,418.99. We’ve and internship opportunities to the students of f added $7,524,148,653,505.91 to our debt in 6 my alma mater, UC Berkeley. Their program years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our na- has successfully demonstrated, for half a cen- HONORING DIONNE MCCULLAR tion, our economy, and our children could tury, the benefits of combining world-class have avoided with a balanced budget amend- education with hands-on experience in the ef- HON. JOHN GARAMENDI ment. fort to prepare their students for a life of public OF CALIFORNIA f service. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Alumni of the program have gone on to THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF serve in various capacities of public service. Wednesday, September 30, 2015 OMEGA DELTA PHI FRATERNITY, Some worked within presidential administra- Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today INC., (GAMMA CHAPTER) tions, some went on to advocate for workers’ to recognize the work of Dionne McCullar, a rights, and some even became sitting Mem- business leader, community volunteer and one HON. RAU´ L M. GRIJALVA bers of Congress. I too was once a Cal in the of my district’s 2015 Woman of the year. OF ARIZONA Capital intern for a great warrior, statesman Whereas, on the Twenty-Second Day of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and my predecessor, Congressman Ron Del- September, of the Year Two Thousand and lums. I remember my time as an intern fondly, Fifteen, Dionne McCullar was recognized as a Wednesday, September 30, 2015 and can tell you without hesitation that this 2015 Woman of the year. Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I wish to rec- program changed my life, as it has for so Whereas, Dionne McCullar was born and ognize and congratulate the Omega Delta Phi many others. raised in San Francisco. She and her hus- Fraternity, Inc., (Gamma Chapter) from the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A30SE8.013 E30SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1399 University of Arizona on the occasion of their Whereas, Dr. Amandeep Kaur is Science Meetings scheduled for Thursday, Oc- 25th Anniversary. Fellow to Chancellor Linda Katehi at UC tober 1, 2015 may be found in the Daily After gaining chapter status on September Davis. She is a UC Davis alumna and re- Digest of today’s RECORD. 28th, 1990 at the University of Arizona, ceived her PhD in Physics from UC Davis in Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc., has set out July 2014. She is a passionate leader and ad- to be an organization that prides itself with vocate for underrepresented student groups at MEETINGS SCHEDULED hands on community service. Its members UC Davis. She has consistently worked to- OCTOBER 6 have set out to become role models at the col- wards empowering underrepresented graduate 9:30 a.m. legiate level for many as members are rep- student groups at UC Davis since the aca- Committee on Armed Services resentative of first generation college students. demic year 2012–13. She says that her true To hold hearings to examine the situa- ODPhi has been a prime example of seeking calling is public service and making an impact tion in Afghanistan; with the possi- to put an end to the stereotypical images of in the lives of people. One of her biggest ac- bility of a closed session in SVC–217, fraternity men. As Men of Vision, members complishments was to advocate for creating following the open session. have undertaken a responsibility to think out- more fellowships for international PhD stu- SD–G50 side of the box and become committed to the dents. Her advocacy led Provost Ralph Hexter 10 a.m. constructive development of themselves and to create post candidacy NRST fellowships in Committee on Health, Education, Labor, their communities. the academic year 2013–14 and to implement and Pensions As a service and social organization, The To hold hearings to examine the Na- a new budget model of $2 million in the aca- Gamma Chapter of Omega Delta Phi Frater- tional Labor Relations Board’s joint demic year 2014–15. This outcome has had a nity, Inc., has continuously lent a helping hand employer decision. significant impact in the competitiveness of UC to the Tucson community by hosting and SD–430 Davis and has allowed for equity for inter- working several community events, namely 10:30 a.m. their Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Annual national PhD students at UC Davis. In May Committee on Energy and Natural Re- Haunted House. These two signature events 2013, Amandeep was nominated by her peers sources which have been hosted by the chapter every and received an outstanding leadership award To hold hearings to examine the poten- year since the early 1990s, provide a fun and for her advocacy on behalf of international tial modernization of the Strategic Pe- safe environment for local children and fami- PhD students. troleum Reserve and related energy se- Whereas, last year, as a Graduate Student curity issues. lies and has been replicated at other chapter Assistant to the Dean and Chancellor SD–366 locations since. Members invest an average of 2:15 p.m. 40–50 service hours (per member) back into (GSADC), Amandeep hosted Diversity Dia- logues on Graduate Education, a series of Committee on the Judiciary the Tucson community and have done so Subcommittee on Oversight, Agency Ac- every semester for the past 25 years. seven discussions on creating strategies to empower women students in Science, Tech- tion, Federal Rights and Federal The chapter at the UA was one of the origi- Courts nal organizations in recent years to begin as nology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), students of color, international students, un- To hold hearings to examine how over- a Hispanic-Founded organization and paved regulation harms minorities. documented students, student veterans, stu- the way for other Multicultural Greek-Lettered SD–226 Organizations to begin on campus. The chap- dent parents, LGBTQIA identified students, 2:30 p.m. ter has seen a diverse group of men carry on and students with visible/invisible disabilities. