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, JULY 29, 2015 No. 121 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was two administrations to deal meaning- fered up an approach from his perspec- called to order by the Speaker pro tem- fully with the need to rebuild and tive. pore (Mr. FLEISCHMANN). renew America. I would urge the Congress and all of f Our country is falling apart as we fall us to draw one final red line. This Oc- behind. We all can remember the days tober 31 deadline ought to be it. Let DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO when the United States had the finest Congress stew. Let things grind to a TEMPORE infrastructure in the world. Well, those halt if we don’t do our job. days have long since passed. By any ob- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- The gas tax legislation is already jective measure, we are now down fore the House the following commu- written and can be approved if the about 25th in the world, and we con- nication from the Speaker: Ways and Means Committee and the tinue to fall further. WASHINGTON, DC, Senate Finance Committee would deal This failure has consequences for July 29, 2015. with it for a week. I hereby appoint the Honorable CHARLES J. Americans every single day. The aver- FLEISCHMANN to act as Speaker pro tempore age damage to a car is over $500 a year It is a simple one-page bill. It is not on this day. in maintenance costs due to poor road necessary to tie ourselves in knots. JOHN A. BOEHNER, conditions, more than $125 billion a And then, if we give a number to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. year to the economy with congestion, authorizing committee, in a matter of f being stuck in traffic. weeks, they can develop that 6-year bill that would make such a difference. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE Because of poor road conditions, in- frastructure failures, and an inability We could meet the President’s dead- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- to keep pace with growth, there are line, have this done once and for all, ant to the order of the House of Janu- people being killed and injured every put hundreds of thousands of people to ary 6, 2015, the Chair will now recog- day across America. It doesn’t have to work at family-wage jobs all across the nize Members from lists submitted by be this way. country, improving the quality of life, the majority and minority leaders for The failure to get a 6-year reauthor- making our communities more livable, morning-hour debate. ization, which we haven’t had since our families safer, healthier, more eco- The Chair will alternate recognition 1998, is due to one simple fact: Congress nomically secure, and stop playing between the parties, with each party is still trying to pay for 2015 infrastruc- with gimmicks that highlight our dys- limited to 1 hour and each Member ture with 1993 dollars. function. other than the majority and minority The solution is simple. Over three Let’s prove to the American public leaders and the minority whip limited dozen Members of Congress have co- and, more importantly, to us that we to 5 minutes, but in no event shall de- sponsored legislation to raise the gas can actually function the way things bate continue beyond 11:50 a.m. morn- tax for the first time in 22 years, legis- were designed, using a user fee that is ing-hour. lation that is supported by the U.S. perfectly attuned to road needs that f Chamber of Commerce, AFL–CIO, local have served us well for over half a cen- government, transit, environmental- tury. TRANSPORTATION FUNDING ists, contractors, the largest collection So, please, Mr. President, why don’t The SPEAKER pro tempore. The of groups supporting any major issue you make it clear that you are going to Chair recognizes the gentleman from before Congress. call an end to this charade. Give Con- Oregon (Mr. BLUMENAUER) for 5 min- It is a solution that was advocated by gress 3 more months to do our job. It utes. President Ronald Reagan when he led doesn’t need any more. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, the effort in his administration to raise predictably, Congress is sidestepping the gas tax 125 percent. It is a solution We operate from cliff to crisis. Dead- the transportation funding issue for that has been embraced by six red Re- lines are simply an alarm clock to get the 34th time with yet another short- publican States already this year. started. Well, this particular alarm term extension, this one until the end The latest failure to slide into the clock could start ticking now if you of October. end of October could actually be our are calling a halt to our continued irre- No nation has become great building salvation. I have personally lobbied sponsibility. its infrastructure 3 months, 8 months, President Obama to call for an end to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- 10 months at a time. This is a symbol this charade. The President believes in bers are reminded to direct their re- of the failure of Congress and the last infrastructure and every year has of- marks to the Chair.

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 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.000 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5596 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 IRAN-NORTH KOREA And, of course, there was the spu- let the bondholders on Wall Street call The SPEAKER pro tempore. The rious promise to an ally to assuage the tune. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from them that we didn’t just put their na- We all know Washington should start Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) for 5 min- tional security in jeopardy. with H.R. 870, the bankruptcy bill. It is utes. First, President Clinton reaffirmed simply a bill that will allow Puerto Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, a our commitment to protect South Rico to declare bankruptcy and re- bad deal is a bad deal under a Repub- Korea. Now, President Obama, already structure its debt within the U.S. legal lican President or a Democratic Presi- knowing that Israel vehemently ob- system. dent. This Iran nuclear deal is a bad jects to this deal and feels as though This would allow an orderly and fair deal because we have seen this movie this gives Iran—an existential threat restructuring of the debt in a court of before. We know how it ends. to its existence and a regime that has law. It is an important step, but will I have repeatedly stated that Iran promised to wipe the Jewish state off not solve all of Puerto Rico’s problems. has been following the North Korean of the map—the ultimate weapon to What Puerto Rico should do right playbook on exactly how to extract achieve its goals, promises to ‘‘con- now is demand to know what Wall concessions from the United States and tinue our unprecedented effort to Street vulture capitalists are paying the international community while si- strengthen Israel’s security, efforts for the bonds. We hear a report that the bonds are multaneously continuing to improve that go beyond what any American ad- selling for 15 and 20 cents on the dollar, its nuclear program, expand its infra- ministration has done before.’’ yet the bond owners want a full dol- structure, and support its illicit activi- Not only are these empty words, Mr. Speaker, but they are disingenuous to lar’s worth of interest. ties. I say Puerto Rico should pay interest Many analysts have made the same boot. based on the price the billionaires ac- observations, including Alan When the North Korea deal was tually paid and that they should dis- Dershowitz in a Jerusalem Post article reached, one of the most significant close this amount, just as a congress- last week. flaws was that it failed to dismantle man does in this Congress every time It is not just how the process un- any of North Korea’s nuclear infra- we make an investment. folded and how the international com- structure. Then Puerto Rico can service its debt munity fell for the tricks of the rogue The deal was designed merely to based on what was paid to buy the regimes that are so scary. delay the North Korean bomb, not pre- debt. I came here to protect people, not Because, obviously, Iran saw North vent it. That is what this nuclear deal the profits of billionaires on Wall Korea as having been the victors in its with Iran is designed to do. We saw what happened with North Street. battle over its nuclear program; so, Secondly and most importantly, for Korea, and we can be sure that Iran naturally, it would want to replicate the time being, we must set aside poli- plans to follow suit. that. tics and get away from the smoke- But it is alarming and striking just The totality of this deal hinges on a screen of the status issue in Puerto how similar the rhetoric is between bet by the administration and the rest Rico. President Clinton’s announcement of a of the P5+1 that the Iranian regime Whether Puerto Rico should be a nuclear agreement with North Korea will see the error of its ways and wants State, an independent nation, or re- and President Obama’s announcement to be part of the global community and main a commonwealth cannot be the of a nuclear agreement with Iran. forsake its support for terror and other priority right now before this Congress. Let’s look at the similarities that illicit behavior. If everyone leaves Puerto Rico—and Mr. Dershowitz noted between Presi- That is a dangerous gamble to make they are leaving by 5,000 a month—it dent Clinton’s remarks in 1994 and with U.S. national security, and it is will not matter what kind of govern- President Obama’s from earlier this not a gamble that I or any one of us ment is left behind. month. Then, Mr. Speaker, it will be should be willing to take. Mr. Speaker, nobody should use the easy to understand why so many of us That is why, Mr. Speaker, we must current debt crisis as an opportunity to oppose this nuclear deal. reject this deal and demand a better score political points for their party. In 1994, President Clinton said that deal or else reimpose the sanctions and At a time when the people of Puerto the North Korea agreement will make use the only thing, the only tactic, Rico must be clear, precise, and uni- the U.S., the Korean Peninsula, and that Iran understands—strength—to fied, the status issue divides Puerto the world safer. Earlier this month force it to abandon its nuclear ambi- Ricans. President Obama said that this deal tions. I read in The New York Times the ar- will bring about change that makes the f gument of the Resident Commissioner U.S. and the world safer and more se- PUERTO RICO of the Statehood Party that the only cure. solution to Puerto Rico’s problems is In 1994, President Clinton assured the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The to make it a State. world that the North Korea deal ‘‘does Chair recognizes the gentleman from Really? That is going to solve the not rely on trust. Compliance will be Illinois (Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ) for 5 minutes. debt crisis? The power crisis? The pub- ´ certified by the International Atomic Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, yes- lic employees’ pension gap crisis? The Energy Agency.’’ terday I spoke about Puerto Rico’s Medicare Advantage budget crisis? Last week President Obama pro- debt crisis and how there must be a We should be working together to fig- claimed, ‘‘This deal is not built on sense of urgency because, without ac- ure out how Puerto Rico is going to trust. It is built on verification.’’ tion, bondholders will be paid, but pay teachers and honor their pensions, President Clinton predicted—as we teachers, cops, and nurses won’t. how we will make sure health care is now are painfully aware, inac- I want to continue today and make delivered to all and bridges do not col- curately—that the North Korea agree- two points. Number one, let’s not let lapse. A statehood bill is not going to ment would be ‘‘a crucial step toward bondholders bleed Puerto Rico at a dis- provide housing, create a job, or heal a drawing North Korea into the global count. Number two, let’s work together sick child. community’’ and predicted the end of on what unites us, not what divides us. When Members of Congress ask me the rogue regime’s isolation. Because the only way we will make about Puerto Rico, they ask me: Which Similarly, last week’s statement any progress is if the people of Puerto is it? Is it statehood? Do you want a poses that the Iran deal ‘‘offers an op- Rico come together to make a plan and bankruptcy bill? Do you want more portunity to move in a new direction’’ demand that the Congress of the Medicaid? because we have taken a different path United States work with Puerto Rico We have to prioritize. We have to be that ‘‘leads to more integration into on Puerto Rico’s plan. clear and put aside the status issue. the global economy, more engagement Without consistent and persistent Please, we need to work together. with the international community, and pressure from Puerto Rico, Washington I would like to use my remaining the ability of the Iranian people to will do nothing, as both the adminis- minute to restate my call to action in prosper and thrive.’’ tration and the Congress are content to Spanish.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.003 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5597 (English translation of the statement Pero sobre todo, tenemos que RECOGNIZING CONNIE JEAN made in Spanish is as follows:) trabajar juntos por el bien de Puerto HUMPHREY Politics and divisions could destroy Rico. Y no podemos dejar que las The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the chances of forcing Washington to divisiones polı´ticas sobre la estadidad Chair recognizes the gentleman from help resolve Puerto Rico’s debt crisis. nos dividan. Texas (Mr. HINOJOSA) for 5 minutes. Puerto Rico must have a common Me comprometo como siempre lo he Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I am plan that has support across all of the hecho a poner a un lado mis propios proud to rise to recognize my longtime parties, and most importantly, across sentimientos sobre el estatus de Puerto chief of staff, Connie Jean Humphrey, the Island. Rico y a trabajar con otros who is retiring after a long and distin- The Governor must find a way to puertorriquen˜ os en el Congreso y otros work with the Resident Commissioner guished career on Capitol Hill. lı´deres en los dos Partidos que este´n It is an honor and a privilege to rec- and the Resident Commissioner cannot dispuestos a ayudarnos. Pero primero ognize Connie’s many years of service view this crisis as a campaign tool for tenemos que unirnos, empezar a and achievements. She has proven her- higher office. Puerto Rico will only be helped by ayudarnos a nosotros mismos, y tener self as a talented and dedicated public this Congress if and when there is a un plan claro. servant, who has made innumerable consistent and persistent call on Con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- contributions in the service of my con- gress by Puerto Ricans to act. And tleman from Illinois will provide a stituents residing in Texas’ 15th Con- Puerto Ricans need to specify what translation for the RECORD. gressional District along the Rio Grande Valley. they expect Congress to do. f The Bankruptcy Bill is only part of Connie has compiled a long list of ac- complishments throughout her career it. If we still have the Jones Act and b 1015 the same economy and economic pros- and as a senior member of my staff, pects as we have now, we will not ad- SOUTHERN PIPING COMPANY and she has earned an impeccable rep- utation on Capitol Hill among her vance. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The people must tell Wall Street that peers and my colleagues in the Texas Chair recognizes the gentleman from Puerto Rico is not some store to be congressional delegation with whom North Carolina (Mr. HOLDING) for 5 looted and that the Puerto Rican peo- she has worked very closely in support ple will not sit and starve as Wall minutes. of our mutual objectives for our great Street counts its profits. Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise State of Texas. If Wall Street is buying bonds at a today to recognize an outstanding fam- Connie brought an array of talents discount, they should be paid at a dis- ily business in my home State of North and experience as my chief of staff. She count. Carolina. has a thorough understanding of Fed- But most importantly, we have to When Southern Piping Company eral policy, particularly in the areas of work together for the betterment of opened in 1965, it had two employees health care, education, transportation, Puerto Rico. And we cannot let polit- and a loan from the Small Business Ad- the environment, and on women’s ical divisions over statehood divide us. ministration. The two employees were issues. I commit to putting aside my own Peggy Williford and her husband, She is fluent in many other policy passionate feelings about Puerto Rico’s Buren, who was one of the first li- areas important to my constituents in status and working with other Puerto censed mechanical contractors in the valley, and she has been an invalu- Ricans in the Congress and other lead- North Carolina—SPC, a classic family able source of guidance and counsel ers in both Parties who will help us. business, with all three of Peggy and during my appointments on the House But we must first come together, begin Buren’s sons—Chris, Mark, and Tim— Education and the Workforce Com- helping ourselves, and have a clear continuing to lead the company. mittee, as well as on the Financial plan. Since 1965, the Willifords and the Services Committee. La polı´tica y las divisiones podrı´an SPC family have weathered recessions Connie approaches her position as destruir las posibilidades de obligar a and hard times, and over the years, the leader of my office with the train- Washington a ayudar a resolver la cri- through good old-fashioned hard work, ing and detail-oriented scrutiny of an sis de la deuda de Puerto Rico. they have grown. attorney, who graduated from the Uni- Puerto Rico debe de tener un plan Starting with one office in Wilson, versity of Maryland, and with the pol- ´ comun que cuente con el apoyo de SPC has expanded their plumbing, icy expertise of a congressional aide todos los partidos y sobre todo, a heating, and air-conditioning business who served in staff leadership positions trave´s de la Isla. to four offices statewide, and their SPC El Gobernador debe encontrar una for nearly three decades. trucks are a familiar sight on the roads She was instrumental in helping me manera de trabajar con el Comisionado across North Carolina, but the biggest lead the Workforce Innovation and Op- Residente y el Comisionado Residente story is the family they have built portunity Act of 2010, which is aiding no puede ver esta crisis como una through SPC, today providing jobs to organizations like Workforce Solu- herramienta en sus campan˜ as para un 450 people. tions, based in McAllen, Texas, and is puesto ma´ s alto. When it came to building the com- El Congreso so´ lo ayudara´ a Puerto committed to the success of the em- Rico siempre y cuando haya un pany, Buren Williford always had a ployers and workforce of the Rio llamado constante y persistente de los commonsense philosophy. He said: Grande Valley by matching them with puertorriquen˜ os exigiendo que el ‘‘Successful companies look for like- skilled, productive employees and up- Congreso cumpla. Y los minded people to do business with.’’ grading the skills of their current puertorriquen˜ os tienen que indicar lo Today, Southern Piping Company is workforce. que esperan de parte del Congreso. adopting a new name—SPC Mechan- Connie has been particularly effec- La Legislacio´ n de Bancarrota es so´ lo ical—to more accurately describe its tive in helping me address urgent needs una parte. Pero si todavı´a tenemos la growth and success. The Williford fam- in deep south Texas. Latino students Ley Jones y la misma economı´a y ily still practices the old-fashioned aspiring to attain the dream of a col- perspectivas econo´ micas que tenemos principles of integrity, safety, and giv- lege education are that much closer to ahora no avanzaremos. ing back to their community, for ex- realizing their hopes, thanks to El pueblo debe decirle a Wall Street ample, by offering young employees Connie’s involvement, resulting in pas- que Puerto Rico no es una tienda para scholarships to attend nearby Barton sage of the Higher Education Oppor- ser pirateada y que el pueblo de Puerto College. tunity Act and the student loan and Rico no esperara´ a morir de hambre This year represents a landmark for healthcare reconciliation bill of 2010, mientras Wall Street cuenta sus the Williford family. They have now among the largest investments in high- ganancias. been in business for 50 years. It is my er education since the GI bill, particu- Si Wall Street esta´ comprando bonos pleasure today to recognize the accom- larly for Latino- and minority-serving con descuentos, deben ser pagados con plishments of Peggy and Buren higher education institutions in our descuentos. Williford. country.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.003 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5598 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 This crucial legislation also created sel of the Doctors Hospital at Renais- The crux is often that time between an unprecedented healthcare system sance, where she will continue to serve ending in the classroom and looking that complements the Patient Protec- my constituents and be uniquely posi- for employment opportunity. tion and Affordable Care Act of 2010 tioned to help the hospital deliver and Just yesterday, I met with Abilities that Connie also played a major role in expand the reach of health care to un- in Motion, a Berks County organiza- helping shepherd through the Edu- derserved communities and economi- tion in my district that provides out- cation and the Workforce Committee, cally disadvantaged families. standing services to individuals and and that is now providing millions of I wish to, again, thank Connie Hum- families in Berks County. Americans with affordable health care phrey for all of her hard work, stead- During our discussion, I heard from who previously had no coverage. fast commitment to the people of south individuals and parents who, through Mr. Speaker, it is with much more Texas, and for her skillful management grit and determination, were able—and than coincidence that the high school of my staff and congressional offices. are able—to navigate the complex graduation rate in my congressional On behalf of the 15th Congressional maze of programs and services and district has accelerated—from 55 per- District of Texas, I congratulate funding streams to coordinate care- cent to 85 percent—during Connie’s Connie for her excellent service and for givers, transportation, and employ- tenure as my chief of staff. a job very well done. ment in the postacademic world. This sharp increase has lifted up a f Let’s focus on streamlining and bet- generation of young Latinos, who are ter integrating these programs and 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERI- making significant contributions to funding streams, and let’s focus on en- CANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT our communities and regional econ- couraging job opportunities for dis- omy; and it is a direct result of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The abled individuals who want to work Connie’s advocacy and leadership con- Chair recognizes the gentleman from and build a meaningful career. tributing to the passage of each of Pennsylvania (Mr. COSTELLO) for 5 min- b 1030 these four aforementioned bills. utes. These public laws constitute my col- Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Let’s also focus on improving trans- lection of framed legislation in my Speaker, this past Sunday was a spe- portation options so that individuals congressional office that I was very cial and historic day. It marked 25 who want to work are able to get to proud to pass as either chairman or years since the Americans with Dis- work without difficulty. ranking member of the Higher Edu- abilities Act was signed into law. Let’s continue to set forth and ad- cation and Workforce Training Sub- The ADA has had a profound impact vance good policy, like the ABLE Act committee with Connie at the helm of on our country and its citizens. It from the last Congress, which will en- my office. speaks to the best about our country; courage individuals and families to I am also indebted to Connie for her toward forming a more perfect union, save tax-free dollars to help finance tireless efforts in helping me facilitate it aims to provide equal opportunity the costs associated with disabilities. two new international land bridges de- for those who have a disability. I am grateful for the tireless work of signed to stimulate commercial activ- This anniversary, I feel, allows us to Abilities in Motion and other organiza- ity, economic growth, and stability to reflect on something that unites us; tions that serve families and individ- the Rio Grande Valley. that is it is estimated that one in five uals in my district, such as the Na- Her intimate knowledge of transpor- Americans is living with a disability. tional Federation of the Blind, The Arc tation policy was a key element in the Disabilities affect individuals in every Alliance, the Disability Rights Net- process culminating in the approval of congressional district in this country, work, and the Pennsylvania Statewide Presidential permits that paved the in every State, in every neighborhood. Independent Living Council. These or- way to open the Donna-Rio Bravo and It touches the lives of everyone—race, ganizations, their employees, and their the Anzalduas International Bridges. gender, income. No demographic is ex- volunteers work day in and day out to Similarly, Connie was influential in empt from disability. improve everyday lives. securing $300 million in Federal invest- This law provides hope for those who Last, let’s also thank the families ments for floodway levee improve- have a disability and offers promise who sacrifice for their loved ones who ments along the Hidalgo County, that opportunities exist for self-fulfill- have disabilities, and let’s recognize Texas, and Mexican borders. ment. the courage and the hard work of those We still remember the impact of Hur- On both a philosophical and practical who have disabilities as they endure ricane Dolly in 2008 that brought be- level, it stands for the proposition that every day to become self-sufficient. It tween a foot and 15 inches of rain to providing reasonable accommodations really speaks to what is great about the Valley. Hurricane Ike followed to those with a disability is how a civil this country. shortly thereafter, with storm surges society addresses an imbalance borne Everyone out there who suffers from as high as 20 feet and caused almost $20 through no fault of the individual. a disability and who wakes up every billion in damages. The law and its legislative, regu- day with optimism and purpose, you My district would have been more latory, and judicial progeny enables us are to be commended. You are the highly susceptible to damage and our to address issues such as public trans- American success story. residents even more imperiled if the portation, housing, education, and so- Mr. Speaker, over the past 25 years, levees were breached by a hurricane or cial services in a more thoughtful, the ADA has increased accessibility heavy rains without this assistance. As proactive, effective, and humane way. and has empowered millions of Ameri- a result, hundreds of millions of dol- While there is no doubt that substan- cans with disabilities. It is important lars’ worth of property were spared tial progress has been made, I am not to acknowledge the progress, but it is during the landfall of Hurricane Alex here on the House floor to say that our also important to recognize that there in 2010, when the Rio Grande River work is done—because it isn’t. are still challenges that we should ad- crested to a record of 59 feet. Thanks to the law, about 50 million dress from a public policy perspective. In the wake of economic crisis, Americans have been helped, and that We must continue our efforts, in a bi- Connie led my team in preparing our doesn’t include their families and loved partisan manner, to advance policy communities to apply for assistance ones who can point to how laws do that keeps us a step ahead and that that ultimately received over half a matter and can make a positive im- meets the needs of disabled Americans billion dollars for Hidalgo County pact. today and tomorrow. alone under the ARRA. Let’s focus on the challenges that we f Mr. Speaker, I am saddened to lose still confront that relate to access and Connie as a trusted and beloved mem- opportunity on holding up the standard RICKETY PATCHWORK ber of my staff, but I am happy for her of self-sufficiency for individuals with The SPEAKER pro tempore. The as she embarks upon a new endeavor as a disability and looking at how public Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the senior vice president of public and policy can be shaped to help achieve the District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) community relations and special coun- this standard for disabled Americans. for 5 minutes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.005 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5599 Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, work on DEMAND FOR TRANSPARENCY IN daily index of rules and new regula- the Nation’s bridges, highways, and THE REGULATORY AND RULE- tions through the Federal Register, the transit has all but stopped because of MAKING PROCESS American taxpayers, for whom we 34 patch extensions that keep every- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The work, are left in the dark. thing—except patchwork—on hold. Chair recognizes the gentleman from Since these regulations do not take into account the economic impact that Today, the House is rushing out of Nevada (Mr. HARDY) for 5 minutes. Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I rise is placed on American businesses and town early, leaving a new 3-month today in order to address a concern families, each new regulation can lead patch. This time, though, the Repub- that anyone who has ever owned or has to lower wages, job losses, and higher lican House is scrambling out of the run a business truly understands—the prices for goods. In 2014, Federal regu- Capitol, literally, to get away from the negative effects of unchecked govern- lations cost American families an esti- Republican Senate, which had been ment regulations on our American mated $1.88 trillion in financial burden, trying for a 6-year bill. The Republican economy. representing, roughly, $15,000 per House’s ‘‘my way or the highway’’ was No matter how large or small, Fed- household. This cost is also larger than addressed to the Republican Senate, eral regulations are being added each Canada’s economy, is larger than Mexi- and the public be damned—and it day into law by the hundreds—and even co’s economy, and is larger than the worked. The Republican Senate has sometimes by the thousands—most of economies of Australia, Russia, Spain, and South Korea, just to name a few. given up on the Nation’s infrastruc- which are not directly approved by In fact, the economies of only nine na- ture, too. The Republican Senate an- Congress. By allowing Washington bureaucrats tions in the world are larger than the nounced this morning that it will ac- cost of our regulations. cept the House’s 3-month patch. Six to continue to stuff the overwhelming number of regulations into congres- Although all sized businesses and in- months of control of the House and dustries feel the effects of government Senate by the Republicans has made sionally passed legislation, we are es- sentially handing over authority to the regulations, it is the small businesses Congress even more dysfunctional. that face greater adversity from regu- Federal agencies for them to legislate lations due to costs attributed to com- The new House 3-month patch has as they please. It is our job in Congress ply. In addition to compliance costs, nothing to do with roads and bridges. to oversee these regulations as they limited comment periods, and a lack of Who knows what will get done this are being generated in order to provide information pertaining to how they time? House Republicans see political that our constituents are not left be- make their opinions heard, business hind. goals at the end of their 3-month road, owners are usually those who end up During this Congress, we have made when the must-pass highway bill could being left out in the cold. great strides in reforming the regula- serve their purposes, such as the usual, I ask my colleagues to join me in de- if dangerous, dispute over an extension tions process in order to help the econ- manding more transparency in the reg- of the debt ceiling. omy grow. A great example of that oc- ulatory and rulemaking process be- curred yesterday with the passage of Yet, Republican and Democratic cause it is our duty to our constitu- the REINS Act. There should be no ents. States alike keep meeting their obliga- question that any regulation that tions under the State-Federal partner- makes an annual impact of $100 million f ship. Eighteen States and the District on the economy should require con- GIVING SENIORS A MEDICARE of Columbia have raised their gas user gressional approval before it can be- BIRTHDAY PRESENT fees, going as high as 10-cent increases come law. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The in Iowa and in Wyoming; but the roads, As my colleagues are aware, a copy Chair recognizes the gentleman from bridges, and transit remain stalled be- of the day’s Federal Register is deliv- Florida (Mr. GRAYSON) for 5 minutes. cause the Federal partner keeps drop- ered to each of our offices daily. This Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, 50 years ping out. More than half of the funds book provides a hard copy of every new ago this week, President Lyndon John- for a nationwide system that connects regulation that ranges from environ- son signed the law that created Medi- our States with one another comes mental protection to labor standards, care and Medicaid—the most important to health guidelines, to restrictions on from the Federal trust fund. healthcare programs in our country’s financial institutions. history prior to the Affordable Care During the 34 patch delays, not a lick Last year, the Federal Register con- Act. With one stroke of his pen, Presi- of work on a final bill has been done tained over 77,000 pages, with 3,554 new dent Johnson guaranteed both poor except the Senate’s current try at a 6- regulations. Even though this large Americans and older Americans the year bill. There have been no serious number of pages is absurd, it was only right to high-quality, affordable med- talks here on alternatives to the gas the sixth highest page count in the ical treatment. user fee, although it long ago was swal- Federal Register’s history. As of this Thanks to Medicare, for 50 years lowed by today’s hard-won fuel effi- morning, the 2015 Federal Register sits now, our seniors have received the ciency that leaves the transit trust at over 45,000 pages. health care they have needed to stay fund thirsty for a refill after a year and It is unthinkable to me that the most healthy and to live full lives; but de- a half or so. important document—the Constitu- spite the success, there are gaps in tion—can fit on 39 pages, in this little Medicare coverage that need to be Democrats, however, have offered book. In comparison, this is the July 13 closed. The most glaring gap is the fact four alternatives to the current user edition of the Federal Register. It is 627 that Medicare does not provide basic fee, which is the legacy of the Eisen- pages, and it is only one of three edi- medical coverage for seniors’ eyes, hower years. House Republicans have tions from that day alone. ears, and teeth. It is as though Medi- offered none. Congress has refused to Mr. Speaker, when is enough enough, care assumes that seniors don’t need to raise the Federal user fee since 1992, and when does it become too much? see or to hear or to chew. adding to the woes of the 1950’s method The continual expansion of our gov- We are not talking about exotic, we use to pay for our roads. ernment through a vast number of reg- high-tech treatments. We are talking ulations causes our economy to become about no Medicare coverage for eye- The Republican House runs out of as shaky and unstable as the Federal glasses, eye exams, hearing aids, cavity town today to hide from the Repub- Registers that are stacked up in my of- fillings, and dentures. We are talking lican Senate. As they run home, I can fice from this year, which is unaccept- about no treatment for medical condi- only hope they run into the arms of able and very concerning. tions that lead to blindness, deafness, their own angry constituents on their An even larger issue comes from how lost teeth, and serious gum disease, own rickety roads. House Republicans the general public is made aware of which has been strongly linked to can run, but they can’t hide from the these proposed rules and the oppor- heart disease. It is unthinkable that we broken down bridges, roads, and transit tunity to voice one’s concerns on the deny our seniors this elementary level they will use back home. rules. While we are provided with a of care.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.022 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5600 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 There are 2.7 million seniors in their products and goods and services Director Parker was a friend and a America who are blind. How many of or we will fall behind. true humanitarian. Throughout his ca- them would be able to see today if they In addition, these negotiations will reer in law enforcement with the had received simple annual eye exams allow America to act as a counter- Miami-Dade County Police Depart- as part of their Medicare coverage? weight to the growing influence of ment, he was committed to making Medicare is a promise that we make China in the region. south Florida a safer place to work, to to ourselves—the young to the old, one If the United States doesn’t write the live, and to visit. He was well respected generation to the next. The promise is rules for the global economy, China and celebrated, and he fought to create that, after you reach your 65th birth- will step in and write them, and it opportunities for men and women of day, your medical needs will be met. won’t be to the benefit of American color. To keep that promise, our seniors have workers and businesses. As a longtime mentor and leader of paid into the system, in some cases for Mr. Speaker, while Congress and the the 5000 Role Models of Excellence a half a century, before they receive a American people should and will vet Project, Director Parker worked close- single earned benefit. They deserve the any deal that results from the current ly with me to save at-risk minority best care we can provide for them. Trans-Pacific Partnership negotia- boys and young men. This week, to honor the 50th anniver- tions, it is important to understand His impact is evident by the thou- sary of this lifesaving program we call what a successful agreement will mean sands of success stories of Role Model Medicare, I am introducing the Seniors here at home. boys who, under his mentorship, have Have Eyes, Ears, and Teeth Act. This For starters, it means boosting pay gone on to college and thriving careers. bill will amend title XVIII—the Medi- and higher wages. That is because jobs The 5000 Role Models of Excellence care provision of the Social Security that rely on trade pay 18 percent high- Project in south Florida owes Director Act—to repeal the arbitrary exclusion er than those jobs that don’t. It also Parker a huge debt of gratitude. of eyeglasses, eye exams, hearing aids, means boosting job growth right here Director Parker testified before Con- hearing exams, and dental care from in America. That is because one in five gress on behalf of violence in the Black Medicare coverage. Two short lines in jobs are tied to trade. community. He testified before Con- the U.S. Code have barred that cov- In Minnesota, Mr. Speaker, 775,000 gress about the tragic death of erage for 50 years. I simply delete those jobs are currently supported by trade, Trayvon Martin. He went on to be fea- lines. I urge my congressional col- and new trade with Asia will enhance tured on CNN, MSNBC, and all of our leagues to enact this quick, easy, and and support that opportunity to build local TV shows. Because of his knowledge, he went on necessary reform. on new success. to serve as a consultant for cities all Medicare should provide health cov- It also means boosting our country’s over this country. Our boys and our erage for every part of your body, in- small- and medium-sized businesses. In community were so very, very proud of cluding eyes, ears, and teeth. Over 50 Minnesota, 90 percent of these small million Americans enjoy Medicare cov- this wonderful role model. businesses are the companies that ex- Mr. Speaker, Director Parker adored erage. To celebrate the 50th anniver- port goods and services. his family, his sweet, sweet grand- sary of Medicare, let’s guarantee to 50 Now, that being said, there is still a children, his daughter, Kalika, his son, million Americans the health care they lot of work that needs to be done by Robert, Jr., his son, Kyron, and his de- need in order to look into the eyes of our negotiators to make sure they voted wife and the love of his life, the ones they love, to see our Fourth of reach an agreement that is best for the Veronica. July fireworks each year, and to hear American people. We need cooperation Our great Nation has lost a patriot it when freedom rings. from the other countries that are in- who lived to embody the principles of f volved in these negotiations. equality, justice, and freedom upon Canada needs to step up to the plate b 1045 which America is founded. To fully un- on tariff and quota issues dealing with derstand our loss, you must first under- EMBRACE TRADE OPPORTUNITIES their dairy and their egg industries. stand the treasure that we all shared in WITH ASIA Japan needs to step up on agriculture Director Parker. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The issues. Director Parker showed a bright in- Chair recognizes the gentleman from Progress still needs to be made to en- tellect and caring nature, growing up Minnesota (Mr. PAULSEN) for 5 min- sure that American intellectual prop- as a child in the rural community of utes. erty is protected. However, with com- Monticello, Florida. Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, earlier mitment from our trading partners, I He bravely served in the United this summer Democrats and Repub- am confident that we can overcome States Army. He joined the Miami Po- licans came together to pass a trade these remaining hurdles. lice Department in 1976, when it was authorization bill that set the stand- Mr. Speaker, we need trade deals still known as the Dade County Police ards for any trade deal that the United where everyone benefits and everyone Safety Department. He was a bright States negotiates with other countries. follows the rules. We live in an inter- and eager young officer who wanted to It guarantees oversight by Congress, connected world, and we should be em- make his community safer. it guarantees transparency for the pub- bracing opportunities that open more Mr. Speaker, Director Parker was an lic, and it guarantees that our nego- markets for American goods and serv- officer’s officer. He worked hard, and tiators have the opportunity to get the ices. he made great sacrifices for his career best deal for our workers, our farmers, It is time to show the world that through the love and support of his our ranchers, and our employers. America will continue to lead the way family. This week trade negotiators from 12 in the 21st century global economy. He enjoyed a storied rise up the lad- different countries around the Pacific f der of police leadership because of his Rim are meeting in Hawaii for negotia- REMEMBERING DIRECTOR ROBERT determination to solve crimes. He was tions with the Trans-Pacific Partner- affectionately called ‘‘Bobby’’ by his ship. It is a deal that will open doors PARKER OF MIAMI-DADE COUN- TY POLICE DEPARTMENT friends and colleagues, but he was also for American businesses to sell their nicknamed ‘‘Marathon Man.’’ products overseas and create jobs right The SPEAKER pro tempore. The He famously earned that name by here at home. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from giving a foot chase to catch one of the Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is Florida (Ms. WILSON) for 5 minutes. most notorious thieves in Miami-Dade this: 95 percent of the world’s con- Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, County history. sumers live outside of the United I rise today with a heavy heart. I am The suspect had consistently eluded States; 80 percent of the world’s pur- deeply saddened by the death of former capture because he was too crafty and chasing power is outside of the United Miami-Dade County Police Director fast for most officers, but not too fast States. Robert Parker. I extend my sincerest for Robert Parker. We need to allow our American com- sympathies to his family at this dif- His determination is what set him panies to compete and to be able to sell ficult time. apart from others. He did not view his

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.008 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5601 responsibility to his community as an to reduce improper payments, and for other leading the way in fighting this disease adjective, something that was hard or purposes. and protecting our forests and the eco- tedious. However, he saw it as a verb. S. 764. An act to reauthorize and amend the nomic stimulus that these forests pro- It was something that he had to do. National Sea Grant College Program Act, vide both through timber and through and for other purposes. He was never concerned about the S. Con. Res. 20. Concurrent resolution rec- tourism, making sure that these mag- spotlight or awards, but his dutiful na- ognizing and honoring the 25th anniversary nificent trees which have stood for cen- ture and bravery made it almost im- of the date of enactment of the Americans turies will stand tall for future genera- possible to deny him recognition. with Disabilities Act of 1990. tions. Mr. Speaker, Director Parker’s serv- f SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST FAIRNESS ACT ice to south Florida and our Nation THE IMPROVING COAL COMBUS- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. had an underlying theme that per- TION RESIDUALS REGULATION Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, July 26, we meated everything he did: his love for ACT OF 2015 marked the 25th anniversary of the his community. Americans with Disabilities Act. He understood that the best police of- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. The passage of this landmark legisla- ficers are not the police who wore the PAULSEN). The Chair recognizes the tion signified a commitment to elimi- badges, but the best police officers gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. nating barriers faced by millions of in- were the people who paid their mort- THOMPSON) for 5 minutes. dividuals with differing levels of dis- gages, who sent their kids to school, Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. ability. and who worked hard to build their Mr. Speaker, responsible use and recy- It required businesses, buildings, community. cle of coal ash has the ability to reduce transportation, and other services to Residents were always quick to ig- waste, provide construction materials, accommodate those living with disabil- nore the false notion of no snitching and keep utility costs low. ities and guaranteed equal opportuni- and gave Director Parker information This past April the EPA released yet ties for workers with disabilities. that solved crimes. another rule aimed at coal by man- Mr. Speaker, 25 years later it is ap- His sense of community and respect dating new standards for the disposal parent that we have made tremendous eventually led to his promotion to di- and storage of coal combustion residu- strides in upholding the intent of this rector of the Miami-Dade Police De- als. vastly important civil rights law. partment in 2004. His appointment was As a result of this proposal, the Today countless Americans are em- historic by his being the very first Af- House considered and passed H.R. 1734, powered to shape their own lives and rican American to hold that post, and the Improving Coal Combustion Re- plan their own futures as they experi- he opened the door for many others to siduals Regulation Act of 2015. This ence their daily obstacles decreasing follow. legislation codifies the base standards over time. While we have so much to Dade County has the largest police of EPA’s final proposed rule, while also celebrate, there is always more force in the southeast United States, giving flexibility to the States to im- progress to be made. leading over 4,700 sworn and civilian plement. This Congress I introduced the Spe- employees. Specifically, H.R. 1734 will allow cial Needs Trust Fairness Act with the As director, he worked to create a States to create and enforce their own goal of eliminating a current prohibi- more diverse agency and create oppor- coal ash recycling permit programs. It tion on a person with a disability to tunities for minorities and women. He also sets up enforceable State permit create his or her own special needs was an exemplary leader and even programs while utilizing the EPA’s trust. earned the respect of the police union. minimum requirements and will pro- This long overdue legislative fix was He retired in 2009 after 33 years. Our tect 316,000 jobs. recently passed by the Senate Finance mentors look up to him. His absence Mr. Speaker, States also have the op- Committee, and I am committed to will create a huge void. tion to make their requirements more working with my colleagues to guide Mr. Speaker, America has lost an stringent than the EPA’s final rule if this and similar measures through the iconic law enforcement officer. His leg- they choose. I strongly support and was legislative processes here in the House. happy to vote for H.R. 1734 and the re- acy will live in the hearts of all of us f forever. My remarks will be entered sponsible use of coal and coal ash. into the official CONGRESSIONAL PENNSYLVANIA HEMLOCKS AND THE WOOLLY THE HIGHWAY TRUST FUND RECORD, and they will then be perma- ADELGID The SPEAKER pro tempore. The nently placed in the Library of Con- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from gress. Mr. Speaker, recently I visited the California (Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ) for 5 f Tionesta Research Natural Area of the minutes. Allegheny National Forest. This old- Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE growth area is home to many 600-year- fornia. Mr. Speaker, we are on a dan- A message from the Senate by Ms. old hemlock trees. gerous path. First, my Republican col- Curtis, one of its clerks, announced During this visit, Mr. Speaker, I leagues pulled two critical appropria- that the Senate has agreed to without spoke to forestry officials about efforts tion bills from the floor simply because amendment a concurrent resolution of to fight the woolly adelgid. I even ap- their party cannot come to an agree- the House of the following title: plied a treatment designed to combat ment on a flag that represents a very H. Con. Res. 64. Concurrent resolution au- the invasive insect to one of these mas- dark time in our Nation’s history. thorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in sive trees. Second, my colleagues across the the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to Mr. Speaker, many States are in- aisle, rather than focusing their energy present the Congressional Gold Medal to the volved in the effort to fight the on passing comprehensive immigration Monuments Men. adelgid, which originated in Japan and reform, passed a poisonous anti-immi- The message also announced that the was first found in the United States in grant bill in response to an isolated in- Senate has passed bills and a concur- the early 1950s. It can kill a hemlock cident in the city of San Francisco, rent resolution of the following titles tree within a few years after it be- pulling money away from our law en- in which the concurrence of the House comes infested. forcement funding for public safety. is requested: In 2012, I teamed with Federal re- Then they refuse to reauthorize the S. 242. An act to amend title 5, United searchers and those from my alma Export-Import Bank, which helps en- States Code, to provide leave to any new mater, Penn State University, at a sure that Americans’ businesses can Federal employee who is a veteran with a forum I hosted to discuss efforts to compete with their global competitors. service-connected disability rated at 30 per- save our State tree, the Eastern Hem- And now the House Republicans cent or more for purposes of undergoing med- ical treatment for such disability, and for lock. refuse to come to the table yet again to other purposes. As the chairman of the Conservation provide a robust, long-term funding bill S. 614 An act to provide access to and use and Forestry Subcommittee, I am for our decaying infrastructure system of information by Federal agencies in order proud Pennsylvanians are among those in America.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.010 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5602 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 Why do we continue to refuse and cut RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC ple and the birth certificate sample. At the services that our communities need? INTEGRITY bottom of table 7, it also shows that for the nonbirth certificate sample, the adjusted The American people need good-paying The SPEAKER pro tempore. The jobs, safe and modern infrastructure, race effect statistical significance was huge. Chair recognizes the gentleman from All the authors and I met and decided and efficient transportation in order to Florida (Mr. POSEY) for 5 minutes. sometime between August and September provide a better life for themselves and Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 2002 not to report any race effects for the for their families. We need to end these on matters of research and scientific paper. Sometime soon after the meeting, stopgap extensions. integrity. where we decided to exclude reporting any To begin with, I am absolutely, reso- race effects, the coauthors scheduled a meet- ing to destroy documents related to the b 1100 lutely provaccine. Advancements in study. medical immunization have saved How do we fix a broken bridge or a The remaining four coauthors all met and countless lives and greatly benefited broken highway? Two months of high- brought a big garbage can into the meeting public health. way funding will not do that. In my room and reviewed and went through all the That being said, it is troubling to me hard copy documents that we had thought home State of California, 60 percent of that, in a recent Senate hearing on we should discard and put them in a huge our roads are in poor or mediocre con- childhood vaccinations, it was never garbage can. dition; and, moreover, almost 30 per- mentioned that our government has However, because I assumed it was illegal cent of California’s bridges have been and would violate both FOIA and DOJ re- paid out over $3 billion through the Na- recognized by the Department of quests, I kept hard copies of all documents in tional Vaccine Injury Compensation Transportation as structurally defi- my office, and I retained all associated com- Program for children who have been in- cient. puter files. jured by vaccinations. I believe we intentionally withheld con- Just a little bit over a week ago, Regardless of the subject matter, troversial findings from the final draft of the California residents experienced the parents making decisions about their Pediatrics paper. real-life consequences of this statistic children’s health deserve to have the Mr. Speaker, I believe it is our duty when the Interstate 10, which connects best information available to them. to ensure that the documents Dr. California and Arizona, collapsed, in- They should be able to count on Fed- Thompson provided are not ignored; juring a resident and shutting down eral agencies to tell them the truth. therefore, I will provide them to Mem- the highway for several days. This For these reasons, I bring the fol- bers of Congress and the House com- highway is critical to our Southwest lowing matter to the House floor. In mittees upon request. economy, which is already suffering August 2014, Dr. William Thompson, a Considering the nature of the whis- from deficiencies because of our water senior scientist at the Centers for Dis- tleblower’s documents, as well as the infrastructure and the drought that we ease Control and Prevention, worked involvement of the CDC, a hearing and have going on. with a whistleblower attorney to pro- a thorough investigation is warranted. With more than 60,000 bridges vide my office with documents related I ask, Mr. Speaker, I beg, I implore throughout the United States in need to a 2004 CDC study that examined the my colleagues on the Committee on of drastic repairs, failing to provide possibility of a relationship between Appropriations to please, please take Americans with a long-term highway the mumps, measles, and rubella vac- such action. bill, we are putting jobs at risk, and we cine and autism. f are putting our lives at risk, which is In a statement released in August why my fellow House Democrats have 2014, Dr. Thompson stated: ‘‘I regret THE REINS ACT come together to provide a 6-year fund- that my coauthors and I omitted sta- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ing bill known as the GROW AMERICA tistically significant information in Chair recognizes the gentleman from Act. The bill will provide for $178 bil- our 2004 article published in the Jour- California (Mr. LAMALFA) for 5 min- lion over 6 years, so that States and nal of Pediatrics.’’ utes. local municipalities can address crit- Mr. Speaker, also quoting Dr. Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, yester- ical infrastructure needs. Thompson: day, the House passed a measure I co- This commonsense legislation would My primary job duties while working in sponsored, H.R. 427, known as the help pay for the investments by ending the immunization safety branch from 2000 to REINS Act, to end this administra- an unfair tax loophole and limiting 2006 were to lead or colead three major vac- tion’s disregard for the separation of cine safety studies. The MADDSP MMR-Au- corporate inversions, meaning that big powers. corporations, when they are renounc- tism Cases Control Study was being carried out in response to the Wakefield Lancet The bill rightly reasserts Congress’ ing their United States citizenship, proper role in writing our Nation’s they do that in order to avoid paying study that suggested an association between the MMR vaccine and an autism-like health laws by requiring that any regulation taxes. outcome. written with a cumulative impact of Let’s use that money for transpor- There were several major concerns among over $100 million be reviewed and ap- tation investments here in America. scientists and consumer advocates outside proved by Congress before going into Investing in local public transportation the CDC in the fall of 2000 regarding the exe- effect, instead of the stifling of innova- cution of the Verstraeten study. projects not only helps to improve our tion that we have seen the effects of. traffic flow, but it also helps create One of the important goals that was deter- mined upfront in the spring of 2001 before Too often, we have seen this adminis- good jobs. any of these studies started was to have all tration attempt to use creative inter- As we look for ways to put our econ- three protocols vetted outside the CDC prior pretation of the law or aggressive rule- omy back on track, we must be mind- to the start of the analyses so that consumer making that have had a massive nega- ful of the services that we provide to advocates could not claim that we were pre- tive impact on our State’s economy, the American people. We need to stop senting analyses that suited our own goals resulting in higher prices, thousands of slashing, and we need to start pro- and biases. dollars per cost additionally per family viding. We need to get away from se- We hypothesized that if we found statis- tically significant effects at either 18- or 36- per year, lower wages, fewer working questration and patchwork funding month thresholds, we would conclude that hours, or complete loss of job opportu- mentality to actually fulfill our duty vaccinating children early with MMR vac- nities altogether. as public servants to the American peo- cine could lead to autism-like characteris- For example, the proposed waters of ple. tics or features. the United States regulation would in- Our families, our roads, and our econ- We all met and finalized the study protocol sert the Environmental Protection omy deserve a highway funding bill and analysis plan. The goal was to not devi- Agency in local land use planning areas that will invest in America’s future, in- ate from the analysis plan to avoid the deba- across the Nation. cle that occurred with the Verstraeten Thi- vest in better infrastructure, and in- merosal study published in Pediatrics in Do we really need the Federal Gov- vest in bigger paychecks for our hard- 2003. ernment telling us how to landscape working families who are trying to At the September 5 meeting, we discussed our own backyards? Is that even prop- make it in America. in detail how to code race for both the sam- er? I think not.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.011 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5603 Do we really think the Federal Gov- the United States of America overseas. have a committee of individuals with ernment should be regulating man- I had the privilege of traveling with no authority whatsoever review this made ditches along country roads or the President for a most dynamic, matter. fields or dry streambeds and puddles unique, and historic mission, and that People and families are in pain. Cer- which hold water only during and im- was to Kenya and Ethiopia. tainly, we can do better as law enforce- mediately after rainstorms or irriga- Let me congratulate him for a stu- ment and civilians working together. tion and drainage ditches which pendous diplomatic success and inter- I also want to recognize that this is wouldn’t even exist if not created by action with a continent that will be the 50th year of the Voting Rights Act. water districts and the people in- the largest populated land area in the I join the leadership of NANCY PELOSI, volved? 21st century. What an amazing experi- Mr. HOYER, and Mr. CLYBURN in cele- What a giant leap of grab of power by ence to be able to engage with busi- brating and acknowledging this excit- the Federal Government in asserting nesses and see the opportunity for eco- ing time that opened the doors of vot- itself over these private properties via nomic empowerment and cooperation ing for everyone. One vote, one person. these regulations written by bureau- between the United States and the On August 6, I call upon my commu- crats and not overseen by Congress di- many nation-states of the continent of nity in the 18th Congressional District rectly. Africa. in Houston to have a voting day—reg- In my district, Federal bureaucrats It was exciting to see new, young istering people to vote in a nonpartisan are unilaterally deciding, with no evi- businesspersons seeking an oppor- manner, bringing them out and cele- dence or science, that small depres- tunity to work in their countries, but brating the right to vote, when many sions in fields are linked to distant wa- work with the United States, eager to countries do not have it. terways, placing vast areas of land out work with U.S. businesses, welcoming Let’s make the Voting Rights reau- of production. Despite bipartisan con- U.S. investment, creating jobs in Afri- thorization the cause of this Congress. gressional opposition, the administra- ca, creating jobs in America—in par- Let’s have Americans celebrate voting tion is attempting to move forward ticular, a broadcasting company that rights. with this aggressive regulation, water- had been there for 50 years creating Finally, Mr. Speaker, let me say this. ways of the United States. jobs in the United States, creating jobs While I was in Africa, one of the head- Mr. Speaker, the examples of this ad- in Kenya. lines was the killing of Cecil, a beau- ministration’s aggressive and careless Let me indicate what a success this tiful lion. The nations I visited were decisions, increasing costs, eliminating story was. Along with the regional se- falling to their knees because they be- jobs are almost too numerous to count. curity issues, there was a commitment lieve in wildlife preservation. We enjoy In 2014, Federal regulations cost our with the African Union to stand it here in our Nation’s zoos. We haven’t economy $1.88 trillion in higher prices against Boko Haram and a commit- had that privilege of seeing these won- for food, energy, and goods, averaging ment to establish civility and peace in derful animals—giraffes, lions, tigers, about $14,000 per U.S. household. This South Sudan by demanding that there and a whole array—in the wild. price tag has spiked, thanks to the be a resolution of this by August 17— It was an American who killed this President Obama administration, not the President standing alone, but beautiful lion. What a disgrace. That which added nearly 500 new regula- working with the African Union, rep- individual is a disgrace. This individual tions, 184 of which have combined to resenting the tens upon tens of African had the responsibility for knowing of raise costs to Americans of about $80 nations, it was a resounding success, his guides and of the procedures of billion. The result is 81 new major reg- and I congratulate the President. doing this kill for sport. He lured the ulations per year. As I come home and as a member of animal out of the park. Mr. Speaker, unelected bureaucrats the Committee on the Judiciary, I am America must stand with Kenya, shouldn’t be imposing their will on the reminded of the tragedy of a young Ethiopia, and the other African nations American people at a cost of billions of woman who had all of her life before in showing its outrage. Sadly, it was a dollars each year. This is not the way her, and that was Sandra Bland. citizen of the United States who was to stop the difficult headwinds our My commitment still is to offer my more interested in his personal privi- economy faces. Indeed, this is causing appreciation to the law enforcement lege and pleasure than he was in under- more economic problems for us to re- officers across America and, as we all standing this iconic lion—the last male cover from in this Nation. do, respect law and order; but in the in- species of this kind, with a black mane It is time for the Senate to join the stance where there is a tragic result, and a giant of a personality—and help- House and send H.R. 427, the REINS the death of this young woman, 28, ing to preserve this species. He Act, and help with our job economy, with two undergraduate degrees and a couldn’t find any other joy than killing with the boost we all need—that we master’s degree, her death was the re- Cecil. I am saddened by this, and Amer- have needed for so long during this last sult of malfeasance. ica should be saddened as well. 6 years. The REINS Act is needed to in- b 1115 f deed rein in an out-of-control govern- SKIP WELLS, A HERO ment. We must walk together in a respect- Even the President himself said in ful manner with law enforcement and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The his State of the Union Address in Janu- civilians. We have done it before. We Chair recognizes the gentleman from ary 2011: must do it again. Georgia (Mr. TOM PRICE) for 5 minutes. To reduce barriers to growth and invest- I believe that it is crucial for the De- Mr. TOM PRICE of Georgia. Mr. ment . . . when we find rules that put an un- partment of Justice to take over this Speaker, sometimes the terrorism we necessary burden on businesses, we need to investigation on a number of aspects, witness in this day and age is a world fix them. including patting down and other prac- away. Sometimes it occurs very close The REINS Act is that fix. Let’s get tices of law enforcement in Waller to home. it done. Let’s get the Senate to get it County and Hempstead, and certainly Two weeks ago, terror visited Chat- done. the question of this young lady’s civil tanooga, Tennessee, and, in so doing, f rights. hit home for us in Georgia. One of the I ask that they look seriously, be- five servicemen murdered on July 16 in STORIES IN THE NEWS cause even though there are alleged Chattanooga grew up in the Sixth Dis- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The good intentions by the local authori- trict of Georgia. He graduated from Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from ties in establishing committees to re- Sprayberry High School in 2012. Skip Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) for 5 minutes. view this, this is not regular order, this Wells was a marine—a proud marine, a Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, it is not a procedure that works. No one proud American, and a hero. gives me great privilege, first of all, to understands the decision of a district Last week, in Georgia, thousands speak about the first item of interest attorney—unless he yields to an inde- gathered to honor the life of this pa- to America and to many of us as cer- pendent prosecutor, which this district triot, Skip Wells, who lost his life in tainly when the President represents attorney in Waller County is not—to the terrorist attack in Chattanooga.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.013 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5604 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 Nothing we say will replace the loss, completely wiped out Homestead Air MIAMI DADE COLLEGE/JOB FAIR the heartbreak, and the pain of his Force Base. Until Hurricane Katrina in Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speak- family and friends, those who knew 2005, Andrew was the costliest storm in er, I rise to thank all those who at- him best. But we can say how much he- U.S. history, totaling $43.7 billion when tended the job fair in my district office roes enlighten us—and inspire us—and adjusted for inflation. hosted last month for employers and strengthen the faith of our Nation and As officials assessed the damage, workers in the Kendall area of south our lives. they noticed that much of the destruc- Florida. We were able to connect over Skip Wells is a hero. It has been said tion was due to substandard construc- 1,000 of our friends and neighbors who that ‘‘a hero is someone who has given tion methods. As a result, Florida now are looking for work with hundreds of his life to something bigger than one- has the strongest building codes in the businesses, agencies, and nonprofit or- self.’’ That is precisely what Skip did. Nation. Furthermore, homes are now ganizations. The feedback was positive His closest friends said that Skip required to have storm shutters or im- from countless participants who said Wells felt called to serve, to protect. pact-resistant glass. they were able to collect resumes from When asked why Skip joined the Ma- While we will never be able to fully well-qualified potential candidates for rines, a friend of Skip’s told folks sim- prevent damage from a serious storm, job opportunities. ply that ‘‘Skip just loved his country.’’ we can mitigate the damage caused and One of my main priorities here in He knew that freedom isn’t free. He thus reduce the costs of rebuilding our Congress is helping those who are most knew that liberty requires sacrifice. neighborhoods. in need, and events like this job fair are an excellent way for our commu- What an inspiration his dedication and The National Hurricane Center, lo- nities to come together and find oppor- his heroism are for all of us. cated at Florida International Univer- tunities for people with all sorts of dif- Chesterton said that ‘‘the true sol- sity in my congressional district, pro- ferent skill sets. dier fights not because he hates what is vides important research on the effects these storms have on our coastlines I would also like to give special in front of him, but because he loves thanks to Miami Dade College for what is behind him.’’ Skip Wells loved and maintains a continuous watch on developing weather patterns that could hosting this terrific event. They pro- his family, his friends, the Marines— vide excellent opportunities to south oh, how he loved the Marines—and he become a tropical storm. I was able to tour this center earlier in the year, and Florida residents who are looking to loved his country. further their education and learn new His death in the service of this great I commend their efforts. The memory of Andrew forces us to skills to enhance their job credentials. Nation places him in the ranks of those remain cautious and vigilant so our I am also very proud to note that with the greatest of valor. On behalf of communities and homes are protected. Miami Dade College was recently all who represent this Nation, we send In the midst of this hurricane season, I named a ‘‘great college to work for’’ our deepest and heartfelt thanks and strongly encourage all those in the po- for the seventh consecutive year by the sympathy to Skip’s family and friends tential paths of these storms to have a Chronicle of Higher Education. on their tragic loss. We all—every sin- plan already in place to secure prop- South Florida is fortunate to have a gle American—mourn for those who erty and protect loved ones. By taking strong network of business leaders who make the ultimate sacrifice for this the appropriate preventative measures, work closely with educational institu- great land. we can assure that our families and tions to help people find work. Every The Bible says: ‘‘Blessed are those neighborhoods remain safe. job is an opportunity, and today we who mourn, for they shall be com- celebrate the constituents in my dis- KEY WEST TERRORIST DETAINED forted.’’ In its broadest sense, this trict who have found gainful new em- Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speak- ployment as a result of the job fair at verse is so very, very true. In the book er, I rise to offer my sincere gratitude Miami Dade College. of John, we read: ‘‘Greater love has no to the brave law enforcement officials one than this, that one lay down his who prevented a terrorist plot from un- f life for his friends.’’ folding in Key West. RECOGNIZING JENNA MCGIVNEY, To his mom, Cathy, to his friends and On July 28, it was announced that a LOC TEACHER INSTITUTE family, you may be very, very proud of Key West man was arrested and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Skip and his ultimate sacrifice to our charged with attempting to use a weap- country. May God’s grace comfort you Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from on of mass destruction. Key West is the Indiana (Mrs. WALORSKI) for 5 minutes. in this difficult time. Please know that southernmost point of not only my a grateful Nation loves you and mourns Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise congressional district, but the entire today to recognize Jenna McGivney of with you. United States. Anyone who has visited May we never, ever, forget Skip Wells Southwood Junior-Senior High School the Keys knows how truly special this for being selected to participate in the and the great men and women who part of our country is, not just for its Library of Congress Teaching with Pri- stand in harm’s way every single day natural beauty, but for the welcoming mary Sources Summer Teacher Insti- and protect this, the greatest Nation and creative people who call the Keys tute. Her dedication to providing the on Earth. May God bless us all, and home. highest quality of education to young may he continue to bless the United A terrorist attack occurring any- Hoosiers is nothing short of remark- States of America. where in the United States is a cause able. f for serious alarm, and I am glad the ef- Educators attending the teacher in- HURRICANE ANDREW forts of one lone wolf were thwarted. stitute participate in and develop pri- It is important to recognize the FBI, ANNIVERSARY mary source-based teaching strategies the U.S. Attorneys Office, the South that they can take back to their school The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force, districts, apply in the classroom, and Chair recognizes the gentleman from the Key West Police Department, the share with their colleagues. This is an Florida (Mr. CURBELO) for 5 minutes. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and opportunity reserved for only the fin- Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speak- other law enforcement agencies for est teachers in the country and is a er, I rise today with a heavy heart to working together to neutralize this testament to Ms. McGivney’s success recognize the 24th of August as the 23rd threat to Key West and our country. as an educator. anniversary of Hurricane Andrew. On Because of their efforts, an untold It is the work of passionate teachers this date in 1992, the category 5 storm number of lives were saved. like her that make me so grateful to made landfall on Elliott Key, and then Unfortunately, this incident reminds represent Indiana’s Second Congres- Homestead, Florida, killing 26 imme- us that we continue to be targeted by sional District. The future of Indiana’s diately, with dozens more fatalities those who wish to do us harm. We must children lies in the hands of our edu- from injuries stemming from the remain vigilant against these ongoing cators. Because of that, they deserve storm’s aftermath. We continue to threats and ensure our law enforce- our support and recognition. mourn this loss of life. ment agencies continue to have the Today, I congratulate Ms. McGivney The winds of Hurricane Andrew were necessary resources to execute their and thank her for her dedication to calculated at 164 miles per hour and critical mission. educating young Hoosiers.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.014 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5605 EMPLOYEE RIGHTS ACT fore You and conscience. Often, they For over 20 years, Chief Kline has The SPEAKER pro tempore. The are characterized by half-truths and at- diligently served as the head of the Chair recognizes the gentleman from tributed motives that are far beneath Plymouth Fire Department during a South Carolina (Mr. WILSON) for 5 min- them. Uphold them at such times with period of tremendous growth and utes. personal integrity and compassion for change. Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. those most in need. Chief Kline has led the way when it Speaker, I am grateful to cosponsor the Having called them to serve others to comes to bringing firefighting into the Employee Rights Act, introduced by the best of their abilities, lift them 21st century by embracing new tech- Chairman TOM PRICE, which estab- even higher by Your grace and power nology and equipment techniques not lishes protections for American work- to live and work for Your greater only locally, but also being involved at ers—to not join a union; to have a se- honor and glory, both this day and the national level through education cret ballot; and, if they choose to join throughout the remainder of the sum- and speaking engagements. a union, to know how their dues are mer. He also serves as chair of the Min- being spent. This legislation is critical Amen. nesota State Fire Chiefs Association to empowering American workers and f Safety and Health Committee where his influence is felt throughout the shielding them from unfair treatment THE JOURNAL in the workplace. State of Minnesota. South Carolina is a staunch defender The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank of right-to-work protections, even Chair has examined the Journal of the Chief Kline for his service, for his dedi- when threatened by the National Labor last day’s proceedings and announces cation in leading our first responders, Relations Board. For years, the NLRB to the House his approval thereof. and keeping our community safe. has threatened to destroy jobs, particu- Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- I know the Plymouth community larly in the Charleston community. It nal stands approved. will miss him, but Chief Kline’s stead- has invaded employee privacy and en- Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. fast leadership leaves Plymouth on a croached upon their rights. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I firm foundation for the future. demand a vote on agreeing to the I am grateful for Senator LINDSEY f Speaker’s approval of the Journal. GRAHAM, Senator TIM SCOTT, Governor 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Nikki Haley, and South Carolina At- AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES question is on the Speaker’s approval torney General Alan Wilson for their ACT of the Journal. leadership in protecting our State’s (Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given right-to-work laws. The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that permission to address the House for 1 Right-to-work States like South minute and to revise and extend his re- Carolina have seen firsthand that job the ayes appeared to have it. Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. marks.) creation and economic growth come Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, this from expanded freedoms. We need to Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present past Sunday marked the 25th anniver- expand commonsense reforms like sary of the Americans with Disabilities those in the Employee Rights Act to and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. Act. Since its enactment, the ADA has protect American workers and create been a beacon of hope for millions of jobs. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ant to clause 8, rule XX, further pro- people with disabilities, both through- In conclusion, God bless our troops, out the United States and around the and may the President, by his actions, ceedings on this question will be post- poned. world. never forget September the 11th in the Many passionate advocates and global war on terrorism. The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. champions fought for the rights and f protections enshrined in this law. f RECESS Thanks to their pioneering efforts, peo- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ple with disabilities can participate in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- more aspects of society than ever be- ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the fore. Where barriers exist, so, too, do declares the House in recess until noon gentleman from New York (Mr. HIG- the opportunities to remove them, today. GINS) come forward and lead the House thanks to the protections and accom- Accordingly (at 11 o’clock and 30 in the Pledge of Allegiance. modations afforded under the ADA. minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- Mr. HIGGINS led the Pledge of Alle- We have come far since the passage cess. giance as follows: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the of the ADA, but we still have much f United States of America, and to the Repub- more work ahead. As we commemorate b 1200 lic for which it stands, one nation under God, the silver anniversary of the ADA, I indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. hope everyone will join me in cele- AFTER RECESS f brating the strides we have made, The recess having expired, the House while also committing our efforts to ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER was called to order by the Speaker pro achieving the full equality and oppor- PRO TEMPORE tempore (Mr. WOMACK) at noon. tunity on which the ADA and our coun- f The SPEAKER pro tempore. The try were founded. Chair will entertain up to 15 requests f PRAYER for 1-minute speeches on each side of The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick the aisle. REMEMBERING TERRY STAMBAUGH J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: f God of our ancestors, thank You for (Mr. WOMACK asked and was given giving us another day. RECOGNIZING PLYMOUTH FIRE permission to address the House for 1 We pray You, O God, to be with the CHIEF RICHARD KLINE minute.) Members of this House today and as (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise they return to their home districts permission to address the House for 1 today with a heavy heart to remember during the August recess. Give them minute and to revise and extend his re- the life of Terry Stambaugh of Har- sound judgment and make them as marks.) rison, Arkansas. practical as the American people who Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise Terry died this week when his car sent them here as their Representa- today to recognize the service of Plym- was struck head on by a vehicle trav- tives. outh Fire Chief Richard Kline, who has eling at a high rate of speed, fleeing Help them to withstand open criti- announced that he will be retiring at from police. It is heartbreaking to see cism when they know what is right be- the end of this year. the life of a community servant taken