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs a tradition of excellence as members have Whereas, currently as a postdoctoral To hold hearings to examine pending been of Hispanic, Native American, African science fellow to Chancellor Linda Katehi, she health and benefits legislation. American, Asian, Indian, and Caucasian de- is furthering her advocacy on bridging the SR–418 scent. As a true multicultural fraternity, ODPhi gaps for women in STEM through her Empow- has a priority of graduating members from the ering Women in STEM (EWIS) initiative. She OCTOBER 7 University of Arizona and has seen hundreds also believes that graduate students with the 10 a.m. of alumni go on to see successful diverse ca- right expertise can help policy makers in shap- Committee on Appropriations reers in government, public services, medical, ing public policy which has motivated her to Subcommittee on Departments of Labor, higher education, and the private sector. create Emerging Leaders in Policy and Public Health and Human Services, and Edu- What began as an idea by four founding in- Service (ELIPPS) initiative at UC Davis. One cation, and Related Agencies dividuals: David Gil, Carlos Contreras, Jeff of her goals through ELIPPS is to inspire more To hold hearings to examine the Na- Martin, and Kurt Rex Cooper, to create an or- students to join public service. She believes in tional Institutes of Health, focusing on ganization that gives back to our local area, leading by example and is a role model for investing in a healthier future. has now flourished into a thriving brotherhood many students at UC Davis. SD–124 that has taken on a continued responsibility in Resolved, That I Congressman JOHN Committee on Commerce, Science, and social and public affairs. With a rich history, GARAMENDI of California’s Third Congressional Transportation ODPhi has been both humbled and honored District, do hereby recognize and celebrate the To hold hearings to examine removing accomplishments of Amandeep Kaur. barriers to wireless broadband deploy- to remain a part of Tucson’s community and ment. f plans to remain an advocate for higher edu- SR–253 cation and service. SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS Committee on Environment and Public Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, Works and honor the Omega Delta Phi-Gamma Fra- agreed to by the Senate of February 4, To hold an oversight hearing to examine ternity on the celebration of their 25th anniver- 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. sary and commend the fraternity and its mem- tem for a computerized schedule of all SD–406 bers for its service and achievements over the meetings and hearings of Senate com- Committee on Homeland Security and years. mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- Governmental Affairs f tees, and committees of conference. Business meeting to consider S. 708, to establish an independent advisory com- HONORING AMANDEEP KAUR This title requires all such committees mittee to review certain regulations, S. to notify the Office of the Senate Daily 1607, to affirm the authority of the HON. JOHN GARAMENDI Digest—designated by the Rules Com- President to require independent regu- OF CALIFORNIA mittee—of the time, place and purpose latory agencies to comply with regu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of the meetings, when scheduled and latory analysis requirements applica- Wednesday, September 30, 2015 any cancellations or changes in the ble to executive agencies, S. 1818, to Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today meetings as they occur. amend title 5, United States Code, to to recognize the work of Amandeep Kaur, an As an additional procedure along reform the rule making process of advocate for Underrepresented Student with the computerization of this infor- agencies, S. 1820, to require agencies to Groups and one of my district’s 2015 Woman mation, the Office of the Senate Daily publish an advance notice of proposed of the year. Digest will prepare this information for rule making for major rules, S. 1817, to Whereas, on the Twenty-Second Day of printing in the Extensions of Remarks improve the effectiveness of major September, of the Year Two Thousand and section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD rules in accomplishing their regulatory Fifteen, Amandeep Kaur was recognized as a on Monday and Wednesday of each objectives by promoting retrospective 2015 Woman of the year. week.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE8.019 E30SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1400 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 30, 2015 review, S. 1873, to strengthen account- ner as the Attorney General exercises boundary of the Arapaho National For- ability for deployment of border secu- such authority. est, Colorado, S. 1448, to designate the rity technology at the Department of SD–226 Frank Moore Wild Steelhead Sanc- Homeland Security, S. 2021, to prohibit 2:15 p.m. tuary in the State of Oregon, S. 1592, to Federal agencies and Federal contrac- Committee on Indian Affairs clarify the description of certain Fed- tors from requesting that an applicant To hold hearings to examine S. 817, to eral land under the Northern Arizona for employment disclose criminal his- provide for the addition of certain real Land Exchange and Verde River Basin tory record information before the ap- property to the reservation of the Partnership Act of 2005 to include addi- plicant has received a conditional Siletz Tribe in the State of Oregon, S. tional land in the Kaibab National For- offer, S. Res. 104, to express the sense 818, to amend the Grand Ronde Res- est, S. 1941 and H.R. 2223, bills to au- of the Senate regarding the success of ervation Act to make technical correc- thorize, direct, expedite, and facilitate Operation Streamline and the impor- tions, S. 1436, to require the Secretary a land exchange in El Paso and Teller tance of prosecuting first time illegal of the Interior to take land into trust Counties, Colorado, S. 1942 and H.R. border crossers, S. 2093, to provide that for certain Indian tribes, S. 1761, to 1554, bills to require a land conveyance the Secretary of Transportation shall take certain Federal land located in involving the Elkhorn Ranch and the have sole authority to appoint Federal Lassen County, California, into trust White River National Forest in the Directors to the Board of Directors of for the benefit of the Susanville Indian State of Colorado, S. 1955, to amend the the Washington Metropolitan Area Rancheria, S. 1822, to take certain Fed- Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act eral land located in Tuolumne County, Transit Authority, H.R. 998, to estab- to provide for equitable allotment of California, into trust for the benefit of lish the conditions under which the land to Alaska Native veterans, S. 1971, the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indi- Secretary of Homeland Security may to expand the boundary of the Cali- ans, S. 1986, to provide for a land con- establish preclearance facilities, con- fornia Coastal National Monument, veyance in the State of Nevada, and duct preclearance operations, and pro- H.R. 387, to provide for certain land to and S. 2069, to amend the Omnibus Pub- vide customs services outside the be taken into trust for the benefit of lic Land Management Act of 2009 to United States, H.R. 322, to designate Morongo Band of Mission Indians. modify provisions relating to certain the facility of the United States Postal SD–628 land exchanges in the Mt. Hood Wilder- Service located at 16105 Swingley Ridge ness in the State of Oregon. Road in Chesterfield, Missouri, as the OCTOBER 8 SD–366 ‘‘Sgt. Zachary M. Fisher Post Office’’, 9:30 a.m. H.R. 323, to designate the facility of the OCTOBER 20 Committee on Energy and Natural Re- United States Postal Service located at sources 10 a.m. 55 Grasso Plaza in St. Louis, Missouri, To hold hearings to examine H.R. 2898, to Committee on Energy and Natural Re- as the ‘‘Sgt. Amanda N. Pinson Post provide drought relief in the State of sources Office’’, H.R. 324, to designate the facil- California, S. 1894, to provide short- To hold hearings to examine the nomina- ity of the United States Postal Service term water supplies to drought-strick- tions of Cherry Ann Murray, of Kansas, located at 11662 Gravois Road in St. en California, S. 1936, to provide for to be Director of the Office of Science, Louis, Missouri, as the ‘‘Lt. Daniel P. drought preparedness measures in the and Victoria Marie Baecher Wassmer, Riordan Post Office’’, H.R. 558, to des- State of New Mexico, S. 1583, to au- of Illinois, to be Under Secretary, both ignate the facility of the United States thorize the expansion of an existing hy- of the Department of Energy, and Mary Postal Service located at 55 South Pio- droelectric project, S. 2046, to author- L. Kendall, of Minnesota, to be Inspec- neer Boulevard in Springboro, Ohio, as ize the Federal Energy Regulatory tor General, Suzette M. Kimball, of the ‘‘Richard ‘Dick’ Chenault Post Of- Commission to issue an order con- West Virginia, to be Director of the fice Building’’, H.R. 1442, to designate tinuing a stay of a hydroelectric li- United States Geological Survey, and the facility of the United States Postal cense for the Mahoney Lake hydro- Kristen Joan Sarri, of Michigan, to be Service located at 90 Cornell Street in electric project in the State of Alaska, an Assistant Secretary, all of the De- Kingston, New York, as the ‘‘Staff Ser- and S. 2083, to extend the deadline for partment of the Interior. geant Robert H. Dietz Post Office commencement of construction of a SD–366 Building’’, H.R. 1884, to designate the hydroelectric project. facility of the United States Postal SD–366 OCTOBER 21 Service located at 206 West Commer- 10 a.m. 2:15 p.m. cial Street in East Rochester, New Committee on Homeland Security and Committee on Indian Affairs York, as the ‘‘Officer Daryl R. Pierson Governmental Affairs To hold an oversight hearing to examine Memorial Post Office Building’’, H.R. To hold hearings to examine threats to the Government Accountability Office 3059, to designate the facility of the the homeland. report on Indian energy development. United States Postal Service located at SD–342 SD–628 4500 SE 28th Street, Del City, Okla- Committee on the Judiciary homa, as the James Robert Kalsu Post Business meeting to consider S. 1814, to OCTOBER 22 Office Building, an original bill enti- withhold certain Federal funding from tled, ‘‘Directing Dollars to Disaster Re- sanctuary cities. 10 a.m. lief Act of 2015’’, an original bill enti- SD–226 Committee on Energy and Natural Re- tled, ‘‘Inspector General Mandates Re- 2:30 p.m. sources porting Act of 2015’’, and an original Committee on Energy and Natural Re- To hold hearings to examine Puerto bill entitled, ‘‘Fraud Reduction and sources Rico, focusing on the economy, debt, Data Analytics Act of 2015’’. Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and options for Congress. SD–342 and Mining SD–366 Committee on the Judiciary To hold hearings to examine S. 414, to Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition provide for conservation, enhanced OCTOBER 27 Policy and Consumer Rights recreation opportunities, and develop- 10 a.m. To hold hearings to examine S. 2102, to ment of renewable energy in the Cali- Committee on Energy and Natural Re- amend the Clayton Act and the Federal fornia Desert Conservation Area, S. sources Trade Commission Act to provide that 872, to provide for the recognition of To hold an oversight hearing to examine the Federal Trade Commission shall certain Native communities and the the Office of Surface Mining, Reclama- exercise authority with respect to settlement of certain claims under the tion, and Enforcement’s proposed mergers only under the Clayton Act Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, Stream Protection Rule. and only in the same procedural man- S. 1295 and H.R. 1324, bills to adjust the SD–366

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HIGHLIGHTS Senate agreed to the motion to concur in the amendment of the House of Representatives to the amendment of the Senate to H.R. 719, Con- tinuing Appropriations Act, with an amendment. Senate Chamber Action Measures Considered: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Routine Proceedings, pages S7011–S7053. Related Agencies Appropriations Act—Agree- Measures Introduced: Twelve bills and one resolu- ment: Senate began consideration of the motion to tion were introduced, as follows: S. 2102–2113, and proceed to consideration of H.R. 2029, Making ap- S. Res. 272. Pages S7046–47 propriations for military construction, the Depart- Measures Reported: ment of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. S. 209, to amend the Indian Tribal Energy Devel- Pages S7014–43, H7052–53 opment and Self-Determination Act of 2005. (S. A motion was entered to close further debate on Rept. No. 114–149) Page S7046 the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill, Measures Passed: and, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII United States Commission on International Re- of the Standing Rules of the Senate, and pursuant to ligious Freedom Reauthorization Act: Senate passed the unanimous-consent agreement of Wednesday, S. 2078, to reauthorize the United States Commis- September 30, 2015, a vote on cloture will occur at 1:45 p.m., on Thursday, October 1, 2015. sion on International Religious Freedom. Page S7053 Pages S7051–52 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- National Kinship Care Month: Committee on viding for further consideration of the motion to the Judiciary was discharged from further consider- proceed to consideration of the bill at approximately ation of S. Res. 266, designating September 2015 as 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, October 1, 2015, with the ‘‘National Kinship Care Month’’, and the resolution time until 1:45 p.m., equally divided between the was then agreed to. Page S7052 two Leaders, or their designees; and that notwith- Fair Minimum Wage Act: Senate passed H.R. standing rule XXII, Senate vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to consider- 2617, to amend the Fair Minimum Wage Act of ation of the bill at 1:45 p.m. Pages S7052–53 2007 to reduce a scheduled increase in the minimum wage applicable to American Samoa, after agreeing House Messages: to the following amendments proposed thereto: Continuing Appropriations Act: By 78 yeas to Page S7052 20 nays (Vote No. 272), Senate agreed to the motion McConnell (for Isakson) Amendment No. 2705, to to concur in the amendment of the House of Rep- reduce an increase in the minimum wage for Amer- resentatives to the amendment of the Senate to H.R. ican Samoa, to adjust the reporting requirements of 719, to require the Transportation Security Adminis- the Government Accountability Office regarding the tration to conform to existing Federal law and regu- proposed minimum wage increases for American lations regarding criminal investigator positions, Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mar- with McConnell (for Cochran) Amendment No. iana Islands. Page S7052 2689, making continuing appropriations for the fis- McConnell (for Isakson) Amendment No. 2706, to cal year ending September 30, 2016, after taking action on the following amendment proposed thereto: amend the title. Page S7052 Pages S7013–14 D1033