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.015 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5606 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 at the age of 61—or for any age, for tion workers, just extending himself hibiting the use of Federal funds to pay that matter—under these cir- and doing his job. for abortion services. The fact that this cumstances. I am excited about him having his restriction discriminates against Terry Stambaugh was chairman of name on the 26-story headquarters women with limited resources at the the board of the Harrison, Arkansas, building, and I would offer to say that, very time in which they need the sup- regional chamber of commerce; presi- to this great leader, I will be coming port the most is unconscionable. dent of the Harrison Rotary Club; home to present you with a number of We have had enough of letting the board member of the 14th judicial dis- resolutions and honor. majority restrict access to abortion trict’s court appointed special advo- I know that he wants the Voting services when the majority of Ameri- cates program; past president of the Rights Act reauthorized because he cans support a woman’s right to Harrison District Board of Realtors; couldn’t vote then, but now, he stands choose. It is time to change course. and had a long history working in the as the longest serving police officer The EACH Woman Act ensures trucking industry. In addition, he was and one of great service. health coverage of these services for a deacon at the First Christian Church I salute you, Edward Alfred Thomas. every woman, no matter how much she of Harrison. f earns, how she is insured, or where she Mr. Speaker, Terry was a man of tre- lives. RECOGNIZING MILITARY mendous faith. While I know the entire I urge my colleagues to be bold, end CHAPLAINS Harrison community will forever Hyde, and support the EACH Woman mourn his loss, we take comfort in the (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina Act. fact that God is real, as Terry stated in asked and was given permission to ad- f his final Facebook posting, and that dress the House for 1 minute and to re- RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES MA- Terry is now at his side. vise and extend his remarks.) I stand in this well today, Mr. Speak- Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. RINE PRIVATE FIRST CLASS er, to honor Terry for his many years Speaker, I am grateful to congratulate ATTILIO M. LUPACCHINI of service to his faith, his family, and the Army Chaplain Corps on their 240th (Mr. FITZPATRICK asked and was his beloved city of Harrison and say a birthday. given permission to address the House final thank you to this dedicated com- Since their founding this day on July for 1 minute and to revise and extend munity leader. 29, 1775, by the Continental Congress, his remarks.) My prayers are with his wife, Carey; at the request of General George Wash- Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I his children, Angela Keys, Sarah ington, military chaplains have served rise today in recognition of the life and Stambaugh, and Hannah Lutz; and his with courage, honor, and selflessness. service of United States Marine Pri- stepchildren, Blake and Logan Cook, I am grateful that Fort Jackson, lo- vate First Class Attilio M. Lupacchini, during this very difficult time for the cated in the Midlands of South Caro- who was laid to rest with full military family. lina, serves as a training facility for honors this morning. f this distinct group of individuals who Private Lupacchini—a native of do so much to fulfill the religious Yardley, Bucks County, in my district EDWARD A. THOMAS BUILDING needs of our men and women in uni- in Pennsylvania—was just 2 years out (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was form. of high school, when, on December 9, given permission to address the House It is home to the Chaplain Regi- 1950, he made the ultimate sacrifice for for 1 minute.) mental Museum Association. This mu- his Nation in the mountains of North Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I seum highlights those who have a Korea while on a mission to rescue a rise with great excitement to congratu- shared desire to minister to soldiers group of fellow marines. late the Houston City Council and our and their families. I appreciate the His platoon leader described Private chief, Charles McClelland, for naming president of the association, Chaplain Lupacchini as a true fighting marine our beacon of law enforcement building Brigadier General Don Rutherford, and who was small in stature but enor- after Edward Alfred Thomas, the long- the board of directors for their dedi- mously courageous. est serving and greatest patrol officer cated service to our men and women in After more than 65 years, Private in the history of the Houston Police uniform. Lupacchini’s spirit has returned home Department, so noted by fellow offi- I know firsthand of chaplains’ ex- and now rests among our Nation’s cers. traordinary service to my and my son’s bravest at Arlington National Ceme- Edward Alfred Thomas was born in National Guard duty. I appreciate tery, forever providing a place of re- Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1920. He Army Colonel Steve Shugart, who was flection and remembrance for genera- played football for Southern Univer- my son Alan’s roommate in Iraq. I am tions of family members and grateful sity. As well, he was drafted in World grateful to work with Air National Americans. War II, where he saw action with the Guard Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel From the bottom of my heart, I ex- United States Army in Normandy, in Brian Bohlman, for his military family press my gratitude to Attilio northern Africa, and during the Battle nonprofit foundation, Operation Thank Lupacchini for his membership in the of the Bulge. You. internal ranks of those who sacrificed After the war, with his honorable dis- Congratulations to the Army Chap- at freedom’s altar. charge, Edward Thomas became one of lain Corps on their 240th birthday. f the first African American police offi- Chaplains make a difference helping BUFFALO, NEW YORK, RECLAIMED cers in the city of Houston—when he servicemembers and military families ITS FUTURE BY EMBRACING ITS started, he could not vote without a have a more fulfilling life. PAST poll tax—where he worked for 63 years f until his retirement on July 23, 2011. He (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given worked for more than six decades, way SUPPORT EACH WOMAN ACT permission to address the House for 1 before the civil rights movement. (Mr. QUIGLEY asked and was given minute.) His work was not without challenges. permission to address the House for 1 Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, visitors Because of his work and because of his minute and to revise and extend his re- to the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, race, Officer Thomas was not allowed marks.) which was held in western New York, to drive a squad car or arrest White Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, for the were so astounded with the electric suspects without obtaining permission past 40 years, antichoice politicians light powered by Niagara Falls that from his supervisor. have convinced Congress to maintain Buffalo became known across the world At one point in his career, he was dis- Hyde amendment language while push- as The City of Light. ciplined for speaking to a White meter ing for restricting access even further. Last week, The New York Times re- maid, who asked him to walk with her For four decades, the Hyde amend- ported to the Nation Buffalo is back, in order to avoid the unwanted atten- ment has denied too many women their due again to our investments in renew- tion and advances of nearby construc- constitutional right to choose by pro- able energy.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.017 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5607 In 2005, we won a Federal licensing three American children receives his of ADA protections. As Sarah said, we settlement that directed $279 million health insurance coverage through have made great progress in the last 25 from local hydropower proceeds to re- Medicaid. In Rhode Island’s First Dis- years, but there is still so much more develop Buffalo’s waterfront, a trans- trict, which I am proud to represent, work to be done. formation that has attracted hundreds more than 92,000 individuals receive I urge the House to listen to Sarah’s of millions of dollars in private invest- Medicare benefits, and almost 100,000 words and continue the fight to make ment. receive Medicaid coverage. sure all Americans are empowered to Access to cheap, clean hydropower Mr. Speaker, health care is a neces- achieve their own American dreams. convinced Yahoo to locate its data and sity of life, and access to quality f call center in Niagara County, again health care should be a right for every- FAREWELL TRIBUTE TO JOSH creating hundreds of jobs. one and never a privilege of the few. ZARKA Meanwhile, the Steel Winds project Over the last half century, Medicare has built 14 wind turbines along Lake and Medicaid have provided millions of (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was Erie in Lackawanna, creating enough Americans with access to quality, af- given permission to address the House electricity to power 15,000 homes. fordable health care. It is critical that for 1 minute and to revise and extend Along the Buffalo River, the largest we strengthen these essential pro- her remarks.) solar panel manufacturer in the West- grams, enhance benefits, and make Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ern Hemisphere is under construction, sure that all Americans can live with rise today to bid farewell and good luck which will create 3,500 jobs in the solar healthcare security and dignity. to Josh Zarka, who for the past 4 years industry. f has been the Minister for Congressional At the turn of the 20th century, Buf- Affairs at the Embassy of Israel here in IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL falo led on energy innovation and Washington, D.C. thrived because of it. By embracing its (Mr. HOLDING asked and was given Since 1991, Josh has had a long and past, Buffalo has reclaimed its future. permission to address the House for 1 distinguished career with the Ministry minute and to revise and extend his re- of Foreign Affairs, representing the f marks.) Jewish State in Israel and, indeed, DEFUND PLANNED PARENTHOOD Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, The around the world. (Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas asked Washington Post reports that the During his time here in D.C., Josh and was given permission to address President knew of two secret side deals has been a major influence in strength- the House for 1 minute and to revise in the agreement with Iran but failed ening the U.S.-Israel relationship; and and extend his remarks.) to inform Congress. More troubling, there is no doubt that his tireless work Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. The Washington Post reports that, to promote and strengthen the ties be- Speaker, yesterday, a third Planned while the President and the Secretary tween our two countries has contrib- Parenthood video was released regard- of State know the agreements exist, uted greatly to the safety and security ing the selling of aborted baby body neither has seen them. of Israel, of its citizens, and of us here parts and organs. These agreements, which are between in the United States. The fact that this is going on is just Iran and the U.N.’s International Josh can be proud of the work that vile. Our Constitution protects the Atomic Energy Agency, govern the in- he has done here; yet I know that what right to life, and it is unforgiveable for spections of Iran’s nuclear facilities. In he values the most is his family—his any organization to engage in this kind its article, The Washington Post wife, Esther, and their four children. I of trafficking. quotes the Deputy Director of the U.N. wish Josh and his family much success, To make matters worse, Planned agency as saying, ‘‘No American is ever especially as they prepare for his Parenthood receives taxpayer dollars going to get to see them,’’ in speaking daughter, Adi’s, upcoming wedding. that ultimately help support these vile of these side agreements. We will miss you, Josh. Stay in acts. Mr. Speaker, no one believes we can touch. I fully support the House investiga- deal with Iran with a gentlemanly f handshake, so the linchpin to any tion into Planned Parenthood, and I 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF VOTING agreement is inspections. Why on am proud to support legislation that RIGHTS ACT would stop all Federal funding for Earth would the President make an (Ms. JUDY CHU of California asked Planned Parenthood until these inves- agreement that includes secret deals and was given permission to address tigations are over. between Iran and the U.N. agency the House for 1 minute.) That said, I believe Washington which is doing the inspections that no Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. should follow Texas’ lead and perma- American, including him, will ever see? Speaker, 50 years ago, hundreds of cou- nently defund Planned Parenthood. It is beyond my comprehension. Con- rageous, unarmed men and women All life is sacred, and I will continue gress needs to reject this bad deal. marched from Selma to Montgomery to do all I can to protect the lives of f to call for the right to vote. They were the unborn. 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE met with violence, prejudice, and hate; f AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES but these brave men and women con- ACT b 1215 tinued their push for equality. Because (Ms. GRAHAM asked and was given of their sacrifice and determination, 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICARE permission to address the House for 1 the historic Voting Rights Act was AND MEDICAID minute.) passed. (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given Ms. GRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, this past For over 40 years, the Voting Rights permission to address the House for 1 Sunday marked the 25th anniversary of Act was one of our best tools to combat minute.) the Americans with Disabilities Act. historic discrimination. It provided Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, tomor- This historic piece of legislation pro- critical voter protections to ensure row, July 30, marks the 50th anniver- hibits discrimination against those that Americans of all backgrounds had sary of Lyndon Johnson’s signing of with disabilities, giving them greater equal access to the ballot box; but with the Social Security Act Amendments access and protections; but the ADA the Supreme Court’s Shelby County de- of 1965 into law and of creating Medi- does more than just open doors—it rec- cision 2 years ago, key provisions were care and Medicaid in order to meet the ognizes every individual’s ability to gutted from this act that must be re- healthcare needs of seniors, individuals succeed. stored. with disabilities, and working families. Yesterday, I met with Sarah Gold- As we commemorate the 50th anni- Today, 55 million Americans receive man, a young woman with cerebral versary of the Voting Rights Act, I Medicare benefits, and 69 million palsy who is earning her master’s de- urge my Republican colleagues to re- Americans rely on the healthcare safe- gree at Florida State University. She store dignity to our electoral process ty net that Medicaid provides. One in visited my office to advocate on behalf and ensure that this is a democracy of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.018 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5608 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 the people and by the people. Allow us Mr. NUGENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise Over the past 2 weeks, we have all to vote on meaningful legislation to re- today to discuss a simple solution to a seen the gruesome videos showing the store the Voting Rights Act. straightforward problem. heartless depravity of this organiza- f Eleven years after retiring from the tion. We have issued statements; we military, one of my constituents re- have made passionate floor speeches; RECOGNIZING AN UNSUNG HERO ceived a bill for $1,500 for an alleged and we have pledged action. Now our (Mr. BOST asked and was given per- overpayment by the Department of De- constituents would like to know when mission to address the House for 1 fense. This is more than a decade later, we are going to follow through on that minute and to revise and extend his re- and the first she is hearing about it is promise. marks.) in a letter, demanding payment. More- Today, I am reminded of the words of Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I would like over, the servicemember is expected to Dietrich Bonhoeffer: ‘‘Silence in the to recognize an everyday hero from track down and find whatever receipts face of evil is itself evil. Not to speak southern Illinois today—U.S. mail car- or documents may be relevant from 11 is to speak. Not to act is to act.’’ rier Don Fix, who has worked his route years ago. Mr. Speaker, we have a moral obliga- in Belleville, Illinois, for over 20 years. This isn’t an isolated case. This is tion to defund Planned Parenthood, In May, Don felt something was happening to veterans across this Na- and we must do it now—not when poli- wrong when he noticed mail piled high tion. Often, these bills are the result of ticians and pundits think it is most po- at a home in Swansea. Don knew both DOD accounting or system errors. Cer- litically expedient. tainly, if there were an error, whether residents were elderly and had dif- f ficulty getting around, so he checked it be the fault of the servicemember or around to the back door and called out of the DOD, steps should be taken to 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE their names. He heard Mr. David Nel- remedy that; but the government VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 1965 son yell back that he and his wife had should not wait a decade before sending (Ms. SEWELL of Alabama asked and fallen. Don immediately called the the first letter. was given permission to address the paramedics, who arrived on the scene I am introducing a bill today that House for 1 minute and to revise and and took the couple to the hospital. would place a statute of limitations on extend her remarks.) I honor Don Fix’s quick and caring DOD’s authority to initiate the collec- Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speak- action as he is more than just a neigh- tion process. This does not prevent the er, today, I rise in recognition of the borhood mailman. Don delivers more DOD from collecting debts; it simply upcoming 50th anniversary of the sign- than just the mail to the residents he says it must do it in a timely fashion. ing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. cares about—he also delivers compas- I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- Our Nation took an important step sion. porting the SOLDIER Act. forward 50 years ago when, on August 6, 1965, President Johnson signed into f f law this landmark legislation. It was a BRING GUN SAFETY LEGISLATION BIPARTISAN SOLUTIONS TO GROW U.S. ECONOMY moment that brave men and women, TO HOUSE FLOOR FOR A VOTE like our colleague JOHN LEWIS, (Mr. ASHFORD asked and was given (Ms. ESTY asked and was given per- marched for and were willing to die for permission to address the House for 1 mission to address the House for 1 as they dared to cross the Edmund minute.) Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. minute and to revise and extend her re- Mr. ASHFORD. Mr. Speaker, when marks.) Unfortunately, 2 years ago, the Su- we return from our recess, we need to preme Court struck down section 4, and Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, in Con- reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. necticut, we know all too well the dev- preclearance and Federal protections Ex-Im has helped Nebraska businesses for vulnerable communities went away. astation caused by gun violence. We grow and export U.S.-made products will never stop mourning the lives of When the Supreme Court struck down overseas. In fact, last year, my district section 4, it did not say that protec- the 26 people who were ripped from us exported over $60 million of Nebraska by the horrific shootings in Newtown, tions were not needed. Rather, it issued manufactured goods all over the world. a challenge to us here in this House to but just as tragic are the deaths that Growing U.S. exports mean growing don’t make national headlines. come up with a modern day formula. I jobs at home. see that as a challenge for all of us in Mr. Speaker, we have a serious prob- Secondly, we need to come together this great House—to come up with a lem with gun violence in this country and pass a long-term transportation modern day formula to provide protec- from which no person, no community is bill. According to a recent report, near- protected. This year alone, in the cap- tions for vulnerable communities. ly a quarter of Nebraska’s bridges are On this 50th anniversary of the land- ital city of Hartford, gun violence has structurally unsound. Beyond safety, claimed 19 lives. Yet, today, this House mark Voting Rights Act, let us answer investments in infrastructure can cre- this call to action. It is a call worthy is scheduled to adjourn for the next 5 ate immediate jobs and long-term eco- weeks, refusing to bring this urgent of all of our attention. On this recess, nomic growth. let us remark about how wonderful it public health matter to the House Lastly, we need to pass a responsible, was that we all came together on floor, refusing to address gun violence, comprehensive immigration reform March 7, 1965, in order to do what was which is hurting America. bill. This would pull hard-working peo- right. I ask all of you to please con- I have joined with colleagues from ple out of the shadows, work to attract sider restoring the Voting Rights Act across the aisle to propose a bipartisan the best, talented people across the of 1965. It is important for all Ameri- bill to expand background checks to all globe, and make our businesses more cans. commercial gun sales—legislation competitive in the world economy. that, if enacted, would have prevented Upon our return, Mr. Speaker, let’s f several of the most recent mass shoot- commit ourselves to bipartisan solu- b 1230 ings. tions to these issues. MOTORCYCLES MEAN FREEDOM I urge the leadership of this House to f spend August thinking about the 30,000 (Mr. BURGESS asked and was given Americans we lose each year to gun vi- DEFUND PLANNED PARENTHOOD permission to address the House for 1 olence and to bring this urgent matter (Mrs. BLACK asked and was given minute and to revise and extend his re- to the full House for a vote when we re- permission to address the House for 1 marks.) convene in September. minute and to revise and extend her re- Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise f marks.) today to recognize the upcoming Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Speaker, I stand Sturgis motorcycle rally, which will be IN SUPPORT OF THE SOLDIER ACT here profoundly disappointed that the celebrating its 75th anniversary this (Mr. NUGENT asked and was given House will leave town today without year in Sturgis, South Dakota. permission to address the House for 1 taking a vote on my legislation to Since the rally’s inception in 1938, minute.) defund Planned Parenthood. Sturgis has grown from a single race to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.020 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5609 a weeklong event attended by hundreds fice, with Arkansas National Guard tem’’ to evade transparency. It is just of thousands from across the United Captain David Wittee serving as an another day with the ‘‘most trans- States and, indeed, around the globe. Army chaplain in addition to serving parent administration in history.’’ Each year more and more riders are as my military affairs liaison and a Mr. Speaker, the public has a right to using their motorcycles to go to the field representative in the Fourth Dis- know and get answers to all these scan- store, go to work, or just go for a ride. trict of Arkansas. dals. After years of stonewalling, it is This growing popularity is good for I want to thank Captain Wittee and painfully obvious that this administra- our Nation. Motorcyclists ease road all military chaplains, both current tion will not investigate this adminis- congestion, reduce overall fuel con- and past, for their service to their fel- tration. sumption, and decrease wear and tear low soldiers and for their service to our And that is just the way it is. on our Nation’s infrastructure. Nation. f As a cochairman of the Congressional f MEDICARE AND MEDICAID Motorcycle Caucus, I offer my best wishes to the attendees of this year’s RESTORE THE VOTING RIGHTS (Ms. MATSUI asked and was given event. Here is to good weather and safe ACT permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her re- travels while celebrating the freedom (Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia asked and marks.) to ride. was given permission to address the Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise f House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) today to recognize the 50th anniversary BANGLADESH Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- of Medicare and Medicaid. When President Lyndon B. Johnson (Ms. GABBARD asked and was given er, this Confederate flag, which is a signed Medicare and Medicaid into law, permission to address the House for 1 symbol of systemic oppression and ra- he proclaimed that: minute.) cial subjugation, was recently lowered ‘‘No longer will older Americans be Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in the State of South Carolina. denied the healing miracle of modern today to discuss and raise the dire situ- But this same flag, which symbolizes medicine. No longer will illness crush ation of religious minorities in Ban- so many inequities in our country, is and destroy the savings that they have gladesh. still flying high in a figurative sense so carefully put away over a lifetime so Bangladesh is a country in turmoil. over our country. that they might enjoy dignity in their There are many concerns about the When the U.S. Supreme Court struck later years. No longer will young fami- stability of the country, particularly down the heart of the Voting Rights lies see their own incomes and their since flawed elections were held last Act, it signaled that African American own hopes eaten away simply because year and the political violence that has voting rights would no longer be pro- they are carrying out their deep moral ensued. tected. obligations to their parents.’’ I am particularly concerned over Pretending that the legacy of poll We need to continue to keep these issues of religious freedom and, specifi- taxes, literacy tests, and blatant dis- promises by protecting and expanding cally, attacks against the minority crimination was no longer taking Medicare and Medicaid. Together, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and oth- place, the Supreme Court symbolically these two programs provide health cov- ers in Bangladesh. raised this flag when it gutted the Vot- erage for our Nation’s seniors, people All too often perpetrators of crimes ing Rights Act. with disabilities, and moms and fami- against minorities go unpunished. It is Now that this flag has come down lies. We must ensure that these pro- up to the Government of Bangladesh to from the halls of South Carolina, it is grams are here for now and for future take action to stop those who incite time that we lower this flag from its generations. and commit violence and to protect the perch over the voting rights of African rights of these minorities. Americans by passing the legislation in f I am introducing a resolution today the U.S. Congress to restore the Voting EXECUTIVE REGULATORY calling on the Government of Ban- Rights Act. OVERREACH gladesh to protect human rights of all f (Mr. ALLEN asked and was given its citizens, particularly its vulnerable MORE SECRETS permission to address the House for 1 minorities, strengthen democratic in- minute and to revise and extend his re- stitutions and rule of law, and prevent (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was marks.) the growth of extremist groups. given permission to address the House Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, before my I ask my colleagues to support this for 1 minute and to revise and extend time in Congress, if someone had told resolution to help protect the religious his remarks.) me that I would spend 90 percent of my freedoms of all people in Bangladesh. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the time fighting executive regulatory f IRS targeted, intimidated, and har- overreach, nobody would have believed assed many Americans because of their MILITARY CHAPLAINS me, but it is the truth. political philosophy. The people are In the past 7 months, I have found (Mr. WESTERMAN asked and was still waiting for answers about why out how out of control the overreach of given permission to address the House their government is engaged in this So- this administration truly is. With rules for 1 minute and to revise and extend viet-style behavior. such as the Waters of the United States his remarks.) First, 2 years of emails were lost. and the Clean Power Plan from EPA, Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I Now we learn that the IRS purposely this administration continues to tram- rise today, as did my colleague, the used an internal messaging system—an ple on the rights of our citizens and gentleman from South Carolina, to office communication server—on the States while hurting our economy note that today marks the 240th birth- sly. They opted not to archive these along the way. day of the military Chaplain Corps, messages and kept them secret from That is why I was pleased to cospon- which was originally founded by the the eyes of the citizens and Congress. sor and vote for the REINS Act. This Continental Congress. In one email Lois Lerner apparently important legislation requires Con- I stand today to honor the men and was told the messaging system was not gress to have 70 legislative days to re- women who serve the spiritual needs of archived. Her response? ‘‘Perfect.’’ view any rules with an economic im- those in uniform. The military chap- So we will never know what was in pact over $100 million and ensures Con- lains who serve and have served brave- those messages that were intentionally gress has oversight before any major ly go with their fellow soldiers into scrubbed. rule goes to the President for a signa- combat theaters not to fight, but to fill There is a pattern here. ture. the role of pastor, counselor, and lis- The Secretary of State was con- By allowing Congress to review these tener for our armed services. ducting official business on her own rules, we can restore accountability Military chaplains are held in espe- untraceable secret email server, and and the power of legislating to the leg- cially high regard within my own of- the taxman used its own ‘‘go dark sys- islative branch.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.023 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5610 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 I thank my colleagues in the House I have submitted a letter of support the removal or demotion of employees of the for passing this important legislation for Mr. Kiefer for the Presidential Department of Veterans Affairs based on per- and call on those in the Senate to take Medal of Freedom. I urge our country formance or misconduct, and for other pur- swift action to reduce regulatory over- to honor a great man from Illinois’ poses. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against reach. 14th Congressional District. consideration of the bill are waived. General f f debate shall be confined to the bill and shall VOTING RIGHTS ACT not exceed one hour equally divided and con- UNFINISHED WORK trolled by the chair and ranking minority (Mr. GALLEGO asked and was given (Ms. PLASKETT asked and was given member of the Committee on Veterans’ Af- permission to address the House for 1 permission to address the House for 1 fairs. After general debate the bill shall be minute.) minute and to revise and extend her re- considered for amendment under the five- Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, on Au- marks.) minute rule. It shall be in order to consider gust 6, we will celebrate the 50th anni- as an original bill for the purpose of amend- Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I am ment under the five-minute rule the amend- versary of the Voting Rights Act of upset that the House is heading to Au- ment in the nature of a substitute rec- 1965. gust recess today with so much unfin- ommended by the Committee on Veterans’ Mr. Speaker, this landmark law codi- ished work in front of us. Affairs now printed in the bill. The com- fied protections to guarantee every We could be working to find a trans- mittee amendment in the nature of a sub- American’s right to vote. For the past portation bill that both we and the stitute shall be considered as read. All points five decades, the Voting Rights Act has Senate can agree on, a bill that would of order against the committee amendment broken down barriers that discouraged begin to fix our broken roads, bridges, in the nature of a substitute are waived. No amendment to the committee amendment in or outright prohibited citizens from and highways. My district, the Virgin voting. the nature of a substitute shall be in order Islands, has been hit by nearly 6 years except those printed in the report of the The VRA led to a more inclusive of substantially reduced Federal high- Committee on Rules accompanying this res- electoral system that increasingly re- way funding. olution. Each such amendment may be of- flected the diversity of the American We could be working on an appropria- fered only in the order printed in the report, people. tions bill to fund important work for may be offered only by a Member designated Mr. Speaker, the right to vote is cen- this country. In my district, the Virgin in the report, shall be considered as read, tral to who we are as Americans and to Islands, the Interior Appropriations shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by our democracy. bill is vitally important. But this cornerstone of American the proponent and an opponent, shall not be This funding would go toward the subject to amendment, and shall not be sub- civil rights is unfortunately being children in our schools. Right now the ject to a demand for division of the question threatened today. In too many places schools are not structurally sound and in the House or in the Committee of the across the country, we have seen new are decaying. In fact, a new school Whole. All points of order against such measures that create barriers that hasn’t been built in my home district amendments are waived. At the conclusion make it harder to register or vote. on the island of St. Croix or St. Thom- of consideration of the bill for amendment On this 50th anniversary, we must re- as in the last two decades. the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may double our commitment to strength- It is shameful to leave town without ening the Voting Rights Act. We can have been adopted. Any Member may de- working on a Voting Rights Act. The mand a separate vote in the House on any start by restoring the Voting Rights ability and ease of access to voting amendment adopted in the Committee of the Act to ensure that the rights of all must be expanded, not restricted. It Whole to the bill or to the committee Americans that go to the ballot box must also be further expanded to in- amendment in the nature of a substitute. and cast a ballot are protected. clude the 4 million Americans who do The previous question shall be considered as f not have the right to vote for their ordered on the bill and amendments thereto President simply because they live in a to final passage without intervening motion HONORING ADOLPH KIEFER OF except one motion to recommit with or with- WADSWORTH territory. out instructions. These men and women love their (Mr. HULTGREN asked and was SEC. 2. Upon adoption of this resolution it country, they fight for their country, shall be in order to consider in the House the given permission to address the House but they are excluded from the most bill (H.R. 3236) to provide an extension of for 1 minute and to revise and extend basic democratic function. Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor his remarks.) We could be working to fix these and carrier safety, transit, and other programs Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise a myriad of other things, but, instead, funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, to today to recognize the ‘‘Father of we are leaving with these matters un- provide resource flexibility to the Depart- Swimming,’’ Adolph Kiefer, from Wads- ment of Veterans Affairs for health care attended. This is an embarrassment to services, and for other purposes. All points of worth, Illinois. this body and must not happen again. At age 17, Adolph became the 100- order against consideration of the bill are f waived. The bill shall be considered as read. meter gold medal winner at the 1936 All points of order against provisions in the Berlin Olympics. In addition to earning PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION bill are waived. The previous question shall 17 world records, Adolph was the first OF H.R. 1994, VA ACCOUNT- be considered as ordered on the bill and on man in the world to swim the 100-yard ABILITY ACT OF 2015, AND PRO- any amendment thereto to final passage backstroke in under a minute and in- VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF without intervening motion except: (1) one vented a flip turn, still used today. H.R. 3236, SURFACE TRANSPOR- hour of debate equally divided among and In 1947, Adolph founded his own com- TATION AND VETERANS HEALTH controlled by the respective chairs and rank- pany, inventing the first plastic CARE CHOICE IMPROVEMENT ing minority members of the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Ways and kickboard and the first nylon swim- ACT OF 2015 Means, and Veterans’ Affairs; and (2) one mo- suit. Yet, he has considered teaching Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, by di- tion to recommit. others his greatest success. rection of the Committee on Rules, I b 1245 Upon joining the Navy, Adolph was call up House Resolution 388 and ask shocked to learn many of his comrades for its immediate consideration. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. couldn’t swim. He designed a program The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- DUNCAN of Tennessee). The gentleman to teach millions of recruits what he lows: from Texas is recognized for 1 hour. dubbed the victory backstroke. Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, for the As a youth fitness advocate, he H. RES. 388 purpose of debate only, I yield the cus- served the Red Cross for 25 years, co- Resolved, That at any time after adoption tomary 30 minutes to the gentleman of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant ordinating the learn-to-swim campaign from Colorado (Mr. POLIS), my friend, to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the for Chicago and overseeing lessons for House resolved into the Committee of the pending which I yield myself such time thousands of children. Whole House on the state of the Union for as I may consume. During consider- Mr. Kiefer just celebrated his 97th consideration of the bill (H.R. 1994) to amend ation of this resolution, all time yield- birthday and still swims every day. title 38, United States Code, to provide for ed is for the purpose of debate only.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.024 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5611 GENERAL LEAVE ognized in not only a public way, but in House with Democrats on a bipartisan Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I ask an outpouring of support from veterans basis, to make it easier to remove or unanimous consent that all Members who said this has to change. The Re- demote employees who do not do their have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- publican Congress did just that. job and who need to be out of that or- tend their remarks. Our chairman of the Committee on ganization. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Veterans’ Affairs from Florida (Mr. We are going to give this organiza- objection to the request of the gen- MILLER) very quickly and clearly went tion exactly what they are asking for tleman from Texas? and did an investigation on a bipar- again. We are going to give the VA and There was no objection. tisan basis, looked at the VA, and their new Veterans Secretary the abil- Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, we are made these decisions. That was what ity to clean up their mess. We are try- here at the end of the work that we we did a year ago. ing our best to hold them accountable have done before our break home for Since then, only two VA employees yet, at the same time, expect them to the August recess, where we will have have been fired for their role in what is do the right thing. an opportunity to go back to the Amer- now known as the waiting list scandal. Yesterday, in testimony, we had our ican people and talk with them as they What is this waiting list scandal? The chairman say he has confidence in the are in our homes, our cities, our neigh- waiting list scandal is a way by which Secretary; he has confidence that the borhoods, our schools, our firehouses, the VA denied veterans an opportunity Secretary can adjust and make these and our places of worship; and we will to come and get the health care that changes, but the law needs to be up- have a chance to meet and talk with they needed by stringing them out and dated and changed. them about the great work that Repub- then deceiving others—including them- That is why we are here today, to licans have achieved and done up here selves in the VA—about what the wait- give the VA the tools that they need— in Washington, D.C., during this first ing times were. They deceived not only just like when I was a manager in the half of the year. these people who were given these long private sector, I needed the tools to I am very pleased to know that dates; they deceived the management. run my organization properly and ef- today, as we are preparing to leave to They also deceived the United States fectively—the ability to move employ- go back home for our district work ses- Congress. ees that were not doing their job—per- sion, that we are going to be presenting Well, as happens many times, people haps it is a bad fit—or to get rid of em- several bills on the floor that are done find out. Well, we did find out. This ployees or even fire them if they are to try and move forward not only meant that the deaths that were cov- not only not performing their job, but thoughts and ideas that we have for the ered up, the veterans that were ne- deceptively trying to harm patients in House of Representatives but, really, glected, and the statistics that were the process. to work in the spirit of things with the provided to us and others were altered. Mr. Speaker, this bill would send a other body, the United States Senate, One year later, the waiting list grows clear message to employees of the VA, so that we can make sure that the longer and longer and longer for every- and we intend to do that today. We are American people, their vision, their one. No doubt, we gave the administra- going to send a very clear message to needs are before the American people. tion the tools that they asked for that them that they either perform properly That is why I am here today. they agree with. Only two people have or, if they are harming our effort to Mr. Speaker, last year, the American been fired. help our veterans, it is time for them people were shocked, once again, by Mr. Speaker, we were sincere about to leave. If they are not up to doing the the news that dozens of our Nation’s what we did by giving them the author- task very well, this Department will be veterans were left to die while they ity and the responsibility. We expected given the opportunity, the law, and the waited for medical care in the VA. The them to clean it up. I look to not only leverage to do just that. VA hospital, which is located in so our chairman, JEFF MILLER, but we This bill would send another impor- many of our communities around this look to the VA also to stand up and say tant signal also. If you choose to dem- great Nation, has simply not performed they disagreed with that. Not much has onstrate the moral courage necessary well and, in several instances, has had happened—certainly not enough. to stand up for veterans and to blow shocking results. That is also why we We are back here again. Poor per- the whistle on those who are not, we are here today. formances and bad actors still continue want to make sure that you are pro- In response, Congress passed some- to undermine the VA. They continue to tected, that you can come forth inside thing called the Choice Act, which undermine not only the scheduling, your own organization of the VA to re- makes it easier to remove senior ex- they undermine the service; they un- port and root out bad behavior. We ecutives at the VA who had underper- dermine the quality that should be must fix this. formed, who have not done their job available to our veterans. As a result of Mr. Speaker, too many times, the properly on behalf of not just the tax- this, the ability that we think we are testimony yesterday revealed that payers of this country, but on behalf of providing to our veterans is dimin- these VA facilities in location after lo- a grateful Nation who is serving the ished. The care for our veterans, cation after location around this coun- men and women who have given their wounded and sick veterans, continues try are deathtraps for our veterans. very best years and lives to this coun- to lag. These elder gentlemen, veterans who try through their service to the United Republicans are back at the table. go to seek help, they know it is a States military. Our young chairman, JEFF MILLER, has deathtrap; and that is why we need to We believe that removing people who stayed at the table. He has stayed also address this, for the safety of men cannot make wise choices and deci- working on this issue on a bipartisan and women who have protected this sions at the VA was the right thing to basis with the members of the Com- great Nation. do. We were trying to put the Presi- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs by knowing Congress needs to make it clear—and dent, his administration, the Sec- what is happening all across this coun- we can today—that supervisors at the retary, and senior managers at the VA try, learning more about not just the VA cannot retaliate against whistle- not only on notice that we would not facts of the case, but the stories that blowers. tolerate bad behavior, poor decisions, come from the veterans themselves, If there is somebody in the organiza- and ineffective management, but that the stories that may come from people tion who is willing to tell the truth and we were going to do something about who are inside the VA. They are impor- come forward, you cannot retaliate it. By the way, we felt like they were tant to us learning what is really hap- against them because they are going to underperforming to a deserving crowd, pening. tell the truth about the poor service and that is our veterans. Because the VA has a long and well- and responsibility toward aiding our Well, the President agreed with us, documented history of failing to hold veterans. It will not be tolerated. too. The bill was signed into law. We employees accountable, we are back Every Member of this body will have got that done last year, the Choice Act. here today with another bill. That is an equal opportunity today to say that It was a good decision by this body right, another bill that we are going to is the right thing to do because this is when we faced the times where we rec- handle on the floor by this Republican what the Secretary is asking for.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.025 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5612 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 Mr. Speaker, the American people de- the customary 30 minutes, and I yield means the average consumer is wasting serve to know that, when our veterans myself such time as I may consume. $800 a year and 5 full days of their life are treated poorly, this bill would help Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to away from their kids, away from their them; when our VA employees under- the rule and the underlying bills, H.R. family, simply sitting in traffic. Mr. stand that somebody who was going to 3236, the Surface Transportation and Speaker, that is unacceptable. turn a blind eye before now, we will no Veterans Health Care Choice Improve- My constituents are no strangers to longer do that. ment Act, and H.R. 1994, the VA Ac- traffic. If you have been to Fort Col- We are going to give the VA the tools countability Act. lins, one of the largest cities in my dis- to root out the problems, to make this Yet again, we have a grab bag rule trict and home to one of our great uni- better, so that we can honestly look at that covers multiple bills on wildly dif- versities, you will find that on highway our men and women and say: Thank ferent subjects—in this case, transpor- 25 my constituents endure gridlocked you for your service; this grateful Na- tation and veterans care—in one bill; traffic at rush hour, doubling or tri- tion does care about you. and yet we have a closed rule that is pling their commuting times. Mr. Speaker, it is time for sweeping pushing through a last-minute deal Expansion of highway 25 and high- cultural changes at the VA. It is time that kicks the can down the road yet speed rail along highway 70 and high- to remove the bureaucrats who will again on highway reauthorization way 36 have been given completion make excuses, who will hide things, when there is reason to believe that, if dates of decades from now—60 years, in and who will make circumstances dan- we simply stayed in town and worked some cases. Try to imagine being told gerous and worse for our veterans. another week, we might be able to your doctor wants to slowly break It is time to hold senior executives work with the Senate to get to an end down blockages in your arteries over a accountable when the VA underper- point with regard to a long-term reau- period of 60 years. You won’t make it forms, and that is why I am joining the thorization. that far. American Legion, the VFW, and other The closed rule here limits the dis- Our communities need to do some- veterans associations in supporting cussion of alternatives on the issue of thing about traffic now. Tourism and H.R. 1994. That is what the testimony transportation funding. Even worse, commerce are the lifeblood of Fort Col- revealed yesterday at the Committee the bill has two entirely unrelated as- lins, Boulder, and our mountain com- on Rules when we heard from not only pects. I have never heard of a crazier munities like Vail, Frisco, and the chairman of the committee, but name than the Surface Transportation Breckenridge. For these towns to sur- others about the importance of this and Veterans Health Care Choice Im- vive and thrive, we need to tackle our bill. provement Act. transportation funding needs head-on. This rule would also provide for de- This is part of the problem of this From our other speakers, you will bate for H.R. 3236, the Surface Trans- body over the last several years. Re- hear a lot about the Export-Import portation and Veterans Health Care publican leadership has moved towards Bank, the one item that somehow, with Choice Improvement Act of 2015. We doing more and more omnibuses and this grab bag that includes veterans have two specific purposes that we are minibuses. That means combining dis- and transportation, there is a strong here for: first, for the VA; and, second, parate bills—transportation, vet- bipartisan majority for reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank. In fact, 67 to make sure that we authorize an ex- erans—into one bill, which isn’t Senators in the Republican-led Senate tension for the Federal surface trans- healthy for the accountability of this voted to reauthorize the Export-Import portation program through October 29. body among the electorate. It is a well-known understanding If you vote against this bill, for in- Bank, and yet somehow that item that our young chairman, BILL SHU- stance, because you don’t like the didn’t make the grab bag. If Congress fails to act, one of the STER, of the Committee on Transpor- transportation provisions, does that most important items is it will result tation and Infrastructure has been mean you are against veterans? If you concretely in the loss of tens of thou- working and working and working. We don’t like the veterans provisions and indicated last year in November and, sands of American jobs and make you vote against this bill, does that American companies less competitive again, in December that we would mean you are against transportation? allow an extension to this date from for exports at a time when global com- How easy it would be to simply have petitiveness and the global economy is last year; and Chairman SHUSTER said two votes on each of these bills so he thought he could have a deal by more important than ever, which was Members on both sides of the aisle can left out of this grab bag of bills. now. vote their conscience and our constitu- Well, as it turned out, the United I understand ideological issues with ents can hold us accountable. the Export-Import Bank. In a perfect States Senate is debating that this Of course, it is necessary to give the week. They are going through a world, I would agree with my col- VA the authority to transfer $3.3 bil- leagues who argue we shouldn’t need to weeklong process to determine what lion for healthcare services. There is they would like their transportation do this kind of effective subsidy for ex- strong agreement on both sides. We porters; but if other countries are bill to be like. The bottom line is a could run the bill through on suspen- thousand-page bill that has not yet doing it and it is permissible under sion. We wouldn’t even need to open it WTO and trade rules, we would truly be passed, that we do not know the sub- up for a rule. It would pass with more stance of, and we are not going to idiots to unilaterally disarm and not than a two-thirds vote. But there are engage in a legal practice that facili- agree with sight unseen. problematic additions attached to that Our young chairman, BILL SHUSTER, tates the credit of American exporting part of the bill. It is also combined businesses. Effectively, it would lead to has asked that we offer a very polite with yet another temporary fix for our and reasonable option, and that is give the exporting of more jobs overseas and Nation’s highway system, instead of making American companies less com- us an opportunity to review this. They trying to stay in town another week have done the hard work, the United petitive in selling their products. and work on a more permanent fix to So, by all means, let’s have the dis- States Senate. We will do the same, help meet the needs of the transpor- cussion around multilateral adjust- and we will get that done by October tation arteries of our country. ments to the type of credit facilities 29. As you know, Mr. Speaker, 54 percent that countries can engage in with ex- b 1300 of our Nation’s major roads and bridges porting countries, but let’s not look at It would also avoid a shortfall that are rated poor or mediocre. Forty-five unilateral disarmament that makes would keep the VA from closing hos- percent of Americans don’t have access America less competitive and destroys pitals across this country. to public transit. Congestion produced jobs. Mr. Speaker, this is the substance of by our legislative failures here wastes You will hear a lot about how simple what this rule and the underlying leg- valuable time and money and detracts it would be, my colleagues would indi- islation is all about. from the growth of the American econ- cate, to simply get this done before we I reserve the balance of my time. omy. It is estimated Americans will leave. Isn’t it worth another week of Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the lose 8.4 billion hours and 4.45 billion our time to save tens of thousands of gentleman from Texas for yielding me gallons of gas over a decade. That American jobs?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.026 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5613 The second part of the rule, H.R. 1994, There is nothing in this legislation This rule makes in order, as the gen- the VA Accountability Act, one of the where we would empower people to do tleman noticed, two bills, one of which main problems with it is it would cre- things that would not follow proper I vigorously oppose but won’t spend a ate a culture of fear that would imperil Federal law nor established rules of lot of time on. While the gentleman is the services our veterans need and de- procedure for the employee to have the probably correct that it is not imme- serve. proper amount of protection. But what diate firing, it is a substantial under- The tragedy in the Phoenix VA sys- is stated and understood is, where an mining of the Civil Service Act adopted tem is an example. It became known employee has been underperforming, so that we would not have a patronage, because of a few courageous whistle- misperforming, or has violated their politically ridden system, but a civil blowers. Had this legislation been in oath of office, where they have a dili- service system based on merit. place, this tragedy could have been gence to people under their care or This bill then makes in order an ex- swept under the rug for many more where they have done intentional deeds tension of the highway bill, which cer- years. and then tried to cover it up, that tainly we ought to do. It is somewhat Without whistleblowers and strong would be cause, and that is what this is ironic that we say it is a 3-month ex- whistleblower protections, the VA hos- about. tension. We passed a 5-month exten- pital debacle in my State of Colorado, This is not about firing someone on sion. I voted for the 5-month extension. in Aurora, could have even been a the spot. I think it would be a Everybody ought to know that we fund worse situation, if you can imagine misstatement to try and characterize it for 5 months, of course. We call it a that. this important legislation that has 3-month extension. I hope that will sat- CCONNELL so that he can This legislation is not just bad for been well thought through, as well as isfy Senator M whistleblowers, it is also unconstitu- then pass it. worked out with the VA, as being from We then provide for $3.3 billion so tional. Supreme Court case law has that perspective. that we will make sure our veterans clearly outlined the due process that I reserve the balance of my time. hospitals and medical care stays in op- employees have before their jobs are Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, if we defeat eration. Both of those could have been taken away. This bill turns its back on the previous question, I will offer an passed on this House floor by unani- due process and allows any VA em- amendment to allow the House to vote mous consent. ployee to be fired on the spot for ret- on reauthorizing the Export-Import The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ribution. Bank, as proposed by Mr. FINCHER yes- time of the gentleman has expired. The limited process provided in this terday. It is the same exact language Mr. POLIS. I yield the gentleman an legislation is far below the constitu- that passed the Senate by a vote of 67– additional 1 minute. tional requirements, which is why the 29. Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman. President has promised to veto this Mr. Speaker, the Export-Import We now leave for another month the bill. All this bill is attempting to do is Bank allows American businesses to Export-Import Bank, which is respon- destroy the whistleblower and profes- compete in global markets and sup- sible for the creation and retaining of sional civil service system and, thus, ports hundreds of thousands of jobs. jobs in America. the livelihood of thousands and the I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished We all talk about jobs in America, quality of service to our veterans. gentleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER), but the Speaker has said, again, that The appropriate action is to get the the Democratic whip, to discuss our the failure to pass this bill is losing VA to do their job through appropriate proposal. jobs right now. And yet my Republican legislation which creates true account- Mr. HOYER. I thank Mr. POLIS from friends, in tipping their hat to the ability, which this bill fails to achieve, Colorado for yielding. chairman of the Financial Services or discuss how we might reform the I rise in opposition to this rule. This Committee, say we are not going to dollars we allocate to the VA to best is our last day in session before we consider that, as they did last month serve our veterans, however possible. leave for 5 or 6 weeks. We then will in July. I know we haven’t gotten out We will debate an alternative today have 13 days before the end of the fiscal of July yet, but we will go through Au- by my colleague, Mr. TAKANO of Cali- year. We have a number of things that gust, and then we will go through Sep- fornia, that would retain due process the American public expects us to do tember. but allows the VA to immediately fire that enjoys almost universal support Mr. FINCHER tells me he thinks that any employee who poses a health or on this floor, one of which enjoys a sig- bill will be brought to the floor in some safety risk to veterans. Additionally, it nificant majority of support on this form or another in September, but it prevents employees from staying on floor. will have cost us jobs and competitive- paid administrative leave—even being Mr. Speaker, let me quote the Speak- ness overseas with the 60 countries bounced around the VA—by limiting er of this House, JOHN BOEHNER. that have an export-import bank that the time to 2 weeks, a similarity to one ‘‘Above all else,’’ he said as he assumed are making sure that the purchases of of the positive aspects of the bill before the Speakership, ‘‘we will welcome the their goods made in their countries are us today. battle of ideas, encourage it, engage in cheaper than the goods sold in our Mr. TAKANO’s legislation, for exam- it—openly, honestly, and respectfully.’’ country. That costs American jobs. ple, would have allowed the VA to im- ‘‘As the Chamber,’’ he went on to b 1315 mediately fire those responsible for the say, ‘‘closest to the people, the House We ought to reject this rule, and we Phoenix scandal and kept in place the works best when it is allowed to work ought to do what the Speaker of the its will.’’ He then said, ‘‘I ask all Mem- whistleblower protections that allowed House said we ought to do; treat one bers of this body to join me in recog- us to find out about the Phoenix scan- another with respect, and let the House nizing this common truth.’’ Al Gore, dal. work its will. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I op- the former Vice-President of the There are 240-plus, maybe 250, maybe pose the rule and the underlying legis- United States, would observe, however, 260, maybe 270 votes. You only need 218 lation, and I reserve the balance of my that is an inconvenient truth. to pass the Export-Import Bank on this time. It is an inconvenient truth because floor. Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield the chairman of the Financial Services I will yield to anybody who says: No, myself such time as I may consume. Committee, representing the minority Mr. HOYER, you are wrong; it doesn’t I admire the gentleman very much. of this House, is opposed to the Export- have the majority vote. We work very well together. But I Import Bank. He has been opposed to it The SPEAKER pro tempore. The think it is a misstatement to say that since we adopted it in 2012, with an time of the gentleman has again ex- this bill would allow people to be fired overwhelming majority of votes from pired. on the spot at the VA. That is cer- both sides of the aisle—as a matter of Mr. POLIS. I yield the gentleman an tainly, I don’t believe, true at all. I be- fact, a unanimous vote from the Demo- additional 30 seconds. lieve it would have to be with cause, cratic side of the aisle and over 140 Mr. HOYER. I will yield to anybody and the VA would have to have a rea- Members from the Republican side of on this floor who will say: Mr. HOYER, son. the aisle—just 3 years ago. you are wrong.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.027 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5614 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 Apparently, there is nobody on the Mr. Speaker, this bill is not an exam- 3236, Surface Transportation and Veterans floor who is going to suggest that the ple of Congress doing its job; it is yet Health Care Choice Improvement Act of will of this House, as represented by a another example of Congress evading 2015,’’ which reauthorizes federal-aid highway majority that would vote on this bill, its responsibilities. and transit programs for three months— would not be for extending the Export- I will vote ‘‘no.’’ through October 29, 2015—by transferring Import Bank, saving American jobs, Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I re- $8.1 billion from other federal funds to the making sure that America is competi- serve the balance of my time. Highway Trust Fund to cover projected trust 1 tive in the international markets. Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 ⁄2 fund shortfalls over that time period. My colleagues, reject this rule. Exer- minutes to the gentlewoman from The bill also allows the Veterans Affairs De- cise our responsibility to the American Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE). partment (VA) to use $3.4 billion provided last people and to American workers, and (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was year for the Veterans Choice health care pro- let’s pass the Export-Import Bank given permission to revise and extend gram to pay for care provided since May 1 to today before we go home. her remarks.) veteran patients by non-VA providers under Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, let Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield VA Care in the Community programs. myself such time as I may consume. me thank the gentleman from Colo- The bill also is intended to give the VA the I want to thank the distinguished rado, and let me thank my good friend funding flexibility needed to prevent the pos- gentleman for not only his words and from Texas as well. Let me use a great sible closure of some VA hospitals in coming the spirit of what he said, but I want philosopher’s statement of a couple of weeks. him to know that, several years ago, as decades ago: ‘‘Can we all get along?’’ Mr. Speaker, instead of this 90-day tem- As I stand here, on the Surface he approached me as I became chair- porary extension, I would have strongly pre- Transportation and Veterans Health man of the Rules Committee, I assured ferred that we were debating a comprehen- Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015 the gentleman that I would do my very sive, fair, equitable, and long-term transpor- that is now with the rule before us, it best, within my ability, and he has tation reauthorization bill the nation des- is obvious that we are trying to take a done also, as well as his team that also perately needs. We have had two years to do divergent pathway. sits at the Rules Committee. so. I want to thank the distinguished I was one of the first Members of Democrats want such a bill as does the gentleman because part of what our job Congress to go down in front of my vet- President, but apparently our friends across is, yes, to represent our Speaker and erans hospital to stand and to demand the aisle do not since they have spent the last the things that are done, but also to quality health care for our veterans, to two years wasting time on advocating policies make sure the spirit in which we do it ask that the system be fixed. I take no wanted by no one except for the right-wing ex- is done properly, and I appreciate the backseat, along with other Members, tremists of the Tea Party. gentleman. I think his spirit was good to ensuring that our veterans get what But I reluctantly support this emergency but today. they need, and stand in line to make temporary measure because as the Depart- I reserve the balance of my time. sure that they are not defaulted on by ment of Transportation has reported, if we do Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 the American people. minutes to the gentleman from H.R. 1994 eliminates the due process not act now highway trust fund balances by the beginning of August will reach dangerously Vermont (Mr. WELCH), a member of the rights of whistleblowers who have been Oversight and Government Reform key to drawing attention to any ma- low levels and result in a reduction of pay- committee and a former member of the nipulation or coverups taking place. ments to states by an average of 28 percent. Many states have already begun to cancel Rules Committee. They are bringing back to the floor or delay planned construction projects, threat- Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, two of the this bill, calling it an accountability ening 700,000 thousands of jobs, including things a proud and confident and re- bill; but, in essence, it is to go after 106,100 jobs in my home state of Texas. sponsible nation will do—no matter hard-working employees and fire them Mr. Speaker, the Highway Trust Fund was how challenging—are, one, to invest in and eliminating their opportunity to created in 1956 during the Eisenhower Admin- its future and, two, to care for its vet- explain or to have due process. That is istration to help finance construction of the erans. This bill pretends to do both. not the American way. Actually, it does neither. This is not a bill that helps veterans. Interstate Highway System, which modernized Yes, it will keep the highway bill on In fact, it takes away consistent, long- the nation’s transportation infrastructure and life support for another short-term ex- working employers who see something was instrumental in making the United States tension. It used to be 5 months. Now, it and say something, and so I am voting the world’s dominant economic power for two is going to be 3 months. ‘‘no’’ on the bill and this rule. generations. Yes, it will allow the VA to make in- Then the surface transportation had Our national leaders then understood that ternal fund transfers to keep our hos- a wonderful opportunity to do a 6-year investing in our roads and bridges strength- pitals open through September, but bill, to look for pay-fors that Members ened our economy, created millions of good- once again, in another act of serial ir- could bring together and support; yet paying jobs, and improved the quality of life responsibility, Congress is ignoring its my metro, the Houston metro, will be for all Americans. duty to do its job of passing a long- suffering. Our highways and other sur- It is currently composed of two accounts term transportation bill. face transportation entities, safety will that fund federal-aid highway and transit It leaves our communities and States be suffering. Employees will not be projects built by states. Federal funding from in suspension. It recklessly adds unnec- paid. the trust fund accounts for a major portion of essary construction costs to our tax- Here we go again with a short-term state transportation spending. payers and lets potholes get deeper and opportunity. I remember doing a 6-year The Highway Trust Fund is financed by gas- bridges more dangerous. We need a transportation bill, where I opened up oline and diesel taxes, which until the last dec- long-term transportation bill—6 years, the hike and bike trails of my commu- ade produced a steady increase in revenues not 3 months. nity in Houston. sufficient to accommodate increased levels of Regarding the VA, do we meet our The SPEAKER pro tempore. The spending on highway and transit projects. obligations to provide for the health time of the gentlewoman has expired. However, those tax rates—18.4 cents/gallon care of our veterans through internal Mr. POLIS. I yield the gentlewoman federal tax on gasoline and a 24.4 cents/gal- fund transfers? Our veterans and our an additional 10 seconds. lon tax on diesel fuel—have remained un- VA need a fully funded budget. It needs Ms. JACKSON LEE. I would offer to changed since 1993 and were not indexed to funds, not fund transfers. say that a highway bill, 6 years, or a inflation so the value of those revenues has Veteran healthcare demand shot up surface transportation bill for 6 years eroded over the years, and, combined with the 10 percent, but the budget is only up 2.8 is a bipartisan American way to do fact that vehicles have been getting increas- percent, shackled by mindless and de- things. ingly better mileage, the revenues deposited structive sequester caps. We should end Why don’t we do that for the Amer- into the Highway Trust Fund beginning last them. ican people and do it now? Vote ‘‘no’’ decade have not kept pace with highway and Mr. Speaker, this bill is not written on the rule. transit spending from the trust fund. to address problems; it is designed to Mr. Speaker, as a senior member of the Consequently, since 2008, Congress has deny they exist. Homeland Security, I rise to speak on H.R. periodically had to transfer at the 11th hour

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general Treasury revenues into the trust fund Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 13⁄4 at the beginning of July after Congress al- to pay for authorized highway and transit minutes to the gentlewoman from New lowed its charter to expire. While a majority spending levels and avoid a funding shortfall. York (Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY), the of lawmakers in Congress support reauthor- The total amount to date is more than $54 ranking member of the Financial Serv- izing the 81-year-old agency in some form, conservative Republicans who control key billion. ices Subcommittee on Capital Markets leadership positions have so far prevented a Obviously, this practice is economically inef- and Government Sponsored Enter- vote in the House of Representatives. ficient and injects uncertainty in the highway prises. Supporters had pinned their hopes on re- construction plans, projects, and schedules of Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New opening the bank as part of a bill extending state and local transportation agencies, not to York. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, 64 highway funding that expires Friday. But mention the anxiety it causes to workers and Senators voted to renew the Export- House and Senate leaders have had trouble businesses whose economic livelihood is de- Import Bank’s charter, which expired agreeing on that transportation measure be- pendent on those projects. fore their annual August recess that begins on June 30. More than 240 Members are this week, which means they are likely to Mr. Speaker, the last transportation author- on record supporting the Bank, and ac- leave Washington without addressing the Ex- ized by Congress for 4 years or more, cording to The Wall Street Journal, Im Bank. SAFETEA–LU, expired on September 30, there are many more. The bank’s backers have sought to rally 2009, at the end of FY 2009. As I quote, ‘‘some Republicans esti- support in recent weeks by highlighting the Because Congress and the Administration mated that as many as 300 of the 434 potential for lost sales at small businesses, a could not agree to a new reauthorization, it current House Members’’ would sup- group that is both politically sympathetic was necessary to resort to stop-gap temporary port a measure similar to the one that and close to lawmakers in almost every con- gressional district. extensions on no less than eight occasions passed the Senate; yet despite this President Barack Obama has called on spanning a period of 910 days before Con- overwhelming support, we have been Congress to reauthorize the agency, and gress finally enacted the Moving Ahead for denied a vote on the House of Rep- most of the bank’s supporters expect law- Progress in the 21st Century Act’’ (MAP–21 resentatives to renew the Export-Im- makers to follow suit later this year. On Act) on July 6, 2012, which reauthorized high- port Bank. Monday, 64 senators voted for an amendment way and transportation programs through Fis- Last year, Ex-Im helped underwrite to reopen the bank, and some Republicans cal Year 2014, a little more than two years, or over $27 billion in U.S. exports. It sup- estimated that at least 300 of the 434 current until September 30, 2014. ported thousands of small businesses House lawmakers would vote similarly, given the chance. MAP–21 was intended as a short-term and about 164,000 jobs across our coun- ‘‘At some point we’ll miss out on a busi- measure to give Congress and the Administra- try. Since 2009, the Bank has supported ness opportunity that will be of such mag- tion breathing room to reach agreement on a over 1.3 million jobs. The Bank does all nitude that it will catch the attention of the long-term reauthorization bill. of this at no cost—no cost—to the public, and we’ll respond,’’ said Rep. Frank Yet, as Mr. LEVIN, the Ranking Member of American taxpayer. In fact, the Ex-Im Lucas (R., Okla.), who supports the bank’s the Ways and Means Committee, has often Bank sent over $675 million to the reauthorization. pointed out, since gaining the majority in 2010, Treasury last year—actual dollars—to Additional opportunities to resuscitate the our Republican colleagues have failed to take agency will arrive when Congress passes a help pay down the deficit. spending measure needed to avoid a partial any action to sustain the Highway Trust Fund According to a letter sent by CBO government shutdown by Oct. 1 or if the over the long-term and shore up vital infra- just last week, using accounting stand- House and Senate negotiate a long-term structure projects and has not held even a sin- ards, reauthorizing the Ex-Im would highway bill in the fall. gle hearing on financing options for the High- save taxpayers $2.3 billion over the Still, some lawmakers said the way in way Trust Fund. next 5 years; yet American companies which the bank has missed multiple opportu- Instead, House Republicans have wasted have been disadvantaged. They have nities to stay open exposes the political chal- lenges ahead. ‘‘I wouldn’t hold my breath the nation’s time voting to repeal the Afford- been unilaterally disadvantaged of hav- able Care Act at least 59 times, waging a War that it’s going to get funded in September,’’ ing the export assistance that over 60 said Rep. Matt Salmon, an Arizona Repub- on Women, pursuing partisan investigations different nations are providing their lican who supports the bank. into Benghazi, the IRS, and the trying to over- export-import banks. Big businesses say closing the bank for turn President Obama’s executive actions that Only 1 of the top 10 exporting coun- good will leave them at enough of a dis- make our immigration enforcement laws less tries in the world does not have an ex- advantage against European and Asian com- inhumane. port credit agency now that can fi- petitors, which benefit from export-credit Instead of doing their job, House Repub- nance export deals—just one—and that agencies at home, that they will move pro- licans big new idea is to attack the President duction abroad. For now, they say they are is the United States of America. That getting along fine. for doing his job. is because this Congress failed to do ‘‘This is not something that creates near- Mr. Speaker, it is long past time for this what every other Congress has done term financial risk for Boeing,’’ said Dennis Congress, and especially the House majority, since FDR, and that is to reauthorize Muilenburg, the company’s chief executive, to focus on the real problems and challenges the Export-Import Bank. on a conference call with reporters last facing the American people. It creates jobs, creates money for the week. And one of the biggest of those challenges Treasury. It helps small businesses. Indeed, one risk for the bank is that its ab- sence hasn’t had any immediate shock. ‘‘The is ensuring that America has a transportation Vote ‘‘no’’ on the previous question, policy and the infrastructure needed to com- Export-Import Bank expired,’’ said Sen. Ted ‘‘no’’ on the rule. Let’s bring it to the Cruz (R., Texas), one of the bank’s loudest pete and win in the global economy of the floor today for a vote. critics, at a recent rally on Capitol Hill. 21st Century. [From the Wall Street Journal, July 28, 2015] ‘‘You notice the sky hasn’t fallen?’’ To do that we have to extend the reauthor- Critics of the bank say Washington SMALL BUSINESSES BEAR BURDEN OF EX-IM shouldn’t be picking winners and losers, and ization of current transportation programs and BANK SHUTDOWN to authorize the transfer of the funds to the that any hardship for businesses is part of a (By Nick Timiraos and Kristina Peterson) Highway Trust Fund needed to fund author- necessary recalibration. ized construction projects and keep 700,000 WASHINGTON.—Political opponents have The bank says that view is short-sighted. managed to shut the U.S. Export-Import ‘‘When our charter lapses, you won’t read workers, including 106,100 in Texas on the Bank for the most of the summer by arguing about massive layoffs in the paper. Small job. it rewards politically connected corporate businesses don’t put out press releases when But that is only a start and just a part of our giants. they lose out on a sale,’’ Fred Hochberg, job. But the bank and its supporters say the chairman of the Ex-Im Bank who in the 1990s The real work that needs to be done in the burden of the agency’s shutdown for now will worked closely with entrepreneurs as an offi- remaining days of this Congress is to reach an hit small businesses that lack the resources cial at the Small Business Administration, agreement on a long-term highway and trans- of industrial titans such as Boeing Co. and said before the bank closed last month. portation bill that is fair, equitable, fiscally re- General Electric Co. Around 90% of loans backed by Ex-Im ‘‘Small businesses are the ones that are Bank last year went to small businesses, the sponsible, creates jobs and leads to sustained going to be hurt first and the most,’’ said highest level in more than a decade. Small economic growth. Rep. Denny Heck (D., Wash.), a proponent of businesses represent a much smaller share of Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I con- reauthorizing the bank’s charter. loans by dollar volume, around 25%, because tinue to reserve the balance of my The Ex-Im Bank, a federal agency that fi- Ex-Im backs expensive loans for aircraft and time. nances exports, stopped accepting new loans other industrial equipment makers.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.004 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5616 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 Some businesses and their workers say three, if we don’t do it, great harm will speakers on our side of the aisle—in that count overlooks firms that don’t export be visited upon the American economy. fact, both sides of the aisle—folks like directly but feed into supply chains. Yanke It has already been, I think, very Mr. FINCHER and others who want to Machine Shop Inc. in Boise, Idaho, was one clearly demonstrated it is the will of reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. of 22 different U.S. companies that fulfilled If he has additional time, I know that an order for 150 pieces of construction equip- this body, both in the Senate and here. ment worth $37 million for a 2013 engineering I do want to remind you that, for 81 our Members would also appreciate the project in Cameroon. years, 16 times, Democrats and Repub- opportunity to talk about it, as our ‘‘What a lapse does is it kills opportunity. licans, no matter how conservative or time is running short. You’ve got to have opportunity before you how liberal, the United States has re- Mr. Speaker, I yield 13⁄4 minutes to have work on the floor,’’ said Dirk authorized the Export-Import Bank. It the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. KIL- Christison, who works in customer support does good. That is why they do it. DEE), a member of the Financial Serv- for the heavy-steel fabrication company. In fact, I would respectfully suggest ices Committee. At risk could be deals like one that Ray that the votes were there in Rules Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Garcia Jr., the principal of an energy con- Committee yesterday to allow this my friend for yielding. sulting firm that arranges investment for in- I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on this rule so frastructure projects in Latin America, has amendment. The good gentleman from put together to export American equipment Texas who chairs—and he is a gen- that we can bring up, as my colleagues for a $300 million gas-to-liquid plant in Para- tleman; he is a good gentleman— have said, something that ought to be guay. opened up his comments by saying 9,000 done in a bipartisan fashion, with little He said the project is one of three in South jobs in and around his district in the significant opposition, and that is the and Central America that is now in limbo. State of Texas, attributable to the Ex- reauthorization of an entity that helps ‘‘We have spent two years developing these port-Import Bank, they hang in the drive the American economy, put projects just to have the rug pulled out from balance. Americans to work, and helps us to under us for political reasons,’’ said Mr. Gar- compete in an increasingly competitive cia, a self-described conservative Republican It does good—last year, 164,000 jobs from Houston. supported by the Export-Import Bank, global environment, and that is the Ex- Mr. Garcia said that without Ex-Im, the $675 million transferred to the Treas- port-Import Bank. deal would go to a foreign company or large ury. It reduces the deficit. It creates b 1330 multinational, leaving his U.S. manufactur- jobs. Why don’t we want more of this? ers without contracts. ‘‘Small businesses In 2012, Ex-Im was passed with 330 Call me crazy, I guess. votes in the House, 78 in the Senate, 60 that do not have $1 billion in capital to fa- If we don’t do it, harm will come to cilitate projects like these do benefit and percent of Republicans in both bodies us. Read this morning’s Wall Street can compete on a global platform armed supporting the Export-Import Bank, with Ex-Im Bank,’’ he said. Journal. Small businesses already—not joining Democrats in doing so. Ex-Im’s Bank limbo state stands in con- prospectively—are already suffering There is so much partisanship that trast to those of a similar agency. When the job loss in States throughout this great invades and infects this place. But Small Business Administration last week country. when it comes to American jobs, sup- stopped accepting new loans under its flag- The fact of the matter is not reau- porting American manufacturers, put- ship program, which reached its borrowing thorizing does constitute unilateral limit on Thursday, the House and Senate ting hard-working Americans to work disarmament. About 3 weeks ago, two in jobs that have higher wages, we have quickly passed an extension. academics, one from Canada, one from Because existing loans aren’t imperiled by great discussions here about the grow- the Ex-Im Bank’s shutdown, the lapse cre- New York, concluded the big winner if ing inequality in wages. ated a ‘‘soft landing’’ for most customers, we fail to reauthorize. It is China. They We don’t all agree on the solutions. said Gary Mendell, president of Meridian Fi- are rubbing their hands. They are rub- But one solution we ought to agree on nance Group in Santa Monica, Calif., which bing their hands. is the reauthorization of the Export- arranges financing for exporters. ‘‘We’ve Listen, this isn’t about software or Import Bank because we know export been telling customers to see if you can apples or film. stand tough until the end of July,’’ he said. jobs pay higher wages. This ought to be The SPEAKER pro tempore. The a no-brainer. As the prospect of Ex-Im Bank’s reauthor- time of the gentleman has expired. ization grows more distant, Mr. Mendell said There are 59,000 jobs in my own State more firms will run into difficulty as their Mr. POLIS. I yield an additional 30 of Michigan as a result of the Export- working-capital loans or credit insurance ex- seconds to the gentleman. Import Bank and the work that they pires. An overlooked casualty, he added, is Mr. HECK of Washington. It is about do. In the last 6 years, there have been that small businesses that have never ex- our manufacturing base. Who says we $200 billion in exports. ported have virtually no financing options don’t need more good manufacturing We can have big disagreements on right now. jobs? We need more good manufac- how we ought to deal with income in- ‘‘If the private sector were interested in turing jobs. equality in this country, but we ought doing this, they would be doing it by now,’’ Let me conclude on this note. Omi- not have any disagreement when we said Mr. Mendell. nously, and without drama, hear me, Even the bank’s critics have taken note of see the Export-Import Bank, which de- the potential plight of small firms. On the from my heart to your ears. In the very livers money to the Federal Treasury, eve of the agency’s shutdown last month, near future, major manufacturers will helps us deal with that problem, puts Sen. David Vitter (R., La.), expressed alarm announce that they are offshoring cer- Americans to work, and makes us more that financing for thousands of small busi- tain manufacturing capacity because competitive. We ought to do this in a nesses might be at stake and said the agency they have to, to compete in a global bipartisan fashion, and we ought to do should come up with a way for those compa- economy. The global economy has in- it now. nies to secure financing from the SBA. creased fivefold since 1980. Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I con- Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I con- Get in the game, people. Reauthorize tinue to reserve the balance of my tinue to reserve the balance of my the Export-Import Bank. Defeat the time. time. rule. Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 13⁄4 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I want minutes to the gentleman from Oregon minutes to the gentleman from Wash- to thank the gentleman for his kind (Mr. BLUMENAUER), a member of the ington (Mr. HECK), a member of the Fi- words, not only of truth, but also I Ways and Means Committee. nancial Services Committee and a lead- want to thank him for coming up and Mr. BLUMENAUER. I appreciate the er in the effort to reauthorize the Ex- being with several other Members who gentleman’s courtesy, and I appreciate port-Import Bank. sat through hours’ worth of debate and the way he framed this rule debate. Mr. HECK of Washington. Mr. Speak- discussion. Mr. Speaker, we have sort of a hodge- er, I rise to ask the Chamber to reject Mr. HECK served honorably well yes- podge here of items that really deserve the rule so that we might, indeed, offer terday, and he does again today, and I careful, sustained attention. There is an amendment to reauthorize the Ex- thank him very much. no reason to lump this together. These port-Import Bank for three reasons. I reserve the balance of my time. are important items. And, sadly, the One, it is the will of the United Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I say to my way it has been structured shuts down States Congress; two, it does good; colleague from Texas, we have so many debate.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.005 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5617 There is no room under this rule for Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of We simply must, for the sake of the Ex-Im Bank. I appreciate person my time. small businesses and for the sake of after person coming to the floor, ac- Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 our manufacturing base, reauthorize knowledging that there is broad bipar- minutes to the gentleman from Wash- the Export-Import Bank. It reduces the tisan interest in the reauthorization of ington (Mr. HECK), a leader in the bi- deficit. It creates jobs. the Ex-Im Bank and no rational reason partisan efforts to reauthorize the Ex- Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I will to reject it. It is going to have serious port-Import Bank and a member of the continue to reserve the balance of my consequences, as my friend from Wash- Financial Services Committee. time. ington pointed out. Mr. HECK of Washington. Mr. Speak- Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- But there is another area that we are er, I said earlier that the first, most self the remainder of my time. discussing here today that could also immediate damage as a result of our Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- make a huge difference for our econ- failure to reauthorize the Export-Im- sent to insert the text of my amend- omy because we are dodging again our port Bank will be visited upon small ment in the RECORD along with extra- responsibilities to deal with a country businesses. neous material immediately prior to that is falling apart as it is falling be- It occurs to me that a little bit of the vote on the previous question. hind. color in that regard would serve us The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there My friend from Texas was too polite. well, giving the benefit of the doubt to objection to the request of the gen- The reason we don’t have a 6-year reau- those who are opposing our opposition tleman from Colorado? thorization is because the House has to the rule so that we can reauthorize There was no objection. Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I strongly not met its responsibility to outline the Export-Import Bank. urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ and how we pay for it. We are still trying Let me give you the data. The Ex- defeat the previous question so we can to pay for 2015 infrastructure with 1993 port-Import Bank has approximately 90 bring forward the bipartisan effort to dollars. percent of its transactions going to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. Now we have got legislation that ac- small businesses, about 90 percent. Now, again, I have a great deal of tually mirrors what Ronald Reagan did Most of us tend to think about those sympathy and respect for my col- in 1982, when he called upon Congress as all direct loans, but they aren’t. The leagues who believe that these kinds of to come back, raise the user fee 125 per- fact of the matter is the bulk of them back-door subsidies have no place in a cent, and be able to put hundreds of are what we would call accounts re- global trade regime. That is a reason- thousands of Americans to work, and ceivable insurance. able and defensible viewpoint. But there are also revolving lines of maintain our roads and bridges and The proper avenue to advocate for credit. There are also loan guarantees, transit. We are not doing that. that is multilaterally. There are a lot not actual direct loans. And these, We have legislation in Ways and of ways that companies have and will again, are small businesses. Means that has the broadest support of and governments have and do try to These are businesses like Manhasset any major piece of legislation in Con- give themselves a nationalistic advan- Specialty Company in Yakima, Wash- gress—organized labor, business, con- tage in international trade. tractors, truckers, AAA, engineers—all ington, which makes music stands and In the competition between Airbus committed to raising the user fee. has a global market. Thirty-five per- and Boeing alone, books could be writ- They say: Charge us more so that we cent of its sales are exports, and a good ten about the efforts of both sides— are going to be able to thrive. portion of them are assisted by the Ex- whether it is our side through military My friend from Colorado pointed out port-Import Bank. contracts; whether it is their side, Eu- that the American public is paying now In my district, Pexco in Fife, Wash- rope—to give back-door allowable sub- in congestion, in damage to their cars. ington, makes traffic control equip- sidies that put their own companies at The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ment. They are growing their export an advantage. HOLDING). The time of the gentleman business with the assistance of the Ex- If we unilaterally fail to reauthorize has expired. port-Import Bank. So it is the small the Export-Import Bank, we are put- Mr. POLIS. I yield the gentleman an businesses that first will feel the dam- ting American exporters at a disadvan- additional 15 seconds. age. tage because the dozens of other coun- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Work next But for those of you who say, yes, but tries that engage in these allowable week. Fund the transportation bill. Let the biggest share of the dollars go to kinds of credit facilities will still do so the committee know what parameters big businesses, let’s go back to Eco- to the detriment of American jobs and they have and be able to revitalize and nomics 101. American businesses. rebuild this country. It is time for us A lot of people point to Boeing. La- We recently had a debate in these to step up. dies and gentlemen, Boeing does not very Chambers about trade promotion Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, our col- manufacture airplanes. If that sur- authority. Soon there will be discus- leagues are making really, really good prises you, please pay attention to sions about TPP and T-TIP. points about what we need to do. what I am about to say. Where was that discussion around The gentleman from Pennsylvania, Boeing does not manufacture air- TPA in the instructions to the Presi- BILL SHUSTER, and the Republican ma- planes. They design them. They assem- dent about credit facilities and Export- jority is committed to doing exactly ble them with the assistance of 15,000 Import Bank and what would and what they have talked about: getting businesses in their supply chain, about wouldn’t be allowable? our work done. half of whom are small businesses. These kinds of discussions need to be In fairness, it has taken the United In the tiny town of Puyallup, rel- had multilaterally. To unilaterally dis- States Senate until this week, and atively speaking, in my district, there arm makes no sense. they have a 1,000-page transportation are 17 businesses within the city limits Even if one ideologically believes bill that we are not simply going to whose principal customer is Boeing. that we should not be engaging in say: Let’s just agree to that. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The these efforts, surely what is more im- It is going to come over to us after time of the gentleman has expired. portant and what trumps that is to they have done their work. With great Mr. POLIS. I yield the gentleman an make sure that this is not a part of the respect, we are trying to make sure additional 30 seconds. global trade regime. that we are continuing the funding. We Mr. HECK of Washington. Small busi- So long as it is, for America not to are using mechanisms that would be nesses will be hurt first. Over the long engage in this allowable practice of available. term, big businesses will be hurt. credit facilities extended through the The right thing to do is to measure I did not say earlier lightly. I did not Export-Import Bank puts American three times and saw once. We are not say earlier in hyperbole that we will jobs at a disadvantage, will lead to fur- going to accept, by unanimous consent have major announcements causing ther outsourcing of American jobs and or another agreement, a 1,000-page bill. grievous damage to the manufacturing hurt American businesses. On the Republican side, we read bills base of America. We cannot allow that Mr. Speaker, this rule covers two sig- before we pass them. to happen. nificant, but wholly unrelated, bills.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.035 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5618 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 We have heard arguments here in this our Nation’s veterans. That is why we The bank supports hundreds of thousands limited time, this limited debate, are here today. of good paying jobs in this country. If we fail about Federal highway funding, about Now, secondly, we are here because to act, we will shut off a lifeline for many of veterans’ care and VA workers, about Republicans want to make sure that we our small businesses and exporters. the Export-Import Bank. are faithful. We understand that, in In my District alone, the Bank has supported I am sure, Mr. Speaker, that many each of our congressional districts, thousands of small business and manufac- viewers are confused as to what we are that we are active and involved to try turing jobs. These are good jobs in a very even talking about or how is it even and ensure that the roads and bridges high-need area that would not have been pos- possible that, in 1 hour, we are cov- and railways and ports and all these sible without the Bank, and which now are in ering the transportation needs of our activities that deal with infrastructure danger. country, the VA system, and a program and transportation are continuing Mr. Speaker, we should let the will of the allowable under trade rules that helps down a pathway without us getting people work its way and allow a vote on the make American companies more com- frustrated, without us throwing up our Reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank. petitive. hands and giving up, but actually to The material previously referred to Unfortunately, rather than con- work with the existing chairman, who by Mr. POLIS is as follows: tinuing our work next week, the major- is doing an awesome job, BILL SHUSTER, AN AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 388 OFFERED BY ity has put several pieces of disparate to make sure that we are putting forth MR. POLIS OF COLORADO legislation into a grab bag in a smoky the money—PAUL RYAN, chairman of Strike section 2 of the resolution and in- backroom manner that, unfortunately, the Ways and Means Committee—try- sert: will continue to fail to address the ing to find the money necessary, lots of SEC. 2. Upon adoption of this resolution, it most important transportation con- hard work, hours of discussion, moving shall be in order to consider in the House the cerns or the already expiration of the towards a correct target. bill (H.R. 3236) to provide an extension of Export-Import Bank before this body In this process, we have our col- Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs goes home for a month. leagues on the other side of this wall— It is unfortunate that, under this funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, to who are literally there now as they are provide resource flexibility to the Depart- rule, this institution is not even al- working in the Rotunda—to move leg- ment of Veterans Affairs for health care lowed to bring forward an amendment islation; we are allowing them that services, and for other purposes. All points of we know would pass to reauthorize the time because they are moving a trans- order against consideration of the bill are Export-Import Bank. portation bill as we speak, but it is a waived. The bill shall be considered as read. It is a shame that veterans’ issues 1,000-page bill. All points of order against provisions in the have somehow been combined with a Mr. Speaker, I am not in favor and I bill are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and on highway issue and a minibus that de- think my colleagues in here are not in tracts from transparency. any amendment thereto to final passage favor and BILL SHUSTER is not, which is without intervening motion except: (1) one That is why I urge my colleagues to really what matters, as the chairman, vote ‘‘no’’ and defeat the previous ques- hour of debate equally divided among and to say give me a shot at looking at the controlled by the respective chairs and rank- tion. Vote ‘‘no’’ on the rule. bill when they finish it. ing minority members of the Committees on I yield back the balance of my time. Speaker BOEHNER is saying let’s Transportation and Infrastructure, Ways and Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield make sure we deal with the things that Means, and Veterans’ Affairs; (2) the amend- myself the balance of my time. must be dealt with before we go on our ment specified in section 3 of this resolution, I want to thank not only the gen- which shall be considered as pending fol- work time back home for the month, tleman from Colorado (Mr. POLIS), but lowing the conclusion of such debate, shall also our colleagues on the Democratic where we go back home and deal with be in order without intervention of any point side of the aisle who I thought most the American people, because we plan of order, shall be considered as read, shall be generously fought this battle today. to do this. That is what we are doing. separately debatable for one hour equally di- The bottom line is that they know This is not unusual; it is perfectly vided and controlled by the chair and rank- and we know, Mr. Speaker, that we are normal, but I think we are doing a ing minority member of the Committee on heck of a job and the right thing to ad- Financial Services or their respective des- addressing two vitally important issues ignees, shall not be subject to amendment, that Congress must step up to the plate dress the issues—veterans, straight up, money, the ability to run their busi- and shall not be subject to a demand for a di- on. vision of the question; and (3) one motion to One is a request that comes directly ness right, so that we know we have recommit with or without instructions. from the VA, for us to fund a gap of $3.4 done what we can do; and, secondly, to SEC. 3. The amendment referred to in sec- billion that is necessary to fund hos- move transportation. tion 2 of this resolution is as follows: pitals of the VA to make sure that they I think every single Member of this Page 3, after the table of contents, insert are able to provide services to our vet- body, Democrat and Republican, should the following: erans. It is critical. To vote against support these because they are worthy TITLE V—EXPORT-IMPORT BANK that I think is a mistake. ideas about moving us forward, our Sec. 5001. Short title. country. We can look at the American I think to vote for a chance where Subtitle A—Taxpayer Protection Provisions Republicans are trying to balance the people straight on and say we have ad- and Increased Accountability dressed two of the issues that were on needs through not only the appropri- Sec. 5101. Reduction in authorized amount ators—HAL ROGERS, our chairman, our plate. of outstanding loans, guaran- JEFF MILLER, our Veterans Committee I urge adoption of the rule. I know tees, and insurance. chairman, are trying to come together, that our colleagues want to get moving Sec. 5102. Increase in loss reserves. Mr. Speaker, to put together the today, so I am going to look forward to Sec. 5103. Review of fraud controls. money and the need to run the business debate that will follow. I urge support Sec. 5104. Office of Ethics. Sec. 5105. Chief Risk Officer. based upon a reality discussion with of the underlying legislation in the bills. Sec. 5106. Risk Management Committee. the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of Sec. 5107. Independent audit of bank port- their need to run the business, to have Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to op- folio. the money, but also to have the mana- pose this rule and support the gentleman’s Sec. 5108. Pilot program for reinsurance. gerial abilities to move their employ- motion to defeat the previous question—in Subtitle B—Promotion of Small Business ees that are not performing satisfac- order to allow for a vote on the Export-Import Exports torily, employees who do have an oath Bank reauthorization. Sec. 5201. Increase in small business lending as healthcare providers to do their very Re-authorizing the Export-Import Bank is an requirements. best and to be honest about the sched- economic imperative and letting it lapse before Sec. 5202. Report on programs for small and uling and the proper procedures nec- Congress goes on Recess is completely irre- medium-sized businesses. essary to our veterans. sponsible and inexcusable. Subtitle C—Modernization of Operations The bank is an unbridled, market-driven b 1345 Sec. 5301. Electronic payments and docu- success story which has broad bipartisan sup- ments. What this rule is about and the un- port in both Houses of this Congress as well Sec. 5302. Reauthorization of information derlying legislation is vital—vital—to as support from the majority of Americans. technology updating.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0655 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.033 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5619 Subtitle D—General Provisions ‘‘(B) the Committee on Financial Services cial risk evaluation practices in large gov- Sec. 5401. Extension of authority. and the Committee on Appropriations of the ernmental or business entities; and Sec. 5402. Certain updated loan terms and House of Representatives.’’. ‘‘(ii) who are not serving in a position re- amounts. SEC. 5104. OFFICE OF ETHICS. quiring appointment by the President of the United States before being appointed to be Subtitle E—Other Matters Section 3 of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635a) is amended by adding at Chief Risk Officer; and Sec. 5501. Prohibition on discrimination the end the following: ‘‘(B) approved by the Board. based on industry. UTIES ‘‘(k) OFFICE OF ETHICS.— ‘‘(3) D .—The duties of the Chief Risk Sec. 5502. Negotiations to end export credit ‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established Officer are— financing. an Office of Ethics within the Bank, which ‘‘(A) to be responsible for all matters re- Sec. 5503. Study of financing for information shall oversee all ethics issues within the lated to managing and mitigating all risk to and communications tech- Bank. which the Bank is exposed, including the nology systems. programs and operations of the Bank; ‘‘(2) HEAD OF OFFICE.— ‘‘(B) to establish policies and processes for At the end of the bill, add the following: ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The head of the Office of risk oversight, the monitoring of manage- TITLE V—EXPORT-IMPORT BANK Ethics shall be the Chief Ethics Officer, who shall report to the Board of Directors. ment compliance with risk limits, and the SECTION 5001. SHORT TITLE. management of risk exposures and risk con- This title may be cited as the ‘‘Export-Im- ‘‘(B) APPOINTMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the trols across the Bank; port Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act ‘‘(C) to be responsible for the planning and Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthor- of 2015’’. execution of all Bank risk management ac- ization Act of 2015, the Chief Ethics Officer tivities, including policies, reporting, and Subtitle A—Taxpayer Protection Provisions shall be— systems to achieve strategic risk objectives; and Increased Accountability ‘‘(i) appointed by the President of the Bank ‘‘(D) to develop an integrated risk manage- SEC. 5101. REDUCTION IN AUTHORIZED AMOUNT from among persons— ment program that includes identifying, OF OUTSTANDING LOANS, GUARAN- ‘‘(I) with a background in law who have ex- prioritizing, measuring, monitoring, and TEES, AND INSURANCE. perience in the fields of law and ethics; and managing internal control and operating Section 6(a) of the Export-Import Bank ‘‘(II) who are not serving in a position re- risks and other identified risks; Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635e(a)) is amended— quiring appointment by the President of the ‘‘(E) to ensure that the process for risk as- (1) by redesignating paragraph (3) as para- United States before being appointed to be sessment and underwriting for individual graph (4); and Chief Ethics Officer; and transactions considers how each such trans- (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting ‘‘(ii) approved by the Board. action considers the effect of the transaction the following: ‘‘(C) DESIGNATED AGENCY ETHICS OFFICIAL.— on the concentration of exposure in the over- ‘‘(2) APPLICABLE AMOUNT DEFINED.—In this The Chief Ethics Officer shall serve as the all portfolio of the Bank, taking into ac- subsection, the term ‘applicable amount’, for designated agency ethics official for the count fees, collateralization, and historic de- each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019, means Bank pursuant to the Ethics in Government fault rates; and $135,000,000,000. Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App. 101 et seq.). ‘‘(F) to review the adequacy of the use by ‘‘(3) FREEZING OF LENDING CAP IF ‘‘(3) DUTIES.—The Office of Ethics has ju- the Bank of qualitative metrics to assess the DEFAULTRATE IS 2 PERCENT OR MORE.—If the risdiction over all employees of, and ethics risk of default under various scenarios.’’. rate calculated under section 8(g)(1) is 2 per- matters relating to, the Bank. With respect cent or more for a quarter, the Bank may to employees of the Bank, the Office of Eth- SEC. 5106. RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. not exceed the amount of loans, guarantees, ics shall— (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3 of the Export- and insurance outstanding on the last day of ‘‘(A) recommend administrative actions to Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635a), as that quarter until the rate calculated under establish or enforce standards of official con- amended by sections 5104 and 5105, is further section 8(g)(1) is less than 2 percent.’’. duct; amended by adding at the end the following: SEC. 5102. INCREASE IN LOSS RESERVES. ‘‘(B) refer to the Office of the Inspector ‘‘(m) RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.— ‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT—There is established (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 6 of the Export- General of the Bank alleged violations of— a management committee to be known as Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635e) is ‘‘(i) the standards of ethical conduct appli- the ‘Risk Management Committee’. amended— cable to employees of the Bank under parts ‘‘(2) MEMBERSHIP.—The membership of the (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as sub- 2635 and 6201 of title 5, Code of Federal Regu- Risk Management Committee shall be the section (c); and lations; members of the Board of Directors, with the (2) by inserting after subsection (a) the fol- ‘‘(ii) the standards of ethical conduct es- President and First Vice President of the lowing: tablished by the Chief Ethics Officer; and Bank serving as ex officio members. ‘‘(b) RESERVE REQUIREMENT.—The Bank ‘‘(iii) any other laws, rules, or regulations ‘‘(3) DUTIES.—The duties of the Risk Man- shall build to and hold in reserve, to protect governing the performance of official duties agement Committee shall be— against future losses, an amount that is not or the discharge of official responsibilities ‘‘(A) to oversee, in conjunction with the less than 5 percent of the aggregate amount that are applicable to employees of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of the of disbursed and outstanding loans, guaran- Bank; Bank— tees, and insurance of the Bank.’’. ‘‘(C) report to appropriate Federal or State ‘‘(i) periodic stress testing on the entire (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment authorities substantial evidence of a viola- Bank portfolio, reflecting different market, made by subsection (a) shall take effect on tion of any law applicable to the perform- industry, and macroeconomic scenarios, and the date that is one year after the date of the ance of official duties that may have been consistent with common practices of com- enactment of this Act. disclosed to the Office of Ethics; and mercial and multilateral development banks; SEC. 5103. REVIEW OF FRAUD CONTROLS. ‘‘(D) render advisory opinions regarding and Section 17(b) of the Export-Import Bank the propriety of any current or proposed con- ‘‘(ii) the monitoring of industry, geo- Reauthorization Act of 2012 (12 U.S.C. 635a– duct of an employee or contractor of the graphic, and obligor exposure levels; and 6(b)) is amended to read as follows: Bank, and issue general guidance on such ‘‘(B) to review all required reports on the ‘‘(b) REVIEW OF FRAUD CONTROLS.—Not matters as necessary.’’. default rate of the Bank before submission to later than 4 years after the date of the enact- SEC. 5105. CHIEF RISK OFFICER. Congress under section 8(g).’’. ment of the Export-Import Bank Reform and Section 3 of the Export-Import Bank Act of (b) TERMINATION OF AUDIT COMMITTEE.— Reauthorization Act of 2015, and every 4 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635a), as amended by section Not later than 180 days after the date of the years thereafter, the Comptroller General of 5104, is further amended by adding at the end enactment of this Act, the Board of Direc- the United States shall— the following: tors of the Export-Import Bank of the United ‘‘(1) review the adequacy of the design and ‘‘(l) CHIEF RISK OFFICER.— States shall revise the bylaws of the Bank to effectiveness of the controls used by the Ex- ‘‘(l) IN GENERAL.—There shall be a Chief terminate the Audit Committee established port-Import Bank of the United States to Risk Officer of the Bank, who shall— by section 7 of the bylaws. prevent, detect, and investigate fraudulent ‘‘(A) oversee all issues relating to risk SEC. 5107. INDEPENDENT AUDIT OF BANK PORT- applications for loans and guarantees and within the Bank; and FOLIO. the compliance by the Bank with the con- ‘‘(B) report to the President of the Bank. (a) AUDIT.—The Inspector General of the trols, including by auditing a sample of Bank ‘‘(2) APPOINTMENT.—Not later than 180 days Export-Import Bank of the United States transactions; and after the date of the enactment of the Ex- shall conduct an audit or evaluation of the ‘‘(2) submit a written report regarding the port-Import Bank Reform and Reauthoriza- portfolio risk management procedures of the findings of the review and providing such tion Act of 2015, the Chief Risk Officer shall Bank, including a review of the implementa- recommendations with respect to the con- be— tion by the Bank of the duties assigned to trols described in paragraph (1) as the Comp- ‘‘(A) appointed by the President of the the Chief Risk Officer under section 3(1) of troller General deems appropriate to— Bank from among persons— the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as ‘‘(A) the Committee on Banking, Housing, ‘‘(i) with a demonstrated ability in the amended by section 5105. and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Ap- general management of, and knowledge of (b) REPORT.—Not later than one year after propriations of the Senate; and and extensive practical experience in, finan- the date of the enactment of this Act, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.035 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5620 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 not less frequently than every 3 years there- ‘‘(M) Not later than 2 years after the date projects (commonly referred to as the ‘Equa- after, the Inspector General shall submit to of the enactment of the Export-Import Bank tor Principles’)) or more’’. the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015, the (e) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Com- Bank shall implement policies— made by this section shall apply with respect mittee on Financial Services of the House of ‘‘(i) to accept electronic documents with to fiscal year 2016 and each fiscal year there- Representatives a written report containing respect to transactions whenever possible, after. all findings and determinations made in car including copies of bills of lading, certifi- Subtitle E—Other Matters cations, and compliance documents, in such rying out subsection (a). SEC. 5501. PROHIBITION ON DISCRIMINATION SEC. 5108. PILOT PROGRAM FOR REINSURANCE. manner so as not to undermine any potential BASED ON INDUSTRY. (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any pro- civil or criminal enforcement related to the Section 2 of the Export-Import Bank Act of vision of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 transactions; and 1945 (6 U.S.C. 635 et seq.) is amended by add- (12 U.S.C. 635 et seq.), the Export-Import ‘‘(ii) to accept electronic payments in all ing at the end the following: Bank of the United States (in this section re- of its programs.’’. ‘‘(k) PROHIBITION ON DISCRIMINATION BASED ferred to as the ‘‘Bank’’) may establish a SEC. 5302. REAUTHORIZATION OF INFORMATION ON INDUSTRY.— pilot program under which the Bank may TECHNOLOGY UPDATING. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in enter into contracts and other arrangements Section 3(j) of the Export-Import Act of this Act, the Bank may not— to share risks associated with the provision 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635a(j)) is amended— ‘‘(A) deny an application for financing of guarantees, insurance, or credit, or the (1) in paragraph (1), in the matter pre- based solely on the industry, sector, or busi- participation in the extension of credit, by ceding subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘2012, ness that the application concerns; or the Bank under that Act. 2013, and 2014’’ and inserting ‘‘2015 through ‘‘(B) promulgate or implement policies (b) LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT OF RISK-SHAR- 2019’’; that discriminate against an application (2) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ‘‘(I) the ING.— based solely on the industry, sector, or busi- funds’’ and inserting ‘‘(i) the funds’’; and (3) (1) PER CONTRACT OR OTHER ARRANGE- ness that the application concerns. in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘2012, 2013, and MENT.—The aggregate amount of liability ‘‘(2) APPLICABILITY.—The prohibitions the Bank may transfer through risk-sharing 2014’’ and inserting ‘‘2015 through 2019’’. under paragraph (1) apply only to applica- pursuant to a contract or other arrangement Subtitle D—General Provisions tions for financing by the Bank for projects entered into under subsection (a) may not SEC. 5401. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY. concerning the exploration, development, production, or export of energy sources and exceed $1,000,000,000. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7 of the Export- (2) PER YEAR.—The aggregate amount of li- Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635f) is the generation or transmission of electrical ability the Bank may transfer through risk- amended by striking ‘‘2014’’ and inserting power, or combined heat and power, regard- sharing during a fiscal year pursuant to con- ‘‘2019’’. less of the energy source involved.’’. tracts or other arrangements entered into (b) DUAL-USE EXPORTS.—Section 1(c) of SEC. 5502. NEGOTIATIONS TO END EXPORT CRED- under subsection (a) during that fiscal year Public Law 103–428 (12 U.S.C. 635 note) is IT FINANCING. may not exceed $10,000,000,000. amended by striking ‘‘September 30, 2014’’ (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 11 of the Export- (c) ANNUAL REPORTS.—Not later than one and inserting ‘‘the date on which the author- Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2012 (12 year after the date of the enactment of this ity of the Export-Import Bank of the United U.S.C. 635a–5) is amended— Act, and annually thereafter through 2019, States expires under section of the Export- (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), the Bank shall submit to Congress a written Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635f)’’. by striking ‘‘Secretary of the Treasury (in report that contains a detailed analysis of (c) SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA ADVISORY COM- this section referred to as the ’Secretary’)’’ the use of the pilot program carried out MITTEE.—Section 2(b)(9)(B)(iii) of the Export- under subsection (a) during the year pre- Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. and inserting ‘‘President’’; and ceding the submission of the report. (B) in paragraph (1)— 635(b)(9)(B)(iii)) is amended by striking ‘‘Sep- (i) by striking ‘‘(OECD)’’ and inserting ‘‘(in (d) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in tember 30, 2014’’ and inserting ‘‘the date on this section referred to as the ‘OECD’)’’; and this section shall be construed to affect, im- which the authority of the Bank expires (ii) by striking ‘‘ultimate goal of elimi- pede, or revoke any authority of the Bank. under section 7’’. nating’’ and inserting ‘‘possible goal of (e) TERMINATION.—The pilot program car- (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments eliminating, before the date that is 10 years ried out under subsection (a) shall terminate made by this section shall take effect on the after the date of the enactment of the Ex- on September 30, 2019. earlier of the date of the enactment of this port-Import Bank Reform and Reauthoriza- Subtitle B—Promotion of Small Business Act or June 30, 2015. tion Act of 2015,’’; Exports SEC. 5402. CERTAIN UPDATED LOAN TERMS AND (2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘Sec- AMOUNTS. SEC. 5201. INCREASE IN SMALL BUSINESS LEND- retary’’ each place it appears and inserting ING REQUIREMENTS. (a) LOAN TERMS FOR MEDIUM-TERM FINANC- ‘‘President’’; and ING (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2(b)(1)(E)(v) of .— (3) by adding at the end the following: the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 Section 2(a)(2)(A) of the Export-Import ‘‘(c) REPORT ON STRATEGY.—Not later than U.S.C. 635(b)(1)(E)(v)) is amended by striking Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635(a)(2)(A)) is 180 days after the date of the enactment of ‘‘20 percent’’ and inserting ‘‘25 percent’’. amended— the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reau- (1) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and in- (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment thorization Act of 2015, the President shall made by subsection (a) shall apply with re- serting a semicolon; and submit to Congress a proposal, and a strat- (2) by adding at the end the following: spect to fiscal year 2016 and each fiscal year egy for achieving the proposal, that the thereafter. ‘‘(iii) with principal amounts of not more United States Government will pursue with than $25,000,000; and’’. SEC. 5202. REPORT ON PROGRAMS FOR SMALL other major exporting countries, including AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES. (b) COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITIES RELATING OECD members and non-OECD members, to TO INSURANCE.—Section 2(d)(2) of the Export- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 8 of the Export- eliminate over a period of not more than 10 Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635g) is Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635(d)(2)) years subsidized export-fmancing programs, amended by adding at the end the following: is amended by striking ‘‘$10,000,000’’ and in- tied aid, export credits, and all other forms serting ‘‘$25,000,000’’. ‘‘(k) REPORT ON PROGRAMS FOR SMALL AND of government-supported export subsidies. (c) EXPORT AMOUNTS FOR SMALL BUSINESS ‘‘(d) NEGOTIATIONS WITH NON-OECD MEM- MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES.—The Bank shall LOANS.—Section 3(g)(3) of the Export-Import include in its annual report to Congress BERS.—The President shall initiate and pur- Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635a(g)(3)) is under subsection (a) a report on the pro- sue negotiations with countries that are not amended by striking ‘‘$10,000,000’’ and insert- grams of the Bank for United States busi- OECD members to bring those countries into ing ‘‘$25,000,000’’. nesses with less than $250,000,000 in annual a multilateral agreement establishing rules 3 (d) CONSIDERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EF- sales.’’. and limitations on officially supported ex- FECTS.—Section (a)(1)(A) of the Export-Im- port credits. (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment port Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635i– NNUAL REPORTS ON PROGRESS OF NE- made by subsection (a) shall apply with re- ‘‘(e) A 5(a)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ‘‘$10,000,000 GOTIATIONS.—Not later than 180 days after spect to the report of the Export-Import or more’’ and inserting the following: the date of the enactment of the Export-Im- Bank of the United States submitted to Con- ‘‘$25,000,000 (or, if less than $25,000,000, the port Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act gress under section 8 of the Export-Import threshold established pursuant to inter- of 2015, and annually thereafter through cal- Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635g) for the first national agreements, including the Common endar year 2019, the President shall submit year that begins after the date of the enact- Approaches for Officially Supported Export to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and ment of this Act. Credits and Environmental and Social Due Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Com- Subtitle C—Modernization of Operations Diligence, as adopted by the Organisation for mittee on Financial Services of the House of SEC. 5301. ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS AND DOCU- Economic Co-operation and Development Representatives a report on the progress of MENTS. Council on June 28, 2012, and the risk-man- any negotiations described in subsection Section 2(b)(1) of the Export-Import Bank agement framework adopted by financial in- (d).’’. Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635(b)(1)) is amended by stitutions for determining, assessing, and (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments adding at the end the following: managing environmental and social risk in made by paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection

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STUDY OF FINANCING FOR INFORMA- the rule as ‘‘a motion to direct or control the previous question will be followed by 5- TION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECH- consideration of the subject before the House minute votes on adopting the resolu- NOLOGY SYSTEMS. being made by the Member in charge.’’ To tion, if ordered; and suspending the (a) ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION AND COMMU- defeat the previous question is to give the rules and passing H.R. 1300. NICATIONS TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY USE OF opposition a chance to decide the subject be- BANK PRODUCTS.—The Export-Import Bank fore the House. Cannon cites the Speaker’s The vote was taken by electronic de- of the United States (in this section referred ruling of January 13, 1920, to the effect that vice, and there were—yeas 242, nays to as the ‘‘Bank’’) shall conduct a study of ‘‘the refusal of the House to sustain the de- 180, not voting 11, as follows: the extent to which the products offered by mand for the previous question passes the [Roll No. 483] the Bank are available and used by compa- control of the resolution to the opposition’’ nies that export information and commu- in order to offer an amendment. On March YEAS—242 nications technology services and related 15, 1909, a member of the majority party of- Abraham Grothman Paulsen goods. fered a rule resolution. The House defeated Aderholt Guinta Pearce (b) ELEMENTS.—In conducting the study re- the previous question and a member of the Allen Guthrie Perry quired by subsection (a), the Bank shall ex- opposition rose to a parliamentary inquiry, Amash Hanna Pittenger amine the following: asking who was entitled to recognition. Amodei Hardy Pitts (1) The number of jobs in the United States Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R-Illinois) said: Babin Harper Poe (TX) that are supported by the export of informa- ‘‘The previous question having been refused, Barletta Harris Poliquin Barr Hartzler Pompeo tion and communications technology serv- the gentleman from New York, Mr. Fitz- Barton Heck (NV) Posey ices and related goods, and the degree to gerald, who had asked the gentleman to Benishek Hensarling Ratcliffe which access to financing will increase ex- yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to Bilirakis Herrera Beutler Reed ports of such services and related goods. the first recognition.’’ Bishop (MI) Hice, Jody B. Reichert (2) The reduction in the financing by the The Republican majority may say ‘‘the Bishop (UT) Hill Renacci Bank of exports of information and commu- vote on the previous question is simply a Black Holding Ribble nications technology services from 2003 vote on whether to proceed to an immediate Blackburn Hudson Rice (SC) Blum Huelskamp Rigell through 2014. vote on adopting the resolution . . . [and] Bost Huizenga (MI) Roby (3) The activities of foreign export credit has no substantive legislative or policy im- Boustany Hultgren Roe (TN) agencies to facilitate the export of informa- plications whatsoever.’’ But that is not what Brady (TX) Hunter Rogers (AL) tion and communications technology serv- they have always said. Listen to the Repub- Brat Hurd (TX) Rogers (KY) ices and related goods. lican Leadership Manual on the Legislative Bridenstine Hurt (VA) Rohrabacher (4) Specific proposals for how the Bank Process in the United States House of Rep- Brooks (AL) Issa Rokita could provide additional financing for the ex- resentatives, (6th edition, page 135). Here’s Brooks (IN) Jenkins (KS) Rooney (FL) Buchanan Jenkins (WV) Ros-Lehtinen portation of information and communica- how the Republicans describe the previous Buck Johnson (OH) Roskam tions technology services and related goods question vote in their own manual: ‘‘Al- Bucshon Johnson, Sam Ross through risk-sharing with other export cred- though it is generally not possible to amend Burgess Jolly Rothfus it agencies and other third parties. the rule because the majority Member con- Byrne Jones Rouzer (5) Proposals for new products the Bank trolling the time will not yield for the pur- Calvert Jordan Royce could offer to provide financing for exports pose of offering an amendment, the same re- Carter (GA) Joyce Russell of information and communications tech- sult may be achieved by voting down the pre- Chabot Katko Ryan (WI) Chaffetz Kelly (MS) Salmon nology services and related goods, includ- vious question on the rule.... When the Coffman Kelly (PA) Sanford ing— motion for the previous question is defeated, Cole King (IA) Scalise (A) the extent to which the Bank is author- control of the time passes to the Member Collins (GA) King (NY) Schweikert ized to offer new products; who led the opposition to ordering the pre- Collins (NY) Kinzinger (IL) Scott, Austin (B) the extent to which the Bank would vious question. That Member, because he Comstock Kline Sensenbrenner need additional authority to offer new prod- then controls the time, may offer an amend- Conaway Knight Sessions ucts to meet the needs of the information ment to the rule, or yield for the purpose of Cook Labrador Shimkus Costello (PA) LaMalfa Shuster and communications technology industry; amendment’’ Cramer Lamborn Simpson (C) specific proposals for changes in law In Deschler’s Procedure in the U.S. House Crawford Lance Smith (MO) that would enable the Bank to provide in- of Representatives, the subchapter titled Crenshaw Latta Smith (NE) creased financing for exports of information ‘‘Amending Special Rules’’ states: ‘‘a refusal Culberson LoBiondo Smith (NJ) and communications technology services and to order the previous question on such a rule Curbelo (FL) Long Smith (TX) related goods in compliance with the credit [a special rule reported from the Committee Davis, Rodney Loudermilk Stefanik and risk standards of the Bank; on Rules] opens the resolution to amend- Denham Love Stewart ment and further debate.’’ (Chapter 21, sec- Dent Lucas Stivers (D) specific proposals that would enable DeSantis Luetkemeyer Stutzman the Bank to provide increased outreach to tion 21.2) Section 21.3 continues: ‘‘Upon re- DesJarlais Lummis Thompson (PA) the information and communications tech- jection of the motion for the previous ques- Diaz-Balart MacArthur Thornberry nology industry about the products the Bank tion on a resolution reported from the Com- Dold Marchant Tiberi offers; and mittee on Rules, control shifts to the Mem- Donovan Marino Tipton (E) specific proposals for changes in law ber leading the opposition to the previous Duffy Massie Trott that would enable the Bank to provide the fi- question, who may offer a proper amendment Duncan (SC) McCarthy Turner or motion and who controls the time for de- Duncan (TN) McCaul Upton nancing to build information and commu- Ellmers (NC) McClintock Valadao nications technology infrastructure, in com- bate thereon.’’ Emmer (MN) McHenry Wagner pliance with the credit and risk standards of Clearly, the vote on the previous question Farenthold McKinley Walberg the Bank, to allow for market access oppor- on a rule does have substantive policy impli- Fincher McMorris Walden tunities for United States information and cations. It is one of the only available tools Fitzpatrick Rodgers Walker communications technology companies to for those who oppose the Republican major- Fleischmann McSally Walorski provide services on the infrastructure being ity’s agenda and allows those with alter- Fleming Meadows Walters, Mimi native views the opportunity to offer an al- Flores Meehan Weber (TX) financed by the Bank. Forbes Messer Webster (FL) (c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after ternative plan. Fortenberry Mica Wenstrup the date of the enactment of this Act, the Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Foxx Miller (FL) Westerman Bank shall submit to Congress a report that back the balance of my time, and I Franks (AZ) Miller (MI) Westmoreland contains the results of the study required by move the previous question on the res- Frelinghuysen Moolenaar Whitfield subsection (a). Garrett Mooney (WV) Williams olution. Gibbs Mullin Wilson (SC) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Gibson Mulvaney Wittman THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT question is on ordering the previous Gohmert Murphy (PA) Womack IT REALLY MEANS Goodlatte Neugebauer Woodall question. (21) This vote, the vote on whether to order Gosar Newhouse Yoder the previous question on a special rule, is The question was taken; and the Gowdy Noem Yoho Granger Nugent Young (AK) not merely a procedural vote. A vote against Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it. Graves (GA) Nunes Young (IA) ordering the previous question is a vote Graves (LA) Olson Young (IN) against the Republican majority agenda and Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I Graves (MO) Palazzo Zeldin a vote to allow the Democratic minority to demand the yeas and nays. Griffith Palmer Zinke

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NAYS—180 WASHINGTON KASTLES CHARITY CLASSIC Buck Hultgren Reed Bucshon Hunter Reichert Adams Gabbard Neal Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I am gath- Burgess Hurd (TX) Renacci Aguilar Gallego Nolan ered here today with some of my col- Byrne Hurt (VA) Ribble Ashford Garamendi Norcross Calvert Issa Bass Graham O’Rourke leagues because we participated in the Rice (SC) Carter (GA) Jenkins (KS) Beatty Grayson Pallone Washington Kastles Charity Classic. Rigell Chabot Jenkins (WV) Becerra Green, Al Pascrell Roby We had a wonderful time for charity. Chaffetz Johnson (OH) Bera Green, Gene Payne Roe (TN) I just wanted to mention this. The Coffman Johnson, Sam Beyer Grijalva Perlmutter Rogers (AL) Cole Jolly Bishop (GA) Gutie´rrez Peters Washington Kastles, who were founded Rogers (KY) Collins (GA) Jones Blumenauer Hahn Peterson Rohrabacher in 2008 and is the tennis team for the Collins (NY) Jordan Bonamici Hastings Pingree Rokita city of Washington, have made more Comstock Joyce Boyle, Brendan Heck (WA) Pocan Rooney (FL) Conaway Katko F. Higgins Polis than $1 million in charitable donations. Ros-Lehtinen Cook Kelly (MS) Brady (PA) Himes Price (NC) The Charity Classic is an extension Roskam Costello (PA) Kelly (PA) Brown (FL) Hinojosa Quigley Ross of those efforts, with 100 percent of the Cramer King (IA) Brownley (CA) Honda Rangel Rothfus Crawford King (NY) Bustos Hoyer Rice (NY) ticket proceeds benefiting Tragedy As- Rouzer Crenshaw Kinzinger (IL) Butterfield Huffman Richmond sistance Program for Survivors, or Royce Culberson Kline Capps Israel Roybal-Allard Russell TAPS, the DC Public Education Fund, Curbelo (FL) Knight Capuano Jackson Lee Ruiz Ryan (WI) and Food & Friends. Davis, Rodney Labrador Ca´ rdenas Jeffries Ruppersberger Denham LaMalfa Salmon Carson (IN) Johnson (GA) Rush Fans can choose which organization Dent Lamborn Sanford Cartwright Johnson, E. B. Ryan (OH) they support. It is a great cause. DeSantis Lance Scalise Castor (FL) Kaptur Sa´ nchez, Linda We had a tennis match, Stars v. DesJarlais Latta Schweikert Castro (TX) Keating T. Diaz-Balart LoBiondo Scott, Austin Chu, Judy Kelly (IL) Sanchez, Loretta Stripes. I am sorry to report that the Dold Long Sensenbrenner Cicilline Kennedy Sarbanes Stars defeated the Stripes, having been Donovan Loudermilk Sessions Clark (MA) Kildee Schakowsky in the Stripes the last 3 years. They fi- Duffy Love Shimkus Clarke (NY) Kilmer Schiff nally won one, but we are very excited Duncan (SC) Lucas Shuster Clay Kind Schrader Duncan (TN) Luetkemeyer Simpson Cleaver Kirkpatrick Scott (VA) for them. It is nice to be talking about Ellmers (NC) Lummis Sinema Clyburn Kuster Scott, David something other than golf on the Emmer (MN) MacArthur Smith (MO) Cohen Langevin Serrano House floor. Farenthold Marchant Smith (NE) Connolly Larsen (WA) Sewell (AL) Fincher Marino Smith (NJ) Conyers Larson (CT) Sherman I also wanted to acknowledge one Fitzpatrick Massie Smith (TX) Cooper Lawrence Sinema person with us here today, Martina Fleischmann McCarthy Stefanik Courtney Lee Sires Hingis, who is in the audience. She is Fleming McCaul Stewart Crowley Lewis Slaughter Flores McClintock Stivers Cuellar Lieu, Ted Smith (WA) up there in the gallery. She just won Forbes McHenry Stutzman Cummings Lipinski Speier Wimbledon Doubles Championship, Fortenberry McKinley Davis (CA) Loebsack Swalwell (CA) Thompson (PA) women’s and mixed doubles. She won Foxx McMorris Davis, Danny Lofgren Takai Thornberry both the women’s doubles title and the Franks (AZ) Rodgers DeFazio Lowenthal Takano Tiberi Frelinghuysen McSally DeGette Lowey Thompson (CA) mixed doubles title. She is on the Tipton Garrett Meadows Delaney Luja´ n, Ben Ray Thompson (MS) Washington Kastles. Trott Gibbs Meehan DeLauro (NM) Titus Turner We just wanted to acknowledge all Gibson Messer DelBene Lynch Tonko Upton Gohmert Mica DeSaulnier Maloney, Torres the folks who played: Representatives Valadao Goodlatte Miller (FL) Deutch Carolyn Tsongas SCOTT, DOLD, YODER, BUSTOS and Wagner Gosar Miller (MI) Dingell Maloney, Sean Van Hollen Walberg BEATTY. Where is JARED HUFFMAN with Gowdy Moolenaar Doggett Matsui Vargas Walden the big serve? He is back there. Granger Mooney (WV) Doyle, Michael McCollum Veasey Walker Graves (GA) Mullin F. McDermott Vela We had a wonderful time. Senator Walorski Graves (LA) Mulvaney Duckworth McGovern Vela´ zquez Walters, Mimi FLAKE, Senator MERKLEY, and the rest Graves (MO) Murphy (PA) Edwards McNerney Visclosky Weber (TX) of the Kastles could not be with us Griffith Neugebauer Ellison Meeks Walz Webster (FL) Grothman Newhouse Esty Meng Wasserman today. They are traveling. But we just Guinta Noem Wenstrup Farr Moore Schultz wanted to thank them all for this won- Guthrie Nugent Westerman Fattah Moulton Waters, Maxine derful effort. We need more tennis. Hanna Nunes Westmoreland Foster Murphy (FL) Watson Coleman At this time we would like to present Hardy Olson Whitfield Frankel (FL) Nadler Welch Harper Palazzo Williams Fudge Napolitano Yarmuth this trophy, this cup, from the Stripes Harris Palmer Wilson (SC) to the Stars, who defeated us. Wittman NOT VOTING—11 Hartzler Paulsen The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Heck (NV) Pearce Womack Carney Eshoo Price, Tom FORTENBERRY). Without objection, 5- Hensarling Perry Woodall Carter (TX) Levin Wilson (FL) Yoder minute voting will continue. Herrera Beutler Pittenger Clawson (FL) Lujan Grisham Hice, Jody B. Pitts Yoho Costa (NM) There was no objection. Hill Poe (TX) Young (AK) Engel Pelosi The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Holding Poliquin Young (IA) Hudson Pompeo Young (IN) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE question is on the resolution. Huelskamp Posey Zeldin The SPEAKER pro tempore (during The question was taken; and the Huizenga (MI) Ratcliffe Zinke the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Speaker pro tempore announced that ing. the ayes appeared to have it. NOES—183 RECORDED VOTE Adams Castor (FL) DeLauro Aguilar Castro (TX) DelBene b 1416 Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I demand a Ashford Chu, Judy DeSaulnier recorded vote. Mr. LOWENTHAL and Ms. KELLY of Bass Cicilline Deutch A recorded vote was ordered. Beatty Clark (MA) Dingell Illinois changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a Becerra Clarke (NY) Doggett to ‘‘nay.’’ Bera Clay Doyle, Michael 5-minute vote. Mr. BARTON changed his vote from Beyer Cleaver F. The vote was taken by electronic de- Bishop (GA) Clyburn Duckworth ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ vice, and there were—ayes 243, noes 183, Blumenauer Cohen Edwards So the previous question was ordered. not voting 7, as follows: Bonamici Connolly Ellison The result of the vote was announced Boyle, Brendan Conyers Eshoo [Roll No. 484] F. Cooper Esty as above recorded. Brady (PA) Costa Farr AYES—243 Stated against: Brown (FL) Courtney Fattah Abraham Barton Bost Brownley (CA) Crowley Foster Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I was not Aderholt Benishek Boustany Bustos Cuellar Frankel (FL) present during rollcall vote No. 483. I would Allen Bilirakis Brady (TX) Butterfield Cummings Fudge like to reflect that on rollcall vote No. 483 I Amash Bishop (MI) Brat Capps Davis (CA) Gabbard would have voted ‘‘no.’’ Amodei Bishop (UT) Bridenstine Capuano Davis, Danny Gallego Babin Black Brooks (AL) Ca´ rdenas DeFazio Garamendi (By unanimous consent, Mr. DENT Barletta Blackburn Brooks (IN) Carson (IN) DeGette Graham was allowed to speak out of order.) Barr Blum Buchanan Cartwright Delaney Grayson