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:55 Apr 02, 2016 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\RECORD15\SEP 15\D30SE5.REC D30SE5 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE D1034 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST September 30, 2015 Withdrawn: McConnell Amendment No. 2690 (to Amend- Committee Meetings ment No. 2689), to change the enactment date. (Committees not listed did not meet) Page S7013 SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION Signing Authority—Agreement: A unanimous- CORPORATION consent agreement was reached providing that Sen- ator Gardner be authorized to sign duly enrolled Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: bills or joint resolutions on Wednesday, September Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance, and Invest- ment concluded an oversight hearing to examine the 30, 2015. Page S7042 Securities Investor Protection Corporation, including Messages from the President: Senate received the S. 67, to amend the Securities Investor Protection following messages from the President of the United Act of 1970 to confirm that a customer’s net equity States: claim is based on the customer’s last statement and Transmitting, pursuant to law, the notification of that certain recoveries are prohibited, to change how the President’s intent to terminate the designations trustees are appointed, after receiving testimony from of Seychelles, Uruguay, and Venezuela as beneficiary Stephen P. Harbeck, Securities Investor Protection developing countries under the Generalized System Corporation, Sigmund S. Wissner-Gross, Brown of Preferences (GSP) program; which was referred to Rudnick, LLP, and James W. Giddens, Hughes the Committee on Finance. (PM–24) Pages S7045–46 Hubbard and Reed LLP, all of Washington, D.C.; Transmitting, pursuant to law, the notification of and J.W. Verret, George Mason School of Law, Fair- the President’s intent to terminate the designation of fax, Virginia. Seychelles as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African coun- ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS OVERSIGHT try under the African Growth and Opportunity Act Committee on Environment and Public Works: Com- (AGOA) program; which was referred to the Com- mittee concluded an oversight hearing to examine mittee on Finance. (PM–25) Page S7046 the Army Corps of Engineers’ participation in the Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- development of the new regulatory definition of lowing nominations: ‘‘Waters of the United States’’, after receiving testi- 2 Air Force nominations in the rank of general. mony from Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the 2 Army nominations in the rank of general. Army (Civil Works), Department of Defense. 1 Marine Corps nomination in the rank of general. ECONOMIC CRISIS IN UKRAINE Page S7053 Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded Messages from the House: Page S7046 a closed hearing to examine the economic crisis in Measures Referred: Page S7046 Ukraine, after receiving testimony from Christine Lagarde, International Monetary Fund, Washington, Additional Cosponsors: Pages S7047–48 D.C. Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND Pages S7048–50 STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Additional Statements: Pages S7044–45 Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Amendments Submitted: Page S7050 fairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Department of Education and student achievement, Notices of Intent: Page S7050 after receiving testimony from Ted Mitchell, Under Authorities for Committees to Meet: Secretary of Education; Richard K. Vedder, Center Pages S7050–51 for College Affordability and Productivity, Athens, Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. Ohio; and Kevin Carey, New America, Washington, (Total—272) Page S7014 D.C. Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and END OF THE YEAR SPENDING adjourned at 6:36 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thurs- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- day, October 1, 2015. (For Senate’s program, see the fairs: Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight remarks of the Majority Leader in today’s Record on and Emergency Management concluded a hearing to page S7053.) examine end of the year spending, after receiving testimony from Jason J. Fichtner, George Mason University Mercatus Center, Arlington, Virginia; Philip G. Joyce, University of Maryland School of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:42 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D30SE5.REC D30SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with DIGEST September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D1035 Public Policy, College Park; and Dean W. Sinclair, Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, who Alexandria, Virginia. was introduced by Senators Alexander and Corker, BUSINESS MEETING after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Committee ordered favorably reported the following NOMINATION business items: Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Committee concluded a S. 799, to combat the rise of prenatal opioid abuse hearing to examine the nomination of Michael Her- and neonatal abstinence syndrome, with an amend- man Michaud, of Maine, to be Assistant Secretary of ment in the nature of a substitute; Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training, after S. 1893, to reauthorize and improve programs re- the nominee testified and answered questions in his lated to mental health and substance use disorders, own behalf. with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; and INTELLIGENCE S. 481, to amend the Controlled Substances Act Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee met in and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with closed session to receive a briefing on certain intel- respect to drug scheduling recommendations by the ligence matters from officials of the intelligence Secretary of Health and Human Services, and with community. respect to registration of manufacturers and distribu- PENSION ADVANCES tors seeking to conduct clinical testing, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Special Committee on Aging: Committee concluded a hearing to examine pension advances, focusing on NOMINATIONS questionable business practices and the Federal re- Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a sponse, after receiving testimony from Stephen Lord, hearing to examine the nominations of Brian R. Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Investiga- Martinotti, and Julien Xavier Neals, both to be tive Service, Government Accountability Office; United States District Judge for the District of New Kaycee L. Wolf, Arkansas Securities Department, Jersey, who were both introduced by Senators Little Rock; Stuart T. Rossman, National Consumer Menendez and Booker, Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., to be Law Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Maria Walden, United States District Judge for the District of Ne- Public School and Education Employee Retirement braska, who was introduced by Senator Fischer, and Systems of Missouri, Jefferson City; and Louis Kroot, Edward L. Stanton III, to be United States District USN (Ret.), Lexington, Kentucky. h House of Representatives 719) to require the Transportation Security Adminis- Chamber Action tration to conform to existing Federal law and regu- Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 9 public lations regarding criminal investigator positions, and bills, H.R. 3651–3659; and 5 resolutions, H. Con. for other purposes (H. Rept. 114–272); Res. 80; and H. Res. 450–453, were introduced. H. Res. 449, providing for consideration of the Pages H6748–49 bill (H.R. 3457) to prohibit the lifting of sanctions Additional Cosponsors: Pages H6749–50 on Iran until the Government of Iran pays the judg- Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: ments against it for acts of terrorism, and for other H.R. 1880, to require the Secretary of the Interior purposes; providing for consideration of the con- to take into trust 4 parcels of Federal land for the ference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 1735) to benefit of certain Indian Pueblos in the State of New authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for mili- Mexico (H. Rept. 114–271); tary activities of the Department of Defense, for H. Res. 448, providing for the consideration of military construction, and for defense activities of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 79) directing the Department of Energy, to prescribe military per- the Clerk of the House to make corrections in the sonnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other enrollment of H.R. 719, and providing for consider- purposes; and providing for consideration of motions ation of the Senate amendment to the House amend- to suspend the rules (H. Rept. 114–273); ment to the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:42 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 5627 E:\CR\FM\D30SE5.REC D30SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with DIGEST D1036 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST September 30, 2015 H.R. 2168, to make the current Dungeness crab by a yea-and-nay vote of 241 yeas to 185 nays with fishery management regime permanent and for other one answering ‘‘present’’, Roll No. 527. purposes (H. Rept. 114–274); and Pages H6738–42 H.R. 1541, to amend title 54, United States H. Res. 448, the rule providing for the consider- Code, to make Hispanic-serving institutions eligible ation of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 79) for technical and financial assistance for the estab- and providing for consideration of the Senate amend- lishment of preservation training and degree pro- ment to the House amendment to the Senate amend- grams, with an amendment (H. Rept. 114–275). ment to the bill (H.R. 719), was agreed to by a yea- Page H6748 and-nay vote of 239 yeas to 187 nays, Roll No. 525, Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he after the previous question was ordered. appointed Representative Jolly to act as Speaker pro Pages H6727–30 tempore for today. Page H6709 Meeting Hour: Agreed by unanimous consent that Recess: The House recessed at 11 a.m. and recon- when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow, October 1. Page H6743 vened at 12 noon. Page H6717 Presidential Messages: Read a message from the Guest Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the President wherein he terminated the designations of Guest Chaplain, Reverend William Vanderbush, Ca- Seychelles, Uruguay, and Venezuela as beneficiary thedral of Praise, Austin, Texas. Page H6716 developing countries under the Generalized System Journal: The House agreed to the Speaker’s approval of Preferences program—referred to the Committee of the Journal by voice vote. Pages H6716, H6743 on Ways and Means and ordered to be printed (H. Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules Doc. 114–59). Page H6743 and pass the following measures: Read a message from the President wherein he Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Au- terminated the designation of Seychelles as a bene- thorities Act of 2015: S. 2082, to amend title 38, ficiary sub-Saharan African country under the Afri- United States Code, to extend certain expiring provi- can Growth and Opportunity Act program—referred sions of law administered by the Secretary of Vet- to the Committee on Ways and Means and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 114–60). Page H6743 erans Affairs, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 423 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 526. Senate Message: Message received from the Senate Pages H6719–27, H6730–31 today appears on page H6716. Recess: The House recessed at 1:10 p.m. and recon- Quorum Calls—Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes de- vened at 2:09 p.m. Page H6727 veloped during the proceedings of today and appear on pages H6729–30, H6730–31, H6741–42, and Unanimous Consent Agreement: Agreed by unan- H6742–43. There were no quorum calls. imous consent that the question of adopting a motion to concur pursuant to House Resolution 448 Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and ad- may be subject to postponement as though under journed at 5:42 p.m. clause 8 of rule 20. Page H6731 TSA Office of Inspection Accountability Act of Committee Meetings 2015: The House agreed to the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 719) to re- Committee on Agriculture: Full Committee held a quire the Transportation Security Administration to markup on H.R. 1317, to amend the Commodity conform to existing Federal law and regulations re- Exchange Act and the Securities Exchange Act of garding criminal investigator positions, by a yea- 1934 to specify how clearing requirements apply to and-nay vote of 277 yeas to 151 nays, Roll No. 528. certain affiliate transactions, and for other purposes; Pages H6731–38, H6742–43 and a hearing entitled ‘‘U.S. International Food Aid H. Res. 448, the rule providing for the consider- Programs: Stakeholder Perspectives’’. H.R. 1317 was ation of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 79) ordered reported, as amended. Testimony was heard and providing for consideration of the Senate amend- from public witnesses. ment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 719), was agreed to by a yea- IMPLEMENTING THE DEPARTMENT OF and-nay vote of 239 yeas to 187 nays, Roll No. 525, DEFENSE CYBER STRATEGY after the previous question was ordered. Committee on Armed Services: Full Committee held a Pages H6727–30 hearing entitled ‘‘Implementing the Department of Directing the Clerk of the House of Representa- Defense Cyber Strategy’’. Testimony was heard from tives to make corrections in the enrollment of Robert O. Work, Deputy Secretary of Defense; Ad- H.R. 719: The House agreed to H. Con. Res. 79, miral Michael Rogers, USN, Commander, U.S. directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives Cyber Command; and Terry Halvorsen, Acting De- to make corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 719, partment of Defense Chief Information Officer.