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.009 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5623 Green, Al Lynch Sa´ nchez, Linda Brat Gabbard Love Ross Sires Visclosky Green, Gene Maloney, T. Bridenstine Gallego Lowenthal Rothfus Slaughter Wagner Grijalva Carolyn Sanchez, Loretta Brooks (AL) Garamendi Lowey Rouzer Smith (MO) Walberg Gutie´rrez Maloney, Sean Sarbanes Brooks (IN) Garrett Lucas Roybal-Allard Smith (NE) Walden Hahn Matsui Schakowsky Brown (FL) Gibbs Luetkemeyer Royce Smith (NJ) Walker Hastings McCollum Schiff Brownley (CA) Gibson Luja´ n, Ben Ray Ruiz Smith (TX) Walorski Heck (WA) McDermott Schrader Buchanan Gohmert (NM) Ruppersberger Smith (WA) Walters, Mimi Higgins McGovern Scott (VA) Buck Goodlatte Lummis Rush Speier Walz Himes McNerney Scott, David Bucshon Gosar Lynch Russell Stefanik Wasserman Hinojosa Ryan (OH) Stewart Meeks Serrano Burgess Gowdy MacArthur Schultz Honda Ryan (WI) Stivers Meng Sewell (AL) Bustos Graham Maloney, Waters, Maxine Hoyer Carolyn Salmon Stutzman Moore Sherman Butterfield Granger Watson Coleman Huffman Sa´ nchez, Linda Swalwell (CA) Moulton Byrne Graves (GA) Maloney, Sean Weber (TX) Israel Sires T. Takai Murphy (FL) Calvert Graves (LA) Marchant Webster (FL) Jackson Lee Slaughter Sanchez, Loretta Takano Nadler Capps Graves (MO) Marino Welch Jeffries Smith (WA) Sanford Thompson (CA) Napolitano Capuano Grayson Massie Wenstrup Johnson (GA) Speier Sarbanes Thompson (MS) Neal Ca´ rdenas Green, Al Matsui Westerman Johnson, E. B. Swalwell (CA) Scalise Thompson (PA) Nolan Carson (IN) Green, Gene McCarthy Kaptur Takai Schakowsky Thornberry Westmoreland Norcross Carter (GA) Griffith McCaul Keating Takano Schiff Tiberi Whitfield O’Rourke Cartwright Grijalva McClintock Kelly (IL) Thompson (CA) Schrader Tipton Williams Pallone Castor (FL) Grothman McCollum Kennedy Thompson (MS) Schweikert Titus Wilson (FL) Pascrell Castro (TX) Guinta McDermott Wilson (SC) Kildee Titus McGovern Scott (VA) Tonko Payne Chabot Guthrie Wittman Kilmer Tonko ´ McHenry Scott, Austin Torres Pelosi Chaffetz Gutierrez Womack Kind Torres Chu, Judy Hahn McKinley Scott, David Trott Perlmutter Woodall Kirkpatrick Tsongas Cicilline Hanna McMorris Sensenbrenner Tsongas Peters Yarmuth Kuster Van Hollen Clark (MA) Hardy Rodgers Serrano Turner Peterson Yoder Langevin Vargas Clarke (NY) Harper McNerney Sessions Upton Larsen (WA) Pingree Sewell (AL) Valadao Yoho Veasey Clay Harris McSally Larson (CT) Pocan Sherman Van Hollen Young (AK) Vela Cleaver Hartzler Meadows Lawrence Polis Shimkus Vargas Young (IA) ´ Clyburn Hastings Meehan Lee Price (NC) Velazquez Shuster Veasey Young (IN) Coffman Heck (NV) Meeks Lewis Quigley Visclosky Simpson Vela Zeldin Cohen Heck (WA) Meng Lieu, Ted Rangel Walz Sinema Vela´ zquez Zinke Cole Hensarling Messer Lipinski Rice (NY) Wasserman Collins (GA) Herrera Beutler Mica Loebsack Richmond Schultz NOT VOTING—9 Collins (NY) Hice, Jody B. Miller (FL) Lofgren Roybal-Allard Waters, Maxine Comstock Higgins Miller (MI) Carney Foster Lujan Grisham Lowenthal Ruiz Watson Coleman Conaway Hill Moolenaar Carter (TX) Jones (NM) Lowey Ruppersberger Welch Connolly Himes Mooney (WV) Clawson (FL) Levin Price, Tom Luja´ n, Ben Ray Rush Wilson (FL) Engel Conyers Hinojosa Moore (NM) Ryan (OH) Yarmuth Cook Holding Moulton b 1435 NOT VOTING—7 Cooper Honda Mullin Costa Hoyer Mulvaney Mr. SANFORD changed his vote from Carney Engel Lujan Grisham Costello (PA) Hudson Murphy (FL) Carter (TX) (NM) ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Levin Courtney Huelskamp Murphy (PA) Clawson (FL) Price, Tom So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Cramer Huffman Nadler Crawford Huizenga (MI) Napolitano tive) the rules were suspended and the b 1427 Crenshaw Hultgren Neal bill, as amended, was passed. So the resolution was agreed to. Crowley Hunter Neugebauer The result of the vote was announced Cuellar Hurd (TX) Newhouse The result of the vote was announced Culberson Hurt (VA) Noem as above recorded. as above recorded. Cummings Israel Nolan A motion to reconsider was laid on A motion to reconsider was laid on Curbelo (FL) Issa Norcross the table. the table. Davis (CA) Jackson Lee Nugent Davis, Danny Jeffries Nunes f f Davis, Rodney Jenkins (KS) O’Rourke VA ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2015 DeFazio Jenkins (WV) Olson FIRST RESPONDER ANTHRAX DeGette Johnson (GA) Palazzo GENERAL LEAVE Delaney Johnson (OH) Pallone Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam PREPAREDNESS ACT DeLauro Johnson, E. B. Palmer DelBene Johnson, Sam Pascrell Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Denham Jolly Paulsen all Members may have 5 legislative finished business is the vote on the mo- Dent Jordan Payne days in which to revise and extend tion to suspend the rules and pass the DeSantis Joyce Pearce their remarks and add any extraneous bill (H.R. 1300) to direct the Secretary DeSaulnier Kaptur Pelosi DesJarlais Katko Perlmutter material in the RECORD on H.R. 1994, as of Homeland Security to make anthrax Deutch Keating Perry amended. vaccines and antimicrobials available Diaz-Balart Kelly (IL) Peters The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. to emergency response providers, and Dingell Kelly (MS) Peterson Doggett Kelly (PA) Pingree WALORSKI). Is there objection to the re- for other purposes, as amended, on Dold Kennedy Pittenger quest of the gentleman from Florida? which the yeas and nays were ordered. Donovan Kildee Pitts There was no objection. The Clerk read the title of the bill. Doyle, Michael Kilmer Pocan The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The F. Kind Poe (TX) Duckworth King (IA) Poliquin ant to House Resolution 388 and rule question is on the motion offered by Duffy King (NY) Polis XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the gentleman from New York (Mr. Duncan (SC) Kinzinger (IL) Pompeo the Committee of the Whole House on KING) that the House suspend the rules Duncan (TN) Kirkpatrick Posey Edwards Kline Price (NC) the state of the Union for the consider- and pass the bill, as amended. Ellison Knight Quigley ation of the bill, H.R. 1994. This is a 5-minute vote. Ellmers (NC) Kuster Rangel The Chair appoints the gentleman Emmer (MN) Labrador Ratcliffe The vote was taken by electronic de- from Nebraska (Mr. FORTENBERRY) to vice, and there were—yeas 424, nays 0, Eshoo LaMalfa Reed Esty Lamborn Reichert preside over the Committee of the not voting 9, as follows: Farenthold Lance Renacci Whole. [Roll No. 485] Farr Langevin Ribble Fattah Larsen (WA) Rice (NY) b 1538 YEAS—424 Fincher Larson (CT) Rice (SC) Abraham Barton Black Fitzpatrick Latta Richmond IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Adams Bass Blackburn Fleischmann Lawrence Rigell Accordingly, the House resolved Aderholt Beatty Blum Fleming Lee Roby itself into the Committee of the Whole Aguilar Becerra Blumenauer Flores Lewis Roe (TN) Allen Benishek Bonamici Forbes Lieu, Ted Rogers (AL) House on the state of the Union for the Amash Bera Bost Fortenberry Lipinski Rogers (KY) consideration of the bill (H.R. 1994) to Amodei Beyer Boustany Foxx LoBiondo Rohrabacher amend title 38, United States Code, to Ashford Bilirakis Boyle, Brendan Frankel (FL) Loebsack Rokita provide for the removal or demotion of Babin Bishop (GA) F. Franks (AZ) Lofgren Rooney (FL) Barletta Bishop (MI) Brady (PA) Frelinghuysen Long Ros-Lehtinen employees of the Department of Vet- Barr Bishop (UT) Brady (TX) Fudge Loudermilk Roskam erans Affairs based on performance or

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.011 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5624 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 misconduct, and for other purposes, nix, Denver, central Alabama, Phila- ice laws which have contributed to the with Mr. FORTENBERRY in the chair. delphia, Los Angeles, in my home scandals at VA. The Clerk read the title of the bill. State of Florida, and in many other Yes, the bill before us today is dif- The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the places across our Nation, it is nearly ferent from current law, because the bill is considered read the first time. impossible to remove that cancer in a current law needs to be changed, and The gentleman from Florida (Mr. reasonable amount of time due to cur- that is what I and many of my col- MILLER) and the gentleman from Cali- rent civil service rules. leagues are trying to accomplish with fornia (Mr. TAKANO) each will control This is not just my view. A recent this legislation. Despite our attempts 30 minutes. GAO study found that it can take 6 to reach a measure of common ground The Chair recognizes the gentleman months to a year, or sometimes signifi- with the unions, they have made it from Florida. cantly longer, Mr. Chairman, to fire clear from the beginning that pretty Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- poor performing government employ- much anything but the status quo will man, I yield myself such time as I may ees. More telling, last month, VA’s not garner their support. consume. Deputy Secretary Gibson sat before our Well, we have proven that the status Mr. Chairman, my bill would provide Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and quo is not working. It is failing the the Secretary of the Department of admitted that it was too difficult to mission of the Department of Veterans Veterans Affairs with yet another tool fire a substandard employee. We should Affairs, and it is failing the veterans to instill accountability, much-needed all agree that it defies common sense the VA is supposed to serve. Mr. Chair- accountability at the Department of for it to take many months or even man, it is time for a change. The Sec- Veterans Affairs, by allowing him or years to fire a poor performing em- retary needs the ability to make real her to remove or demote any employee ployee at VA. reforms, and he needs to be able to do for poor performance or misconduct. We, as Members of Congress, and the it quicker than the current average The bill also contains language to American citizens appreciate the sac- timeline of 6 to 12 months to remove a protect—and let me say that again to rifices that our veterans have made single employee. the Members here on the floor, to pro- and always argue that they deserve It has also come to my attention that the administration has recently tect—whistleblowers by stipulating nothing but the highest quality care come out saying that they strongly op- that an employee may not be removed and treatment, but in my view, bad pose the bill and could potentially veto under this new authority if they have employees mean bad customer service it if it arrives at the President’s desk; an open claim at the Office of Special and an impediment to the quality serv- but this removal authority for all VA Counsel until that claim is closed. ices that our veterans have earned. If employees is modeled after the same Now, to add even more protections we truly want for our veterans to have authority provided in the Choice Act for those who blow the whistle at VA, the very best, then the status quo sim- that was passed by the House and the my bill would also set up a new process ply is no longer acceptable. Senate and signed by the President last to be used in addition to any other I know there are concerns that this summer, the same authority that, at process that is currently allowed by bill will hurt the Department’s ability the bill signing almost exactly this law, which would protect whistle- to recruit and retain good employees time last year, the President said: ‘‘If blowers from retaliation by removal and hurt employee morale, but I think while they bring issues to light up you engage in an unethical practice, if nothing could be further from the you cover up a serious problem, you through their chain of command. truth. The best way to improve morale My bill also makes changes to the should be fired . . . It shouldn’t be that is to get rid of the causes of the dys- difficult.’’ Senior Executive Service performance function that we currently see at the evaluation system. It also allows the Mr. Chair, I am not sure why the VA. Nobody enjoys working for an or- President has changed his position al- Secretary to recoup a portion of an ganization that fails to hold poor per- SES employee’s retirement benefits if most exactly a year later. formance accountable, and the only The voice of the unions should not be they are convicted of a felony related employees the VA should want to re- heard over the voice of our veterans. to their work performance and limits cruit are those who want to work in an We need to continue to push for the paid administrative leave to 14 days environment where they know every- same change we pushed for last year. within a 1-year timeframe for any VA one is respected and can be held ac- Now is not the time to change our be- employee. H.R. 1994, as amended, would countable for their actions. lief in the need for greater account- also extend to 18 months the proba- Some have also said that this bill is ability within VA. tionary period for all new VA employ- not needed because VA fires employees Our veterans still expect us to con- ees to ensure a complete evaluation be- all the time, but the raw numbers, Mr. tinue to advocate for them as more and fore offering permanent status. Chairman, just don’t tell that story. more of VA’s missteps are brought to Finally, Mr. Chairman, my bill re- Following a year in which we witnessed light every single day, whether they quires that GAO do a study on time the biggest scandal in VA history, only are on the front page of the paper or and space that is spent on union activi- three—let me repeat, three—employees not. We cannot continue to put the ties. I agree with all of my colleagues of a workforce of over 340,000 people needs of employees whose performance that a great majority of VA’s employ- have been successfully fired for wait or misconduct would not be tolerated ees are hard-working public servants time manipulation. These numbers, or in the private sector ahead of our Na- who are dedicated to providing the lack thereof, make it clear that more tion’s veterans because we are scared quality health care and benefits that work needs to be done to turn the tide of change or because we don’t want to our veterans have earned, and I am at VA and change the culture within upset the unions. sure that the majority of these employ- the Department. Ladies and gentlemen, if we do not at ees who are dedicated to the mission of least try to give the Secretary the 1445 the Department are just as frustrated b tools he or she needs to hold VA em- as most of us are that problem employ- That is why this legislation is not ployees accountable, then we as a Con- ees continue to be moved to new posi- punitive but is necessary if we truly gress are just as culpable for any fu- tions or placed in a corner as opposed want the Secretary to make the ture VA failures as the antiquated civil to removing them from the payroll. changes this Congress, the American service laws that foster those failures We have seen how the presence of people, and, most importantly, our vet- now. poor performers and misconduct rang- erans expect to see made. There is not a doubt in my mind that ing from unethical practices to out- I know that the unions oppose this all of my colleagues here today care for right criminal behavior can spread like and continue to compare my bill to our Nation’s veterans; but today, we a cancer throughout the workforce. current law in an attempt to illustrate can decide to stand with our veterans When the Secretary comes across this what they think my bill is lacking, in or we can decide to stand with the sta- presence of poor performance or mis- their opinion; but comparing my bill to tus quo, which I believe has failed them conduct, as we have seen time and time current law ignores the far too often and the American public for far too again across our country, such as Phoe- egregious effects of current civil serv- long.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.044 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5625 I reserve the balance of my time. I believe it would have the opposite ef- This bill is nothing more than an at- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COM- fect by possibly shielding poor-per- tempt to destroy the civil service using MITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND GOV- forming VA employees from ever being the VA as a test case. It would em- ERNMENT REFORM, removed. power the very individuals who have Washington, DC, July 27, 2015. This bill violates longstanding Su- often perpetuated the worst VA scan- Hon. JEFF MILLER, preme Court precedent regarding our dals—VA managers—to threaten the Chairman, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Constitution’s promise of due process livelihood of hard-working, frontline Washington, DC. rights. Our Constitution guarantees DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I write concerning VA employees and silence the voices of H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act of 2015, that we cannot be deprived of life, lib- the whistleblowers we rely on to tell us as amended by the Committee on Veterans’ erty, or property without due process when something is wrong. Affairs. As you know, the Committee on Vet- of law. Our veterans were willing to lay For all of our frustration with the erans’ Affairs received an original referral down their lives to defend this basic VA, the continued existence of a non- and the Committee on Oversight and Govern- promise. partisan civil service is vital if we are ment Reform a secondary referral when the The Supreme Court of the United to fix the mess at the VA and provide bill was introduced on April 23, 2015. I recog- States has determined that our Con- our veterans with the benefits and nize and appreciate your desire to bring this stitution gives Federal employees the legislation before the House of Representa- services that we have promised them right to due process, meaning fair no- and that they have earned. tives in an expeditious manner, and accord- tice and a chance to respond, before ingly, the Committee on Oversight and Gov- As the Merit Systems Protection ernment Reform will forego action on the losing their jobs. As lawmakers, we do Board has stated in a report from May: bill, as amended. not have the power to revoke this con- ‘‘Due process is available for the whis- The Committee takes this action with our stitutional principle of fairness and due tleblower, the employee who belongs to mutual understanding that by foregoing con- process for a select group of people, no the ‘wrong’ political party, the reserv- sideration of H.R. 1994, as amended, at this matter how outraged we may feel. I be- ist whose periods of military service time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over lieve it is wrong to assume that VA are inconvenient to the boss, the scape- the subject matter contained in this or simi- employees are guilty until proven inno- lar legislation. Further, I request your sup- goat, and the person who has been mis- cent. judged based on faulty information. port for the appointment of conferees from If H.R. 1994 were enacted, I believe the Committee on Oversight and Govern- Due process is a constitutional require- courts could very well overturn any re- ment Reform during any House-Senate con- ment and a small price to pay to en- movals as a violation of those employ- ference convened on this or related legisla- sure the American people receive a ees’ due process rights. They could tion. merit-based civil service rather than a Finally, I would ask that a copy of our ex- then reinstate and give backpay to corrupt spoils system.’’ change of letters on this matter be included those who were removed. Bad employ- We should not, under the guise of in the Congressional Record during floor ees would become permanent fixtures ‘‘accountability,’’ destroy one of the consideration, to memorialize our under- at the VA. standing. We all agree that VA needs to use the best tools we have to provide the bene- Sincerely, current tools it has more vigorously to fits and services we have promised our JASON CHAFFETZ. veterans. That tool is a nonpartisan Chairman. remove poor-performing employees, but we should not throw out important and nonpolitical VA workforce. constitutional protections to arbitrary We need to take steps to protect the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, vast majority of the high-performing COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS, actions simply because some claim it is VA workforce from being fired at the Washington, DC, July 27, 2015. too difficult to follow the law or be whim of capricious or retaliatory man- Hon. JASON CHAFFETZ, faithful to our basic principles of fair- Chairman, House Committee on Oversight and ness. agers or political appointees, not to Government Reform, Washington, DC. H.R. 1994 would provide a new tool to make it even easier. DEAR CHAIRMAN CHAFFETZ: In reference to VA managers, but perhaps not the tool I believe H.R. 1994 violates our Con- your letter on July 27, 2015, I write to con- stitution. The administration has firm our mutual understanding regarding imagined by its supporters. Bad man- agers and political appointees would issued a veto threat, and if enacted, H.R. 1994, as amended, the ‘‘VA Account- H.R. 1994 would not stand up in a court ability Act of 2015.’’ have the ability to threaten the liveli- I appreciate the house Committee on Over- hoods of honest VA workers trying to of law. Ultimately, veterans would be sight and Government Reform’s waiver of follow VA regulations and policy, thus harmed the most when courts overturn consideration of provisions under its juris- reinforcing the culture of fear and re- this policy and then reinstate bad em- diction and its subject matter as specified in luctance to speak out against poor ployees at the VA. your letter. I acknowledge that the waiver management or malfeasance at the VA. Instead of scapegoating the vast ma- was granted only to expedite floor consider- If these employees were fired, they jority of hard-working VA employees, ation of H.R. 1994, as amended, and does not would have very little opportunity to Congress should look for real opportu- in any way waive or diminish the House nities to reform our civil service in a Committee on Oversight and Government tell their side of the story. Reform’s jurisdictional interests over this H.R. 1994 would make VA the only at- manner that is constitutional, while legislation or similar legislation. I will sup- will workplace within the Federal Gov- providing adequate resources and bet- port a request from the House Committee on ernment. Veterans desperately need ter policies to provide outcomes at the Oversight and Government Reform for ap- our Nation’s top doctors, nurses, and VA. pointment to any House-Senate conference counselors to choose to work at the I reserve the balance of my time. on H.R. 1994, as amended. Finally, I will also VA, and it is already hard enough to Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- support your request to include a copy of our recruit them away from the private man, it is amazing that every single exchange of letters on this matter in the sector. Democrat in the Congress last year Congressional Record during floor consider- voted in favor of the very same rules ation. An article last week in USA Today Again, thank you for your assistance with found that VA has 41,500 unfilled med- and regulations. 1 these matters. ical jobs, ‘‘forcing vets into costly pri- I yield 1 ⁄2 minutes to the gentleman With warm personal regards, I am vate care.’’ Removing basic civil serv- from Colorado (Mr. LAMBORN), from the Sincerely, ice protections—and basic fairness— Fifth Congressional District. JEFF MILLER, would make VA an even less desirable Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Chairman, I rise Chairman. place to work and add to these recruit- in strong support of H.R. 1994, and I Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I yield ing woes. thank Chairman MILLER for bringing myself such time as I may consume. Keep in mind that over 30 percent of this critical issue to light. I rise in opposition to H.R. 1994. We VA employees are veterans themselves. Like the chairman, I am on the side are all frustrated that the VA is not They deserve better than to find them- of veterans, and we in this Nation have moving fast enough to hold bad em- selves in a workplace that strips them a sacred trust to take care of the men ployees accountable, but I do not be- of basic constitutional protections— and women who have defended our free- lieve H.R. 1994 would lead to real, long- again, protections that they fought to dom. Without accountability in the term accountability at the VA. In fact, defend. VA, we cannot properly care for our

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.045 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5626 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 veterans. While I believe the great ma- My colleagues have outlined a num- goes on unpunished. This is a disservice jority of VA employees are dedicated ber of reasons to oppose this legisla- to those who have borne the battle. and hard-working Americans doing the tion, including questionable constitu- The Washington Post reported on a right thing for our veterans, there are tionality, the elimination of long- VA employee who took a veteran seek- those in the VA who have not acted in standing and important due process ing treatment for drug abuse to a the best interest of our veterans, and procedures for employees, and the dam- crackhouse in a government vehicle these individuals must be terminated. age it would do to whistleblower pro- and left the veteran there overnight. The fact that only three employees tections; but I would like to focus on Sadly, it took over a year to fire that were successfully fired due to wait the big picture, on the impact this will employee. That is inexcusable. time manipulations is a disgrace. The have on VA employees, many of whom According to the VA data given to current system is broken. Poor and me- are veterans themselves, and on our ef- the committee, only three VA employ- diocre performance that endangers our forts to recruit the best employees pos- ees have been fired since the Arizona veterans should not be tolerated. sible to serve our veterans. wait time scandal, specifically for data H.R. 1994 will help remove bad actors manipulation. That is unreasonable. b 1500 more easily from the VA system, ena- This bill is needed because our Na- bling the remaining dedicated employ- This legislation takes VA employees, tion’s heroes deserve better. That is ees to better serve our veterans. The from janitors who clean the facilities the bottom line. We must protect our bill will protect whistleblowers. and guards who protect the hospital, to veterans. Support this bill. Accountability in the VA needs to the nurses caring for our Nation’s he- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I yield happen now, and I urge my colleagues roes and the doctors providing critical such time as he may consume to the to support H.R. 1994. care for our veterans, and moves them gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. PAS- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, may I into second-class status. CRELL). inquire as to how much time is remain- If H.R. 1994 passes, we will create a Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, I ing? two-tiered Federal system, with VA want to start by saying I am in opposi- The CHAIR. The gentleman has 23 employees less respected, less re- tion to this accountability bill, but I minutes remaining. warded, and less protected than others. want to commend the chairman and Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I yield The VA already struggles to attract the ranking member and the rest of the myself such time as I may consume. the best and brightest to serve our Na- members of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- Just in quick response to my good tion’s heroes. If this legislation passes, mittee. I think you have done a good friend, Chairman MILLER, bringing up we will make it even harder to recruit job—and I don’t come up here and say the issue of the SES provision, yes, and retain the most qualified and best that too often—because you have made most of us did vote for the Choice Act, trained workforce at the VA. it bipartisan. the provision that dealt with the SES I know this because, in Las Vegas, we Now, what possessed you to bring reform to make it easier to fire those face challenges to fully staff our brand- this bill to the floor and use the word employees. That number of employees new state-of-the-art hospital, and if the ‘‘accountability,’’ I am trying to figure is a very small number. It is about 400. bill passes, we will lose an important that out because we want account- We are talking about addressing the recruitment tool, and our veterans will ability. I am a veteran, and I have entire 300,000-strong employees. be the ones who are hurt. fought. I have got a record for 18 years, in Let me just say that at the time I Let’s not fool ourselves here. This is the forefront, running point on vet- wish we had spent more time reviewing just another piece of the Republican erans issues, from waiting for so darn the constitutionality. I do believe the agenda to demonize public employees long to get an appointment, to the lat- constitutionality of that action is also and privatize government services. est problems we have had in the VA in question. Today, it is the VA. Tomorrow, it will concerning addressing our TBI patients Mr. MILLER of Florida. Will the gen- be another agency that they don’t and our post-traumatic stress disorder tleman yield? like—who knows, the EPA, the TSA, Mr. TAKANO. I yield to the gen- the FAA, the USDA. patients. No one is more disappointed tleman from Florida. I urge my colleagues to oppose this than me in what transpired in the VA Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank my legislation. Don’t ‘‘Scott Walkerize’’ last year. As a vet, I was proud to support the good friend for yielding, but I would the Federal Government. bipartisan VA reform legislation that also say that the Constitution of the Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- became law in response, but this bill United States protects even a single in- man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- isn’t about making the VA better or dividual. So to say that it is only a tleman from Florida (Mr. BILIRAKIS), ensuring better care and treatment for small group should not be anything in vice chairman of the full committee and my colleague from the Second Con- our veterans. this discussion. This bill is about trying to score gressional District of Florida. I would assure you that the President some political points, an underhanded Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise of the United States would have had attempt to strip VA employees, and I today to support the VA Account- ample time to be able to go through don’t think you really want to do that, ability Act. The brave women and men and review it before he signed it into but that is the result. law. who return from serving our country Mr. MILLER of Florida. Will the gen- Mr. TAKANO. Reclaiming my time, should be able to receive timely access tleman yield? let me just say that I believe the Con- to quality care. Our veterans have Mr. PASCRELL. I yield to the gen- stitution applies to the Senior Execu- earned our respect and admiration. tleman from Florida. tive Service as well as all of the 300,000 In general, I believe that most em- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Did you vote employees of the Veterans Administra- ployees at the VA are dedicated to our for the Veterans Access Choice and Ac- tion. Nation’s heroes. However, a culture of countability Act last year? I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman mediocrity has permeated the VA. Too Mr. PASCRELL. Yes, I did. from Nevada (Ms. TITUS). many employees who perform terribly Mr. MILLER of Florida. This lan- Ms. TITUS. Mr. Chairman, as a mem- are not fired. guage is the same language that was in ber of the House Veterans’ Affairs This bill before us today will allow there. It does not take away the rights Committee, I rise in strong opposition the VA Secretary to fire employees that you say are being taken away. to H.R. 1994, the so-called VA Account- more easily, but the heart of this issue You voted for the same thing last year. ability Act of 2015. is about the quality of care for vet- Mr. PASCRELL. Reclaiming my We all agree on the importance of ac- erans. If bad actors stay at the VA, time, in the context of what we did a countability for those who care for our that hurts veterans. year ago and the context of what is Nation’s heroes, but this is the wrong Opponents speak in hypotheticals, now under the guise of accountability way to go about it. We are indeed but hypotheticals mean nothing in the is very different to me. I read both throwing out the baby with the face of overwhelming evidence. We bills, the one we voted on last year and bathwater. know about the real negligence that this bill.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.046 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5627 There is important workplace protec- the unions one time, but I now think I will nature, making all of the 200,000 tions that do not exist in this bill, and understand why the disparity in the employees of the VA at-will employees, that is my position. We cannot start vote. The senior executive level that which makes them more vulnerable to off by blaming unions, blaming the VA. we passed the accountability for last the caprices of managers and makes We have been through this before. year is nonunionized, and the people them less likely to want to come for- There are some bad actors there. We that we are talking about today are ward as whistleblowers. are trying to get rid of them, and I unionized. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman want to get rid of them faster than you I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. CARTWRIGHT). want to get rid of them, but I don’t from the First District of Tennessee Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, I want to take down the whole group. (Mr. ROE). rise to oppose H.R. 1994, which seeks to We paint with a very wide brush. We Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Chairman, transform 300,000 VA personnel to what have done this with other Federal it is a pleasure to join my colleagues we call at-will employees, capable of agencies. The reality is that the civil on the House floor today to speak in being fired based on anything, includ- service protections available to these support of H.R. 1994, the VA Account- ing their beliefs and not their merit employees and all other Federal em- ability Act, as amended. necessarily. It effectively destroys the ployees actually protect whistle- I would like to begin by noting that civil service as it is and as we know it at the VA. blowers—that is in the law already— most of the VA’s 300,000-plus employees Now, some jaded colleagues of mine are honest, hard-working folks who get and allow them to come forward when would look at this bill and say it is just up every day and go to work with the they see wrongdoing, without fearing a clever attempt to drive a wedge be- sole intention of helping our veterans, some retaliation. tween our Nation’s veterans—all of just as they do at Mountain Home VA Whistleblowers were how we discov- whom we ardently support on both ered the problems, Mr. Chairman, in Medical Center in my hometown of sides of the aisle—between those vet- the first place. That is how we found Johnson City, Tennessee. erans and the civil servants who serve out about what was going on in Phoe- With the scandals at the VA medical them at the VA and the unions that nix and in some other places. Correct centers and reports of whistleblower represent them. me if I am wrong; I think you will retribution, it has become evident that This bill strips due process rights agree with me. there are more bad apples than we away from every nonmanagement VA I agree that poorly performing em- would like to believe. employee, including over 100,000 vet- ployees have no place at the VA—or The VA Accountability Act would erans. That is the key, is that there are any other Federal agency for that mat- provide the flexibility necessary for 100,000 veterans themselves affected by ter. We agree on both sides of the aisle. the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to re- this bill; and they will lose rights as a We can’t—as some have said, you guys move these bad actors and send a mes- result if this bill passes. are in favor of the vets, and we are not sage about the type of performance Now, H.R. 1994 will have a chilling ef- in favor of the vets. that we expect for our veterans. fect on those willing to speak out, and Come on. We are away from that. We Additionally, this bill would provide that has been addressed amply here- did that 15 years ago. That didn’t work. frontline employees with increased tofore, but I am here to say it goes be- I agree that poorly performing em- whistleblower protections from ret- yond whistleblowers. Whistleblowers in ployees have no place at the VA—or ribution from superiors and colleagues this country have a lot of protections. any other Federal agency, not just this through the office of special counsel. This goes beyond whistleblowers be- one. This demonization of government As a member of the Veterans’ Affairs cause, remember, a lot of the bad ac- employees that my colleagues are Subcommittee on Oversight and Inves- tors at the VA that have led to the spearheading does not encourage pro- tigations and as a veteran myself, I un- Phoenix situation and the others that ductive work and, frankly, is just plain derstand how crucial it is for whistle- we have seen are management people. wrong. blowers to continue coming forward Think of it. If we take away the due I urge my colleagues to oppose this with allegations of mismanagement, process rights of employees, not only legislation. We are not going to make misconduct, and outright negligence. If who would serve as whistleblowers to these folks any more accountable by whistleblowers don’t feel safe stepping blow the whistle on bad management demonizing the work. forward, we will never, never be able to conduct, but we take away their rights By the way, just as you can’t have fix the problems at the VA. to due process before they lose their community policing without police, I think it is important to note that jobs; what we are doing to them is that you have got to understand, you can- nothing in this bill compels the Sec- we are perpetuating this culture of not have service with thousands and retary to remove anyone. Let me say tacit compliance with bad actor man- thousands of positions being vacant be- that again. Nothing in this bill re- agers at VA. For example, if an employee simply cause you don’t want to spend the quires the Secretary to remove anyone. doesn’t want to go along with an im- money. It simply gives the Secretary the tools proper and an unethical practice that a That is at one of the cores; it may necessary to remove bad employees, manager is asking him or her to do, not be the most fundamental reason. which would be a welcomed authority, that employee right now can say: No, I That is one of the reasons at least why I would think. Mr. Chairman, we must change the am not going to do it. we can’t provide service. If we pass this bill and they refuse to The Acting CHAIR (Mr. BYRNE). The culture at the VA. As the second larg- est employing Department in the U.S. do it, they can be fired for not doing it. Committee will rise informally. This is not the way to serve our Na- The Speaker pro tempore (Mrs. Government, second only to the De- partment of Defense, there are far too tion’s veterans. WALORSKI) assumed the chair. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- many bureaucratic hurdles in place to f man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- reasonably and responsibly manage it. tleman from Michigan (Mr. BENISHEK), MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Just one thing about spending at the chairman of the Health Subcommittee. A message in writing from the Presi- VA, Mr. Chairman, I have been on the dent of the United States was commu- Veterans’ Affairs Committee since I b 1515 nicated to the House by Mr. Brian have been in Congress, 61⁄2 years. The Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Chairman, today Pate, one of his secretaries. budget is up 74 percent. We are spend- I rise in support of H.R. 1994, legisla- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ing the money. We need to spend it tion to allow the VA Secretary to fire Committee will resume its sitting. more wisely. employees because of poor performance f I urge my colleagues to support this or misconduct. I want to thank Chair- legislation for our Nation’s veterans. man MILLER for his strong leadership VA ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2015 Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I am on this bill. The Committee resumed its sitting. glad that my colleagues on the other The VA Committee has been relent- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- side believe that we need to protect less in our pursuit of answers and ac- man, I don’t believe I have mentioned whistleblowers. It is precisely the at- countability for our veterans since the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.048 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5628 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 wait time scandal first surfaced. And, It might be hard to believe, Mr. here skipping town early with a whole yet, the VA has only held three indi- Chairman, but, currently, if a VA whis- bunch of unfinished business, but they viduals responsible for these unaccept- tleblower is invited to testify before are spending the last day of the session able failings. Congress, they are required to use their on an ideological bill that is aimed to I am the father of a veteran, and I personal vacation time and personally disparage Federal employees. served our returning heroes as a doctor cover all their own travel expenses. All employees, including Federal em- at the Iron Mountain VA hospital for 20 This bill would ensure that brave em- ployees, must be held to the highest years. I know exactly the quality of ployees who report to Congress and the standards for their quality of work and our veterans, and they deserve so much public on what is broken within the VA their behavior. There are mechanisms better. can do so on official time and be com- that are in place to enforce those In northern Michigan, we all know pensated by the VA for their travel standards for all Federal employees, that, if you don’t do your job, you get costs. including those at the Veterans Af- fired. It is that simple. Ultimately, this legislation is about fairs. The VA needs to remember that it is protecting our veterans. It is about The main provision of the bill would not there to serve the VA, it is there to making sure our veterans are treated single out nonmanagement VA employ- serve our veterans. Until we refocus with dignity and respect. It is about ees, including over 100,000 veterans in the VA on this fundamental and sacred making certain that our brave veterans the workforce to be fired or demoted mission, we will continue to have the have a VA that works for them, not the without due process. issues of mismanagement and incom- other way around. We work really closely with our em- petence that have plagued the Depart- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, may I ployees at the Baltimore regional of- ment. inquire as to the time remaining? fice and the Washington, D.C., Medical This bill takes an important step in The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman Center. These people, many veterans that direction. I am pleased to support from California has 12 minutes remain- themselves, are dedicated. They care it. I urge my colleagues to do the same. ing. deeply about the patients they serve Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I yield Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I just and the mission of the administration. myself such time as I may consume. want to state for the record that, as of This legislation is nothing more than I just want to address again the fact last year, under the current due proc- a last-minute attempt by House Repub- that most of us did, in fact, vote for ess regime in effect at the VA, 872 per- licans to terminate, demoralize, and the Veterans Access, Choice and Ac- manent employees were removed, 487 unfairly blame Federal employees and countability Act SES provision. more resigned in lieu of being fired, shrink the government so it can’t do I want to reiterate that the courts— and 958 probationary employees were anything for the American people. not Congress, not the President—deter- terminated. I will work with like-minded Mem- mine whether a law we pass comports So it is indeed very possible under bers of Congress who want to do the with the Constitution. the current due process regime for em- right thing and provide the right kind In hindsight, we should have given ployees to be disciplined and dismissed. of oversight. But this is not the an- that SES provision closer scrutiny. We We need to work more closely with the swer, and it would destroy VA’s merit- might have reacted a bit too hastily to VA to make sure that we empower based civil service system. Let me just say this is not about ac- the Phoenix scandal. We were all, I managers to utilize the current proc- countability. It is not about whistle- think, unified in our outrage. esses in place. I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman blowers. It is not about improving serv- However, that SES provision is now from Maryland (Ms. EDWARDS). ices for our Nation’s veterans. working its way through the court sys- Ms. EDWARDS. I thank the gen- This bill is nothing more than union- tem and is very well possibly going to tleman from California. busting. Let’s just call it what it is. It be overturned. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposi- is union-busting, and it needs to be I reserve the balance of my time. tion to H.R. 1994, the so-called VA Ac- stopped. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- countability Act. The House Republicans should be man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- I am the daughter of a career service- ashamed of trying to use VA employees tleman from the First District of Kan- member and a veteran. I, too, was out- and Federal employees for their own sas (Mr. HUELSKAMP). raged last year at the findings that political gain. Mr. HUELSKAMP. I thank the chair- wait time records were falsified at the Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- man. I appreciate the opportunity to Department of Veterans Affairs. man, I would remind the gentlewoman speak in support of our legislation. But I have to tell you—and it has that she voted at the last minute be- Mr. Chairman, we do know in the last been said on the other side—my father fore the August work recess for the year there has been a lot of talk about actually received really good care and Veterans Access, Choice and Account- accountability at the VA. Unfortu- services in VA, as hundreds of thou- ability Act. The same language is in nately, though, there has not been sands of veterans do all across this there now. The only difference is it did enough action or change by the VA country, by the hundreds of thousands not cover union employees. This one under this administration. of veteran employees and workers at does. This bill provides much-needed tools the VA. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman to ensure the VA Secretary has the au- I recall that, in my State of Mary- from the Sixth District of Colorado thority and the responsibility to re- land, 10 percent of our population are (Mr. COFFMAN). move corrupt or incompetent employ- veterans, and we are a small State. We Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise ees. all care about veterans and the care in strong support of H.R. 1994, the VA As a Member of Congress, I am sim- that they receive. Accountability Act. ply tired of hearing stories about em- Just before adjourning for our Au- You don’t have to look any further ployees placed on indefinite adminis- gust district work period last year, than my hometown of Aurora, Colo- trative leave or getting early retire- Congress passed and I voted for and the rado, to see that the VA is in desperate ment with full benefits for offenses President signed into law the Veterans need of fundamental reforms. that should get them fired, if we really Access, Choice and Accountability Act. What happens when the VA bursts its cared about the veterans. That law gave the VA Secretary ex- budget on a single construction project Ultimately, here is the purpose of panded authority to fire or demote by over $1 billion? Nobody gets fired. this bill: ending the culture of non- Senior Executive Service employees, Nobody gets disciplined. Nobody is at accountability at the VA. My bill, the capped the amount of bonuses the VA fault. Whistleblower Testimony Travel Act, could pay each year, and it required Of course, that is not technically is also included. the VA to establish penalties for em- true. The VA was willing to fire one It provides much-needed protections ployees who knowingly submit false person involved, a whistleblower at- for courageous whistleblowers who tes- wait time data. tempting to warn VA leaders early on tify before Congress about the short- Well, enough already. Almost 1 year of the growing problems with the falls of this agency. later House Republicans are not only project.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.050 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5629 To make matters worse, the VA Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I yield didn’t just fail to discipline the people man, I would also say that H.R. 4031 myself such time as I may consume. in charge of the Aurora project, but last year was a stand-alone bill that I just want to point out we keep get- they awarded the VA’s construction dealt specifically with firing senior ex- ting back to this point about every- chief over $600,000 in bonuses and let ecutive-level individuals, the same lan- body voted for the SES provision that him retire with a full pension. guage that is in here now for the rest is only now being extended to all em- There is a culture of bureaucratic in- of the VA. ployees now, but I want to remind my competence and corruption within the The Democrats unanimously sup- colleagues that that provision was part VA which is hurting our Nation’s vet- ported that language in the Veterans of a large, large conference report that erans and wasting billions of taxpayer Access, Choice and Accountability Act. included the $10 billion to address the dollars. I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman problems we had in Phoenix. There The VA Accountability Act is an im- from the State of Indiana (Mrs. were 1,500 graduate medical education portant step in the right direction, and WALORSKI). slots. It was a huge, huge, huge bill. I urge its full support. Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Chairman, I There were a number of people who Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I yield rise today in support of the VA Ac- did have concerns about the provision 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from countability Act. I also want to thank that affected the SES employees, but Chairman MILLER for sponsoring this Florida (Ms. BROWN), the ranking mem- given the enormity of the situation we bill and for his work to reform the De- ber of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. were trying to address, I believe that partment of Veterans Affairs. Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Chair- many folks just believe that it was the It wasn’t long ago that news reports best thing to do to come together on a man, let me just say, first of all, that of VA mismanagement made headlines I have been on this committee for the bipartisan basis and pass a bill that ad- across this country. Reports surfaced dressed the situation in Phoenix. entire time I have been in Congress, 23 of veterans dying due to mismanaged years. I also want to address another issue. wait times and senior executives re- H.R. 1994 does not protect whistle- What I have always enjoyed about ceiving bonuses instead of receiving this committee is the bipartisan nature blowers to the extent that whistle- punishment for knowingly allowing blowers are protected now under the of this committee. But let me just tell this negligence to occur. you this bill, H.R. 1994, I do not sup- current regime. In fact, it creates extra Over the past year, the Veterans’ Af- hurdles for whistleblowers, and I bring port. fairs Committee has continued to un- The gentleman from Florida, Chair- this point up because we would not cover instances of mismanagement or know about the terrible egregious situ- man MILLER, has said repeatedly that misconduct by VA employees. ation in Phoenix without whistle- we voted for this provision in the We discovered the VA often does not Choice Act. And the only reason we did blowers coming forward. hold employees accountable for their What do I mean by that? This bill it was because these were union people actions. When the VA attempts to take does nothing to protect the firing of a or not union people. disciplinary action against an em- whistleblower who has not yet filed an I went to every single meeting, every ployee, the process is so complicated official complaint before they even single conference, and this provision and lengthy that such action rarely oc- have the opportunity to report danger that you are talking about—the devil curs. to patient safety, wrongdoing, malfea- is always in the details. In May, VA Deputy Secretary Sloan sance, or discrimination. Maybe we need to make sure we read Gibson admitted that it was very dif- This bill will encourage bad employ- every bill closely because I was not— ficult to fire bad employees. For too ees to file for whistleblower status to yes, the Secretary has the authority to long, taxpayers have been footing the prevent themselves from being fired, fire people. But we want to make sure bill to pay poor-performing employees and these bad employees will overbur- that they have due process. to provide substandard care to our vet- den the office of special counsel with We are voting to give the VA the ad- erans. frivolous complaints. ditional resources they need to do Only in government are special pro- Now, if you are an at-will employee away with the backlog. tections put in place that protect those and you are under threat of immediate who cannot appropriately do their job. Would the gentleman from Florida dismissal, an immediate threat to your However, I also recognize there are respond to that. Because none of us livelihood, that is even more of an in- were voting for H.R. 1994. It was a bad individuals in the VA who do a great job for our veterans, and they should timidating situation for that employee year for Congress, a bad year for the not to want to come forward as a whis- American people. be commended for that. This legislation simply builds on last tleblower. I yield to the gentleman from Flor- Mr. Chairman, I believe that this bill ida. year’s law that gave the VA Secretary the authority to remove employees for actually worsens the situation for Mr. MILLER of Florida. I would say whistleblowers and does not protect to the gentlewoman from Florida that, poor performance or misconduct. The VA Accountability Act of 2015 them more; it protects them less. It if she would ask a question, I will be gives them extra burdens. more than happy to answer her ques- expands that power further to the en- tire VA workforce, giving the Sec- I reserve the balance of my time. tion. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Chair- retary increased authority to remove employees who are not meeting the man, I yield myself such time as I may man, Chairman MILLER has said re- standards of service that veterans de- consume. peatedly that this provision that you I would say that the statutory defini- have was in the base bill of the Choice serve and taxpayers expect. In addition, the legislation protects tion in chapter 5 of a whistleblower program and that we all knew that we whistleblowers and would shorten the ‘‘means a complaint by an employee of were voting to give the Secretary addi- appeal period and end what many vet- the Department disclosing, or assisting tional authority to fire people. erans believe is a never-ending process another employee to disclose, a poten- Mr. MILLER of Florida. That is cor- to remove employees who may be dam- tial violation of any law, rule, or regu- rect. aging the Department’s reputation lation, or gross mismanagement, gross The Acting CHAIR. The time of the and, even worse, putting veterans at waste of funds, abuse of authority, or gentlewoman has expired. risk. substantial and specific danger to pub- Mr. TAKANO. I yield an additional 1 lic health and safety.’’ minute to the gentlewoman. b 1530 I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman Ms. BROWN of Florida. Yesterday in This bill takes those steps to ensure from Louisiana, Dr. Abraham, an able- the committee I heard someone say our Nation’s servicemen and -women bodied member of our committee. that the goal is to close all of the VA receive the care they rightfully de- Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. Chairman, I facilities and privatize it. serve. thank the chairman for bringing up Now, let me be clear that that is not I urge my colleagues to join me in this very strong bill which, in my opin- the goal of the Members on the Demo- supporting this bill because our vet- ion, will be lifesaving for some of our cratic side. erans deserve nothing but the best. Nation’s heroes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.051 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5630 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 I rise today in support of the VA Ac- behaves, demoted or terminated? Under proper treatment, long wait times, and countability Act of 2015. I am a proud this bill, that employee, within 7 days, other serious matters that have yet to original cosponsor of the bill, and I be- gets to file an expedited appeal with be addressed. lieve the legislation is vital to rooting the Merit Systems Protection Board, This commonsense legislation, of out the pervasive bureaucracy that and then the MSPB would have to which I am proud to be a cosponsor, plagues the Federal Government. make a final decision within 45 days. If will enable the VA to hold those who As a direct result of this broken sys- you get fired, if you get demoted, if do not perform their duties account- tem, we have seen instances where a you think that that was wrong, there is able, which will surely lead to better VA employee actually took a patient a process that is in place to address services for our veterans. No longer to a crackhouse to get a ‘‘fix.’’ It took that. should our veterans come second to an entire year for that employee to be This comes on the heels of a lot of lifelong bureaucrats who have gamed fired—an entire year. problems in the VA. We need more ac- the system while our veterans have As a direct result of this broken sys- countability, and we need more trans- suffered. tem, we have seen senior employees parency, and we hear that all the time. I want to be clear that I believe the caught participating in retaliation This bill addresses that. vast majority of those VA employees against whistleblowers, only to remain This bill also provides more protec- who serve our veterans do so honorably on the job. tions to whistleblowers. It is the coura- and are dedicated to making sure that As a direct result of this broken sys- geous whistleblowers, through their te- those they serve are awarded the serv- tem, we have seen employees who were nacity, that have brought a lot of the ices and benefits they have so right- caught manipulating veterans’ dis- problems forward. This bill seeks to fully earned. However, it is clear that ability claims. protect them. there are some bad apples in the VA, Do you know what happened to those I want to thank the chairman for his and we must not let them continue to employees? They were promoted. They leadership. ruin the bunch. received bonuses. This is unacceptable Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I yield Mr. Chairman, I want to, once again, on so many levels, and it is time for it myself such time as I may consume. thank Chairman MILLER for his work to stop. We have to make the VA work I wish to address this issue of the ap- on this bill, and I look forward to see- for the veteran. The current law pro- peals process that takes place post ing it signed into law. tects those who have forgotten that facto. The Supreme Court decisions Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- they work for the veteran, not the and case law make very clear that Fed- man, I would like to ask how much other way around. eral employees are entitled to due time is remaining. Even the Veterans Affairs Depart- process on the front end and that this The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman 1 ment’s own Deputy Secretary, Sloan bill clearly does not meet that upfront, from Florida has 2 ⁄2 minutes. The gen- Gibson, as you heard before, recently front-loaded due process moment. tleman from California has 2 minutes. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I yield admitted at a congressional hearing Clearly, 45 days, the Board that myself such time as I may consume. makes these decisions, if they don’t that ‘‘it is too hard to fire someone at I just want to remind my colleagues make a decision, the decision for the the VA.’’ There is no excuse for those that the front-end provisions that were firing stands, so they do not have to who fail to do their job and then get accorded to the SES employees, we make a firm decision, and there is no promoted, none. stripped them completely of the front- H.R. 1994 is a giant step forward in appeal. There is no appeal. That deci- end due process. ensuring that good employees are pro- sion is final. Only with a regulatory move by the tected, ensuring whistleblowers are I want to remind my colleagues that VA itself, instituted a 5-day procedure protected, and, most importantly, that the Secretary of the VA hopefully is al- of due process because they, too, be- our Nation’s heroes are protected. ways appointed by the President with a lieved that case law required at least I urge my colleagues to stand up for sense of merit, but I remind you that some front end, and that was over the the veterans who have to stand up for these are political appointees con- objections of many of my colleagues. us by supporting the VA Account- firmed by the Senate, as are the top ap- That rule was over the objections of ability Act of 2015. pointees in any Federal department. many of my colleagues. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I re- You do away with due process rights, H.R. 1994 strips away front-end due serve the balance of my time. you do away with the very cornerstone process for all 348,728 employees, of Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- of a merit-based civil service system. whom 114,740 are veterans. Before we man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- You subject it long term to becoming a paint them as faceless bureaucrats, one tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. COS- spoils system to be dismissed, rehired of every three VA employees is a vet- TELLO), from the Sixth District. at the whim of any incoming adminis- eran who has laid their life on the line Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. tration. for our country. I think we need to Chairman, should the Secretary of the I reserve the balance of my time. talk about our VA employees with re- VA be allowed to remove or demote an Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- spect. employee of the Department for poor man, I yield myself such time as I may Even my good friend, the chairman of performance or misconduct? That is consume. the VA committee, has said the vast the question, as I see it. My bill provides all employees an ap- majority of the employees are good, Common sense to me dictates that, if peal to the MSPB. Post-depravation is hard-working, competent, good-inten- an employee is poorly performing or not an issue; and regarding pre-depra- tioned people. They deserve to be treat- has demonstrated incompetence or dis- vation due process, my bill provides ed fairly; they deserve to be treated honesty, as we have seen at VAs in the same protections as the Choice with respect. Philadelphia and across the country, Act, which the MSPB has held does Certainly, our frontline employees, we need to be able to get rid of them— not, on its face, violate the due process our frontline employees, we need to common sense. clause. protect them from a capricious, politi- I hear those who are speaking about I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman cally motivated manager who will fire due process violations implicit or ex- from American Samoa (Mrs. them at will and intimidate them into plicit in this legislation, and I simply RADEWAGEN), a new member of our not being a whistleblower. just don’t see it. For one, there was a committee. I reserve the balance of my time. law passed last Congress; I wasn’t here Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- then, but it was part of a larger, broad- want to thank Chairman MILLER for in- man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman er bill that brought more money to the troducing this important legislation from Pennsylvania (Mr. ROTHFUS). VA, and with more money, there that will increase accountability in the Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Chairman, I rise should be more accountability. I think VA. in strong support of the VA Account- that is common sense. For too long, our veterans, including ability Act. Here is the example: Poorly per- the large number I represent in Amer- In his recent remarks at the VFW na- forming employee, employee who mis- ican Samoa, have been subjected to im- tional convention in Pittsburgh,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.052 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5631 Barack Obama discussed the outbreak poor performance, violating a worker’s right to SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. of Legionnaire’s disease at the Pitts- due process. I’m concerned that the bill would This Act may be cited as the ‘‘VA Account- burgh VA that killed six veterans and effectively make the VA the only ‘‘at-will’’ fed- ability Act of 2015’’. SEC. 2. REMOVAL OR DEMOTION OF EMPLOYEES sickened many more. eral agency and this would further deplete the BASED ON PERFORMANCE OR MIS- The Office of the Inspector General talent and retention of the public servants who CONDUCT. concluded that systemic failures and serve our veterans. (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 38, United mismanagement at the VA were to I fully support Mr. TAKANO’s amendment in States Code, is amended by adding at the end blame for the outbreak, and the Presi- nature of a substitute which would allow the the following new section: dent stated unequivocally: ‘‘Whenever VA to immediately suspend without pay any ‘‘§ 715. Employees: removal or demotion based there are any missteps, there is no ex- employee who’s suspected misconducted on performance or misconduct cuse.’’ threatened health or safety then allow the em- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may remove ployee to tell their side of the story, preventing or demote an individual who is an employee of Mr. Chairman, that is the essence of the Department if the Secretary determines the the VA Accountability Act. With the cases of political patronage and an increase in performance or misconduct of the individual enactment of this important legisla- false whistleblower cases. warrants such removal or demotion. If the Sec- tion, there is no longer any excuse for Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chair, I rise today in retary so removes or demotes such an indi- chronic dysfunction at the VA. There opposition to H.R. 1994, the so-called ‘‘VA Ac- vidual, the Secretary may— is no excuse for the VA keeping bad countability Act of 2015.’’ There is nothing ‘‘(1) remove the individual from the civil serv- employees, placing them on indefinite more important than providing for the men and ice (as defined in section 2101 of title 5); or women who have made so many sacrifices for ‘‘(2) demote the individual by means of— paid leave, or rewarding them with lav- ‘‘(A) a reduction in grade for which the indi- ish bonuses. There is no excuse for the our country. However, today’s legislation is a vidual is qualified and that the Secretary deter- VA looking the other way when there fake solution and provides no real fix to the mines is appropriate; or is retaliation against courageous whis- fundamental problems at the VA. ‘‘(B) a reduction in annual rate of pay that tleblowers. This legislation turns hundreds of thousands the Secretary determines is appropriate. of VA employees—including many who served ‘‘(b) PAY OF CERTAIN DEMOTED INDIVID- Simply put, this legislation ensures UALS.—(1) Notwithstanding any other provision that there is no excuse for the VA fail- in the armed services and are veteran’s them- selves—into at-will employees. As a result, of law, any individual subject to a demotion ing our veterans and their families under subsection (a)(2)(A) shall, beginning on anymore. this would open the door for political abuse the date of such demotion, receive the annual I thank the committee for its hard and witch-hunts, effectively creating a mecha- rate of pay applicable to such grade. work on this legislation, and I urge my nism where career federal employees could ‘‘(2) An individual so demoted may not be placed on administrative leave or any other cat- colleagues to support this bill. be removed because of their views or political affiliation. In addition, turning individuals into egory of paid leave during the period during b 1545 at-will employees would likely discourage which an appeal (if any) under this section is whistleblowers from coming forward out of fear ongoing, and may only receive pay if the indi- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I have vidual reports for duty. If an individual so de- no further requests for time, and I of being terminated. Moreover, if this legisla- moted does not report for duty, such individual yield back the balance of my time. tion passes, the Department of Veterans Af- shall not receive pay or other benefits pursuant Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- fairs would be the only federal agency with at- to subsection (e)(5). man, I yield myself the balance of my will employment, making it harder to recruit ‘‘(c) NOTICE TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 30 time. and retain the best and brightest employees days after removing or demoting an individual In closing, there has been a lot said who are needed to serve our veterans. under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the today about a lack of due process. I do I was disappointed that a substitute amend- ment offered by Congressman TAKANO was Senate and House of Representatives notice in want to remind my colleagues that, in writing of such removal or demotion and the not adopted. Rep. TAKANO’s amendment the Cleveland Board of Education v. reason for such removal or demotion. Loudermill of 1985, it basically states would immediately suspend without pay any ‘‘(d) PROCEDURE.—(1) The procedures under that, if post-deprivation due process in- employee that is found to put a veteran’s section 7513(b) of title 5 and chapter 43 of such cludes a full hearing, on appeal, the Su- health and safety in jeopardy. However, it also title shall not apply to a removal or demotion preme Court has long held that pre- ensures that all employees—included whistle- under this section. blowers—are granted their constitutional right ‘‘(2)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B) and sub- deprivation due process need only be section (e), any removal or demotion under sub- minimal, to only include notice of to due process. On the other hand, H.R. 1994 would dismantle civil service protections that section (a) may be appealed to the Merit Sys- charges, an explanation of the evi- tems Protection Board under section 7701 of title dence, and an opportunity to present have been in place for decades. It would strip 5. their side of the story. away important protections for federal workers ‘‘(B) An appeal under subparagraph (A) of a In fact, in the Merit Systems Protec- and would deny a VA employee the oppor- removal or demotion may only be made if such tion Board ruling, the administrative tunity to appeal a decision to the full Merit appeal is made not later than seven days after the date of such removal or demotion. law judge in the Hellman case basically Systems Protection Board. Unfortunately, nothing in this bill addresses ‘‘(e) EXPEDITED REVIEW BY ADMINISTRATIVE said he did not find the response period the systemic problems that continue to plague JUDGE.—(1) Upon receipt of an appeal under was so short—it was 5 days—as to con- subsection (d)(2)(A), the Merit Systems Protec- the VA health care system. I urge my col- stitute on its face a due process viola- tion Board shall refer such appeal to an admin- leagues to oppose this legislation. tion, i.e., lack of meaningful oppor- istrative judge pursuant to section 7701(b)(1) of The Acting CHAIR (Mr. HULTGREN). title 5. The administrative judge shall expedite tunity to respond to the charges. All time for general debate has expired. There has been a lot said so far, and any such appeal under such section and, in any Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be such case, shall issue a decision not later than I am sure there will be more that will considered for amendment under the 5- 45 days after the date of the appeal. be said on the floor as amendments are minute rule. ‘‘(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of brought; but I encourage all of my col- It shall be in order to consider as an law, including section 7703 of title 5, the deci- leagues to support H.R. 1994, as amend- original bill for the purpose of amend- sion of an administrative judge under para- ed. ment under the 5-minute rule the graph (1) shall be final and shall not be subject I yield back the balance of my time. to any further appeal. amendment in the nature of a sub- ‘‘(3) In any case in which the administrative Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chair, I stitute recommended by the Com- judge cannot issue a decision in accordance rise today in opposition to H.R. 1994, the VA mittee on Veterans’ Affairs, printed in with the 45-day requirement under paragraph Accountability Act of 2015. While no member the bill. The committee amendment in (1), the removal or demotion is final. In such a of this body will deny that there is a need for the nature of a substitute shall be con- case, the Merit Systems Protection Board shall, fundamental and transparent reform at the De- sidered as read. within 14 days after the date that such removal partment of Veterans Affairs this bill does The text of the committee amend- or demotion is final, submit to Congress and the nothing to address the systematic issues that ment in the nature of a substitute is as Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate have plagued the VA. and House of Representatives a report that ex- follows: plains the reasons why a decision was not Currently, VA Management has many dif- H.R. 1994 issued in accordance with such requirement. ferent routes to hold their employees account- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ‘‘(4) The Merit Systems Protection Board or able through existing law. H.R. 1994 would resentatives of the United States of America in administrative judge may not stay any removal allow the VA to immediately fire employees for Congress assembled, or demotion under this section.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.053 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5632 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 ‘‘(5) During the period beginning on the date (B) by striking the period at the end of para- of the Department may file a whistleblower com- on which an individual appeals a removal from graph (3) and inserting ‘‘, or’’; and plaint in accordance with subsection (g) with a the civil service under subsection (d) and ending (C) by adding at the end the following: supervisor of the employee. on the date that the administrative judge issues ‘‘(4) any removal or demotion under section ‘‘(2) Except as provided by subsection (d)(1), a final decision on such appeal, such individual 715 of title 38.’’. in making a whistleblower complaint under may not receive any pay, awards, bonuses, in- SEC. 3. REQUIRED PROBATIONARY PERIOD FOR paragraph (1), an employee shall file the initial centives, allowances, differentials, student loan NEW EMPLOYEES OF DEPARTMENT complaint with the immediate supervisor of the repayments, special payments, or benefits. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. employee. ‘‘(6) To the maximum extent practicable, the (a) PROBATIONARY PERIOD.— ‘‘(b) NOTIFICATION.—(1) Not later than four Secretary shall provide to the Merit Systems (1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 38, United business days after the date on which a super- Protection Board, and to any administrative States Code, as amended by section 2, is further visor receives a whistleblower complaint by an judge to whom an appeal under this section is amended by adding at the end the following employee under this section, the supervisor shall referred, such information and assistance as new section: notify, in writing, the employee of whether the may be necessary to ensure an appeal under this ‘‘§ 717. Probationary period for employees supervisor determines that there is a reasonable subsection is expedited. likelihood that the complaint discloses a viola- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding sections ‘‘(f) WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION.—(1) In the tion of any law, rule, or regulation, or gross 3321 and 3393(d) of title 5, the appointment of a case of an individual seeking corrective action mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of covered employee shall become final only after (or on behalf of whom corrective action is authority, or substantial and specific danger to such employee has served a probationary period sought) from the Office of Special Counsel based public health and safety. The supervisor shall of 18 months. The Secretary may extend a pro- on an alleged prohibited personnel practice de- retain written documentation regarding the bationary period under this subsection at the scribed in section 2302(b) of title 5, the Secretary whistleblower complaint and shall submit to the discretion of the Secretary. may not remove or demote such individual next-level supervisor and the central whistle- ‘‘(b) COVERED EMPLOYEE.—In this section, the under subsection (a) without the approval of the blower office described in subsection (h) a writ- term ‘covered employee’— Special Counsel under section 1214(f) of title 5. ten report on the complaint. ‘‘(1) means any individual— ‘‘(2) In the case of an individual who has filed ‘‘(2) On a monthly basis, the supervisor shall ‘‘(A) appointed to a permanent position with- a whistleblower complaint, as such term is de- submit to the appropriate director or other offi- in the competitive service at the Department; or fined in section 731 of this title, the Secretary cial who is superior to the supervisor a written ‘‘(B) appointed as a career appointee (as that may not remove or demote such individual report that includes the number of whistle- term is defined in section 3132(a)(4) of title 5) under subsection (a) until the central whistle- blower complaints received by the supervisor within the Senior Executive Service at the De- blower office under section 732(h) of this title under this section during the month covered by partment; and has made a final decision with respect to the the report, the disposition of such complaints, ‘‘(2) does not include any individual with a whistleblower complaint. and any actions taken because of such com- probationary period prescribed by section 7403 of ‘‘(g) TERMINATION OF INVESTIGATIONS BY OF- plaints pursuant to subsection (c). In the case in this title. FICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL.—Notwithstanding which such a director or official carries out this ‘‘(c) PERMANENT HIRES.—Upon the expiration any other provision of law, the Special Counsel paragraph, the director or official shall submit of a covered employee’s probationary period (established by section 1211 of title 5) may termi- such monthly report to the supervisor of the di- under subsection (a), the supervisor of the em- nate an investigation of a prohibited personnel rector or official and to the central whistle- ployee shall determine whether the appointment practice alleged by an employee or former em- blower office described in subsection (h). becomes final based on regulations prescribed ployee of the Department after the Special ‘‘(c) POSITIVE DETERMINATION.—If a super- for such purpose by the Secretary.’’. Counsel provides to the employee or former em- visor makes a positive determination under sub- (2) CLERICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- ployee a written statement of the reasons for the section (b)(1) regarding a whistleblower com- MENTS.— termination of the investigation. Such statement plaint of an employee, the supervisor shall in- (A) CLERICAL.—The table of sections at the may not be admissible as evidence in any judi- clude in the notification to the employee under beginning of such chapter, as amended by sec- cial or administrative proceeding without the such subsection the specific actions that the su- tion 2, is further amended by adding at the end consent of such employee or former employee. pervisor will take to address the complaint. the following new item: ‘‘(h) RELATION TO TITLE 5.—The authority ‘‘(d) FILING COMPLAINT WITH NEXT-LEVEL SU- provided by this section is in addition to the au- ‘‘717. Probationary period for employees.’’. PERVISORS.—(1) If any circumstance described in thority provided by subchapter V of chapter 75 (B) CONFORMING.—Title 5, United States paragraph (3) is met, an employee may file a of title 5 and chapter 43 of such title. Code, is amended— whistleblower complaint in accordance with ‘‘(i) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (i) in section 3321(c)— subsection (g) with the next-level supervisor ‘‘(1) The term ‘individual’ means an indi- (I) by striking ‘‘Service or’’ and inserting who shall treat such complaint in accordance vidual occupying a position at the Department ‘‘Service,’’; and with this section. but does not include— (II) by inserting at the end before the period ‘‘(2) An employee may file a whistleblower ‘‘(A) an individual, as that term is defined in the following: ‘‘, or any individual covered by complaint with the Secretary if the employee section 713(g)(1); or section 717 of title 38’’; and has filed the whistleblower complaint to each ‘‘(B) a political appointee. (ii) in section 3393(d), by adding at the end level of supervisors between the employee and ‘‘(2) The term ‘grade’ has the meaning given after the period the following: ‘‘The preceding the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (1). such term in section 7511(a) of title 5. sentence shall not apply to any individual cov- ‘‘(3) A circumstance described in this para- ‘‘(3) The term ‘misconduct’ includes neglect of ered by section 717 of title 38.’’. graph are any of the following circumstances: ‘‘(A) A supervisor does not make a timely de- duty, malfeasance, or failure to accept a di- (b) APPLICATION.—Section 717 of title 38, rected reassignment or to accompany a position United States Code, as added by subsection termination under subsection (b)(1) regarding a in a transfer of function. (a)(1), shall apply to any covered employee (as whistleblower complaint. ‘‘(B) The employee who made a whistleblower ‘‘(4) The term ‘political appointee’ means an that term is defined in subsection (b) of such complaint determines that the supervisor did not individual who is— section 717, as so added) appointed after the adequately address the complaint pursuant to ‘‘(A) employed in a position described under date of the enactment of this Act. subsection (c). sections 5312 through 5316 of title 5 (relating to SEC. 4. TREATMENT OF WHISTLEBLOWER COM- the Executive Schedule); ‘‘(C) The immediate supervisor of the em- PLAINTS IN DEPARTMENT OF VET- ployee is the basis of the whistleblower com- ‘‘(B) a limited term appointee, limited emer- ERANS AFFAIRS. plaint. gency appointee, or noncareer appointee in the (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 38, United ‘‘(e) TRANSFER OF EMPLOYEE WHO FILES Senior Executive Service, as defined under para- States Code, is further amended by adding at WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINT.—If a supervisor graphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively, of section the end the following new subchapter: 3132(a) of title 5; or makes a positive determination under subsection ‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—WHISTLEBLOWER (b)(1) regarding a whistleblower complaint filed ‘‘(C) employed in a position of a confidential COMPLAINTS or policy-determining character under schedule by an employee, the Secretary shall— C of subpart C of part 213 of title 5 of the Code ‘‘§ 731. Whistleblower complaint defined ‘‘(1) inform the employee of the ability to vol- of Federal Regulations.’’. ‘‘In this subchapter, the term ‘whistleblower unteer for a transfer in accordance with section 3352 of title 5; and (b) CLERICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- complaint’ means a complaint by an employee of ‘‘(2) give preference to the employee for such MENTS.— the Department disclosing, or assisting another a transfer in accordance with such section. (1) CLERICAL.—The table of sections at the be- employee to disclose, a potential violation of ‘‘(f) PROHIBITION ON EXEMPTION.—The Sec- ginning of such chapter is amended by adding any law, rule, or regulation, or gross mis- retary may not exempt any employee of the De- at the end the following new item: management, gross waste of funds, abuse of au- partment from being covered by this section. thority, or substantial and specific danger to ‘‘715. Employees: removal or demotion based on ‘‘(g) WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINT FORM.—(1) public health and safety. performance or misconduct.’’. A whistleblower complaint filed by an employee (2) CONFORMING.—Section 4303(f) of title 5, ‘‘§ 732. Treatment of whistleblower complaints under subsection (a) or (d) shall consist of the United States Code, is amended— ‘‘(a) FILING.—(1) In addition to any other form described in paragraph (2) and any sup- (A) by striking ‘‘or’’ at the end of paragraph method established by law in which an employee porting materials or documentation the em- (2); may file a whistleblower complaint, an employee ployee determines necessary.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.015 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5633 ‘‘(2) The form described in this paragraph is a ‘‘(B) An employee who is notified of being the a supervisor described in subsection (a)(2)(B) to form developed by the Secretary, in consultation subject of a proposed adverse action under para- repay the amount of any award or bonus paid with the Special Counsel, that includes the fol- graph (1) may not be given more than five days under this title or title 5, including under chap- lowing: following such notification to provide evidence ter 45 or 53 of such title, if— ‘‘(A) An explanation of the purpose of the to dispute such proposed adverse action. If the ‘‘(A) such award or bonus was paid for per- whistleblower complaint form. employee does not provide any such evidence, or formance during a period in which the super- ‘‘(B) Instructions for filing a whistleblower if the Secretary determines that such evidence is visor committed a prohibited personnel action as complaint as described in this section. not sufficient to reverse the determination to determined pursuant to such subsection ‘‘(C) An explanation that filing a whistle- propose the adverse action, the Secretary shall (a)(2)(B); blower complaint under this section does not carry out the adverse action following such five- ‘‘(B) the Secretary determines such repayment preclude the employee from any other method day period. appropriate pursuant to regulations prescribed established by law in which an employee may ‘‘(b) LIMITATION ON OTHER ADVERSE AC- by the Secretary to carry out this section; and file a whistleblower complaint. TIONS.—With respect to a prohibited personnel ‘‘(C) the supervisor is afforded notice and an ‘‘(D) A statement directing the employee to in- action described in subsection (c), if the Sec- opportunity for a hearing before making such formation accessible on the Internet website of retary carries out an adverse action against a repayment. the Department as described in section 735(c). supervisory employee, the Secretary may carry ‘‘§ 735. Training regarding whistleblower com- ‘‘(E) Fields for the employee to provide— out an additional adverse action under this sec- plaints ‘‘(i) the date that the form is submitted; tion based on the same prohibited personnel ac- ‘‘(a) TRAINING.—The Secretary, in coordina- ‘‘(ii) the name of the employee; tion if the total severity of the adverse actions tion with the Whistleblower Protection Ombuds- ‘‘(iii) the contact information of the employee; do not exceed the level specified in subsection man designated under section 3(d)(1)(C) of the ‘‘(iv) a summary of the whistleblower com- (a). Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.), plaint (including the option to append sup- ‘‘(c) PROHIBITED PERSONNEL ACTION DE- shall annually provide to each employee of the porting documents pursuant to paragraph (1)); SCRIBED.—A prohibited personnel action de- Department training regarding whistleblower and scribed in this subsection is any of the following complaints, including— ‘‘(v) proposed solutions to complaint. actions: ‘‘(1) an explanation of each method estab- ‘‘(F) Any other information or fields that the ‘‘(1) Taking or failing to take a personnel ac- lished by law in which an employee may file a Secretary determines appropriate. tion in violation of section 2302 of title 5 against whistleblower complaint; ‘‘(3) The Secretary, in consultation with the an employee relating to the employee— ‘‘(2) an explanation of prohibited personnel Special Counsel, shall develop the form de- ‘‘(A) filing a whistleblower complaint in ac- actions described by section 733(c) of this title; scribed in paragraph (2) by not later than 60 cordance with section 732 of this title; ‘‘(3) with respect to supervisors, how to treat days after the date of the enactment of this sec- ‘‘(B) filing a whistleblower complaint with the whistleblower complaints in accordance with tion. Inspector General of the Department, the Spe- section 732 of this title; ‘‘(h) CENTRAL WHISTLEBLOWER OFFICE.—(1) cial Counsel, or Congress; ‘‘(4) the right of the employee to petition Con- The Secretary shall ensure that the central ‘‘(C) providing information or participating as gress regarding a whistleblower complaint in ac- whistleblower office— a witness in an investigation of a whistleblower cordance with section 7211 of title 5; ‘‘(A) is not an element of the Office of the complaint in accordance with section 732 or ‘‘(5) an explanation that the employee may General Counsel; with the Inspector General of the Department, not be prosecuted or reprised against for dis- ‘‘(B) is not headed by an official who reports the Special Counsel, or Congress; closing information to Congress in instances to the General Counsel; ‘‘(D) participating in an audit or investigation where such disclosure is permitted by law, in- ‘‘(C) does not provide, or receive from, the by the Comptroller General of the United States; cluding under sections 5701, 5705, and 7732 of General Counsel any information regarding a ‘‘(E) refusing to perform an action that is un- this title, under section 552a of title 5 (commonly whistleblower complaint except pursuant to an lawful or prohibited by the Department; or referred to as the Privacy Act), under chapter 93 action regarding the complaint before an admin- ‘‘(F) engaging in communications that are re- of title 18, and pursuant to regulations promul- istrative body or court; and lated to the duties of the position or are other- gated under section 264(c) of the Health Insur- ‘‘(D) does not provide advice to the General wise protected. ance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 Counsel. ‘‘(2) Preventing or restricting an employee (Public Law 104–191); ‘‘(2) The central whistleblower office shall be from making an action described in any of sub- ‘‘(6) an explanation of the language that is re- responsible for investigating all whistleblower paragraphs (A) through (F) of paragraph (1). quired to be included in all nondisclosure poli- complaints of the Department, regardless of ‘‘(3) Conducting a peer review or opening a cies, forms, and agreements pursuant to section whether such complaints are made by or against retaliatory investigation relating to an activity 115(a)(1) of the Whistleblower Protection En- an employee who is not a member of the Senior of an employee that is protected by section 2302 hancement Act of 2012 (5 U.S.C. 2302 note); and Executive Service. of title 5. ‘‘(7) the right of contractors to be protected ‘‘(3) The Secretary shall ensure that the cen- ‘‘(4) Requesting a contractor to carry out an from reprisal for the disclosure of certain infor- tral whistleblower office maintains a toll-free action that is prohibited by section 4705(b) or mation under section 4705 or 4712 of title 41. hotline to anonymously receive whistleblower section 4712(a)(1) of title 41, as the case may be. ‘‘(b) CERTIFICATION.—The Secretary shall an- complaints. ‘‘§ 734. Evaluation criteria of supervisors and nually provide training on merit system protec- ‘‘(4) In this subsection, the term ‘central whis- treatment of bonuses tion in a manner that the Special Counsel cer- tleblower office’ means the Office of Account- VALUATION CRITERIA.—(1) In evaluating tifies as being satisfactory. ability Review or a successor office that is estab- ‘‘(a) E the performance of supervisors of the Depart- ‘‘(c) PUBLICATION.—(1) The Secretary shall lished or designated by the Secretary to inves- ment, the Secretary shall include the criteria de- publish on the Internet website of the Depart- tigate whistleblower complaints filed under this scribed in paragraph (2). ment, and display prominently at each facility section or any other method established by law. ‘‘(2) The criteria described in this subsection of the Department, the rights of an employee to ‘‘§ 733. Adverse actions against supervisory are the following: file a whistleblower complaint, including the in- employees who commit prohibited personnel ‘‘(A) Whether the supervisor treats whistle- formation described in paragraphs (1) through actions relating to whistleblower com- blower complaints in accordance with section (7) of subsection (a). plaints 732. ‘‘(2) The Secretary shall publish on the Inter- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—(1) In accordance with ‘‘(B) Whether the appropriate deciding offi- net website of the Department, the whistle- paragraph (2), the Secretary shall carry out the cial, performance review board, or performance blower complaint form described in section following adverse actions against supervisory review committee determines that the supervisor 732(g)(2). employees whom the Secretary, an administra- was found to have committed a prohibited per- ‘‘§ 736. Reports to Congress tive judge, the Merit Systems Protection Board, sonnel action described in section 733(b) by an ‘‘(a) ANNUAL REPORTS.—The Secretary shall the Office of Special Counsel, an adjudicating administrative judge, the Merit Systems Protec- annually submit to the Committees on Veterans’ body provided under a union contract, a Fed- tion Board, the Office of Special Counsel, an Affairs of the House of Representatives and the eral judge, or the Inspector General of the De- adjudicating body provided under a union con- Senate, the Committee on Oversight and Gov- partment determines committed a prohibited per- tract, a Federal judge, or, in the case of a settle- ernment Reform of the House of Representa- sonnel action described in subsection (c): ment of a whistleblower complaint (regardless of tives, and the Committee on Homeland Security ‘‘(A) With respect to the first offense, an ad- whether any fault was assigned under such set- and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report verse action that is not less than a 14-day sus- tlement), the Secretary. that includes— pension and not more than removal. ‘‘(b) BONUSES.—(1) The Secretary may not pay ‘‘(1) with respect to whistleblower complaints ‘‘(B) With respect to the second offense, re- to a supervisor described in subsection (a)(2)(B) filed under section 732 during the year covered moval. an award or bonus under this title or title 5, in- by the report— ‘‘(2)(A) Except as provided by subparagraph cluding under chapter 45 or 53 of such title, dur- ‘‘(A) the number of such complaints filed; (B), and notwithstanding subsections (b) and (c) ing the one-year period beginning on the date ‘‘(B) the disposition of such complaints; and of section 7513 and section 7543 of title 5, the on which the determination was made under ‘‘(C) the ways in which the Secretary ad- provisions of subsections (d) and (e) of section such subsection. dressed such complaints in which a positive de- 713 of this title shall apply with respect to an ‘‘(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of termination was made by a supervisor under adverse action carried out under paragraph (1). law, the Secretary shall issue an order directing subsection (b)(1) of such section;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.015 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5634 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 ‘‘(2) the number of whistleblower complaints rating during that year may receive the out- (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at filed during the year covered by the report that standing level under paragraph (1)(A). the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and are not included under paragraph (1), includ- ‘‘(B) For any year, not more than 20 percent (C) by adding at the end the following: ing— of such individuals who receive a performance ‘‘(4) that, in the case of the Department of ‘‘(A) the method in which such complaints rating during that year may receive the exceeds Veterans Affairs, the performance appraisal sys- were filed; fully successful level under paragraph (1)(B). tem meets the requirements of section 719 of title ‘‘(B) the disposition of such complaints; and ‘‘(3) In evaluating the performance of an indi- 38.’’. ‘‘(C) the ways in which the Secretary ad- vidual under the performance appraisal system, (b) REVIEW OF SES MANAGEMENT TRAINING.— dressed such complaints; and the Secretary shall take into consideration— (1) REVIEW.—Not later than 180 days after the ‘‘(3) with respect to disclosures made by a con- ‘‘(A) any complaint or report (including any date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary tractor under section 4705 or 4712 of title 41— pending or published report) submitted by the of Veterans Affairs shall enter into a contract ‘‘(A) the number of complaints relating to Inspector General of the Department, the Comp- with a nongovernmental entity to review the such disclosures that were investigated by the troller General of the United States, the Equal management training program for individuals Inspector General of the Department of Vet- Employment Opportunity Commission, or any employed in senior executive positions (as such erans Affairs during the year covered by the re- other appropriate person or entity, related to term is defined in section 713(g)(3) of title 38, port; any facility or program managed by the indi- United States Code) of the Department of Vet- ‘‘(B) the disposition of such complaints; and vidual, as determined by the Secretary; erans Affairs that is being provided as of the ‘‘(C) the ways in which the Secretary ad- ‘‘(B) efforts made by the individual to main- date of the enactment of this Act. Such review dressed such complaints. tain high levels of satisfaction and commitment shall include a comparison of the training pro- ‘‘(b) NOTICE OF OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL among the employees supervised by the indi- vided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to DETERMINATIONS.—Not later than 30 days after vidual; and the management training provided for senior ex- the date on which the Secretary receives from ‘‘(C) the criteria described in section 734(a)(2) ecutives of other Federal departments and agen- the Special Counsel information relating to a of this title. cies and to the management training provided to whistleblower complaint pursuant to section ‘‘(b) CHANGE OF POSITION.—(1) At least once senior executives in the private sector. The con- 1213 of title 5, the Secretary shall notify the every five years, the Secretary shall reassign tract shall provide that the nongovernmental Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of each individual employed in a senior executive entity must complete and submit to the Sec- Representatives and the Senate, the Committee position to a position at a different location that retary a report containing the findings and con- on Oversight and Government Reform of the does not include the supervision of the same clusions of the review by not later than 180 days House of Representatives, and the Committee on personnel or programs. The Secretary shall after the date on which the Secretary and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of make such reassignments on a rolling basis nongovernmental entity enter into the contract. the Senate of such information, including the based on the date on which an individual was (2) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 60 determination made by the Special Counsel.’’. originally assigned to a position. days after the date on which the Secretary re- (b) CONFORMING AND CLERICAL AMEND- ‘‘(2) The Secretary may waive the requirement ceives the report under paragraph (1), the Sec- MENTS.— under paragraph (1) for any such individual, if retary shall submit to the Committees on Vet- (1) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Such chapter the Secretary submits to the Committees on Vet- erans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Rep- is further amended by inserting before section erans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Rep- resentatives the report together with a plan for 701 the following: resentatives notice of the waiver and an expla- carrying out the recommendations contained in ‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL EMPLOYEE nation of the reasons for the waiver. the report. MATTERS’’. ‘‘(c) REPORT.—Not later than March 1 of each SEC. 6. REDUCTION OF BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.—The table of sec- year, the Secretary shall submit to the Commit- OF THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE tions at the beginning of such chapter is amend- tees on Veterans’ Affairs and Homeland Secu- WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF VET- ERANS AFFAIRS CONVICTED OF CER- ed— rity and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and TAIN CRIMES. (A) by inserting before the item relating to sec- the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and Over- (a) REDUCTION OF BENEFITS.— tion 701 the following new item: sight and Government Reform of the House of (1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 38, United ‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL EMPLOYEE MATTERS’’; Representatives a report on the performance ap- States Code, is further amended by inserting and praisal system of the Department under sub- after section 719, as added by section 5, the fol- (B) by adding at the end the following new section (a). Each such report shall include, for lowing new section: items: the year preceding the year during which the report is submitted, each of the following: ‘‘§ 721. Senior executives: reduction of benefits ‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINTS ‘‘(1) All documentation concerning each of the of individuals convicted of certain crimes ‘‘731. Whistleblower complaint defined. following for each individual employed in a sen- ‘‘(a) REDUCTION OF ANNUITY FOR REMOVED ‘‘732. Treatment of whistleblower complaints. ior executive position in the Department: EMPLOYEE.—The Secretary shall order that the ‘‘733. Adverse actions against supervisory em- ‘‘(A) The initial performance appraisal. covered service of an individual removed from a ployees who commit prohibited ‘‘(B) The higher level review, if requested. senior executive position under section 713 of personnel actions relating to ‘‘(C) The recommendations of the performance this title shall not be taken into account for whistleblower complaints. review board. purposes of calculating an annuity with respect ‘‘734. Evaluation criteria of supervisors and ‘‘(D) The final summary review. to such individual under chapter 83 or chapter treatment of bonuses. ‘‘(E) The number of initial performance rat- 84 of title 5, if— ‘‘735. Training regarding whistleblower com- ings raised as a result of the recommendations ‘‘(1) the individual is convicted of a felony plaints. of the performance review board. that influenced the individual’s performance ‘‘736. Reports to Congress.’’. ‘‘(F) The number of initial performance rat- while employed in the senior executive position; SEC. 5. REFORM OF PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL ings lowered as a result of the recommendations and SYSTEM FOR SENIOR EXECUTIVE of the performance review board. ‘‘(2) before such order is made, the individual SERVICE EMPLOYEES OF THE DE- ‘‘(G) Any adverse action taken against any is afforded notice and an opportunity for a PARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. hearing conducted by another department or (a) PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEM.— such individual who receives a performance rat- ing of less than fully successful. agency of the Federal Government. (1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 38, United ‘‘(b) REDUCTION OF ANNUITY FOR RETIRED EM- States Code, is further amended by inserting ‘‘(2) The review of the Inspector General of the Department of the information described in PLOYEE.—(1) The Secretary may order that the after section 717, as added by section 3, the fol- covered service of an individual who is subject lowing new section: subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (1). to a removal or transfer action under section 713 ‘‘§ 719. Senior executives: performance ap- ‘‘(3) A summary of the documentation pro- of this title but who leaves employment at the praisal vided under paragraph (1). Department prior to the issuance of a final deci- ‘‘(a) PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEM.—(1) ‘‘(d) DEFINITION OF SENIOR EXECUTIVE POSI- sion with respect to such action shall not be The performance appraisal system for individ- TION.—In this section, the term ‘senior executive taken into account for purposes of calculating uals employed in senior executive positions in position’ has the meaning given that term in an annuity with respect to such individual the Department required by section 4312 of title section 713(g)(3) of this title.’’. under chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5, if— 5 shall provide, in addition to the requirements (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec- ‘‘(A) the individual is convicted of a felony of such section, for five annual summary ratings tions at the beginning of such chapter, as that influenced the individual’s performance of levels of performance as follows: amended by section 3, is further amended by in- while employed in the senior executive position; ‘‘(A) One outstanding level. serting after the item relating to section 717 the and ‘‘(B) One exceeds fully successful level. following new item: ‘‘(B) before such order is made, the individual ‘‘(C) One fully successful level. is afforded notice and an opportunity for a ‘‘(D) One minimally satisfactory level. ‘‘719. Senior executives: performance ap- hearing conducted by another department or ‘‘(E) One unsatisfactory level. praisal.’’. agency of the Federal Government. ‘‘(2) The following limitations apply to the (3) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 4312(b) ‘‘(2) The Secretary shall make such an order rating of the performance of such individuals: of title 5, United States Code, is amended— not later than seven days after the date of the ‘‘(A) For any year, not more than 10 percent (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the conclusion of a hearing referred to in paragraph of such individuals who receive a performance end; (1)(B) that determines that such order is lawful.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.015 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5635 ‘‘(c) ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS.—(1) Not should be subject to any disciplinary action The Acting CHAIR. No amendment later than 30 days after the Secretary issues an under this title or title 5; or to the committee amendment in the order under subsection (a) or (b), the Director of ‘‘(2) against whom any disciplinary action is nature of a substitute shall be in order the Office of Personnel Management shall recal- proposed or initiated under this title or title 5.’’. except those printed in House Report culate the annuity of the individual. (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec- ‘‘(2) A decision regarding whether the covered tions at the beginning of such chapter, as 114–234. Each such amendment may be service of an individual shall be taken into ac- amended by section 6, is further amended by in- offered only in the order printed in the count for purposes of calculating an annuity serting after the item relating to section 721 the report, by a Member designated in the under subsection (a) or (b) is final and may not following new item: report, shall be considered read, shall be reviewed by any department or agency or ‘‘723. Limitation on administrative leave.’’. be debatable for the time specified in any court. (b) APPLICATION.—Section 723 of title 38, the report, equally divided and con- ‘‘(d) LUMP-SUM ANNUITY CREDIT.—Any indi- United States Code, as added by subsection trolled by the proponent and an oppo- vidual with respect to whom an annuity is re- (a)(1), shall apply with respect to any 365-day nent, shall not be subject to amend- duced under subsection (a) or (b) shall be enti- period beginning on or after the date of enact- tled to be paid so much of such individual’s ment, and shall not be subject to a de- ment of this Act. lump-sum credit as is attributable to the period mand for division of the question. of covered service. SEC. 8. TREATMENT OF CONGRESSIONAL TESTI- AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MR. BENISHEK MONY BY DEPARTMENT OF VET- ‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: ERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES AS OF- The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order ‘‘(1) The term ‘covered service’ means, with re- FICIAL DUTY. to consider amendment No. 1 printed in spect to an individual subject to a removal or (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 38, United House Report 114–234. transfer action under section 713 of this title, States Code, is further amended by inserting Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Chairman, I the period of service beginning on the date that after section 723, as added by section 7, the fol- have an amendment at the desk made the Secretary determines under such section lowing new section: that such individual engaged in activity that in order under the rule. gave rise to such action and ending on the date ‘‘§ 725. Congressional testimony by employees: The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will that such individual is removed from the civil treatment as official duty designate the amendment. service or leaves employment at the Department ‘‘(a) CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY.—An em- The text of the amendment is as fol- prior to the issuance of a final decision with re- ployee of the Department is performing official lows: spect to such action, as the case may be. duty during the period with respect to which the Add at the end the following new section: ‘‘(2) The term ‘lump-sum credit’ has the mean- employee is testifying in an official capacity in SEC. 11. ACCOUNTABILITY OF SECRETARY OF ing given such term in section 8331(8) or section front of either House of Congress, a committee of VETERANS AFFAIRS TO INSPECTOR 8401(19) of title 5, as the case may be. either House of Congress, or a joint or select GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ‘‘(3) The term ‘senior executive position’ has committee of Congress. VETERANS AFFAIRS. the meaning given such term in section 713(g)(3) ‘‘(b) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—The Secretary shall (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 38, of this title. provide travel expenses, including per diem in United States Code, as amended by section 8, ‘‘(4) The term ‘service’ has the meaning given lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applica- is amended by adding at the end the fol- such term in section 8331(12) or section 8401(26) ble provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57 lowing new section: of title 5, as the case may be.’’. of title 5, to any employee of the Department of ‘‘§ 727. Accountability of Secretary to Inspec- (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec- Veterans Affairs performing official duty de- tor General tions at the beginning of chapter 7 of such title scribed under subsection (a).’’. ‘‘(a) SUBMISSION OF REPORTS.—(1) At the is amended by inserting after the item relating (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec- same time as the Inspector General of the to section 719, as added by section 5, the fol- tions at the beginning of such chapter is further Department submits to the Secretary a cov- lowing new item: amended by inserting after the item relating to ered report, the Inspector General shall sub- ‘‘721. Senior executives: reduction of benefits of section 723, as added by section 7, the following mit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs individuals convicted of certain new item: of the Senate and House of Representatives a crimes.’’. ‘‘725. Congressional testimony by employees: copy of such covered report. (b) APPLICATION.—Section 721 of title 38, treatment as official duty.’’. ‘‘(2) The Inspector General shall include in United States Code, as added by subsection SEC. 9. LIMITATION ON AWARDS AND BONUSES each covered report submitted under para- (a)(1), shall apply to any action of removal or PAID TO EMPLOYEES OF DEPART- graph (1)— transfer under section 713 of title 38, United MENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. ‘‘(A) an explanation of any changes to the States Code, commencing on or after the date of Section 705 of the Veterans Access, Choice, covered report recommended by the Sec- the enactment of this Act. and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113– retary during the period in which the Inspec- 146; 38 U.S.C. 703 note) is amended to read as tor General was preparing the covered re- SEC. 7. LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE follows: FOR EMPLOYEES DEPARTMENT OF port; and VETERANS AFFAIRS. ‘‘SEC. 705. LIMITATION ON AWARDS AND BO- ‘‘(B) a list of the names of each responsible (a) LIMITATION.— NUSES PAID TO EMPLOYEES OF DE- manager. PARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 38, United ‘‘(3) The Inspector General may not make States Code, is further amended by inserting ‘‘The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall en- public the names of responsible managers after section 721, as added by section 6, the fol- sure that the aggregate amount of awards and submitted under paragraph (2)(B). lowing new section: bonuses paid by the Secretary in a fiscal year ‘‘(b) PERFORMANCE OF RESPONSIBLE MAN- under chapter 45 or 53 of title 5, United States AGERS.—(1) The Secretary shall— ‘‘§ 723. Limitation on administrative leave Code, or any other awards or bonuses author- ‘‘(A) promptly notify each responsible ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sub- ized under such title or title 38, United States manager of a covered issue by not later than section (b), the Secretary may not place any Code, does not exceed the following amounts: seven days after the date on which the In- covered individual on administrative leave, or ‘‘(1) With respect to each of fiscal years 2015 spector General submits a covered report to any other type of paid non-duty status without through 2018, $300,000,000. the Secretary; charge to leave, for more than a total of 14 days ‘‘(2) With respect to each of fiscal years 2019 ‘‘(B) direct such manager to resolve such during any 365-day period. through 2024, $360,000,000.’’. issue; and ‘‘(b) WAIVER.—The Secretary may waive the SEC. 10. COMPTROLLER GENERAL STUDY OF DE- ‘‘(C) provide such manager with appro- limitation under subsection (a) and extend the PARTMENT TIME AND SPACE USED priate counseling and a mitigation plan with administrative leave or other paid non-duty sta- FOR LABOR ORGANIZATION ACTIV- respect to resolving such issue. tus without charge to leave of a covered indi- ITY. ‘‘(2) The Secretary shall ensure that any vidual placed on such leave or status under sub- (a) STUDY REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days performance review of a responsible manager section (a) if the Secretary submits to the Com- after the date of the enactment of this Act, the includes an evaluation of whether the man- mittees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and Comptroller General of the United States shall ager took appropriate actions during the pe- House of Representatives a detailed explanation conduct a study on the amount of time spent by riod covered by the review to respond to a of the reasons the individual was placed on ad- Department of Veterans Affairs employees car- covered issue. ministrative leave or other paid non-duty status rying out organizing activities relating to labor ‘‘(3) The Secretary may not pay to a re- without charge to leave and the reasons for the organizations and the amount of space in De- sponsible manager any bonus or award under extension of such leave or status. Such expla- partment facilities used for such activities. The chapter 45 or 53 of title 5 or any other bonus nation shall include the name of the covered in- study shall include a cost-benefit analysis of the or award authorized under such title or this dividual, the location where the individual is use of such time and space for such activities. title if a covered issue is unresolved. employed, and the individual’s job title. (b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 90 ‘‘(c) ROLE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL.—Any au- ‘‘(c) COVERED INDIVIDUAL.—In this sub- days after the completion of the study required thority of the Inspector General provided section, the term ‘covered individual’ means an under subsection (a), the Comptroller General under this section is in addition to any re- employee of the Department— shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Af- sponsibility or authority provided to the In- ‘‘(1) who is subject to an investigation for pur- fairs of the Senate and House of Representatives spector General in the Inspector General Act poses of determining whether such individual a report on the results of the study. of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.).

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.015 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5636 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 ‘‘(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: effectively manage if his hands are Act of 2015 contains the text of his bill, ‘‘(1) The term ‘covered issue’ means, with tied. the Demanding Accountability for Vet- respect to a responsible manager, an issue This amendment has a history of bi- erans Act. described in a covered report for which the partisan support, passing as a stand- The Demanding Accountability for manager is or was responsible. ‘‘(2) The term ‘covered report’ means a re- alone bill by voice vote in the last Con- Veterans Act is a bipartisan piece of port by the Inspector General of the Depart- gress. It has also garnered the support legislation that is supported by many ment of Veterans Affairs that recommends of veterans’ service organizations, in- veterans’ service organizations. His actions to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs cluding the American Legion, the amendment would require the inspec- (or other official or employee of the Depart- VFW, the Iraq and Afghanistan Vet- tor general to be transparent with Con- ment) to address an issue in the Department erans of America, and the Paralyzed gress about the reports that are writ- with respect to public health or safety relat- Veterans of America. ten about VA facilities and programs ing to misconduct, or alleged misconduct, by I thank my colleague and friend, and the changes that are being made to an employee of the Department. ‘‘(3) The term ‘responsible manager’ means Congresswoman SINEMA, for her leader- those reports at the VA’s behest. an individual who— ship and for joining me on the issue. I The amendment would also require ‘‘(A) is an employee of the Department; am grateful for Chairman MILLER’s the VA to provide the name of the VA ‘‘(B) is or was responsible for an issue in- support and for that of the entire Vet- employee who is responsible for imple- cluded in a covered report; and erans’ Affairs Committee. Chairman menting recommendations issued by ‘‘(C) in being so responsible, is or was em- MILLER has been an incredible voice the IG, to direct that employee to take ployed in a management position, regardless and advocate for our veterans. action, and to prohibit the VA from of whether the employee is in the competi- I reserve the balance of my time. paying a bonus or a performance award tive civil service, Senior Executive Service, Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in to that employee if appropriate action or other type of civil service.’’. (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of opposition to the amendment. is not taken. In the most recent semi- sections at the beginning of such chapter, as The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman annual report to Congress, the VA in- amended by section 8, is amended by insert- from California is recognized for 5 min- spector general reported that 1,150 rec- ing after the item relating to section 725 the utes. ommendations were left open by the following new item: Mr. TAKANO. I thank the gentleman Department of Veterans Affairs. That ‘‘727. Accountability of Secretary to Inspec- from Michigan, my good friend, for of- is not acceptable. tor General.’’. fering his amendment. Reluctantly, I Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I yield The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to rise in opposition to the amendment of- 11⁄2 minutes to the gentlewoman from House Resolution 388, the gentleman fered by the gentleman and Represent- Arizona (Ms. SINEMA). from Michigan (Mr. BENISHEK) and a ative SINEMA. Ms. SINEMA. I thank Mr. TAKANO, Member opposed each will control 5 Mr. Chairman, this amendment Chairman MILLER, and Chairman minutes. would require the IG to identify prob- BENISHEK for their efforts to improve The Chair recognizes the gentleman lem employees at the VA, and it would the quality of care and services deliv- from Michigan. prohibit the VA from giving perform- ered to our veterans. Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Chairman, I ance pay to these identified employees. Mr. Chairman, the Benishek-Sinema yield myself such time as I may con- I believe this amendment could com- amendment is a commonsense amend- sume. promise the integrity of the VA inspec- ment that will bring accountability to We have a real opportunity here to tor general and the ability of the VA the Department of Veterans Affairs. inject accountability into the VA’s cul- IG to investigate whistleblower com- The amendment, based on a bill that ture of mismanagement. The Benishek- plaints and bring to light problems at Dr. BENISHEK and I introduced, the De- Sinema amendment would help ensure the VA. manding Accountability for Veterans that, when a VA inspector general The amendment would force the IG Act, requires the VA to address prob- identifies a problem and offers rec- to concentrate its efforts on identi- lems identified by the VA Office of In- ommendations to fix it, the changes fying bad managers by name rather spector General, and it ensures that in- are made, and the job gets done. than focusing on recommending solu- dividual managers are held account- Today, the IG regularly issues re- tions to problems and conducting thor- able if issues remain unresolved. ports on problems at the Department, ough and complete investigations. Our amendment requires that, in and most of the time, the VA agrees Requiring the IG to forward anything each covered VA inspector general re- with many of the recommendations submitted to the VA would interject port, the Secretary of the VA assign and promises to change. The problem is Congress into the very manner in specific managers who will be respon- no manager is actually named as being which the IG drafts and finalizes re- sible for fixing specific problems iden- responsible for making those changes. ports. This change would call into tified within the IG’s report. The Sec- When no one is in charge, nothing gets question the integrity of the investiga- retary must give the responsible man- done, and there is no one to hold re- tions that Congress relies on to shape agers appropriate counseling and plans sponsible. This amendment makes key policy and to find solutions. of action to resolve each covered issue. changes that will give the IG’s reports Finally, I believe that this amend- Bonuses cannot be paid if a covered teeth, that will bring to the VA the so- ment is vaguely drafted and that it issue remains unresolved, and how a lutions our veterans deserve. raises more questions than it seeks to manager responds to the challenge will It increases transparency, and it al- answer. Therefore, I urge my col- be included in that individual’s per- lows the public to see the IG’s report leagues to oppose the amendment. formance evaluation. related to alleged employee mis- I reserve the balance of my time. It is unacceptable that issues raised conduct. It requires the release of any Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Chairman, I by the VA inspector general over and modifications that the VA has asked yield 1 minute to the gentleman from over, from wait times to medical staff- the IG to make. Florida (Mr. MILLER), the chairman of ing, remain unresolved by the VA. This It also requires the IG to identify the committee. amendment will hold the VA Secretary specific managers who are responsible Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- and senior management accountable for fixing the problems identified in man, once again, Members who saw for ensuring these warnings are not ig- the reports. Their names will not be re- this go through regular order last year nored again. leased, but this will allow Congress and through the committee and then pass We have a long way to go to change the VA to know who is responsible for the full House are now in opposition. the system and culture of the VA, and fixing the problem. Those individuals I rise in support of Dr. BENISHEK’s I will continue working with my col- will not be able to receive a bonus or amendment. He has been the chairman leagues on both sides of the aisle to en- any performance award until the IG of the Subcommittee on Health since sure that veterans come first. certifies that the problem is resolved. the 113th Congress. It is a position that Again, I thank Chairman MILLER, Finally, it reduces the burden on a I offered him based on his dedication to Chairman BENISHEK, and Mr. TAKANO supervisor when it is necessary to fire our Nation’s veterans. Dr. BENISHEK’s for their leadership and for their work a bad employee. A supervisor cannot amendment to the VA Accountability on veterans’ issues. I especially thank

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.014 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5637 Chairman BENISHEK for his thoughtful, I urge my colleagues to adopt this employee shall receive back pay equal to the bipartisan approach to this amend- amendment and hold the VA account- total amount of basic pay that such em- ment. able for their inadequate and unaccept- ployee would have received during the period Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Chairman, how that the suspension and removal (as the case able performance. may be) was in effect, less any amounts much time is remaining on both sides? Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Chairman, I earned by the employee through other em- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman yield back the balance of my time. ployment during that period. from Michigan has 2 minutes remain- The Acting CHAIR. The question is ‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the term ing, and the gentleman from California on the amendment offered by the gen- ‘employee’ means any individual occupying a 1 has 2 ⁄4 minutes remaining. tleman from Michigan (Mr. BENISHEK). position within the Department of Veterans Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Chairman, I The amendment was agreed to. Affairs under a permanent or indefinite ap- yield 1 minute to the gentleman from pointment and who is not serving a proba- AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. TAKANO Pennsylvania (Mr. COSTELLO). tionary or trial period.’’. Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order (b) CLERICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- MENTS.— Chairman, this measure has significant to consider amendment No. 2 printed in House Report 114–234. (1) CLERICAL.—The table of sections at the applicability to the ‘‘right here, right beginning of such chapter is amended by add- now’’ problems associated with the VA. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment in the nature of a sub- ing after the item relating to section 713 the Specifically, I am going to cite the following new item: oversight efforts involving the Phila- stitute at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will ‘‘715. Employees: suspension and removal for delphia VA Regional Office. performance or misconduct It has been nearly a year since the designate the amendment. that is a threat to public health Philadelphia VA problems were first The text of the amendment is as fol- or safety.’’. reported. We have an IG report; we lows: (2) CONFORMING.—Section 4303(f) of title 5, have an AIB report; and we have egre- Strike all after the enacting clause and in- United States Code, is amended— gious allegations that have been prov- sert the following: (A) by striking ‘‘or’’ at the end of para- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. graph (2); en true. Yet, as a Member of Congress (B) by striking the period at the end of who represents tens of thousands of This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Fair VA Ac- countability Act’’. paragraph (3) and inserting ‘‘, or’’; and veterans who rely on the Philadelphia (C) by adding at the end the following: SEC. 2. SUSPENSION AND REMOVAL OF DEPART- VA for benefits and services, I still MENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EM- ‘‘(4) any suspension or removal under sec- don’t have answers. I still don’t know PLOYEES FOR PERFORMANCE OR tion 715 of title 38.’’. who is responsible or know of all of the MISCONDUCT THAT IS A THREAT TO (c) EFFECTIVE DATE OF BACK PAY PROVI- specific misconduct and behaviors or PUBLIC HEALTH OR SAFETY. SION.—Subsection (d) of section 715 of title know of the repercussions for the em- (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 38, 38, United States Code, as added by sub- section (a), shall take effect on October 1, ployees who are responsible. United States Code, is amended by adding after section 713 the following new section: 2015. Our tools for providing oversight (d) REPORT ON SUSPENSIONS AND REMOV- ‘‘§ 715. Employees: suspension and removal over the VA need updating to reflect ALS.—Not later than one year after the date that there must be transparency when for performance or misconduct that is a of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector threat to public health or safety investigating and disciplining bad em- General of the Department of Veterans Af- ployees. This amendment and this bill ‘‘(a) SUSPENSION AND REMOVAL.—Subject to fairs shall submit to the Committees on Vet- subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary may— move us in the right direction towards erans’ Affairs of the House of Representa- ‘‘(1) suspend without pay an employee of tives and the Senate a report on suspensions accountability and transparency. the Department of Veterans Affairs if the and removals of employees of the Depart- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I have Secretary determines the performance or ment made under section 715 of title 38, no further requests for time, and I misconduct of the employee is a clear and di- United States Code, as added by subsection yield back the balance of my time. rect threat to public health or safety; and (a). Such report shall include, with respect Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Chairman, I ‘‘(2) remove an employee suspended under to the period covered by the report, the fol- yield 1 minute to the gentleman from paragraph (1) when, after such investigation lowing: Louisiana (Mr. BOUSTANY). and review as the Secretary considers nec- (1) The number of employees who were sus- Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Chairman, I essary, the Secretary determines that re- pended under such section. rise today in full support of this moval is necessary in the interests of public (2) The number of employees who were re- health or safety. moved under such section. amendment. ‘‘(b) PROCEDURE.—An employee suspended For far too long, the VA has con- (3) A description of the threats to public under subsection (a)(1) is entitled, after sus- health or safety that caused such suspen- doned an apathetic culture that en- pension and before removal, to— sions and removals. courages its employees to ignore their ‘‘(1) within 30 days after suspension, a writ- (4) The number of such suspensions or re- duties and to cover up serious prob- ten statement of the specific charges against movals, or proposed suspensions or removals, lems. the employee, which may be amended within that were of employees who filed a com- Last year, the staff of VISN 16, which 30 days thereafter; plaint regarding— includes my home State of Louisiana, ‘‘(2) an opportunity within 30 days there- (A) an alleged prohibited personnel prac- admitted to inappropriately denying after, plus an additional 30 days if the tice committed by an officer or employee of charges are amended, to answer the charges the Department and described in section hundreds of veterans’ medical care and submit affidavits; claims. When my office asked how 2302(b)(8) or 2302(b)(9)(A)(i), (B), (C), or (D) of ‘‘(3) a hearing, at the request of the em- title 5, United States Code; or many veterans’ claims were being inap- ployee, by a Department authority duly con- (B) the safety of a patient at a medical fa- propriately denied, we were met with stituted for this purpose; cility of the Department. excuses and obfuscation. That is com- ‘‘(4) a review of the case by the Secretary, (5) Of the number of suspensions and re- pletely unacceptable. before a decision adverse to the employee is movals listed under paragraph (4), the num- One important provision of this made final; and ber that the Inspector General considers to amendment would prevent bonuses and ‘‘(5) written statement of the decision of be retaliation for whistleblowing. performance awards for VA employees the Secretary. (6) The number of such suspensions or re- ‘‘(c) RELATION TO OTHER DISCIPLINARY who fail to fix these problems. This movals that were of an employee who was RULES.—The authority provided under this provision is similar to an amendment I the subject of a complaint made to the De- section shall be in addition to the authority partment regarding the health or safety of a offered to the VA appropriations meas- provided under section 713 and title 5 with patient at a medical facility of the Depart- ure this past April. No small business respect to disciplinary actions for perform- ment. in Louisiana would survive by allowing ance or misconduct. (7) Any recommendations by the Inspector employees with such poor success rates ‘‘(d) BACK PAY FOR WHISTLEBLOWERS.—If General, based on the information described to earn bonuses. I believe this is one of any employee of the Department of Veterans in paragraphs (1) through (6), to improve the the most effective ways we can force Affairs is subject to a suspension or removal authority to make such suspensions and re- under this section and such suspension or re- movals. accountability on this overly bureau- moval is determined by an appropriate au- cratic agency. SEC. 3. LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE thority under applicable law, rule, regula- FOR EMPLOYEES WITHIN THE DE- I thank Chairman MILLER and Chair- tion, or collective bargaining agreement to PARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. man BENISHEK for their efforts in this be a prohibited personnel practice described (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 of title 38, cause. under section 2302(b)(8) or (9) of title 5, such United States Code, is further amended by

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.058 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5638 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 adding after section 715, as added by section Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, in Con- diately and protect the health and safe- 2, the following new section: gress, we can all agree that greater ac- ty of veterans and others, and my bill ‘‘§ 717. Administrative leave limitation and re- countability is sorely needed within does so in a way which preserves im- port the Department of Veterans Affairs. portant concepts of due process for VA ‘‘(a) LIMITATION APPLICABLE TO EMPLOYEES We are all outraged that VA employees employees. WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- whose misconduct has harmed veterans These employees live in our commu- FAIRS.—(1) The Secretary may not place any nities and States. They are our friends covered individual on administrative leave, have remained in their jobs. Last sum- or any other type of paid non-duty status mer, we were all horrified that the VA and neighbors and sometimes our fam- without charge to leave, for more than a medical centers in Phoenix and else- ily members. Ensuring basic American total of 14 days during any 365-day period. where manipulated patient wait times. notions of fairness is what my amend- ‘‘(2) The Secretary may waive the limita- This spring, in Denver, we were frus- ment in the nature of a substitute pro- tion under paragraph (1) and extend the ad- trated by the huge cost overruns with vides and, frankly, what H.R. 1994 does ministrative leave or other paid non-duty no real accountability. not. status without charge to leave of a covered I reserve the balance of my time. individual placed on such leave or status I agree with my Republican col- leagues that the VA must do a better Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, under paragraph (1) if the Secretary submits I claim the time in opposition. to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of job of using its existing authorities to The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman the Senate and House of Representatives a hold bad employees, such as these, ac- from Florida is recognized for 10 min- detailed explanation of the reasons the indi- countable. Unfortunately, this lack of vidual was placed on administrative leave or utes. accountability has overshadowed the Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair, I other paid non-duty status without charge to excellent work of the vast majority of leave and the reasons for the extension of thank the gentleman for his amend- such leave or status. Such explanation shall VA employees—over a third of them ment in the nature of a substitute, but include the name of the covered individual, veterans themselves, whose genuine at this time I have to oppose it. the location where the individual is em- caring and tireless efforts honor vet- I appreciate that Mr. TAKANO does ployed, and the individual’s job title. erans’ service to our Nation. I believe believe that we need to provide real ac- ‘‘(3) In this subsection, the term ‘covered it is wrong to assume VA employees countability at the Department of Vet- individual’ means an employee of the De- are guilty until proven innocent, and I partment— erans Affairs. But as I said at our com- ‘‘(A) who is subject to an investigation for believe that H.R. 1994 is the wrong way mittee markup when he offered an al- purposes of determining whether such indi- to achieve greater accountability at most identical amendment, this sub- vidual should be subject to any disciplinary the VA. stitute fails to achieve true account- action under this title or title 5; or This afternoon, I am offering an ability. ‘‘(B) against whom any disciplinary action amendment in the nature of a sub- I am supportive of section 3 of his is proposed or initiated under this title or stitute to H.R. 1994. The text of my amendment, which would limit admin- title 5. amendment is based on my bill, H.R. istrative leave for all employees to 14 ‘‘(b) REPORT ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE.— 2999, the Fair VA Accountability Act. I (1) Not later than 30 days after the end of days, and I agree with this common- each quarter of any calendar year, the Sec- urge all of my colleagues to support it sense policy. But I would note that this retary shall submit to the Committees on today. limitation language is already included Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representa- b 1600 in my bill, H.R. 1994. tives and the Senate a report listing the My main concern with the substitute name of any employee of the Department (if My substitute would provide real ac- lies within section 2, which would dra- any) who has been placed on administrative countability at the VA in a manner matically change the standard and the leave, or any other type of paid non-duty that preserves the important due proc- process set up in my bill of removing status, for a period longer than 7 days during ess rights of VA employees and pro- VA employees. such quarter. tects our veterans, and my substitute ‘‘(2) Any report submitted under sub- The substitute would only give the section (a) shall include, with respect to any would improve the status quo by giving Secretary the authority to remove an employee listed in such report, the position VA an additional accountability mech- employee if they represent a ‘‘clear and occupied by the employee, the number of anism. direct threat to public health or safe- days of such leave, and the reason that such It would allow VA to immediately ty,’’ which is almost an unobtainable, employee was placed on such leave.’’. fire, without pay, any VA employee if not immeasurable, bar to reach. (b) APPLICATION.— whose misconduct presents a clear and This undefined standard would make (1) ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE LIMITATION.— present danger to public health and Section 717(a) of title 38, United States Code it almost impossible for the Secretary (as added by subsection (a)), shall apply to safety while providing adequate due to remove any employee under this any action of removal or transfer under sec- process on the back end for such em- new authority, thereby ensuring that tion 713 of such title or title 5, United States ployees. the current stalemate that exists with Code, commencing on or after the date of en- This standard comes from Supreme the civil service rules would continue. actment of this section. Court precedent regarding constitu- Unfortunately, as I said moments (2) REPORT.—The report under section tional due process for Federal employ- ago, maintaining the status quo is not 717(b) of such title (as added by subsection ees and mirrors a similar Department acceptable. I would submit that the (a)) shall begin to apply in the quarter that of Defense provision. ends after the date that is 6 months after the standard of a clear and direct threat to date of enactment of this section. My substitute would mean that, if a public health and safety would not (c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of VA employee’s behavior threatened apply to those employees involved with sections at the beginning of such chapter 7 is veterans’ health or safety, VA could many of today’s ongoing scandals at amended by adding at the end the following immediately fire that employee. Cur- the VA, including the cost overruns of new item: rent law only allows VA to ask such an the Denver hospital; the budget short- ‘‘717. Administrative leave limitation and re- employee to leave work while still re- fall that we are going to vote to fix port.’’. ceiving pay. later today, a $3 billion budget fix; the Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘A bill to My substitute would also cap paid ad- manipulation of data at the Philadel- amend title 38, United States Code, to im- ministrative leave at 14 days so VA em- phia regional office; the allegations of prove the authority of the Secretary of Vet- erans Affairs to suspend and remove employ- ployees would not sit at home and col- inappropriate use of government pur- ees of the Department of Veterans Affairs for lect a paycheck while fighting a dis- chase cards to the tune of $6 billion; performance or misconduct that is a threat ciplinary action. the allegations of employees at the Los to public health or safety.’’. My substitute would shield our bold Angeles regional office once again in- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to VA whistleblowers by protecting exist- appropriately shredding veterans’ House Resolution 388, the gentleman ing laws and requiring the VA to back- claim information; and the many other from California (Mr. TAKANO) and a pay any whistleblower unjustly fired egregious actions that continue to Member opposed each will control 10 for reporting wrongdoing. come to light at VA almost every sin- minutes. In sum, my substitute would provide gle day. The Chair recognizes the gentleman the VA with the tools it needs to re- Members, these are the very type of from California. move dangerous employees imme- employees that our constituents and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.016 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5639 our veterans expect to be held account- tional protections created under sec- have. I remind my colleagues that last able, but the standard proposed in this tion 4 of my bill. year 872 permanent employees were re- substitute would not give the Sec- Employees cannot be removed with- moved, 487 more resigned in lieu of retary the authority to provide the ac- out OSC approval if an open case ex- being fired, and 958 probationary em- countability we all know that VA des- ists, and employees cannot be removed ployees were terminated. perately needs. or demoted if they have an open case Now, the fact that the VA wait list I also have some concerns with the under the new process that is laid out scandal emerged out of Phoenix was be- procedures that are laid out in the sub- in section 4 until the Office of Account- cause we do have protections for whis- stitute to actually remove these em- ability review makes a final deter- tleblowers. They could be strength- ployees. mination. ened. I believe that, unlike the procedures So, ultimately, not only does this Nevertheless, the current civil serv- that I have laid out in my bill, which amendment set a standard for removal ice protections, the due process protec- set definitive timelines to remove that is not relevant to a majority of tions, afforded those employees the se- someone while maintaining the due the issues that we see at the Depart- curity to move forward and to come process and maintaining appeal rights, ment, it keeps intact the long and ar- forward as whistleblowers. the procedures laid out in this sub- duous timeline before a final approval Again, my amendment in the form of stitute could allow an employee to be is complete. This is not fair to vet- a substitute fixes the deficiencies of on indefinite suspension for months, if erans, to the Department, or to the em- my good friend Chairman MILLER’s bill. not years, awaiting a hearing for the ployee in question. I have said before that I believe his Secretary’s final decision. To reemphasize, I also have issues bill puts extra barriers in front of whis- It has been mentioned several times with the whistleblower protections tleblowers in coming forward. It com- by my colleagues on the other side that that are laid out in this substitute or plicates and makes more cumbersome passage of H.R. 1994 would return to a the lack of protections in this sub- their ability to come forward. spoils or an at-will employment sys- stitute. If you are an employee who is under The only mention of whistleblower tem. Nothing could be further from the threat of dismissal and immediately protections made in this amendment truth. losing your livelihood, that is a huge, Let me compare a spoils or an at-will says that a whistleblower may receive huge barrier to your coming forward as system to the protections offered in backpay if the Merit Systems Protec- a whistleblower. 1994. tion Board ultimately decides they That is exactly what his bill would First, a spoils system would allow were removed for blowing the whistle. do. It would make everyone in the VA Not only does this not provide any the party in power to hire anyone, usu- an at-will employee. protections on the front end, but it ally partisan supporters, that they I reserve the balance of my time. would also strip out all of the whistle- want to reward for their political sup- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair, I blower protections I have included in port with a Federal job. In contrast, yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from section 4 of my bill. Pennsylvania (Mr. DENT), the chairman H.R. 1994 has no effect on the current We all know that the Secretary has a of the subcommittee that has jurisdic- hiring process. tall task to restore trust and to rebuild Second, a spoils or a patronage sys- tion over the VA budget. the VA. We have to give him every tool tem makes all employees at will and Mr. DENT. Mr. Chair, I want to possible to complete that mission. This subject to firing for any or even no rea- thank Chairman MILLER for his leader- amendment does not come close to giv- son. Again, that is hardly the case in ship on this. ing him the tool that he needs today. I rise to oppose the substitute my bill. H.R. 1994 requires proof in the So, once again, I urge Members to amendment. But I want to express my form of poor performance or mis- support change and stand with vet- gratitude to the chairman for the work conduct. erans, not the bureaucrats and the spe- that he and the Veterans’ Affairs Com- Additionally, my bill requires the cial interest groups and the status quo. mittee have done, all the work they Secretary to report the reasons for any I urge Members to oppose the Takano have put into this legislation to pre- such removals to Congress within 30 substitute. days. I reserve the balance of my time. vent another VA catastrophe by mak- Third, in a spoils system, a fired em- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, my ing sure that the Choice Act funds we ployee has no right of appeal. In con- good friend and colleague, Chairman appropriated last year can be used for trast, under H.R. 1994, fired employees MILLER of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- related veterans’ community care ex- still have due process rights, including mittee, has implied that my clear and penditures. 45 days to appeal their firing to the present danger standard in the sub- This bill will ensure that no veterans Merit Systems Protection Board. stitute that I have offered is too nar- hospital or care for any veteran will be Fourth, in a spoils system, there is row and does not give the Secretary jeopardized due to the VA’s continuing no such thing as paid administrative enough tools to dismiss bad employees. mismanagement of the influx of pa- leave. You are fired, gone with no pay. I respectfully disagree. tients that followed last year’s passage Under civil service rules, a poor-per- Particularly in the case of the Phoe- of the Choice Act. forming employee can be placed on ad- nix VA, the hospital’s director, Sharon Once again, Congress is providing the ministrative leave for essentially an Helman, clearly posed a threat to the VA with all the resources they require unlimited time, as we have seen with health and safety of veterans. Under to provide timely, quality care to our several miscreants identified during my substitute, she would have been im- veterans and their loved ones. our investigations. mediately removed. It was only about a month ago that H.R. 1994, on the other hand, would Similarly, many of the speakers on we were informed by the Department limit the Secretary’s authority to put the other side of the aisle cited a that there was a shortfall of the mag- someone on paid administrative leave crackhouse case where a VA employee nitude of almost $3.4 billion, and here to 14 days, at which time the Secretary took a veteran to a crackhouse. we are today remedying this problem. must bring that person back to Active Now, my substitute and the clear and The bill also proposes something that Duty. present standard, the health and safety is sorely needed: the consolidation of Fifth, in a spoils system, there are no standard that we have put forward, the myriad programs VA uses to pro- protections for whistleblowers. In an would clearly have addressed that em- vide care outside their facilities. at-will system, employees may or may ployee and would have made that em- Veterans are confused. VA employees not be covered by whistleblower pro- ployee immediately dismissible. are confused. Doctors are confused. Re- tection, employee discrimination, et Let me remind you again that VA imbursement rates are not standard- cetera, type laws, depending on the does have current title 5 procedures ized. type of employer. that they have been using to remove We need to make sure that the non- However, under H.R. 1994, employees poor-performing employees. VA care program is thriving so that pa- are protected by both of these types of We should encourage the VA to use tients can get the high-quality care laws, plus the procedures and addi- them better, to use the tools that they they deserve in their homes, in their

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.061 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5640 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 home communities, right where they I urge my colleagues to vote for this motion of employees of the Depart- live. substitute and vote against H.R. 1994. ment of Veterans Affairs based on per- As chairman of the Subcommittee on Mr. MILLER of Florida. May I in- formance or misconduct, and for other Military Construction, Veterans Af- quire how much time is remaining on purposes, had come to no resolution fairs and Related Agencies, I will con- my side? thereon. tinue to devote time and attention to The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman f pinpointing the VA’s future funding from Florida has 1 minute remaining. needs and maintaining vigilant over- The gentleman from California has 1 SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND sight of their appropriated taxpayer minute remaining. VETERANS HEALTH CARE dollars. Mr. MILLER of Florida. I reserve the CHOICE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF The VA must develop systems that balance of my time. 2015 give us accurate and on-time informa- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I en- GENERAL LEAVE tion and engage with Congress in a courage all of my colleagues to vote for Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask transparent and timely manner. We my amendment in the nature of a sub- unanimous consent that all Members cannot and should not continue to stitute. have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- lurch from one VA funding crisis to an- Mr. Chairman, I respectfully yield tend their remarks and include extra- other. back the balance of my time. neous materials on H.R. 3236. b 1615 Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there man, what this amendment does is ba- What we have seen is terrible man- objection to the request of the gen- sically gut H.R. 1994, which is an ac- agement and a terrible disservice to tleman from Pennsylvania? countability bill that provides the Sec- our veterans by the VA in many of There was no objection. retary with a desperately needed tool these cases; we need to fix it. I believe Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, pursu- in order to hold people accountable the Secretary is a good and honorable ant to House Resolution 388, I call up within the Department. man trying to do his best, but the tax- the bill (H.R. 3236) to provide an exten- I would like to read for the RECORD payers deserve better, and our veterans sion of Federal-aid highway, highway the 11 veterans service organizations most assuredly do. safety, motor carrier safety, transit, I urge passage of this bill. I thank that support the removal authority: and other programs funded out of the the chairman and the leadership of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Highway Trust Fund, to provide re- committee. Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of source flexibility to the Department of Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I yield America, Paralyzed Veterans of Amer- Veterans Affairs for health care serv- 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from ica, Vietnam Veterans of America, Stu- ices, and for other purposes, and ask Florida (Ms. BROWN), the ranking mem- dent Veterans of America, Military for its immediate consideration. ber of the Committee on Veterans’ Af- Order of the Purple Heart, Military Of- The Clerk read the title of the bill. fairs. ficers Association of America, Reserve The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill Ms. BROWN of Florida. Let me just Officers Association, Concerned Vet- contains an emergency designation be clear. I am just amazed that, on the erans for America, and AMVETS. pursuant to section 4(g)(1) of the Statu- last day of the session, we are spending I remind Members that VA has only tory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. Ac- the entire afternoon discussing H.R. successfully removed three VA employ- cordingly, the Chair must put the ques- 1994—a bill that the Senate will not ees for reasons related to the wait time tion of consideration under section pick up; and if, by some miracle, it manipulation in the VA scandal that 4(g)(2) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go passed, the President would veto it— was brought to everybody’s attention Act of 2010. when there are so many other things back in April. The question is, Will the House now that we could be discussing. Here are those that oppose the ac- consider the bill? How about addressing H.R. 3266, countability bill: the American Federa- The question of consideration was de- which will give the Secretary the au- tion of Government Employees and the cided in the affirmative. thority to run the VA like a business, National Treasury Employees Union. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- which is what we keep saying? So, again, on opposition are the ant to House Resolution 388, the bill is I support the substitute amendment. unions; on support are the veterans considered read. The accountability substitute is of- service organizations. The text of the bill is as follows: fered today because it brings real ac- I yield back the balance of my time. H.R. 3236 countability to the VA while maintain- The Acting CHAIR (Mr. RODNEY Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ing constitutionality due process pro- DAVIS of Illinois). The question is on resentatives of the United States of America in tection for civil service employees. the amendment offered by the gen- Congress assembled, At the Committee on Veterans’ Af- tleman from California (Mr. TAKANO). SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; RECONCILIATION OF fairs over the past 2 years, we have The question was taken; and the Act- FUNDS; TABLE OF CONTENTS. learned of widespread mismanagement ing Chair announced that the noes ap- (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as and—let me emphasize—lack of train- peared to have it. the ‘‘Surface Transportation and Veterans Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chairman, I de- Health Care Choice Improvement Act of ing at the VA. The problems that the 2015’’. VA has have gone back for many years, mand a recorded vote. (b) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS.—The Sec- over 30. Maybe if we had adequately The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to retary of Transportation shall reduce the funded VA, they would have fewer clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- amount apportioned or allocated for a pro- problems. ceedings on the amendment offered by gram, project, or activity under this Act in The majority has introduced H.R. the gentleman from California will be fiscal year 2015 by amounts apportioned or 1994, which attempts to increase ac- postponed. allocated pursuant to the Highway and countability by allowing VA to imme- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- Transportation Funding Act of 2014 and the diately fire any employee for mis- man, I move that the Committee do Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015, including the amendments made by conduct with only limited due process. now rise. such Acts, for the period beginning on Octo- The substitute increases account- The motion was agreed to. ber 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015. ability by allowing VA to immediately Accordingly, the Committee rose; (c) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- suspend, without pay, any employee and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. tents for this Act is as follows: whose misconduct posed a direct threat HULTGREN) having assumed the chair, Sec. 1. Short title; reconciliation of funds; to veterans’ health and safety. Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois, Acting table of contents. Unlike H.R. 1994, the substitute pro- Chair of the Committee of the Whole TITLE I—SURFACE TRANSPORTATION vides sufficient due process rights to House on the state of the Union, re- PROGRAM EXTENSION meet constitutional requirements by ported that that Committee, having Subtitle A—Federal-Aid Highways providing an accused employee with a had under consideration the bill (H.R. Sec. 1001. Extension of Federal-aid highway fair chance to tell their side of the 1994) to amend title 38, United States programs. story. Code, to provide for the removal or de- Sec. 1002. Administrative expenses.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0655 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.062 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5641 Subtitle B—Extension of Highway Safety projects, and activities for fiscal year 2014 2014 and for the period beginning on October Programs under divisions A and E of MAP–21 (Public 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015’’ and in- Sec. 1101. Extension of National Highway Law 112–141) and title 23, United States Code serting ‘‘each of fiscal years 2013 through Traffic Safety Administration (excluding chapter 4 of that title); and 2015 and for the period beginning on October highway safety programs. ‘‘(B) for the period beginning on October 1, 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015’’; and Sec. 1102. Extension of Federal Motor Car- 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015, 29⁄366 of (ii) in paragraph (2) in the matter pre- rier Safety Administration pro- the total amount authorized to be appro- ceding subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘for the grams. priated out of the Highway Trust Fund period beginning on October 1, 2014, and end- Sec. 1103. Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Res- (other than the Mass Transit Account) for ing on July 31, 2015, that is equal to 304⁄365 of toration Act. programs, projects, and activities for fiscal such unobligated balance’’ and inserting ‘‘for year 2015 under divisions A and E of MAP–21 the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and Subtitle C—Public Transportation Programs (Public Law 112–141) and title 23, United ending on October 29, 2015, that is equal to Sec. 1201. Formula grants for rural areas. States Code (excluding chapter 4 of that 29⁄366 of such unobligated balance’’; Sec. 1202. Apportionment of appropriations title).’’. (D) in subsection (d) in the matter pre- for formula grants. (2) GENERAL FUND.—Section 1123(h)(1) of ceding paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘2015’’ and Sec. 1203. Authorizations for public trans- MAP–21 (23 U.S.C. 202 note) is amended by inserting ‘‘2016’’; and portation. striking ‘‘each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 (E) in subsection (f)(1) in the matter pre- Sec. 1204. Bus and bus facilities formula and $24,986,301 out of the general fund of the ceding subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘each of grants. Treasury to carry out the program for the fiscal years 2013 through 2014 and for the pe- Subtitle D—Hazardous Materials period beginning on October 1, 2014, and end- riod beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending Sec. 1301. Authorization of appropriations. ing on July 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘each of on July 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and $2,377,049 TITLE II—REVENUE PROVISIONS years 2013 through 2015 and for the period be- out of the general fund of the Treasury to ginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on Oc- Sec. 2001. Extension of Highway Trust Fund carry out the program for the period begin- tober 29, 2015’’. expenditure authority. ning on October 1, 2015, and ending on Octo- SEC. 1002. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Sec. 2002. Funding of Highway Trust Fund. ber 29, 2015’’. Section 1002 of the Highway and Transpor- Sec. 2003. Modification of mortgage report- (c) USE OF FUNDS.— tation Funding Act of 2014 (128 Stat. 1842) is ing requirements. (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 1001(c)(1) of the amended— Sec. 2004. Consistent basis reporting be- Highway and Transportation Funding Act of (1) in subsection (a) by striking ‘‘for ad- tween estate and person acquir- 2014 (128 Stat. 1840) is amended by striking ministrative expenses of the Federal-aid ing property from decedent. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—’’ and all that follows highway program $366,465,753 for the period Sec. 2005. Clarification of 6-year statute of through ‘‘to carry out programs’’ and insert- beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending on limitations in case of overstate- ing the following: July 31, 2015.’’ and inserting ‘‘for administra- ment of basis. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise ex- tive expenses of the Federal-aid highway Sec. 2006. Tax return due dates. pressly provided in this subtitle, funds au- Sec. 2007. Transfers of excess pension assets thorized to be appropriated under subsection program— to retiree health accounts. (b)(1)— ‘‘(1) $440,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and Sec. 2008. Equalization of Highway Trust ‘‘(A) for fiscal year 2015 shall be distrib- ‘‘(2) $34,863,388 for the period beginning on Fund excise taxes on liquefied uted, administered, limited, and made avail- October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, natural gas, liquefied petro- able for obligation in the same manner and 2015.’’; and leum gas, and compressed nat- at the same levels as the amounts of funds (2) by striking subsection (b)(2) and insert- ural gas. authorized to be appropriated out of the ing the following: ‘‘(2) for fiscal year 2015 and for the period TITLE III—ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for fiscal year 2014; and beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on Sec. 3001. Service fees. ‘‘(B) for the period beginning on October 1, October 29, 2015, subject to the limitations TITLE IV—VETERANS PROVISIONS 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015, shall be on administrative expenses under the head- Sec. 4001. Short title. distributed, administered, limited, and made ing ‘Federal Highway Administration’ in ap- Sec. 4002. Plan to consolidate programs of available for obligation in the same manner propriations Acts that apply, respectively, to 29 that fiscal year and period.’’. Department of Veterans Affairs and at the same levels as ⁄366 of the amounts to improve access to care. of funds authorized to be appropriated out of Subtitle B—Extension of Highway Safety Sec. 4003. Funding account for non-Depart- the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Programs ment care. Mass Transit Account) for fiscal year 2015, SEC. 1101. EXTENSION OF NATIONAL HIGHWAY Sec. 4004. Temporary authorization of use of to carry out programs’’. TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Veterans Choice Funds for cer- (2) OBLIGATION CEILING.—Section 1102 of HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS. tain programs. MAP–21 (23 U.S.C. 104 note) is amended— (a) EXTENSION OF PROGRAMS.— Sec. 4005. Modifications of Veterans Choice (A) in subsection (a)— (1) HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAMS.—Section Program. (i) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of para- 31101(a)(1) of MAP–21 (126 Stat. 733) is amend- Sec. 4006. Limitation on dialysis pilot pro- graph (2); and ed— gram. (ii) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting (A) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of sub- Sec. 4007. Amendments to Internal Revenue the following: paragraph (B); and Code with respect to health ‘‘(3) $40,256,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and (B) by striking subparagraph (C) and in- coverage of veterans. ‘‘(4) $3,189,683,060 for the period beginning serting the following: Sec. 4008. Emergency designations. on October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, ‘‘(C) $235,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and 2015.’’; ‘‘(D) $18,620,219 for the period beginning on TITLE I—SURFACE TRANSPORTATION (B) in subsection (b)(12)— October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, PROGRAM EXTENSION (i) by striking ‘‘each of fiscal years 2013 2015.’’. Subtitle A—Federal-Aid Highways through 2014’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal (2) HIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH AND DEVEL- SEC. 1001. EXTENSION OF FEDERAL-AID HIGH- years 2013 through 2015’’; and OPMENT.—Section 31101(a)(2) of MAP–21 (126 WAY PROGRAMS. (ii) by striking ‘‘, and for the period begin- Stat. 733) is amended— (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1001(a) of the ning on October 1, 2014, and ending on July (A) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of sub- Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 31, 2015, only in an amount equal to paragraph (B); and 2014 (128 Stat. 1840) is amended by striking $639,000,000, less any reductions that would (B) by striking subparagraph (C) and in- ‘‘July 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘October 29, have otherwise been required for that year serting the following: 2015’’. by section 251A of the Balanced Budget and ‘‘(C) $113,500,000 for fiscal year 2015; and (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 ‘‘(D) $8,993,169 for the period beginning on (1) HIGHWAY TRUST FUND.—Section U.S.C. 901a), then multiplied by 304⁄365 for that October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 1001(b)(1) of the Highway and Transportation period’’ and inserting ‘‘, and for the period 2015.’’. Funding Act of 2014 (128 Stat. 1840) is amend- beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on (3) NATIONAL PRIORITY SAFETY PROGRAMS.— ed to read as follows: October 29, 2015, only in an amount equal to Section 31101(a)(3) of MAP–21 (126 Stat. 733) ‘‘(1) HIGHWAY TRUST FUND.—Except as pro- $639,000,000, less any reductions that would is amended— vided in section 1002, there is authorized to have otherwise been required for that year (A) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of sub- be appropriated out of the Highway Trust by section 251A of the Balanced Budget and paragraph (B); and Fund (other than the Mass Transit Ac- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 (B) by striking subparagraph (C) and in- count)— U.S.C. 901a), then multiplied by 29⁄366 for that serting the following: ‘‘(A) for fiscal year 2015, a sum equal to the period’’; ‘‘(C) $272,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and total amount authorized to be appropriated (C) in subsection (c)— ‘‘(D) $21,551,913 for the period beginning on out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, the Mass Transit Account) for programs, striking ‘‘each of fiscal years 2013 through 2015.’’.

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(4) NATIONAL DRIVER REGISTER.—Section ‘‘(11) $17,273,224 for the period beginning on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Adminis- 31101(a)(4) of MAP–21 (126 Stat. 733) is amend- October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, tration for the period beginning on October ed— 2015.’’. 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015,’’. (A) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of sub- (b) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.—Section (g) GRANT PROGRAM FOR COMMERCIAL paragraph (B); and 31104(i)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATORS.—Section 4134(c) (B) by striking subparagraph (C) and in- amended— of SAFETEA–LU (49 U.S.C. 31301 note) is serting the following: (1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of subpara- amended by striking ‘‘each of fiscal years ‘‘(C) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and graph (I); and 2005 through 2014 and $832,877 for the period ‘‘(D) $396,175 for the period beginning on (2) by striking subparagraph (J) and insert- beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending on October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, ing the following: July 31, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal 2015.’’. ‘‘(J) $259,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and years 2005 through 2015 and $79,235 for the pe- (5) HIGH VISIBILITY ENFORCEMENT PRO- ‘‘(K) $20,521,858 for the period beginning on riod beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015,’’. GRAM.— October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, (A) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— 2015.’’. SEC. 1103. DINGELL-JOHNSON SPORT FISH RES- Section 31101(a)(5) of MAP–21 (126 Stat. 733) (c) GRANT PROGRAMS.— TORATION ACT. Section 4 of the Dingell-Johnson Sport is amended— (1) COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE PROGRAM Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777c) is (i) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of subpara- IMPROVEMENT GRANTS.—Section 4101(c)(1) of amended— graph (B); and SAFETEA–LU (119 Stat. 1715) is amended by (1) in subsection (a) in the matter pre- (ii) by striking subparagraph (C) and in- striking ‘‘each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 ceding paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘each fiscal serting the following: and $24,986,301 for the period beginning on year through 2014 and for the period begin- ‘‘(C) $29,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and October 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015’’ ning on October 1, 2014, and ending on July ‘‘(D) $2,297,814 for the period beginning on and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and $2,377,049 for the period be- 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘each fiscal year October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, through 2015 and for the period beginning on 2015.’’. ginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on Oc- tober 29, 2015’’. October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, (B) LAW ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGNS.—Section 2015’’; and (2) BORDER ENFORCEMENT GRANTS.—Section 2009(a) of SAFETEA–LU (23 U.S.C. 402 note) (2) in subsection (b)(1)(A) by striking ‘‘for is amended— 4101(c)(2) of SAFETEA–LU (119 Stat. 1715) is amended by striking ‘‘each of fiscal years each fiscal year ending before October 1, 2014, (i) in the first sentence by striking ‘‘each and for the period beginning on October 1, of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 and in the period 2013 and 2014 and $26,652,055 for the period be- ginning on October 1, 2014, and ending on 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and insert- beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending on ing ‘‘for each fiscal year ending before Octo- July 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal July 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal ber 1, 2015, and for the period beginning on years 2013 through 2015 and $2,535,519 for the years 2013 through 2015 and in the period be- October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, period beginning on October 1, 2015, and end- ginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on Oc- 2015,’’. tober 29, 2015’’; and ing on October 29, 2015’’. Subtitle C—Public Transportation Programs (ii) in the second sentence by striking (3) PERFORMANCE AND REGISTRATION INFOR- ‘‘each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 and in the MATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT GRANT PRO- SEC. 1201. FORMULA GRANTS FOR RURAL AREAS. period beginning on October 1, 2014, and end- GRAM.—Section 4101(c)(3) of SAFETEA–LU Section 5311(c)(1) of title 49, United States ing on July 31, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘each of (119 Stat. 1715) is amended by striking ‘‘each Code, is amended— fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and in the pe- of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 and $4,164,384 for (1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘for riod beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending the period beginning on October 1, 2014, and each fiscal year ending before October 1, 2014, on October 29, 2015,’’. ending on July 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘each and $4,164,384 for the period beginning on Oc- tober 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ (6) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.—Section of fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and $396,175 31101(a)(6) of MAP–21 (126 Stat. 733) is amend- for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, and inserting ‘‘for each fiscal year ending be- ed— and ending on October 29, 2015’’. fore October 1, 2015, and $396,175 for the pe- (A) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of sub- (4) COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INFORMATION SYS- riod beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending paragraph (B); and TEMS AND NETWORKS DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM.— on October 29, 2015,’’; and (B) by striking subparagraph (C) and in- Section 4101(c)(4) of SAFETEA–LU (119 Stat. (2) in subparagraph (B) by striking ‘‘for serting the following: 1715) is amended by striking ‘‘each of fiscal each fiscal year ending before October 1, 2014, ‘‘(C) $25,500,000 for fiscal year 2015; and years 2013 and 2014 and $20,821,918 for the pe- and $20,821,918 for the period beginning on ‘‘(D) $2,020,492 for the period beginning on riod beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending October 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, on July 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal and inserting ‘‘for each fiscal year ending be- 2015.’’. years 2013 through 2015 and $1,980,874 for the fore October 1, 2015, and $1,980,874 for the pe- period beginning on October 1, 2015, and end- riod beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending (b) COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND EVALUA- ing on October 29, 2015’’. on October 29, 2015,’’. TION.—Section 403(f)(1) of title 23, United (5) SAFETY DATA IMPROVEMENT GRANTS.— SEC. 1202. APPORTIONMENT OF APPROPRIA- States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘each Section 4101(c)(5) of SAFETEA–LU (119 Stat. TIONS FOR FORMULA GRANTS. fiscal year ending before October 1, 2014, and 1715) is amended by striking ‘‘each of fiscal Section 5336(h)(1) of title 49, United States $2,082,192 of the total amount available for years 2013 and 2014 and $2,498,630 for the pe- Code, is amended by striking ‘‘for each fiscal apportionment to the States for highway riod beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending year ending before October 1, 2014, and safety programs under section 402(c) in the on July 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal $24,986,301 for the period beginning on Octo- period beginning on October 1, 2014, and end- years 2013 through 2015 and $237,705 for the ber 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and ing on July 31, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘each fis- period beginning on October 1, 2015, and end- inserting ‘‘for each fiscal year ending before cal year ending before October 1, 2015, and ing on October 29, 2015’’. October 1, 2015, and $2,377,049 for the period $198,087 of the total amount available for ap- (d) HIGH-PRIORITY ACTIVITIES.—Section beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on portionment to the States for highway safe- 31104(k)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is October 29, 2015,’’. ty programs under section 402(c) in the pe- amended by striking ‘‘each of fiscal years SEC. 1203. AUTHORIZATIONS FOR PUBLIC TRANS- riod beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending 2006 through 2014 and up to $12,493,151 for the PORTATION. on October 29, 2015,’’. period beginning on October 1, 2014, and end- (a) FORMULA GRANTS.—Section 5338(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (c) APPLICABILITY OF TITLE 23.—Section ing on July 31, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘each of 31101(c) of MAP–21 (126 Stat. 733) is amended fiscal years 2006 through 2015 and up to (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘and by striking ‘‘fiscal years 2013 and 2014 and for $1,188,525 for the period beginning on October $7,158,575,342 for the period beginning on Oc- the period beginning on October 1, 2014, and 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015,’’. tober 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015’’ and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘each (e) NEW ENTRANT AUDITS.—Section inserting ‘‘$8,595,000,000 for fiscal year 2015, of fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and for the 31144(g)(5)(B) of title 49, United States Code, and $681,024,590 for the period beginning on period beginning on October 1, 2015, and end- is amended by striking ‘‘per fiscal year and October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, ing on October 29, 2015,’’. up to $26,652,055 for the period beginning on 2015’’; October 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ (2) in paragraph (2)— SEC. 1102. EXTENSION OF FEDERAL MOTOR CAR- and inserting ‘‘per fiscal year and up to (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ‘‘and RIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION PRO- $2,535,519 for the period beginning on October $107,274,521 for the period beginning on Octo- GRAMS. 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015,’’. ber 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and (a) MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANTS.—Sec- (f) OUTREACH AND EDUCATION.—Section inserting ‘‘$128,800,000 for fiscal 2015, and tion 31104(a) of title 49, United States Code, 4127(e) of SAFETEA–LU (119 Stat. 1741) is $10,205,464 for the period beginning on Octo- is amended— amended by striking ‘‘each of fiscal years ber 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015,’’; (1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of para- 2013 and 2014 and $3,331,507 to the Federal (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ‘‘for graph (9); and Motor Carrier Safety Administration for the each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 and (2) by striking paragraph (10) and inserting period beginning on October 1, 2014, and end- $8,328,767 for the period beginning on October the following: ing on July 31, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘each of 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and in- ‘‘(10) $218,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and $316,940 to serting ‘‘for each of fiscal years 2013 through

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2015 and $792,350 for the period beginning on (c) TRANSIT COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PRO- (A) in the paragraph heading by striking October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, GRAM.—Section 5338(c) of title 49, United ‘‘FISCAL YEARS 2013 AND 2014’’ and inserting 2015,’’; States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘and ‘‘FISCAL YEARS 2013 THROUGH 2015’’; and (C) in subparagraph (C) by striking ‘‘and $5,830,137 for the period beginning on October (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph $3,713,505,753 for the period beginning on Oc- 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015’’ and in- (A) by striking ‘‘fiscal years 2013 and 2014’’ tober 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ serting ‘‘$7,000,000 for fiscal year 2015, and and inserting ‘‘fiscal years 2013 through and inserting ‘‘$4,458,650,000 for fiscal year $554,645 for the period beginning on October 2015’’; and 2015, and $353,281,011 for the period beginning 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015’’. (2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting on October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, (d) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND STANDARDS the following: 2015,’’; DEVELOPMENT.—Section 5338(d) of title 49, ‘‘(2) FISCAL YEAR 2016.—From the Hazardous (D) in subparagraph (D) by striking ‘‘and United States Code, is amended by striking Materials Emergency Preparedness Fund es- $215,132,055 for the period beginning on Octo- ‘‘and $5,830,137 for the period beginning on tablished under section 5116(i), the Secretary ber 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and October 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015’’ may expend for the period beginning on Oc- inserting ‘‘$258,300,000 for fiscal year 2015, and inserting ‘‘$7,000,000 for fiscal year 2015, tober 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015— and $20,466,393 for the period beginning on and $554,645 for the period beginning on Octo- ‘‘(A) $14,896 to carry out section 5115; October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, ber 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015’’. ‘‘(B) $1,727,322 to carry out subsections (a) 2015,’’; (e) HUMAN RESOURCES AND TRAINING.—Sec- and (b) of section 5116, of which not less than (E) in subparagraph (E)— tion 5338(e) of title 49, United States Code, is $1,081,557 shall be available to carry out sec- (i) by striking ‘‘and $506,222,466 for the pe- amended by striking ‘‘and $4,164,384 for the tion 5116(b); riod beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending period beginning on October 1, 2014, and end- ‘‘(C) $11,885 to carry out section 5116(f); on July 31, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘$607,800,000 ing on July 31, 2015’’ and inserting ‘‘$5,000,000 ‘‘(D) $49,522 to publish and distribute the for fiscal year 2015, and $48,159,016 for the pe- for fiscal year 2015, and $396,175 for the period Emergency Response Guidebook under sec- riod beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on tion 5116(i)(3); and on October 29, 2015,’’; October 29, 2015’’. ‘‘(E) $79,235 to carry out section 5116(j).’’. (ii) by striking ‘‘and $24,986,301 for the pe- (f) CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS.—Section (c) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRAINING riod beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending 5338(g) of title 49, United States Code, is GRANTS.—Section 5128(c) of title 49, United on July 31, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘$30,000,000 amended by striking ‘‘and $1,558,295,890 for States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘each of for fiscal year 2015, and $2,377,049 for the pe- the period beginning on October 1, 2014, and the fiscal years 2013 and 2014 and $3,331,507 riod beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending ending on July 31, 2015’’ and inserting for the period beginning on October 1, 2014, on October 29, 2015,’’; and ‘‘$1,907,000,000 for fiscal year 2015, and and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and inserting (iii) by striking ‘‘and $16,657,534 for the pe- $151,101,093 for the period beginning on Octo- ‘‘each of fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and riod beginning on October 1, 2014, and ending ber 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015’’. $316,940 for the period beginning on October on July 31, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘$20,000,000 (g) ADMINISTRATION.—Section 5338(h) of 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015,’’. for fiscal year 2015, and $1,584,699 for the pe- title 49, United States Code, is amended— TITLE II—REVENUE PROVISIONS riod beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘and SEC. 2001. EXTENSION OF HIGHWAY TRUST FUND on October 29, 2015,’’; $86,619,178 for the period beginning on Octo- EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY. (F) in subparagraph (F) by striking ‘‘each ber 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015’’ and (a) HIGHWAY TRUST FUND.—Section 9503 of of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 and $2,498,630 for inserting ‘‘$104,000,000 for fiscal year 2015, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amend- the period beginning on October 1, 2014, and and $8,240,437 for the period beginning on Oc- ed— ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘each tober 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, 2015’’; (1) by striking ‘‘August 1, 2015’’ in sub- of fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and $237,705 (2) in paragraph (2) by striking ‘‘each of fis- sections (b)(6)(B), (c)(1), and (e)(3) and insert- for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, cal years 2013 and 2014 and not less than ing ‘‘October 30, 2015’’, and and ending on October 29, 2015,’’; $4,164,384 for the period beginning on October (2) by striking ‘‘Highway and Transpor- (G) in subparagraph (G) by striking ‘‘each 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and in- tation Funding Act of 2015’’ in subsections of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 and $4,164,384 for serting ‘‘each of fiscal years 2013 through (c)(1) and (e)(3) and inserting ‘‘Surface the period beginning on October 1, 2014, and 2015 and not less than $396,175 for the period Transportation and Veterans Health Care ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘each beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on Choice Improvement Act of 2015’’. of fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and $396,175 October 29, 2015,’’; and (b) SPORT FISH RESTORATION AND BOATING for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, (3) in paragraph (3) by striking ‘‘each of fis- TRUST FUND.—Section 9504 of such Code is and ending on October 29, 2015,’’; cal years 2013 and 2014 and not less than amended— (H) in subparagraph (H) by striking ‘‘each $832,877 for the period beginning on October (1) by striking ‘‘Highway and Transpor- of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 and $3,206,575 for 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and in- tation Funding Act of 2015’’ each place it ap- the period beginning on October 1, 2014, and serting ‘‘each of fiscal years 2013 through pears in subsection (b)(2) and inserting ‘‘Sur- ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘each 2015 and not less than $79,235 for the period face Transportation and Veterans Health of fiscal years 2013 through 2015 and $305,055 beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015’’, and for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, October 29, 2015,’’. (2) by striking ‘‘August 1, 2015’’ in sub- and ending on October 29, 2015,’’; SEC. 1204. BUS AND BUS FACILITIES FORMULA section (d)(2) and inserting ‘‘October 30, (I) in subparagraph (I) by striking ‘‘and GRANTS. 2015’’. $1,803,927,671 for the period beginning on Oc- Section 5339(d)(1) of title 49, United States (c) LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK tober 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ Code, is amended— TRUST FUND.—Section 9508(e)(2) of such Code is amended by striking ‘‘August 1, 2015’’ and and inserting ‘‘$2,165,900,000 for fiscal year (1) by striking ‘‘each of fiscal years 2013 inserting ‘‘October 30, 2015’’. 2015, and $171,615,027 for the period beginning and 2014 and $54,553,425 for the period begin- on October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, ning on October 1, 2014, and ending on July SEC. 2002. FUNDING OF HIGHWAY TRUST FUND. 2015,’’; 31, 2015,’’ and inserting ‘‘each of fiscal years Section 9503(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating (J) in subparagraph (J) by striking ‘‘and 2013 through 2015 and $5,189,891 for the period paragraph (7) as paragraph (8) and by insert- $356,304,658 for the period beginning on Octo- beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on ing after paragraph (6) the following new ber 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and October 29, 2015,’’; paragraph: inserting ‘‘$427,800,000 for fiscal year 2015, (2) by striking ‘‘$1,041,096 for such period’’ ‘‘(7) ADDITIONAL SUMS.—Out of money in and $33,896,721 for the period beginning on and inserting ‘‘$99,044 for such period’’; and the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, (3) by striking ‘‘$416,438 for such period’’ there is hereby appropriated— 2015,’’; and and inserting ‘‘$39,617 for such period’’. ‘‘(A) $6,068,000,000 to the Highway Account (K) in subparagraph (K) by striking ‘‘and Subtitle D—Hazardous Materials (as defined in subsection (e)(5)(B)) in the $438,009,863 for the period beginning on Octo- SEC. 1301. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Highway Trust Fund; and ber 1, 2014, and ending on July 31, 2015,’’ and (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 5128(a) of title 49, ‘‘(B) $2,000,000,000 to the Mass Transit Ac- inserting ‘‘$525,900,000 for fiscal year 2015, United States Code, is amended— count in the Highway Trust Fund.’’. and $41,669,672 for the period beginning on (1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of para- October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, SEC. 2003. MODIFICATION OF MORTGAGE RE- graph (2); and PORTING REQUIREMENTS. 2015,’’. (2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting (a) INFORMATION RETURN REQUIREMENTS.— (b) RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT DEMONSTRA- the following: Section 6050H(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue TION AND DEPLOYMENT PROJECTS.—Section ‘‘(3) $42,762,000 for fiscal year 2015; and Code of 1986 is amended by striking ‘‘and’’ at 5338(b) of title 49, United States Code, is ‘‘(4) $3,388,246 for the period beginning on the end of subparagraph (C), by redesig- amended by striking ‘‘and $58,301,370 for the October 1, 2015, and ending on October 29, nating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (G) period beginning on October 1, 2014, and end- 2015.’’. and by inserting after subparagraph (C) the ing on July 31, 2015’’ and inserting (b) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY following new subparagraphs: ‘‘$70,000,000 for fiscal year 2015, and $5,546,448 PREPAREDNESS FUND.—Section 5128(b) of title ‘‘(D) the amount of outstanding principal for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, 49, United States Code, is amended— on the mortgage as of the beginning of such and ending on October 29, 2015’’. (1) in paragraph (1)— calendar year,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.017 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5644 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 ‘‘(E) the date of the origination of the ficial interest in the property to which such ‘‘(ii) An understatement of gross income by mortgage, return relates a statement identifying the reason of an overstatement of unrecovered ‘‘(F) the address (or other description in information described in paragraph (1). cost or other basis is an omission from gross the case of property without an address) of ‘‘(3) TIME FOR FURNISHING STATEMENT.— income; and’’, and the property which secures the mortgage, ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Each statement re- (2) by inserting ‘‘(other than in the case of and’’. quired to be furnished under paragraph (1) or an overstatement of unrecovered cost or (b) STATEMENTS TO INDIVIDUALS.—Section (2) shall be furnished at such time as the other basis)’’ in clause (iii) (as so redesig- 6050H(d)(2) of such Code is amended by strik- Secretary may prescribe, but in no case at a nated) after ‘‘In determining the amount ing ‘‘subsection (b)(2)(C)’’ and inserting ‘‘sub- time later than the earlier of— omitted from gross income’’. paragraphs (C), (D), (E), and (F) of subsection ‘‘(i) the date which is 30 days after the date (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments (b)(2)’’. on which the return under section 6018 was made by this section shall apply to— (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments required to be filed (including extensions, if (1) returns filed after the date of the enact- made by this section shall apply to returns any), or ment of this Act, and required to be made, and statements re- ‘‘(ii) the date which is 30 days after the (2) returns filed on or before such date if quired to be furnished, after December 31, date such return is filed. the period specified in section 6501 of the In- 2016. ‘‘(B) ADJUSTMENTS.—In any case in which ternal Revenue Code of 1986 (determined SEC. 2004. CONSISTENT BASIS REPORTING BE- there is an adjustment to the information re- without regard to such amendments) for as- TWEEN ESTATE AND PERSON AC- quired to be included on a statement filed sessment of the taxes with respect to which QUIRING PROPERTY FROM DECE- under paragraph (1) or (2) after such state- such return relates has not expired as of such DENT. ment has been filed, a supplemental state- date. (a) PROPERTY ACQUIRED FROM A DECE- ment under such paragraph shall be filed not SEC. 2006. TAX RETURN DUE DATES. DENT.—Section 1014 of the Internal Revenue later than the date which is 30 days after Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end (a) DUE DATES FOR RETURNS OF PARTNER- such adjustment is made. the following new subsection: SHIPS, S CORPORATIONS, AND C CORPORA- ‘‘(b) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary shall TIONS.— ‘‘(f) BASIS MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH ES- prescribe such regulations as necessary to (1) PARTNERSHIPS AND S CORPORATIONS.— TATE TAX RETURN.—For purposes of this sec- carry out this section, including regulations tion— (A) IN GENERAL.—So much of subsection (b) relating to— of 6072 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The basis of any prop- ‘‘(1) the application of this section to prop- erty to which subsection (a) applies shall not as precedes the second sentence thereof is erty with regard to which no estate tax re- amended to read as follows: exceed— turn is required to be filed, and ‘‘(b) RETURNS OF PARTNERSHIPS AND S COR- ‘‘(A) in the case of property the final value ‘‘(2) situations in which the surviving joint of which has been determined for purposes of PORATIONS.—Returns of partnerships under tenant or other recipient may have better in- section 6031 and returns of S corporations the tax imposed by chapter 11 on the estate formation than the executor regarding the of such decedent, such value, and under sections 6012 and 6037 made on the basis or fair market value of the property.’’. basis of the calendar year shall be filed on or ‘‘(B) in the case of property not described (2) PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO FILE.— in subparagraph (A) and with respect to before the 15th day of March following the (A) RETURN.—Section 6724(d)(1) of such close of the calendar year, and such returns which a statement has been furnished under Code is amended by striking ‘‘and’’ at the section 6035(a) identifying the value of such made on the basis of a fiscal year shall be end of subparagraph (B), by striking the pe- filed on or before the 15th day of the third property, such value. riod at the end of subparagraph (C) and in- ‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—Paragraph (1) shall only month following the close of the fiscal serting ‘‘, and’’, and by adding at the end the year.’’. apply to any property whose inclusion in the following new subparagraph: (B) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section decedent’s estate increased the liability for ‘‘(D) any statement required to be filed the tax imposed by chapter 11 (reduced by 6072(a) of such Code is amended by striking with the Secretary under section 6035.’’. ‘‘6017, or 6031’’ and inserting ‘‘or 6017’’. credits allowable against such tax) on such (B) STATEMENT.—Section 6724(d)(2) of such (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS RELATING TO C estate. Code is amended by striking ‘‘or’’ at the end CORPORATION DUE DATE OF 15TH DAY OF ‘‘(3) DETERMINATION.—For purposes of para- of subparagraph (GG), by striking the period graph (1), the basis of property has been de- FOURTH MONTH FOLLOWING TAXABLE YEAR.— at the end of subparagraph (HH) and insert- (A) Section 170(a)(2)(B) of such Code is termined for purposes of the tax imposed by ing ‘‘, or’’, and by adding at the end the fol- chapter 11 if— amended by striking ‘‘third month’’ and in- lowing new subparagraph: serting ‘‘fourth month’’. ‘‘(A) the value of such property is shown on ‘‘(II) section 6035 (other than a statement a return under section 6018 and such value is (B) Section 563 of such Code is amended by described in paragraph (1)(D)).’’. striking ‘‘third month’’ each place it appears not contested by the Secretary before the ex- (3) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of piration of the time for assessing a tax under and inserting ‘‘fourth month’’. sections for subpart A of part III of sub- (C) Section 1354(d)(1)(B)(i) of such Code is chapter 11, chapter A of chapter 61 of such Code is ‘‘(B) in a case not described in subpara- amended by striking ‘‘3d month’’ and insert- amended by inserting after the item relating ing ‘‘4th month’’. graph (A), the value is specified by the Sec- to section 6034A the following new item: retary and such value is not timely con- (D) Subsections (a) and (c) of section 6167 ‘‘Sec. 6035. Basis information to persons ac- tested by the executor of the estate, or of such Code are each amended by striking quiring property from dece- ‘‘(C) the value is determined by a court or ‘‘third month’’ and inserting ‘‘fourth dent.’’. pursuant to a settlement agreement with the month’’. (c) PENALTY FOR INCONSISTENT REPORT- Secretary. (E) Section 6425(a)(1) of such Code is ING.— ‘‘(4) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary may by amended by striking ‘‘third month’’ and in- (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 6662(b) of such regulations provide exceptions to the appli- serting ‘‘fourth month’’. Code is amended by inserting after para- (F) Subsections (b)(2)(A), (g)(3), and (h)(1) cation of this subsection.’’. graph (7) the following new paragraph: (b) INFORMATION REPORTING.— of section 6655 of such Code are each amend- ‘‘(8) Any inconsistent estate basis.’’. (1) IN GENERAL.—Subpart A of part III of ed by striking ‘‘3rd month’’ and inserting (2) INCONSISTENT BASIS REPORTING.—Sec- subchapter A of chapter 61 of such Code is ‘‘4th month’’. tion 6662 of such Code is amended by adding amended by inserting after section 6034A the (G) Section 6655(g)(4) of such Code is at the end the following new subsection: amended by redesignating subparagraph (E) following new section: ‘‘(k) INCONSISTENT ESTATE BASIS REPORT- as subparagraph (F) and by inserting after ‘‘SEC. 6035. BASIS INFORMATION TO PERSONS AC- ING.—For purposes of this section, there is an subparagraph (D) the following new subpara- QUIRING PROPERTY FROM DECE- ‘inconsistent estate basis’ if the basis of DENT. property claimed on a return exceeds the graph: ‘‘(a) INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO PROP- basis as determined under section 1014(f).’’. ‘‘(E) Subsection (b)(2)(A) shall be applied ERTY ACQUIRED FROM DECEDENTS.— (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments by substituting ‘3rd month’ for ‘4th ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The executor of any es- made by this section shall apply to property month’.’’. tate required to file a return under section with respect to which an estate tax return is (3) EFFECTIVE DATES.— 6018(a) shall furnish to the Secretary and to filed after the date of the enactment of this (A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in each person acquiring any interest in prop- Act. subparagraph (B), the amendments made by erty included in the decedent’s gross estate SEC. 2005. CLARIFICATION OF 6-YEAR STATUTE this subsection shall apply to returns for for Federal estate tax purposes a statement OF LIMITATIONS IN CASE OF OVER- taxable years beginning after December 31, identifying the value of each interest in such STATEMENT OF BASIS. 2015. property as reported on such return and such (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 6501(e)(1)(B) of (B) SPECIAL RULE FOR C CORPORATIONS WITH other information with respect to such inter- the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amend- FISCAL YEARS ENDING ON JUNE 30.—In the case est as the Secretary may prescribe. ed— of any C corporation with a taxable year ‘‘(2) STATEMENTS BY BENEFICIARIES.—Each (1) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of clause ending on June 30, the amendments made by person required to file a return under section (i), by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii), this subsection shall apply to returns for 6018(b) shall furnish to the Secretary and to and by inserting after clause (i) the following taxable years beginning after December 31, each other person who holds a legal or bene- new clause: 2025.

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(b) MODIFICATION OF DUE DATES BY REGU- tence of this subsection shall be applied by ‘‘(D) ENERGY EQUIVALENT OF A GALLON OF LATION.—In the case of returns for taxable substituting ‘7 months’ for ‘6 months’.’’. GASOLINE.—For purposes of this paragraph, years beginning after December 31, 2015, the (2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments the term ‘energy equivalent of a gallon of Secretary of the Treasury, or the Secretary’s made by this subsection shall apply to re- gasoline’ means 5.66 pounds of compressed designee, shall modify appropriate regula- turns for taxable years beginning after De- natural gas.’’. tions to provide as follows: cember 31, 2015. (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments (1) The maximum extension for the returns SEC. 2007. TRANSFERS OF EXCESS PENSION AS- made by this section shall apply to any sale of partnerships filing Form 1065 shall be a 6- SETS TO RETIREE HEALTH AC- or use of fuel after December 31, 2015. month period ending on September 15 for cal- COUNTS. TITLE III—ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS endar year taxpayers. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 420(b)(4) of the In- SEC. 3001. SERVICE FEES. (2) The maximum extension for the returns ternal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by Paragraph (4) of section 44940(i) of title 49, of trusts filing Form 1041 shall be a 51⁄2- striking ‘‘December 31, 2021’’ and inserting United States Code, is amended by adding at month period ending on September 30 for cal- ‘‘December 31, 2025’’. the end the following new subparagraphs: endar year taxpayers. (b) CONFORMING ERISA AMENDMENTS.— ‘‘(K) $1,560,000,000 for fiscal year 2024. (3) The maximum extension for the returns (1) Sections 101(e)(3), 403(c)(1), and ‘‘(L) $1,600,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.’’. of employee benefit plans filing Form 5500 408(b)(13) of the Employee Retirement In- shall be an automatic 31⁄2-month period end- come Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. TITLE IV—VETERANS PROVISIONS ing on November 15 for calendar year plans. 1021(e)(3), 1103(c)(1), 1108(b)(13)) are each SEC. 4001. SHORT TITLE. (4) The maximum extension for the returns amended by striking ‘‘MAP–21’ ’’ and insert- This title may be cited as the ‘‘VA Budget of organizations exempt from income tax fil- ing ‘‘Surface Transportation and Veterans and Choice Improvement Act’’. ing Form 990 (series) shall be an automatic 6- Health Care Choice Improvement Act of SEC. 4002. PLAN TO CONSOLIDATE PROGRAMS OF month period ending on November 15 for cal- 2015’’. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- endar year filers. (2) Section 408(b)(13) of such Act (29 U.S.C. FAIRS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO (5) The maximum extension for the returns 1108(b)(13)) is amended by striking ‘‘January CARE. of organizations exempt from income tax 1, 2022’’ and inserting ‘‘January 1, 2026’’. (a) PLAN.—The Secretary of Veterans Af- that are required to file Form 4720 returns of SEC. 2008. EQUALIZATION OF HIGHWAY TRUST fairs shall develop a plan to consolidate all excise taxes shall be an automatic 6-month FUND EXCISE TAXES ON LIQUEFIED non-Department provider programs by estab- period beginning on the due date for filing NATURAL GAS, LIQUEFIED PETRO- lishing a new, single program to be known as LEUM GAS, AND COMPRESSED NAT- the return (without regard to any exten- the ‘‘Veterans Choice Program’’ to furnish URAL GAS. hospital care and medical services to vet- sions). (a) LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS.— erans enrolled in the system of patient en- (6) The maximum extension for the returns (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 4041(a)(2)(B) of the rollment established under section 1705(a) of of trusts required to file Form 5227 shall be Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by title 38, United States Code, at non-Depart- an automatic 6-month period beginning on striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of clause (i), by re- ment facilities. the due date for filing the return (without designating clause (ii) as clause (iii), and by regard to any extensions). (b) ELEMENTS.—The plan developed under inserting after clause (i) the following new subsection (a) to establish the Veterans (7) The maximum extension for filing Form clause: 6069, Return of Excise Tax on Excess Con- Choice Program to furnish hospital care and ‘‘(ii) in the case of liquefied petroleum gas, medical services at non-Department facili- tributions to Black Lung Benefit Trust 18.3 cents per energy equivalent of a gallon ties shall include, at a minimum, the fol- Under Section 4953 and Computation of Sec- of gasoline, and’’. lowing: tion 192 Deduction, shall be an automatic 6- (2) ENERGY EQUIVALENT OF A GALLON OF (1) A standardized method to furnish such month period beginning on the due date for GASOLINE.—Section 4041(a)(2) of such Code is care and services that incorporates the filing the return (without regard to any ex- amended by adding at the end the following: strengths of the non-Department provider tensions). ‘‘(C) ENERGY EQUIVALENT OF A GALLON OF programs into a single streamlined program (8) The maximum extension for a taxpayer GASOLINE.—For purposes of this paragraph, that the Secretary administers uniformly in required to file Form 8870 shall be an auto- the term ‘energy equivalent of a gallon of each Veterans Service Integrated Network matic 6-month period beginning on the due gasoline’ means, with respect to a liquefied date for filing the return (without regard to petroleum gas fuel, the amount of such fuel and throughout the medical system of the any extensions). having a Btu content of 115,400 (lower heat- Veterans Health Administration. (9) The due date of Form 3520–A, Annual In- ing value). For purposes of the preceding sen- (2) An identification of the eligibility re- formation Return of a Foreign Trust with a tence, a Btu content of 115,400 (lower heating quirements for any such care and services, United States Owner, shall be the 15th day of value) is equal to 5.75 pounds of liquefied pe- including with respect to service-connected the 3d month after the close of the trust’s troleum gas.’’. disabilities and non-service-connected dis- taxable year, and the maximum extension (b) LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS.— abilities. shall be a 6-month period beginning on such (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 4041(a)(2)(B) of (3) A description of the authorization proc- day. such Code, as amended by subsection (a)(1), ess for such care or medical services, includ- (10) The due date of Form 3520, Annual Re- is amended by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of ing with respect to identifying the roles of turn to Report Transactions with Foreign clause (ii), by striking the period at the end clinicians, schedulers, any third-party ad- Trusts and Receipt of Certain Foreign Gifts, of clause (iii) and inserting ‘‘, and’’ and by ministrators, the Chief Business Office of the for calendar year filers shall be April 15 with inserting after clause (iii) the following new Department, and any other entity involved a maximum extension for a 6-month period clause: in the authorization process. ending on October 15. ‘‘(iv) in the case of liquefied natural gas, (4) The structuring of the billing and reim- (11) The due date of FinCEN Report 114 (re- 24.3 cents per energy equivalent of a gallon bursement process, including the use of lating to Report of Foreign Bank and Finan- of diesel.’’. third-party medical claims adjudicators or cial Accounts) shall be April 15 with a max- (2) ENERGY EQUIVALENT OF A GALLON OF DIE- technology that supports automatic adju- imum extension for a 6-month period ending SEL.—Section 4041(a)(2) of such Code, as dication. on October 15 and with provision for an ex- amended by subsection (a)(2), is amended by (5) A description of the reimbursement rate tension under rules similar to the rules in adding at the end the following: to be paid to health care providers under Treas. Reg. section 1.6081–5. For any tax- ‘‘(D) ENERGY EQUIVALENT OF A GALLON OF such program. payer required to file such Form for the first DIESEL.—For purposes of this paragraph, the (6) An identification of how the Secretary time, any penalty for failure to timely re- term ‘energy equivalent of a gallon of diesel’ will determine the eligibility requirements quest for, or file, an extension, may be means, with respect to a liquefied natural of health care providers at non-Department waived by the Secretary. gas fuel, the amount of such fuel having a facilities to participate in such program, in- (c) CORPORATIONS PERMITTED STATUTORY Btu content of 128,700 (lower heating value). cluding how the Secretary plans to structure AUTOMATIC 6-MONTH EXTENSION OF INCOME For purposes of the preceding sentence, a a non-Department care network to allow the TAX RETURNS.— Btu content of 128,700 (lower heating value) maximum amount of flexibility in providing (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 6081(b) of such is equal to 6.06 pounds of liquefied natural care and services under the program. Code is amended— gas.’’. (7) An explanation of the processes to be (A) by striking ‘‘3 months’’ and inserting (3) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section used to ensure that the Secretary will fully ‘‘6 months’’, and 4041(a)(2)(B)(iii) of such Code, as redesignated comply with all requirements of chapter 39 (B) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘In by subsection (a)(1), is amended— of title 31, United States Code (commonly re- the case of any return for a taxable year of (A) by striking ‘‘liquefied natural gas,’’, ferred to as the ‘‘Prompt Payment Act’’), in a C corporation which ends on December 31 and paying for such care and services furnished and begins before January 1, 2026, the first (B) by striking ‘‘peat), and’’ and inserting at non-Department facilities. sentence of this subsection shall be applied ‘‘peat) and’’. (8) A description of how, to the greatest ex- by substituting ‘5 months’ for ‘6 months’. In (c) ENERGY EQUIVALENT OF A GALLON OF tent practicable, the Secretary plans to use the case of any return for a taxable year of GASOLINE TO COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS.— infrastructure and networks of non-Depart- a C corporation which ends on June 30 and Section 4041(a)(3) of such Code is amended by ment provider programs that exist as of the begins before January 1, 2026, the first sen- adding at the end the following: date of the plan to implement such program.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.017 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5646 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 (9) A description of how— Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Pub- ‘‘(1) the veteran is enrolled in the patient (A) health care providers at non-Depart- lic Law 113–146; 128 Stat. 1802). enrollment system of the Department of Vet- ment facilities that furnish such care or SEC. 4004. TEMPORARY AUTHORIZATION OF USE erans Affairs established and operated under services to veterans under such program will OF VETERANS CHOICE FUNDS FOR section 1705 of title 38, United States Code, have access to, and transmit back to the De- CERTAIN PROGRAMS. including any such veteran who has not re- partment, the medical records of such vet- (a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (c) of section ceived hospital care or medical services from erans; and 802 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Ac- the Department and has contacted the De- (B) the Department will receive from such countability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–146; partment seeking an initial appointment non-Department providers such medical 128 Stat. 1802) is amended— from the Department for the receipt of such records and any other relevant information. (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘Any care or services; and’’; and (10) A description of how the Secretary amounts’’ and inserting ‘‘Except as provided (2) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ‘‘In the plans to ensure an efficient transition to by paragraph (3), any amounts’’; and case’’ and all that follows through ‘‘, when’’ such program for veterans who participate in (2) by adding at the end the following para- and insert ‘‘When’’. the non-Department provider programs, in- graph: (c) EXPANSION OF PROVIDERS.—Such section cluding a timeline, milestones, and esti- ‘‘(3) TEMPORARY AUTHORITY FOR OTHER is further amended— mated costs for implementation, outreach, USES.— (1) in subsection (a)(1)(B), by adding at the and training. ‘‘(A) OTHER NON-DEPARTMENT CARE.—In ad- end the following new clause: (c) SUBMISSION.—Not later than November dition to the use of amounts described in ‘‘(v) Subject to subsection (d)(5), a health 1, 2015, the Secretary shall submit to the paragraph (1), of the amounts deposited in care provider not otherwise covered under Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the the Veterans Choice Fund, not more than any of clauses (i) through (iv).’’; and House of Representatives and the Senate a $3,348,500,000 may be used by the Secretary (2) in subsection (d), by adding at the end report containing— during the period described in subparagraph the following new paragraph: (1) a description of each non-Department (C) for amounts obligated by the Secretary ‘‘(5) AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER PROVIDERS.— provider program and the statutory author- on or after May 1, 2015, to furnish health care In accordance with the rates determined pur- ity for each such program; to individuals pursuant to chapter 17 of title suant to paragraph (2), the Secretary may (2) the plan under subsection (a); 38, United States Code, at non-Department enter into agreements under paragraph (1) (3) the estimated costs and budgetary re- facilities, including pursuant to non-Depart- for furnishing care and services to eligible quirements to implement the plan and to ment provider programs other than the pro- veterans under this section with an entity furnish hospital care and medical services gram established by section 101. specified in subsection (a)(1)(B)(v) if the enti- pursuant to such plan; and ‘‘(B) HEPATITIS C.—Of the amount specified ty meets criteria established by the Sec- (4) any recommendations for legislative in subparagraph (A), not more than retary for purposes of this section.’’. proposals the Secretary determines nec- $500,000,000 may be used by the Secretary (d) CLARIFICATION OF WAIT TIMES.—Sub- essary to implement such plan. during the period described in subparagraph paragraph (A) of subsection (b)(2) of such sec- (d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (C) for pharmaceutical expenses relating to tion is amended to read as follows: (1) The term ‘‘non-Department facility’’ the treatment of Hepatitis C. ‘‘(A) attempts, or has attempted, to sched- has the meaning given that term in section ‘‘(C) PERIOD DESCRIBED.—The period de- ule an appointment for the receipt of hos- 1701 of title 38, United States Code. scribed in this subparagraph is the period be- pital care or medical services under chapter (2) The term ‘‘non-Department provider ginning on the date of the enactment of the 17 of title 38, United States Code, but is un- programs’’ means each program adminis- VA Budget and Choice Improvement Act and able to schedule an appointment within— tered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs ending on October 1, 2015. ‘‘(i) the wait-time goals of the Veterans under which the Secretary enters into con- ‘‘(D) REPORTS.—Not later than 14 days Health Administration for the furnishing of tracts or other agreements with health care after the date of the enactment of the VA such care or services; or providers at non-Department facilities to Budget and Choice Improvement Act, and ‘‘(ii) with respect to such care or services furnish hospital care and medical services to not less frequently than once every 14-day that are clinically necessary, the period de- veterans, including pursuant to the fol- period thereafter during the period described termined necessary for such care or services lowing: in subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall sub- if such period is shorter than such wait-time (A) Section 1703 of title 38, United States mit to the appropriate congressional com- goals;’’. Code. mittees a report detailing— (e) MODIFICATION OF DISTANCE REQUIRE- (B) The Veterans Choice Program estab- ‘‘(i) the amounts used by the Secretary MENT.—Subparagraph (B) of subsection (b)(2) lished by section 101 of the Veterans Access, pursuant to subparagraphs (A) and (B); and of such section is amended to read as follows: Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Pub- ‘‘(ii) an identification of such amounts list- ‘‘(B) resides more than 40 miles (as cal- lic Law 113–146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note). ed by the non-Department provider program culated based on distance traveled) from— (C) The Patient Centered Community Care for which the amounts were used. ‘‘(i) with respect to a veteran who is seek- Program (known as ‘‘PC3’’). ‘‘(E) DEFINITIONS.—In this paragraph: ing primary care, a medical facility of the (D) The pilot program established by sec- ‘‘(i) The term ‘appropriate congressional Department, including a community-based tion 403 of the Veterans’ Mental Health and committees’ means— outpatient clinic, that is able to provide Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 (Public ‘‘(I) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs such primary care by a full-time primary Law 110–387; 38 U.S.C. 1703 note) (known as and the Committee on Appropriations of the care physician; or ‘‘Project ARCH’’). House of Representatives; and ‘‘(ii) with respect to a veteran not covered (E) Contracts relating to dialysis. ‘‘(II) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs under clause (i), the medical facility of the (F) Agreements entered into by the Sec- and the Committee on Appropriations of the Department, including a community-based retary with— Senate. outpatient clinic, that is closest to the resi- (i) the Secretary of Defense, the Director ‘‘(ii) The term ‘non-Department facilities’ dence of the veteran;’’. of the Indian Health Service, or any the head has the meaning given that term in section 1701 of title 38, United States Code. SEC. 4006. LIMITATION ON DIALYSIS PILOT PRO- of any other department or agency of the GRAM. ‘‘(iii) The term ‘non-Department provider Federal Government; or (a) LIMITATION.—None of the funds author- program’ has the meaning given that term in (ii) any academic affiliate or other non- ized to be appropriated or otherwise made section 4002(d) of the VA Budget and Choice governmental entity. available to the Secretary of Veterans Af- Improvement Act.’’. (G) Programs relating to emergency care, fairs may be used to expand the dialysis pilot (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Subsection including under sections 1725 and 1728 of title (d)(1) of such section is amended by inserting program or to create any new dialysis capa- 38, United States Code. before the period at the end the following: bility provided by the Department in a facil- SEC. 4003. FUNDING ACCOUNT FOR NON-DEPART- ‘‘(or for hospital care and medical services ity that is not an initial facility under the MENT CARE. pursuant to subsection (c)(3) of this sec- dialysis pilot program until— Each budget of the President submitted to tion)’’. (1) an independent analysis of the dialysis Congress under section 1105 of title 31, SEC. 4005. MODIFICATIONS OF VETERANS pilot program is conducted for each such ini- United States Code, for fiscal year 2017 and CHOICE PROGRAM. tial facility; each fiscal year thereafter shall include an (a) INCREASED PERIOD OF FOLLOW-UP (2) the Secretary submits to the appro- appropriations account for non-Department CARE.—Subsection (h) of section 101 of the priate congressional committees the report provider programs (as defined in section 2(d)) Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability under subsection (b); and to be comprised of— Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 (3) a period of 180 days has elapsed fol- (1) discretionary medical services funding note) is amended by striking ‘‘(but for a pe- lowing the date on which the Secretary sub- that is designated for hospital care and med- riod not exceeding 60 days)’’. mits such report. ical services furnished at non-Department (b) EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY.—Such sec- (b) REPORT.—The Secretary shall submit to facilities; and tion is further amended— the appropriate congressional committees a (2) any funds transferred for such purpose (1) by striking paragraph (1) of subsection report containing the following: from the Veterans Choice Fund established (b) and inserting the following new para- (1) The independent analysis described in by section 802 of the Veterans Access, graph: subsection (a)(1).