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MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE trol Security Improvement Act of 2015’’; H.R. Committee on Education and the Workforce: Full Com- 3144, the ‘‘Partners for Aviation Security Act’’; H.R. mittee held a markup on a Committee Print of leg- 3350, the ‘‘Know the CBRN Terrorism Threats to islation regarding the Committee’s instruction pur- Transportation Act’’; H.R. 3361, the ‘‘Department suant to section 2002(a)(1) of S. Con. Res. 11. The of Homeland Security Insider Threat and Mitigation Committee Print legislation regarding the Commit- Act of 2015’’; H.R. 3490, the ‘‘Strengthening State tee’s instruction pursuant to S. Con. Res. 11, the and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act’’; H.R. 3493, Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2016, was ap- the ‘‘Securing the Cities Act of 2015’’; H.R. 3503, proved, as amended, for transmittal to the Com- the ‘‘Department of Homeland Security Support to mittee on the Budget. Fusion Centers Act of 2015’’; H.R. 3505, the ‘‘De- partment of Homeland Security Clearance Manage- MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES ment and Administration Act’’; H.R. 3510, the Committee on Energy and Commerce: Full Committee ‘‘Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity concluded a markup on H.R. 8, the ‘‘North Amer- Strategy Act of 2015’’; H.R. 3572, the ‘‘DHS Head- ican Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of quarters Reform and Improvement Act of 2015’’; 2015’’; H.R. 3242, the ‘‘Child Nicotine Poisoning H.R. 3578, the ‘‘DHS Science and Technology Re- Prevention Act of 2015’’; and Proposed Matters for form and Improvement Act of 2015’’; H.R. 3583, Inclusion in Reconciliation Recommendations. H.R. the ‘‘Promoting Resilience and Efficiency in Pre- 8 was ordered reported, as amended. H.R. 3242 and paring for Attacks and Responding to Emergencies the Proposed Matters for Inclusion in Reconciliation Act’’; H.R. 3584, the ‘‘Transportation Security Ad- Recommendations were ordered reported, without ministration Reform and Improvement Act of amendment. 2015’’; H.R. 3586, the ‘‘Border and Maritime Co- ordination Improvement Act’’; and H.R. 3598, the MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES ‘‘Fusion Center Enhancement Act of 2015’’. H.R. Committee on Financial Services: Full Committee held 3102, H.R. 3144, H.R. 3361, H.R. 3490, H.R. a markup on H.R. 414, the ‘‘Burdensome Data Col- 3493, H.R. 3503, H.R. 3510, H.R. 3572, H.R. lection Relief Act’’; H.R. 957, the ‘‘Bureau of Con- 3578, H.R. 3583, H.R. 3584, H.R. 3586, and H.R. sumer Financial Protection-Inspector General Reform 3598 were ordered reported, as amended. H.R. 3350 Act of 2015’’; H.R. 1090, the ‘‘Retail Investor Pro- and H.R. 3505 were ordered reported, without tection Act’’; H.R. 1266, the ‘‘Financial Product amendment. Safety Commission Act of 2015’’; and H.R. 2769, the ‘‘Risk-Based Capital Study Act of 2015’’. H.R. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 414, H.R. 2769, H.R. 957, and H.R. 1090 were or- Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee held a dered reported, without amendment. H.R. 1266 was markup on H.R. 2745, the ‘‘Standard Merger and ordered reported, as amended. Acquisition Reviews Through Equal Rules (SMART- CYBER WAR: DEFINITIONS, DETERRENCE, ER) Act of 2015’’; and H.R. 3490, the ‘‘Strength- AND FOREIGN POLICY ening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act’’. H.R. 2745 was ordered reported, without amend- Committee on Foreign Affairs: Full Committee held a ment. H.R. 3490 was ordered reported, as amended. hearing entitled ‘‘Cyber War: Definitions, Deter- rence, and Foreign Policy’’. Testimony was heard RESPECTING STATE AUTHORITY, from public witnesses. RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPERTISE RIDDING CENTRAL AFRICA OF JOSEPH REGARDING RESOURCE MANAGEMENT KONY: CONTINUING U.S. SUPPORT AND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa, Committee on Natural Resources: Full Committee held Global Health, Global Human Rights, and Inter- a hearing entitled ‘‘Respecting State Authority, Re- national Organizations held a hearing entitled ‘‘Rid- sponsibilities and Expertise Regarding Resource ding Central Africa of Joseph Kony: Continuing U.S. Management and Energy Development’’. Testimony Support’’. Testimony was heard from public wit- was heard from Steve Bullock, Governor, State of nesses. Montana; Dennis Daugaard, Governor, State of South Dakota; Gary Herbert, Governor, State of Utah; and THE THREAT OF ISLAMIST EXTREMISM IN Matt Mead, Governor, State of Wyoming. RUSSIA Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Eu- STATUS OF TOLL INTEROPERABILITY rope, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats held a hearing Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- entitled ‘‘The Threat of Islamist Extremism in Rus- committee on Transportation and Public Assets held sia’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. a hearing entitled ‘‘Status of Toll Interoperability’’. Testimony was heard from Jeffrey Lindley, Associate MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Administrator, Office of Operations, Federal High- Committee on Homeland Security: Full Committee held way Administration, Department of Transportation; a markup on H.R. 3102, the ‘‘Airport Access Con- and public witnesses.