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.017 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5647 (2) A five-year dialysis investment plan ex- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill is the 25th time that we have done a plaining all of the options of the Secretary shall be debatable for 1 hour, equally short-term extension of the highway for delivering dialysis care to veterans, in- divided among and controlled by the trust fund. Put another way, this is the cluding how and where such care will be de- respective chairs and ranking minority 25th time the Congress has shirked its livered. (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: members of the Committees on Trans- responsibility to the taxpayers and (1) The term ‘‘appropriate congressional portation and Infrastructure, Ways and businesses to provide reliable transpor- committees’’ means— Means, and Veterans’ Affairs. tation infrastructure across this coun- (A) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs The gentleman from Pennsylvania try. and the Committee on Appropriations of the (Mr. SHUSTER), the gentleman from Or- Now, as I thought about this debate, House of Representatives; and egon (Mr. DEFAZIO), the gentleman I was reminded of a tube of toothpaste (B) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs from Wisconsin (Mr. RYAN), the gen- that lays in my bathroom. It is about and the Committee on Appropriations of the one-third gone. All of you have one of Senate. tleman from Washington (Mr. MCDERMOTT), the gentleman from Flor- these at home that is laying there. (2) The term ‘‘dialysis pilot program’’ You know what you do; you keep means the pilot demonstration program ap- ida (Mr. MILLER), and the gentlewoman proved by the Under Secretary of Veterans from Florida (Ms. BROWN) each will squeezing it one more time. You say: Affairs for Health in August 2010 and by the control 10 minutes. Can I get one more brush out of this? Secretary of Veterans Affairs in September The Chair recognizes the gentleman Will I get one more? Can I get one 2010 to provide dialysis care to patients at from Pennsylvania. more? That is what we have been doing certain outpatient facilities operated by the Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, H.R. here. We are squeezing the tube one Department of Veterans Affairs. 3236 is a 3-month clean extension to the more time. We are going to be back. (3) The term ‘‘initial facility’’ means one You save your toothpaste because it of the four outpatient facilities identified by surface transportation legislation. It is the right thing to do. is going to be back; it is going to be the Secretary to participate in the dialysis back in November or December. We are pilot program prior to the date of the enact- It gives the Committee on Transpor- ment of this Act. tation and Infrastructure and the Com- going to be right back down here squeezing to get a little bit. SEC. 4007. AMENDMENTS TO INTERNAL REVENUE mittee on Ways and Means the time to Now, my belief is that it is time that CODE WITH RESPECT TO HEALTH work out a long-term solution to the COVERAGE OF VETERANS. we stop this. It is time for a long-term surface transportation bill, which we (a) EXEMPTION IN DETERMINATION OF EM- funding bill, and we should have done need to pass for the health of this PLOYER HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATE.— it this time. (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 4980H(c)(2) of the country. Now, in order to make this bill even Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by Importantly, it gives the House of worse, they wrap in the toothpaste adding at the end the following: Representatives the ability to do its tube of the Veterans Administration. ‘‘(F) EXEMPTION FOR HEALTH COVERAGE constitutional duty to be heard on im- Let’s give a little bit of money here, a UNDER TRICARE OR THE VETERANS ADMINISTRA- portant legislation that is important TION.—Solely for purposes of determining little bit of money there; and we will to all 50 States and all 435 congres- see if we can kind of move it along and whether an employer is an applicable large sional districts. employer under this paragraph for any then stay out of trouble. We never fix I reserve the balance of my time. month, an individual shall not be taken into anything here. account as an employee for such month if Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I would This Congress is the Congress of the such individual has medical coverage for direct anyone interested in this legisla- half-empty toothpaste tube. I will such month under— tion to my remarks on the 5-month probably vote with everybody else be- ‘‘(i) chapter 55 of title 10, United States bill. cause you don’t want the Veterans Ad- Code, including coverage under the I yield back the balance of my time. ministration to be having problems and TRICARE program, or Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask all ‘‘(ii) under a health care program under you don’t want the hospital construc- 435 Members of the House to support tion to stop. chapter 17 or 18 of title 38, United States H.R. 3236 with a ‘‘yes’’ vote. Code, as determined by the Secretary of Vet- We will vote for it, but it is foolish, erans Affairs, in coordination with the Sec- I yield back the balance of my time. and it is a statement about the failure retary of Health and Human Services and the Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, of the Republican Party to deal with Secretary.’’. I yield myself such time as I may con- major issues. (2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment sume. I reserve the balance of my time. made by this subsection shall apply to I just want to echo the comments of Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. I yield 2 months beginning after December 31, 2013. the prior chair. We think this is the minutes to the gentleman from Texas (b) ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH SAVINGS AC- right solution. This is very similar to COUNT NOT AFFECTED BY RECEIPT OF MEDICAL (Mr. SAM JOHNSON), a member of the the bill we passed earlier. We believe CARE FOR SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY.— Committee on Ways and Means. (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 223(c)(1) of the In- this gives us the time we need to try Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I thank ternal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by and put together a long-term highway the chairman. I come to the floor today adding at the end the following new subpara- solution. That is why we are in favor of to talk about our bill, H.R. 2514, the graph: this. Help Veterans Save for Health Care ‘‘(C) SPECIAL RULE FOR INDIVIDUALS ELIGI- I reserve the balance of my time. Act, which is part of the legislation BLE FOR CERTAIN VETERANS BENEFITS.—An in- Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I now before us. dividual shall not fail to be treated as an eli- yield myself such time as I may con- gible individual for any period merely be- As a 29-year Air Force veteran and cause the individual receives hospital care or sume. former POW, it is no secret I am a medical services under any law administered Mr. Speaker, here we are with an- proud advocate for America’s veterans. by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for a other short-term extension of the high- They bravely served our country. They service-connected disability (within the way trust fund. It is silly; it is counter- deserve the best care when they return meaning of section 101(16) of title 38, United productive. Anybody who knows any- home. Unfortunately, the VA has failed States Code).’’. thing knows this is ridiculous. They to uphold its end of the bargain. We (2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment say we have got to have time to work have been working hard to fix it. made by this subsection shall apply to out a compromise. How many years do To add insult to injury, the IRS—yes, months beginning after December 31, 2015. you need time? the IRS—has also let down our vet- SEC. 4008. EMERGENCY DESIGNATIONS. When I served in the State legisla- (a) IN GENERAL.—This title, except for sec- erans. Right now, the IRS prohibits tion 4007, is designated as an emergency re- ture in my home State of Washington, veterans from contributing to a health quirement pursuant to section 4(g) of the a businessman once told me that savings account for a period of time if Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (2 businessowners don’t care what the they choose to get care at the VA. U.S.C. 933(g)). rate is or how long; they just want to These health savings accounts enable (b) DESIGNATION IN SENATE.—In the Senate, know how long they have to deal with Americans to save and pay for medical this title, except for section 4007, is des- ignated as an emergency requirement pursu- something. expenses; yet, here, we have the IRS ant to section 403(a) of S. Con. Res. 13 (111th Now, how can businesses do any kind standing in the way of veterans, keep- Congress), the concurrent resolution on the of planning in this country when they ing them from getting the care they budget for fiscal year 2010. get 1-, 2-, and 3-month extensions? This want, need, and deserve. That is wrong.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.017 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5648 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 Bottom line, veterans shouldn’t have carry a little bit of a message here and move around and get to the jobs, you to choose between getting care at the there. All that wiring, all that stuff have got terrible problems. In every VA for a service-connected disability that we could be doing, we should be city and everybody’s district, if you or being able to save for health care, doing. We should be planning. But have got a city with over 50,000, you including their families. My bill would there isn’t any State that can plan have got problems with traffic, and yet allow veterans to do both. with this kind of a highway bill. we can’t get a transportation bill out In closing, I thank my colleagues Now, why aren’t we doing the thing of here that goes for more than 3 from both sides of the aisle for their today that is right? Well, because the months. Now, that is pathetic. support. I would also like to thank the Senate has come up with a great pro- I yield back the balance of my time. chairman for working with me on this, posal. They have a 6-year authoriza- Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, but most importantly, I want to per- tion, but they come up with 3 years of I disagree with the gentleman. I think sonally thank each of our veterans who money. How does a State plan with we should pass this bill, and I yield faithfully serve to protect this great that? We are authorized for 6 years out back the balance of my time. Nation. to whatever that would be, and we are Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Let’s get this done. going to wind up only getting money I have no speakers, and I reserve the Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I for 3 years. How do we do bond issues in balance of my time. yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the State when we don’t know what the Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Chair- Illinois (Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS). Feds are going to do? This kind of plan- man, I yield myself 2 minutes. First of all, I want to thank the b 1630 ning makes government fail. And it is what the Republicans want: a Federal chairman for his continued bipartisan Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. I Government that fails. work on the Veterans’ Affairs Com- thank the gentleman from Washington Now, there was a guy named Eisen- mittee. We all want to do what is best for yielding. hower. When he became President, he for the veterans, and the chairman has Mr. Speaker, I agree with the gen- came in and said: You know some- continued to work toward that goal. tleman. I agree that we are squeezing thing? This country needs roads. And On this past Monday, 62 years after and squeezing and extending and ex- he created the entire system. He was a the signing of the Korean Armistice tending when we know better and we Republican from Kansas, of all places, Agreement, the committee laid a know the difference. We know that we and he understood what the country wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown could have a meaningful solution to needed to move forward. Soldier at Arlington Cemetery in honor the problem that we face. We know it. People said in the last election what of our fallen military members. Today, We come and we kick the can a little we need to do is elect Republicans. By we need more than a ceremony. We bit, add a little bit more to it. God, if we get Republicans, we will get should honor our veterans now by pass- Like him, I am going to vote for it. what we need in this country. Well, I ing H.R. 3236. But I am going to vote for it not be- don’t know if they knew what they I support this legislation because it cause I think it is the best approach; I were voting for, but what they got is a addresses the $3 million shortfall for am going to vote for it because I want Senate and House that can’t come up fiscal year 2015 at the VA and keeps to see construction crews continue to with a highway bill. They have been hospitals and medical facilities open work. I want to see families who are here for 8 months. Everybody knows we for our veterans through the end of the looking for paychecks be able to con- need it. The sources of revenue are not fiscal year. Let me repeat that. It will tinue to get them. mysteries. allow the VA to keep hospitals and I am going to vote for it because I Russell Long used to say about tax- clinics open for our veterans through want to see roads and bridges and high- ation: ‘‘Don’t tax you, don’t tax me, the end of this fiscal year. ways repaired. I want to see veterans tax that fellow behind the tree.’’ This legislation allows the VA to use be able to go to the doctor and not We know there is nobody behind the $3.348 billion that was appropriated for wonder whether or not the doctor is tree. We are going to have to raise the Choice Program to use for non-VA going to be there to take care of them. some taxes to do what is necessary. care, to pay for health care provided to So, yes, I will vote for it; and I will Well, there are those guys that have veterans and family members under look up and see that we will be back in that money overseas. Maybe we can get the programs provided by non-VA pro- December voting again, but we do what those guys who have got that overseas viders from May 1 to October 1, 2015. we have to do. We have to keep Amer- money and bring it back and fund this. The VA has completed more than 56 ica working. I will vote for it to keep I guess they are behind the tree. But million appointments between June 1, America working. they also live here, so they are not 2014, and May 31, 2015. That is 2.6 mil- Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, really behind the tree. lion more than the same time last I reserve the balance of my time. This argument is going to go on in year. Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I December or whenever this thing ends. H.R. 3236 allows the VA to access $3 yield myself such time as I may con- It doesn’t really make any difference. billion from the Choice fund and $348 sume. We will come back here, and we will million from other unobligated ac- Mr. Speaker, let’s review this week. get out our toothpaste tube and we will counts. Of that amount, $500 million When I got on the plane from Seattle, squeeze a little bit more out of it just may be used for pharmaceutical ex- we were supposed to be here on Friday. to see if we can brush our teeth one penses related to the treatment of hep- By the time I landed at Dulles Airport, more time. That is what this is about. atitis C at the VA. This is a cure that they had already given away Friday. We have done it on issue after issue many of our veterans need, especially We weren’t going to have any votes on here, and somebody has to call the Re- those who served in Vietnam. Friday. So now the week is 1 day short. publican Party on this. Three times in this fiscal year, the They continued to ineptly manage this The American people should under- Secretary has testified before the VA place in such a way, Mr. Speaker, that stand, they are not serious about run- committee, and he has consistently they are now giving away Thursday. ning government for the things that af- been asking for the authority to run Now they want to hurry out of here. fect ordinary human beings. A transit the VA like a business. They want to get out of here. They system in a State is absolutely impor- Mr. MILLER of Florida. I reserve the don’t want the American people to see tant. As cities get more crowded and balance of my time. what they are really doing. more crowded and there is no parking, Ms. BROWN of Florida. I yield 2 min- If you look at this transportation if you don’t have a transit system that utes to the gentleman from Georgia issue, what is making us uncompetitive works, you can’t have development. (Mr. BISHOP). in the rest of the world is that every- Everybody wants development. Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I thank the where else they are spending money on Where the heck are you going to put gentlewoman for yielding. infrastructure. People know you have the development? Out in the bushes? I want to thank Chairman MILLER of to have roads, you have to have high- No. You are going to put it in the city the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, speed stuff in the ground that will where the people live. But if they can’t Ranking Member BROWN, and, of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.065 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5649 course, Chairman DENT, who chairs the Ms. BROWN of Florida. I yield 2 min- I believe that the Secretary needs Appropriations MILCON–VA Sub- utes to the gentleman from Oregon that authority. In addition to solving committee, where I serve as ranking (Mr. BLUMENAUER). the fiscal crisis, this bill will enable member. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Chairman, I the Secretary to run VA more like a Today, this body is debating text thank the gentlewoman for yielding. business, and that, Mr. Speaker, means within the highway bill to address the It is a little frustrating as we watch a more efficient VA and better care for Department of Veterans Affairs’ $3 bil- these disparate subjects lumped to- our veterans. lion budget shortfall for veterans’ gether on the floor with truncated de- In closing, I urge my colleagues to health care in FY 2015. Without this bate. I want to speak to just one ele- support this legislation to ensure that legislation, the VA could run out of ment that we are discussing here our veterans are taken care of. money by September. Costs have ex- today, and that deals with the exten- I yield back the balance of my time. ploded by more than 10 percent in the sion of transportation funding. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, last year as a result of higher demand, The passage of this bill will represent I yield myself the balance of my time. while the budget increased by only 2.8 the 34th short-term extension of the Mr. Speaker, only 2 weeks ago, bur- percent. surface transportation bill. What coun- ied in a letter from the Deputy Sec- Additionally, costs for treatments try became great building its infra- retary, the Department of Veterans Af- have increased. For example, due to structure 8 months at a time? 6 months fairs made a startling announcement. the new lifesaving hepatitis C medicine at a time? a year at a time? It is a fail- That announcement was, unless Con- costing as much as $1,000 for a single ure on the part of Congress to be able gress intervened, the VA healthcare pill, the VA’s $700 million FY 2015 to understand that you cannot pay for system would shut down in August, due budget for hepatitis C has already been 2015 infrastructure needs with 1993 dol- to a massive budget shortfall that re- exceeded with more than 2 months left lars—the last time we adjusted the sulted from larger than anticipated de- in the fiscal year. user fee, the gas tax that supports the mand for non-VA care and increased This situation is a prime example of highway trust fund. costs for hepatitis C treatment. how the sequester caps imposed by the b 1645 A VA healthcare system shutdown Budget Control Act and locked in by would be an unprecedented event in I do see a little tiny glimmer of day- the Republican budget constrain our these United States’ history. The possi- light with the 3-month extension. I ability to deal with issues responsibly bility of a shutdown was never men- have personally been urging the Presi- and in a timely manner. It is well past tioned, even once, during a hearing dent to indicate that this is the last ex- time that we come to the table to that I called in late June, where VA tension that he will sign. break the cycle of irresponsible fund- first publicly admitted its budget trou- The House Ways and Means Com- ing levels that are shortchanging our bles, or during any of the four times mittee could pass a funding measure in veterans’ health care. that Secretary McDonald testified be- a week if we would roll up our sleeves. While the House-passed FY 2016 fore Congress this year or anywhere in We have legislation there that is sup- MILCON–VA Appropriations bill adds the quarterly financial plan that VA ported by the U.S. Chamber, AFL–CIO, $970 million for VA medical care ad- submitted in March, showing that VA by truckers, transit, the AAA, a wide vance appropriations within the FY was operating under budget so far this array of people who say: Step up, raise 2015 bill, the amount still remains $330 fiscal year. our user fee, fund the transportation million below the VA request, most Once again, this Congress comes to system, and do it right. likely leading to another budget short- rescue a mismanaged Department of We used to have the finest infrastruc- Veterans Affairs. fall in FY 2016. Today’s bill is only a ture in the world. Now, we are about Band-Aid, a temporary solution, be- I yield back the balance of my time. 25th in the world and falling further. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, today, H.R. cause of budget caps. If the Ways and Means Committee 3236 will come to the floor of the House with To be clear, if we continue to ignore would spend a week listening to the a critical 3 month extension to the Highway the new reality of increased demand people who build, maintain, operate, Trust fund as well as changes to Department and higher costs, delivery of healthcare and use our infrastructure, we could of Veterans Affairs’ spending authorities. In services to millions of currently en- come to a resolution. rolled veterans will be devastated for Ronald Reagan’s approach was to particular, it contains changes to the Veterans the foreseeable future. raise the user fee 125 percent in 1982. Affairs’ Choice Program that I believe are very The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. The important for Guam. It expands eligibility for time of the gentleman has expired. time of the gentleman has expired. the program and codifies some of the changes Ms. BROWN of Florida. I yield the Ms. BROWN of Florida. I yield the that the VA has made since the inception of gentleman an additional 30 seconds. gentleman an additional 30 seconds. the program to make it more accessible to vet- Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. If Congress Mr. BLUMENAUER. If we did our erans in rural or isolated communities and re- continues to function under these job, sending clear signals about trans- duces some barriers to timely care. budgets caps, we will see more gaps in portation funding, the appropriating Though this bill is a good step towards bet- access, utilization, safety, and, ulti- committee, the T&I, if they knew what ter care for our veterans, there are many more mately, a lower standard of care. Even they were working with, could come improvements that I will continue to work for further, the caps limit Congress’ op- forth with a bill easily in 2 months, so with my colleagues and the VA. There is still tions to create jobs, keep our commu- we wouldn’t have to continue this cha- a need for greater flexibility in the reimburse- nities safe, research lifesaving medical rade. ment rate to health care providers which could treatments, and give our children a We could put hundreds of thousands be an issue on Guam in the near future. Fur- better education. of people to work at family-wage jobs ther, there is a need to improve the methods I urge Members to vote for this bill in every city around the country; we in which our veterans and their records can to ensure that veterans continue to re- would meet our obligations, and we move back and forth between VA and non-VA ceive the care which they have earned, would stop this shameful exercise of providers. Additionally, though I would have but we cannot continue to govern in abrogating our responsibility to re- preferred to see additional appropriations to this fashion. Today, we must take the build and renew. cover the shortfall in the other programs that next step towards a more responsible Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, are covering non-VA provided care for our vet- budgeting process so we can eventually I reserve the balance of my time. erans, I have been assured that the move- stop lurching from one crisis to the Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, ment of funds within the VA accounts will not next. To do so, the budget caps must be how much time do I have, sir? negatively affect the care our veterans are re- directly addressed in order to properly The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ceiving through the Choice Program and that invest in veterans’ health care as well tlewoman from Florida has 3 minutes the transfer is temporary. I will continue to as advance other priorities assisting remaining. urge the Obama Administration to provide hard-working Americans. Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, adequate funding for all VA programs, but par- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- I yield myself such time as I may con- ticularly the Choice program which has a lot of man, I reserve the balance of my time. sume. interest and support on Guam. The Choice

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.067 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5650 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 program has the ability to, in the long-term, King (IA) Nolan Shimkus CLEAVER, KILDEE, JOHNSON of King (NY) Norcross Shuster Georgia, and YOHO changed their vote address some of the systemic issues to VA Kinzinger (IL) Nugent Simpson care in isolated areas of the country. Kirkpatrick Nunes Sinema from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time Kline O’Rourke Sires So the bill was passed. for debate has expired. Knight Olson Slaughter The result of the vote was announced Kuster Palazzo Smith (MO) as above recorded. Pursuant to House Resolution 388, LaMalfa Pallone Smith (NE) the previous question is ordered on the Lamborn Palmer Smith (NJ) A motion to reconsider was laid on bill. Lance Pascrell Smith (TX) the table. The question is on the engrossment Langevin Paulsen Smith (WA) Stated for: Larsen (WA) Payne Speier and third reading of the bill. Larson (CT) Pelosi Stefanik Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. The bill was ordered to be engrossed Latta Perlmutter Stewart 486, I was unavoidably detained in DC traffic Lawrence Peterson Stivers while returning from a meeting at the White and read a third time, and was read the Lee Pingree third time. Stutzman House. Had I been present, I would have Lewis Pittenger Swalwell (CA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Lieu, Ted Pitts Takai voted ‘‘yes.’’ question is on the passage of the bill. Lipinski Pocan Takano Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. LoBiondo Poe (TX) Thompson (CA) The question was taken; and the Loebsack Poliquin 486, had I been present, I would have voted Thompson (MS) ‘‘yes.’’ Speaker pro tempore announced that Lofgren Pompeo Thompson (PA) the ayes appeared to have it. Long Posey Thornberry Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Loudermilk Price, Tom Tiberi unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Love Quigley Tipton on that I demand the yeas and nays. Lowenthal Rangel my control, I regretfully missed rollcall vote Titus Lowey Ratcliffe The yeas and nays were ordered. Tonko 486 on July 29th. Had I been present, I would Lucas Reed Torres have voted ‘‘yea.’’ The vote was taken by electronic de- Luetkemeyer Reichert Trott vice, and there were—yeas 385, nays 34, Luja´ n, Ben Ray Rice (NY) Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to Tsongas (NM) Richmond be present for a vote taken on the House floor answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting 13, as Turner Lynch Rigell follows: Upton today, as I was unavoidably detained. Had I MacArthur Roby Valadao been present, I would have voted ‘‘aye’’ on [Roll No. 486] Maloney, Roe (TN) Van Hollen Carolyn Rogers (AL) rollcall Vote No. 486. YEAS—385 Vargas Maloney, Sean Rogers (KY) f Abraham Cook Goodlatte Marchant Rohrabacher Veasey Adams Costello (PA) Gowdy Marino Rokita Vela ´ VA ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2015 Aderholt Courtney Graham Massie Rooney (FL) Velazquez Aguilar Cramer Granger Matsui Ros-Lehtinen Wagner The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Walberg Allen Crawford Graves (GA) McCarthy Roskam ant to House Resolution 388 and rule Ashford Crenshaw Graves (LA) McCaul Ross Walden Babin Crowley Graves (MO) McGovern Rothfus Walorski XVIII, the Chair declares the House in Barr Cuellar Grayson McHenry Rouzer Walters, Mimi the Committee of the Whole House on Barton Culberson Green, Al McKinley Roybal-Allard Walz the state of the Union for the further Bass Cummings Green, Gene Wasserman McMorris Royce consideration of the bill, H.R. 1994. Beatty Curbelo (FL) Griffith Rodgers Ruiz Schultz Becerra Davis (CA) Grijalva McNerney Ruppersberger Waters, Maxine Will the gentleman from Georgia Benishek Davis, Danny Guinta McSally Rush Watson Coleman (Mr. CARTER) kindly resume the chair. Bera Davis, Rodney Guthrie Meadows Russell Webster (FL) Bilirakis DeFazio Gutie´rrez Meehan Ryan (OH) Wenstrup b 1733 Bishop (GA) Delaney Hahn Meeks Ryan (WI) Westerman Bishop (MI) DeLauro Hanna Meng Sa´ nchez, Linda Westmoreland IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Bishop (UT) DelBene Hardy Messer T. Williams Accordingly, the House resolved Black Denham Harper Mica Sanchez, Loretta Wilson (FL) itself into the Committee of the Whole Blackburn Dent Harris Miller (FL) Sarbanes Wilson (SC) Blum DeSantis Hartzler Miller (MI) Scalise Wittman House on the state of the Union for the Blumenauer DeSaulnier Hastings Moolenaar Schakowsky Womack further consideration of the bill (H.R. Bonamici DesJarlais Heck (NV) Mooney (WV) Schiff Woodall 1994) to amend title 38, United States Bost Deutch Heck (WA) Mullin Schrader Yarmuth Boustany Diaz-Balart Hensarling Murphy (FL) Schweikert Yoder Code, to provide for the removal or de- Boyle, Brendan Dingell Herrera Beutler Murphy (PA) Scott, Austin Yoho motion of employees of the Depart- F. Doggett Higgins Nadler Scott, David Young (AK) ment of Veterans Affairs based on per- Brady (PA) Dold Hill Napolitano Serrano Young (IA) formance or misconduct, and for other Brady (TX) Donovan Himes Neal Sessions Young (IN) Brat Doyle, Michael Hinojosa Newhouse Sewell (AL) Zeldin purposes, with Mr. CARTER of Georgia Brooks (AL) F. Holding Noem Sherman Zinke (Acting Chair) in the chair. Brown (FL) Duckworth Honda Brownley (CA) Duffy Hoyer NAYS—34 The Clerk read the title of the bill. The Acting CHAIR. When the Com- Buchanan Duncan (SC) Hudson Amash Hice, Jody B. Ribble Bucshon Duncan (TN) Huelskamp Amodei Jones Rice (SC) mittee of the Whole rose earlier today, Burgess Edwards Huffman Barletta Lummis Salmon a request for a recorded vote on amend- Bustos Ellison Huizenga (MI) Beyer McClintock Sanford Butterfield Ellmers (NC) Hultgren ment No. 2 printed in House Report Bridenstine McDermott Scott (VA) Calvert Emmer (MN) Hunter Buck Moulton 114–234 offered by the gentleman from Capps Engel Hurd (TX) Sensenbrenner Byrne Mulvaney Visclosky California (Mr. TAKANO) had been post- Capuano Eshoo Hurt (VA) Clark (MA) Neugebauer ´ Walker poned. Cardenas Esty Israel DeGette Pearce Weber (TX) Carson (IN) Farenthold Issa Garrett Perry AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. TAKANO Welch Carter (GA) Farr Jackson Lee Gosar Polis The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to Cartwright Fattah Jeffries Grothman Renacci Castor (FL) Fincher Jenkins (KS) clause 6 of rule XVIII, the unfinished Castro (TX) Fitzpatrick Jenkins (WV) ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 business is the demand for a recorded Chabot Fleischmann Johnson (GA) McCollum vote on the amendment offered by the Chaffetz Fleming Johnson (OH) gentleman from California (Mr. Chu, Judy Flores Johnson, E. B. NOT VOTING—13 Cicilline Forbes Johnson, Sam TAKANO) on which further proceedings Brooks (IN) Costa Moore Clarke (NY) Fortenberry Jolly Carney Labrador Peters were postponed and on which the noes Clay Foster Jordan Carter (TX) Levin prevailed by voice vote. Cleaver Foxx Joyce Price (NC) Clawson (FL) Lujan Grisham Clyburn Frankel (FL) Kaptur Whitfield The Clerk will redesignate the Cooper (NM) Coffman Franks (AZ) Katko amendment. Cohen Frelinghuysen Keating b 1731 The Clerk redesignated the amend- Cole Fudge Kelly (IL) Collins (GA) Gabbard Kelly (MS) Mr. WALKER and Ms. CLARK of ment. Collins (NY) Gallego Kelly (PA) Massachusetts changed their vote from RECORDED VOTE Comstock Garamendi Kennedy ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote Conaway Gibbs Kildee Connolly Gibson Kilmer Messrs. HONDA, HOYER, RICH- has been demanded. Conyers Gohmert Kind MOND, CLYBURN, ISRAEL, A recorded vote was ordered.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.018 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5651 The Acting CHAIR. This will be a 2- Foxx Lucas Rooney (FL) fairs based on performance or mis- Frelinghuysen Luetkemeyer Ros-Lehtinen minute vote. Garrett Lummis Roskam conduct, and for other purposes, and, The vote was taken by electronic de- Gibbs MacArthur Ross pursuant to House Resolution 388, he vice, and there were—ayes 191, noes 233, Gibson Marchant Rothfus reported the bill back to the House Gohmert Marino Rouzer with an amendment adopted in the not voting 9, as follows: Goodlatte Massie Royce Committee of the Whole. [Roll No. 487] Gosar McCarthy Russell Gowdy McCaul Ryan (WI) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under AYES—191 Graves (GA) McClintock Salmon the rule, the previous question is or- Adams Fudge Nolan Graves (LA) McHenry Sanford Graves (MO) McKinley Scalise dered. Aguilar Gabbard Norcross Is a separate vote demanded on the Ashford Gallego O’Rourke Griffith McMorris Schweikert Grothman Rodgers Scott, Austin Bass Garamendi Pallone amendment to the amendment re- Guinta McSally Sensenbrenner Beatty Graham Pascrell ported from the Committee of the Guthrie Meadows Sessions Becerra Grayson Payne Hanna Meehan Shimkus Whole? Bera Green, Al Pelosi Hardy Messer Shuster If not, the question is on the com- Beyer Green, Gene Perlmutter Harper Mica Simpson Bishop (GA) Grijalva Peters mittee amendment in the nature of a Blumenauer Gutie´rrez Harris Miller (FL) Smith (MO) substitute, as amended. Peterson Hartzler Miller (MI) Smith (NE) Bonamici Hahn Pingree The amendment was agreed to. Boyle, Brendan Hastings Heck (NV) Moolenaar Smith (TX) Pocan Hensarling Mooney (WV) Stefanik The SPEAKER pro tempore. The F. Heck (WA) Polis Brady (PA) Higgins Herrera Beutler Mullin Stewart question is on the engrossment and Price (NC) Hice, Jody B. Mulvaney Stivers Brown (FL) Himes Quigley third reading of the bill. Brownley (CA) Hinojosa Hill Murphy (PA) Stutzman Rangel Holding Neugebauer Thompson (MS) The bill was ordered to be engrossed Bustos Honda Rice (NY) Butterfield Hoyer Hudson Newhouse Thompson (PA) and read a third time, and was read the Richmond Huelskamp Noem Thornberry Capps Huffman Roybal-Allard third time. Capuano Israel Huizenga (MI) Nugent Tiberi Ruiz MOTION TO RECOMMIT Ca´ rdenas Jackson Lee Hultgren Nunes Tipton Ruppersberger Hunter Olson Trott Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I have a Carson (IN) Jeffries Rush Cartwright Johnson (GA) Hurd (TX) Palazzo Turner Ryan (OH) motion to recommit at the desk. Castor (FL) Jolly Hurt (VA) Palmer Upton Sa´ nchez, Linda The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the Castro (TX) Kaptur Issa Paulsen Valadao T. Chu, Judy Keating Jenkins (KS) Pearce Wagner gentleman opposed to the bill? Sanchez, Loretta Cicilline Kelly (IL) Jenkins (WV) Perry Walberg Mr. TAKANO. I am opposed. Sarbanes Clark (MA) Kennedy Johnson (OH) Pittenger Walden Schakowsky The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clarke (NY) Kildee Johnson, E. B. Pitts Walker Schiff Clerk will report the motion to recom- Clay Kilmer Johnson, Sam Poe (TX) Walorski Schrader Cleaver Kind Jones Poliquin Walters, Mimi mit. Scott (VA) Clyburn King (NY) Jordan Pompeo Weber (TX) The Clerk read as follows: Scott, David Cohen Kirkpatrick Joyce Posey Webster (FL) Serrano Mr. Takano moves to recommit the bill Cole Kuster Katko Price, Tom Wenstrup Connolly Langevin Sewell (AL) Kelly (MS) Ratcliffe Westerman H.R. 1994 to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- Conyers Larsen (WA) Sherman Kelly (PA) Reed Westmoreland fairs with instructions to report the same Cooper Larson (CT) Sinema King (IA) Reichert Whitfield back to the House forthwith, with the fol- Costa Lawrence Sires Kinzinger (IL) Renacci Williams lowing amendments Slaughter Courtney Lee Kline Ribble Wilson (SC) Page 6, beginning on line 19, strike para- Crowley Lewis Smith (NJ) Knight Rice (SC) Wittman Smith (WA) LaMalfa Rigell Womack graph (1) and insert the following: Cuellar Lieu, Ted ‘‘(1) The Secretary may not remove or de- Cummings Lipinski Speier Lamborn Roby Woodall Davis (CA) LoBiondo Swalwell (CA) Lance Roe (TN) Yoder mote an individual, including veterans who Davis, Danny Loebsack Takai Latta Rogers (AL) Yoho make up nearly one-third of the Depart- DeFazio Lofgren Takano Long Rogers (KY) Young (IA) ment’s workforce, under subsection (a) if the DeGette Lowenthal Thompson (CA) Loudermilk Rohrabacher Young (IN) individual has filed a whistleblower com- Delaney Lowey Titus Love Rokita Zeldin plaint, as such term is defined in section 731 Tonko DeLauro Luja´ n, Ben Ray NOT VOTING—9 of this title, or if the individual is seeking Torres DelBene (NM) corrective action (or on behalf of whom cor- DeSaulnier Lynch Tsongas Brooks (IN) Franks (AZ) Lujan Grisham Deutch Maloney, Van Hollen Carney Granger (NM) rective action is sought) from the Office of Dingell Carolyn Vargas Carter (TX) Labrador Special Counsel or the Inspector General Doggett Maloney, Sean Veasey Clawson (FL) Levin based on— Vela Donovan Matsui ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIR ‘‘(A) an alleged threat to the health or Vela´ zquez Doyle, Michael McCollum The Acting CHAIR (during the vote). safety of the public; or F. McDermott Visclosky ‘‘(B) an alleged prohibited personnel prac- Walz Duckworth McGovern There is 1 minute remaining. tice described in section 2302(b) of title 5.’’. Edwards McNerney Wasserman Ellison Meeks Schultz b 1737 Page 7, line 3, strike ‘‘In the case’’ and in- Engel Meng Waters, Maxine sert ‘‘Except as provided in paragraph (1), in So the amendment was rejected. the case’’. Eshoo Moore Watson Coleman The result of the vote was announced Esty Moulton Welch Mr. TAKANO (during the reading). Farr Murphy (FL) Wilson (FL) as above recorded. Fattah Nadler Yarmuth Stated against: Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent Foster Napolitano Young (AK) Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Mr. Chair, on roll- to dispense with the reading. Frankel (FL) Neal Zinke call No. 487, had I been present, I would have The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there NOES—233 voted ‘‘no.’’ objection to the request of the gen- tleman from California? Abraham Brooks (AL) Curbelo (FL) The Acting CHAIR. The question is Aderholt Buchanan Davis, Rodney on the committee amendment in the There was no objection. Allen Buck Denham nature of a substitute, as amended. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Amash Bucshon Dent The amendment was agreed to. ant to the rule, the gentleman from Amodei Burgess DeSantis Babin Byrne DesJarlais The Acting CHAIR. Under the rule, California is recognized for 5 minutes. Barletta Calvert Diaz-Balart the Committee rises. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1994 Barr Carter (GA) Dold Accordingly, the Committee rose; makes the VA an at-will workplace, Barton Chabot Duffy and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. violating longstanding Supreme Court Benishek Chaffetz Duncan (SC) Bilirakis Coffman Duncan (TN) HULTGREN) having assumed the chair, precedent regarding constitutional due Bishop (MI) Collins (GA) Ellmers (NC) Mr. CARTER of Georgia, Acting Chair of process rights and threatening to si- Bishop (UT) Collins (NY) Emmer (MN) the Committee of the Whole House on lence the whistleblowers by creating a Black Comstock Farenthold Blackburn Conaway Fincher the state of the Union, reported that culture of fear and intimidation at the Blum Cook Fitzpatrick that Committee, having had under con- VA. Bost Costello (PA) Fleischmann sideration the bill (H.R. 1994) to amend The Republican bill would allow the Boustany Cramer Fleming title 38, United States Code, to provide VA to immediately fire employees for Brady (TX) Crawford Flores Brat Crenshaw Forbes for the removal or demotion of employ- poor performance, making it easier for Bridenstine Culberson Fortenberry ees of the Department of Veterans Af- bad managers to immediately fire

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.071 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5652 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 whistleblowers who report wrongdoing, motion to protect whistleblowers from Matsui Price (NC) Speier while providing hardly any opportunity being fired should themselves be fired. McCollum Quigley Swalwell (CA) McDermott Rangel Takai for employees to appeal. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance McGovern Rice (NY) Takano My friends, this is wrong. of my time.. McNerney Richmond Thompson (CA) This means doctors, nurses, police of- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Meeks Roybal-Allard Thompson (MS) Meng Ruiz Titus ficers, and so many others can be fired I rise in opposition to the motion to re- Moore Ruppersberger at will and with insufficient recourse. Tonko commit. Moulton Rush Torres Murphy (FL) Ryan (OH) Hard-working, loyal employees who are The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Tsongas Nadler Sa´ nchez, Linda doing everything in their power to Van Hollen tleman is recognized for 5 minutes. Napolitano T. treat the incredible needs of our Na- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Neal Sanchez, Loretta Vargas tion’s veterans—fired at will. Let me I yield myself such time as I may con- Nolan Sarbanes Veasey Vela remind you that one-third of all VA sume. Norcross Schakowsky O’Rourke Schiff Vela´ zquez employees are veterans. That is more Last year, almost this very same Pallone Schrader Visclosky than 100,000 veterans’ livelihoods being time in a bill-signing ceremony, the Pascrell Scott (VA) Walz put at risk. President of the United States said Payne Scott, David Wasserman This is wrong. Pelosi Serrano Schultz this: ‘‘If you engage in an unethical Perlmutter Sewell (AL) Waters, Maxine Are there problems with some VA practice, if you cover up a serious prob- Peters Sherman Watson Coleman employees? Of course there are. The lem, you should be fired, period.’’ It Peterson Sinema Welch VA has a process to remove these em- should not be that difficult. Pingree Sires Wilson (FL) Pocan Slaughter Yarmuth ployees. In fact, during the 1-year pe- This is a bad motion to recommit. I Polis Smith (WA) riod from July 1, 2014, through July 30, urge my Members to vote it down. 2015, the VA removed 872 permanent I yield back the balance of my time. NOES—241 employees, and an additional 487 em- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Abraham Gohmert Meehan ployees resigned or retired in lieu of objection, the previous question is or- Aderholt Goodlatte Messer being removed. The VA has also termi- Allen Gosar Mica dered on the motion to recommit. Amash Gowdy Miller (FL) nated 958 probationary employees. For There was no objection. Amodei Granger Miller (MI) employees accused of harming vet- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Babin Graves (GA) Moolenaar erans’ health or safety, the substitute question is on the motion to recommit. Barletta Graves (LA) Mooney (WV) amendment I offered earlier would Barr Graves (MO) Mullin The question was taken; and the Barton Griffith Mulvaney have allowed for their expedited firing. Speaker pro tempore announced that Benishek Grothman Murphy (PA) Instead of gutting the due process the noes appeared to have it. Bilirakis Guinta Neugebauer Bishop (MI) Guthrie Newhouse rights of VA employees, we should be RECORDED VOTE providing a fair and constitutionally Bishop (UT) Hanna Noem Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I demand Black Hardy Nugent sound expedited removal process, and a recorded vote. Blackburn Harper Nunes we should encourage the VA to use the Blum Harris Olson A recorded vote was ordered. disciplinary tools it already has at its Bost Hartzler Palazzo The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Boustany Heck (NV) Palmer disposal. ant to clause 8 and clause 9 of rule XX, Brady (TX) Hensarling Paulsen 1745 Brat Herrera Beutler Pearce b this 5-minute vote on the motion to re- Bridenstine Hice, Jody B. Perry We all know the critical role that commit will be followed by 5-minute Brooks (AL) Hill Pittenger whistleblowers played in exposing the votes on passage of the bill, if ordered, Buchanan Holding Pitts and agreeing to the Speaker’s approval Buck Hudson Poe (TX) shocking misconduct at the Phoenix Bucshon Huelskamp Poliquin VA, but the Republican bill strips away of the Journal, if ordered. Burgess Huizenga (MI) Pompeo all current whistleblower protections The vote was taken by electronic de- Byrne Hultgren Posey vice, and there were—ayes 184, noes 241, Calvert Hunter Price, Tom available to Federal employees under Carter (GA) Hurd (TX) Ratcliffe Federal law. That is wrong. not voting 8, as follows: Chabot Hurt (VA) Reed Under the Republican bill, any whis- [Roll No. 488] Chaffetz Issa Reichert tleblower who has not filed an official Coffman Jenkins (KS) Renacci AYES—184 Cole Jenkins (WV) Ribble complaint can be fired before they even Adams Crowley Heck (WA) Collins (GA) Johnson (OH) Rice (SC) have the opportunity to report danger Aguilar Cuellar Higgins Collins (NY) Johnson, Sam Rigell to patient safety, wrongdoing, malfea- Ashford Cummings Himes Comstock Jolly Roby Bass Davis (CA) Hinojosa Conaway Jones Roe (TN) sance, or discrimination. That is Beatty Davis, Danny Honda Cook Jordan Rogers (AL) wrong. Becerra DeFazio Hoyer Costello (PA) Joyce Rogers (KY) The Republican whistleblower provi- Bera DeGette Huffman Cramer Katko Rohrabacher sions will encourage bad employees to Beyer Delaney Jackson Lee Crawford Kelly (MS) Rokita Bishop (GA) DeLauro Jeffries Crenshaw Kelly (PA) Rooney (FL) file for whistleblower status to prevent Blumenauer DelBene Johnson (GA) Culberson King (IA) Ros-Lehtinen them from being fired. This will over- Bonamici DeSaulnier Johnson, E. B. Curbelo (FL) King (NY) Roskam burden the Office of Special Counsel Boyle, Brendan Deutch Kaptur Davis, Rodney Kinzinger (IL) Ross F. Dingell Keating Denham Kline Rothfus with frivolous complaints. That is Brady (PA) Doggett Kelly (IL) Dent Knight Rouzer wrong. Brown (FL) Doyle, Michael Kennedy DeSantis LaMalfa Royce The Republican bill does the opposite Brownley (CA) F. Kildee DesJarlais Lamborn Russell of what it claims to do for whistle- Bustos Duckworth Kilmer Diaz-Balart Lance Ryan (WI) Butterfield Edwards Kind Dold Latta Salmon blowers. It offers them no protection. Capps Ellison Kirkpatrick Donovan LoBiondo Sanford In fact, it will let bad employees hide Capuano Engel Kuster Duffy Long Scalise behind whistleblower status to keep Ca´ rdenas Eshoo Langevin Duncan (SC) Loudermilk Schweikert Carson (IN) Esty Larsen (WA) Duncan (TN) Love Scott, Austin from being fired. That is crazy. Cartwright Farr Larson (CT) Ellmers (NC) Lucas Sensenbrenner My final amendment protects the Castor (FL) Fattah Lawrence Emmer (MN) Luetkemeyer Sessions employees who are willing to risk it all Castro (TX) Foster Lee Farenthold Lummis Shimkus to expose flaws and abuses in this sys- Chu, Judy Frankel (FL) Lewis Fincher MacArthur Shuster Cicilline Fudge Lieu, Ted Fitzpatrick Marchant Simpson tem. Clark (MA) Gabbard Lipinski Fleischmann Marino Smith (MO) If there is anybody we must protect Clarke (NY) Gallego Loebsack Fleming Massie Smith (NE) from being fired at will without re- Clay Garamendi Lofgren Flores McCarthy Smith (NJ) Cleaver Graham Lowenthal Forbes McCaul Smith (TX) course or retaliation, it is the brave Clyburn Grayson Lowey Fortenberry McClintock Stefanik men and women with the courage to Cohen Green, Al Luja´ n, Ben Ray Foxx McHenry Stewart stand up and expose the VA’s biggest Connolly Green, Gene (NM) Franks (AZ) McKinley Stivers vulnerability. Conyers Grijalva Lynch Frelinghuysen McMorris Stutzman Cooper Gutie´rrez Maloney, Garrett Rodgers Thompson (PA) With all due respect, I say to my col- Costa Hahn Carolyn Gibbs McSally Thornberry leagues anyone who votes against my Courtney Hastings Maloney, Sean Gibson Meadows Tiberi

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.074 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5653 Tipton Walters, Mimi Womack McSally Rice (SC) Stutzman NOT VOTING—7 Trott Weber (TX) Woodall Meadows Rigell Thompson (PA) Brooks (IN) Clawson (FL) Lujan Grisham Turner Webster (FL) Yoder Messer Roby Thornberry Carney Labrador Upton Wenstrup (NM) Yoho Mica Roe (TN) Tiberi Carter (TX) Levin Valadao Westerman Young (AK) Miller (FL) Rogers (AL) Tipton Wagner Westmoreland Young (IA) Miller (MI) Rogers (KY) Trott b 1801 Walberg Whitfield Young (IN) Moolenaar Rohrabacher Turner Walden Williams Zeldin Mooney (WV) Rokita Upton So the bill was passed. Walker Wilson (SC) Zinke Mullin Rooney (FL) Valadao Walorski Wittman The result of the vote was announced Mulvaney Ros-Lehtinen Vela as above recorded. NOT VOTING—8 Murphy (PA) Roskam Wagner A motion to reconsider was laid on Neugebauer Ross Walberg Brooks (IN) Clawson (FL) Levin Newhouse Rothfus Walden the table. Carney Israel Lujan Grisham Carter (TX) Labrador (NM) Noem Rouzer Walker PERSONAL EXPLANATION Nugent Royce Walorski Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Nunes Russell Walters, Mimi Wednesday, July 29, 2015, I missed a series The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Olson Ryan (WI) Weber (TX) of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Palazzo Salmon Webster (FL) Palmer Sanford Wenstrup have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcalls 486 and 489. I ing. Paulsen Scalise Westerman would have voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcalls 487 and Pearce Schweikert Westmoreland b 1754 Perry Scott, Austin Whitfield 488. Peters Sensenbrenner Williams f So the motion to recommit was re- Pittenger Sessions Wilson (SC) jected. Pitts Shimkus Wittman THE JOURNAL The result of the vote was announced Poe (TX) Shuster Womack The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. as above recorded. Poliquin Simpson Woodall The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Pompeo Sinema Yoder EMMER of Minnesota). The unfinished Posey Smith (MO) Yoho business is the question on agreeing to question is on the passage of the bill. Price, Tom Smith (NE) Young (AK) The question was taken; and the the Speaker’s approval of the Journal, Ratcliffe Smith (NJ) Young (IA) which the Chair will put de novo. Speaker pro tempore announced that Reed Smith (TX) Young (IN) the ayes appeared to have it. Reichert Stefanik Zeldin The question is on the Speaker’s ap- Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Renacci Stewart Zinke proval of the Journal. Ribble Stivers on that I demand the yeas and nays. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- nal stands approved. The yeas and nays were ordered. NAYS—170 The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a Adams Grayson O’Rourke f 5-minute vote. Bass Green, Al Pallone ADJOURNMENT FROM WEDNES- The vote was taken by electronic de- Beatty Green, Gene Pascrell DAY, JULY 29, 2015, TO FRIDAY, vice, and there were—yeas 256, nays Becerra Grijalva Payne ´ JULY 31, 2015 170, not voting 7, as follows: Beyer Gutierrez Pelosi Bishop (GA) Hahn Perlmutter Mr. STIVERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask [Roll No. 489] Blumenauer Hastings Peterson unanimous consent that when the YEAS—256 Bonamici Heck (WA) Pingree Boyle, Brendan Higgins Pocan House adjourns today, it adjourn to Abraham Davis, Rodney Hill F. Himes Polis Aderholt Denham Holding meet at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2015. Brady (PA) Hinojosa Price (NC) Aguilar Dent Hudson The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Brown (FL) Honda Quigley Allen DeSantis Huelskamp Brownley (CA) Hoyer Rangel objection to the request of the gen- Amash DesJarlais Huizenga (MI) Butterfield Huffman tleman from Ohio? Amodei Diaz-Balart Hultgren Rice (NY) Capps Israel Ashford Dold Hunter Richmond There was no objection. Capuano Jackson Lee Babin Donovan Hurd (TX) Roybal-Allard Ca´ rdenas Jeffries f Barletta Duckworth Hurt (VA) Ruiz Cartwright Johnson (GA) Barr Duffy Issa Ruppersberger PERSONAL EXPLANATION Barton Duncan (SC) Jenkins (KS) Castor (FL) Johnson, E. B. Rush Benishek Duncan (TN) Jenkins (WV) Castro (TX) Kaptur Ryan (OH) Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, on roll- Chu, Judy Keating Bera Ellmers (NC) Johnson (OH) Sa´ nchez, Linda call No. 486, I was unavoidably detained Bilirakis Emmer (MN) Johnson, Sam Cicilline Kelly (IL) T. Bishop (MI) Farenthold Jolly Clark (MA) Kennedy Sanchez, Loretta and missed the vote. Had I been Bishop (UT) Fincher Jones Clarke (NY) Kildee Sarbanes present, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ Black Fitzpatrick Jordan Clay Kilmer Schakowsky f Blackburn Fleischmann Joyce Cleaver Kind Schiff Blum Fleming Katko Clyburn Langevin Schrader TEEN CHALLENGE OF ARIZONA Bost Flores Kelly (MS) Cohen Larsen (WA) Scott (VA) Boustany Forbes Kelly (PA) Connolly Larson (CT) Scott, David (Ms. MCSALLY asked and was given Brady (TX) Fortenberry King (IA) Conyers Lawrence Serrano Brat Foxx King (NY) Cooper permission to address the House for 1 Lee Sewell (AL) Bridenstine Franks (AZ) Kinzinger (IL) Courtney minute and to revise and extend her re- Lewis Sherman Brooks (AL) Frelinghuysen Kirkpatrick Crowley Lieu, Ted Sires marks.) Buchanan Gabbard Kline Cummings Lipinski Slaughter Ms. MCSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to Buck Garrett Knight Davis (CA) Loebsack Smith (WA) recognize Teen Challenge of Arizona Bucshon Gibbs Kuster Davis, Danny Lofgren Burgess Speier Gibson LaMalfa DeFazio Lowenthal and congratulate them on 50 years of Bustos Gohmert Lamborn Swalwell (CA) DeGette Lowey serving our community and those in Byrne Goodlatte Lance Takai Delaney Luja´ n, Ben Ray Calvert Gosar Latta Takano need. DeLauro (NM) Carson (IN) Gowdy LoBiondo Thompson (CA) Teen Challenge is a faith-based resi- DelBene Lynch Carter (GA) Graham Long Thompson (MS) DeSaulnier Maloney, dential recovery program for substance Chabot Granger Loudermilk Titus Chaffetz Graves (GA) Love Deutch Carolyn abusers. It is often a last resort for Dingell Matsui Tonko Coffman Graves (LA) Lucas Torres those struggling with drug addiction Cole Graves (MO) Luetkemeyer Doggett McCollum and other problems. Doyle, Michael McDermott Tsongas Collins (GA) Griffith Lummis Van Hollen Over the last 50 years, Teen Chal- Collins (NY) Grothman MacArthur F. McGovern Vargas Comstock Guinta Maloney, Sean Edwards McNerney lenge of Arizona has helped an esti- Veasey Conaway Guthrie Marchant Ellison Meehan mated 25,000 people through recovery Vela´ zquez Cook Hanna Marino Engel Meeks programs. Their success rate is an as- Costa Hardy Massie Eshoo Meng Visclosky Costello (PA) Harper McCarthy Esty Moore Walz tonishing 80 percent, a testament to Cramer Harris McCaul Farr Moulton Wasserman their committed and caring approach. Crawford Hartzler McClintock Fattah Murphy (FL) Schultz While I served at Davis-Monthan Air Crenshaw Heck (NV) McHenry Foster Nadler Waters, Maxine Force Base in Tucson, I was a board Cuellar Hensarling McKinley Frankel (FL) Napolitano Watson Coleman Culberson Herrera Beutler McMorris Fudge Neal Welch member of Teen Challenge of Arizona, Curbelo (FL) Hice, Jody B. Rodgers Gallego Nolan Wilson (FL) and I saw the difference they make Garamendi Norcross Yarmuth

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.021 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5654 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 firsthand. I was especially privileged to critical we have the ability for them to zens, citizens of the 11th Congressional work with the Springboard Home for come forward. District lining the road, holding Amer- Youth in Crisis, a place that provides I am glad that we have this measure ican flags and Marine Corps flags. As hope and healing for troubled girls in here. I hope the Senate will take it up we approached closer to the church, southern Arizona. and pass it so we have better service the hundreds of people turned into Not many organizations can say they for our veterans through the VA. thousands of people. have had the impact that Teen Chal- f As we arrived at the church, nearly lenge of Arizona has had. It was an 500 members of the Patriot Guard Rid- REMEMBERING GWENDOLYN honor to be able to contribute to their ers, Marine Corps League, the VFW, STRONG success. I wish them a happy 50th anni- and the American Legion were stand- versary and many years of continuing (Mrs. CAPPS asked and was given ing, lining the sidewalks of this success serving our community. They permission to address the House for 1 church, bearing American flags to say are literally changing and saving lives minute and to revise and extend her re- good-bye and to say thank you to a pa- every single day. marks.) triot. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to also say f Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the thank you to Skip Wells—Lance Cor- PATCHWORK EXTENSIONS AREN’T life of Gwendolyn DeBard Strong, who poral Wells. Although, to my knowl- GOOD ENOUGH passed away this past Saturday after a edge, we never met in person, I didn’t (Ms. NORTON asked and was given heroic, inspiring battle with spinal know him personally, but I do know permission to address the House for 1 muscular atrophy. the type of person he is because he was minute and to revise and extend her re- Simply put, she is our hero. Gwen- a marine, which told me that he held marks.) dolyn died a few months short of her to the highest standards of decorum Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks eighth birthday, far exceeding the odds and morale and integrity. He was a Christian who served faith- ago, 65 Republicans joined 54 Demo- that were given to her at birth. In her fully in the First Baptist Church of short life, she had more of an impact crats in voting ‘‘no’’ on the extension Woodstock, which tells me he had a of the highway bill to register their and brought more joy to others than heart of charity and love. disgust with 33 extensions while the many ever could in their lifetime. Mr. Speaker, I want to say thank you Republican Congress then did zero Gwendolyn’s life was spent on the to Skip Wells for laying down his life work on a long-term bill. same things many young girls do— for my freedom, the freedom of my There are now four long-term Demo- playing princesses with friends, going children, and my granddaughter. I cratic bills and one bipartisan bill. to school, and spending time with her want to say thank you to Ms. Cathy However, today’s 34th patchwork ex- sister. Wells, his mom, for raising such a fine tension cannot be applied to even start She and her family also used their person as a single mom raising her on the Nation’s backlog without assur- voice to improve the lives of all of us. only child, who has given his life in de- ance of funds to complete construction. The Strongs worked hard to end life- fense of this Nation. Yet House Republicans have now fled time and annual caps on insurance cov- Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank for an early vacation. erage, improve spinal muscular atro- the thousands of people from my dis- Eighteen States and the District of phy research, and promote innovations trict who came out and honored the Columbia have passed State user gas to make the lives of other children life of this American patriot. fee laws without retaliation by the vot- with debilitating diseases a little easi- f ers, but the federal share is more than er. half of the funds needed just to get She and her incredible family taught DON’T LEAVE THE EX-IM BANK IN started. those of us in Santa Barbara and A ZOMBIELIKE STATE The only way to stop the self-in- around the country that we should (Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of flicted deterioration of our once mag- never give up. Thanks to her bravery New York asked and was given permis- nificent infrastructure is to man up and the efforts of Bill and Victoria, we sion to address the House for 1 minute.) and pass a long-term bill. never will. Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, this Chamber is f I am honored to have known her and take solace in knowing that her efforts doing a great disservice to small-busi- H.R. 1994 CONTAINS COMMONSENSE will continue to help so many others. ness owners and to hundreds of thou- REFORMS We miss you, Gwendolyn, but want sands of American workers by going off (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given you to know we will never give up. to recess for the next 6 weeks without renewing the charter of the U.S. Ex- permission to address the House for 1 f minute and to revise and extend his re- port-Import Bank. It is the wrong marks.) LANCE CORPORAL SQUIRE WELLS thing to do. Sadly, the minority of ideologues in Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I rise (Mr. LOUDERMILK asked and was this Chamber that is blocking the re- today to thank Chairman JEFF MILLER given permission to address the House newal of the Ex-Im’s charter is abso- and the members of the Committee on for 1 minute and to revise and extend lutely right about one thing. If the Veterans’ Affairs for their work in his remarks.) U.S. Ex-Im goes under, all the export helping pass H.R. 1994, which passed Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, this business and all the jobs supported by the House today. The measure contains last Sunday, my family and I attended it will be just displaced to other com- commonsense reforms so that any VA church at the First Baptist Church of panies. employee who engages in misconduct Woodstock in Woodstock, Georgia. What they don’t mention in their or is performing poorly can be termi- It is not the first time we ever at- rants against the Bank is that the nated or demoted. tended that church, as we have wor- companies that will get this business I am also very pleased that H.R. 1994 shipped there before; but it is possibly will be in other countries and the contains additional important protec- the most memorable time that I will workers who get those good-paying tions for VA whistleblowers. We have have attended that church because it jobs will be overseas because there are worked with several of them over the was at this service that we were having some 85 foreign export credit agencies last couple years out of the Oakland of- the funeral of Lance Corporal Squire today happy to help the companies in fice and other centers that have been Wells, who is known to his friends and their countries seal the deal. retaliated against for speaking out family as Skip. Skip was the youngest We are leaving thousands of Amer- about gross mismanagement and pos- of those who were killed in the ter- ican workers at a real competitive dis- sible violations of law. rorist attack in Chattanooga. advantage by leaving the U.S. Export- This is a very important covenant we As we were driving to the church, Mr. Import Bank in a zombielike status. would have with our whistleblowers so Speaker, as we were still miles away We should renew it. We should keep they could come forward and help us to from the church, along the sides of the these jobs in America. We should put have better VA performance. It is very road, we began to see American citi- more Americans to work.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.080 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5655 b 1815 with our colleague JIM LANGEVIN from tary member of those with disabilities HONORING NAVY PETTY OFFICER Rhode Island, he is extraordinarily able as a result of his extraordinary war SECOND CLASS RANDALL SMITH and he represents his constituency wounds in Italy in World War II. with great energy, with great intellect, We have Chai Feldblum, who is now (Mr. GRAVES of Georgia asked and and with great integrity. So I am on the EEOC and a professor at George- was given permission to address the pleased to join him in this Special town Law School. She was counsel to House for 1 minute and to revise and Order. myself and Steve Bartlett as we consid- extend his remarks.) We had introduced a resolution, but ered the complex issues and tried to Mr. GRAVES of Georgia. Mr. Speak- it is not the practice of the House to make sure that ADA could be imple- er, I rise today to honor Navy Petty Of- bring commemorative resolutions to mented by all in a way that was afford- ficer Second Class Randall Smith, who the floor. So we do this Special Order able and reasonable for them. was killed on July 16 during the ter- in addition to what we would have We then have Lex Frieden, who is the rorist attack in Chattanooga. hoped would have been the passage of a executive director of the National Randall, who lived with his wife, resolution, but I understand that is the Council on Disabilities, who worked so Angie, and their three young daughters practice. closely with us. Also, Boyden Gray, in Rossville, Georgia, was a model of The Senate did in fact pass a resolu- counsel to George Bush, who was a selfless service. He was a devoted and tion, sponsored by ORRIN HATCH, PATRI- critical ally in this effort. loving husband and father who CIA MURRAY from Washington State, Then we have a giant in this effort, prioritized his family above all else. and LAMAR ALEXANDER, commemo- Senator Tom Harkin from Iowa, who, Besides his military service, he was rating 25 years of progress on the inclu- after Lowell Weicker left, was the prin- an active volunteer, giving back sion of those with a challenge that oth- cipal sponsor of the ADA and fought through charities like Stuff the Truck, ers might not have in our society, all hard and effectively on its behalf. the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, and that our society offers and the opportu- ORRIN HATCH and Ted Kennedy. Sen- providing rescue assistance during Hur- nities that it offers. ator Kennedy and Senator HATCH were ricane Sandy. And less than 2 weeks Mr. Speaker, I have spoken on nu- partners in so many different things, ago, he made the ultimate sacrifice merous occasions over this last week but on this they were aligned and made while serving our country. Randall’s commemorating the ADA, and I have this bipartisan effort a very successful selfless sacrifice, sense of duty, and mentioned a number of names. I would one. sacrifice serve as an example for all of like to do that on the floor of this Also, Arlene Mayerson; Paul us. House, because they were people who Marchand; former Congressman and A sign at the entrance to the neigh- were absolutely critical. It is not a now Senator ED MARKEY; Senator JOHN borhood where the Smith family lives comprehensive list. It is, however, a MCCAIN; Congressman Norman Mineta; sums up what I think many are feeling list of people with whom I worked very Ralph Neas; Katie Neas; Carolyn right now. It reads: ‘‘Thank you for closely for well over a year on the pas- Osolinik; Becky Ogle; Lee Page; Liz your service. Sorry for your loss. You sage of the ADA. Savage; Bobby Silverstein. Like Me- will be remembered.’’ First, I would like to mention Presi- lissa Schulman who was my chief staff- I know that our community in north- dent George H.W. Bush. This issue was er as we considered the Americans with west Georgia is forever grateful for not a partisan issue. President Bush Disabilities Act, Bobby Silverstein was Randall Smith’s service and sacrifice. was a Republican; I was a Democrat— Tom Harkin’s chief staffer. May God bless Angie and their three and still am. I worked with an extraor- JIM SENSENBRENNER, our colleague wonderful, beautiful daughters. dinary Republican Member of the today. Congressman SENSENBRENNER f House. His name was Steve Bartlett. was so critical, along with his wife, He was from Texas. He left the House Cheryl Sensenbrenner, who, herself, ADA’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY and became mayor of Dallas. He is now suffered from a disability and showed The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under still in Washington, working, and we such courage in encouraging all of us the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- are partners. Every time something to support the Americans with Disabil- uary 6, 2015, the gentleman from Rhode happens with respect to the ADA, ities Act. Island (Mr. LANGEVIN) is recognized for Steve Bartlett and I work together on I mentioned Lowell Weicker. Lowell 60 minutes as the designee of the mi- it. Weicker was a Senator from Con- nority leader. Dave Capozzi and Tony Coelho. Tony necticut and then Governor of Con- Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, before Coelho, a Member of this body, was a necticut; Bob Williams, who was an ex- I begin my remarks, it is my pleasure person perceived with the disease of traordinary individual who worked so to yield to the gentleman from Mary- epilepsy, but he is one of the most able hard; John Wodatch; and last, but cer- land (Mr. HOYER), the distinguished mi- people that any of us know. Tony Coel- tainly not least, Patricia Wright. nority whip. ho, along with Lowell Weicker, were There were literally, Mr. Speaker, Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman the original two sponsors of the Ameri- thousands of others, many of whom for yielding. cans with Disabilities Act. will not be known but who came here First, let me mention the extraor- Justin Dart. In 1983, Justin Dart vis- to the Congress of the United States, dinary respect I have for the gentleman ited every State in the Union in his wrote their Members, called them up, from Rhode Island (Mr. LANGEVIN). wheelchair, calling attention to State and came to town meetings and forums I had the honor of sponsoring the legislatures, Governors, and others of on behalf of those with disabilities. Americans with Disabilities Act in 1989 the importance of ensuring the accessi- The Americans with Disabilities Act and 1990. We passed it in 1990, and it bility of places of opportunity for those is now used as a sample and has been was signed by then-President George with disabilities. Yoshiko Dart, his adopted in some 50 countries through- H.W. Bush. It was called the Americans wife, was with him every step of the out the world, perhaps more. There is a with Disabilities Act, Mr. Speaker, but way and was with us as we worked for disabilities rights convention, which is in many ways it should have been the passage of the Americans with Dis- pending. Only three countries in the called the Americans with Abilities abilities Act. world have not signed on to that con- Act. It should have been called that be- And then we have an extraordinary vention. Unfortunately, we are one. I cause its intent was to focus on what legislator—one of the best legislators would hope that the Senate would do people could do, what people would do, that I have served with, Mr. Speaker— that in this Congress. Senator Bob what people wanted to do. Bob Dole, a Republican from Kansas, Dole has been an extraordinary pro- Mr. LANGEVIN is a perfect example of majority and minority leader of the ponent of that convention. an extraordinary person with great United States Senate. Mr. Speaker, So, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join ability who has a wheelchair. He has a when he came to the Senate of the my friend, JAMES LANGEVIN, who has wheelchair because he has a mobility United States, his first speech was been a beneficiary of the Americans impairment that others of us don’t about including those with disabilities. with Disabilities Act and the reason- have. But as we have seen in serving He observed that he was an involun- able accommodations that we ask to be

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.083 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5656 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 effected so that JIM LANGEVIN could get When I was paralyzed at the age of live in a world that is more inclusive, through the door, could get on the ele- 16, my life changed forever. As I lay in more accessible, and increasingly rec- vator, could get into this Chamber. my hospital bed, I wondered what life ognizes the unique talents and abilities And, Mr. Speaker, there is a lift on the could possibly have in store for me of individuals with disabilities. rostrum on which you now sit so that next, but I drew strength and inspira- As we celebrate our accomplish- JAMES LANGEVIN would be able to pre- tion from other people with disabilities ments, so must we recognize that our side, if that were in order. In fact, he who had accomplished both great work is not finished. Equal employ- has been up there and has presided. things and small. They taught me that ment opportunities and fully inte- That is called a reasonable accommo- there was life after a disability. grated community living have not yet dation. And because of those reason- I was also incredibly fortunate to been entirely realized. able accommodations, this Congress, have the support of my family and my In fact, recent data shows that 31 per- his State, and our country have been community, whose generosity and con- cent of disabled individuals live below advantaged. cern ultimately made me want to give the poverty line, and less than 34 per- Mr. Speaker, I think when we end our back to Rhode Island through a career cent are fully employed. careers, most of us who were involved in public service, but accessibility was Mr. Speaker, as a nation, we can do in the adoption of the Americans with not yet considered a civil right at that better, and we must. It is more impor- Disabilities Act will look back on the time, and I know many people with dis- tant than ever that we educate busi- adoption of it overwhelmingly by this abilities were not as fortunate as I was. nesses and connect them with proper Congress in a bipartisan fashion and So many passionate advocates and resources to create more employment the signing of that act by President champions like Mr. HOYER fought for opportunities. Many people with dis- George Bush as one of our most impor- the rights and protections enshrined in abilities have both the desire and the tant contributions and achievements this law. For all of us, the ADA has capability to work, as well as excep- during our service in the Congress of been a profoundly life-altering act that tional talents to offer. the United States. has provided new opportunities and Mr. Speaker, let us not see those tal- I thank Mr. LANGEVIN for his extraor- fundamentally changed the way soci- ents go to waste. I have often said, Mr. dinary example for all those in our ety views and treats people with dis- Speaker, that people with disabilities country to look at the abilities, not abilities. are still one of this Nation’s greatest the disabilities. The ADA has broken down physical untapped resources, and we need to tap Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gen- and psychological barriers. It has into that talent to see our Nation grow tleman. Let me express my profound opened up opportunities to education, even further. gratitude to the distinguished gen- employment, and technology. It has Mr. Speaker, their divergent back- tleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER), made public transportation more ac- grounds, unique experiences and wide- the distinguished minority whip, for commodating, improved voting accessi- ranging talents promote a culture of his kind words, Mr. Speaker, but most bility, and expanded inclusion and jus- diversity that doesn’t just play a role especially because of his extraordinary tice for millions. in the workplace, but also influences commitment and the work that he put At its core, this groundbreaking leg- the very nature of our society. With in, along with countless others, to ac- islation codified the correct collective proper awareness, accommodation, and tually pass the Americans with Dis- ideal that no one should suffer dis- investment, our economy and society abilities Act and seeing it signed into crimination because of a disability. can reap countless rewards. law. Mr. Speaker, it was with this same We must also ensure that transpor- As the gentleman from Maryland conviction that I was pleased to sup- tation is available and accessible to ev- stated, Mr. Speaker, that law has had a port the passage of the ADA Amend- eryone so that they can get to their profound impact on my life and on ments Act in 2008, after a number of jobs, the doctor, or the grocery store. countless other lives—and will for gen- court decisions diluted the definition I have often said that it doesn’t do erations to come. I thank the gen- of what constituted a disability. anyone any good if they can actually tleman for his extraordinary work. When that law was signed into effect, apply for a job and get the job, but Let me also thank the extraordinary I had the privilege of being with Mr. can’t get to the job, so that needs to list of individuals that the distin- HOYER and several of the other cham- improve. guished gentleman from Maryland just pions of the Americans with Disabil- To help us realize this goal, I have in- read off, some of whom I have had the ities Act, the original enactment, troduced the Transit Accessibility In- absolute distinct honor and privilege to original authors of the ADA, including novation Act, legislation that would meet and to thank personally, and Senator Harkin and Cheryl Sensen- create a competitive grant program to many of whom I will never have the brenner. encourage transit systems to make privilege of actually knowing or meet- I also had the privilege of meeting public transportation more accessible ing personally because many have also President George H.W. Bush and be and user friendly. passed on. with his son, President George W. Mr. Speaker, accessible public trans- Bush, as President George W. Bush portation is essential in order for peo- b 1830 signed that bill into law. It was such an ple with disabilities to live independ- They made an extraordinary dif- honor for me to be able to personally ently and with full inclusion in their ference in the lives of millions of peo- thank President George H.W. Bush per- communities. By improving these serv- ple, as I said, both now and in future sonally for his support and leadership ices, we can improve the quality of life generations to come; and it is with pro- in seeing the original ADA signed into for countless individuals and families. found gratitude that I thank them for law. Mr. Speaker, to further promote their work. Now, when the ADA Amendments independence, we must also ensure that Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday Act was passed, these rulings, effec- family caregivers of people with dis- marked the 25th anniversary of the tively, the Court rulings that took abilities have greater access to critical Americans with Disabilities Act, a tre- place necessitating this act effectively services like respite care. Respite care mendous milestone for one of the most limited the ADA’s coverage and ex- provides temporary relief to family significant civil rights laws of the 20th cluded people with disabling conditions members engaged in the full-time task century. that were not readily visible or appar- of caring for their aging or disabled As a Member of Congress, as co-chair ent, like epilepsy, MS, and various de- loved ones with special needs. of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus velopmental disabilities. Mr. Speaker, these caregivers, I have and someone who has lived with the The ADA Amendments Act re- often said, are unsung heroes. These challenges of a disability, both before affirmed the protections of the ADA caregivers devote so much of their and after the ADA’s enactment in 1990, and upheld the ideals of equality and time, energy, and love to their fami- I have experienced firsthand the pro- opportunity on which this country was lies, but in many cases, they can be found changes that this law has af- founded. As a result of these efforts, I often unprepared for these new respon- fected within our society. am proud that future generations will sibilities, and the challenges that they

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As soon as the lenges, to depression and family stress. isiana, as well as other parts of the people found out that the refugees were Very often, though, with just a little Gulf Coast, Mississippi, and Alabama. headed into our area, supplies were bit of assistance, they can continue to Mr. Speaker, tonight, we are going to starting to be gathered together, and be extraordinary caregivers and fulfill talk about the devastation that was drives were started immediately as all of the other challenges and respon- caused by Hurricane Katrina, and of they were being organized. sibilities that a family requires. course, it starts with the more than A member of my own staff organized That is why I have introduced and I 1,800 lives that were lost, people from one of those numerous drives on his have championed the Lifespan Respite Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Ala- own initiative. Thousands of pounds of Care Act, Mr. Speaker, with my friend bama, and Georgia who all lost their food, of clothing, and personal hygiene and former Republican colleague, Mike lives through this devastating storm. products were collected. They were dis- Ferguson from New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, we are also going to tributed to the people, and these people Mr. Speaker, that law, it passed into talk about something else, and that is that were helped had little more than law in 2006 and has already provided the strength and resiliency of the peo- just the clothes on their back. grants to 32 States and the District of ple of the Gulf Coast who persevered, I am also proud that, after this show Columbia to help set up respite care who rebuilt. Ultimately, Mr. Speaker, of support, that many of the refugees networks for families in need. we are going to talk about the recovery decided to make the Fourth District, Mr. Speaker, I continue to push for of the people of the Gulf Coast from the district I represent, their home. In that program’s reauthorization, and I this devastating storm. one particular case, a refugee from included it in the Military and Veteran First, I will yield to my friend from Louisiana ended up working for Desoto Caregiver Services Improvement Act the great State of Alabama, Mr. ROB- State Park, where she had been housed. that I introduced in April to strength- ERT ADERHOLT. Finally, the resilience of Alabamians en the support services for family care- Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I want who lived along the Gulf Coast was also givers of injured and disabled veterans. to just mention to you that it is hard inspiring as well. I think this is an important thing that to believe that it has been 10 years ago, b 1845 we can do for our veterans. in the early morning hours of August We have come far, Mr. Speaker, since 29, just a month from today, that Hur- Though the Gulf Coast of Alabama the passage of the ADA, but we still ricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf was not the hardest hit of the region, have much more work ahead. Disabil- Coast as a category 3 hurricane. the Gulf Coast of Alabama was severely ities don’t discriminate on the basis of With sustained winds up to 140 miles impacted by Hurricane Katrina. party affiliation, income level, or gen- an hour and a storm surge over 9 me- While there is still some healing that der; instead, they can happen to any- ters high in some places, the impact to needs to be done, the Gulf Coast is not one at any time. I believe, Mr. Speaker, the gulf region was very devastating. only back in business, but it has re- that they also have the unique ability While the economic cost of the storm turned to life as usual and it is thriv- to unite us in common purpose. is very difficult to measure, some esti- ing. As we celebrate the silver anniver- mates have put the damage over $100 New shipyards are being constructed, sary of the ADA together, we must use billion. Hundreds of thousands of refu- new businesses are opening up, and this as a call to action and to reaffirm gees scattered across the country. Most tourism has returned to the region. our commitment to equal opportunity, importantly, no price tag can be as- This, I believe, is a testament to the full participation, independent living, signed to the loss of the nearly 2,000 spirit of the people of the State of Ala- and economic self-sufficiency for peo- lives that were lost. bama as well as our neighboring ple with disabilities everywhere. In the aftermath of the tragic storm, States, Mississippi and Louisiana. Let me close, Mr. Speaker, by thank- there were many hearings; there were As we move forward as a country and ing the many champions and the advo- many inquiries, studies, investigations, as a region, I hope that we will not cates and many unsung heroes who reforms, and policy changes that were only look to the lessons we have made the ADA possible and saw it conducted, and most of those were for learned from the failures of this re- through the legislative process and put good reason. sponse, but also to the lessons we it on the desk of President George H.W. The initial emergency response to learned about kindness, the lessons of Bush, who signed it into law and Katrina was far less than what should charity, being a good neighbor, and, ac- changed the lives of people with dis- be expected of our Federal, State, and tually, the spirit of this great Nation. abilities everywhere forever. local governments. So I want to thank my colleague Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance However, this evening, I do want to from Louisiana for putting this time of my time. thank my colleague for his allowing together to draw attention—again, not f this, putting together this time. As he to place the blame on the individuals said, we are not here to talk about the or organizations that we could point 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF failures, so much as we are here to talk blame to this evening, but to the spirit HURRICANE KATRINA about the spirit of the people that were and to the greatness of all those that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under affected. were involved and to the kindness, the the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- It is easy to sit back and to point fin- charity, and the spirit that arose from uary 6, 2015, the gentleman from Lou- gers and to place blame, but this that occasion. isiana (Mr. SCALISE) is recognized for 60 evening, we want to talk about and Mr. SCALISE. I thank you. I appre- minutes as the designee of the major- bring attention to the spirit of the peo- ciate my colleague from Alabama’s ity leader. ple that were affected, both directly (Mr. ADERHOLT) comments. GENERAL LEAVE and indirectly by Hurricane Katrina. Of course, Mr. Speaker, so much of Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, I ask In the days after the hurricane, when the national attention on Hurricane unanimous consent that all Members it became clear that thousands of peo- Katrina focused on the city of New Or- may have 5 legislative days in which to ple would not be able to return to their leans. revise and extend their remarks and in- homes, work began to find permanent We all remember the pictures, the clude extraneous material on the sub- shelter for these individuals. visuals, of people that were displaced, ject of this Special Order. Thousands of refugees from Lou- of floodwaters that sat, in many cases, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there isiana were given housing in manufac- for 2 or 3 weeks. objection to the request of the gen- tured housing that was purchased by But then, of course, we also remem- tleman from Louisiana? FEMA and was stationed, actually, in ber the many things that happened There was no objection. my home State of Alabama in the along the way for people who rebuilt, Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, August State parks. who came back, who persevered. 29 of this year will mark the 10-year The outpouring that came the fol- My colleague and friend who rep- anniversary that Hurricane Katrina lowing days of support from the local resents the city of New Orleans along

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I thank the gen- But, factually, that is just not correct. and you look at the fact that we lost tleman from Louisiana (Mr. SCALISE), Hurricane Katrina was the result of a 134,000 housing units, 70 percent of all who represents the neighboring district manmade disaster combined with a occupied housing units of the city, you from me in part of the metropolitan natural disaster. will understand the magnitude and the area of New Orleans. The Army Corps of Engineers had depth of the devastation that our dis- Let me just start off by saying some- great notice that the levees that pro- trict suffered. thing about New Orleans and the peo- tected New Orleans and the metropoli- But once again the people of New Or- ple of New Orleans. Now, the people of tan area were not sufficient. When the leans and the people of Louisiana—we New Orleans are a very, very resilient storm hit, the levees washed away. pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, people, and it started from the begin- Then there was something called the and we start building a better New Or- ning of the history of New Orleans up Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, which we leans and a better future. until today. call MRGO. It was designed by the However, we still have many needs. We started off—you can go back to Corps of Engineers to allow ship traffic We still have many things that we need 1788, when there was a fire in New Orle- to the great Port of New Orleans all to right that didn’t go right during the ans that burned 856 of the 1,100 build- the way up to America’s heartland. It storm. ings that made up New Orleans. So was designed to be almost 100 yards But, as of now, I just wanted to talk that was 80 percent of the city burned. wide to allow ship traffic. about how resilient the people of New Then 6 years later another 212 build- By the time Katrina hit, almost 30, 40 Orleans were during the storm and the ings burned. years after it was built, it was not 100 outpouring of love from the rest of the But the good thing about the people yards wide anymore. It was almost a country. Mr. SCALISE. Thank you, Congress- of New Orleans is that we always pick mile wide in its largest sections. And that water coming out of the Gulf of man RICHMOND. ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and Of course, as the gentleman talked continue to do the work to rebuild and Mexico caused a lot of the devastation. So I wanted to clear up the fact that about, the devastation and those 1,833 make a better life. lives that we lost throughout the Gulf Then you can go to 1853, when we had this was not a natural disaster. It had a large part to do with mankind having Coast still live with us. We still re- a yellow fever outbreak and epidemic. member the people who gave their In 1853, almost 8,000 people died of yel- their hand in it and inadequate build- ing by the Corps of Engineers. lives, who lost their lives, in this dev- low fever. astating storm. And if you look at the time between Before I finish and yield back to Con- gressman SCALISE, let me also say that, But, Mr. Speaker, some of the things 1853 and 1905, 41,000 people in the city of that you saw from the people of south- New Orleans lost their lives due to yel- when Katrina hit, although the govern- ment response was lacking, the Amer- east Louisiana—I know I saw firsthand low fever. But again the city picked the strength, the resiliency, of the peo- itself up, dusted itself off, and worked ican people stood up, recognized the situation, and opened their hearts to ple back at a time not long after the to make a better New Orleans. storm hit when there were people ques- Then fast-forward to 1965. That was the people of Louisiana, the people of Mississippi, and some of the people of tioning whether or not the city of New the year that Hurricane Betsy dev- Orleans would be rebuilt or should be astated the city of New Orleans. That Texas. Baton Rouge alone handled 300,000 to rebuilt. You saw that conversation was the first storm to rack up a cost of 400,000 displaced individuals from the start around the country. $1 billion in damage. But, Mr. Speaker, that didn’t last And then, of course, I will talk about New Orleans area. Houston, Texas, handled right around long before you saw the Nation come Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that hit 250,000 people in terms of bringing together and make a commitment, and New Orleans and devastated the entire them into shelters and other places so you saw the people of New Orleans Gulf Coast, but significantly damaged that they could be safe and have some make a commitment that the city New Orleans. housing. would be rebuilt. Let me just say for the record, even Now you still have 111,000 people in But I think this is where the story of after we picked ourselves up and dusted Houston that are from the greater New recovery comes out so bright and ourselves off and started to rebuild Orleans area. I remember traveling to strong, Mr. Speaker. That is how the after Hurricane Katrina, a few years Houston after the storm and going to people of the Gulf Coast, how the peo- later then comes the BP oil spill. the shelters and watching the extraor- ple of New Orleans, responded. And again the people of New Orle- dinary work of SHEILA JACKSON LEE People didn’t say they were just ans—we picked ourselves up, dusted and AL GREEN to provide for New Orle- going to rebuild what was broken. You ourselves off, and we started to create ans and New Orleans-area evacuees. saw people demanding, demanding, Mr. a better New Orleans and a better Lou- 100,000 evacuees in Atlanta, in shel- Speaker, that we rebuild better, isiana. ters and in homes, with HANK JOHNSON stronger, more efficient. People started Now, going back to Hurricane and the Honorable JOHN LEWIS helping. demanding that government work dif- Katrina, which my good friend STEVE Now Atlanta still is home to 70,000. ferently, that government work better. SCALISE already talked about, the total San Antonio, Texas, held almost Those levees that failed, Mr. Speak- loss of life in Hurricane Katrina was 35,000 people at the time of the storm, er, caused so much of that devastation. over 1,800 people, and 1,577 of those peo- and now they still hold 15,000 to 18,000. People said: We need to reform the way ple were from Louisiana. Then that brings me to Birmingham that levees are built. You saw a citizen Let me just break down some of the which right after the storm housed uprising, in fact, that led to dramatic causes of death: 40 percent of the 20,000 people, and now they house in be- changes in State law. deaths were caused by drowning; 25 tween 1,500 to 13,000. I was a State representative at the percent by injury and trauma; and So the magnitude of this storm was time. We actually changed the con- heart conditions caused another 11 per- great. stitution of Louisiana to require that cent. I just want to cover the population people who serve on levee boards actu- If you remember the devastation and decrease. And then the other things ally have experience in things like en- destruction on the TVs that covered it, with Hurricane Katrina I will cover gineering, hydrology. you will understand the anxiety that more in depth with my good friend and You saw citizen groups like Women the people that were down there suf- colleague from Mississippi, BENNIE of the Storm emerge, where over 50,000 fered. THOMPSON, whose district was also im- people signed a petition not long after Let me take a second before I go into pacted. that demanded that laws be changed, some of the other statistics to just say But I will just say the population of Mr. Speaker, to make those kinds of many people always say that Hurricane New Orleans was 484,000 before Katrina. reforms in levee boards.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.087 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5659 And when you look at the levees that with groups like the Pastors Resource pacity within other transportation me- were rebuilt today with the help of our Council, pastors from all around the diums to get these crops out; therefore, colleagues up here in Congress and the country that came together to say the farmers in the Midwest suffered as work of FEMA and other agencies— that, while government had its a result of Hurricane Katrina’s impacts when you look at those levees, they are failings, individuals, communities on the Gulf Coast. dramatically better. came together, churches came to- Mr. Speaker, rail lines, Louisiana is The flood protection systems are bet- gether, faith-based groups stood up like only one of two places in the United ter in southeast Louisiana. That didn’t we have known that they do in so States where we have all six class I rail happen by accident. That happened be- many other disasters to help get food lines. In many cases, the rail lines and cause the people demanded those kinds to people, get shelter to people, and the associated infrastructure was de- of changes. help people recover. stroyed, therefore, once again, severely You look at the political reform. As We, obviously, reflect on and pray for impacting America’s intermodal trans- we all know, every State has got its the lives that were lost and remember portation system. problems. But Louisiana had a bad his- the devastation that was so horrific, The economy, one of the places that tory of political corruption going back but we also celebrate the recovery that has these amazing natural resources, over 100 years. is still so evident in the people of Lou- has an amazing energy industry, petro- The people of Louisiana demanded a isiana. chemical industry, agriculture indus- better political system. You actually Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance try, and many, many others, severely saw citizens picking up the telephone, of my time. impacted, causing impacts not just calling the FBI if they saw an ounce of f again to the regional economy, but to political corruption. 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF the national economy. There became a zero tolerance for po- HURRICANE KATRINA Mr. Speaker, one great example of litical corruption in the city of New that is gasoline prices. Following Hur- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Orleans and the surrounding regions. ricane Katrina, we watched gasoline the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- People went to jail. prices spike 75 cents a gallon; but let uary 6, 2015, the gentleman from Lou- But it was because the public said: me be clear, not in Louisiana, nation- isiana (Mr. GRAVES We demand better. And, ultimately, ) is recognized for wide—75 cents a gallon is the national that helped lead to the recovery that the remainder of the hour as the des- average price increase as a result of we see today 10 years later. ignee of the majority leader. those 2005 hurricanes on the Gulf Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. Just look at the school system, Mr. Coast—75 cents a gallon. Speaker, 10 years ago, nearly 10 years Speaker. Before Katrina struck, New As I recall, I believe that translates ago, the scenes flashing across our tele- Orleans had one of the most failed and into $450 million in higher consumer vision screens showed what appeared to corrupt public school systems in the payments per day as a result of the im- be a Third World country—literally country. pacts those storms had, the 2005 hurri- bodies floating in the streets, people There were kids that were grad- canes—Hurricane Katrina and Hurri- that were homeless, homes washed uating—we had a high school valedic- cane Rita—had on the Gulf Coast and away—one of the worst natural disas- torian who couldn’t pass the State exit had on, really, the Nation. ters in America’s history. exam. Importantly, Mr. Speaker, the def- After Katrina, again people said: We Mr. Speaker, over 1,200 of our broth- ers, our sisters, our mothers, fathers, icit, much of the recovery that was are going to rebuild, but we are going funded by the Federal Government, in to demand a better public school sys- uncles, aunts, our neighbors, our friends perished in the disaster on Au- fact, the far majority of it, was funded tem. by deficit spending, funded by deficit And you saw sweeping reforms move gust 29, 2005. We lost over 1,200 people, spending. This wasn’t spending that through the State legislature, setting Mr. Speaker. was offset; this wasn’t reserve dollars up a system of charter schools in the These vulnerabilities were not vul- that the Federal Government had sit- New Orleans area that are now touted nerabilities that were unknown. As a ting there waiting for this unbelievable as the model for reform for urban edu- matter of fact, Mark Schleifstein with disaster. This was deficit spending. cation systems. The Times-Picayune published a series Our children, our grandchildren, our That didn’t happen by accident. That known as ‘‘Washing Away’’ in 2002, great-grandchildren will be paying for happened because the people demanded years before Hurricane Katrina hit our decades for this. I want to be clear, Mr. better from government. We saw gov- State and caused all this devastation. Speaker, this was preventable, which I ernment fail at every level, Federal, That series accurately predicted, the am going to talk about in a minute. State, and local. It is well documented. vulnerabilities accurately predicted the outcomes of a direct hit by a storm Also the impact to the environment, b 1900 like Hurricane Katrina upon our com- here you see the U.S. Army Corps of The story of New Orleans today, 10 munities. We saw what had happened. Engineers, and you see the EPA out years after the storm, is the story of a Homes, businesses, monuments, there talking about the importance of strong and resilient people who said: schools, our history, our dreams, our wetlands and the importance of waters We absolutely will rebuild, but we are hopes, our future were all flooded as a of the United States and writing all of not going to rebuild the same way that result of Hurricane Katrina 10 years these extraordinary rules to grant it was before with all of the flaws and ago. themselves more aggressive jurisdic- problems that existed; we are going to Mr. Speaker, this wasn’t a Third tion, larger jurisdiction over our pri- demand better. World country; it was one of America’s vate lands; yet as a result of those You can see better today, you can see great cities that was underwater. Many storms alone in 2005, we lost over 200 the recovery. It is not over. There are people look back at Hurricane Katrina, square miles of coastal wetlands in the still some neighborhoods that are and they view the impacts as being pa- State of Louisiana alone. working to rebuild, but there are so rochial, things that impacted Lou- Mr. Speaker, I am going to say again, many neighborhoods that are stronger isiana and Mississippi and Alabama, a lot of people looked at this and today, that are more thriving today. not something that impacted the Na- watched it on TV and saw it as being a Young people coming in from other tion. parochial problem, a problem of the States to be a part of this renaissance, Mr. Speaker, nothing could be fur- Gulf Coast, a problem of Louisiana, to be a part of this recovery. ther from the truth. When the Mis- Mississippi, and Alabama. It is an exciting time to be in the sissippi River was shut down and all Mr. Speaker, you could cut and paste New Orleans region today; but obvi- the ports associated with it across the that situation; you could paste vir- ously, as we reflect upon the devasta- Gulf Coast as a result of the dev- tually any other coastal city, any tion of Katrina 10 years ago, we know astating impacts, the farmers in the other coastal State in this Nation, and how far we have come and how much it Midwest had no way of getting their they potentially could face the same took people pulling together, working crops out to market. There was no ca- repercussions, the same outcomes as

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.088 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5660 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 we experienced in 2005 because this Na- have an amazing progress, amazing re- uary 6, 2015, the Chair recognizes the tion continues to have a reactive pol- covery of our schools in south Lou- gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. RICH- icy to disasters, and it is something isiana, amazing recovery in our econ- MOND) for 30 minutes. that we have got to change. omy. Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I want We could have taken the hundred- As a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, we to just thank my colleagues from Lou- plus billion dollars that Congress ap- now have tens of billions of dollars in isiana for also talking about the devas- propriated following the 2005 hurri- economic development projects on the tation that we received in hurricanes, canes to help recover, to help get these horizon while, in other areas, you are both Katrina and Rita, which we call communities back on their feet across seeing people losing jobs, you are see- the ‘‘sister hurricanes’’ because they the Gulf Coast. We could have taken a ing businesses close, you are seeing were only separated by a couple of days fraction of those dollars, and we could small businesses shut down and a trend and what damage that Hurricane have invested it proactively and pre- of more small businesses closing and Katrina caused. Just a few days later, vented it from happening. opening across the Nation; but in Lou- Hurricane Rita came right behind it Mr. Speaker, any city on our coast isiana, Mr. Speaker, tens of billions of and exacerbated that damage. could experience the same disaster we dollars in new economic development Let me just hit on a few of the saw; and I remind you, just in 2012, we projects on the horizon. misperceptions of Katrina. Well, actu- saw Hurricane Sandy cause profound As a matter of fact, we have the larg- ally, since I have had a little time and consequences in New York, New Jer- est foreign investment in U.S. history I want to make sure that everyone in- sey, and other communities on the committed to projects in south Lou- volved has a chance to have time to speak on this, I yield to the gentleman East Coast. I will say it once again, isiana. We are seeing a manufacturing from Mississippi (Mr. THOMPSON), my disasters that were preventable, and so renaissance, and it is happening be- good friend, who at the time was chair this is something that we all need to be cause our people are so resilient be- of the Homeland Security Committee, paying attention to. cause we have come back, because we who made sure that some of the defi- While in New Orleans, while in south have come together, and because we ciencies in FEMA and some of the Louisiana and Mississippi and in Ala- have plotted a path to the future using other places that caused us undue bama, there were amazing stories of the resources that Louisiana is so headaches during the rebuilding, that communities coming together, of peo- blessed with, the Louisiana maritime those headaches were relieved a little ple coming together, of resilient fami- transportation system that we have, bit or eased a little bit because of the lies coming together to ensure that and the amazing natural resources in hard work of BENNIE THOMPSON, whose while this did knock them down, they regard to the inexpensive, readily State also incurred some damage. were getting back up again, and they available natural gas, oil, petro- were going to recover—strong resolve chemical industry, the rail lines, the b 1915 from these communities all across the intermodal transportation facilities. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. I ap- Gulf Coast. We have been able to accomplish a preciate the gentleman from New Orle- Mr. Speaker, one other thing that manufacturing renaissance not in Mex- ans for yielding. was truly amazing is watching the in- ico, not in Asia, but right here in the Mr. Speaker, I rise for two reasons— credible outpouring of support not just United States in south Louisiana. one, to talk about what it is to be in from the Gulf Coast, but from all over Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to say the eye of a hurricane and to be with- this Nation and countries around the I pray that there is not another com- out basic necessities for over 10 days world, committing to come help us re- munity, that there is not another city, because of a hurricane and, two, what cover across the Gulf Coast. that there is not another State in this it is that our government should do It was an amazing opportunity for Nation that has to experience, that has when those situations occur at the people to come together, to put down to go through the tragedy, the travesty Federal, State, and local levels. differences, and to all come together in that we experienced in south Lou- In my comments, initially, I will talk support of the recovery of these com- isiana, the loss of over 1,200 of our a little bit about what happened in Au- munities, the recovery of these fami- friends, our relatives, and our neigh- gust of 2005—how, in fact, so many peo- ple were impacted as well as what we lies, the recovery of these businesses, bors, to see the type of recovery, to see have done as a government, what we the recovery of the hopes and dreams people come together. didn’t do, and what we should do in of these communities across the Gulf To see us finally help to build a resil- Coast. going forward. ient protection system, resilient eco- As the gentleman from Louisiana has Mr. Speaker, we are going to con- system to ensure that the next storm said, for the most part, both Hurri- tinue to see this play over and over isn’t going to cause the same devasta- canes Rita and Katrina ravaged Texas, again. We are going to continue to see tion to New Orleans as we saw 10 years Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and a these types of disasters over and over ago, I pray, Mr. Speaker, that that little bit of Florida, but I will limit my again until we turn the policies around doesn’t have to happen again. comments to Katrina. In Hurricane in the United States, until we see fun- The only way we prevent it from hap- Katrina, there were over 1,800 people— damental changes. pening again is if people learn from the from Florida to Texas—who died. Mr. Speaker, I want to pivot back to lessons of Hurricane Katrina, from In my home State of Mississippi, 238 the recovery; I want to pivot back to Hurricane Rita, if they actually apply individuals died. Basically, what we New Orleans; I want to pivot back to the lessons learned that we so painfully had after that is over 1.2 million hous- Plaquemines Parish and St. Bernard, went through in south Louisiana, in ing units damaged, and in my home St. Tammany; I want to pivot back to Mississippi, and in Alabama, that we State, almost 120,000 were completely lower Jefferson Parish. These commu- apply those lessons around the United destroyed. In southern Mississippi, nities, in many cases, were destroyed. States to make our communities more that meant that over 60 percent of the Everything was underwater, every- resilient; to make our economy more single family dwellings were either de- thing. I will say it again, the homes, resilient; to make our businesses more stroyed or rendered uninhabitable, and the businesses, the schools, the hopes, resilient; to make our families more the statistics were worse for rental the dreams, the future underwater— resilient; and, Mr. Speaker, most im- units. Along the Gulf Coast—the beau- and 10 years ago, 10 years ago, unbe- portantly, to ensure that we can all ac- tiful Gulf Coast where we have the lievable. I think that most people complish the American Dream. largest manmade beach in the United would have told you these communities Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance States—there were over 1 million peo- aren’t coming back; they can’t come of my time. ple displaced. One month after the back. They have been so profoundly f storm, 600,000 families were still home- impacted that they simply can’t re- less, and, ultimately, 114,000 were cover from this, but that is not what 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF housed in FEMA trailers. happened. HURRICANE KATRINA Mr. Speaker, I don’t have to tell you As you just heard Mr. SCALISE dis- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under what happened with the FEMA trail- cuss, people came together. We now the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- ers. It was a mess. The government’s

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We have to the good people of the Gulf Coast. areas’’; ‘‘We are afraid to go in those provided evacuation routes for individ- Many of them had Chinese drywall in areas.’’ Yet, if you are part of the na- uals so that they know how to leave as those trailers that let off formalde- tional preparedness system, you go and well as routes for vulnerable popu- hyde, which, ultimately, impacted the help; you don’t try to qualify that help. lations or whether they are handi- health of everybody we put in the trail- Part of that agreement we have with capped in some form. We have even cre- ers, ostensibly, for temporary housing. an organization like the Red Cross is ated opportunities so that pets won’t We created a bigger health problem. that you will do better, that you will be left alone when evacuations occur. Obviously, we passed legislation to respond when other organizations don’t All of those things are very important address some of it in terms of the have the capacity. because it goes to who we are as a peo- health costs and other things. Ulti- We are continuing to work on the ple. So how we treat the least of them mately, a lawsuit provided some relief Red Cross’ response to natural disas- in their most desperate hours goes to to the families. What we have done in ters in this country. Sometimes they the character of who we are as a na- correcting that temporary housing sit- do a good job, and sometimes they tion. uation is to direct FEMA to not just be don’t. What we have to do is make sure As we mark this 10-year anniversary the response and recovery agency. We that, every time they respond, they re- of Katrina, Mr. Speaker, I want us to want you to also understand that, spond in a manner that is helping understand that it is still a work in when people are in trouble, not only do someone. Regardless of people’s socio- progress and that it doesn’t matter you come, but you come with the right economic statuses in life, they are still whether you live in a house on a hill or resources to make sure that you don’t American citizens. I look forward to if you live in a house around the corner create and make life worse for them. continuing to work on that. that is at a dead end—you are still an After our Katrina experience, we have The other thing we have to work on, American citizen. When things like a a more nimble operation, and we have Mr. Speaker, is in making sure that Hurricane Katrina happen, you should far better individuals who are trained the moneys that are sent to the dev- rest assured that your government will so that, when disasters come, we can astated areas don’t get diverted to be Johnny on the spot. respond. other areas. As I step back from my microphone, The problem that I have goes back, In my home State of Mississippi, our I want to compliment the gentleman Mr. Speaker, to the comments that a Governor at the time diverted over $600 from Louisiana for leading this Special speaker on the other side made. million, which was directed to low- and Order, because we should really under- When you are in a disaster, whether middle-income housing problems, to a stand how difficult Katrina has been it is a hurricane or a flood or a tor- port expansion, which had nothing to for those individuals who were in the nado, the last thing you want is for do with housing, but the flexibility to brunt. somebody to ask, ‘‘Well, who is going do it was there. We had a number of Let me also take a point of personal to pay for it?’’ These are citizens of the people who lost everything they had, privilege to talk about the good job United States of America. The only and they didn’t have any means to that the men and women of the United thing we should say is, ‘‘In your dark- come back. The moneys that we sent States Coast Guard did in response to est hour, in your time of need, your from Washington to attempt to make Katrina. They really did a tremendous government will not let you down.’’ I those individuals whole and to reintro- job in working and in managing a lot of would hope that people understand duce them to the communities from the recovery and response to Katrina. that we are a great nation because we which they had been displaced had been In August 2005, nearly ten years ago, Hurri- take care of all of our people, espe- sent to the Port of Gulfport. It is a cane Katrina made landfall in Mississippi and cially when the chips are down and worthy project, but you shouldn’t have ravaged the Gulf Coast. when they have no other place to turn. to take moneys to do that which were The storm pummeled everything in its path. So I would hope that we would not talk intended by Congress to go for low- and Over 1800 people from Florida to Texas about issues of deficit spending when middle-income housing. died, including 238 from my home State of people are being plucked off the roofs As of this date, the requirements for Mississippi. of their homes or when they are being that money still have not met the sat- After what felt like an eternity, the storm dislocated hundreds of miles from their isfaction of not only the HUD officials, died down. residences simply because they can’t but also of members of the commu- We inventoried our losses, and the painfully get back into their neighborhoods. nities. We should not take moneys in slow recovery process began. What I also want to talk about is the times of emergency and fund pet 1.2 million housing units were damaged, fact that, since Katrina, we have made projects. If those projects are worthy and 120,000 were completely destroyed. sure that first responders can commu- to be funded, then let’s fund them out In Southern Mississippi, more than 60 per- nicate with each other. There were a of traditional sources and not out of cent of single-family dwellings were destroyed number of stories about individuals emergency sources. I am concerned or rendered uninhabitable—and the statistics who wanted to help but who couldn’t that we do that. were worse for rental units. talk to each other. Hopefully, we have I want to pay a special tribute to the Along the Gulf Coast, over 1 million people started fixing that interoperability Mississippi Center for Justice, which were displaced. issue so that those individuals can has done a wonderful job in pursuing One month after the storm, About 600,000 communicate with each other, whether the expenditure of these funds con- families were still homeless, and ultimately they are paid firemen, volunteer sistent with the intent of those funds. 114,000 were housed in FEMA trailers. firepersons, or whether they are law I want to pay a special tribute as well The recovery process was slow and enforcement at the State, county, or to the Mississippi Conference of the wrought with mistakes at the Federal, State, local level, because, when we are in- National Association for the Advance- and local level. volved in any natural disaster that is ment of Colored People. They have pro- At the Federal level, chain-of-command and federally declared, the constituents vided witnesses and testimony at hear- coordination failures complicated the quick who need our help don’t want us to get ing after hearing as well as documenta- and efficient delivery of Federal resources, un- bogged down in the territories. They tion about the questionable expendi- dermining both response and recovery efforts. just want the help. Part of the help is tures around Hurricane Katrina. Opportunities to pre-stage important re- making sure that these individuals can As I said in the beginning, as one of sources were missed. communicate with each other. those individuals who experienced Interoperable emergency communications We had nonprofit organizations. The Katrina firsthand, our government has challenges and lack of qualified, well-trained, Red Cross, most specifically, was se- to step up and help these people in and well-funded emergency response per- verely criticized because of its response their time of need. What we have done sonnel—capability gaps first identified during

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However, on May 1, 2015, a Federal dragged out recovery efforts and drove up Although we have made progress on claims judge, Susan Braden, ruled that costs. achieving interoperability, gaps continue to the Army Corps of Engineers is liable States appeared to lack capacity to draw- hinder effective responses. for damages resulting from flooding down Federal recovery funds quickly or effec- Despite the horrific loss, survivors dem- during Katrina again and that the tively. onstrated inspiring resilience. damage caused in both St. Bernard For example, my home state of Mississippi And the American people proved once Parish, which is not in my district, and was awarded $3 billion in Katrina related infra- again their commitment to helping those af- the lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, structure grants, but by January 2009, it had fected by disaster by sending resources and which is in my district, was that the only drawn down a little over half of those flocking affected areas to aid recovery. Army Corps of Engineers was respon- funds ($1.7 million). Over the past decade, Gulf Coast residents, sible and liable for the damage caused FEMA allocated $156 million in hazard miti- with Federal support and the help of volun- to their homes because the Coast gation grant funds to Mississippi, but the State teers from across the country, have rebuilt Guard was responsible for the increased had only drawn down $40 million two-and-a- much of what was lost. storm surge and flooding during Hurri- half years after the storm struck. I would be remiss if I did not mention the cane Katrina and that the Army Corps My governor at the time diverted $600 mil- important work of the Mississippi Conference knew that their failure could have that lion in CDBG funds initially intended for the of the NAACP and the Mississippi Center for effect. construction of low and middle income hous- Justice. So Judge Braden has ordered that the ing to a port expansion project. Both of those organizations traveled to and Federal Government, more specifically, Parts of southern Mississippi are still feeling opened offices on the Coast to offer legal the Justice Department, enter into set- the impact of that ill-advised decision to this services to the thousands of Gulf Coast area tlement negotiations with the attor- day. residents who needed an advocate to help neys of those residents in both the In the aftermath of the storm, Congress make them whole. lower Ninth Ward and St. Bernard Par- overhauled the national emergency manage- Notably, they filed a lawsuit on behalf of ish. I would just continue to urge the ment infrastructure by enacting The Post community groups and individuals against the Federal Government to step up to do Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Devel- that because it is the right thing to do. Some of the other things that I just or PKEMRA. opment resulting in a landmark settlement of The legislation sought to address prepared- want to spend a quick moment in cor- $132 million dollars for low-income households ness, response and recovery gaps identified recting are that, after the storm, there in nine Mississippi counties. through oversight activities carried out by this was violence in the streets and people The Mississippi Center for Justice has con- Committee, including: were shooting at the rescue boats. That tinued to spearhead numerous Federal and (1) apparent uncertainty regarding who had was just absolutely untrue. state policy battles to demand and restore authority to coordinate and direct response As I tout the success of the Coast safe and affordable housing to Hurricane and recovery efforts under the National Re- Guard, I have to now question and Katrina’s most vulnerable survivors, including sponse Plan; criticize the effort of both the Red (2) ineffective coordination of Federal, state, thousands of children. Cross and our National Guard. local, private sector response and recovery ef- The Hurricane Katrina recovery, in many re- In the days after Katrina, there were forts; spects, has become a story of American per- Red Cross buses on the side of the high- (3) inadequate Federal coordination of pre- severance and generosity—and I am glad we way that lined from New Orleans all paredness planning, including lack of effective are here to commemorate and honor it this the way to Baton Rouge because the evacuation and temporary housing plans to evening. buses were scared to go into New Orle- meet the needs of all of those in a community; Mr. RICHMOND. I thank the gen- ans because it was dangerous. (4) lack of operable and interoperable com- tleman. The Red Cross and the National munications to support response and recovery Mr. Speaker, let me inquire as to how Guard had 18-wheelers and military efforts; and, much time I have remaining. trucks full of water that were des- (5) lack of effective emergency alert and The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ignated to go into New Orleans, but warning systems to notify the public of poten- HARDY). The gentleman has 17 minutes they were on the side of the interstate tial threats to health and safety. remaining. opposite the buses because they Nationally, we have made progress on ad- Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, before thought it was too dangerous to go into dressing these gaps. I get into some of the misconceptions New Orleans. For example, we have saved lives by get- and perceptions that still remain from Well, Mr. Speaker, I just want to tell ting people out of danger’s path with the Inte- Katrina, let me just finish where the you, while the National Guard, the Red grated Public Alerts and Warnings System. gentleman from Mississippi left off. Cross, and others were scared to go Our planning and exercise programs have In its aftermath and the rescue and into New Orleans, I myself, with an- improved relationships among Federal, State, recovery, one of the shining stars dur- other council member, Oliver Thomas and local responders to facilitate quicker, more ing Hurricane Katrina was the United at the time, was driving a minivan into effective response and recovery efforts. States Coast Guard. They did a phe- New Orleans filled with water with no And we have honed the national doctrine on nomenal job, both day and night, in security, no protection, and the only preventing, protecting against, mitigating the rescuing people with helicopters and thing we encountered were grateful effects of, responding to, and recovering from boats and everything at their disposal. people who were looking for some help, natural and manmade disasters. They didn’t care if they were tired, and some water, some food, and some direc- But significant challenges with long term re- they didn’t care if they were hungry. tion as to how and when this recovery covery efforts remain. They just did the job that they should would start. For example, the Federal government’s fail- have done just like most of our service- What I don’t want is people to look ure to have adequate disaster housing plans men. They were the shining stars. at New Orleans and remember back to in place before the storm struck resulted in those days and just believe the misin- b 1930 last-minute scrambling to find long-term recov- formation about all of those other ery housing for the displaced. I mentioned earlier that one of the things. We ended up with botched FEMA trailer perceptions that is just inaccurate While I am correcting that, let me contracts that cost taxpayers millions of dol- about Katrina was that it was a nat- also touch on why people didn’t leave. lars, and ultimately provided Hurricane sur- ural disaster. It is not just me who will Many people have said people just vivors with formaldehyde-laced dwellings. call it a manmade disaster. chose not to leave for various reasons, A class action lawsuit from 55,000 Gulf In 2009, Judge Duval ruled that the they didn’t know better. All of that is Coast Residents against over two dozen mo- Federal Government was liable for the absolutely untrue, also. bile home manufacturers was finally settled for damage related to MRGO because the The biggest reason people didn’t over $42.5 million in 2012. canal’s original purpose was naviga- leave was that the warnings were weak

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.031 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5663 and they were not enough notice. I re- Public education: Even if you look at should have used rebuilding cost. That member watching the news and watch- the Brown v. Board of Education deci- is just not my opinion. ing the mayor of New Orleans say: sion years ago, 50, 75 years ago, that I will tell you that the Federal court Well, I am sending my family to Dal- decision came about because the Jus- ruled that the Road Home’s method of las. If I were you, I would evacuate. tices talked about how an education is calculating grants discriminated Well, in moments like this, you need important to being a good citizen, against African American homeowners. stern warnings and you have to be thriving, and being a success. That was back in 2010. blunt. Because of that, we should spend The problem with that ruling was I was on the conference calls where more time in working to make sure that, in order for the State to stop FEMA and Red Cross said that they that the New Orleans public school sys- using prestorm value to calculate Road were sending 10,000 body bags. We knew tem is a system that educates all of the Home grants, it was only for the future this was the real one. It was the time kids. grants. By that time, a majority of the to show leadership and tell people to Whether you are Black or White, grants had already been given out. leave the city in no uncertain terms. whether you are poor or rich, whether So I will just tell you that that $62 I remember having a conference call you live in a great neighborhood or million in additional grants helped with Governor Blanco in which she whether you live in a bad neighbor- about 1,500 homeowners. Remember, we talked about all of these things, along hood, every kid should have the oppor- had over 100,000 properties that were with the Red Cross and FEMA. tunity to succeed. damaged in the storm. So you can see By the time that it was my turn to The other thing that people see a lot the abundance of people that did not talk, I said, ‘‘Governor, I understand now, whether we are hosting a Super get assistance. that this is the real deal. However, Bowl, the Final Four, or the Sugar Some of the other remaining issues there are 1,500 people across the street Bowl, people assume that the city is with Road Home was that we still have from my house playing Little League. back because the areas that they cover people who need money to get back They don’t get the benefit of hearing on TV are the areas that are back. into their homes because they have an what you just said on this conference If you look at Canal Street, Bourbon unmet need. call.’’ Street, and all of those areas, the Su- HUD could have done something very It was later that day and the next perdome, the New Orleans arena, they simple to figure out where we are now, morning that people pushed, but it was are back. and that is to figure out what people only a day out from the storm. However, there are still areas that received from their insurance com- And then we never talked about the are not back. You still have areas pany, what people received from expenses associated with evacuating where homeowners are still struggling FEMA, and what people received from once or twice in the city, packing your to rebuild. Road Home. family up, driving to another city, pay- You can look at the lower Ninth You add those up and then you figure ing for a hotel, feeding your family, Ward. You can look at the upper Ninth out the cost to rebuild. If the rebuild- and then coming back. Ward. You can look at Gentilly. You ing cost exceeds those, that is the When that happens over and over can look at New Orleans East. Those unmet need that we need help from the again and they were false alarms, if areas are still fighting to recover. government because there is money you don’t give them the stern warning You can look at some of the com- that is still available. when you know it is the real one, you plaints from homeowners when the I would say we need the Federal Gov- know some people won’t leave. Road Home process was set up. They ernment to actually take some time, The last part of it is we came up with complain that they were fingerprinted investigate, and figure out how we can a bad idea of using shelters that were and treated like criminals during the use the unused money to make people in harm’s way. We had thousands of application process in the onset of ask- whole that were not made whole in the people in the Louisiana Superdome ing for government assistance. beginning. that is located in New Orleans. Well, Remember, we are talking about Also, let me bring up just one other the Superdome was right in harm’s homeowners, the most responsible peo- thing so you can get a full idea of the way. ple in a community, being picture of New Orleans. If you just look One of the other perceptions—and fingerprinted and treated like crimi- at rent, in the 9 years since Katrina, you actually heard it tonight—was nals during the application process. the share of people paying 50 percent of that the new New Orleans has a great Also, the Federal Government pro- their income for rent is now 37 percent. school system that has turned around hibited grants exceeding the value of a So what you are really saying is that education in this urban setting, and property. So Road Home tied its cal- secure housing cost burdens 50 percent the truth of the matter is it is a work culation to a home’s prestorm value as of household income, and that indi- in progress at best. opposed to the actual cost of rebuild- cates a serious problem in housing af- The State came in and took over ing. fordability. most of our schools, all but maybe five So when you look at the 36,000 grant In 2004, just to give you a reference, or six of them. Out of those 57 schools recipient collection letters for alleged the share of severely cost-burdened that they took over, seven are B overpayments, duplication of insurance renters in New Orleans was 24 percent. schools, no A schools, 20 are C schools, proceeds, or failure to comply with the Now it is 37 percent in New Orleans. It and 24 are D and F schools. covenants, you see 36,000 people that is 26 percent nationally. We still have some work to do in the are being unjustly punished by the That is a problem and we really need area of education. We have made some Federal Government. to work on it because, if you can’t live improvements, but we have kids now I would just say that we said it very in the city, you can’t work in the city. that are being bused and staying on the early on in the process, that using ap- This government is better than that. bus almost 2 hours to get to a school in praised value was going to harm minor- So the other thing I would just say is the morning and 2 hours in the ity communities because an appraisal that people think we are back and we evening. That is not a system that we is subjective, depending on where you are rebuilt, and that is not the case. want. live. So homes in the more affluent The other thing is that people think Our good schools don’t have attend- areas of New Orleans appraised a lot that we received everything we need to ance zones, and it has become a maze higher. rebuild. in order to apply and to get into our I can just tell you, doing electrical I would say that Congress, the gov- better schools. work when I was small, doing construc- ernment, and the President did a great Those are things that can be fixed if tion work, to rebuild a 1,500-square- job in immediately sending down $14 everybody is willing to come to the foot house, whether it is in Lakeview billion to New Orleans and putting it in table and figure out the best way to do or whether it is in the lower Ninth a fund, which is unheard of in Con- it and not look at everyone who has Ward, Sheetrock, plywood, screws, and gress, to take money and just put it in suggestions or criticisms of the school nails are all going to cost the same. In- a fund and say: Corps of Engineers, as system as being an enemy. stead of using appraised value, we you rebuild the levee, spend this

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If you look at the What I wanted to do before we went The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- cost of Katrina—and I will give you a home for a break and celebrate the 10th fore the House the following commu- few figures—you will see that we still anniversary of Katrina is to let people nication from the Chair of the Com- have a gap. know that we still have needs; we still mittee on Transportation and Infra- You had $150 billion in damages. have things we have to do to complete Most of the Federal spending went for structure; which was read and, without the recovery, but also thank Congress relief, not rebuilding. $120.5 billion in objection, referred to the Committee for what they did do. total spending. Emergency relief was 75 on Appropriations: billion. Rebuilding funds was 45 billion. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COM- So if you look at the Federal funding, of my time. MITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND private insurance claims, and chari- INFRASTRUCTURE, Washington, DC, July 28, 2015. table giving, it still leaves a gap of f Hon. JOHN BOEHNER, about $60 billion. When you talk about Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, a gap of $60 billion, I just want you to CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL The Capitol, Washington, DC. understand what that means. EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO DEAR MR. SPEAKER: On July 23, 2015, pursu- That means, in every community, LEBANON—MESSAGE FROM THE ant to section 3307 of Title 40, United States every neighborhood, including mine, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED Code, the Committee on Transportation and you will see five houses where people STATES (H. DOC. NO. 114–53) Infrastructure met in open session to con- have come back, saved up money, and sider 15 resolutions included in the General rebuilt using both insurance, savings, The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Services Administration’s fiscal years 2015 and 2016 Capital Investment and Leasing retirement, FEMA, government money. fore the House the following message from the President of the United Programs. Then you will see a house or two that The Committee continues to work to re- is not rebuilt at all. States; which was read and, together duce the cost of federal property and leases. Then if you go down to the lower with the accompanying papers, referred Of the 15 resolutions considered by the Com- Ninth Ward, you will see one house to the Committee on Foreign Affairs mittee, the nine alteration projects will ad- that is rebuilt. Then you will see six or and ordered to be printed: dress critical life safety repairs or allow for seven houses that are not rebuilt where To the Congress of the United States: space consolidations, the two reprogram- the grass is just as high as the trees ming prospectuses are fully offset by reduc- Section 202(d) of the National Emer- tions in other projects, the two construction and it looks like a forest. gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides If you are that one homeowner that prospectuses include offsets and reductions for the automatic termination of a na- in spending from avoided lease costs, and the took the time to come home and re- tional emergency unless, within 90 two lease prospectuses will result in signifi- build and you have to pass that every days prior to the anniversary date of cant reductions in lease costs through the night, it is just not a safe situation. its declaration, the President publishes reduction of space. In total, these resolu- We, as a country, can do better than in the Federal Register and transmits to tions represent $327 million in avoided lease that. the Congress a notice stating that the costs and offsets. So what I would hope is that, as we I have enclosed copies of the resolutions emergency is to continue in effect be- continue the process of helping New adopted by the Committee on Transpor- yond the anniversary date. In accord- Orleans and Louisiana recover from tation and Infrastructure on July 23, 2015. ance with this provision, I have sent to Katrina, that we look at the lessons Sincerely, the Federal Register for publication the BILL SHUSTER, learned and we find the people who still enclosed notice stating that the na- Chairman. have unmet needs, we find the people tional emergency with respect to Leb- Enclosures. that are still not back in their homes anon that was declared in Executive COMMITTEE RESOLUTION who want to be in their homes, and we Order 13441 of August 1, 2007, is to con- ALTERATION—JACOB K. JAVITS FEDERAL OFFICE figure out a way to help them. tinue in effect beyond August 1, 2015. BUILDING, NEW YORK, NY b 1945 Certain ongoing activities, such as Resolved by the Committee on Transportation That is what HUD is for. We still continuing arms transfers to Hizballah and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- have the money, and in fact, citizens that include increasingly sophisticated resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, appropriations are authorized for the design and community groups—and I can weapons systems, undermine Lebanese for the build out of approximately 314,000 think of a bunch of them, A Commu- sovereignty, contribute to political and rentable square feet of vacant space in the nity Voice, Justice and Beyond—all of economic instability in the region, and Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building lo- those groups have been asking Con- continue to constitute an unusual and cated at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City, gress and the inspector general to do extraordinary threat to the national New York, of which approximately 30,000 an audit and an investigation of how security and foreign policy of the rentable square feet will provide swing space much funds we received, where did they United States. For this reason, I have for future alteration and consolidation go, what is left, how do we move for- determined that it is necessary to con- projects in the building, at a design cost of $7,660,000, a prospectus for which is attached ward and make sure that everyone who tinue the national emergency declared to and included in this resolution. wants to come home has the ability to in Executive Order 13441 with respect Provided, that the General Services Admin- come home. to Lebanon. istration shall not delegate to any other Now, all of those things and, I think, BARACK OBAMA. agency the authority granted by this resolu- lessons learned and misperceptions of THE WHITE HOUSE, July 29, 2015. tion.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- ALTERATION Prospectus for Design

Description The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is seeking committee approval for a design project that GSA will schedule for construction in a future year. A project description is attached.

Justification By seeking approval to start the design for the project prior to construction phase funding, an orderly and timely accomplishment of a planned program is ensured. Under the separate funding approach, GSA will submit the construction prospectus for the project along with a future budget request.

The subject project addresses realignment and consolidation of agency space, and replacing and repairing affected building and safety systems.

Recommendation Approve design for $7,660,000 for the project attached. The construction costs indicated at this time are preliminary and will be finalized prior to future requests for funding.

Committee Approval and Appropriation Requested in this Prosm;ctus (Design) ...... $7 ,660,000

Certification of Need

The proposed projects are the best solutions to meet validated Government needs.

April 27, 2015 Submitted at Washington, DC, on ------

Approvoo=--~------~~~~-----~--~·-·-·---·-·-.-~--~------Acting Administrator, General Services Administration

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION Prospectus for Design

FISCAL YEAR 2015 ALTERATION DESIGN PROJECT {Alphabetical by State)

LOCATION FY 2015 FUNDING

New York, NY Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building $7,660,000

TOTAL...... -...... 41 ...... ,...... $7,660,000

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- ALTERATION Prospectus for Design

Prospectus Number: PDS-02015 Congressional District: 08

PROJECT: Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building

LOCATION: New York, NY

ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST: $ I 04,004,000

DESIGN: $ 7,660,000

CONSTRUCTION: $89,211,000

MANAGEMENT & INSPECTION: $7,133,000

AMOUNT REQUESTED IN FY20l5 (Design}: $ 7,660,000

WORK ITEM SUMMARY Demolition and abatement, interior construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fire/life safety upgrades. DESCRIPTION The Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building (FOB) is located at 26 Federal Plaza, New York City, NY. It consists of three interconnected buildings: a 45-story, plus basement, office building; an eight-story court/office building (both built in 1967); and a 45-story addition (Annex) built along the west side of the original 45-story building in 1977. The two 45-story buildings function together as the FOB while the 8-story court/office building functions as the James L. Watson Court of International Trade (CIT). The CIT is connected to the FOB via a 4- story pedestrian bridge. The entire Federal complex consists of over 2.3 million square feet of rentable space.

GSA proposes design for the build out of approximately 314,000 rentable square feet (rst) of vacant space, of which approximately 30,000 rsf will provide swing space for future alteration and consolidation projects in the FOB. The project will remove asbestos, upgrade mechanical and electrical systems and address fire/life safety issues. The project will help to maintain the Federal presence in downtown Manhattan, avoid future lease costs, and will allow for the overall reduction in tenant footprints.

The request will fund the design and review for the build-out of approximately 314,000 rentable square feet (RSF) of vacant space in the FOB, of which approximately 30,000 RSF will provide swing space for future alteration and consolidation projects in the building. The project will complete the design associated with asbestos removal, mechanical and electrical system upgrades, and fire and life safety issues. The completed project will maintain i:he Federal presence in downtown Manhattan, relocate the U.S. Deparbnent of Justice- Federal Bureau of

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Investigation from a leased location , and allow the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to consolidate its operations currently scattered throughout the FOB.

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION ing, located at 1800 F Street, NW, Wash- construction cost of $8,900,000 and a manage- ington, DC for the reconfiguration and alter- ment and inspection cost of $488,000 for a ALTERATION—1800 F STREET BUILDING, PRESI- ation of approximately 90,000 usable square total estimated project cost of $9,922,000, a DENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM, WASHINGTON, DC feet of space to provide short-term space for prospectus for which is attached to and in- Resolved by the Committee on Transportation the Presidential Transition Team (PTT) and cluded in this resolution. and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- the Offices of the President-Elect and Vice- Provided, that the General Services Admin- resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, President Elect after the November 2016 istration shall not delegate to any other appropriations are authorized for repairs and Presidential Election, at a design and re- agency the authority granted by this resolu- alterations at the GSA Headquarters build- lated services cost of $534,000 an estimated tion.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- ALTERATION 1800 F STREET BUILDING PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM WASHINGTON, DC PDC-PTT-WA15

Project Summary The General Services Administration (GSA) proposes a repair and alteration project at the GSA Headquarters building, located at 1800 F Street, N.W., Washington, DC, for the reconfiguration and alteration of approximately 90,000 usable square feet of space to provide short-term space for the Presidential Transition Team (PIT), and the Offices of the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect. The space provided will facilitate the orderly transfer of executive power in connection with the expiration of the terms of the current President and Vice President and the inauguration of the newly elected President and Vice President after the November 2016 Presidential Election. The space must be available by October 1, 2015, for up to two years; this includes phased construction, occupancy and restoration.

FY2015 Committee Approval Requested ...... $9,922,000

1 FY2015 Appropriations Reguested ...... $0

Major Work Items Interior alterations; security upgrades; exterior alterations; building automation system upgrades; conveyance system modifications; electrical system upgrades.

Project Budget Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) ...... $8,900,000 Design and Related Services (Design) ...... 534,000 Management and Inspection (M&I) ...... 488,000

Estimated Total Project Cost (ETPC) ...... $9,922,000

Schedule Start End Design and Construction FY2015 FY20172

Building

1 Although no new funds are being requested in this prospectus, its approval is needed for this alteration project. Concurrently, GSA will request to reprogram $9,922,000 in savings from previously appropriated sources of funds to this alteration project. 2 FY20 17 - Restoration of Space

1

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS -ALTERATION 1800 F STREET BUILDING PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM WASHINGTON, DC PDC-PTT-WA15

The 1800 F Street, N.W., Washington, DC, GSA Headquarters building is a seven-story, approximately 764,000 gross square foot, limestone-clad public building situated at 1800 F Street, N.W., just west of downtown Washington, DC. The building provides 518,700 useable square feet of space and includes outside parking in an interior courtyard. The building was constructed in 1917 as the headquarters of the Department of the Interior, which resided in it until 1949, at which time it became the headquarters of GSA, which occupies the building today. It was one of the first steel-framed buildings constructed in Washington, as well as one of the first government buildings to use limestone on the exterior. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Tenant Agencies Presidential Transition Team, GSA

Proposed Project GSA currently occupies the basement through floor seven of the eastern wing of 1800 F Street, known as Wing One. Personnel in this space will be consolidated into the other wings of the building to allow Wing One to be occupied by PTT. Physical move costs associated with this relocation are anticipated to be minimal and will be covered by other sources of funding already available to GSA. The proposed project consists of the construction of demising walls, barriers and check points; installation of additional security items/systems per the Department of Homeland Security United States Secret Service (USSS) specifications; rebuilding or altering portions of interior and exterior space to accommodate special space needs of PTT and security; providing emergency power; construction of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) space; installation of secure conduit, cabling, audio visual (A V)/information technology (IT)/security infrastructure; building out executive offices; and modifying existing building systems to accommodate PTT functions. GSA will, to the greatest extent possible, use the currently available space in its current configuration. A portion of these infrastructure investments will be retained for future use by GSA, as well as for future PTT requirements.

Security systems will include items such as cameras, access control and intrusion detection. A V and IT systems will be modified and new systems added, as needed. Building Automation Systems will require modified controls, electrical systems will require back up power and elevators will need modified controls.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION 1800 F STREET BUILDING PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM WASHINGTON, DC PDC-PIT-WA15

At a minimum, exterior work will include security upgrades of cameras, detection devices and provisions for other security components as directed by USSS. GSA is evaluating the appropriate positioning of special spaces within the building that will require evaluation of blast and ballistic conditions and potential upgrades at various locations, which may be internal or external. There also is a potential need for exterior posts to accommodate USSS personnel.

Restoration will entail putting the building back to its pre-PIT configuration, but leaving alone what GSA has designed to remain in place within walls, ancillary spaces, mechanical spaces, and the roof. GSA plans to utilize this space for future transitions resulting in reduced costs in the future.

Major Work Items

Interior Alterations $2,650,000 Security Upgrades 4,500,000 Exterior Alterations 1,000,000 Building Automation System Upgrades 250,000 Conveyance System Modifications 250,000 Electrical System Upgrades 250,000 TotalECC $8,900,000

Justification The Presidential Transition Act of 1963, P.L. 88-277, authorizes the GSA Administrator to provide the President-elect and the Vice President-elect, upon their request, necessary services and facilities during the transition period between Election Day and Inauguration Day.

GSA will, to the greatest extent possible, use the currently available space in its current configuration. A portion of these infrastructure investments will be retained for future use by GSA, as well as for future PIT requirements.

Summary of Energy Compliance A number of high performance green initiatives were incorporated into the modernization of Wing One, which was completed in 2013. These initiatives included high-performance glazing for replicated historic windows, added insulation at the exterior walls and roof, daylight harvesting through a networked lighting control system, an automated roller shade system for daylight control, and photovoltaic rooftop arrays that feed direct current into the power grid.

3

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- ALTERATION 1800 F STREET BUILDING PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM WASHINGTON, DC PDC-PTT-WA15

GSA will continue to use the new base building systems installed with the aforementioned modernization, making adjustments on a case-by-case basis to accommodate PTI requirements. Prior Appropriations

Prior Appropriations Public Law Fiscal Year Amount Purpose None

Prior Committee Approvals

Prior Committee Approvals Committee Date Amount Purpose None

Prior Prospectus-Level Projects in Building (past 10 years): Prospectus Description FY Amount P.L. 111-5 (ARRA) Modernization & Expansion 2009 $153,664,000

Alternatives Considered (30-year, present value costs)

Given the short-term nature of the proposed requirement (3 years), a 30-year present value cost analysis is not suited for this type of project. The cost to procure the required square footage in proximate leased space significantly exceeds the proposed cost of the repair and alteration alternative. Furthermore, the government will realize additional long-term savings as the proposed location will serve as future housing for PTT.

Recommendation

ALTERATION

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION 1800 F STREET BUILDING PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAM WASHINGTON, DC PDC-PTT-WA15

Certification of Need The proposed project is the best solution to meet a validated Government need.

Submitted at Washington, DC, on " Juq_g~ 26, 2015

Approved -~---i.....·.~_· _...~_'l_. _:t_~t11{_:z-~~------­ Acting Administrator, General Services Administration

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, a prospectus for which is attached to and in- appropriations are authorized for repairs and cluded in this resolution. ALTERATION—FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE alterations to upgrade, replace, and improve Provided, that the General Services Admin- SAFETY PROGRAM, VARIOUS BUILDINGS fire protection systems and life safety fea- istration shall not delegate to any other Resolved by the Committee on Transportation tures in government-owned buildings during agency the authority granted by this resolu- and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- Fiscal Year 2016 at a total cost of $20,000,000, tion.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY PROGRAM VARIOUS BUILDINGS

Prospectus Number: PFP-000 1-MU 16

FY20J6 Proiect Summary

The General Services Administration (GSA) proposes alterations to upgrade, replace, and improve fire protection systems and life safety features in government-owned buildings during Fiscal Ycar 20 16.

FY2016 Committee Approval and Appropriation Requested ...... $20,000,000

Program Summary

As part of its Fire Protection and Life Safety efforts, GSA is identifying projects in Federal buildings throughout the country through surveys and studies. These projects will vary in size, location, and delivery method. The approval and appropriation requested in this prospectus is for a diverse set of retrofit projects with engineering solutions to reduce fire and lite safety hazards. Typical projects include the following:

• Replacing antiquated fire a1arm and detection systems that are in need of repair or for which parts are no longer available.

• Installing emergency voice communication systems to facilitate occupant notification and/or evacuation in Federal buildings during an emergency.

• lnstaJling and/or expanding fire sprinkler systems to provide a reasonable degree of protection for life and property from fire in Federal buildings.

• Constructing additional exit stairs or enclosing existing exit stairs to ensure safe and timely evacuation of building occupants in the event of an emergency.

Justification

GSA periodically assesses all facilities using technical professionals to identify hazards and initiate correction or risk-reduction protection strategies to assure that no aspect of our buildings' design or operation presents an unreasonable risk to GSA personnel, occupant agencies, or the general public. Completion of these proposed projects will improve the overall level of safety from fire and similar risks in GSA-controlled Federal buildings nationwide.

FY2016 Committee Approval and Appropriation Requested ...... $20t000,000

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY PROGRAM VARIOUS BUILDINGS

Prospectus Number: PFP-0001-MU16

Certification of Need

Over the years a number of fire protection and life safety issues have been identified that need to be addressed in order to reduce fire risk. The proposed program is the best solution to meet a validated Government need.

Submitted at Washington, DC, on ---·--~~~~-~.Q~.~

Recommended:

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION alterations to upgrade outdated building sys- $966,000 for a total estimated project cost of tems in the 59-year-old facility and renovate ALTERATION—SIXTH STREET FEDERAL $12,283,000, a prospectus for which is attached and reconfigure the interior layout for oper- BUILDING, LOS ANGELES, CA to and included in this resolution. ations efficiency and workplace optimization Resolved by the Committee on Transportation at the Federal Building located in downtown, Provided, that the General Services Admin- and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- Los Angeles, CA, at a design cost of $982,000, istration shall not delegate to any other resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, an estimated construction cost of $10,335,000 agency the authority granted by this resolu- appropriations are authorized for repairs and and a management and inspection cost of tion.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- ALTERATION SIXTH STREET FEDERAL BUILDING LOS ANGELES, CA

Prospectus Number: PCA-0149-LAt6 Congressional District: 34

FY2016 Project Summary The Genera! Services Administmtion (GSA) proposes a repair and alteration project of the Federal Building, located in downtown, Los Angeles, California on Sixth Street. The project will upgrade outdated building systems in the 59-year-old facility and renovate and reconfigure the interior layout for operations efficiency and workplace optimization.

FY20l6 Committee Approval and Appropriation Requested (Design, ECC, M&l) ...... Sl2,283,000

Mafor Work Items Exterior construction, HV AC, e]ectrical, plumbing, fire protection and elevator system upgrades, hazardous material abatement, interior construction

Project Budget

Design ...... t ...... , ...... ~ ...... $982,000 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) ...... $1 0,335,000 Management and Inspection (M&I) ...... $966,000 Estimated Total Project Cost (ETPC)*...... $12,283,000 *Tenant agencies may fund an additional amount for tenant improvements above the standard normally provided by the GSA.

Schedule Start End Design and Construction FY2016 FY2019

Building The Federal Building is a stand-alone structure solely occupied by the Department of Justice located in downtown Los Angeles. The building includes two stories (plus basement) and is of steel·frame construction with exterior pre-cast concrete cladding. The building was previously used as an office for the Department of Interior (Minera1s Management), and is now utilized by Department of Justice in conjunction with their other Los Angeles locations.

Tenant Agencies Department ofJustice

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION SIXTH STREET FEDERAL BUILDING LOS ANGELES, CA

Prospectus Number: PCA-OJ49-LA16 Congressional District: 34

Proposed Project The project will upt,l'fadc outdated building systems and realign the tenant agency work space. The work includes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system replacements and upgrades, fire protection replacement, plumbing upgrades, interior seismic work, electrical distribution upgrades, elevator upgrades, and exterior construction. In addition, abandoned mechanical· areas will be converted to rentable square footage, and the tenant agency wiU be realigned as required for efficient operations and workplace optimization.

Major Work Items Electrical Upgrades $2,100,000 HV AC Upgrades $1,950,000 Demolition/Hazardous Material Abatement $1,832,000 Exterior Construction · $1AOO,OOO Interior Construction/Seismic Upgrades $1,253,000 Plumbing Upgrades $850,000 Elevators Upgrades $485,000 Fire Protection Upgrades $465,000 Total ECC $10,335,000

Justification The 59-year-old asset requires significant reinvestment to continue providing reliable service for years to come. The building has not undergone a major reinvestment since originally constructed. Currently. the systems are beyond their useful life requiring costly fabrication of parts when replacement items are necessary. In addition. DOJ requires reconfiguration and renovation of interior space in the building to support its mission, accommodate additional personnel, improve space utilization, and increase workplace efficiencies. Minimal investment in this facility is the most cost-effective long term solution.

Summaty of Energy Compliance This project will be designed to conform to requirements of the Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service and will implement strategies to meet the Guiding Principles for High Perfonnance and Sustainable Buildings. GSA encourages design opportunities to increase energy and water efficiency above the minimum performance criteria.

2

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION SIXTH STREET FEDERAL BUILDING LOS ANGELES, CA

Prospectus Number: PCA~Ol49-LAI6 Congressional District: 34

Prior Appropriations None

Prior Committee Approvals None

Prior Prospectus-Level Proiects in Building (past 10 years) None

Alternatives Considered (30-year, present value cost analysis}

Alteration ...... $27 ,539,000 Lease ...... $37,477,000 New Construction ...... "...... ~ ...... ,...... $43,945,000

The 30~year, present value cost of alteration is $9,937,000 less than the cost of leasing with an equivalent annual cost advantage of$568t000.

Recommendation ALTERATION

3

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION SIXTH STREET FEDERAL BUILDING LOS ANGELES, CA

Prospectus Number: PCA-0149-LA16 Congressional District: 34

Certification of Need The proposed project is the best solution to meet a validated Government need.

4

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.039 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE Insert graphic folio 1104/20 EH29JY15.016 H5684 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015

COMMITTEE RESOLUTION alterations to upgrade building systems and $507,000 for a total estimated project cost of ALTERATION—DENVER FEDERAL CENTER undertake exterior repairs at the Denver $6,142,000, a prospectus for which is attached BUILDING 56, LAKEWOOD, CO Federal Center (DFC) Building 56 located at to and included in this resolution. Resolved by the Committee on Transportation West 6th Avenue & Kipling Street in Lake- Provided, that the General Services Admin- and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- wood, Colorado, at a design cost of $613,000, istration shall not delegate to any other resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, an estimated construction cost of $5,022,000 agency the authority granted by this resolu- appropriations are authorized for repairs and and a management and inspection cost of tion.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.039 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5685

GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION DENVER FEDERAL CENTER BUILDING 56 LAKEWOOD, CO

Prospectus Number: PC0-0533-LA 16 Congressional District: 7

FY2016 Project Summary The General Services Administration (GSA) proposes a repair and alteration project to upbrradc building systems and undertake exterior repairs at the Denver Federal Center (DFC) Building 56, at West 6111 Avenue & Kipling Street in Lakewood, CO. In addition to addressing heating, ventilation. and air conditioning (HV AC), fire alarm, roofing, and exterior closure deficiencies, the project also promotes energy savings.

FY2016 Committee Approval and Appropriation Requested (Design, ECC, M&l) ...... $6,1 42,000

Major Work Items Roof Replacement, Exterior Repairs, HV AC and Fire Alarm Upgrades

Project Budget

Design ...... 9 •••••••••••••••• """''*···································································$ 613,000 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) ...... 5,022,000 Management and Inspection (M&I)...... 507,000 Estimated Total Project Cost (ETPC) ...... $6,142,000

*Tenant agencies may fund an additional amount for alterations above the standard normally provided by the GSA.

Schedule Start End Design and Construction FY2016 FY2018

Building Building 56 is part of the DFC•s main campus and contains 354,159 gross square feet. Originally constructed in 1941 as part of the Denver Ordinance Plant, Building 56 is one of the largest buildings on the DFC campus and provides office, laboratory, and industrial space.

I

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION DENVER FEDERAL CENTER BUILDING 56 LAKEWOOD, CO

Prospectus Number: PC0-0533-LA 16 Congressional District: 7

Tenant Agencies Fann Service Agency, Rural Housing Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Reclamation, General Services Administration

Proposed Proicct The proposed project involves numerous upgrades to the building exterior, including replacement of the roof, repairs to the exterior walls, limited reinstal1ation of exterior brick, and replacement of the exterior roll-up door. Interior system upgrades include the replacement of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system's aged air handler unit dampers and pneumatic controls and the installation of a new building wide fire alann system. The project also will abate hazardous materials encountered during construction.

Maior Work Items Roof replacement $3,540,000 Exterior Closure Repairs 571,000 HV AC Repairs 382,000 Fire Alarm Replacement 529.000 Total ECC $5,022t000

Justification

The roof is more than 30 years old, in poor condition, and beyond its useful life. There have been water leaks into tenant agency space, causing damage to the building structure and tenant property and resulting in work outages. Replacement of the roof will also improve insulation and promote energy efficiency. The project will not impact sections of the roof that were affected during the High Performance Green Building ARRA solar panel installation project. The building has gaps in the exterior perimeter walls where air, moisture and other contaminates and occasionally wind driven snow enter the building and tenant spaces and conditioned air escapes the building. The exterior walls need to be repaired, gaps sealed and exterior brick reinstalled to prevent further damage, improve energy efficiency and tenant comfort.

The exterior roll-up door is original, beyond its useful life and requires maintenance on a regular basis. The door wm be replaced with an insu1ated door that meets current energy

2

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION DENVER FEDERAL CENTER BUILDING 56 LAKEWOOD, CO

Prospectus Number: PC0-0533-LA 16 Congressional District: 7

pcrfonnancc requirements and eliminates the entry of air, moisture and other contaminates.

The existing dampers and controls on the building air handling units are past their useful life, allow air infiltration, and create inefficiencies in the building heating and air conditioning. This project proposes to fix the leaky dampers and allow better control of outside air entering the space with upgraded digital energy efficient equipment. The existing fire alarm system is also past its useful life and has become increasingly difficult and costly to repair. The system currently docs not meet the requirements in GSA PBS-PI 00 Facilities Standards tbr the Public Buildings Service or the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS). The building requires installation of a new system that meets current code requirements.

The building offers both light industrial and laboratory space, including space used by the Bureau of Reclamation for electrical testing of equipment and engineering testing of structural dam models. Undertaking the necessary infrastructure improvements wiJI help ensure long-term tenancy and meet customer agency needs. Building 56 offers unique space for its federal tenants that would be difficult to find or replicate in the private market.

Summary of Energy Compliance This project will be designed to confonn to requirements of the FaciJities Standards for the Public Buildings Service and will implement strategies to meet the Guiding Principles for High Performance and Sustainable Buildings. GSA encourages design opportunities to increase energy and water efficiency above the minimum performance criteria.

Prior Appropriations None

Prior Committee Approvals None

Prior Prospectus"Level Projects in Building (uast 10 vear§) Prospectus Description FY Amount 111-5 (ARRA) High Performance Green Building 2009 $2,367,000 including solar panel installation and chiller and boiler replacement

3

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION DENVER FEDERAL CENTER BUILDING 56 LAKEWOOD, CO

Prospectus Number: PC0-0533-LA t 6 Congressional District: 7

Alternatives Considered (30-year, present value cost analysis) There are no feasible alternatives to this project. This is a limited scope renovation and the cost of the proposed project is far less than the cost of leasing or constructing a new building.

Recommendation ALTERATION

4

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION DENVER FEDERAL CENTER BUILDING 56 LAKEWOOD, CO

Prospectus Number: PC0-0533-LA 16 Congressional District: 7

Certification of Need The proposed project is the best solution to meet a validated Government need.

Submitted at Washington, DC, on _ __..Fe"""""bt,I,Jnwmury~2...,,,._c.2.u.O..... J5...______

R~mmended=------"~~~~------~~------­ ervice

5

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION teration project to correct significant build- mated construction cost of $62,752,000 and a ing deficiencies of the historic Theodore management and inspection cost of $6,040,000 ALTERATION—THEODORE LEVIN U.S. Levin U.S. Courthouse located at 231 West for a total estimated project cost for phase COURTHOUSE, DETROIT, MI Lafayette Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan, III of $68,792,000, a prospectus for which is at- Resolved by the Committee on Transportation including replacement or repair of major tached to and included in this resolution. and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- heating and air conditioning system compo- Provided, that the General Services Admin- resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, nents including air handling units and fiber- istration shall not delegate to any other appropriations are authorized for repairs and board ductwork and upgrades to the building agency the authority granted by this resolu- alterations for phase III of a multi-phase al- automation system and plumbing, at an esti- tion.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.040 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5691

GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION THEODORE LEVIN U.S. COURTHOUSE DETROJT,MJ

Prospectus Number: PMI~0029-DE 16 Congressional District: 14

FY2016 Project Summary The General Services Administration (GSA) is proposing phase Ill of a multi-phase alteration project to correct significant building deficiencies of the historic TI1eodore Levin U.S. Courthouse (Levin Courthouse) located at 231 West Lafayette Boulevard in Detroit, MI. The Levin Courthouse houses the Federal Courts for the Eastern District of Michigan. The proposed multi-phase project will correct deficiencies to ensure the long tenn occupancy of federal agencies by providing a safe and reliable work environment. The proposed scope for this phase includes replacement or repair of major heating and air conditioning system components including air handling units and fiberboard ductwork and upgrades to the building automation system and plumbing.

F\'2016 Committee Approval and Appropriation Requested (Phase Ill M&l and ECC) ...... $68,792,000

Major Work Items {all phases} HVAC replacement/repair, electrical systems replacement. elevator improvements, plumbing and fire and life safety upgrades, interior construction

Proieet Budget Design Design (FY2014) ...... $10,200,000 Total Design ...... $10,200,000 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) Phase I {FY2014) ...... $19,259,000 Phase II (FY20l5) ...... 37,539,000 Phase III (FY2016 request) ...... 62, 752,000 Total ECC ...... ~················$119,550,000 Management and Inspection (M&I) Phase I {FY2014) ...... ,...... •..•.•.. ,.. $1,541,000 Phase II (FY2015) ...... 2,960,000 Phase Ill (FY'2016 request) ...... 6,040,000 Total M&l ...... $10,541,000

Estimated Total Project Cost* ...... $140,291,000

l

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION THEODORE LEVIN U.S. COURTHOUSE DETROIT,MI

Prospectus Number: PMI-0029-DE16 Congressional District: 14

*Tenant agencies may fund an additional amount for a1terations above the standard normally provided by GSA.

Schedule Start Eud Design FY2014 FY20l6 Construction FY2016 FY2019

Building The Levin Courthouse, located at 231 West Lafayette Boulevard in Detroit, Ml was constructed in 1934 in the Neo-Classical Revival style using reinforced concrete with an Indiana limestone faQade. The building is 771 ,904 gross square feet and contains 19 inside parking spaces. It has I 0 stories above grade with a pair of two-story penthouses and a below grade level where vehic]es access the basement for deliveries, prisoner transfer to the building and judges' parking. The central core of the bui1ding opens to fonn a light-well from the 3rd to 1olfj floors. The building is located on the southeastern edge of the central portion of the central business district of Detroit. This asset is Iisted on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing property to the historic district.

Tenant Agencies Judiciary, Department ofJustice, Congress-House of Representatives~ General Services Administration, U.S. Tax Court

Proposed ProJect The three-phase project includes replacement of the building's chillers, air handling units, perimeter fan coil units, fiber-board ductwork, and upgrades to the Building Automation System. The building's electrical distribution system and emergency generator will be replaced and cloth wiring will be removed throughout the bui1ding. Domestic water piping will be repaired and restrooms will be renovated to provide Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard (ABAAS) compliance. An egress stairwell will be added, the fire alann will be replaced, and the sprinkler system will be extended to provide full coverage. Public elevators will be replaced and a new freight elevator will be added. The basement loading dock area will be modified to better facilitate deliveries to the building. Hazardous materials related to the scope of work will be abated.

This proposed final phase includes replacement or repair of major heating and air conditioning system components, including air handling units and fiberboard ductwork and upgrades to the building automation system and plumbing throughout the building.

2

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION THEODORE LEVIN U.S. COURTHOUSE DETROJT,MI

Prospectus Number: PM1-0029~DE16 Congressional District: 14

In this phase, temporary 'swing space will be constructed within the building for successive tenants to occupy while work is perfonned in their space. The build-out of internal swing space will require the relocation of a tenant from the building into external swing.

Phase I (FY20 14) included the design of the entire project and the addition of the egress stairweli and Fort Street stair corridor, a new freight elevator, replacement of the chillers, and rcconfiguration of the basement loading dock area.

Phase 1I {FY20 15) of the project included the replacement of the fire alarm, electrical distribution system and emergency generator, perimeter fan coils, and the majority of the passenger elevators, and extension of the fire sprinkler system

Major Work Items HV AC Replacement/Repair $56,891,000 Fire and Life Safety Upgrades 19,961,000 Electrical System Replace~ent 15,973,000 Interior Construction 13,039,000 Plumbing Upgrades 7,178,000 Elevator Improvements 6,508,000 TotaiECC $119,550,000

Justification The historic Levin Courthouse serves as the Federal Courts for the Eastern District of Michigan. In recent years, the Courthouse has experienced electrical outages, failures of the HV AC system, elevator outages, and frequent flooding resulting from pipe ruptures, resulting in major disruptions to tenant agencies' mission execution. Major building systems are well beyond their useful lives, do not comply with current codes, and are inefficient and difficult to maintain. Fire and life safety systems are outdated and egress pathways are inadequate.

Public restrooms · do not comply with accessibility requirements and the current configuration of the basement loading dock area prevents the delivery of materials during nonnal business hours. The building's freight elevator is undersized, which makes the transport of materials throughout the building very inefficient.

3

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION THEODORE LEVIN U.S. COURTHOUSE DETROIT,MI

Prospectus Number: PMJ-0029-DE16 Congressional District: 14

Summary of Energy Compliance This project wilt be designed to confonn to requirements of the Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Setvice and will implement strategies to meet the Guiding Principles for High Performance and Sustainable Buildings. GSA encourages design opportunities to increase energy and water efficiency above the minimum performance criteria.

Prior Appropriations

Theodore Levin Courthouse Prior Appropriations Public Law Fiscal Year Amount Purpose 113-76 2014 $31 ,000,000 Design/Construction J 13·235 2015 $40,499,000 Construction Appropriations to Date $71,499,000

Prior Committee Approvals

Theodore Levin Courthouse Prior Committee Approvals Committee Date Amount Purpose HouseT& I 2/11/14 $31 ,000,000 Design/Construction SenateEPW 2/6/14 $31,000,000 Design/Construction HouseT & I 7/16/14 $40,499,000 Construction

Prior Prospectus Level Projects in the BuDding fuast 10 years) None

4

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GSA PBS PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION THEODORE LEVIN U.S. COURTHOUSE DETROIT,MI

Prospectus Number: PMI-0029-DEI6 Congressional District: 14

Alternatives Considered (30-year, present value cost analysis)

Alteration: ...... $23 7,I 03,000 Lease ...... $339,241 ,000 New Construction: ...... $3 I 3,266,000

The 30-year, present value cost of alteration is $76, 163,000 less than the cost of new construction with an equivalent annual cost advantage of$4,351,000.

Recommendation ALTERATION

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION THEODORE LEVIN U.S. COURTHOUSE DETROJT,MI

Prospectus Number: PMI-0029-DE 16 Congressional District: 14

Certification of Need The proposed project is the best solution to meet a validated Government need.

Submitted at Washington, DC, on _ __,fl""'e.._b.....n~.~.~mowry+-"""2.,_, ....,.2 .... 0.,_,15...______

6

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION alterations to undertake critical life safety agement and inspection cost of $2,667,000 for infrastructure renovations and to replace a total estimated project cost of $43,847,000, a ALTERATION—GOODFELLOW FEDERAL COMPLEX, and upgrade the remainder of the deterio- prospectus for which is attached to and in- ST. LOUIS, MO rating sewer system infrastructure at the cluded in this resolution. Resolved by the Committee on Transportation Goodfellow Federal Complex located at 4300 Provided, that the General Services Admin- and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- Goodfellow Boulevard in St. Louis, Missouri, istration shall not delegate to any other resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, at a design cost of $3,101,000, an estimated agency the authority granted by this resolu- appropriations are authorized for repairs and construction cost of $38,079,000 and a man- tion.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- ALTERATION GOODFELLOW FEDERAL COMPLEX ST. LOUIS, MO

Prospectus Number: PMO-OOAF-SL 16 Congressional District: 01

F¥2016 Project Summary The General Services Administration (GSA) proposes a repair and alteration project to undertake critical life safety infrastructure renovations and to replace and upgrade the remainder of the deteriorating sewer system infrastructure at the Goodfellow Federal Complex (Goodfellow) located at 4300 Goodfellow Boulevard, St. Louis, MO.

F¥2016 Committee Approval and Appropriation Reguested (Design, ECC, M&l) ...... $43,M7 ,000

Maior Work Items Electrical system replacement, maintaining land repairs, and building structure repairs, sewer separation and replacement.

Project Budget Desigt1 ...... ,...... ,...... $3, I01,000 Estimated Construction Cost {ECC) ...... 38,079,000 Management and Inspection (M&I) ...... 2.667.000 Estimated Total Project Cost (ETPC) ...... $43,847,000

*Tenant agencies may fund an additional amount for alterations above the standard normally provided by the GSA.

Schedule Start End Design and Construction FY2016 FY2018

Complex The Goodfellow Federal Complex consists of 24 buildings constructed out of steel frame and concrete floors with masonry exterior walls. The complex was built in 1941 by the Department of Defense and was utilized as an Anny Small Anns Munitions Plant to support the World War II effort. On July 1, 1996, the ownership and operation of this complex was transferred from the Anny to GSA. GSA renovated the complex into a suburban office park.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION GOODFELLOW FEDERAL COMPLEX ST. LOUIS, MO

Prospectus Number: PMO-OOAF-SL 16 Congressional District: 01

Tenant Agencies Department of Defense (DoD) - Defense Infonnation System Agency (DISA), U.S. Army, U.S. Department of Veterans Affair, U.S. Department of Commerce, and GSA Field Office

Proposed Project The proposed project will address the fire and life safety and occupational safety/health deficiencies within the electrical vaults system nnd substations, and complete the replacement ofthe sewer system project begun under ARRA. Proposed repairs to the electrical vault system include waterproofing the exterior concrete tunnels; removing of an debris nnd abandoned utilities; cleaning and sealing the tunnel interior; mold remediation; replacing electrical lighting and components; replacing sump pumps and fans; reconnection to Building Automation System; repairing leaking piping and re·insulation; replacing mechanical ventilation system equipment; and installing new access gatest including emergency notification hardware. The building structure repairs for Building 103 will focus on dehumidification of the crawl space and repairing deteriorated column connections. The building structure repairs will also address electrical issues with lighting and panels; and removal of abandoned pipes, supports and wiring. The sewer system portion of the project includes completion of the replacement and separation of the existing sanitary and stonn sewers, attaching new storm sewers to an existing stonn water detention area, and landscape and hardscape restoration. The' new system will incorporate sustainable practices to reduce stonnwater runoff and enhance the landscape with native landscaping.

Major Work Items Electrical Systems Replacement $20,972,000 Building Structure/Site Repairs 10,702,000 Sewer Separation and Replacement 6.405.000 Total ECC $38,079,000

Justification The electrical vaults and utility tunnel systems are in critical disrepair. Currently, the vaults and tunnel are in violation of OSHA regulation 29CFR 1910 and NFPA life safety 101 guidelines for the electrical vaults system. Access to the vaults has been severely

2

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION GOODFELLOW FEDERAL COMPLEX ST. LOUIS, MO

Prospectus Number: PMO-OOAF-SL16 Congressional District: 01

restricted due to satcty concerns creating an unsafe environment tbr employees and contractors who are required to pertbnn work in the tunnels. The 60 year old utility tunnels, which house electrical, telecom network cabling, domestic potable and fire protection water supplies for various buildings on the campus are underground, and due to insufficient water proofing of the exterior, are experiencing water infiltration. The infiltmtion is causing delamination of the interior twmel walls; corrosion of structural steel piping supports, lighting fixtures, and some stream piping; mold and humidity issues which are having a negative impact on the indoor air quality of the buildings above. These deteriorating elements increase risk for Joss of service, potentially impacting the 2417 mission critical operations for many of the tenants. Water infiltration is also impacting the crawl space of Building 103 and is causing humidification issues, electrical issues, deterioration of the column connections and negative air quality impacts to the tenant spaces above the crawl space. Approximately 60 percent of Goodfellow's sewer system has been replaced under ARRA. Original ARRA project scope was to separate and reuse the existing sanitary system and add a storm water system. However, it was determined that the original scope was not viable due to deterioration and code, requiring GSA to limit the scope of the ARRA project. This proposed project will replace the remainder of the deteriorating sewer system infrastructure. The existing sewer system is leaching, causing soil erosion and building settlement egress issues. The existing sewer is causing sidewalks connecting the various buildings on the complex to settle or sink into the ground, causing Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards and potential tripping hazards. Undertaking this proposed project will promote the government's commitment to achieving the mandates set forth in Executive Order 13 J54 and the Clean Water Act, and correct safety deficiencies. The proposed project incorporates sustainable practices to reduce storm water runoff via the utilization of current detention ponds for on-site irrigation and will enhance the site with native landscaping.

Summary of Energy Compliance This project will be designed to conform to requirements of the Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service and will implement strategies to meet the Guiding Principles for High Performance and Sustainable Buildings. GSA encourages design opportunities to increase energy and water efficiency above the minimum performance criteria.

3

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- ALTERATJON GOODFELLOW FEDERAL COMPLEX ST. LOUIS, MO

Prospectus Number: PMO-OOAP-SL16 Congressional District: 01

Prior Appropriations None

Prior Committee Approvals None

Prior Prospectus-Level Projects in Complex {past 10 years) Prospectus Description FY Amount PM0-0609/0612-SL06 Amend Prospectus PM0-02004 2006 $4,125,000 P.L. lt 1-15 ARRA-partial sewer replacement 2009 $16,000,000

Alternatives Considered {30-year, present value cost analysis) There are no feasible alternatives to this project. This is a limited scope renovation and the cost of the proposed project is far less than the cost of leasing or constructing a new building.

Recommendation ALTERATION

4

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION GOODFELLOW FEDERAL COMPLEX ST. LOUIS, MO

Prospectus Number: PMO-OOAF-SL 16 Congressional District: 01

Certification of Need The proposed project is the best solution to meet a validated Government need.

Submitted at Washington, DC, on _ ___.Eli.:Seb....,.t'l.i.llm,..ry~.-2,_,-.~.2;u,Ou.1..~..s ______

5

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION and alteration project to correct building de- tion cost for Phase I of $38,079,000 and a man- ficiencies at the Alexander Hamilton U.S. agement and inspection cost for Phase I of ALTERATION—ALEXANDER HAMILTON U.S. Custom House, a National Historic Land- $3,215,000 for a total estimated project cost of CUSTOM HOUSE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK mark, located at 1 Bowling Green, New York $46,498,000, a prospectus for which is attached Resolved by the Committee on Transportation City, New York, including water infiltration to and included in this resolution. and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- remediation in the sub-basement and base- Provided, that the General Services Admin- resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, ment levels to prevent further damage to the istration shall not delegate to any other appropriations are authorized for repairs and building, at a design cost for Phase I and agency the authority granted by this resolu- alterations for Phase I of a two-phase repair Phase II of $5,204,000, an estimated construc- tion.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION ALEXANDER HAMILTON U.S. CUSTOM HOUSE NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Prospectus Number: PNY-0131-NY16 Congressional District; 10

FY2016 Pro!cct Summa a The General Services Administration (GSA) proposes Phase I of a two-phase repair and alteration project to correct building deficiencies at the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, a National Historic Landmark located at I Bowling Green, New York City, New York. This proposed project (Phase I) will remediate water infiltration in the sub­ basement and basement level to prevent further damage to the building. Phase U, to be submitted as part of a future request, proposes replacing the skylight, replacing the exterior windows with blast windows and repairing the laylight. The proposed two-phase project win ensure the Iong-tenn occupancy of federal agencies by providing a safe and reliable work environment.

FY2016 Committee Approval and Appropriation Requested (Design, Phase I ECC and M&l) ...... $46,498,000

Major Work Items Exterior construction and restoration; interior construction and restoration; hazardous materials abatement; building coordination and security

Proiect Budget Design Phase I and II (FY16 Request) ...... $5,204.000 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) Phase I (FY2016 Request) ...... $38,079,000 Phase II (TBD) ...... 25,047,000 Total ECC ...... $63,126,000 Management and Inspection (M&I) Phase I (FY2016 Request) ...... 3,215,000 Phase II (fBD) ...... " . ., ...... 2,194,000 Total M&I .. - ...... 5,409,000 Estimated Total Project Cost (ETPC)...... $73, 739,000

Schedule Start End Design (Phase I and II) FY2016 FY2017 ::onstruction (Phase I) FY2017 FY2019 ::=onstruction (Phase II) TBD TBD

1

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION ALEXANDER HAMILTON U.S. CUSTOM HOUSE NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Prospectus Number: PNY-013 1-NY16 Congressional District: 10

Building The Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, located in lower Manhattan at the beginning of Broadway and just east of Battery Park, was designed by the renowned architect Cass Gilbert and includes artwork by Daniel Chester French and Reginald Marsh. The building presents a square plan with a central rotunda and surrounding corridors. It contains 501,225gross square feet of space and features a heavily detailed gray granite fat;:ade and monumental sculptural elements located in front of the building. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

Tenant Agencies U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Smithsonian Institution, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S.· Department of Homeland Security and the National Archives and Records Administration.

Proposed Project Phase I of the project is intended to remediate water infiltration in the sub-basement level and basement level of the building. This project will include the excavation/replacement of the sidewalk around the building to provide access to the affected areas in the sub­ basement. It will involve leak mitigation for the vehicle ramp, the access hatches, the sidewalk vault and the exterior joints and replacement/repair of piping as needed. The project will also involve major structural repairs to support beams as needed as well as the removal of hazardous materials. Phase II of the project consists of the replacement of all exterior windows with blast protection windows on all sides and replacement of the skylight and repair of the laylight in the rotunda. Restoration of murals in the rotunda including architectural repair work for the entire ceiling in the rotunda, and restoration of exterior sculptures on the northern fa~ade parapet including the center cornice will also be completed.

Maior Work Items (PhaseD Exterior Construction $22.448,000 Interior Construction 12,260,000 Hazardous Materials Abatement 433,000 Building Coordination and Security 2.938,000 Total $38,079,000

2

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION ALEXANDER HAMILTON U.S. CUSTOM HOUSE NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Prospectus Number: PNY-0131-NYI6 Congressional District: 10

J ustifieation Water infiltration in the sub-basement and basement is jeopardizing the structural integrity of the building and building systems. Electrical wiring and conduit has corroded and has been replaced due to water infiltration. Water and drain piping located under the sidewalk vault could collapse causing additional damage and is a potential safety hazard. Falling debris from damaged areas could pose a safety concern to personnel and would result in more costly emergency work. Water infiltrating into the windows is also causing damage to the building interior and is negatively affecting the building's energy efficiency.

The building does not meet current standards for facility security. Additionally, age and exposure to weather and the elements is negatively impacting the building's exterior and interior artwork. Failure to make the appropriate repairs to the bui1ding will result in further damage to this National Historic Landmark.

Summan of Energy Compliance This project will be designed to conform to requirements of the Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service and will implement strategies to meet the Guiding Principles for High Performance and Sustainable Buildings. GSA encourages design opportunities to increase energy and water efficiency above the minimum performance criteria.

Prior Appropriations None

Prior Committee Approvals None

J!rior Proseectus-Level Pr!!iests in Building (past 10 yean): None

Alternatives Considered (30-year, present value cost analysis) There are no feasible alternatives to this project. 111is is a limited scope renovation and the cost of the proposed project is far less than the cost of leasing or constructing a new building.

Recommendation ALTERATION

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS -ALTERATION ALEXANDER HAMILTON U.S. CUSTOM HOUSE NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Prospectus Number: PNY-0131-NY 16 Congressional District: JO

Certification of Need The proposed project is the best solution to meet a validated Goven1ment need.

Submitted at Washington, DC, on _ _.E...... eb ...... n:t.,..~~_.2...., •...... _2Q,...l._s.______

4

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION ation of vacant space to consolidate func- a management and inspection cost of ALTERATION—JACOB K. JAVITS FEDERAL OFFICE tions and meet the long-term needs of the $7,133,000 for a total estimated project cost of BUILDING, NEW YORK, NY Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. De- $96,344,000, a prospectus for which is attached Resolved by the Committee on Transportation partment of Health and Human Services, and to and included in this resolution. and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- the U.S. Corps of Engineers at the Jacob K. Provided, that the General Services Admin- resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, Javits Federal Office Building located at 26 istration shall not delegate to any other appropriations are authorized for repairs and Federal Plaza in New York, New York, at an agency the authority granted by this resolu- alterations for the reconfiguration and alter- estimated construction cost of $89,211,000 and tion.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS --ALTERATION JACOB K. JA VITS FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING NEW YORK, NY

Prospectus Number: PNY -0282-NY16 Congressional District: 08

FY2016 Project Summary The General Services Administration (GSA) proposes a repair and alteration project for the rcconfit:,JUration and alteration of vacant space at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building (FOB) located in New York City, New York, to consolidate functions and meet the long-tenn needs of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the U.S. Corp of Engineers (USACE). The proposed consolidation will reduce the overall federal footprint in downtown Manhattan, recapture approximately 312,000 rentable square feet (rsf) and 235,000 usable square feet (usf) of vacant space, upgrade multiple building systems, remove hazardous materials, and eliminate annual lease payments to the private sector by approximately $13,000,000 annually.

F\'2016 Committee Approval and Appropriation Requested (ECC, M& I) ...... $96,344,000

Maior Work Items Demolition; hazardous material abatement: interior construction; mechanical, electrical, and fire protection and life safety upgrades

Protect Budget Design (FY20 15 Reprogramming) $7,660,000 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) 89,211,000 Management and Inspection (M&I) 7,133,000 Estimated Total Project Cost (ETPC}* $104,004,000 *Tenant agencies may fund an additional amount for tenant improvements above the standard normally provided by the GSA.

Schedule Start End Design FY2015 FY2016 Construction FY2016 FY2019

Building The Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building (FOB) is located at 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY. It consists of three interconnected buildings: a 45-story office building plus

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION JACOB K. JA VITS FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING NEW YORK, NY

Prospectus Number: PNY -0282-NY16 Congressional District: 08

basement, an eight-story courthouse and office building built in 1967 (the James L. Watson Court of lntemational Trade), and a 45-story addition (Annex) built along the west side of the original 45-story building in 1977. The two 45-story buildings function together as the Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building. The Watson Court of International Trade (CIT) is connected to the FOB via a 4-story pedestrian bridge. The entire Jacob K. Javits Federal Building complex consists of approximately 2.9 million gross square feet.

Tenant Agencies Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI}, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Defense- Anny Corps of Engineers {USACE)

Proposed Project The proposed project includes the build-out of approximately 312,000 rsf and 235,000 usf of space to accommodate the FBI, which is currently housed in leased space, and consolidated space for HHS and USACE, which are currently located within the FOB. In addition, the project will remove asbestos, upgrade mechanical and electrical systems, and address fire and life safety issues.

Maior Work Items Demolition and Abatement $7,583,000 Interior Construction 24,346,000 Mechanical and Electrical Upgrades 52,284,000 Fire/Life Safety Upgrades 4,998.000 TotaiECC $89,211,000

Justification In late 2015, GSA will to move to One World Trade Center, vacating multiple floors in the FOB and providing an opportunity for the consolidation of agency space within the FOB.

The FBI has an immediate need to relocate their New York Field Office Joint Terrorism Task Force and Joint Operation Center, currently housed in costly leased space at 85 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY, into the FOB. The FBI, which currently occupies floors 22 through 28, will be provided contiguous space within the FOB. Additionally, the FBI currently has parking space associated with its operations at 85 Tenth Avenue, housed in

2

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- ALTERATION JACOB K. JAVITS FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING NEW YORK, NY

Prospectus Number: PNY -0282-NY16 Congressional District: 08

leased space at 516-520 West 20th Street, New York, NY. The FBI will improve their overall utilization rate from 196 usf to 132 usf.

HHS and USACE, which arc currently-located in the FOB, will be able to consolidate their opemtions within the renovated space. HHS will improve their overall utilization rate from 281 usfto 174 usfand USACE from 266 usfto 199 usf.

Asbestos removal and upgrades to the fire aiann system will ensure occupant safety. Planned up~:,rrades to the HVAC mechanical system and replacement of perimeter induction units are necessary to sustain the life of the equipment. Upgrades to the lighting system to LED with associated control systems and modifications to normal and emergency power distributions systems will increase energy efficiency.

Summary of Energy CompUance This project will be designed to conform to requirements of the Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service and will implement strategies to meet the Guiding Principles for High Perfonnance and Sustainable Buildings. GSA encourages design opportunities to increase energy and water efficiency above minimum performance criteria. Prior Appropriations None

Prior Committee Approvals None

Prior Prospectus-Level Projects in BuDding (past 10 years): Prospectus Description FY Amount

P.L. 111-5 (ARRA) Plaza Restoration 2009 $25,360,000 PNY-0282-2-NY14 Renovation FBI space 2014 $6,520,000

3

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GSA PBS

PROSPECfUS- ALTERATION JACOB K.JAVITS FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING NEW YORK, NY

Prospectus Number: PNY -0282-NY 16 Congressional District: 08

Alternatives Considered {30-year, present value cost analysis)

Alteration: ...... $141~133,000 Lease ...... $321 ,448,000 New Construction: ...... $575,825,000

The 30-year, present value cost of alteration is $180,316,000 less than the cost of leasing with an equivalent annual cost advantage of $10,30 l ,000.

Recommendation ALTERATION

4

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- ALTERATION JACOB K. JAVITS FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING NEW YORK, NY

Prospectus Number: PNY -0282-NY 16 Congressional District: 08

Certification of Need The proposed project is the best solution to meet a validated Government need.

Submitted at Washington, DC, on __...... Fe"'""""bn'"""""]a .... ry-ll--'2..,,'""""""2 .....n1..... 5..______

5

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J

..

SY

107

539

83

74.186

76.646

234539

234

Total

York.

.0282-NY16

Ne'YI

862

P"'Y

l.liS

23.440

2$,417 15.417

Special

fm(USf1

820

2.$84

3.404 3,404

S!OI'fte

U#bleSqua

718

PROPOSED

74.711

S7.083

73.924

205

20$.718

Otr.ce

602

440 375

1.417

1.417

Tau!

~:~~aCe.

spac:c:.

602

440 375

Pcnotmel

$lll!flOrt

1.417

l.417

SllJlPOit

orr-

...

offict::

of

~t~f

99.906

123.781

118113

:44.J~ 223.687

Tlltal

bllildix!g.

45.2$8

71,199usfofoflke

oflbe

862

IllS

cxtludts

1.977

USF)'

9.391

ll.:t61

c:JU:Iudes

UR

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UR

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Fa!t

oecupanl$

FOB

Office

lbe

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to

Plan

6.000

6000

USF.

OOIK!ffice

Ja\its

Storllft

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Cllt'mlt

and jomtly

Usable

space

K.

Housing

CURREl'oT

Co~.

98.182

102782

122666

support

1vailablc

220.848

323.6311

Jacob

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cffic:e

JPaCC

oceupacts

and

)75

815

440

602

1.417

e~ludes

Total

buildillg

Ill!

lilmiWngs

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602

for

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1Al7

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USF

USF.

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is

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USF

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Javits

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total

~

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Total Office

Total

NOTES:

Toeat

1

2 S

3

4

U.S.

U.S.

liS J-.cob

lAue

IU.S. 1~1

cc~~·-...

January

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION appropriations are authorized for repairs and for a total estimated project cost of alterations to address exterior deficiencies $20,850,000, a prospectus for which is attached ALTERATION—FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING, at the historic Federal Office Building lo- to and included in this resolution. SEATTLE, WA cated at 909 1st Avenue in Seattle, Wash- Provided, that the General Services Admin- Resolved by the Committee on Transportation ington, at a design cost of $1,690,000, an esti- istration shall not delegate to any other and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- mated construction cost of $17,515,000 and a agency the authority granted by this resolu- resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, management and inspection cost of $1,645,000 tion.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING SEATILE, WA

Prospectus Number: PWA-0036-SE16 Congressional District: 7

FY2016 Proiect Summary The General Services Administration (GSA) proposes a repair and alteration project to address exterior deficiencies at the historic Federal Office Building, located at 909 I 51 Avenue, Seattle, WA.

FY2016 Committee Approval and g:\ppropriation Requested (Design, ECC, M&l) ...... $20,850,000

Major Work Items Exterior construction; roof replacement

Project Budget Design •t·······························*·········································· .. ········,····················,$1,690,000 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) ...... 17,515,000 Management and Inspection (M&I) ...... I ,645,000 Estimated Total Project Cost (ETPC)...... $20,850,000

Schedule Start End Design and Construction FY2016 FY2018

~oil ding The Federal Office Building, constructed in 1933, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and provides approximately 305,000 gross square feet over 11 stories, including sub-basement and basement levels. There are 53 indoor parking spaces located in the sub-basement level. The building is located across the street from the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building. Tenant Agencies U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; U.S. Department of Interior Department; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Department of Energy; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs; U.S. Postal Service; and U.S. Department of Defense

1

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS ALTERATION FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING SEATILE, WA

Prospectus Number: PWA-0036-SEl6 Congressional District: 7

Proposed Proiect The proposed project will restore deteriorated exterior facade to stop material degradation and water intrusion into the building. The project will clean the exterior masonry of all biological growth and inspect, repair, and repoint the mortar joints, granite, brick, and terra cotta to provide protection from water penetration and prevent dislodging debris from falling onto the sidewalk below. The project will also replace roofs on the wing and dome shoulder and restore steel windows by stripping exterior paint, removing all corrosion, replacing broken glass, and installing new glazing putty, and restore the corroded flag pole base.

Major Work Items Exterior restoration $16,315,000 Roof replacement 1.200.000 Total ECC $17,515,000

Justification The proposed restoration project is required to restore the deteriorated exterior facade and to stop material degradation and water intrusion into the building, to protect the tenants and general public. There are multiple locations on the exterior envelope where materials have decayed due to water infiltration in the interior wall cavity, causing damage and biological growth on the masonry. The window putty is deteriorated and the steel casing surrounding the windows is corroding causing glass to break. The roof on the wing and shoulder dome is deteriorated. Without restoration, the exterior materials will continue to degrade, compromising the building structure and putting pedestrians and tenants at risk from falling debris.

SummarY of Energy Comeliance This project will be designed to conform to requirements of the Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service and will implement strategies to meet the Guiding Principles for High Performance and Sustainable Buildings. GSA encourages design opportunities to increase energy and water efficiency above the minimum performance criteria.

2

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING SEATTLE, WA

Prospectus Number: PWA-0036-SE16 Congressional District: 7

Prior Appropriations None

Prior Committee Approvals None

Prior Prospectus-Level Projects in Building (past 10 years} None

Alternatives Considered (30-year, present value cost analysis} There are no feasible alternatives to this project. This is a limited scope renovation and the cost of the proposed project is far Jess than the cost of leasing or constructing a new building.

Recommendation ALTERATION

3

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- ALTERATION FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING SEATTLE, WA

Prospectus Number: PW A~0036-SE16 Congressional District; 7

Certification of Need The proposed project is the best solution to meet a validated Government need,

Submitted at Washington, DC, on _ _..FI...:.eb.ta:..P.w~1fld.!ry~a2,_,...,2""'0c15ol.------

ildings Service

4

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION alterations to repair and restore the granite mated project cost of $27,391,000, a prospectus ALTERATION—FEDERAL BUILDING AND U.S. fac¸ade at the historic Federal Building and for which is attached to and included in this COURTHOUSE, MILWAUKEE, WI U.S. Courthouse located at 517 E. Wisconsin resolution. Resolved by the Committee on Transportation Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at a design Provided, that the General Services Admin- and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- cost of $2,026,000, an estimated construction istration shall not delegate to any other resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, cost of $23,294,000 and a management and in- agency the authority granted by this resolu- appropriations are authorized for repairs and spection cost of $2,071,000 for a total esti- tion.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION FEDERAL BUILDING AND U.S. COURTHOUSE MILWAUKEE, WI

Prospectus Number: PWI-0044-MI16 Congressional District: 4

FV20l6 Project Summary The General Services Administration {GSA) proposes a repair and alteration project to repair and restore the !,1fanite fhvade at the historic Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse located at 517 E. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WJ.

FY2016 Committee Approval and Appropriation Requested (Design, ECC, M&l) ...... ••...... •..•...... •...... •...... $27.;391,000

Maior Work ltems Exterior construction

Proiect Budget Desigt1 ...... ,...... "". ·········"···· ...... , ...... $2,026, 000 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) ...... 23,294,000 Management and Inspection (M&I) ...... 2.071.000 Estimated Total Project Cost {ETPC) ...... $27,391,000

Schedule Start End Design and Construction FY2016 FY2018 Building The Milwaukee Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Milwaukee, WI, is a five-story, granite structure originally constructed between 1892 andl899 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Between 1929 and 1932, a five-story addition was erected to the south of the original building which was later increased in height to seven stories during the 1940s. The FB/CT, including the addition, has 543,510 gross square feet of space. Each comer of the original building features a short, round tower with a conical roof and a skylight atrium in the center. The building also features an open air light court at its center that extends down to the roof of the first floor. Tenant Agencies Judiciary, Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Tax Court.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-ALTERATION FEDERAL BUILDING AND U.S. COURTHOUSE MILWAUKEE, WI

Prospectus Number: PWl-0044-M 116 Congressional District: 4

Proposed Project The proposed project includes the repair and restoration of the building's faQade. The fa\!adc repairs include the stone cornices and t:,JUttcrs at the turrets on the North building and damaged granite corners on South building. The project also includes treatment and preservation of the exterior stone and brick masonry, as well as tuckpointing and sealant corrections.

Major Work Items Exterior construction $23.294,000 TotaJECC $23,294,000

Justification Starting in 2010, pieces of the spalled granite faQade and stone felt from the exterior of the North and South buildings to the ground creating hazardous conditions for building tenants and the public. As a temporary measure to prevent similar occurrences until the fa\!fide is restored, structural netting was installed on all six turrets on the North building and on the four corners of the South building in 2011. All the stone cornices on the North building show significant levels of spalling and cracking. Aged steel anchor bolts set in the top face of the cornice stone have corroded. The gutter's drip edge offers minimal overlap with the stone cornice below and is allowing water to infiltrate behind the face of the stone.

The comers on the South building show a remarkable amount of displacement and cracking. Repairs were undertaken in the 1990s, however the repairs did not address the root causes of the displacement nor reset the displaced stones; consequentially, the repairs have failed and the stones have continued to move. re-opening the cracks and mortar joints.

Summary of Energy Compliance This project will be designed to conform to requirements of the Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service and will implement strategies to meet the Guiding Principles for High Performance and Sustainable Buildings. GSA encourages design opportunities to increase energy and water efficiency above the minimum performance criteria.

2

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GSA PBS

PROSPECfUS- ALTERATION FEDERAL BUILDING AND U.S. COURTHOUSE MILWAUKEE, WI

Prospectus Number: PWI-0044-M 116 Congressional District: 4

Prior Appropriations None

Prior Committee Approvals None

Prior Prospectus-Level Projects in Building (past 10 years) Prospectus Description FY Amount PWl·0044-MI07 Repair and renovate windows, 2007 $5,599,000 window frames, and doors

Alternatives Considered (30-year, present value cost analysis) There are no feasible alternatives to this project. This is a limited scope renovation and the cost of the proposed project is far less than tho cost of leasing or constructing a new building.

Recommendation ALTERATION

3

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS - ALTERATION FEDERAL BUILDING AND U.S. COURTHOUSE MILWAUKEE, WI

Prospectus Number: PWI-0044-Ml16 Congressional District: 4

Certification of Need

The proposed project is the best solution to meet a validated Govemment need.

Submitted at Washington, DC, on _ _...E...eh ..... ni...LWm~xy*-'2:;...,,,_,.,.20i.l..J._S ...... ______

Recommended: ----~--~~~~~~----~------Co missioner, Public Bu dings Service

ApprovOO: ____ _3)S1}ltAdministrator, General f------··--~------Services Administration

4

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION ued development of the DHS consolidated tion. This resolution amends the resolution CONSTRUCTION—DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND headquarters at St. Elizabeths Campus in approving prospectus PDC–0002–WA11 on De- SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS, Washington, DC in accordance with and as cember 2, 2010 by reducing the estimated WASHINGTON, DC revised and reduced by the 2015 DHS Head- construction cost by $18,422,000. Resolved by the Committee on Transportation quarters Consolidation Enhanced Plan at an Provided, that the General Services Admin- and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- additional design cost of $18,422,000, a pro- istration shall not delegate to any other resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, spectus for which is attached to and included agency the authority granted by this resolu- appropriations are authorized for the contin- in this resolution, as amended by this resolu- tion.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS WASHINGTON, DC PDC-0002-W A16

Overview of FY2016 Proiect Requirements GSA proposes to continue the ongoing development of the DHS consolidated headquarters at St. Elizabeths Campus by continuing work on the perimeter security, completing the final construction of the access road and new interchange between Malcolm X A venue and Interstate 1 295 , rehabilitating buildings necessary to accommodate components of the DHS Secretary directorate plus Undersecretary of Management (USM) to be housed in the West Addition to the Center Building, AJiison Quad, Home and Relief Buildings, and Administration Row (Building 69 plus Buildings 72 through 75), continuing design of future phases, and historic preservation activities.

Fiscal Year 2016 Requirements

Historic Preserv-ation ...... ~ ...... ,...... 2,807,000 Design (Phase 2a & 2b) ...... 35,244,000 Management and Inspection (Infrastructure, Highway Interchange & Phase 2a) .... 24, 135.000 Estimated Construction Cost (Infrastructure, Highway Interchange & Phase 2a) . 317.479,000 Total FY2016 Requirements ...... $379,665,000

2 FY2016 House Committee Approval Reguested ...... $231,521,000

3 FY2016 Senate Committee Approval Reguested ...... $221,358,000

FY2016 Appropriation Reguest ...... u ...... ~ ••••••••••••••••••• $379,665,000

Overview of Protect GSA and DHS have worked collaboratively to update and revise the original DHS HQ consolidation program at St. Elizaheths Campus. The updated program, referred to as the 'enhanced plan' seeks a more efficient utilization of space at a lower cost. The West Campus is a 176-acre National Historic Landmark that included 70 existing buildings containing approximately 1.2 million gsf of existing space. Several existing buildings have been demolished to make way for the USCG headquarters; as of December, 2014 there were 61 buildings remaining that contain approximately 1 million gsf. Under the enhanced plan, DHS and GSA cut back on the overall scope of the program. DHS components will require less space

This includes mitigation work such 118 landscaping and retaining walls for the access road along Shepherd Pkwy. 2 This represents the balance of committee approval needed for this request less remaining appropriations needed for the Infrastructure Program and Highway Interchange Program, neither of which is subject to the requirements of 40 U.S.C. Section 3307. 1 See Footnote 2 above.

1

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS WASHINGTON, DC PDC-0002-WA16

through realized efficiencies and the FEMA 's headquarters that was planned for the East Campus will be consolidated onto the West Campus. The West Campus, however, will continue to be developed. in accordance with guidelines set out in the Master Plan as amended and/or as a 4 result of continued compliance with NHPA and NEPA during specific project designs • Committee approval and appropriations for Phase 1 of the project · construction of a new headquarters facility tbr the USCG called the Munro Building have already been obtained. Development Phase 2a includes construction of office space to consolidate DHS headquarters and the re-scoped DHS Operations Center (DOC), house various DHS leadership components, and provide amenity space. Phase 2b proposes the construction of a new headquarters facility for FEMA plus appropriate amenity space. Parking will also be included with these later phases. Phase 3 will accommodate portions of the remaining elements ofDHS headquarters units such as CBP and ICE. The project will include the rehabilitation of existing space as well as construction of new space. This prospectus seeks approval for appropriations to finish mitigation measures for the access road and interchange between Malcolm X Avenue and I-295. The Firth Sterling portion of the road was completed in conjunction with completion of Phase 1. Also included will be continued work on perimeter security for the campus, rehabilitation of several existing buildings, historic preservation, and design and new construction.

Proiect Phasing Phase la USCG,,, HQ (completed) Coast Guard Headquarters Phase lb USCG- CC (completed) Coast Guard Command Center/shared use space/GSA Field Office

Phase 2a DHS (ongoing) Office of the Secretary and Senior Leadership Phase 2a DOC A (to be bui1t out) DHS Operations Center I West Addition

Phase 2a Other (to be completed) Leadership presence of components not fully moving to St. Elizabeths

Phase 2b FEMA HQ (to be completed) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Headquarters

Phase 3 ICE, CBP (to be completed) Significant presences of these components

4 The Master Plan can be found at the project's web site: http://www.stelizabethsdevelopment com/

2

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS WASHINGTON, DC PDC-0002-WA16

Description Site Information Government-owned 176 acres Building without parking (gst) up to 3,750,000 Building with parking (gst) up to 5,081,000 Number of structured parking spaces up to 3,803

Cost Summary at St. Elizabcths Planning 20,008,000 Site Acquisition 6,722,000 Design Cost 199,791,000 Management and Inspection 139,039,000 Historic Preservation Mitigations 5,899,000 Estimated Construction Cost 2.042.255,000 Estimated Total Project Cost $2,413,714,000

Primary Occupants USCG, DHS Headquarters Elements, the DOC, FEMA, CBP, ICE, and a Leadership Presence of Other DHS Components not relocating to the St. Elizabeths Campus

I. SITE ACQUISITION PROGRAM SUMMARY

Delineated Areas for Site Acquisition The proposed sites to be acquired are as follows: 1. Approximately two acres of land located on Firth Sterling Avenue in southeast Washington, DC, where it is contiguous to the northwest comer of St. Elizabeths West Campus; the land is currently controlled by DC and CSX Corporation. 2. Approximately one acre of land located along the east side of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue in southeast Washington, DC, between the Unified Communications Center and the current tunnel between the East Campus and West Campus. The land is currently controlled by DC. 3. Approximately fourteen (14) acres of land located on Shepherd Parkway in southeast Washington, DC, between the St. Elizabeths West Campus and Malcolm X Avenue, parallel to Interstate 295. The land is currently controlled by the National Park Service.

3

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCfiON DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELJZABETHS WASHINGTON, DC PDC-0002-WAJ6

Total Site Acquisition Proiect Budget Site Acquisition (Firth Sterling Avenue) (FY2009) ...... $2,722,000 Site Acquisition (Martin Luther King, Jr. A venue) (ARRA) ...... 500,000 Site Acquisition (Shepherd Parkway) (ARRA) ...... 3,500,000 5 Total Acquisition Budget ...... $6, 722,000

II. INFRASTRUCfURE PROGRAM SUMMARY Infrastructure repair I replacement costs include: demolition of specific buildings identified by the Master Plan; replacement of site utilities including electricity substations and local utility requirements, an addition to the existing power plant for a fully functional CUP with co­ generation capability; distribution systems for electricity, natural gas, domestic water, storm water, waste water, data systems and telecommunications; roadways, surface parking and sidewalks; refurbishment of historical ornamental landscape and creation of new landscape features as needed including flora; cleanup I repair of existing tunnels on site to improve safety and for potential use as systems distribution pathways; and site security fencing, entry gates, guard stations, and other site security features. There was $46 million for the access road construction originally included in the Infrastructure budget in prior years that has been moved to the Highway Interchange program budget in Part III of this prospectus.

The planned alterations are necessary to preserve, maintain, and reuse this historic site. Existing infrastructure and the landscape have suffered from aging and deferred maintenance. The utility distribution systems are antiquated and deteriorated. Building repairs include repair and improvement of structural and life safety systems while maintaining historic integrity. The landscape will be maintained, protected, and preserved to the extent feasible.

s Unused project funds originally requested for acquisition of parcels along Firth Sterling Avenue were redirected to Phase 1b of the project to cover unforeseen conditions. Please see Section V. Phase 1b footnotes.

4

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION ATST. ELIZABETHS WASHINGTON, DC PDC-0002-WA 16

Total Infrastructure Project Budget Design Design (FY2006) Phase Ia ...... $7,645,000 Design (PY2009) Phase I b ...... 3,000,000 Design (ARRA) Phase lb ...... l2,346,000 Design (ARRA) Phase 2a ...... 700,000 Design (future year request) Future Phases ...... 9,272.000 Design Subtotal ...... $32,963,000

Management and Inspection (M&J) M&J (FY2006) Phase I a ...... $370,000 M&I (FY2007) Phase Ja ...... 532,000 M&l (ARRA) Phase lb ...... 5,382,000 M&I (FY2016) Phase 2a ...... 3,000,000 M&I (future year request) Future Phases ...... 9.272,000 M&l Subtotal ...... $18,556,000

Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) ECC (FY2006) Phase la ...... $5,080,000 ECC (FY2007) Phase la ...... 5,912,000 ECC (FY2009) Phase 1a ...... 5,249,000 ECC (ARRA) Phase Ib ...... l31,783,000 ECC (FY2016) Phase 2a ...... 57,000,000 ECC (future year request) Future Phases ...... 115.896.000 Estimated Construction Cost Subtotal ...... ,...... $320,920,000

Estimated Total Project Cost (ETPC) for Infrastrueture .••••••••.••.•••.••.•••••••••••••.•••. $372,439,000

III. HIGHWAY INTERCHANGE PROGRAM SUMMARY The Highway Interchange Program that was developed as part of the Master Plan proposes an access road to the St. Elizabeths West Campus that extends between Firth Sterling Avenue to the north and Malcolm X Avenue to the south, parallel to Interstate·295. Funds for construction of the access road in the amount of $46 million were originally included in the Infrastructure program described above, but additional transportation improvements have subsequently been identified. A new, reconfigured interchange between Malcolm X Avenue and I-295 is one of these improvements. This reconfiguration will be necessary to direct St. Elizabeths traffic onto the access road that, in turn, will mitigate the impacts of additional traffic that is anticipated as

5

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS WASHINGTON, DC PDC-0002-WA16

the result of the redevelopment of St. EJizabeths. GSA worked closely with FHWA and the DC Department of Transportation to prepare an Interchange Justification Report (IJR) to facilitate required modifications to the Malcolm X Interchange. Other related transportation improvements that are needed as a result of the St. Elizabeths development are also included below as separate line items. These improvements need to be funded in conjunction with Phase 2 of the project to avoid further schedule delays and cost escalations.

Total Highway Interchange Project Budget Design Desi&:rn (ARRA) ...... 3,500,000 6 Design (FY2012) ...... 2,500,000 Design (FY2015) ...... 12,210,000 Design Subtotal ...... $18,210,000

Management and Inspection (M&l) 7 M&l (FY20 J2) ••• "...... , ...... 1,500,000 M&l (FY20 15) ...... 9,000,000 M&I (FY20 16) ...... 3.21 0.000 M&l Subtotal ...... ,...... $13,710~000

Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) ECC (ARRA) Access Road ...... 38,000,000 ECC (2012) Access Road ...... 33,300,000 ECC (FY2015) Access Road ...... 122,790.000 ECC {FY2016) Access Road ...... 5,415.000 Estimated Construction Cost Subtotal ...... $199,505,000 Estimated Total Project Cost (ETPC) for Highway Interchange ...... $231,425,000

IV. HISTORIC PRESERVATION MITIGATIONS PROGRAM SUMMARY

As of December 9, 2008, GSA and DHS along with NCPC entered into a Programmatic Agreement (PA) with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Office (DCHPO}, and the United States Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The PA outlines five (5) specific mitigation actions that must be

6 These funds were redirected from Jnftastmcture funds in FY2012. 1 See Footnote 6 above.

6

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS ,~CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS W ASHJNGTON, DC PDC-0002-WA16

undertaken by GSA to "resolve adverse effects from certain complex project situations".8 These actions arc as follows:

I. Documentation and recordation including buildings and site, as needed, archives, historic structure reports, building preservation plans, landscape preservation treatment and management, and archaeological resources treatment and management; 2. Public outreach, interpretation, and education including the establishment of a citizens advisory panel, a permanent interpretative exhibit, a museum and visitors education center, signage, and public relations materials; 3. Public access program to be developed by GSA and DHS; 4. Conservation and artifact preservation; and 5. The 19111 Century cemetery including interpretative program, perpetual care, and public access.