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CONFERENCE REPORT TO ACCOMPANY sidered as read. The rule provides that the previous NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION question be considered as ordered without interven- ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016; CONCURRENT tion of any motion except one hour of debate and RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CLERK OF one motion to recommit if applicable. The rule di- THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO vides debate on the conference report pursuant to MAKE CORRECTIONS IN THE ENROLLMENT clause 8(d) of rule XXII. In section 3, the rule provides that it shall be in order at any time on the OF H.R. 719; JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF legislative day of October 1, 2015, for the Speaker IRANIAN TERRORISM ACT; AND SENATE to entertain motions that the House suspend the AMENDMENT TO TSA OFFICE OF rules and that the Speaker or his designee shall con- INSPECTION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF sult with the Minority Leader or her designee on the 2015 designation of any matter for consideration pursuant Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on to this section. Testimony was heard from Chairman the conference report to accompany H.R. 1735, the Thornberry, Chairman Rogers of Kentucky, and ‘‘National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year Representatives Smith of Washington, Lowey, and 2016’’; H. Con. Res. 79, directing the Clerk of the Mulvaney. House of Representatives to make corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 719; H.R. 3457, the ‘‘Justice for DYSLEXIA AND THE NEED TO READ: H.R. Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act’’ [rule markup and 3033, THE RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AND reporting only]; and senate amendment to H.R. 719, ADVANCEMENTS FOR DYSLEXIA ACT the ‘‘TSA Office of Inspection Accountability Act of Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Full Com- 2015’’. The committee granted, by record vote of mittee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Dyslexia and the 8–3, a closed rule for H. Con. Res. 79. The rule pro- Need to READ: H.R. 3033, the Research Excellence vides 20 minutes of debate equally divided and con- and Advancements for Dyslexia Act’’. Testimony was trolled by the Majority Leader and Minority Leader heard from public witnesses. or their respective designees. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the concur- THE GREAT LAKES RESTORATION rent resolution. The rule provides that the concur- INITIATIVE: A REVIEW OF THE PROGRESS rent resolution shall be considered as read and shall AND CHALLENGES IN RESTORING THE not be subject to a demand for division of the ques- GREAT LAKES tion. The rule waives all points of order against pro- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Sub- visions in the concurrent resolution. Additionally, committee on Water Resources and Environment the rule Provides for the consideration of the Senate held a hearing entitled ‘‘The Great Lakes Restoration amendment to H.R. 719. The rule makes in order Initiative: A Review of the Progress and Challenges a motion offered by the chair of the Committee on in Restoring the Great Lakes’’. Testimony was heard Appropriations or his designee that the House con- from Chris Korleski, Director, Great Lakes National cur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 719. The rule Program Office, Environmental Protection Agency; waives all points of order against consideration of the Jose Alfredo Gomez, Director, Natural Resources motion and provides that the Senate amendment and and Environment, Government Accountability Of- the motion shall be considered as read. The rule pro- fice; and Tony Kramer, Acting Regional Conserva- vides one hour of debate on the motion equally di- tionist, Northeast Region, Natural Resource Con- vided and controlled by the chair and ranking mi- servation Service; John Dickert, Mayor of the City of nority member of the Committee on Appropriations. Racine, Wisconsin; and public witnesses. The Committee granted, by record vote of 8–3, a closed rule for H.R. 3457. The rule provides one DEPARTMENT OF LABOR’S PROPOSED hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the FIDUCIARY RULE chair and ranking minority member of the Com- Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on mittee on Foreign Affairs. The rule waives all points Oversight held a hearing on the Department of La- of order against consideration of the bill. The rule bor’s proposed fiduciary rule. Testimony was heard provides that the amendment printed in the Rules from public witnesses. Committee report shall be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. The Joint Meetings rule waives all points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The rule provides one motion FINANCING HIGHER EDUCATION to recommit with or without instructions. In section Joint Economic Committee: Committee concluded a 2, the rule provides for consideration of the con- hearing to examine financing higher education, fo- ference report to accompany H.R. 1735, the Na- cusing on exploring current challenges and potential tional Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year alternatives, after receiving testimony from Mitchell 2016. The rule waives all points of order against the E. Daniels, Jr., Purdue University, West Lafayette, conference report and against its consideration. The Indiana; and Andrew P. Kelly, American Enterprise rule provides that the conference report shall be con- Institute Center on Higher Education Reform, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:42 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 5627 E:\CR\FM\D30SE5.REC D30SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with DIGEST September 30, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D1039 Rohit Chopra, Center for American Progress, both of Jennifer Ann Haverkamp, of Indiana, to be Assistant Sec- Washington, D.C. retary of State for Oceans and International Environ- mental and Scientific Affairs, and Roberta S. Jacobson, of f Maryland, to be Ambassador to the United Mexican COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, States, all of