Major Work Items for Mitigation Documentation and Recordation (FY20 16) ...... $1 ,407,000 Documentation and Recordation (future year request) ...... 400,000 Public Outreach (FY20 16) ...... 500,000 Public Outreach (future year request) ...... ] ,375,000 Cemetery (FY2016) ...... 500,000 Staffing (FY2014) ...... ,...... 200,000 Staffing (FY20 16) ...... 400,000 Staffing (future year request) ...... ! ,317,000 Total ...... $5,899,000

8 Progranunatic Agreement dated December 9, 2008, page 1.

7

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS WASHINGTON, DC PDC-0002-WA 16

V. BUILDING PROGRAM SUMMARY

PHASE la- USCG Headquarters Building Phase Ia 9 Office and Special Space ...... 1.179.500 gsf Estimated Total Phase 1a ...... 1,179,500 gsf

Cost Information Building Phase la Design (FY2006) ...... $24,900,000 Management and Inspection (M&I) (FY2009) ...... 12,925,000 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) (FY2009) ...... 313.465.000 Estimated Total Cost Phase la ...... $351,190,000

Schedule for Building Phase la FY 2009 Design Completion FY 2009 - Start Construction FY 2013- Complete Construction

PHASE lb- USCG Command Center and Special Space Building Phase 1b Command Centers/Fitness Center/Chapel/Retail ...... 158,450 gsf 10 GSA Field Office ...... 20.800 gsf Estimated Total Phase lb ...... 179,250 gsf Structured Parking (983 ca.rs) ...... up to 344,050 gsf

Cost Information Building Phase lb Desigt1 (ARRA) ...... $1 0.,659,000 11 Management and Inspection (M&I) (ARRA) ...... 15,902,000 12 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) (ARRA) ...... 171.563,000 Estimated Total Cost Phase lb ...... ,...... $198,124,000

9 Square footage is based on USCG housing plan, approved Master Plan, and design documents. 10 The Field Office is in addition to the USCG housing plan, not included with it. and was ready upon completion of Phase I and occupancy by USCG. 11 Unused project funds of $228K from site acquisition were used for M&l to complete Phase 1b. 11 Unused project funds $4.05M from site acquisition were used·for unforeseen conditions mPhase lb.

8

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS WASHINGTON, DC PDC-0002-WA I 6

Schedule for Building Phase lb FY 2010- Design Completion FY 2010- Start Construction FY 2013 - Complete Construction

PHASE 2a- DHS Headquarters Elements and the DOC Building Phase 2a Office for DHS Headquarters ..... ;...... 234,000 gsf

DHS I USM Offices ...... t ...... 590,000 gsf Estimated Total Phase 2a 824,000 gsf Structured Parking (990 cars) ...... up to 346,500 gsf

Cost Information Building Phase 2a Design (FY2009) ...... $5,000,000 Design (ARRA) ...... 11,300,000

Desi_gt1 (FY2014) ...... ,...... 't' •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• l 0,837,000 13 Design (FY2016) ...... 23,053 ,000 Management and Inspection (M&I) (FY2011) ...... 1,500,000 Management and Inspection {M&I) (FY20 14) ...... 7,925,000 14 Management and Inspection (M&I) (FY2016) ...... 17,925,000 Management and Inspection (M&l) (future yearrequest) ...... 3,509,000 15 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) (ARRA) ...... 26,000,000 16 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) (FY2011) ...... 28,500,000 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) (FY2014) ...... 136,038,000 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) (FY2016)17 ...... 255,064,000 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) (future year request) ...... 8,165,000 Estimated Total Cost Phase 2a ...... $534,816,000

Schedule for Building Phase 2a FY 2016- Design Completion FY 2014 - Start Construction FY 2019- Complete Construction

13 This includes funds for West Addition that will replace the re-scoped DOC under the Enhanced Plan. 14 This includes fun.ds for Ice House and Hitchcock Hall originally planned for completion in Phase 1. 15 ECC is for parking garage in ravine that was completed in conjunction with garage for USCG staff. 16 This amount was for DOC shell construction. 17 This includes funds for Ice House and Hitchcock Hall originally planned for completion m Phase 1.

9

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS WASHINGTON, DC PDC-0002-WA16

PHASE 2b-FEMA Building Phase 2b Office for FEMA Headquarters ...... 423,000 gsf Estimated Total Phase 2b 423,000 gsf Structured Parking (775 cars) ...... up to 271,250 gsf Structured Parking for Visitors (640 cars) ...... up to 224,000 gsf

Cost Information Building Phase 2b Design (ARRA) ...... 17,401,000 Design (FY2016 request) ...... 12,191,000 Design (future year request) ...... l ,669,000 Management and Inspection (M&l) (future year request) ...... l8,504,000 Estimated Construction Costs (ECC) (future year request) ...... 222,671,000 Estimated Total Cost Phase lb ...... $272,436,000

Proposed Schedule for Building Phase 2b FY 2017 -Design Completion FY 2018 • Start Construction FY 2021 - Complete Construction

PHASE 3 -ICE. CBP. and Component Leadership Buildin& Phase 3 Office for ICE Headquarters elements ...... 469,000 gsf Office for CBP Headquarters ...... 499,000 gsf Estimated Total Phase 3 ...... 968,000 gsf Structured Parking (415 cars) ...... up to 145,250 gsf

Cost Information Building Phase 3

Desig11 (ARRA) ...... ~ ...... 10,000,000 Design (future year request) ...... 21,608,000 Management and Inspection (M&I) (future year request) ...... 28,811,000 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) (future year request) ...... ;.360, 136,000 Estimated Total Cost Phase 3 ...... _...... ,...... $420,555,000

lO

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS WASHINGTON, DC

Proposed Schedule for Building Phase 3 FY 2019 - Design Completion FY 2018 - Start Construction FY 2021 - Complete Construction

Summary of Energy Compliance Cogeneration and Waste Heat: Approximately 30% of the campus power will be produced on site via cogenemtion. This percentage represents 100% of the critical campus electrical needs in times of emergencies. The waste heat generated by the natural gas fired turbines will be converted to both steam and hot water to help heat the buildings and, through steam driven absorption chillers, to help cool the buildings.

Solar Energy: Photovoltaic energy collection arrays were considered for electric street lighting but did not meet historic preservation requirement. Large photovoltaic arrays were also found to be untenable at the site due to the limited acreage that could be used to house the solar panels. However, solar energy collecting panels or roofing membranes have been incorporated on portions of the roof tops, for example, the Detached Dining Hall being rehabilitated for use as a cafeteria.

Geothermal; Geothermal wells will be considered to support heat pump systems for new construction of the support buildings, such as the remote delivery facility and pump house. If viable, future appropriations will be requested.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS WASHINGTON, DC PDC-0002-WA 16

Prior Appropriations

St. Elizabeths Consolidation Prior Appropriations Public Law Fiscal Year Amount Purpose 109-115 2006 $24,900,000 Design of US Coast Guard HQ 109-115 2006 $13,095,000 Infrastructure, Design, Construction and Management and Inspection 110-5 2007 $6,444,000 Infrastructure, Construction, and Management and Inspection 111-5 2009 $454,258,000 Site acquisition, Construction and Development 111-8 2009 $346,639,000 Site acquisition, Design, Infrastructure, Construction, and Management and Inspection 112-10 2011 $30,000.000 Construction ofDHS Operations Center 112-34 2012 $37,300,000 Construction of Modular Utility Plant, Pump House, and portion of Access Road related to the US Coast Guard. 113-76 2014 $155,000,000 Adaptive reuse of Center Building

J 13-235 2015 $144,000,000 Highway interchange and access road Appropriations to Date 18 $1,211,636,000

18 This amount does not include $20,008,000 of planning funds expended by HHS and GSA prior to FY2006.

12

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS WASHINGTON, DC PDC-0002-WA16

Prior Committee Approvals

St. Elizabeths Consolidation Prior Committee Approvals Committee Date Amount Purpose HouseT&I 10/26/2005 $24,900,000 Design ofUS Coast Guard HQ SenateEPW 7/20/2005 $24,900,000 Design of US Coast Guard HQ HouseT&l 4/5/2006 $383,997,000 Construction and Management and Inspection Phases l-a and 1-b HouseT&J 5/23/2007 $318,887,000 Design, Construction, and Management and Inspection HouseT&I 5/23/2007 $7,000,000 Site Acquisition SenateEPW 9/20/2007 $318,887,000 Design, Construction, and Management and Inspection SenateEPW 9/20/2007 $7,000,000 Site Acquisition SenateEPW 9/17/2008 $140,140,000 Additional Design and Construction HouseT&l 9/24/2008 $525,236,000 Design, Review, Management and Inspection, and Construction HouseT&I 12/2/2010 $1,149,406,000 Design, Review, Management and Inspection, and Construction SenateEPW 7/13/2011 $281,015,000 Design and Construction of West Campus

Alternatives Considered (30-year, present vaJue costs) New Construction ...... $3,496,124,000 Lease ...... $3,926,325,000

The 30-year, present value cost of new construction is $430,201,000 less than the cost ofleasing, or an equivalent annual cost advantage of$21,949,000.

Recommendation

CONSTRUCTION

13

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CONSOLIDATION AT ST. ELIZABETHS WASHINGTON, DC PDC-0002-WA16

Certification of Need

The proposed project is the best solution to meet a validated Government need.

Submitted at Washington, DC, on --...~:.E:e:Qb~~~1~ae~.;:qa;:.•....!2:.,., .... 2~0M1~5------

Rerommended -----2?~~-o~~mr-is~skm~-e~~~.P~u-b_li_c_B_u-iJd_i_n~--s~t-N-i-ce/A Q "" ______l

Approved ----t:l~~~~~=-+.{=...... :~;....:::so:~~...;,;:,_------­ ~dministrator, General Services Administration

14

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION facility, including the acquisition of approxi- management and inspection cost of $236,000 CONSTRUCTION—ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH mately eight acres of land, for the United for a total estimated project cost of INSPECTION SERVICE BUILDING, PEMBINA, ND States Department of Agriculture Animal $5,357,000, a prospectus for which is attached Resolved by the Committee on Transportation and Plant Health Inspection Service located to and included in this resolution. and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- at the Pembina, North Dakota U.S. Land Provided, that the General Services Admin- resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, Port of Entry, at a design cost of $284,000, a istration shall not delegate to any other appropriations are authorized for design and wetland mitigation cost of $540,000, an esti- agency the authority granted by this resolu- construction of a new 6,685 gross square foot mated construction cost of $4,297,000 and a tion.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE BUILDING PEMBINA,ND

Prospectus Number: PND-0550-PE 16 Congressional District: 01

FY2016 Project Summary

The General Services Administration (GSA) proposes the acquisition of approximately eight acres of land, along with the design and construction of a new 6,685 gross square foot facility for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at the Pembina, North Dakota, U.S. Land Port of Entry (LPOE). Construction of this facility provides a permanent solution for APHIS at a secure location directly on the port, remedies a potential life safety concern with the current location of the temporary modular trailer, improves traffic configuration, places all APHIS operations on the U.S. side of the U.S./Canada border and eliminates rental payments to the private sector of approximately $317,000 annually. This project was among those previously included in GSA's FY 2015 Capita! Investment Program. The prospectus was not approved by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the project could not be accommodated within the enacted level. GSA is resubmitting the project in FY 2016 with no change in scope or budget.

F¥2016 Committee Approval and Appropriation Requested (Wetland Mitigation, Design, ECC and M&l) ...... $5,357,0001

Overview of Protect

The proposed pennanent housing solution for APHIS at the Pembina LPOE will be constructed to include both on"load and off-load animal inspection facilities with an administrative support wing at one location. The new building will contain two main components: 1) an enclosed off-load animal inspection area with runways, pens, chutes, and loading ramps. 2) an administrative office area with a counter, waiting room. water fountain, and a unisex restroom for customers. The building will include infrastructure .for modem mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems. It will adapt design elements that will confonn to the rest of the existing port.

The project includes land acquisition and wetland construction. GSA will acquire up to eight acres of vacant land in the Pembina area and convert the land to designated wetlands per National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) guidelines.

~Additional funding by a Reimbursable Work Authorization (RW A} may be required to provide for as yet unidentified elements of this project.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE BUILDING PEMBINA. NO

Prospectus Number: PND·0550-PE16 Congressional District: 01

Building Area2 Site Area (Govem1nent-Owned) ...... 3 acres Building ...... :...... 6,685 gsf Number of outside commercial truck parking spaces ...... IS Number of outside standard vehicle parking spaces ...... 8

Proicct Budget 3 Wctland Mitigation ...... $540,000 Site Acquisition ...... $40,000 Wetland Construction ...... $500,000

Design ...... $284,000

4 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) ...... $4,297,000 5 Site Development Cost ...... $2,635,000 Building Cost {$183/gsf) ...... :...... $1,662,000 Management and Inspection (M&I) ...... S:Z36,000

Estimated Total Project Cost (ETPC)*...... $5,357,000 *Tenant agencies may fund an additional amount for emerging technologies and alterations above the standard nonnally provided by the GSA.

1The project may contain a variance in gross square footage from that listed in this prospectus upon measurement and review of design drawings. 3Wetland Mitigation includes site acquisition costs for approximately eight acres of land and the comtruction of new wetlands to mitigate the loss of wetlands due to comtruction. This will occur simultaneously with the Design phase. Further details are dependent upon Design elements. 4ECC is broken into two parts- Site Development Cost and Building Cost 5Site development costs include paved commercial construction and circulation area.'! with space for 15 in&pection lanes, extension of existing Port utilities to the new s1te area, site lighting, fencing and gate!>, and flood control features.

2

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE BUILDING PEMBINA, NO

Prospectus Number: PND-0550-PE 16 Congressional District: 01

Location

The proposed new facility wiH be located alongside southbound lnterstnte-29 on government-owned land at the southwest corner of the port.

Schedule Start End Wetland Mitigation FY2016 FY20176 Design and Construction FY2016 FY2018

Tenant Agencies USDA APHIS

Justification The Pembina, North Dakota, U.S. LPOE is the busiest northern port between Blaine, Washington and Detroit, Michigan, and the fifth busiest along the U.S./Canada border. The port has seen a steady increase in traffic flow since its completion in 1997. In 2003, in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the original APHIS building was demolished to accommodate new LPOE Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) requirements. A modular trailer was leased and moved to a landscape median island near the center of the port as a temporary housing solution for APHIS. On-load inspections are conducted at this location (in the median with traffic flowing on both sides). Off-load inspections are performed at the Emerson Canadian Port where OSA leases another facility for APHIS approximately one mile north and east of the Pembina LPOE. This is operationally inefficient

Commercial truck parking and circulation are inadequate with little or no lane control. With the increase in traffic flow this has created a potential 1ife safety concern for APHIS inspectors and truck drivers. In addition to the potential life safety concern, the temporary modular trailer is in poor condition and requires ongoing repairs to keep the building habitable. The proposed project will provide APHIS with a facility that is operationally safe and efficient. Construction of a permanent inspection facility will not materially hinder any operations at the port.

6 Upon construction completion, the newly converted wetlands will be monitored for a period of at least five years to ensure a successful conven;ion.

3

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GSA PB§

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE BUILDING PEMBINA, NO

Prospectus Number: PND·0550-PB16 Congressional District: 01

Approximately three acres of undeveloped government-owned wetlands on the southwest corner of the Pembina Port will be used to prepare the new project site. A thorough Feasibility Study has determined the proposed site to be the most advantageous location to maximize traffic flow and security for the Port and its stakeholders. To mitigate the reduction of wetlands to the environment, the NEPA requires the creation of two net new acres of wetlands per each acre of wetlands negatively affected by construction.

Since it is somewhat common for a small portion of newly created human-made wetlands to fail to convert properly to permanent wetlands, an extra two acres of site acquisition have been included in the project for contingency purposes, allowing for the acquisition of up to eight acres of land for wetland mitigation. The newly converted wetlands wm be monitored for a period of at least five years to ensure a successful conversion.

Upon project completion, on-load inspections will take place in 15 open-air commercial truck parking stalls just outside of the new building. This will no longer require inspector personnel or truck operators to cross several lanes of oncoming traffic on foot.

Other alternatives (off of the port) pose security challenges to APHIS inspection personnel and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and logistics issues for commercial truck operators. Alternatives locating the APHIS facility in different areas on the port were problematic due to traffic flow constraints. The proposed plan is in a strategically situated area to facilitate maximum traffic flow at the port.

Summary of Energy Compliance This project will be designed to conform to requirements of the Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service and will implement strategies to meet the Guiding Principles for High Performance and Sustainable Buildings. The OSA encourages design opportunities to increase energy and water efficiency above the minimum performance criteria. The proposed project is Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) and Energy Policy Act (EPACT) compliant.

Prior Appropriations

None

Prior Committee Approvals

None

4

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE BUILDING PEMBINA, NO

Prospectus Number: PND-0550-PEt6 Conbrressional District: OJ

Alternatives Considered GSA owns and maintains the existing facilities at this Port of Entry; thus new Federal construction is in the best interest of the government and the taxpayer.

Recommendation

CONSTRUCTION

5

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE BUILDING PEMBINA, NO

Prospectus Number: PND-0550·PE16 Congressional District: 01

Certification of Need

The proposed project is the best solution to meet a validated Government need.

Submitted at Washington, DC, on ---=E1:..::eb=ruacy=,._2...... _. -=2""-0=15,.,______

Recommended: ______~~~'-~~----+------ervice

6

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION tenants, if necessary, prior to the execution Provided further, that the Administrator of the new lease. shall require that the delineated area of the LEASE—FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS Provided that, the Administrator of Gen- procurement is identical to the delineated COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, DC eral Services and tenant agencies agree to area included in the prospectus, except that, apply an overall utilization rate of 180 square Resolved by the Committee on Transportation if the Administrator determines that the de- feet or less per person. and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- lineated area of the procurement should not resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, Provided that, except for interim leases as described above, the Administrator may not be identical to the delineated area included appropriations are authorized for a replace- enter into any leases that are below pro- in the prospectus, the Administrator shall ment lease of up to 473,000 rentable square spectus level for the purposes of meeting any provide an explanatory statement to the feet of space for the Federal Communica- of the requirements, or portions thereof, in- Committee on Transportation and Infra- tions Commission currently located at 445 cluded in the prospectus that would result in 12th Street SW and 1250 Maryland Avenue structure of the House of Representatives an overall utilization rate of 180 square feet SW in Washington, DC at a proposed total prior to exercising any lease authority pro- or higher per person. vided in this resolution. annual cost of $23,650,000 for a lease term of Provided that, to the maximum extent up to 15 years, a prospectus for which is at- practicable, the Administrator shall include Provided further, that the General Services tached to and included in this resolution. in the lease contract(s) a purchase option Administration shall not delegate to any Approval of this prospectus constitutes au- that can be exercised at the conclusion of other agency the authority granted by this thority to execute an interim lease for all the firm term of the lease. resolution.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-LEASE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC

Prospectus Number: PDC-06-W A16

Executive Summar1:

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) proposes a. replacement lease of up to 473,000 rentable square feet (RSF) of space to house the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), currently located at 445 12th Street, SW, and 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington DC.

The replacement lease will provide continued housing for FCC and will improve FCC office and overall utilization rates (UR) from 178 to 115 usable square feet (USF) per person and 272 to 180 USF per person, respectively, while housing current personnel in 1 186,030 RSF less than the total of its current occupancies at the 445 12 h Street, SW, and 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW, locations. In the absence of this reduction, the status quo cost of continued occupancy at the proposed market rental rate would be $32,951,500.

Description

Occupant: Federal Communications Commission Lease Type Replacement Current Rentable Square Feet (RSF) 659,030 (Current RSF/USF = l.lO) 1 Proposed Maximum RSF : 473,000 (Proposed RSF/USF = 1.20) Expansion/Reduction RSF: 186,030 (Reduction) Current Usable Square Feet/Person: 272 Proposed Usable Square Feet/Person: 180 Proposed Maximum Leasing Authority: 15 years Expiration Dates ofCurrent Lease(s): 10/16/2017 (445 12th Street, SW) 10/31/2017 (1250 Maryland Ave, SW) Delineated Area: Washington, DC CEA Number of Official Parking Spaces: None Scoring: Operating Lease 2 Maximum Proposed Rental Rate : $50.00/RSF

1 The RSF/USF at the current location is approximately 1.10; however. to maximize competition, a RSF/USF ratio of 1.2 is used for the proposed maximum RSF as indicated in the housing plan. 2 This estimate is for fiscal year 2017 and may be escalated by 1.9 percent annually to the effective date of the lease to account for inflation. The proposed rental rate is fully serviced including all operating expenses whether paid by the lessor or directly by the Government. GSA will conduct the procurement using prevailing market rental rates as a benchmark for the evaluation of competitive offers and as a basis for negotiating wilh offurors to ensure that lease award is made in the best interest of the Government. Lease award shall not exceed the maximum rental rate as specified in this prospectus. 1

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- LEASE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC

Prospectus Number! PDC-06-WA 16

Proposed Total Annual Cose: $23,650,000 Current Total Annual Cost: $34,658 703 (445 12'h St.- Lease Effective 07/01/97) (1250 Maryland- Lease Effective 11/17/94)

Background

The FCC is responsible for the regulation of interstate and foreign communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable; the orderly development and operation of broadcast services; and the provision of rapid, efficient nationwide and worldwide telephone and telegraph services at reasonable rates. FCC is also responsible for the use of communications for promoting safety of life and property and strengthening national defense.

Justification

The current leases at 445 12th Street, SW, and 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW, expire October 16, 2017, and October 31, 2017, respectively, and FCC requires continued housing to carry out its mission. In addition, FCC wants to capitalize on the opportunity presented by the expiring leases to reduce its footprint by 186,030 RSF, or 28.2 percent of its current 659,030 RSF and reduce their annual rental costs by approximately $11 million.

Summary of Energy Compliance

GSA will incorporate energy efficiency requirements into the Request for Lease Proposals and other documents related to the procurement of space based on the approved prospectus. GSA encourages offerors to exceed minimum requirements set forth in the procurement and to achieve an Energy Star performance rating of 75 or higher.

Resolutions of Approval

Resolutions adopted by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works approving this prospectus will constitute approval to make appropriations to lease space in a facility that will yield the required rentable area.

3 New leases may contain an escalation clause to provide for annual changes in real estate taxes and operating costs. 2

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-LEASE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC

Prospectus Number: PDC-06-WA 16

Interim Leasing

GSA will execute such interim leasing actions as are necessary to ensure continued housing of the tenant agency prior to the effective date of the new lease. It is in the best interest of the Government to avert the financial risk of holdover tenancy.

Certification of Need

The proposed project is the best solution to meet a validated Government need.

Submitted at Washington, DCt on_~M:.:..av.L.....::2"-"0~·-=20:::..:1::..:5'------

3

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00157 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.043 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE Insert offset folio 1104/88 here EH29JY15.074 H5752 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015

1.350

LSOO

1.350

L500

3.-lSO

1.200

s,·oo

9,000

11.~00

56,17_$_

19.715

393,633 393,633

t'SF

TC!\t!

DC

56.715

56.775

CUSFl

Special

Rooms

Ctr,

PDC-06-WA16

Feet

Space

Center

Rooms

Washington,

Total

Storage

Trainina

Sol!tl!e

Exam

Special

l:l.-17.1

12.474

Command

Room

Center

Ctr

Experience

Density

Plant

Storane

Usable

SCIF

Print

Tech,

Security

Health Hearing Hian

Conference Fitness

DataCenter

PROPOSED

32.!.384 324,384

Office

2.191 2,191

Total

Personnel

2.191 2,191

Office

48,432

548,144

596,576

Total

building.

the

Commission

of

0

1

Plan

65.617

65,617

(USF)

occupants

Special

U1<

Feet

to

Housing

Sauare

8,348

30,238

21.890

jointly

Communications

Storage

Usable

available

Federal

space

CURREI'<'T

RSF

40,084

473,000

659,030

500,711

460,637

and

Office

Max.

I

furnishings

osed

and

;

180

1.10

115

1.20

228

1.963

Total

2.191

RSFIUSF

Pro

Pro!losed

people

10

I

I I

personnel

--

Personnel

than

393,633

596,576

tenant's

less

272

a

228

178_.

1,963

2.191

Office

Current

Current

by

TotaiUSF

with

personnel.

__

use

(UR)'

I

[_

I

F•ctor•

space

total space

3

for

by

Rote

agencies

RJtJ

UR

support

and

support

USF

person

evailable

divided

per

Overnll

office total

office

USF

of

by

of

Congress

------

space

building

usf

usf

total

Office Utili.tation

the

divided

Locations

of

office

plan

Rate

Rate

71,364

Judic!acy,

Current

of

Proposed

110,159

SW

RSF

2015

portion

Leased

housing Ave

Max

amoUilt

o

excludes

the

excludes

SW

excludes

Lease

St

UR

March

UR

means

Factor=

average

Maryland

12th

=

USF/Person

R/U

USF

Calculation

1250

P11Jil0sed

Torn!

445

4

1

1

1

HQIES:

Proposed

UR

CurmJt

1

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION tenants, if necessary, prior to the execution Provided further, that the Administrator LEASE—FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, of the new lease. shall require that the delineated area of the WESTERN-PACIFIC REGIONAL OFFICE, HAW- Provided that, the Administrator of Gen- procurement is identical to the delineated THORNE, CA eral Services and tenant agencies agree to area included in the prospectus, except that, apply an overall utilization rate of 187 square if the Administrator determines that the de- Resolved by the Committee on Transportation feet or less per person. and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- Provided that, except for interim leases as lineated area of the procurement should not resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, described above, the Administrator may not be identical to the delineated area included appropriations are authorized for a new lease enter into any leases that are below pro- in the prospectus, the Administrator shall of up to 154,000 rentable square feet of space, spectus level for the purposes of meeting any provide an explanatory statement to the including 573 official parking spaces, for the of the requirements, or portions thereof, in- Committee on Transportation and Infra- Federal Aviation Administration currently cluded in the prospectus that would result in structure of the House of Representatives located at the Hawthorne Federal Building an overall utilization rate of 187 square feet prior to exercising any lease authority pro- in Hawthorne, California, at a proposed total or higher per person. vided in this resolution. annual cost of $7,546,000 for a lease term of Provided that, to the maximum extent up to 20 years, a prospectus for which is at- practicable, the Administrator shall include Provided further, that the General Services tached to and included in this resolution. in the lease contract(s) a purchase option Administration shall not delegate to any Approval of this prospectus constitutes au- that can be exercised at the conclusion of other agency the authority granted by this thority to execute an interim lease for all the firm term of the lease. resolution.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- LEASE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION WESTERN-PACIFIC REGIONAL OFFICE HAWTHORNE, CA

Prospectus Number: PCA-Ol-HA15 Congressional District: 33, 43

Executive Summary

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) proposes a new lease of up to 154,000 rentable square feet (RSF) for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) located in the Hawthorne Federal Building (HFB) in Hawthorne, California.

The new lease will provide continued housing for FAA and will improve FAA office and overall utilization rates from 176 to 112 usable square feet (USF) per person and 261 to 187 USF per person, respectively. As a result of the improved utilization, the new lease will reduce the rentable square footage of the requirement by 19 percent, housing FAA personnel in 36,329 RSF less than the total of its current occupancies at the HFB location.

Description

Occupant: FAA Lease Type New Current Rentable Square Feet (RSF) 190,329 (Current RSFIUSF = 1.22) Proposed Maximum RSF: 154,000 (Proposed RSF/USF = 1.2) Expansion/Reduction RSF: 36,329 Reduction Current Usable Square Feet/Person: 261 Proposed Usable Square Feet/Person: 187 Proposed Maximum Lease Term: 20 Years Expiration Dates of Current Leases: NA Delineated Area: 8-mile radius from Hawthorne Federal Building located at 15000 Aviation Boulevard Hawthorne, CA 90250 Number of Official Parking Spaces: 573 Scoring: Operating lease

1

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-LEASE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION WESTERN-PACIFIC REGIONAL OFFICE HAWTHORNE, CA

Prospectus Number: PCA-01-HA15 Congressional District 33, 43

1 Maximum Proposed Rental Rate : $49.00/ RSF 2 Proposed Total Annual Cost : $7,546,000 Current Total Annual Cost: $5,994,350 (fiscal year 2013 FAA rent paid to GSA)

Justification

The HFB has a serious structural deficiency. GSA is relocating FAA based on life-safety considerations. In addition, the relocation allows FAA to optimize its footprint (reduction of 18 percent) with more advanced workplace strategies.

Summary of Energy Compliance

GSA will incorporate energy efficiency requirements into the Request for Lease Proposals and other documents related to the procurement of space based on the approved prospectus. GSA encourages offerors to exceed minimum requirements set forth in the procurement and to achieve an Energy Star performance rating of 75 or higher.

I This estimate is for fiscal year 2015 and may be escalated by 2.0 percent annually to the effective date of the lease to account for inflation. The proposed rental rate is fully serviced including all operating expenses whether paid by the lessor or directly by the Government. GSA will conduct the procurement using prevailing market rental rates as a benchmark for the evaluation of competitive offers and as a basis for negotiating with offerors to ensure that lease award is made in the best interest of the Government. Lease award shall not exceed the maximum rental rate as specified in this prospectus. 2 New leases may contain an escalation clause to provide for armual changes in real estate taxes and operating costs.

2

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- LEASE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION WESTERN-PACIFIC REGIONAL OFFICE HAWTHORNE, CA

Prospectus Number: PCA-01-HA15 Congressional District: 33, 43

Resolutions of Approval

Resolutions adopted by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works approving this prospectus will constitute approval to make appropriations to lease space in a facility that will yield the required rentable area. ·

Interim Leasing

Since FAA will remain housed in the HFB until it relocates to the new lease, interim leasing will not be necessary. There is no risk to the Government of a holdover tenancy.

Certification ofNeed

The proposed project is the best solution to meet a validated Government need.

Submitted at Washington, DC, on --==---s_e_p_t_em_b_e_r_2_9_._2_0_I_4______

Recommended: /(; ------~------Commissioner, Public Buildings Service

Approved: ______~------Administrator, General Services Administration

3

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1

CA

577 140

538

923 923 150

923

231

539

254 277 462

462

225:

462

203

I

1

2000

5462!

5,202!

3

24,750

128

128203

USF

Total

PCA-01-HA15

Hawthorne,

750

Room

Library

24 (USF)

24750

Special

Entry

Room

sjleCial

Feet

Copy

Space

I

Room

Files

809

and

files

Training,

Lactation

4809

Secure

4

Square

Exammation

Security

Pantry

Room

Room

Special

and

I

secure

Service

Room

Center

Stora!!e

computer

Usable

UPS

Lobby

Simulator Break

Medical Safe, Restrooms.

MailRoom Locker

IT Triangulation

HlgbDenstty

AV Secure

Data Food

Comms

Conference

'----·-_T_(ltal_

PROPOSED

98,644

98644

Office

.

.

684

684

building.

the

Total

of

.

- -

Personnel

684

684

occupants

the

Office

to

jointly

684

1

1,120

9,994

156076

168,874

Plan

Total

Administration

available

-

-

space

567

614

Housing

8,047

and

10

18

Aviation

(USF)'

Special

Feet

-

furnishings

Federal

509

599

260

Square

1,368

and

Storal!e

Usable

people

10

personnel

910

860

1439 1684

CURRENT

than

144

148,893

tenant's

less

Office

a

by

with

personnel I

-

-

4

use

space

642

646

total

space

for

by

agencies

Total

support

Pror;;ed

and

support

USF

person

available

I

divided

-

-

I

office

per total

office

Personnel

643

642

of

USF

3

by

of

Congress

building

usf

space

UR

total

usf

Office

c~t

the

divided

of

plan

office

I

21,177

Judiciary,

31,880

Overall

of

RSF

portion

Max

excludes

=housing

amount

excludes

the

excludes

UR

Rate

;ate

UR

Locations

2014

means

Factor=

Use

=average

RIU

USF

USF/Person

Calculation

Vacant

NOTES:

Total

1

2

4

3

UR

Proposed

Current DOT-FAA

Joint GSA-PBS

I

August

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00163 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.043 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE Insert offset folio 1104/94 here EH29JY15.079 H5758 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 There was no objection. Federal forest inside my district, on that 25 percent of funding has to go f the Ouachita National Forest, on the into local counties to provide emer- Ozark National Forest, and also in four gency services to fund schools. This is RESILIENT FEDERAL FORESTS different U.S. Fish and Wildlife service critical for these local communities ACT areas. where forest activities around the na- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Fortunately, in Arkansas, we have tional forests have greatly decreased the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- been able to manage these forests in a over the past several decades. uary 6, 2015, the Chair recognizes the way that is good for the forest. A lot of We used to cut nearly 12 billion board gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. this was done in an effort to protect an feet of timber off of the forests. Now, WESTERMAN) for 30 minutes. endangered species, the red-cockaded we are down to less than 3 billion board Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I woodpecker. What our Forest Service feet per year. Many of these local rise tonight to talk about something employees have done is they have gone economies depended on those forests. that is positive that this body has done into the forests, they have assessed it, As we quit cutting timber and the in- recently, something that is good for and they determined what would create frastructure to process the timber left, America and something that is good the best habitat for this endangered these communities suffered all across for our environment and good for our species. They found that a habitat with our country where these natural for- citizens. What I am talking about is an open understory, one which has ests are located. the passage of the Resilient Federal large nesting trees for the woodpecker, This bill will allow funding to go to Forests Act of 2015. is great habitat for the woodpecker. these communities, so that they con- Mr. Speaker, this bill is good for They implemented a plan to go in tinue to provide emergency services, so trees. When we have healthy trees and and thin the forest—not clear-cut it, they can continue to provide funds for when we have a healthy forest, then we but thin it—and then develop a fire re- education and help to grow the commu- also have better air quality; we have gime to keep the underbrush out. You nities. better water quality; we have better might think that thinning the forest Another provision in this bill is it al- wildlife habitat; we have less fire dan- and burning the forest would cause a lows the salvaging of timber after a ger; we protect private property and decrease in biodiversity, but our for- catastrophic event. Now, a clear cut public property, and it is a win-win-win esters saw something quite the oppo- actually mimics a wildfire in the for- situation for our treasured natural re- site. Our forests in Arkansas were est; so when you have a wildfire that is source of our Federal forest. It is a much like the ones across the country, a stand-replacing fire, it causes the winning situation for America, as we many forests out West. They had been damage when the fire occurs. are good stewards and we conserve this In forestry terms, the land is essen- valuable resource that we have. cut as much as a century ago and al- tially being clear-cut when the fire Now, what this bill does is it allows lowed just to grow back with the only happens, but you will still have dead us to actively manage our forests. We management being putting the fires have qualified personnel in our Forest out when they start. standing trees. These trees need to be Service, people who are trained as for- What happens in a situation like this salvaged. They have value, value that esters, people who have the expertise is forests are dynamic; they continue can be extracted and used to reforest and the experience to manage these to grow until they fill up all the grow- the land, value that not only creates forests in a sustainable way; yet our ing space, and then they start com- value in reforestation, it also cleans up forest managers’ hands have been tied peting with one another. When they the land, so you can reforest it and pre- in previous years. compete with one another, they get vent future fire dangers. They have been working hard with weak; they are subject to insect and What has happened in the past is the local constituents, local stakeholders disease attack. salvage cuts have been held up in court in these collaborative efforts to come You get more fuel that falls on to the again, and you get standing dead tim- up with forest plans, forest manage- forest floor, creating a fuel load; you ber that, the next time a fire comes ment plans, so that they can manage get dead and weakened timber, and you through, it makes it dangerous for our the forests in a way that is good for the get a lightning strike, and it burns the firefighters to go in and fight the fire. local economy, in a way that is good whole forest down. What this bill does is it still requires for the wildlife in the forest, in a way When you manage the forest, when an environmental assessment of the that is good for the health of the for- you thin it and you use controlled area, but it speeds the process in that, est; yet these forest management plans burns, you open up the canopy; you and it prevents injunctions from allow- have been held up through frivolous open up the forest floor, and you see a ing these salvage cuts so that this tim- lawsuits from outside groups, some- flush of fauna, and you see biodiversity ber can be salvaged, and the revenue is times as far as a thousand miles away increase tremendously. used to go back into the Forest Service that file a suit against these plans. At the same time as the biodiversity to reforest these lands and, again, pro- They hold them up in court, and at and plant life increases, you get a flush vide the management practices to have the end of the day, the forest is not in wildlife. On these plots in Arkansas, healthy forests. managed properly. Because of this, we not only did we see an increase in num- What happens now is we see, after a have seen an increasing amount of for- bers in red-cockaded woodpecker, we catastrophic event, we get only 3 per- est fires over the past several decades. saw an increase in the bobwhite quail, cent of regeneration or reforestation of Because of these increased forest in wild turkeys, in deer, in several the land. This bill requires that, after fires, we are destroying our valuable other songbird species. the catastrophic event, we have to natural resource. Not only are we de- This management scheme is good for have 75 percent reforestation after a stroying our resource, we are destroy- the forest; it is good for the wildlife; it period of 5 years. ing our budget for the Forest Service. creates cleaner air; it creates cleaner The 5-year timeframe gives foresters Currently, the single greatest cost to water. Again, it is a win-win situation. time to come in and assess the efforts the Forest Service is fire suppression, By applying these management prac- that they put forth and to correct any and the next cost is litigation, and tices—and they will be different as you problems that they have had in restor- where the cost should be, in the man- go across the country in different re- ing these forests. agement and health of the forest, gions. This bill, again, is very critical and comes in third. As we let the local professionals and very much needed. It has the support What the Resilient Federal Forests the local stakeholders manage the for- of, I believe, 117 different organiza- Act of 2015 would do, it would take the ests the way it was intended to be man- tions, from wildlife groups, from envi- focus off of fire suppression and put aged, we will create a healthy forest, ronmental groups, many tribes across that focus on fire prevention. These are which is good for all the local commu- the country, many county govern- forestry practices that I have seen car- nities where these forests are located. ments. People recognize the benefits of ried out in my home State of Arkansas. Another thing that we have done in this bill and the benefits that can come In my district, the Fourth District, I this bill is we strengthened the secure to our country if we enact this legisla- have approximately 2.5 million acres of rural schools provisions. We stipulate tion.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00164 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.099 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5759 Unfortunately, the bill is held up in This year, Mr. Speaker, she set her The Veterans’ Access to Care the Senate right now, and as the fire sights even higher. According to Se- through Choice, Accountability, and season increases out West and we see attle Children’s Hospital’s Kathryn Transparency Act created a 3-year pro- more and more of our natural treasure Bluher, Makenna’s goal was to give the gram to allow veterans to seek care and our Federal forests going up in kids at the hospital something that from private providers if they live too flames, it should become more impera- was very important, near and dear to far from a VA facility or cannot other- tive for the Senate to take up this bill her heart. She wanted to give them red wise get an appointment within 14 and pass it and for the President to Radio Flyer wagons. days. It also gave the VA Secretary the sign it into law. I know you are smiling, Mr. Speaker, authority to fire senior executives for As I have stated in committee hear- but that was an important thing be- poor performance and required a top- ings when we were pushing this bill cause, in between her appointments to-bottom study of the entire Depart- through, the forests don’t really pay throughout her young life, traveling ment to be completed within 1 year of attention to what we legislate here in between her room to the operating enactment. Washington, D.C. room to the playroom, the red Radio However, even with this oversight, b 2000 Flyer wagon was her ride. And she rode the Obama administration has failed to in style. She said that those wagons correct the problems. We continue to They are dynamic, living organisms. are a really good memory. They were hear about unacceptable patient wait They continue to grow. They continue less scary than a wheelchair. times, unanswered benefit inquiries, to fill up the growing space. They are The support that she got to reach her patient safety concerns, medical mal- more reactive to what happens in na- goal in this year’s fundraising I think practice, flagrant mismanagement, in- ture. was nothing short of amazing. fighting, corruption, and years of con- We need to be proactive in managing Makenna collected enough to purchase struction delays that total millions of these forests—managing them to be 33 wagons for the hospital. Friends, dollars. healthy, managing them to be more re- family, the mayor of the city, When government failure is exposed sistant to wildfire and inspects and dis- Wenatchee High School, a group of and legislation aimed at restoring ac- eases. I call on the Senate and the local dentists, even assisted living countability is enacted, it makes sense President to take up this legislation, homes helped in the effort. The whole that action would be swift and imme- to pass it, and to move America for- community pitched in. Actually, the diate: people would be fired; wrongs ward with healthy forests. hospital had to tell her that that was would begin to be made right. Unfortu- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman enough wagons. nately, that has not been the case at from Washington (Mr. NEWHOUSE). She moved on to other things that the Department of Veterans Affairs. RECOGNIZING MAKENNA SCHWAB were on the wish list. By the end of the While there are as many as 1,000 em- Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I have drive, she had those 33 wagons, but she ployees that could potentially face dis- got something I think is very impor- also had 36 DVD players, 12 head- ciplinary actions, the VA has only fired tant and something I think you are phones, five baby swings, 280 gift cards, three people for involvement in the going to enjoy. 300 new toys, and many other things. scandal. Sometimes we learn about some very Makenna and her family have started Our veterans have earned our re- remarkable people, individuals who, a tradition that will live on, that has spect, and they shouldn’t have to wait when we hear about them, make us and will continue to make kids’ stay at in line for months or years just to see pause, stop, and think about how much the Seattle Children’s Hospital just a a doctor. New documents show that they inspire and really make a dif- little less scary. As Makenna said, ‘‘I one out of every three waiting for care ference. want to give kids hope.’’ at the VA has already died, and recent Today, I want to recognize one such Well, in May, and very deservedly so, reports reveal there are now 50 percent person, a young lady of 12 years old by Makenna received a national Make a more veterans on wait lists for a the name of Makenna Schwab. She Difference Day award for her volunteer month or longer than last summer. lives in the community of East project on behalf of the hospital. When our brave servicemembers Wenatchee, Washington, which happens As I told you before, sometimes you come home, we have to keep our word to be in my legislative district in the hear of remarkable people, and I am to them by modernizing our VA system State of Washington. very proud to be able to share McKen- to deliver the best care in the world. In Makenna was born with something na’s story with you. I am proud to say the 114th Congress, House Republicans called Larsen syndrome, which is a that she is a fine citizen of my congres- have passed numerous pieces of legisla- rare connective tissue disorder that sional district and my State of Wash- tion designed to help veterans and in- causes bone dislocations. This affects ington. crease accountability at the VA. her airway, spine, and joints. This re- Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, may In February, the Clay Hunt Suicide markable young lady has already un- I inquire how much time I have re- Prevention for American Veterans Act dergone 14 surgeries in her short life. maining? was signed into law and provides vet- Four years ago, Makenna and her The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- erans with access to the mental mother, Melissa, wanted to give some- tleman has 14 minutes remaining. healthcare resources they need. thing back to Seattle Children’s Hos- INCREASING VA ACCOUNTABILITY AND Last week, the House passed the Vet- pital, which over the course of her life EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS erans Information Modernization Act, has been their home away from home. Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I which would give Congress and the She said she wanted to give something would also like to talk about some public access to key data regarding the back because Seattle Children’s has other positive things that this body delivery of health care, medical serv- made it so that she can walk and live has done here, as we approach the Au- ices, and nursing home care by the VA independently. So she decided to sell gust break. This has to do with the VA. healthcare system. lemonade and cookies, a perfectly nat- Since the wait list manipulation Many veterans have contacted us ex- ural thing for a 12-year-old to decide. scandal was brought to the public’s at- pressing their frustration at having to This young lady raised more than $6,700 tention last year, Americans have be- carry official Department of Defense that year for Children’s Hospital. come all too familiar with incom- discharge papers to prove their mili- The family knew they could do more. petence and misconduct at the Federal tary service, and last week, legislation They wanted to do more. So the next agency charged with helping our vet- was signed into law to create an offi- year, she and her family collected over erans. cial identification card for veterans. 650 new toys for the kids at the hos- The House Veterans’ Affairs Com- Just this week, we have passed the pital. But even that wasn’t enough. mittee has held dozens of hearings; the VA Accountability Act, which would The following year, she wanted to do head of the U.S. Department of Vet- provide the VA Secretary with in- even more. So she sold 530 dozen erans Affairs resigned under congres- creased flexibility in removing employ- donuts, raising more than $7,500 to go sional pressure; and Congress has en- ees who fail our veterans; the Hire towards Seattle Children’s Hospital. acted major reform legislation. More Heroes Act, which would make it

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00165 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.100 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5760 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 easier to hire veterans by exempting gests is that we are often unaware of This bill would provide certainty for those who already have health insur- good work being done every day, and it families and allow small businesses to ance from being counted as full-time isn’t until something goes wrong that focus on growing new jobs and is the employees under ObamaCare; the Vet- people take notice. So, Mr. Speaker, I smart thing to do for our economy. erans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living want to just highlight for a few min- Mr. Speaker, much of the economic Adjustment Act, which would provide utes this evening the great work that turmoil that has gripped this Nation is an annual cost-of-living adjustment for this Congress has been doing in the the result of the Federal Government veterans receiving disability com- past 41⁄2 years, and particularly during spending beyond its means. In North pensation; and the Ruth Moore Act, the 114th Congress, which began in Carolina, I hear often from constitu- which would update regulations for January. ents who are worried about our bal- veterans seeking financial compensa- Under the leadership of House Repub- looning national debt, which threatens tion for mental health conditions licans, we have been doing very good economic stability and jeopardizes the linked to sexual assault while they work in tackling the difficult issues American dream for our families. were serving in the military. facing this Nation. We are advancing Irresponsible spending isn’t fair to The House also had to pass legisla- solutions that build a healthy econ- our kids, who must repay the debt, and tion that included provisions to allow omy, empowering every American to it is not good for the economy. the VA to transfer funds within its pursue his or her future, to reach his or Unknown to many Americans, the budget to cover an unexpected $2.5 bil- her full potential and achieve a better House Republican majority has cut lion shortfall in hospital and medical life. Here, Mr. Speaker, are just a few Federal spending 2 years in a row for care accounts. Without this fix, the specifics of what we have been accom- the first time since the Korean war. We agency said it would start shutting plishing. banned earmarks and achieved the down hospital operations in August. First, the House is more open. That most significant spending reductions in It is critically important that we may sound a little strange to people, modern history. We have protected tax take care of those who have sacrificed but it is important that the American cuts for 99 percent of individuals and so much in service to our country. This people understand that, under the ma- families. week, Congress has continued its ef- jority leadership of Republicans, we We passed a balanced budget con- forts to meet our responsibility to have considered over 200 more amend- ference agreement which balances the America’s veterans. However, we can- ments than the average over the last 25 budget within 10 years, without raising not transform the VA alone. It is the years in the House of Representatives. taxes, and achieves more than $5 tril- The House is more collaborative. President’s responsibility to ensure lion in savings. It is the first joint 10- House committees have passed 10.2 per- changes are made within the agency year balanced budget resolution since cent of bills out of committee com- and employees are held accountable for 2001. pared to a 40-year average of only 6 their actions. We have passed the Student Success America’s veterans deserve a mean- percent of bills being passed. Act, which replaces No Child Left Be- The House is, overall, more produc- ingful, decisive plan to right the many hind, by reducing the Federal footprint tive. The House passed 193 bills in the wrongs that have been committed. It is in education, restoring local control, first quarter, well above the 40-year av- past time for the Obama administra- and empowering parents and education erage of 127. Of those, 32 have also tion to change the culture at the VA leaders to hold schools accountable for passed the Senate—more than the 25- and end this agencywide pattern of effectively teaching students. It stops year average of 29. misconduct and neglect. the Federal Government from coercing Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance b 2015 states into adopting Common Core. of my time. The House is more effective. Over the We expanded and strengthened 529 f last 30 years, only one other Repub- college savings plans by a vote of 401– lican-controlled House had more bills 20, a very strong bipartisan vote. REPUBLICANS ARE DELIVERING We have passed an energy policy, the RESULTS enacted in law to this point, and this Congress is above the 40-year average Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under of 29 bills enacted with 32. the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- The American people want us to Reform Act. We have passed the LNG uary 6, 2015, the Chair recognizes the come to Washington, use our time well, Permitting Certainty and Trans- gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. and work on their behalf to get the parency Act. We have passed Improving FOXX) for 30 minutes. things done that they see need to be Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I want to done. We are working on our main Act of 2015. compliment my two colleagues who focus, which are jobs and the economy. Mr. Speaker, we are working on the have just spoken on the floor. I com- Mr. Speaker, tomorrow’s good-paying economy, on bringing down the cost of pliment Mr. NEWHOUSE from the State jobs will come from the freedom to in- energy, on providing for national secu- of Washington for highlighting a very novate from the bottom up, with or- rity. important event in his district involv- ganic growth, not from top-down bu- We have passed the National Defense ing a significant constituent of his. reaucracies in Washington, D.C., look- Authorization Act, H.R. 1735, and are in I particularly would also like to rec- ing out for themselves and attempting, conference now with the Senate on this ognize Mr. WESTERMAN from Arkansas always, to control the American peo- bill. for getting H.R. 2647 passed, the Resil- ple. We have passed the National Cyberse- ient Federal Forests Act of 2015. It is Mr. Speaker, we have passed many curity Protection Advancement Act, really a coup for a freshman to get bills, as I have said before. One is the again, by a very large bipartisan vote, such a significant bill passed so early Small Business Regulatory Flexibility 355–63. in his or her career. It is a major bill, Improvements Act, H.R. 527, which was We have passed the Protecting Cyber a significant bill, and I want to com- approved by the House by a vote of 260– Networks Act by a large bipartisan pliment him on bringing his expertise 163 in February of this year. That is a vote of 307–116. in forestry to the House of Representa- bipartisan vote, Mr. Speaker. We have passed a bill signed into law tives. We need people with all kinds of We passed the Unfunded Mandates In- by the President in June, the USA backgrounds here who can help get formation and Transparency Act, H.R. Freedom Act, which ends the bulk col- things that the American people need 50, by a bipartisan vote of 250–173. lection of data at the National Secu- for us to do on their behalf, and cer- We passed the Death Tax Repeal Act, rity Agency, prevents government tainly that bill is going to do a lot for H.R. 1105, by a vote of 240–179; this is overreach, strengthens protections for American people all across this coun- often called the death tax; it is some- Americans’ civil liberties, and in- try. times called the estate tax, but it hits, creases the transparency of certain na- Mr. Speaker, it has been said that no Mr. Speaker, not just wealthy people, tional security authorities. one hears about the plane that landed but average people with huge, unfair As my colleague from Arkansas safely. What that very apt adage sug- taxes. talked about previous to my coming on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00166 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY7.102 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5761 the floor, we have passed several bills of her official emails to the State De- ADJOURNMENT to honor our veterans. They have partment. Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I move that earned our respect, and they shouldn’t The select committee is deposing the House do now adjourn. have to wait in line for months or senior State Department officials, in- The motion was agreed to; accord- years to see a doctor. cluding Clinton’s closest aides, and will ingly (at 8 o’clock and 28 minutes When our brave servicemembers call former Secretary Clinton as a wit- p.m.), under its previous order, the come home, we have to keep our word ness as soon as the State Department House adjourned until Friday, July 31, to them by modernizing our VA system produces all of the records owed to the 2015, at 1 p.m. committee. to deliver the best care in the world, f and we have kept our promises to our We are continuing our investigation veterans. of the IRS and its unlawful targeting of EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, Mr. Speaker, we have focused also on conservatives. ETC. the human side of what needs to be Mr. Speaker, this is the people’s Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive done in our society. We have passed the House, and we Republicans in the ma- communications were taken from the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. jority will continue to do the work of Speaker’s table and referred as follows: It was signed into law on May 29, 2015. the American people by passing appro- 2318. A letter from the Regulatory Spe- Human trafficking is a major problem priate legislation and by holding this cialist, LRA, Office of the Comptroller of the in our country, and we are doing all administration accountable for what it Currency, Department of the Treasury, that we can to diminish it and elimi- should be doing and what it has done transmitting the Department’s Major final nate it. that is inappropriate. rule — Loans in Areas Having Special Flood Mr. Speaker, we have passed the The Republican-led House, Mr. Hazards [Docket ID: OCC-2014-0016] (RIN: Speaker, in the past 7 months, has de- 1557-AD84) received July 22, 2015, pursuant to Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law Act with a bipartisan vote, H.R. 36. We livered real results that would solve 104-121, Sec. 251; to the Committee on Finan- expect that bill to be passed in the Sen- many of the challenges that face our cial Services. ate. Nation, but there is still more to do to 2319. A letter from the Assistant Secretary We have also passed the No Taxpayer make the outdated models in Wash- for Legislation, Department of Health and Funding for Abortion Act. It was ap- ington, D.C., more effective, efficient, Human Services, transmitting the 2012 proved by the House in January. This and accountable. Progress Report on Understanding the Long- Term Health Effects of Living Organ Dona- bill would permanently free taxpayers As we go home to our districts for the August recess, not a vacation, but tion, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 273b, as added by from subsidizing abortion or insurance the Charlie W. Norwood Living Organ Dona- coverage that includes abortion. Mr. an opportunity for us to be in our dis- tion Act (Public Law 110-144); to the Com- Speaker, we care very much for the tricts, to be with our constituents, to mittee on Energy and Commerce. most vulnerable among us. hear from our constituents what their 2320. A letter from the Assistant Secretary We are also doing everything we can concerns are, we will be gathering for Legislation, Office of the Secretary, De- through our hearings to hold President more ideas for legislation and come partment of Health and Human Services, Obama and the executive branch ac- back to Congress in September with a transmitting the FY 2013 Report on the Pre- ventive Medicine and Public Health Training countable in conjunction with our con- renewed commitment to do the peo- ple’s business in the people’s House. Grant and Integrative Medicine Programs, stitutional duties. We continue to look pursuant to Sec. 768(d) of the Public Health for ways to improve what the Depart- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Service Act, Pub. L. 78-410, as amended by ment of Veterans Affairs does. of my time. Sec. 10501(m) of the Patient Protection and We have witnessed the incompetence f Affordable Care Act, Pub. L. 111-148; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. of the Office of Personnel Management, SENATE BILL AND CONCURRENT which allowed its records of Federal 2321. A letter from the Assistant Secretary RESOLUTION REFERRED for Legislation, Office of the Secretary, De- employees to be hacked. A bill and a concurrent resolution of partment of Health and Human Services, We have held hearings on the Secret transmitting the FY 2013 and 2014 ‘‘Report to Service scandal. the Senate of the following titles were taken from the Speaker’s table and, Congress on the Nurse Education, Practice, We have done everything we can to Quality and Retention Program’’, pursuant stop the EPA from imposing its clean under the rule, referred as follows: to Secs. 831 and 831A of Title VIII of the Pub- water rule, which is very tough on our S. 764. An act to reauthorize and amend the lic Health Service Act, Pub. L. 78-410, as farmers in particular, but on people all National Sea Grant College Program Act, amended by Sec. 5309 of the Patient Protec- and for other purposes; to the Committee on tion and Affordable Care Act, Pub. L. 111-148; over this country. Natural Resources. We have challenged, again, to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. S. Con. Res. 20. Concurrent resolution rec- 2322. A letter from the Assistant Secretary ObamaCare in court with the U.S. ognizing and honoring the 25th anniversary for Legislation, Office of the Secretary, De- House of Representatives vs. Burwell of the date of enactment of the Americans partment of Health and Human Services, lawsuit; and we hope for a positive re- with Disabilities Act of 1990; to the Com- transmitting the report to Congress on the sult from that. mittee on Education and the Workforce; in State Health Care Workforce Development We are also continuing our investiga- addition, to the Committee on Transpor- Grant Program, pursuant to Sec. 5102 of the tions into other scandals of this admin- tation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Affordable Care Act, Pub. L. 111-148; to the the Judiciary, and the Committee on Energy istration, including the situation in Committee on Energy and Commerce. and Commerce for a period to be subse- 2323. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- Benghazi. Last fall, House investiga- quently determined by the Speaker, in each ment of the Treasury, transmitting the six- tors learned that former Secretary of case for consideration of such provisions as month periodic report on the national emer- State Hillary Clinton used a private fall within the jurisdiction of the committee gency with respect to terrorists who threat- email server located in her home, rath- concerned. ened to disrupt the Middle East peace proc- er than an official email account, as re- f ess that was declared in Executive Order quired by administration policy. She 12947 of January 23, 1995, pursuant to 50 BILLS PRESENTED TO THE U.S.C. 1641(c); 50 U.S.C. 1703(c); and Execu- also failed to preserve her official PRESIDENT emails for government records as re- tive Order 13313 of July 31, 2003; to the Com- mittee on Foreign Affairs. quired by the Federal Records Act. Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House, reported that on July 27, 2015, she pre- 2324. A letter from the Assistant Legal Ad- Without the diligent work of the Se- viser, Office of Treaty Affairs, Department of lect Committee on Benghazi, this high- sented to the President of the United State, transmitting a report prepared by the ly questionable email arrangement States, for his approval, the following Department of State concerning inter- would have remained secret. Because of bills: national agreements, other than treaties en- a select committee deposition of Sid- H.R. 2499. To amend the Small Business tered into by the United States, to be trans- ney Blumenthal, a former aide to Act to increase access to capital for veteran mitted to the Congress within the sixty-day President Bill Clinton, the committee entrepreneurs, to help create jobs, and for period specified in the Case-Zablocki Act, other purposes. pursuant to 1 U.S.C. 112b; to the Committee was able to demonstrate that, despite H.R. 1626. To reduce duplication of infor- on Foreign Affairs. former Secretary Clinton’s assertions mation technology at the Department of 2325. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, to the contrary, she did not produce all Homeland Security, and for other purposes. Legislative Affairs, Department of State,

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A bill to strengthen Federal con- gram, and for other purposes; to the Com- Human Services, transmitting a report pur- sumer protection and product traceability suant to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act mittee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to with respect to commercially marketed sea- of 1998, Pub. L. 105-277, 5 U.S.C. 3345-3349d; to the Committee on Armed Services, for a pe- food, and for other purposes; to the Com- the Committee on Oversight and Govern- riod to be subsequently determined by the mittee on Energy and Commerce, and in ad- ment Reform. Speaker, in each case for consideration of dition to the Committees on Agriculture, 2327. A letter from the Executive Analyst such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- Natural Resources, and Ways and Means, for (Political), Department of Health and tion of the committee concerned. a period to be subsequently determined by Human Services, transmitting a report pur- By Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia (for him- the Speaker, in each case for consideration suant to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act self, Mr. CARTER of Georgia, Mr. of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- of 1998, Pub. L. 105-277 as codified in 5 U.S.C. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. WESTMORE- tion of the committee concerned. 3345 et seq; to the Committee on Oversight LAND, Mr. LEWIS, Mr. TOM PRICE of By Mr. POLIQUIN: and Government Reform. Georgia, Mr. WOODALL, Mr. AUSTIN H.R. 3283. A bill to amend the Fair Labor 2328. A letter from the Executive Analyst SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. COLLINS of Standards Act of 1938 to exempt from certain (Political), Department of Health and Georgia, Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia, age-related restrictions in the labor laws 16- Human Services, transmitting a report pur- Mr. LOUDERMILK, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. and 17-year-old individuals employed by suant to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act DAVID SCOTT of Georgia, and Mr. their parents in certain logging activities, of 1998, Pub. L. 105-277 as codified in 5 U.S.C. GRAVES of Georgia): and to direct the Secretary of Transpor- 3345 et seq; to the Committee on Oversight H.R. 3274. A bill to designate the facility of tation to establish a program to allow States and Government Reform. the United States Postal Service located at to enter into interstate compacts to stand- 2329. A letter from the Director, Office of 4567 Rockbridge Road in Pine Lake, Georgia, ardize the age requirements for operators of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Of- as the ‘‘Francis Manuel Ortega Post Office’’; commercial motor vehicles; to the Com- fice of the President, transmitting the FY to the Committee on Oversight and Govern- mittee on Education and the Workforce, and 2014 Accounting of Drug Control Funds Re- ment Reform. in addition to the Committee on Transpor- port and the FY 2014 Performance Summary By Mr. ELLISON: tation and Infrastructure, for a period to be Report, pursuant to Sec. 705(d) and Sec. H.R. 3275. A bill to authorize the Secretary subsequently determined by the Speaker, in 704(b)(14), respectively, of the Office of Na- of Housing and Urban Development to pro- each case for consideration of such provi- tional Drug Control Policy Reauthorization vide grants and loans to owners of dated sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the Act of 1998, as amended; to the Committee on manufactured homes for the replacement of committee concerned. Oversight and Government Reform. such dated manufactured homes with Energy By Mr. KATKO (for himself, Ms. SCHA- f Star-qualified manufactured or modular KOWSKY, Mr. COLLINS of New York, homes, and for other purposes; to the Com- Mr. KING of New York, Mr. KENNEDY, REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON mittee on Financial Services. Ms. MCCOLLUM, and Mr. LANCE): PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS By Mr. ELLISON: H.R. 3284. A bill to amend the Public Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of H.R. 3276. A bill to amend the Help Amer- Health Service Act to provide for the estab- committees were delivered to the Clerk ica Vote Act of 2002 to require States to pro- lishment of a mesothelioma patient registry, vide for same day registration; to the Com- for printing and reference to the proper and for other purposes; to the Committee on mittee on House Administration. Energy and Commerce. calendar, as follows: By Mr. ELLISON: By Mr. PASCRELL (for himself, Mr. Mr. GOODLATTE: Committee on the Judi- H.R. 3277. A bill to prohibit election offi- COHEN, Mr. CAPUANO, Ms. LINDA T. ciary. H.R. 9. A bill to amend title 35, United cials from requiring individuals to provide SA´ NCHEZ of California, Mr. LARSON of States Code, and the Leahy-Smith America photo identification as a condition of obtain- Connecticut, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Invents Act to make improvements and tech- ing or casting a ballot in an election for Fed- Illinois, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. BROWN of nical corrections, and for other purposes; eral office or registering to vote in elections Florida, Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRIS- with an amendment (Rept. 114–235). Referred for Federal office, and for other purposes; to HAM of New Mexico, Mr. BISHOP of to the Committee of the Whole House on the the Committee on House Administration. Georgia, Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia, state of the Union. By Mr. ROYCE (for himself, Mr. COOK, Mr. HONDA, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. JUDY CHU Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- Ms. HAHN, Mr. RANGEL, and Mr. of California, Mr. TAKAI, Mr. RANGEL, ural Resources. H.R. 1992. A bill to reduce PETERS): Mr. POCAN, Ms. LEE, Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, temporarily the royalty required to be paid H.R. 3278. A bill to amend title 38, United Mr. ELLISON, and Mr. THOMPSON of for sodium produced on Federal lands, and States Code, to ensure that the Secretary of California): for other purposes (Rept. 114–236). Referred Veterans Affairs is informed of the inter- H.R. 3285. A bill to provide for a study by to the Committee of the Whole House on the ment of unclaimed deceased veterans, and the Institute of Medicine on health dispari- state of the Union. for other purposes; to the Committee on Vet- ties, to direct the Secretary of Health and Mr. CHAFFETZ: Committee on Oversight erans’ Affairs. Human Services to develop guidelines on re- and Government Reform. H.R. 3116. A bill to By Mr. COLLINS of Georgia (for him- ducing health disparities, and for other pur- extend by 15 years the authority of the Sec- self, Mr. COHEN, Mrs. LUMMIS, Mr. poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- retary of Commerce to conduct the quarterly SCHRADER, Mr. GOSAR, and Mr. merce, and in addition to the Committee on financial report program (Rept. 114–237). Re- PETERSON): Ways and Means, for a period to be subse- ferred to the Committee of the Whole House H.R. 3279. A bill to amend titles 5 and 28, quently determined by the Speaker, in each on the state of the Union. United States Code, to require annual re- case for consideration of such provisions as Mr. CHAFFETZ: Committee on Oversight ports to Congress on, and the maintenance of fall within the jurisdiction of the committee and Government Reform. H.R. 1759. A bill to databases on, awards of fees and other ex- concerned. amend title 5, United States Code, to provide penses to prevailing parties in certain ad- By Mr. COOK (for himself and Ms. for the publication, by the Office of Informa- ministrative proceedings and court cases to GABBARD): tion and Regulatory Affairs, of information which the United States is a party, and for H.R. 3286. A bill to encourage effective, vol- related to rulemakings, and for other pur- other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- untary private sector investments to recruit, poses (Rept. 114–238, Pt. 1). Referred to the diciary. employ, and retain men and women who Committee of the Whole House on the state By Mr. SWALWELL of California (for have served in the United States military of the Union. himself, Mr. HUDSON, and Ms. with annual presidential awards to private Mr. GOODLATTE: Committee on the Judi- STEFANIK): sector employers recognizing such efforts, ciary. H.R. 1759. A bill to amend title 5, H.R. 3280. A bill to amend the Workforce and for other purposes; to the Committee on United States Code, to provide for the publi- Innovation and Opportunity Act to require Veterans’ Affairs. cation, by the Office of Information and Reg- one-stop delivery systems under such Act to By Mr. MARCHANT (for himself and ulatory Affairs, of information relating to offer services through Internet websites and rulemakings, and for other purposes (Rept. Mrs. BLACK): to direct the Secretary of Labor to develop H.R. 3287. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- 114–238, Pt. 2). Referred to the Committee of standards and best practices for such enue Code of 1986 to clarify the treatment of the Whole House on the state of the Union. websites, and other purposes; to the Com- banks organized as limited liability compa- f mittee on Education and the Workforce. nies; to the Committee on Ways and Means. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS By Mr. CALVERT (for himself and Mr. By Mr. MARCHANT (for himself and TAKANO): Mr. BOUSTANY): Under clause 2 of rule XII, public H.R. 3281. A bill to authorize the purchase H.R. 3288. A bill to amend title XVIII of the bills and resolutions of the following of a small parcel of Natural Resources Con- Social Security Act to change the method of

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determining disproportionate share hospital Ms. JENKINS of Kansas, Mr. SALMON, GENE GREEN of Texas, Ms. MCCOL- (DSH) payments under the Medicare pro- Mr. CONAWAY, Mr. HARPER, Mr. LUM, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. LANGEVIN, gram, and for other purposes; to the Com- LAMALFA, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. GRAYSON, Ms. LINDA mittee on Ways and Means. GOHMERT, Mr. CURBELO of Florida, T. SA´ NCHEZ of California, and Mr. By Mr. LOWENTHAL (for himself, Mr. Mr. ROUZER, Mr. COLLINS of Georgia, COHEN): GRIJALVA, Ms. NORTON, Mr. GALLEGO, Mr. POE of Texas, and Mr. NUGENT): H.R. 3304. A bill to require foreign manu- Mr. BEYER, Mr. POCAN, Mr. POLIS, Mr. H.R. 3296. A bill to clarify that the oath of facturers of products imported into the CARTWRIGHT, Mr. TONKO, Ms. CASTOR allegiance to the United States administered United States to establish registered agents of Florida, Mr. HONDA, Mr. VAN HOL- in the naturalization process may not be al- in the United States who are authorized to LEN, and Ms. MCCOLLUM): tered; to the Committee on the Judiciary. accept service of process against such manu- H.R. 3289. A bill to prevent the waste of gas By Mr. GRIFFITH: facturers; to the Committee on Energy and produced under oil and gas leases on Federal H.R. 3297. A bill to reform the National Commerce, and in addition to the Commit- land and to collect royalty on all gas produc- Flood Insurance Program, and for other pur- tees on Ways and Means, and Agriculture, tion; to the Committee on Natural Re- poses; to the Committee on Financial Serv- for a period to be subsequently determined sources. ices. by the Speaker, in each case for consider- By Ms. JACKSON LEE (for herself, Mr. By Mr. BRADY of Texas (for himself ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- LEWIS, Mr. CONYERS, Ms. NORTON, Mr. and Mr. KIND): risdiction of the committee concerned. COHEN, Mrs. DINGELL, Mr. HINOJOSA, H.R. 3298. A bill to amend title XVIII of the By Mr. HURD of Texas (for himself, Mr. CUELLAR, Mr. JOHNSON of Geor- Social Security Act to provide for value- Mr. MCCAUL, and Mr. RATCLIFFE): gia, Mr. MEEKS, Mr. CARSON of Indi- based purchasing of post-acute care services H.R. 3305. A bill to help enhance American ana, Mr. VEASEY, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS under the Medicare program, and for other network security and mitigate cybersecurity of Illinois, and Mrs. KIRKPATRICK): purposes; to the Committee on Ways and risks, and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 3290. A bill to award a Congressional Means, and in addition to the Committee on mittee on Oversight and Government Re- Gold Medal to Lyndon Baines Johnson, the Energy and Commerce, for a period to be form, and in addition to the Committee on 36th President of the United States whose vi- subsequently determined by the Speaker, in Homeland Security, for a period to be subse- sionary leadership secured passage of the each case for consideration of such provi- quently determined by the Speaker, in each landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, Social sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the case for consideration of such provisions as Security Amendments Act (Medicare) of 1965, committee concerned. fall within the jurisdiction of the committee Civil Rights Act of 1964, Higher Education By Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana (for her- concerned. Act of 1965, and Immigration and Naturaliza- self and Ms. ESHOO): By Mr. RUSH: tion Act of 1965; to the Committee on Finan- H.R. 3299. A bill to amend the Public H.R. 3306. A bill to authorize the export of cial Services. Health Service Act to ensure preparedness energy resources, energy technologies, and By Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin: for chemical, radiological, biological, and related services to Cuba, and for other pur- H.R. 3291. A bill to amend title XVIII of the nuclear threats, and for other purposes; to poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- Social Security Act to develop a crosswalk the Committee on Energy and Commerce. merce, and in addition to the Committee on between HCPCS and MS-DRG codes for simi- By Mr. PITTENGER (for himself and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subse- lar hospital services; to the Committee on Ms. SINEMA): quently determined by the Speaker, in each Ways and Means, and in addition to the Com- H.R. 3300. A bill to reduce waste and imple- case for consideration of such provisions as mittee on Energy and Commerce, for a pe- ment cost savings and revenue enhancement fall within the jurisdiction of the committee riod to be subsequently determined by the for the Federal Government; to the Com- concerned. Speaker, in each case for consideration of mittee on Oversight and Government Re- By Mrs. HARTZLER: such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- form, and in addition to the Committees on H.R. 3307. A bill to amend the Richard B. tion of the committee concerned. Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Russell National School Lunch Act by re- By Mr. BRADY of Texas: Foreign Affairs, Financial Services, House pealing the paid lunch equity requirements; H.R. 3292. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Administration, and Rules, for a period to be to the Committee on Education and the Social Security Act to revise Medicare pay- subsequently determined by the Speaker, in Workforce. ment for indirect medical education (IME) each case for consideration of such provi- By Mr. GRAYSON (for himself, Mr. costs in teaching hospitals; to the Com- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania, mittee on Ways and Means. committee concerned. Ms. BROWN of Florida, Mrs. BUSTOS, By Mr. SMITH of Texas (for himself, By Mr. JOLLY: Mr. POCAN, Ms. JUDY CHU of Cali- Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. LUCAS, Mr. GRAY- H.R. 3301. A bill to prohibit Federal fund- fornia, Mr. CLYBURN, Mr. COHEN, Mr. SON, Mrs. COMSTOCK, Mr. MOOLENAAR, ing of Planned Parenthood Federation of DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. Mr. WEBER of Texas, Mr. KNIGHT, Mr. America; to the Committee on Energy and DELANEY, Ms. DELAURO, Mrs. DIN- BRIDENSTINE, Mr. WESTERMAN, Mr. Commerce. GELL, Mr. DOGGETT, Ms. EDWARDS, BABIN, Mr. BROOKS of Alabama, Mr. By Mr. OLSON (for himself, Mr. ROE of Mr. ENGEL, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. FARR, LOUDERMILK, Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio, Tennessee, and Mr. BABIN): Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Ms. Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. NEUGEBAUER, H.R. 3302. A bill to sunset the authority ex- HAHN, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. HINOJOSA, Mr. POSEY, Mr. PALMER, Mr. ABRA- ercised by the Secretary of Homeland Secu- Mr. HONDA, Mr. KENNEDY, Mrs. HAM, and Mr. NEWHOUSE): rity through U.S. Citizenship and Immigra- LOWEY, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. NADLER, H.R. 3293. A bill to provide for greater ac- tion Services, and for other purposes; to the Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. NOLAN, Mr. countability in Federal funding for scientific Committee on the Judiciary. PAYNE, Mr. PERLMUTTER, Ms. PIN- research, to promote the progress of science By Mr. CARTWRIGHT (for himself, Mr. GREE, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. RUP- in the United States that serves that na- RYAN of Ohio, Mr. LOWENTHAL, and PERSBERGER, Mr. RUSH, Ms. LINDA T. tional interest; to the Committee on Mr. GRIJALVA): SA´ NCHEZ of California, Mr. SCOTT of Science, Space, and Technology. H.R. 3303. A bill to amend the Mineral Virginia, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. SIRES, By Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina Leasing Act to improve coal royalties, and Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. VEASEY, Ms. (for herself, Mr. DEFAZIO, and Mr. for other purposes; to the Committee on Nat- VELA´ ZQUEZ, Ms. MAXINE WATERS of ROONEY of Florida): ural Resources, and in addition to the Com- California, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, H.R. 3294. A bill to establish a program to mittees on Energy and Commerce, Transpor- Mr. YARMUTH, Mr. DESAULNIER, Mr. assist in the importation and care of abused, tation and Infrastructure, and Financial TAKAI, Mr. GARAMENDI, Mr. TAKANO, injured, or abandoned nonhuman primates; Services, for a period to be subsequently de- Mr. VELA, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. termined by the Speaker, in each case for LOWENTHAL, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mrs. By Mr. CUMMINGS: consideration of such provisions as fall with- TORRES, Mr. CLAY, Mr. CARTWRIGHT, H.R. 3295. A bill to make supplemental ap- in the jurisdiction of the committee con- Ms. BASS, Mr. CONYERS, Ms. JACKSON propriations for fiscal year 2015; to the Com- cerned. LEE, Mr. DEUTCH, Mr. ASHFORD, Ms. mittee on Appropriations, and in addition to By Mr. CARTWRIGHT (for himself, Ms. KELLY of Illinois, Ms. MOORE, Mr. the Committee on the Budget, for a period to BONAMICI, Mr. BRADY of Pennsyl- ELLISON, Mr. CICILLINE, Ms. be subsequently determined by the Speaker, vania, Ms. BROWNLEY of California, BROWNLEY of California, Mr. CASTRO in each case for consideration of such provi- Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. DOGGETT, Ms. of Texas, Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Geor- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the EDWARDS, Mr. ELLISON, Ms. ESHOO, gia, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Ms. LEE, Mr. committee concerned. Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. JOHNSON of CUMMINGS, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. By Mrs. BLACK (for herself, Mr. MIL- Georgia, Mr. JONES, Ms. KELLY of Il- RANGEL, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, LER of Florida, Mr. BARLETTA, Mr. linois, Ms. KUSTER, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsyl- DUNCAN of Tennessee, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. MURPHY of Florida, Mr. POCAN, vania, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, and Mr. FINCHER, Mr. FLEISCHMANN, Mr. Mr. POSEY, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. Mr. LANGEVIN): DONOVAN, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. SWALWELL of California, Mr. VELA, H.R. 3308. A bill to expand Medicare cov- OLSON, Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mr. Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Mr. YAR- erage to include eyeglasses, hearing aids, and BABIN, Mr. PEARCE, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, MUTH, Mr. TURNER, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. dental care; to the Committee on Energy and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00169 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L29JY7.100 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5764 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 Commerce, and in addition to the Committee to the maximum cost of projects, and for By Mr. COLLINS of Georgia (for him- on Ways and Means, for a period to be subse- other purposes; to the Committee on Trans- self, Mr. NADLER, Mr. HOLDING, Mr. quently determined by the Speaker, in each portation and Infrastructure. JEFFRIES, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. CONYERS, case for consideration of such provisions as By Mr. BARLETTA (for himself, Mr. Mr. SMITH of Texas, Ms. DELBENE, fall within the jurisdiction of the committee DESAULNIER, Mr. THOMPSON of Penn- Mr. HANNA, Mr. RICHMOND, Mr. concerned. sylvania, and Ms. PINGREE): MARINO, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. By Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina: H.R. 3316. A bill to amend the Richard B. REED, Mr. GUTHRIE, Mr. FARENTHOLD, H.R. 3309. A bill to amend titles XVIII and Russell National School Lunch Act to re- and Mr. DEUTCH): XIX of the Social Security Act to improve quire the Secretary of Agriculture to make H.R. 3326. A bill to amend chapter 90 of the electronic health records meaningful use loan guarantees and grants to finance cer- title 18, United States Code, to provide Fed- programs under the Medicare and Medicaid tain improvements to school lunch facilities, eral jurisdiction for the theft of trade se- programs, and for other purposes; to the to train school food service personnel, and crets, and for other purposes; to the Com- Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in for other purposes; to the Committee on mittee on the Judiciary. addition to the Committee on Ways and Education and the Workforce, and in addi- By Mr. COLLINS of New York: Means, for a period to be subsequently deter- tion to the Committees on Agriculture, and H.R. 3327. A bill to prohibit the awarding of mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- Appropriations, for a period to be subse- Federal Pell Grants to incarcerated individ- sideration of such provisions as fall within quently determined by the Speaker, in each uals, and for other purposes; to the Com- the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. case for consideration of such provisions as mittee on Education and the Workforce. By Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN (for herself, fall within the jurisdiction of the committee By Mr. COLLINS of New York (for him- Mr. CURBELO of Florida, Mr. DIAZ- concerned. self, Mr. DENHAM, Mr. KATKO, and Mr. BALART, Mr. DUNCAN of South Caro- By Mr. BILIRAKIS (for himself, Ms. HANNA): lina, Mr. WITTMAN, Mr. GRAVES of ESTY, and Mr. JOLLY): H.R. 3328. A bill to require Federal agen- Louisiana, Mr. LAMALFA, Mrs. H.R. 3317. A bill to require the Government cies to review certain rules and regulations, RADEWAGEN, Mr. MILLER of Florida, Accountability Office to conduct periodic re- and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ms. GRAHAM, Mr. YOHO, Mr. CREN- views of the flood insurance rates and flood the Judiciary, and in addition to the Com- SHAW, Mr. DESANTIS, Mr. MICA, Mr. insurance rate maps under the national flood mittees on Small Business, and Oversight POSEY, Mr. WEBSTER of Florida, Mr. insurance program, and for other purposes; and Government Reform, for a period to be NUGENT, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. JOLLY, to the Committee on Financial Services. subsequently determined by the Speaker, in Mr. ROSS, Mr. BUCHANAN, Mr. ROONEY By Mr. BLUM (for himself and Mr. each case for consideration of such provi- of Florida, Mr. CARTER of Georgia, CRAMER): sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the H.R. 3318. A bill to require the Secretary of Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia, Mrs. committee concerned. the Treasury to modify regulations to in- WALORSKI, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mr. ABRA- By Mr. CONAWAY: crease the amount of the de minimis safe HAM, Mr. JONES, Mr. GUINTA, Mr. H.R. 3329. A bill to increase the number of harbor election for exemption from capital SENSENBRENNER, and Mr. GROTHMAN): operational aircraft carriers; to the Com- H.R. 3310. A bill to preserve access to pub- expenditures for taxpayers without certain mittee on Armed Services. lic waters and maintain the vital role of financial statements; to the Committee on By Mr. COOPER (for himself and Mr. States in fisheries management decisions; to Ways and Means. MULVANEY): the Committee on Natural Resources. By Mr. BLUMENAUER (for himself and H.R. 3330. A bill to prohibit the consider- By Mr. BLUMENAUER (for himself, Mr. HUFFMAN): ation in the House of Representatives of any H.R. 3319. A bill to direct the Postmaster Mr. CONYERS, Mr. POLIS, Ms. legislation containing an earmark; to the General to conduct a pilot program to pro- DELAURO, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mrs. CAPPS, Committee on Rules. vide nonpostal services at certain post of- Mr. RANGEL, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. By Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois: fices, and for other purposes; to the Com- POCAN, Ms. NORTON, Mr. WELCH, Ms. H.R. 3331. A bill to amend the Safe and mittee on Oversight and Government Re- TSONGAS, Mr. HONDA, Mr. Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act to form, and in addition to the Committee on MCDERMOTT, Ms. EDWARDS, Ms. include bullying and harassment prevention the Judiciary, for a period to be subse- MCCOLLUM, Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. programs; to the Committee on Education quently determined by the Speaker, in each MCGOVERN, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. TED and the Workforce. case for consideration of such provisions as By Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois LIEU of California, and Mr. PAS- fall within the jurisdiction of the committee (for himself and Mr. RUSH): CRELL): concerned. H.R. 3311. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- H.R. 3332. A bill to amend title 18, United By Mr. BOUSTANY: States Code, to provide a criminal penalty enue Code of 1986 to repeal fossil fuel sub- H.R. 3320. A bill to amend title 38, United for torture committed by law enforcement sidies for oil companies; to the Committee States Code, to authorize the Secretary of officers and others acting under color of law; on Ways and Means. Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts with to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Ms. ADAMS (for herself, Mr. administrative contractors for the proc- PITTENGER, Mr. KATKO, and Ms. By Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois: essing of claims for hospital care and med- H.R. 3333. A bill to amend title 18, United MENG): ical services furnished in non-Department of States Code, to restore the former system of H.R. 3312. A bill to amend title 38, United Veterans Affairs facilities; to the Committee good time allowances toward service of Fed- States Code, to authorize the Secretary of on Veterans’ Affairs. eral prison terms, and for other purposes; to Veterans Affairs to make grants for estab- By Mr. BOUSTANY: lishing coordinated networks of services and H.R. 3321. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- the Committee on the Judiciary. resources for veterans and their families; to enue Code of 1986 to allow the volumetric ex- By Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois (for the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. cise tax credit for liquid fuel derived from himself and Mr. NADLER): H.R. 3334. A bill to direct the Secretary of By Mr. MCCAUL (for himself and Mr. natural gas through the Fischer-Tropsch Transportation to issue regulations with re- RATCLIFFE): process; to the Committee on Ways and H.R. 3313. A bill to amend the Homeland Means. spect to ensuring families are able to sit to- Security Act of 2002 to strengthen the ability By Mr. BUTTERFIELD: gether on flights, and for other purposes; to of the Secretary of Homeland Security to de- H.R. 3322. A bill to establish a Residence the Committee on Transportation and Infra- tect and prevent intrusions against, and to Star program, and for other purposes; to the structure. use countermeasures to protect, agency in- Committee on Energy and Commerce. By Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois (for formation systems, and for other purposes; By Mr. CARTER of Georgia: himself, Mr. BOST, and Mr. WALZ): to the Committee on Oversight and Govern- H.R. 3323. A bill to amend title XXVII of H.R. 3335. A bill to amend title 38, United ment Reform, and in addition to the Com- the Public Health Service Act to improve States Code, to provide certain employees of mittee on Homeland Security, for a period to health care coverage under vision and dental Members of Congress and certain employees be subsequently determined by the Speaker, plans, and for other purposes; to the Com- of State or local governmental agencies with in each case for consideration of such provi- mittee on Energy and Commerce. access to case-tracking information of the sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the By Mr. CICILLINE (for himself and Mr. Department of Veterans Affairs; to the Com- committee concerned. WILSON of South Carolina): mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. By Mr. BABIN: H.R. 3324. A bill to direct the Secretary of By Ms. DEGETTE: H.R. 3314. A bill to suspend the admission Defense to submit to Congress a report re- H.R. 3336. A bill to designate certain lands into the United States of refugees in order to garding opportunities to equip certain for- in the State of Colorado as components of examine the costs of providing benefits to eign military entities, and for other pur- the National Wilderness Preservation Sys- such individuals, and for other purposes; to poses; to the Committee on Armed Services. tem, and for other purposes; to the Com- the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mr. CICILLINE (for himself, Mr. mittee on Natural Resources. By Mr. BABIN (for himself, Mr. GENE COSTA, Mr. HONDA, Mr. KEATING, and By Ms. DELAURO (for herself, Mr. GREEN of Texas, and Mr. POE of Mr. MCGOVERN): BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania, Texas): H.R. 3325. A bill to establish the Azores Co- Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, H.R. 3315. A bill to amend the Water Re- operative Initiative Program; to the Com- Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Ms. JUDY CHU of sources Development Act of 1986 with respect mittee on Foreign Affairs. California, Mr. CICILLINE, Ms. CLARK

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of Massachusetts, Mr. CLAY, Mr. CON- nancial Research, and for other purposes; to H.R. 3351. A bill to provide for cost-of-liv- YERS, Ms. DELBENE, Mr. DESAULNIER, the Committee on Financial Services. ing increases for certain Federal benefits Mr. DEUTCH, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mr. By Ms. ESHOO: programs based on increases in the Con- ELLISON, Ms. ESHOO, Ms. ESTY, Mr. H.R. 3341. A bill to designate the portion of sumer Price Index for the elderly; to the FARR, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. GARAMENDI, Moffett Federal Airfield, California, con- Committee on Ways and Means, and in addi- Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Mr. GENE taining the 129th Rescue Wing of the Cali- tion to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs, GREEN of Texas, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. fornia Air National Guard as Moffett Air Na- Oversight and Government Reform, and JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. HECK of tional Guard Base; to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subse- Washington, Mr. HIMES, Ms. NORTON, Armed Services. quently determined by the Speaker, in each Mr. HONDA, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. By Mr. FLEMING: case for consideration of such provisions as ISRAEL, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. KEATING, H.R. 3342. A bill to provide for stability of fall within the jurisdiction of the committee Ms. KUSTER, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. LAR- title to certain lands in the State of Lou- concerned. SEN of Washington, Mr. LARSON of isiana, and for other purposes; to the Com- By Mr. HULTGREN: Connecticut, Mrs. LAWRENCE, Ms. mittee on Natural Resources. H.R. 3352. A bill to amend the Patient Pro- LEE, Mr. LIPINSKI, Ms. LOFGREN, Mr. By Mr. FOSTER (for himself and Mr. tection and Affordable Care Act and the In- LOWENTHAL, Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. LYNCH, DEUTCH): ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide great- Ms. MATSUI, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. H.R. 3343. A bill to provide for improve- er flexibility with respect to waivers granted MCGOVERN, Mr. NOLAN, Ms. PINGREE, ments in the treatment of detainees, and for to States, and for other purposes; to the Mr. POCAN, Mr. PRICE of North Caro- other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in lina, Mr. RICHMOND, Mr. RYAN of diciary. addition to the Committee on Ways and Ohio, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. SCOTT of Vir- By Ms. FRANKEL of Florida (for her- Means, for a period to be subsequently deter- ginia, Mr. SERRANO, Ms. SLAUGHTER, self, Mr. CLEAVER, and Mr. CICILLINE): mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- Ms. SPEIER, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. TONKO, H.R. 3344. A bill to enhance the capabilities sideration of such provisions as fall within Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. VEASEY, Mr. of metropolitan planning organizations, and the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. WALZ, Mr. WELCH, Mr. YARMUTH, Ms. for other purposes; to the Committee on By Mr. HUNTER (for himself, Mr. CLARKE of New York, Ms. BONAMICI, Transportation and Infrastructure. MCCLINTOCK, and Mr. CALVERT): Ms. EDWARDS, Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. By Mr. GOSAR (for himself, Mrs. KIRK- H.R. 3353. A bill to amend the Federal SARBANES, Mr. AGUILAR, and Mr. PATRICK, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. Water Pollution Control Act to limit attor- CA´ RDENAS): AMODEI, and Ms. SINEMA): ney fees and penalties in citizen suits, and H.R. 3337. A bill to facilitate efficient in- H.R. 3345. A bill to amend the Radiation for other purposes; to the Committee on vestments and financing of infrastructure Exposure Compensation Act for purposes of Transportation and Infrastructure. projects and new job creation through the es- making claims under such Act based on ex- By Ms. JACKSON LEE (for herself and tablishment of a National Infrastructure De- posure to atmospheric nuclear testing, and Mr. CONYERS): velopment Bank, and for other purposes; to for other purposes; to the Committee on H.R. 3354. A bill to amend title 18, United the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and in addition to the Com- States Code, to provide an alternate release and in addition to the Committees on Trans- mittee on the Judiciary, for a period to be date for certain nonviolent offenders, to portation and Infrastructure, Financial subsequently determined by the Speaker, in amend title 18, United States Code, with re- Services, and Ways and Means, for a period each case for consideration of such provi- spect to the computation of the good time to be subsequently determined by the Speak- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the credit toward service of sentences of impris- er, in each case for consideration of such pro- committee concerned. onment, and for other purposes; to the Com- visions as fall within the jurisdiction of the By Ms. GRAHAM: mittee on the Judiciary. committee concerned. H.R. 3346. A bill to provide support for the By Ms. JENKINS of Kansas (for herself By Mr. DUFFY (for himself, Mr. CON- development of middle school career explo- and Mr. LEWIS): NOLLY, Ms. DELBENE, Ms. ROS- ration programs linked to career and tech- H.R. 3355. A bill to amend title XVIII of the LEHTINEN, Mr. MULVANEY, Mr. nical education programs of study; to the Social Security Act to allow physician as- AMODEI, Mrs. KIRKPATRICK, Mr. Committee on Education and the Workforce. sistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. CLYBURN, Ms. By Mr. AL GREEN of Texas (for him- nurse specialists to supervise cardiac, inten- JACKSON LEE, Mr. COLE, Mr. SMITH of self, Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. sive cardiac, and pulmonary rehabilitation Nebraska, Mr. ASHFORD, Ms. KUSTER, RANGEL, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illi- programs; to the Committee on Energy and Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. POLIQUIN, Ms. nois, Mr. BURGESS, and Mr. OLSON): Commerce, and in addition to the Committee BROWNLEY of California, Mr. WEBER H.R. 3347. A bill to amend title XIX of the on Ways and Means, for a period to be subse- of Texas, Mr. KILMER, Mr. JODY B. Social Security Act to provide incentives for quently determined by the Speaker, in each HICE of Georgia, Mr. KING of New education on the risk of renal medullary car- case for consideration of such provisions as York, Mr. BENISHEK, Mr. WESTMORE- cinoma in individuals who are receiving fall within the jurisdiction of the committee LAND, and Mr. KNIGHT): medical assistance under such title and who concerned. H.R. 3338. A bill to establish a fund to have Sickle Cell Disease; to the Committee By Ms. JENKINS of Kansas (for herself make payments to the Americans held hos- on Energy and Commerce. and Mr. BLUMENAUER): tage in Iran and their immediate family By Mr. AL GREEN of Texas (for him- H.R. 3356. A bill to amend titles XVIII and members, who are identified as members of self, Mr. POE of Texas, and Mr. XIX of the Social Security Act with respect the proposed class in case number 1:00-CV- DUFFY): to the qualification of the director of food 03110 (EGS) of the United States District H.R. 3348. A bill to direct the Attorney services of a Medicare skilled nursing facil- Court for the District of Columbia, and for General to create a special reward program ity or a Medicaid nursing facility; to the other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- for individuals providing information leading Committee on Ways and Means, and in addi- diciary, and in addition to the Committees to the apprehension and conviction of per- tion to the Committee on Energy and Com- on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means, for sons committing offenses under section 1030 merce, for a period to be subsequently deter- a period to be subsequently determined by of title 18, United States Code, and for other mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- the Speaker, in each case for consideration purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- sideration of such provisions as fall within of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- ary. the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. tion of the committee concerned. By Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER (for her- By Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio: By Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina self and Mr. SCHRADER): H.R. 3357. A bill to amend the Mineral (for herself, Ms. WASSERMAN H.R. 3349. A bill to amend the Water Re- Leasing Act to require payment to counties SCHULTZ, and Mrs. BLACKBURN): sources Development Act of 2000 to allow of a portion of revenues received by the H.R. 3339. A bill to amend title XVIII of the certain private entities to receive expedited United States under Federal oil and gas Social Security Act to protect coverage for permits; to the Committee on Transpor- leases; to the Committee on Natural Re- screening mamography; to the Committee on tation and Infrastructure. sources. Energy and Commerce, and in addition to By Mr. HIGGINS (for himself, Mr. By Mr. KEATING (for himself and Mr. the Committee on Ways and Means, for a pe- THOMPSON of Mississippi, and Mr. KATKO): riod to be subsequently determined by the KING of New York): H.R. 3358. A bill to require the Secretary of Speaker, in each case for consideration of H.R. 3350. A bill to require a terrorism Homeland Security to ensure that sex of- such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- threat assessment regarding the transpor- fenders to be released from the custody of tion of the committee concerned. tation of chemical, biological, nuclear, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are By Mr. EMMER of Minnesota: radiological materials through United States registered on sex offender registry, and rel- H.R. 3340. A bill to place the Financial Sta- land borders and within the United States, evant State, tribal, and local authorities are bility Oversight Council and the Office of Fi- and for other purposes; to the Committee on notified of their release, and for other pur- nancial Research under the regular appro- Homeland Security. poses; to the Committee on the Judiciary. priations process, to provide for certain By Mr. HONDA (for himself, Mr. ELLI- By Mr. KILMER (for himself, Mrs. quarterly reporting and public notice and SON, Mr. GRAYSON, Mr. GARAMENDI, BROOKS of Indiana, Ms. BONAMICI, and comment requirements for the Office of Fi- Mrs. LAWRENCE, and Mr. CONYERS): Mr. HANNA):

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00171 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L29JY7.100 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5766 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 H.R. 3359. A bill to provide for loan repay- By Mr. LEWIS: system before being allowed to transfer a ment for teachers in high-need schools; to H.R. 3367. A bill to reauthorize the Assets firearm to a prospective transferee; to the the Committee on Education and the Work- for Independence Act, to provide for the ap- Committee on the Judiciary. force. proval of applications to operate new dem- By Mrs. LOWEY: By Mr. KILMER (for himself and Mr. onstration programs and to renew existing H.R. 3376. A bill to authorize States to RIGELL): programs, to enhance program flexibility, carry out bridge construction, maintenance, H.R. 3360. A bill to provide for identity pro- and for other purposes; to the Committee on repair, and replacement projects using pre- tection coverage and other services for indi- Ways and Means. viously allocated surface transportation viduals exposed to the OPM security By Mr. LEWIS: funds that are identified as being excess or breaches, and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 3368. A bill to amend title XX of the inactive, and for other purposes; to the Com- mittee on Oversight and Government Re- Social Security Act to provide grants to sup- mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- form. port job creation initiatives, and for other ture. By Mr. KING of New York (for himself, purposes; to the Committee on Ways and By Mrs. LOWEY (for herself, Mr. CART- Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. BARLETTA, Mr. Means. WRIGHT, Mr. SCHIFF, Ms. NORTON, Mr. KATKO, and Mr. DONOVAN): By Mr. LOEBSACK: GRIJALVA, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. BROWN of H.R. 3361. A bill to amend the Homeland H.R. 3369. A bill to establish an Office of Florida, Ms. EDWARDS, Mr. Security Act of 2002 to establish the Insider Rural Education Policy in the Department of MCDERMOTT, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. Threat Program, and for other purposes; to Education, make other modifications to Fed- MCCOLLUM, Ms. MATSUI, Ms. the Committee on Homeland Security. eral law to improve rural schools, and for DELAURO, Mr. POCAN, Ms. MICHELLE By Ms. KUSTER: other purposes; to the Committee on Edu- LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico, Mrs. H.R. 3362. A bill to allow employers a cred- cation and the Workforce, and in addition to KIRKPATRICK, Mr. GALLEGO, Ms. it against income tax as an incentive to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a pe- FRANKEL of Florida, Mr. NADLER, Ms. partner with community colleges or other riod to be subsequently determined by the KUSTER, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mrs. DIN- educational institutions to improve work- Speaker, in each case for consideration of GELL, Ms. PLASKETT, Mr. VAN HOL- force development and job training for stu- such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- LEN, Ms. LEE, Mr. CONYERS, Ms. dents; to the Committee on Ways and Means. tion of the committee concerned. CLARKE of New York, Ms. MOORE, Ms. By Mr. LAMALFA (for himself, Mr. By Ms. LOFGREN (for herself and Mr. BROWNLEY of California, Ms. SLAUGH- DEFAZIO, Mr. STEWART, Mr. ZINKE, GUTIE´ RREZ): TER, Ms. SINEMA, Mr. FATTAH, Ms. Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, H.R. 3370. A bill to amend the Immigration MENG, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Ms. Ms. DEGETTE, and Ms. SINEMA): and Nationality Act to promote innovation, SPEIER, Mr. DELANEY, Mr. QUIGLEY, H.R. 3363. A bill to implement reforms to investment, and research in the United Mr. HONDA, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. the Federal land management agency fire States, and for other purposes; to the Com- ENGEL, Ms. TITUS, Ms. CLARK of Mas- programs in order to address the complex- mittee on the Judiciary, and in addition to sachusetts, Mr. MCGOVERN, and Mr. ities of 21st century wildfires in a more cost- the Committees on Education and the Work- TAKANO): effective and efficient manner; to the Com- force, and Rules, for a period to be subse- H.R. 3377. A bill to amend title II of the So- mittee on Oversight and Government Re- quently determined by the Speaker, in each cial Security Act to credit prospectively in- form. case for consideration of such provisions as dividuals serving as caregivers of dependent By Mr. LARSEN of Washington (for fall within the jurisdiction of the committee relatives with deemed wages for up to five himself, Mrs. BEATTY, Mr. BLU- concerned. years of such service; to the Committee on MENAUER, Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Ms. JUDY By Mr. LOUDERMILK (for himself, Mr. Ways and Means. CHU of California, Mr. CLAY, Mr. CLY- CARTER of Georgia, and Mr. WEST- By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of BURN, Mr. COHEN, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. MORELAND): New York (for herself, Ms. BONAMICI, DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. H.R. 3371. A bill to adjust the boundary of Ms. SLAUGHTER, Ms. FRANKEL of Flor- DELBENE, Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. ELLISON, the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield ida, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mrs. DAVIS of Ms. HAHN, Mr. HECK of Washington, Park to include the Wallis House and California, Mr. PRICE of North Caro- Mr. HIMES, Mr. ISRAEL, Ms. JACKSON Harriston Hill, and for other purposes; to the lina, Ms. SPEIER, Mr. DEUTCH, Ms. LEE, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. Committee on Natural Resources. NORTON, Mr. RANGEL, Ms. LEE, Mr. FARR, Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of By Mrs. LOVE (for herself, Mr. WELCH, SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New York, New York, Ms. NORTON, Mr. RICH- Mr. GOWDY, Mr. HUNTER, and Ms. and Ms. MOORE): MOND, Mr. SMITH of Washington, Ms. FUDGE): H.R. 3378. A bill to direct the Federal TSONGAS, Mr. DEUTCH, Mr. KILMER, H.R. 3372. A bill to establish the Higher Trade Commission to prescribe rules prohib- Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Ms. Education Regulatory Reform Task Force, iting deceptive advertising of abortion serv- ESTY, Mr. MEEKS, Ms. TITUS, Mr. to expand the experimental sites initiative ices; to the Committee on Energy and Com- BISHOP of Georgia, and Mr. RUSH): under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to re- merce. H.R. 3364. A bill to amend the Help Amer- duce college costs for students, and for other By Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of ica Vote Act of 2002 to permit an individual purposes; to the Committee on Education New York (for himself and Mr. who is subject to a requirement to present and the Workforce, and in addition to the HANNA): identification as a condition of voting in an Committee on Rules, for a period to be sub- H.R. 3379. A bill to direct the Adminis- election for Federal office to meet such re- sequently determined by the Speaker, in trator of the Federal Aviation Administra- quirement by presenting a sworn written each case for consideration of such provi- tion to initiate a rulemaking with respect to statement attesting to the individual’s iden- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the aircraft medical kits, and for other purposes; tification, and for other purposes; to the committee concerned. to the Committee on Transportation and In- Committee on House Administration. By Mr. LOWENTHAL: frastructure. By Mr. LARSEN of Washington (for H.R. 3373. A bill to amend title 38, United By Mr. MARINO (for himself and Mr. himself, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Ms. TITUS, States Code, to direct the Secretary of Vet- PIERLUISI): Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. RUSH, Mr. erans Affairs to review certain whistleblower H.R. 3380. A bill to provide the Department SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New York, complaints; to the Committee on Veterans’ of Justice with additional tools to target and Ms. DELBENE): Affairs. extraterritorial drug trafficking activity, H.R. 3365. A bill to improve the reproduc- By Mr. LOWENTHAL: and for other purposes; to the Committee on tive assistance provided by the Department H.R. 3374. A bill to amend title 38, United the Judiciary, and in addition to the Com- of Defense and the Department of Veterans States Code, to provide for the payment of mittee on Energy and Commerce, for a pe- Affairs to severely wounded, ill, or injured childcare assistance to certain single parents riod to be subsequently determined by the members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and who are participating in a Department of Speaker, in each case for consideration of their spouses or partners, and for other pur- Veterans Affairs vocational rehabilitation such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- poses; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- program, and for other purposes; to the Com- tion of the committee concerned. fairs, and in addition to the Committee on mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. By Mr. MCCAUL (for himself, Mr. VAN Armed Services, for a period to be subse- By Mrs. LOWEY (for herself, Mrs. HOLLEN, Ms. SPEIER, Mr. FLORES, Mr. quently determined by the Speaker, in each CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York, FITZPATRICK, Mr. HINOJOSA, Mr. STIV- case for consideration of such provisions as Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. DESAULNIER, Ms. ERS, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. KING of New fall within the jurisdiction of the committee FRANKEL of Florida, Ms. LEE, Mr. York, Ms. EDWARDS, Mrs. COMSTOCK, concerned. ENGEL, Mr. HONDA, Mr. BEYER, Mr. Mr. HANNA, Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of By Mrs. LAWRENCE: JOHNSON of Georgia, and Mr. New Mexico, Mr. HUNTER, Mr. PAS- H.R. 3366. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- SERRANO): CRELL, Mr. GARAMENDI, Ms. JACKSON cation Act of 1965 to allow an individual to H.R. 3375. A bill to amend chapter 44 of LEE, Ms. WILSON of Florida, Mr. qualify for both teacher loan forgiveness and title 18, United States Code, to extend the VEASEY, Mr. HIMES, Ms. CLARK of public service loan forgiveness, and for other period during which a firearms licensee is re- Massachusetts, Ms. CASTOR of Flor- purposes; to the Committee on Education quired to wait for a response from the na- ida, Mr. SIRES, Ms. TITUS, Mr. NOLAN, and the Workforce. tional instant criminal background check Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr.