the Department of State; to be immediately OCTOBER 1, 2015 followed by a hearing to examine the civil nuclear agreement with the Republic of South Korea, 10 a.m., (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) SD–419. Senate Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine nominations of Robert Porter Jackson, of Virginia, to be the procurement, acquisition, testing, and oversight of Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana, Harry K. Thomas, the Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier program, Jr., of New York, to be Ambassador to the Republic of 9:30 a.m., SD–G50. Zimbabwe, Julie Furuta-Toy, of Wyoming, to be Ambas- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: busi- sador to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, and Dennis ness meeting to markup an original bill entitled, ‘‘Amer- B. Hankins, of Minnesota, to be Ambassador to the Re- ican Crude Oil Export Equality Act’’, 10 a.m., SD–538. public of Guinea, all of the Department of State, and Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee Linda I. Etim, of Wisconsin, to be an Assistant Adminis- on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining, to hold hearings trator of the United States Agency for International De- to examine S. 2031, to reduce temporarily the royalty re- velopment, 2 p.m., SD–419. quired to be paid for sodium produced on Federal lands, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: to 2:30 p.m., SD–366. hold hearings to examine achieving the promise of health Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine im- information technology, 10 a.m., SD–430. proper payments in Federal programs, 10 a.m., SD–215. Committee on Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immigration Committee on Foreign Relations: business meeting to con- and the National Interest, to hold an oversight hearing sider the nominations of Scott Allen, of Maryland, to be to examine the Administration’s FY 2016 refugee reset- United States Director of the European Bank for Recon- tlement program, including fiscal and security implica- struction and Development, Ann Calvaresi Barr, of Mary- tions, 2 p.m., SD–226. land, to be Inspector General, United States Agency for Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: to hold International Development, Barbara Lee, of California, hearings to examine the significant costs and related bur- and Christopher H. Smith, of New Jersey, both to be a dens for small businesses resulting from the Gold King Representative of the United States of America to the Mine waste water spill near Silverton, Colorado, 10 a.m., Seventieth Session of the General Assembly of the United SR–428A. Nations, and Carolyn Patricia Alsup, of Florida, to be Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold closed hearings to Ambassador to the Republic of The Gambia, John L. examine certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH–219. Estrada, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of House Trinidad and Tobago, David R. Gilmour, of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Togolese Republic, Jeffrey J. Haw- Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, kins, Jr., of California, to be Ambassador to the Central hearing entitled ‘‘Improving Public Shipyards to More Ef- African Republic, Edwin Richard Nolan, Jr., of Massa- fectively Meet Navy Operational Requirements’’, 8 a.m., chusetts, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Suriname, 2118 Rayburn. David Malcolm Robinson, of Connecticut, to be an As- Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on sistant Secretary of State (Conflict and Stabilization Oper- Health, hearing entitled ‘‘Examining Potential Ways to ations), and to be Coordinator for Reconstruction and Sta- Improve the Medicare Program’’, 10 a.m., 2322 Rayburn. bilization, Daniel H. Rubinstein, of Virginia, to be Am- Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, hear- bassador to the Republic of Tunisia, Lucy Tamlyn, of ing entitled ‘‘Transporting Nuclear Materials: Design, Lo- New York, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, gistics, and Shipment’’, 10:15 a.m., 2123 Rayburn.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:42 Oct 01, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 5627 E:\CR\FM\D30SE5.REC D30SEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with DIGEST D1040 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST September 30, 2015

Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9:30 a.m., Thursday, October 1 9 a.m., Thursday, October 1

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Thursday: After the transaction of any Program for Thursday: Consideration of the conference morning business (not to extend beyond one hour), Senate report to accompany H.R. 1735—National Defense Au- will continue consideration of the motion to proceed to thorization Act for FY2016 (Subject to a Rule). Consider- consideration of H.R. 2029, Military Construction and ation of H.R. 3457—Justice for Victims of Iranian Ter- Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations rorism Act (Subject to a Rule). Possible consideration of Act. At 1:45 p.m., Senate will vote on the motion to in- measures under suspension of the rules. voke cloture on the motion to proceed to consideration of the bill.

Extension of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Ellmers, Renee L., N.C., E1394 Keating, William R., Mass., E1393 Farr, Sam, Calif., E1394 Larsen, Rick, Wash., E1395 Blum, Rod, Iowa, E1397 Foster, Bill, Ill., E1396 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E1391, E1398 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E1395 Frankel, Lois, Fla., E1395 Ryan, Tim, Ohio, E1391 Buchanan, Vern, Fla., E1391 Garamendi, John, Calif., E1395, E1396, E1397, E1398, Smith, Christopher H., N.J., E1391 Carson, Andre´, Ind., E1397 E1399 Coffman, Mike, Colo., E1398 Grijalva, Rau´ l M., Ariz., E1398 Stivers, Steve, Ohio, E1397 Davis, Danny K., Ill., E1397, E1398 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E1394 Yarmuth, John A., Ky., E1393 DesJarlais, Scott, Tenn., E1394 Himes, James A., Conn., E1398 Zinke, Ryan K., Mont., E1396 Donovan, Daniel M., Jr, N.Y., E1393 Kaptur, Marcy, Ohio, E1396

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