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RANGEL, and Ms. FRANKEL of Flor- By Mr. NUNES (for himself, Mr. freight network, and for other purposes; to ida): LAMALFA, Mr. VALADAO, Mrs. MIMI the Committee on Transportation and Infra- H.R. 3381. A bill to maximize discovery, WALTERS of California, Mr. KLINE, structure. and accelerate development and availability, and Mr. COOK): By Mr. RICHMOND (for himself, Mr. of promising childhood cancer treatments, H.R. 3389. A bill to amend section 320301 of CHAFFETZ, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. and for other purposes; to the Committee on title 54, United States Code, to require cer- ROONEY of Florida, Mr. THOMPSON of Energy and Commerce. tain procedures for designating national Mississippi, and Mr. CLYBURN): By Mr. MCCLINTOCK (for himself and monuments, and for other purposes; to the H.R. 3399. A bill to develop and implement Mr. AMODEI): Committee on Natural Resources. national standards for the use of solitary H.R. 3382. A bill to amend the Lake Tahoe By Mr. PASCRELL (for himself, Mr. confinement in correctional facilities, and Restoration Act to enhance recreational op- FITZPATRICK, and Mr. NEAL): for other purposes; to the Committee on the portunities, environmental restoration ac- H.R. 3390. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Judiciary. tivities, and forest management activities in enue Code of 1986 to provide credits for the By Mr. ROHRABACHER (for himself, the Lake Tahoe Basin, and for other pur- production of renewable chemicals and in- Mr. KING of Iowa, and Mr. GOHMERT): poses; to the Committee on Natural Re- vestments in renewable chemical production H.R. 3400. A bill to authorize the extension sources, and in addition to the Committees facilities, and for other purposes; to the of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal on Agriculture, and Transportation and In- Committee on Ways and Means. trade relations treatment) to the products of frastructure, for a period to be subsequently By Mr. PERRY: Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; to determined by the Speaker, in each case for H.R. 3391. A bill to provide Governors of the Committee on Ways and Means. consideration of such provisions as fall with- States with the authority to withhold Fed- By Mr. ROONEY of Florida (for himself in the jurisdiction of the committee con- eral financial assistance from units of local and Mr. RICHMOND): cerned. government that do not comply with the im- H.R. 3401. A bill to reduce Federal over- By Ms. MENG: migration laws, and for other purposes; to criminalization, protect Americans from un- H.R. 3383. A bill to limit the number of the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addi- just punishment, and uphold the role of Con- hours that children may be employed as ac- tion to the Committee on Oversight and Gov- gress by clarifying mens rea requirements tors, performers, and models, to require ernment Reform, for a period to be subse- for all Federal criminal offenses, creating an blocked trust accounts for the financial pro- quently determined by the Speaker, in each inventory of Federal offenses that carry a tection of such children, to clarify the liabil- case for consideration of such provisions as criminal penalty, and providing that no rule ity of employers, contractors, and other indi- fall within the jurisdiction of the committee of the executive branch which may be en- viduals for sexual harassment of such child concerned. forced by criminal penalties can take effect performers, and for other purposes; to the By Mr. PETERS (for himself, Mr. unless a joint resolution of approval is en- Committee on Education and the Workforce. SALMON, Mr. FARR, and Ms. SINEMA): acted into law; to the Committee on the Ju- By Ms. MENG (for herself, Mr. H.R. 3392. A bill to amend the Energy Pol- diciary, and in addition to the Committee on GALLEGO, Mrs. KIRKPATRICK, Ms. icy Act of 2005 to require the Secretary of Rules, for a period to be subsequently deter- NORTON, Mr. CROWLEY, Mrs. LOWEY, Energy to consider the objective of improv- mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. GRI- ing the conversion, use, and storage of car- sideration of such provisions as fall within JALVA, Miss RICE of New York, and bon dioxide produced from fossil fuels in car- the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts): rying out research and development pro- By Mr. RUPPERSBERGER: H.R. 3384. A bill to reestablish the Office of grams under that Act; to the Committee on H.R. 3402. A bill to strengthen the ability Noise Abatement and Control in the Envi- Science, Space, and Technology. of the Secretary of Homeland Security to de- ronmental Protection Agency, and for other By Mr. POSEY (for himself and Mr. tect and prevent intrusions against, and to purposes; to the Committee on Energy and ROSS): use countermeasures to protect, government Commerce, and in addition to the Committee H.R. 3393. A bill to amend the Truth in agency information systems and for other on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a Lending Act to clarify that the points and purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and period to be subsequently determined by the fees in connection with a mortgage loan do Government Reform. Speaker, in each case for consideration of not include certain compensation amounts By Mr. SALMON (for himself, Mr. SES- such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- already taken into account in setting the in- SIONS, and Ms. GRANGER): tion of the committee concerned. terest rate on such loan, and for other pur- H.R. 3403. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- By Mr. NOLAN: poses; to the Committee on Financial Serv- cation Act of 1965 to protect victims of sex- H.R. 3385. A bill to require pipelines regu- ices. ual violence, to improve the adjudication of lated by the Secretary of Transportation to By Mr. POSEY (for himself, Mr. TROTT, allegations related to sexual violence, and be made of steel that is produced in the Mr. DEUTCH, and Mr. JOHNSON of United States and originates from iron ore Georgia): for other purposes; to the Committee on and taconite mined and processed in the H.R. 3394. A bill to amend the Terrorism Education and the Workforce. United States, for safety, and for other pur- Risk Insurance Act of 2002 to allow for the By Mr. SALMON: poses; to the Committee on Transportation use of certain assets of foreign persons and H.R. 3404. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- and Infrastructure, and in addition to the entities to satisfy certain judgments against enue Code of 1986 to allow tax free distribu- Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a terrorist parties, and for other purposes; to tions from health savings accounts for fit- period to be subsequently determined by the the Committee on the Judiciary. ness facility membership and classes; to the Speaker, in each case for consideration of By Mr. QUIGLEY (for himself, Mr. Committee on Ways and Means. such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- CA´ RDENAS, Ms. LEE, Mr. BLU- By Mr. SALMON: tion of the committee concerned. MENAUER, Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. POCAN, H.R. 3405. A bill to prohibit the Depart- By Mr. NORCROSS: Mr. PRICE of North Carolina, Mr. ment of Health and Human Services from ob- H.R. 3386. A bill to require the Secretary of MCGOVERN, and Mr. GRIJALVA): ligating or expending any funds for grants Energy to establish a pilot competitive grant H.R. 3395. A bill to prevent the illegal sale for developing or evaluating a video game to program for the development of a skilled en- of firearms, and for other purposes; to the train parents in food parenting practices, ergy workforce, and for other purposes; to Committee on the Judiciary. and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Committee on Education and the Work- By Mr. RANGEL (for himself, Mr. Energy and Commerce, and in addition to force. MCDERMOTT, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. the Committee on Appropriations, for a pe- By Ms. NORTON: CONYERS, Mr. CA´ RDENAS, Ms. CASTOR riod to be subsequently determined by the H.R. 3387. A bill to amend the Freedom of of Florida, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. CUM- Speaker, in each case for consideration of Information Act, the Privacy Act, and the MINGS, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. POCAN, such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- Federal Advisory Committee Act to apply and Ms. CLARKE of New York): tion of the committee concerned. the requirements of such Acts to the Smith- H.R. 3396. A bill to address the dramatic in- By Mr. SENSENBRENNER (for him- sonian Institution, and for other purposes; to crease of HIV/AIDS in minority commu- self, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, the Committee on Oversight and Govern- nities; to the Committee on Energy and Mr. GOODLATTE, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. ment Reform. Commerce. CHABOT, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. By Mr. NUGENT (for himself, Mr. COL- By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. PAS- RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. JACK- LINS of Georgia, Mr. GIBSON, Mr. SES- CRELL, Mr. DIAZ-BALART, and Mr. SON LEE, Mr. FORBES, Mr. JOHNSON of SIONS, Mrs. BLACK, and Mr. BURGESS): DEFAZIO): Georgia, Mr. MARINO, Mr. CLYBURN, H.R. 3388. A bill to amend title 37, United H.R. 3397. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Mr. COLLINS of Georgia, Mr. CUM- States Code, to impose a statute of limita- enue Code of 1986 to provide a credit for own- MINGS, Mr. STIVERS, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, tions on the ability of the Department of De- ing certain disaster resilient property; to the Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio, Ms. CLARKE of fense to recover certain indebtedness owed to Committee on Ways and Means. New York, Mr. GIBSON, Mr. SCHIFF, the United States by members of the uni- By Mr. REICHERT (for himself, Mr. Mr. WALKER, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. formed services, including retired and former KILMER, and Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER): GUINTA, Ms. MOORE, Mr. ROONEY of members, and for other purposes; to the H.R. 3398. A bill to improve the condition Florida, Ms. EDWARDS, Mr. HARDY, Committee on Armed Services. and performance of the national multimodal Mr. COHEN, and Mr. RICHMOND):

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H.R. 3406. A bill to reauthorize the Second to provide the United States Postal Service JODY B. HICE of Georgia, Mr. BRAT, Chance Act of 2007; to the Committee on the the authority to mail alcoholic beverages, Mr. LOUDERMILK, Mr. MEADOWS, Mr. Judiciary. and for other purposes; to the Committee on RIBBLE, Mr. HUDSON, Mr. COFFMAN, By Mr. SENSENBRENNER (for him- Oversight and Government Reform, and in Mr. HENSARLING, Mr. STEWART, Mr. self, Mr. HARPER, and Mr. JONES): addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, DUNCAN of Tennessee, Mr. PALMER, H.R. 3407. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- for a period to be subsequently determined Mr. BUCK, Mr. WEBSTER of Florida, enue Code of 1986 to remove the deduction by the Speaker, in each case for consider- Mr. BABIN, Mr. SALMON, Mr. for charitable contributions from the overall ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- MULVANEY, Mr. HULTGREN, Mr. limitation on itemized deductions; to the risdiction of the committee concerned. BRADY of Texas, Mr. RATCLIFFE, Mr. Committee on Ways and Means. By Mr. STIVERS (for himself, Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. JOR- By Mr. SESSIONS (for himself and JOHNSON of Ohio, and Ms. FUDGE): DAN, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana): H.R. 3413. A bill to require a report on re- LAMBORN, Mr. ROGERS of Alabama, H.R. 3408. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- quirements and risks in connection with the Mr. WOODALL, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. cation Act of 1965 to protect victims of sex- use of radioisotopic power systems for space SAM JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. LAB- ual violence, to improve the adjudication by exploration beyond low-Earth orbit; to the RADOR, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. MCCAUL, institutions of higher education of allega- Committee on Science, Space, and Tech- Mr. ROUZER, Mr. PALAZZO, Mr. tions related to sexual violence, and for nology. MESSER, and Mr. CONAWAY): other purposes; to the Committee on Edu- By Mr. STIVERS (for himself, Mrs. H.R. 3421. A bill to allow a State to submit cation and the Workforce. BEATTY, and Mr. TAKANO): a declaration of intent to the Secretary of By Mr. SMITH of Missouri (for himself, H.R. 3414. A bill to improve the certifi- Education to combine certain funds to im- Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. cation and licensing of employees and med- prove the academic achievement of students; WOMACK, Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illi- ical laboratories of the Department of Vet- to the Committee on Education and the nois, Mr. BARR, Mr. HOLDING, Mr. erans Affairs that furnish prosthetic and Workforce. LONG, Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky, Mr. orthotic services, and for other purposes; to By Mrs. WALORSKI (for herself and PRICE of North Carolina, and Mr. the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Mr. WALZ): WELCH): By Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi: H.R. 3422. A bill to amend title 38, United H.R. 3409. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- H.R. 3415. A bill to prohibit subsidiaries of States Code, to direct the Secretary of Vet- enue Code of 1986 to exclude payments re- foreign-owned corporations from obtaining erans Affairs to establish credentialing re- ceived under the Work Colleges Program contracts for the performance of passenger quirements for medical vendors; to the Com- from gross income, including payments made and baggage security screening at domestic mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. from institutional funds; to the Committee commercial airports, and for other purposes; By Mr. WALZ (for himself, Mr. JONES, on Ways and Means. Mr. GIBSON, Miss RICE of New York, By Mr. SMITH of Washington (for him- to the Committee on Homeland Security. By Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi: Mr. NOLAN, and Mr. TAKANO): self, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. LEE, Mr. LAR- H.R. 3416. A bill to amend title 49, United H.R. 3423. A bill to amend title 38, United SEN of Washington, Ms. DELBENE, Mr. States Code, to require that individuals States Code, and the Agent Orange Act of MCDERMOTT, and Mr. HECK of Wash- seeking training in the operation of certain 1991 to extend the certain authorities of the ington): aircraft be checked against the terrorist Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding asso- H.R. 3410. A bill to authorize voluntary ciations between diseases and exposure to grazing permit retirement on Federal lands watchlist to ensure that such individuals are non-threats to aviation, and for other pur- dioxin and other chemical compounds in her- managed by the Department of Agriculture bicides; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- or the Department of the Interior where live- poses; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- rity. fairs. stock grazing is impractical, and for other By Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California purposes; to the Committee on Natural Re- By Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi: (for herself and Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ): sources, and in addition to the Committee on H.R. 3417. A bill to amend title 14, United States Code, to modify the process for con- H.R. 3424. A bill to provide for extension of Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently agreements between the Secretary of Hous- determined by the Speaker, in each case for gressional nomination of individuals for ap- pointment as cadets at the Coast Guard ing and Urban Development and public hous- consideration of such provisions as fall with- ing agencies participating in the Moving to in the jurisdiction of the committee con- Academy, to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Department of Work Demonstration Program, and for other cerned. purposes; to the Committee on Financial Homeland Security to establish a com- By Ms. SPEIER (for herself, Mrs. Services. prehensive recruitment and outreach plan CAPPS, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. CARNEY, By Mr. WEBER of Texas (for himself, Mr. CICILLINE, Ms. CLARK of Massa- for the Coast Guard Academy, and for other Mr. BABIN, Mr. HARRIS, Mr. JODY B. chusetts, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. ELLISON, purposes; to the Committee on Transpor- HICE of Georgia, Mr. KING of Iowa, Ms. FRANKEL of Florida, Ms. FUDGE, tation and Infrastructure. Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. FLORES, Mr. Ms. HAHN, Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. KENNEDY, By Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi: H.R. 3418. A bill to enhance homeland secu- RATCLIFFE, and Mr. CONAWAY): Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. LARSON of Con- H.R. 3425. A bill to amend title 18, United rity, including domestic preparedness and necticut, Ms. LEE, Mr. LOWENTHAL, States Code, to give nationwide effect to the the collective response to terrorism, by im- Mr. LYNCH, Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALO- least restrictive State laws regarding the proving the Federal Protective Service, and NEY of New York, Ms. NORTON, Mr. carrying of firearms that are concealed, or PASCRELL, Ms. PINGREE, Mr. QUIGLEY, for other purposes; to the Committee on are partially or fully visible to the public; to Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. SIRES, Transportation and Infrastructure, and in the Committee on the Judiciary. Ms. SLAUGHTER, Ms. TSONGAS, Mr. addition to the Committee on Homeland Se- By Mr. WELCH (for himself and Mr. curity, for a period to be subsequently deter- VAN HOLLEN, Mr. GARAMENDI, Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mexico): CONYERS, Mr. HIMES, Mr. PRICE of mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- H.R. 3426. A bill to amend title VI of the North Carolina, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. sideration of such provisions as fall within Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of MCCOLLUM, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. 1978 to establish a Federal renewable elec- BLUMENAUER, Mr. FARR, Mr. PAYNE, By Ms. TITUS (for herself, Mr. TAKANO, tricity standard for retail electricity sup- Mr. PALLONE, and Ms. CASTOR of and Miss RICE of New York): pliers and a Federal energy efficiency re- Florida): H.R. 3419. A bill to authorize the Secretary source standard for electricity and natural H.R. 3411. A bill to ensure that all individ- of Veterans Affairs to make grants to eligi- gas suppliers, and for other purposes; to the uals who should be prohibited from buying a ble educational institutions to provide child Committee on Energy and Commerce. firearm are listed in the national instant care services on campus; to the Committee By Ms. WILSON of Florida (for herself, criminal background check system and re- on Veterans’ Affairs. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. CONYERS, quire a background check for every firearm By Mr. TONKO (for himself, Mr. NAD- and Mr. PAYNE): sale; to the Committee on the Judiciary. LER, Mr. PIERLUISI, Mr. LOWENTHAL, H.R. 3427. A bill to amend the Fair Labor By Ms. SPEIER (for herself, Mr. BEYER, Ms. NORTON, Ms. CASTOR of Florida, Standards Act of 1938 to ensure that employ- Mr. BLUMENAUER, Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. Mr. CONNOLLY, Mr. CARSON of Indi- ees are not misclassified as non-employees, CARTWRIGHT, Ms. CLARKE of New ana, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. WELCH, and and for other purposes; to the Committee on York, Mr. COSTA, Mr. DEFAZIO, Ms. Mr. RUSH): Education and the Workforce, and in addi- FRANKEL of Florida, Mr. GARAMENDI, H.R. 3420. A bill to reauthorize the weath- tion to the Committee on Ways and Means, Mr. GRAYSON, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. erization and State energy programs, and for for a period to be subsequently determined HINOJOSA, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. JOHNSON other purposes; to the Committee on Energy by the Speaker, in each case for consider- of Ohio, Mr. JONES, Mrs. KIRK- and Commerce. ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- PATRICK, Mr. LAMALFA, Mrs. LAW- By Mr. WALKER (for himself, Mr. risdiction of the committee concerned. RENCE, Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. MCKINLEY, DESANTIS, Mr. YOHO, Mr. DUNCAN of By Mr. WITTMAN (for himself, Mr. Mr. POLIS, Mr. RANGEL, Ms. SLAUGH- South Carolina, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. MASSIE, Mr. POMPEO, Mrs. BLACK- TER, and Mr. VEASEY): CHAFFETZ, Mr. BURGESS, Mr. GOSAR, BURN, Mr. CRAMER, and Mr. FORBES): H.R. 3412. A bill to amend title 18, United Mr. COOK, Mr. HUELSKAMP, Mr. H.R. 3428. A bill to require assurances that States Code, and title 39, United States Code, OLSON, Mr. BLUM, Mrs. LOVE, Mr. certain family planning service projects and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00174 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L29JY7.100 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5769 programs will provide pamphlets containing H. Res. 392. A resolution expressing the human rights of all its citizens, particularly the contact information of adoption centers; sense of the House of Representatives that vulnerable minorities, strengthen demo- to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. the enactment of the Patient Protection and cratic institutions and rule of law, and pre- By Mr. YODER (for himself, Mr. Affordable Care Act of 2009, Public Law 111- vent the growth of extremist groups; to the FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. STEWART, Mr. 148, violated article I, section 7 of the United Committee on Foreign Affairs. DUFFY, Mr. NEUGEBAUER, Mr. SHIM- States Constitution because it was a bill for By Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER (for her- KUS, Mr. JONES, Mr. FLEISCHMANN, raising revenue that did not originate in the self, Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, and Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. GOWDY, Mr. HAR- House of Representatives; to the Committee Mr. NEWHOUSE): RIS, Mr. BABIN, Ms. JENKINS of Kan- on Ways and Means. H. Res. 397. A resolution expressing the sas, Mr. PEARCE, Mr. COLLINS of New By Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (for herself, Ms. sense of the House of Representatives regard- York, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mr. PITTENGER, MATSUI, Mr. MURPHY of Florida, Mr. ing preserving the rights of employers and Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina, Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania, employees regarding coverage through asso- BARTON, and Mr. KELLY of Pennsyl- Mr. CASTRO of Texas, Ms. JUDY CHU ciation health plans; to the Committee on vania): of California, Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. CON- Education and the Workforce, and in addi- H.R. 3429. A bill to amend title IV of the YERS, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, tion to the Committee on Energy and Com- Public Health Service Act to prohibit sale or Mr. DEFAZIO, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. merce, for a period to be subsequently deter- transactions relating to human fetal tissue; DESAULNIER, Mr. DEUTCH, Mrs. DIN- mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. GELL, Ms. EDWARDS, Mr. ELLISON, Ms. sideration of such provisions as fall within By Mr. YOUNG of Indiana: ESTY, Mr. FARR, Ms. FRANKEL of the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. H.R. 3430. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Florida, Ms. FUDGE, Mr. GRAYSON, By Ms. JENKINS of Kansas (for herself enue Code of 1986 to provide for a reduction Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Ms. and Mr. WELCH): in improper claims of refundable credits by HAHN, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. HIGGINS, H. Res. 398. A resolution recognizing that directing the Secretary of the Treasury to Mr. HONDA, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Ms. access to hospitals and other health care providers for patients in rural areas of the ensure consistency of requirements for self KAPTUR, Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, United States is essential to the survival and and paid tax return preparers, and for other Mrs. LAWRENCE, Mr. LEWIS, Mr. success of communities in the United States; purposes; to the Committee on Ways and LIPINSKI, Mrs. LOWEY, Ms. MICHELLE to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Means. LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico, Mrs. By Mr. JONES: By Mr. YOUNG of Indiana: CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York, H. Res. 399. A resolution expressing the H.R. 3431. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. sense of the House of Representatives that enue Code of 1986 to provide for an energy MEEKS, Ms. MOORE, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, the House should consider legislation to pro- equivalent of a gallon of diesel in the case of Mr. NOLAN, Ms. NORTON, Mr. PAL- tect traditional marriage and prevent tax- liquefied natural gas for purposes of the In- LONE, Mr. PETERS, Mr. POCAN, Mr. land Waterways Trust Fund financing rate; payer funding of abortion; to the Committee QUIGLEY, Mr. RUSH, Ms. LINDA T. on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to to the Committee on Ways and Means. SA´ NCHEZ of California, Mr. SARBANES, By Mr. YOUNG of Indiana (for himself the Committees on the Judiciary, Oversight Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. TAKAI, Mr. and Government Reform, and Ways and and Mr. POLIS): TAKANO, Mr. THOMPSON of California, H.R. 3432. A bill to provide the legal frame- Means, for a period to be subsequently deter- Mr. TONKO, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- work and income tax treatment necessary VARGAS, Ms. MAXINE WATERS of Cali- for the growth of innovative private financ- sideration of such provisions as fall within fornia, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Ms. the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. ing options for students to fund postsec- WILSON of Florida, and Mr. ondary education, and for other purposes; to By Mr. PALLONE (for himself, Mr. GARAMENDI): LEVIN, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. MATSUI, the Committee on Ways and Means, and in H. Res. 393. A resolution expressing support Mr. CLYBURN, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. addition to the Committees on Education for policies to protect and expand Social Se- CROWLEY, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, and the Workforce, and Financial Services, curity and secure its long-term future in a Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. GENE GREEN of for a period to be subsequently determined fair and responsible manner; to the Com- Texas, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. by the Speaker, in each case for consider- mittee on Ways and Means. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- By Mr. MCGOVERN (for himself, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. GALLEGO, Ms. JACKSON risdiction of the committee concerned. PITTS, Mr. SMITH of Washington, Mr. LEE, Mr. TONKO, Ms. FRANKEL of By Mr. LARSON of Connecticut: RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. LEE, Florida, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. SARBANES, H.J. Res. 62. A joint resolution to authorize Mr. NEUGEBAUER, Mr. LEWIS, Mr. Mr. RANGEL, Mr. NADLER, Mr. LARSON the use of the Armed Forces of the United ISRAEL, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Ms. of Connecticut, Ms. BROWN of Flor- States against Iran if Iran commits a serious EDWARDS, Ms. WILSON of Florida, Mr. ida, Mrs. BEATTY, Ms. MICHELLE violation of its commitments or obligations RICHMOND, Ms. MAXINE WATERS of under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Ac- LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico, Mr. California, and Ms. NORTON): ´ tion, and for other purposes; to the Com- H. Res. 394. A resolution condemning Jo- YARMUTH, Mr. CARDENAS, Mr. mittee on Foreign Affairs. seph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army DEUTCH, Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of By Mr. BISHOP of Michigan (for him- for continuing to perpetrate crimes against Pennsylvania, Mr. LOEBSACK, Ms. self, Mr. PETERSON, Mrs. NOEM, Mr. humanity, war crimes, and mass atrocities, CASTOR of Florida, Mr. HIGGINS, Ms. MOOLENAAR, and Mr. POLIQUIN): and supporting ongoing efforts by the United MCCOLLUM, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. SCOTT of H. Con. Res. 67. Concurrent resolution es- States Government, the African Union, and Virginia, Mrs. DINGELL, Ms. tablishing a joint select committee to ad- governments and regional organizations in DELBENE, Ms. SPEIER, Ms. HAHN, Mr. dress regulatory reform; to the Committee central Africa to remove Joseph Kony and CONNOLLY, Mrs. DAVIS of California, on Rules. Lord’s Resistance Army commanders from Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. MCNER- By Mr. HUNTER (for himself, Mr. the battlefield and promote protection and NEY, Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mex- COURTNEY, Mr. LARSEN of Wash- recovery of affected communities; to the ico, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, ington, Mr. GARAMENDI, and Mr. Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addi- Ms. NORTON, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. PAYNE, LOBIONDO): tion to the Committee on Armed Services, Ms. JUDY CHU of California, Ms. H. Con. Res. 68. Concurrent resolution ex- for a period to be subsequently determined LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California, Mr. pressing the sense of Congress regarding the by the Speaker, in each case for consider- CUMMINGS, Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Ms. 225th anniversary of the establishment of the ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- DELAURO, Ms. LEE, Mr. KEATING, Ms. Coast Guard; to the Committee on Transpor- risdiction of the committee concerned. KAPTUR, Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. TED LIEU tation and Infrastructure. By Mr. BERA (for himself, Mr. HIGGINS, of California, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. By Mr. WILLIAMS: Mr. SHERMAN, Ms. GABBARD, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. FARR, H. Con. Res. 69. Concurrent resolution ex- ISRAEL, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. HOLDING, Mr. NEAL, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Ms. pressing the sense of Congress that any re- Mr. COSTA, Mr. SMITH of Washington, CLARKE of New York, Mr. BLU- form or repeal of the last-in, first-out meth- Ms. MENG, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. DEUTCH, MENAUER, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. DANNY K. od of accounting for inventories (LIFO) and Mr. OLSON): DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. COHEN, Ms. would cause irreparable and unnecessary H. Res. 395. A resolution expressing the DUCKWORTH, Ms. EDWARDS, Mr. damage to United States businesses; to the sense of the House of Representatives com- COURTNEY, Ms. BASS, Mr. NORCROSS, Committee on Ways and Means. memorating the Republic of India’s Inde- Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New By Mr. FRANKS of Arizona (for him- pendence Day and recognizing United States- York, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. LANGEVIN, self, Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina, India relations on India’s National Day; to Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. GRAYSON, Mr. Mr. PITTENGER, Mr. GOSAR, Mr. the Committee on Foreign Affairs. GUTIE´ RREZ, Mr. WELCH, Ms. ESTY, OLSON, Mr. GARRETT, Mr. BROOKS of By Ms. GABBARD (for herself, Mr. Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. LEWIS, Mr. POCAN, Alabama, Mr. SALMON, Mr. GOHMERT, SALMON, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. RUSH, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. KEN- Mr. KING of Iowa, Mrs. BLACKBURN, and Mr. DOLD): NEDY, Mr. LARSEN of Washington, Mr. Mr. ROKITA, Mr. JORDAN, and Mr. H. Res. 396. A resolution calling on the THOMPSON of California, Mr. NOLAN, NEWHOUSE): Government of Bangladesh to protect the Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. HONDA, Mr.

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TAKANO, Mr. SCHRADER, Mr. MICHAEL Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 (‘‘The Con- Congress has the power to enact this legis- F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania, Mr. FOS- gress shall have Power to lay and collect lation pursuant to the following: TER, Mr. LOWENTHAL, Mrs. WATSON Taxes, Duties, Imposts, and Excises, to pay Article I, Section, 8. COLEMAN, Ms. MOORE, Mr. LIPINSKI, the Debts and provide for the common De- By Mr. POLIQUIN: Ms. PINGREE, Ms. CLARK of Massachu- fense and general Welfare of the United H.R. 3283. setts, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. THOMPSON of States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises Congress has the power to enact this legis- Mississippi, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, shall be uniform throughout the United lation pursuant to the following: Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. SIRES, Mr. DOGGETT, States;’’) Article I, Section 8 Mr. BEYER, Mr. CARNEY, Mrs. BUSTOS, Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 (‘‘To make By Mr. KATKO: Ms. FUDGE, Mr. KIND, Mr. POLIS, Ms. all Laws which shall be necessary and proper H,R, 3284. Congress has the power to enact this legis- WILSON of Florida, Mr. RUIZ, Mr. for carrying into execution the foregoing lation pursuant to the following: RICHMOND, Ms. TSONGAS, Mr. DAVID Powers, and all other Powers vested by this The Congress enacts this bill pursuant to SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. CASTRO of Constitution in the Government of the Clause 18 of Section 8 of Article I of the Texas, Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- United States, or any Department or Officer United States Constitution. fornia, Mr. ASHFORD, Mr. CLEAVER, thereof.’’) By Mr. PASCRELL: Mr. KILDEE, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. RYAN Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 (‘‘No Money H.R. 3285. of Ohio, Ms. SINEMA, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Congress has the power to enact this legis- PERLMUTTER, Mr. CLAY, Mr. consequence of Appropriations made by Law; lation pursuant to the following: and a regular Statement and Account of the GARAMENDI, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. PETER- Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United Receipts and Expenditures of all public SON, Mr. PIERLUISI, Mr. BISHOP of States Constitution, Money shall be published from time to Georgia, Mr. DESAULNIER, Mr. By Mr. COOK: VEASEY, Ms. ADAMS, Ms. TITUS, Mr. time.’’) H.R. 3286. MURPHY of Florida, Mr. COSTA, Ms. By Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia: Congress has the power to enact this legis- EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Ms. H.R. 3274. lation pursuant to the following: BROWNLEY of California, Mr. WALZ, Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article 1, Section 8 Mr. VELA, Ms. KELLY of Illinois, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. MARCHANT: HECK of Washington, Mr. MOULTON, Article 1, Section 8, Clause 7, ‘‘The Con- H.R. 3287. Mr. DELANEY, Mr. VISCLOSKY, Mr. gress shall have Power to . . . Establish Post Congress has the power to enact this legis- SHERMAN, and Mr. KILMER): Offices and post Roads . . .’’ In the Constitu- lation pursuant to the following: H. Res. 400. A resolution commemorating tion, the power possessed by Congress em- U.S. Constitution Art. I Sec. 8 cl. 1, under 50 years since the creation of the Medicare braces the regulation of the Postal System the ‘‘Power To lay and collect Taxes’’; and Medicaid Programs; to the Committee in the country. Therefore, the proposed legis- Amd. 16, under the ‘‘power to lay and col- on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to lation in naming a post office would fall lect taxes on incomes, from whatever source the Committee on Ways and Means, for a pe- under the powers granted to Congress in the derived, without apportionment among the riod to be subsequently determined by the Constitution. several States, and without regard to any Speaker, in each case for consideration of By Mr. ELLISON: census or enumeration’’; and such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- H.R. 3275. Art. I Sec. 8 cl. 18, under the power ‘‘To tion of the committee concerned. Congress has the power to enact this legis- make all Laws which shall be necessary and By Mr. PERRY: lation pursuant to the following: proper for carrying into Execution the fore- H. Res. 401. A resolution supporting the Article I, Section 8, Clause 1. going Powers, and all other Powers vested by goals and ideals of ‘‘Vietnam Veterans Day’’; By Mr. ELLISON: this Constitution in the Government of the to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. H.R. 3276. United States, or in any Department or Offi- By Mr. ROYCE (for himself and Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- cer thereof.’’ ENGEL): lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. MARCHANT: H. Res. 402. A resolution expressing the Article I Section 8 of the United States H.R. 3288. sense of the House of Representatives regard- Constitution. Congress has the power to enact this legis- ing politically motivated acts of boycott, di- By Mr. ELLISON: lation pursuant to the following: vestment from, and sanctions against Israel, H.R. 3277. Art. I Sec. 8 cl. 1: ‘‘The Congress shall have and for other purposes; to the Committee on Congress has the power to enact this legis- Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Im- Foreign Affairs. lation pursuant to the following: posts and Excises, to pay the Debts and pro- By Mr. VAN HOLLEN (for himself and Article I Section 8 of the United States vide for the common Defense and general Mrs. BLACKBURN): Constitution. Welfare of the United States [. . .]’’ H. Res. 403. A resolution recognizing the By Mr. ROYCE: 16th Amendment: ‘‘The Congress shall have campaign of genocide against the Kurdish H.R. 3278. power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, people in Iraq; to the Committee on Foreign Congress has the power to enact this legis- from whatever source derived, without ap- Affairs. lation pursuant to the following: portionment among the several States, and By Mr. WITTMAN: The principal constitutional authority for without regard to any census or enumera- H. Res. 404. A resolution commemorating this legislation is Article 1 Section 8: to pro- tion.’’ the 75th anniversary of the Virginia Insti- vide for the common Defense and general Art. I Sec. 8 cl. 18, ‘‘To make all Laws tute of Marine Science of the College of Wil- Welfare of the United States. which shall be necessary and proper for car- liam & Mary; to the Committee on Edu- By Mr. COLLINS of Georgia: rying into Execution the foregoing Powers, cation and the Workforce. H.R. 3279. and all other Powers vested by this Constitu- By Mr. YOUNG of Alaska (for himself Congress has the power to enact this legis- tion in the Government of the United States, lation pursuant to the following: and Mr. TAKAI): or in any Department or Officer thereof:’’ H. Res. 405. A resolution calling on the Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the United By Mr. LOWENTHAL: Council for the Accreditation of Educator States Constitution, which states that ‘‘No H.R. 3289. Preparation to modify its accreditation money shall be drawn from the Treasury but Congress has the power to enact this legis- standards to prevent the standards from neg- in consequence of Appropriations made by lation pursuant to the following: atively impacting Alaska Native and Amer- law; and a regular statement and account of Article I, Section 8 and Article IV, Section ican Indian teacher candidates; to the Com- the receipts and expenditures of all public 3 mittee on Education and the Workforce. money shall be published from time to By Ms. JACKSON LEE: time.’’ H.R. 3290. f By Mr. SWALWELL of California: Congress has the power to enact this legis- CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY H.R. 3280. lation pursuant to the following: STATEMENT Congress has the power to enact this legis- This bill is enacted pursuant to the power lation pursuant to the following: granted to Congress under Article I, Section Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of Article I, Section 8, Clauses 1 and 18 of the 8, Clauses 1, 4, and 18 of the United States the Rules of the House of Representa- United States Constitution. Constitution. tives, the following statements are sub- By Mr. CALVERT: By Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin: mitted regarding the specific powers H.R. 3281. H.R. 3291. granted to Congress in the Constitu- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: tion to enact the accompanying bill or The constitutional authority of Congress The constitutional authority on which this joint resolution. to enact this legislation is provided by Arti- bill rests is the power of Congress to make By Mr. GARRETT: cle I, section 18, and Article IV, section 3, rules for the government and regulation of H.R. 3273. clause 2. the land and naval forces, as enumerated in Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. FARENTHOLD: Article I, Section 8, Clause 14 of the United lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3282. States Constitution.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00176 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L29JY7.100 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5771 By Mr. BRADY of Texas: Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 and Article I, power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, H.R. 3292. Section 8, Clause 18 from whatever source derived . . .’’ (Six- Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. CARTWRIGHT: teenth Amendment). lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3303. By Ms. ADAMS: The constitutional authority on which this Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3312. bill rests is the power of Congress to make lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- rules for the government and regulation of Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (relating to lation pursuant to the following: the land and naval forces, as enumerated in the power of Congress to regulate Commerce Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18, ‘‘Congress Article I, Section 8, Clause 14 of the United with foreign Nations, and among the several shall have the Power...To make all Laws States Constitution. States, and with the Indian Tribes.) which shall be necessary and proper for car- By Mr. SMITH of Texas: Article I; Section 8; Clause 18 rying into Execution the foregoing Powers, H.R. 3293. The Congress shall have Power To make and all other Powers vested by this Constitu- Congress has the power to enact this legis- all Laws which shall be necessary and proper tion in the Government of the United States, lation pursuant to the following: for carrying into Execution the foregoing or in any Department or Officer Thereof’’ Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18: Powers, and all other Powers vested by this By Mr. MCCAUL: The Congress shall have power to make all Constitution in the Government of the H.R. 3313. Laws which shall be necessary and proper for United States, or in any Department or Offi- Congress has the power to enact this legis- carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- cer thereof. lation pursuant to the following: ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- By Mr. CARTWRIGHT: Article I, Section 8, Clause 18—To make all stitution in the Government of the United H.R. 3304. Laws which shall be necessary and proper for States, or in any Department of Officer Congress has the power to enact this legis- carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- thereof. lation pursuant to the following: ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- By Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (relating to stitution in the Government of the United H.R. 3294. the power of Congress to regulate Commerce States, or in any Department or Officer Congress has the power to enact this legis- with foreign Nations, and among the several thereof. lation pursuant to the following: States, and with the Indian Tribes.) By Mr. BABIN: The authority to enact this bill is derived By Mr. HURD of Texas: H.R. 3314. from, but may not be limited to, Clause 3 of H.R. 3305. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Section 8 of Article I of the United States Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: Constitution. lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 ‘‘To regulate Commerce with foreign Na- Section 8, Clause 1: Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 tions, and among the several States, and ‘‘The Congress shall have Power To lay and By Mr. BABIN: with the Indian Tribes;’’ collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, H.R. 3315. By Mr. CUMMINGS: to pay the Debts and provide for the common Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3295. Defense and general Welfare of the United lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- States . . .’’ Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. RUSH: Article I, Section 8, Clause 7 Article I, Section 9, Clause 7: ‘‘No money H.R. 3306. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. BARLETTA: Consequence of Appropriations made by lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3316. Law’’ and Article 1, Section 8 Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clause 1: ‘‘The Con- By Mrs. HARTZLER: lation pursuant to the following: gress shall have Power . . . to pay the Debts H.R. 3307. Article I, Section 1; and Article I, Section and provide for the common Defence and Congress has the power to enact this legis- 8 of the United States Constitution. general Welfare of the United States’’ lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. BILIRAKIS: By Mrs. BLACK: Article I: Section 8: Clause 3 The United H.R. 3317. H.R. 3296. States Congress shall have power Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- ‘‘To regulate Commerce with foreign Na- lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: tions, and among the several States, and This bill is enacted pursuant to Article I, Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 which states: with the Indian Tribes.’’ Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution of the ‘‘The Congress shall have the Power To . . . By Mr. GRAYSON: United States and Article I, Section 8, establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization H.R. 3308. Clause 18 of the Constitution of the United . . .’’ Congress has the power to enact this legis- States. By Mr. GRIFFITH: lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. BLUM: H.R. 3297. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- H.R. 3318. Congress has the power to enact this legis- tion. Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: By Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina: lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8 H.R. 3309. Article I, Section 8, Clause I By Mr. BRADY of Texas: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. BLUMENAUER: H.R. 3298. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3319. Congress has the power to enact this legis- The Commerce Clause: Article I, Section 8, Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution gives Con- lation pursuant to the following: The constitutional authority on which this gress the power ‘‘to regulate commerce with Article I, Section 8, Clause 7 of the U.S. bill rests is the power of Congress to make foreign nations, and among the several Constitution rules for the government and regulation of states, and with the Indian tribes.’’ By Mr. BOUSTANY: the land and naval forces, as enumerated in By Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN: H.R. 3320. Article I, Section 8, Clause 14 of the United H.R. 3310. Congress has the power to enact this legis- States Constitution. Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: By Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana: lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8 of the United States H.R. 3299. Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 Constitution Congress has the power to enact this legis- The Congress shall have Power to dispose By Mr. BOUSTANY: lation pursuant to the following: of and make all needful Rules and Regula- H.R. 3321. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 tions respecting the Territory or other Prop- Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. PITTENGER: erty belonging to the United States lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3300. By Mr. BLUMENAUER: U.S. Const. art. I, Sec. 8, cl. 1. Within the Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3311. Enumerated Powers of the U.S. Constitution, lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress is granted the power to lay and col- Article I, Sec. 8, Clauses 5 & 18, of the lation pursuant to the following: lect taxes. This provision grants Congress United States Constitution The Constitution of the United States pro- the authority over this particular piece of By Mr. JOLLY: vides clear authority for Congress to pass legislation. H.R. 3301. legislation regarding income taxes. Article I By Mr. BUTTERFIELD: Congress has the power to enact this legis- of the Constitution, in detailing Congres- H.R. 3322. lation pursuant to the following: sional authority, provides that ‘‘Congress Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8 shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. OLSON: . . .’’ (Section 8, Clause 1). Further clarifying Under Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the H.R. 3302. Congressional power to enact an income tax, Constitution, Congress has the power to col- Congress has the power to enact this legis- voters amended the Constitution by popular lect taxes and expend funds to provide for lation pursuant to the following: vote to provide that ‘‘Congress shall have the general welfare of the United States.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00177 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.048 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5772 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 Congress may also make laws that are nec- By Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois: ons testing programs during the 1950s and essary and proper for carrying into execution H.R. 3335. 1960s. their powers enumerated under Article I. Congress has the power to enact this legis- This bill is grounded in scientific prin- By Mr. CARTER of Georgia: lation pursuant to the following: ciples, respresents an intent to apologize and H.R. 3323. Title I, Section 8 offer compassionate compensation to an ex- Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Ms. DEGETTE: panded list of individuals who were not in- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3336. cluded in the 1990 Act but who, nonetheless, The constitutional authority in which this Congress has the power to enact this legis- deserve restitution. bill rests is the power of Congress to regulate lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. GRAHAM: commerce as enumerated in Article I, Sec- Article I, section 8 and Article IV, section H.R. 3346. tion 8, Clause 3, as applied to healthcare. 3 of the Constitution of the United States. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. CICILLINE: By Ms. DELAURO: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3324. H.R. 3337. Article 1 Section 8 of the United States Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Constitution lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. AL GREEN of Texas: Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution of Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 and 3 H.R. 3347. the United States. By Mr. DUFFY: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. CICILLINE: H.R. 3338. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3325. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Commerce Clause (Art. 1 Sec. 8 Cl. 3) Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: Necessary and Proper Clause (Art. 1 Sec 8. lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 of the United Cl. 18) Article 1, section 8 States Constitution. By Mr. AL GREEN of Texas: By Mr. COLLINS of Georgia: By Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina: H.R. 3348. H.R. 3326. H.R. 3339. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: The Constitutional authority to enact this Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United The Commerce Clause: Article I, Section 8, legislation can be found in: States Constitution; and, Article I, Section Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution gives Con- Commerce Clause (Art. 1 Sec. 8 Cl. 3) 8, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution. gress the power ‘‘to regulate commerce with Necessary and Proper Clause (Art. 1 Sec 8. By Mr. COLLINS of New York: foreign nations, and among the several Cl. 18) H.R. 3327. states, and with the Indian tribes.’’ By Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. EMMER of Minnesota: H.R. 3349. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3340. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution of Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: the United States lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3. By Mr. COLLINS of New York: Congress is empowered to regulate inter- By Mr. HIGGINS: H.R. 3328. state commerce under Article I, Section 8 of H.R. 3350. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- the Constitution. lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. ESHOO: Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 and Article I, Article I, Section 8, Clause 3. H.R. 3341. Section 8, Clause 18 By Mr. CONAWAY: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3329. By Mr. HONDA: lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3351. Article I, Section 8, Clauses 1 and 18 lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. FLEMING: Article I, Section 8, Clause 13: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3342. To provide and maintain a Navy. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Con- Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. COOPER: stitution. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3330. By Mr. HULTGREN: The constitutional authority of Congress Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3352. lation pursuant to the following: to enact this legislation is provided by Arti- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 5, Clause 2 of the Con- cle 4, Section 3, Clause 2 of the U.S. Con- lation pursuant to the following: stitution of the United States. stitution, which states ‘‘The Congress shall Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1, giving Con- By Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois: have Power to dispose of and make all need- gress the authority to lay and collect taxes, H.R. 3331. ful Rules and Regulations respecting the as misinterpreted by the United States Su- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Territory or other Property belonging to the preme Court in National Federation of Inde- lation pursuant to the following: United States; and nothing in this Constitu- pendent Business v. Sebelius, which resulted This bill is enacted pursuant to the power tion shall be so construed as to Prejudice in dubious Court precedent. granted to Congress under Article I of the any Claims of the United States, or of any Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3, which gives United States Constitution and its subse- particular State.’’ Congress the authority to regulate com- quent amendments, and further clarified and By Mr. FOSTER: merce among the states. interpreted by the Supreme Court of the H.R. 3343. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18, which gives United States Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress the authority to make all laws that By Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois: lation pursuant to the following: are necessary and proper for carrying out the H.R. 3332. This bill is enacted pursuant to the power powers given it by the Constitution. The au- Congress has the power to enact this legis- granted to Congress under Article I, Section thority in this bill is necessary and proper lation pursuant to the following: 8, Clauses 1 and 18 of the United States Con- for states to regain control over their respec- This bill is enacted pursuant to the power stitution. tive health insurance markets and offer their granted to Congress under Article I of the By Ms. FRANKEL of Florida: residents real options at a reduced cost rel- United States Constitution and its subse- H.R. 3344. ative to plans allowed by the Patient Protec- quent amendments, and further clarified and Congress has the power to enact this legis- tion and Affordable Care Act. interpreted by the Supreme Court of the lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. HUNTER: United States Article I, Section 8, Clauses 1, 3, and 7 of H.R. 3353. By Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois: the United States Constitution, granting Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R 3333. Congress the power to tax and spend, the lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- power to regulate interstate commerce, and Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 lation pursuant to the following: the power to establish Post roads, respec- By Ms. JACKSON LEE: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power tively. H.R. 3354. granted to Congress under Article I of the By Mr. GOSAR: Congress has the power to enact this legis- United States Constitution and its subse- H.R. 3345. lation pursuant to the following: quent amendments, and further clarified and Congress has the power to enact this legis- This bill is enacted pursuant to the power interpreted by the Supreme Court of the lation pursuant to the following: granted to Congress under Article I, Section United States Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 (Spending 8, Clause 1 of the United States Constitution. By Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois: Clause): ‘‘The Congress shall have the power By Ms. JENKINS of Kansas: H.R. 3334. to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and H.R. 3355. Congress has the power to enact this legis- excises, to pay the debts and provide for the Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: common defense . . .’’ The United States has lation pursuant to the following: Clause 3 of section 8 of article I of the Con- incurred legal liability for which it has Article I, Section 8: stitution and clause 18 of section 8 of article waived its sovereign immunity for illnesses The Congress shall have Power To lay and I of the Constitution. and deaths associated with its Nuclear Weap- collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises,

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Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power Article I Article I, Section 8: granted to Congress under Article I of the By Mrs. LOWEY: The Congress shall have Power To lay and United States Constitution and its subse- H.R. 3377. collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, quent amendments, and further clarified and Congress has the power to enact this legis- to pay the Debts and provide for the common interpreted by the Supreme Court of the lation pursuant to the following: Defense and general Welfare of the United United States. The General Welfare Clause of Article 1, States. By Mr. LEWIS: Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution. By Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio: H.R. 3368. By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of H.R. 3357. Congress has the power to enact this legis- New York: Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3378. lation pursuant to the following: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power Congress has the power to enact this legis- The Congress enacts this bill pursuant to granted to Congress under Article I of the lation pursuant to the following: Article I, United States Constitution and its subse- Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 To regulate Section 8, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution quent amendments, and further clarified and commerce with foreign nations, and among By Mr. KEATING: interpreted by the Supreme Court of the the several states, and with the Indian tribes H.R. 3358. United States. By Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. LOEBSACK: New York: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3369. H.R. 3379. Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Constitution. lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. KILMER: Article I, Section 8, Clause I of the Con- Article I, Section 8 H.R. 3359. stitution which grants Congress the power to By Mr. MARINO: Congress has the power to enact this legis- provide for the general Welfare of the United H.R. 3380. lation pursuant to the following: States. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution of By Ms. LOFGREN: lation pursuant to the following: the United States H.R. 3370. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1—The Con- By Mr. KILMER: Congress has the power to enact this legis- gress shall have Power to lay and collect H.R. 3360. lation pursuant to the following: Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 of the Con- the Debts and provide for the common lation pursuant to the following: stitution. Defence and general Welfare of the United Article I, Section 8 of the United States By Mr. LOUDERMILK: States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises Constitution. H.R. 3371. shall be uniform throughout the United Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. KING of New York: States. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3361. Article 1, Section 9, Clause 3—To regulate Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2: The Con- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Commerce with foreign Nations, and among gress shall have Power to dispose of and lation pursuant to the following: the several States, and with the Indian make all needful Rules and Regulations re- Article I, Section 8, Clause 18—To make all Tribes. specting the Territory or other Property be- Laws which shall be necessary and proper for By Mr. MCCAUL: longing to the United States; and nothing in carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- H.R. 3381. this Constitution shall be so construed as to ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Prejudice any Claims of the United States, stitution in the Government of the United lation pursuant to the following: States, or in any Department or Officer or of any particular State. Article I, Section 8. By Mrs. LOVE: thereof. By Mr. MCCLINTOCK: H.R. 3372. By Ms. KUSTER: H.R. 3382. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3362. Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18: The Con- lation pursuant to the following: Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 (the Prop- gress shall have Power To . . . make all Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the United erty Clause), which confers on Congress the Laws which shall be necessary and proper for States Constitution, the Taxing and Spend- power to make all needful Rules and Regula- carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- ing Clause: ‘‘The Congress shall have Power tions respecting the property belonging to ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts the United States. stitution in the Government of the United and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for By Ms. MENG: States, or in any Department or Officer the common Defence and general Welfare of H.R. 3383. thereof. the United States . . .’’ Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. LOWENTHAL: By Mr. LAMALFA: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3373. H.R. 3363. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. MENG: lation pursuant to the following: All legislative Powers herein granted shall H.R. 3384. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the United be vested in a Congress of the United States, Congress has the power to enact this legis- States Constitution. which shall consist of a Senate and House of lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. LARSEN of Washington: Representatives Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 H.R. 3364. Section 8 By Mr. NOLAN: Congress has the power to enact this legis- 14: To make Rules for the Government and H.R. 3385. lation pursuant to the following: Regulation of the land and naval Forces; Congress has the power to enact this legis- As described in Article 1, Section 1 ‘‘all By Mr. LOWENTHAL: lation pursuant to the following: legislative powers herein granted shall be H.R. 3374. Article I, Section 8 of the United States vested in a Congress of the United States, Congress has the power to enact this legis- Constitution, specifically Clause 3. which shall consist of a Senate and House of lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. NORCROSS: Representatives.’’ All legislative Powers herein granted shall H.R. 3386. By Mr. LARSEN of Washington: be vested in a Congress of the United States, Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3365. which shall consist of a Senate and House of lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Representatives Article I Section 8 lation pursuant to the following: Section 8 By Ms. NORTON: As described in Article 1, Section 1 ‘‘all 14: To make Rules for the Government and H.R. 3387. legislative powers herein granted shall be Regulation of the land and naval Forces; Congress has the power to enact this legis- vested in a Congress of the United States, By Mrs. LOWEY: lation pursuant to the following: which shall consist of a Senate and House of H.R. 3375. section 1 of article I, and clause 18, section Representatives.’’ Congress has the power to enact this legis- 8 of article I of the Constitution. By Mrs. LAWRENCE: lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. NUGENT: H.R. 3366. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 H.R. 3388. Congress has the power to enact this legis- The Congress shall have Power . . . To reg- Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: ulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and lation pursuant to the following:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:02 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00179 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY7.055 H29JYPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H5774 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 29, 2015 Article I, section 8 of the United States By Mr. REICHERT: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Constitution (clauses 1, 12, 13, 14, and 16), H.R. 3398. lation pursuant to the following: which grants Congress the power to lay and Congress has the power to enact this legis- 5th Amendment to the Constitution collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, lation pursuant to the following: Sec. 1 and Sec. 5 of the 14th Amendment to to pay the Debts and provide for the common This bill is enacted pursuant to Article I the Constitution. Defense and general Welfare of the United Section 8 of the United States Constitution. By Mr. SMITH of Missouri: States; raise and support Armies; to provide By Mr. RICHMOND: H.R. 3409. and maintain a Navy; to make rules for the H.R. 3399. Congress has the power to enact this legis- government and regulation of the land and Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: naval forces; and to provide for organizing, lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- arming, and disciplining the militia. This bill is introduced pursuant to the lation pursuant to Article I, Section 8, which By Mr. NUNES: powers granted to Congress under the Gen- states ‘‘The Congress shall have Power To H.R. 3389. eral Welfare Clause (Art. 1 Sec. 8 Cl. 1), the lay and collect Taxes,’’ and Article I, Section Congress has the power to enact this legis- Commerce Clause (Art. 1 Sec. 8 Cl. 3), and 7, which states ‘‘All Bills for raising Revenue lation pursuant to the following: the Necessary and Proper Clause (Art. 1 Sec. shall originate in the House of Representa- Clause 18 of section 8 of Article I of the 8 Cl. 18). tives.’’ United States Constitution. Further, this statement of constitutional By Mr. SMITH of Washington: By Mr. PASCRELL: authority is made for the sole purpose of H.R. 3410. H.R. 3390. compliance with clause 7 of Rule XII of the Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Rules of the House of Representatives and lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: shall have no bearing on judicial review of Article IV Section 3. ‘‘The Congress shall Congress has the power to enact this legis- the accompanying bill. have Power to dispose of and make all need- lation pursuant to Article I, Section 8, By Mr. ROHRABACHER: ful Rules and Regulations respecting the Clause 3 of the United States Constitution. H.R. 3400. Territory or other Property belonging to the By Mr. PERRY: Congress has the power to enact this legis- United States . . .’’ H.R. 3391. lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. SPEIER: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8 H.R. 3411. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. ROONEY of Florida: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8 of the United States H.R. 3401. lation pursuant to the following: Constitution Congress has the power to enact this legis- This bill is enacted pursuant to the power By Mr. PETERS: H.R. 3392. lation pursuant to the following: granted to Congress under Article 1, Section Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8: To make all laws 8 of the United States Constitution. lation pursuant to the following: which shall be necessary and proper for car- By Ms. SPEIER: Article 1, Section 8 of the US Constitution rying into execution the foregoing powers, H.R. 3412. By Mr. POSEY: and all other powers vested by this Constitu- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3393. tion in the government of the United States, lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- or in any department or officer thereof. This bill is enacted pursuant to the power lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. RUPPERSBERGER: granted to Congress under Article 1, Section Article I, Section 8, Clause 3: ‘‘The Con- H.R. 3402. 8 of the United States Constitution. gress shall have power . . . To regulate com- Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. STIVERS: merce with foreign nations, and among the lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3413. several states, and with the Indian tribes.’’ Article I, § clause 3, the Commerce Clause. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. POSEY: By Mr. SALMON: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3394. H.R. 3403. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18: The Con- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- gress shall have power to make all Laws lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: which shall be necessary and proper for car- Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Con- Article 1, Section 8, To make all laws rying into Execution the foregoing Powers, stitution of the United States: To regulate which shall be necessary and proper for car- and all other Powers vested by this Constitu- commerce with foreign nations, and among rying into execution the foregoing powers, tion in the Government of the United States, the several states, and with the Indian and all other powers vested by this Constitu- or in any Department of Officer thereof. tribes; tion in the government of the United States, By Mr. STIVERS: Article I, Section 8, Clause 9 of the Con- or in any department or officer thereof. H.R. 3414. stitution of the United States: To constitute By Mr. SALMON: Congress has the power to enact this legis- tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court; H.R. 3404. lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 10 of the Con- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution of stitution of the United States: To define and lation pursuant to the following: the United States punish Piracies and Felonies committed on Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1—The Con- By Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi: the high Seas, and Offenses against the Law gress shall have the Power To lay and collect H.R. 3415. of Nations; Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Con- the Debts and provide for the common lation pursuant to the following: stitution of the United States: To make all Defence and general Welfare of the United The U.S. Constitution including Article 1, Laws which shall be necessary and proper for States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises Section 8. carrying into Execution the forgoing Powers, shall be uniform throughout the United By Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi: and all other Powers vested by this Constitu- States; H.R. 3416. tion in the Government of the United States By Mr. SALMON: Congress has the power to enact this legis- or in any Department or Officer thereof; H.R. 3405. lation pursuant to the following: Amendment V No person shall be . . . de- Congress has the power to enact this legis- The U.S. Constitution including Article 1, prived of life, liberty, or property, without lation pursuant to the following: Section 8. due process of law. Article I, Section 9, Clause 7—‘‘No money By Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi: By Mr. QUIGLEY: shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in H.R. 3417. H.R. 3395. Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- and a regular Statement and Account of the lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: The U.S. Constitution including Article 1, Section 8 of article 1 of the Constitution Receipts and Expenditures of all public Section 8. Mr. RANGEL: Money shall be published from time to H.R. 3396. time.’’ By Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. SENSENBRENNER: H.R. 3418. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3406. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clauses 1 Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: The Congress shall have Power * * * to lation pursuant to the following: The U.S. Constitution including Article 1, provide for the common defense and general Article I, Section 8 Section 8. welfare of the United States. By Mr. SENSENBRENNER: By Ms. TITUS: By Mr. REED: H.R. 3407. H.R. 3419. H.R. 3397. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8 of the United States The bill is enacted pursuant to the power Clause 1 of Section 8 of Article I and Constitution granted to Congress under Article I, Section Amendment XVI of the United States Con- By Mr. SESSIONS: 8, Amendment XVI, of the United States stitution H.R. 3408. Constitution

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By Mr. TONKO: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 836: Mr. KATKO and Mr. LUETKEMEYER. H.R. 3420. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 842: Mr. SMITH of Washington and Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 Miss RICE of New York. lation pursuant to the following: The Congress shall have the Power to lay H.R. 846: Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Article I, Section 1, and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Ex- H.R. 863: Mr. JENKINS of West Virginia and All legislative Powers herein granted shall cises, to pay the Debt and provide for the Mr. SMITH of Missouri. be vested in a Congress of the United States, common Defense and general Welfare of the H.R. 879: Mr. GIBBS, Mr. YOHO, and Mr. which shall consist of a Senate and House of United States; but all Duties, Imposts and LUETKEMEYER. Representatives. Excises shall be uniform throughout the H.R. 885: Mrs. DINGELL, Ms. DEGETTE, and By Mr. WALKER: United States. Mr. HULTGREN. H.R. 3421. By Mr. YOUNG of Indiana: H.R. 908: Mr. CA´ RDENAS, Mr. DESAULNIER, Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3432. Mr. GARAMENDI, Ms. LEE, and Mr. HUFFMAN. lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 918: Ms. JENKINS of Kansas and Mr. Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of lation pursuant to the following: MARCHANT. the United States Article I, Section 8, Clauses 1 and 3 H.R. 921: Mr. ROSKAM, Ms. JENKINS of Kan- By Mrs. WALORSKI: By Mr. LARSON of Connecticut: sas, Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee, and Mr. AUS- H.R. 3422. H.J. Res. 62. TIN SCOTT of Georgia. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 928: Mr. CALVERT. lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 932: Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. Clause 18 of Section 8 of Article I of the Article I Section 8, Clause 11 H.R. 969: Mr. BOST and Mr. PASCRELL. United States Constitution H.R. 985: Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. DOLD, Mr. SHU- By Mr. WALZ: f STER, and Mr. REED. H.R. 3423. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 990: Ms. DUCKWORTH. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 994: Mr. KILMER. lation pursuant to the following: Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 1002: Mr. BARLETTA and Mr. QUIGLEY. This bill is enacted pursuant to Section 8 were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 1034: Mr. MILLER of Florida. of Article I of the United States Constitu- tions, as follows: H.R. 1061: Mr. MCGOVERN and Mr. SEAN tion. PATRICK MALONEY of New York. H.R. 27: Mr. MILLER of Florida. By Ms. MAXINE WATERS of Cali- H.R. 1062: Mr. GOODLATTE. H.R. 69: Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Ms. fornia: H.R. 1073: Mr. KING of Iowa. KUSTER, Ms. LEE, Mr. RUSH, Mrs. DINGELL, H.R. 3424. H.R. 1086: Mr. GOODLATTE. ITUS STY OORE Congress has the power to enact this legis- Ms. T , Ms. E , Ms. M , Mr. H.R. 1096: Mr. RIBBLE. lation pursuant to the following: JEFFRIES, Ms. HAHN, Ms. JUDY CHU of Cali- H.R. 1100: Mr. TED LIEU of California, Mr. Article I, Section 8, Clause I of the Con- fornia, Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts, Ms. WOMACK, and Ms. WILSON of Florida. stitution of the United States GRANGER, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. PETERS, Mr. H.R. 1101: Mr. PETERS, Ms. ESTY, Mr. BEN By Mr. WEBER of Texas: COHEN, Ms. CLARKE of New York, Mr. SEAN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mexico, and Ms. MICHELLE H.R. 3425. PATRICK MALONEY of New York, and Mr. LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Congress has the power to enact this legis- DONOVAN. H.R. 1114: Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 114: Mrs. HARTZLER. H.R. 1132: Mr. KNIGHT. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3. The Congress H.R. 167: Mr. LOBIONDO and Mr. H.R. 1150: Ms. BROWNLEY of California. shall have the power to regulate commerce BUTTERFIELD. H.R. 1197: Mr. AGUILAR and Mr. REED. with foreign nations, and among the several H.R. 169: Mr. THORNBERRY and Mr. YOHO. H.R. 1209: Mr. COLLINS of Georgia and Mr. states, and with the Indian tribes. Second H.R. 217: Mr. KNIGHT and Mr. YOUNG of PETERS. Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. A well Iowa. H.R. 1211: Mr. TED LIEU of California, Mr. regulated militia, being necessary to the se- H.R. 232: Mr. BENISHEK. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mexico, and Ms. curity of a free State, the right of the people H.R. 304: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania and ESHOO. to keep and bear arms, shall not be in- Mr. CARSON of Indiana. H.R. 1215: Mr. MULVANEY. fringed. H.R. 333: Mr. KING of New York, Mr. ELLI- H.R. 1220: Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio, Ms. JEN- By Mr. WELCH: SON, Mr. LYNCH, and Ms. WILSON of Florida. KINS of Kansas, and Mr. WEBER of Texas. H.R. 3426. H.R. 358: Miss RICE of New York, Mr. H.R. 1222: Ms. STEFANIK. Congress has the power to enact this legis- HONDA, and Mr. WHITFIELD. H.R. 1233: Mr. MCKINLEY, Mr. BOST, Ms. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 381: Mr. COHEN. GRANGER, Mr. SESSIONS, and Mr. AUSTIN Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18: The Con- H.R. 414: Mr. LUCAS, Mr. SCHWEIKERT, Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. gress shall have Power To . . . make all PEARCE, Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mr. STUTZMAN, H.R. 1247: Mr. ZINKE. Laws which shall be necessary and proper for and Mr. FINCHER. H.R. 1258: Ms. CASTOR of Florida. carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- H.R. 483: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. H.R. 1266: Mr. WESTERMAN. ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- H.R. 523: Mr. CASTRO of Texas. H.R. 1270: Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. stitution in the Government of the United H.R. 539: Ms. MOORE, Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. H.R. 1282: Ms. MCSALLY. States, or in any Department or Officer BILIRAKIS, and Mr. GRIFFITH. H.R. 1287: Mr. BRAT. thereof. H.R. 546: Mr. GOWDY and Mr. CLYBURN. H.R. 1288: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. By Ms. WILSON of Florida: H.R. 556: Mr. AGUILAR. LIPINSKI, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. GRAVES of Mis- H.R. 3427. H.R. 592: Mr. KATKO, Mr. COURTNEY, and Congress has the power to enact this legis- souri, Mr. ASHFORD, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. Mr. CASTRO of Texas. lation pursuant to the following: SHIMKUS, Ms. KAPTUR, and Mr. AL GREEN of H.R. 624: Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. This bill is introduced under the powers Texas. H.R. 625: Mr. LANGEVIN. granted to Congress under Article 1, Section H.R. 1309: Mr. ROTHFUS and Mr. SMITH of H.R. 662: Mr. REED and Mr. BRAT. 8 of the Constitution. Missouri. H.R. 664: Mr. RIBBLE. By Mr. WITTMAN: H.R. 1312: Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. H.R. 676: Mr. CLAY. H.R. 3428. H.R. 1342: Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. GUINTA, Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 699: Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. GIBBS, Mr. GRIFFITH, and Mr. CICILLINE. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 702: Mr. BOST and Mr. THORNBERRY. H.R. 1343: Mr. MESSER. Article I, section 8, Clause 18 of the Con- H.R. 711: Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. H.R. 1356: Mr. AMODEI, Mr. MURPHY of Flor- stitution of the United States grants Con- GARAMENDI, Mr. SMITH of Texas, and Mr. ida, Mr. CRENSHAW, Mr. BROOKS of Alabama, gress the authority to enact this bill. JOHNSON of Ohio. Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. COHEN, Mr. ELLI- By Mr. YODER: H.R. 721: Ms. PINGREE, Mr. HUNTER, and SON, Mr. MCKINLEY, Mr. PITTENGER, Mr. KING H.R. 3429. Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. of New York, Mr. GUTHRIE, Mr. PRICE of Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 727: Mr. PASCRELL. North Carolina, Mr. TED LIEU of California, lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 759: Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. AGUILAR, Mr. CALVERT, and Ms. Clause 3 of section 8 or Article 1 of the H.R. 766: Mr. HULTGREN and Mr. PEARCE. STEFANIK. Constitution states that Congress has the H.R. 771: Mr. POMPEO. H.R. 1369: Mr. MESSER. authority to ‘‘regulate Commerce with for- H.R. 775: Mr. MESSER, Mr. AGUILAR, and H.R. 1384: Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. ROTHFUS, Mr. eign nations, and among the several states.’’ Ms. DELAURO. MCKINLEY, Mr. PITTENGER, Mr. KING of New By Mr. YOUNG of Indiana: H.R. 785: Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. York, Mr. PRICE of North Carolina, Mr. H.R. 3430. H.R. 814: Mr. LOBIONDO. MULVANEY, Mr. NOLAN, Mr. GIBBS, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 816: Mr. POE of Texas, Mr. BILIRAKIS, WOMACK, and Ms. STEFANIK. lation pursuant to the following: Mr. PALMER, Mr. KNIGHT, and Mr. ADERHOLT. H.R. 1399: Ms. SINEMA. Article I, Section 8, Clauses 1 H.R. 822: Mr. MESSER and Mr. REED. H.R. 1422: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. By Mr. YOUNG of Indiana: H.R. 828: Mr. REICHERT and Mr. HIMES. H.R. 1424: Mr. JOYCE and Mr. BRENDAN F. H.R. 3431. H.R. 831: Mr. NEAL. BOYLE of Pennsylvania.

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H.R. 1427: Mr. GALLEGO, Mr. FARR, Ms. Mr. TIPTON, Mr. ROE of Tennessee, and Mr. Florida, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. CARSON of In- JUDY CHU of California, Mr. TED LIEU of Cali- BOUSTANY. diana, Ms. CLARKE of New York, Mr. CLAY, fornia, Ms. ESTY, Mrs. WALORSKI, Mr. H.R. 2050: Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California Mr. CLYBURN, Ms. FUDGE, Ms. KELLY of Illi- AGUILAR, and Mr. RUIZ. and Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. nois, Mrs. LAWRENCE, Mr. MEEKS, and Mrs. H.R. 1434: Mr. RICHMOND and Ms. FRANKEL H.R. 2061: Mr. THOMPSON of California and WATSON COLEMAN. of Florida. Mr. RICHMOND. H.R. 2536: Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. H.R. 1460: Mr. AGUILAR. H.R. 2065: Mr. KATKO, Mr. DONOVAN, Mr. H.R. 2540: Mr. GRIFFITH. H.R. 1462: Ms. ESTY and Mr. MESSER. TONKO, Mr. KING of New York, Mr. RANGEL, H.R. 2553: Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. JOLLY, H.R. 1475: Mr. MESSER, Mr. REED, and Mr. and Mr. PAYNE. Mr. KILMER, Ms. CASTOR of Florida, and Mr. MACARTHUR. H.R. 2072: Mr. MCDERMOTT. HECK of Washington. H.R. 1482: Mr. TAKANO. H.R. 2076: Mr. MCDERMOTT. H.R. 2568: Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina H.R. 1492: Ms. BONAMICI, Ms. CLARK of Mas- H.R. 2083: Mr. CICILLINE. and Mrs. BLACK. sachusetts, and Ms. ESHOO. H.R. 2096: Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. H.R. 2588: Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. H.R. 1523: Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. H.R. 2101: Ms. DELAURO. H.R. 2602: Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. KILMER, H.R. 1534: Ms. BONAMICI. H.R. 2121: Ms. MOORE, Mr. RIGELL, Mr. Mr. ELLISON, Mr. NADLER, Ms. DELAURO, and H.R. 1549: Mr. COLLINS of New York and Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New Mr. RANGEL. KATKO. York, Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 2607: Mr. COLLINS of New York, Mr. H.R. 1559: Mr. LONG, Mr. AGUILAR, Mrs. MEEKS, Mrs. LOVE, Mr. POLIS, and Mr. ZELDIN, and Ms. STEFANIK. KIRKPATRICK, Mr. CLAY, Mr. VARGAS, and Mr. FINCHER. H.R. 2609: Mr. CONAWAY. CASTRO of Texas. H.R. 2123: Mr. COHEN, Mr. ROTHFUS, and Mr. H.R. 2624: Mr. CONYERS, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. H.R. 1567: Mr. BOST, Ms. ADAMS, Mr. GRAVES of Georgia. NORTON and Mr. HONDA. DELANEY, Mrs. WAGNER, and Mr. LEWIS. H.R. 2124: Mr. MEEHAN, Mr. AGUILAR, and H.R. 2643: Mr. KILMER, and Mr. SIMPSON. H.R. 1571: Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. SMITH of Wash- Mr. RICHMOND. H.R. 2646: Mr. MESSER, Mr. TURNER, Mr. ington, Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New H.R. 2142: Mr. TURNER and Mr. BABIN. BOUSTANY, Mrs. NOEM, Mrs. LUMMIS, Mrs. York, and Mr. THOMPSON of California. H.R. 2147: Ms. EDWARDS. HARTZLER, Mr. MICA, Mr. COLE, Mr. LUCAS, H.R. 1581: Ms. STEFANIK. H.R. 2156: Mr. MESSER. Mr. KINZINGER of Illinois, Mr. HARRIS, Mr. H.R. 1594: Mr. RIBBLE, Mr. COHEN, Mr. H.R. 2170: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. STIVERS, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. MCKINLEY, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. TED LIEU of H.R. 2193: Mr. COHEN. ROTHFUS, and Mrs. WALORSKI. California, Mr. WOMACK, Mr. KILMER, Mr. H.R. 2197: Ms. BROWNLEY of California, Mr. H.R. 2653: Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. AMODEI, Mr. REED, Mr. RENACCI, Mr. PRICE of North Caro- YOHO, Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, Mr. GOODLATTE, Mr. ABRAHAM, Mr. LUETKE- lina, Mr. GUTHRIE, Mr. PITTENGER, Ms. WIL- SCHIFF, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, MEYER, Ms. JENKINS of Kansas, Mr. MOONEY SON of Florida, Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania, Ms. TSONGAS, Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. HUFFMAN, of West Virginia, Mr. GRAVES of Georgia, and and Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. FOSTER and Ms. PINGREE. Mr. CRENSHAW. H.R. 1595: Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. H.R. 2205: Mrs. LUMMIS. H.R. 2654: Mr. DELANEY, Miss RICE of New H.R. 1603: Ms. STEFANIK. H.R. 2208: Ms. PINGREE. York, and Ms. DUCKWORTH. H.R. 1608: Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. H.R. 2229: Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. EMMER of Min- H.R. 2664: Mr. CARTWRIGHT. H.R. 1610: Mr. PEARCE, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. nesota, and Mr. PASCRELL. H.R. 2680: Mr. ELLISON. FORBES, and Mr. CURBELO of Florida. H.R. 2233: Mr. BABIN. H.R. 2689: Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California H.R. 1622: Mr. VAN HOLLEN. H.R. 2247: Mr. GOODLATTE. and Mr. KNIGHT. H.R. 1624: Mr. FLEMING, Ms. CLARKE of New H.R. 2292: Mrs. BUSTOS. H.R. 2698: Mr. VALADAO and Mr. MARCHANT. York, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. VELA, Mr. GIBSON, Mr. H.R. 2293: Mr. BEYER, Mr. LANCE, Ms. H.R. 2704: Mr. BLUMENAUER. POSEY, and Mr. WEBER of Texas. MCCOLLUM, Mr. JOYCE, Mr. DESANTIS, Mr. H.R. 2711: Mr. ROSKAM. H.R. 1627: Mr. ROSKAM. POLIS, Mr. UPTON, Mr. BRADY of Pennsyl- H.R. 2713: Mr. CICILLINE. H.R. 1635: Ms. PINGREE. vania, Ms. LEE, Mr. SHUSTER, Mr. CUMMINGS, H.R. 2716: Mr. RATCLIFFE. SHFORD ATSUI H.R. 1653: Mr. A and Ms. M . Mr. KING of New York, and Ms. HERRERA H.R. 2719: Mr. BENISHEK. H.R. 1670: Mr. GARRETT. BEUTLER. H.R. 2726: Mr. CARTWRIGHT. H.R. 1684: Mr. KATKO. H.R. 2300: Mr. CRENSHAW. H.R. 2728: Mr. SWALWELL of California and H.R. 1716: Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. H.R. 2304: Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. SMITH Mr. WALZ. H.R. 1718: Mr. MESSER and Mr. HUDSON. of Texas, Ms. JUDY CHU of California, Ms. H.R. 2737: Ms. DUCKWORTH. H.R. 1721: Ms. BONAMICI. LOFGREN, Mr. MCNERNEY, Mr. TAKANO, Ms. H.R. 2742: Mr. RUIZ. H.R. 1722: Mr. LANGEVIN. HAHN, Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California, H.R. 2744: Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER and Mrs. H.R. 1728: Mr. NORCROSS. PEIER ATSUI HOMPSON DAVIS of California. H.R. 1736: Mr. MESSER. Ms. S , Ms. M , Mr. T of H.R. 2751: Mr. RUIZ. H.R. 1748: Ms. DELBENE. California, Mr. GARAMENDI, Mr. FARR, Mr. H.R. 1752: Mr. ROSS, Mr. FLEMING, and Mr. NOLAN, Mr. ISRAEL, and Mr. CROWLEY. H.R. 2752: Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN and Mr. KIL- BILIRAKIS. H.R. 2315: Mr. SCOTT of Virginia and Mr. MER. H.R. 1763: Mr. LARSEN of Washington. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. H.R. 2754: Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. H.R. 1784: Mr. KIND. H.R. 2320: Mr. TOM PRICE of Georgia and H.R. 2759: Mr. BLUMENAUER and Mr. SCHIFF. H.R. 1786: Ms. ESHOO, Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N Mr. WOODALL. H.R. 2775: Mr. REED and Mr. AGUILAR. of New Mexico, Mr. BARLETTA, Ms. MICHELLE H.R. 2369: Ms. JENKINS of Kansas. H.R. 2799: Mr. KATKO, Mr. NUGENT, and Mr. LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico, and Mr. H.R. 2400: Mr. ABRAHAM, Mr. BARLETTA, BILIRAKIS. MCKINLEY. Mr. BISHOP of Michigan, Mr. GUTHRIE, Mr. H.R. 2805: Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of H.R. 1801: Mr. MEEKS. KING of New York, Mr. LUCAS, Mr. MOONEY of New York, Ms. ESTY, Mr. MCGOVERN, and Mr. H.R. 1814: Mr. VELA, Mr. VARGAS, and Ms. West Virginia, Mr. SESSIONS, Ms. STEFANIK, STIVERS. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. WOODALL, Mr. CRENSHAW, Mr. FORBES, H.R. 2812: Mr. CRAMER. H.R. 1818: Mr. NUGENT and Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. GUINTA, Ms. MCSALLY, Mr. NEWHOUSE, H.R. 2824: Ms. CASTOR of Florida. H.R. 1854: Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. RATCLIFFE, Mr. WEBER of Texas, and Mr. H.R. 2849: Ms. MCSALLY. H.R. 1859: Mr. MARCHANT and Mr. POMPEO. YOUNG of Alaska. H.R. 2852: Mr. SCALISE. H.R. 1877: Ms. LOFGREN. H.R. 2403: Mr. PITTS, Mr. LANCE, and Mrs. H.R. 2855: Ms. PINGREE. H.R. 1886: Mrs. WALORSKI. ROBY. H.R. 2858: Ms. JUDY CHU of California, Mr. H.R. 1901: Mr. BRAT, Mr. SCHWEIKERT, and H.R. 2404: Mr. HINOJOSA and Mr. VELA. VAN HOLLEN, Ms. LOFGREN, Mr. FOSTER, Mr. Mr. RATCLIFFE. H.R. 2405: Mr. MARCHANT. PRICE of North Carolina, Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. H.R. 1920: Mr. WEBER of Texas and Mr. H.R. 2410: Mr. MEEKS and Mr. PIERLUISI. CAPUANO, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. NORTON, Mr. TROTT. H.R. 2434: Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of SCHIFF, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of H.R. 1934: Mr. GRIFFITH. New York. Texas, Mr. HASTINGS, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. RAN- H.R. 1941: Mr. HULTGREN. H.R. 2449: Mr. AGUILAR. GEL, Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Mr. COHEN, Ms. TITUS, H.R. 1948: Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. H.R. 2460: Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina Mr. DEFAZIO, Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts, H.R. 1969: Mr. KING of New York, Mr. ELLI- and Mr. STEWART. Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, SON, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. COHEN, Mrs. H.R. 2461: Ms. PINGREE and Ms. JENKINS of Ms. SPEIER, Ms. PINGREE, Mr. HIMES, Ms. LOWEY, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Mr. POCAN, Kansas. DELBENE, Mr. CONNOLLY, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mex- H.R. 2463: Mrs. BLACK, Mr. FITZPATRICK, FARR, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. WELCH, Mrs. LOWEY, ico, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. PETERS, and and Mr. STIVERS. Mr. DEUTCH, Mr. POCAN, Ms. PLASKETT, Ms. Mr. RUIZ. H.R. 2473: Mr. MULVANEY, Mr. ROUZER, Mr. ESTY, Ms. BROWNLEY of California, Mr. VIS- H.R. 2017: Mrs. LUMMIS, Mr. SHUSTER, Mr. JONES, Mrs. TORRES, and Mr. QUIGLEY. CLOSKY, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. HONDA, WESTMORELAND, Mr. FITZPATRICK, Mr. HAR- H.R. 2493: Mr. COHEN. Mr. O’ROURKE, Mr. DESAULNIER, Ms. RIS, Mr. BUCSHON, Mr. GIBBS, and Mr. H.R. 2513: Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina. GABBARD, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. BRENDAN F. CUELLAR. H.R. 2519: Mr. MEADOWS. BOYLE of Pennsylvania, and Mr. PETERS. H.R. 2043: Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio, Mr. ROD- H.R. 2521: Ms. ADAMS, Ms. BASS, Mrs. H.R. 2867: Mr. AGUILAR and Mr. O’ROURKE. NEY DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. JOYCE, Mr. WELCH, BEATTY, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Ms. BROWN of H.R. 2872: Mr. CHABOT.

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H.R. 2876: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. H.R. 3095: Ms. DUCKWORTH. H.R. 3231: Ms. NORTON. H.R. 2893: Mr. RENACCI. H.R. 3096: Mr. NEAL. H.R. 3232: Ms. NORTON. H.R. 2894: Mr. THOMPSON of California. H.R. 3107: Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. H.R. 3233: Ms. NORTON. H.R. 2895: Mr. WALDEN. H.R. 3114: Mrs. DINGELL. H.R. 3245: Mr. FORTENBERRY, Mr. HARRIS, H.R. 2902: Ms. LOFGREN and Mr. CICILLINE. H.R. 3115: Mr. BUCHANAN, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mr. BARTON, Mr. CULBERSON, Mr. BURGESS, H.R. 2903: Mr. MACARTHUR, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. OLSON, and Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia, Mr. YOHO, Mr. Mr. REICHERT, Mr. REED, Ms. ESTY, Ms. PIN- H.R. 3118: Mr. WESTERMAN, Mr. FRANKS of DUNCAN of South Carolina, Mr. MULVANEY, GREE, Mr. HUNTER, Mr. CONAWAY, Ms. NOR- Arizona, Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia, Mr. Mr. GOWDY, Mr. SALMON, Mr. MASSIE, Mr. TON, Mr. LUETKEMEYER, Mr. BENISHEK, Mr. BUCK, Mr. GIBBS, Mr. BYRNE, and Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. RICE of South Caro- GRAVES of Missouri, Mr. MCKINLEY and Mr. CHABOT. lina, Mr. ROTHFUS, Mr. JORDAN, Mr. KING of LOBIONDO. H.R. 3119: Mr. RIBBLE. Iowa, and Mr. ROUZER. H.R. 2905: Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. WENSTRUP, H.R. 3126: Mr. MESSER and Mr. OLSON. H.R. 3248: Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. NEWHOUSE, Mr. GROTHMAN, Mr. MCKIN- H.R. 3129: Mr. FORTENBERRY. H.R. 3268: Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER, Mr. LEY, Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina and Mr. H.R. 3134: Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. THOMPSON of California, Ms. ROYBAL- MOONEY of West Virginia. TURNER, Mr. HARDY, Mr. SANFORD, Ms. ROS- ALLARD, Mr. TONKO, Mr. SMITH of Wash- H.R. 2911: Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- LEHTINEN, Mr. BURGESS, Mr. LANCE, Mr. ington, and Mr. JEFFRIES. fornia, Ms. JENKINS of Kansas, Mr. SCHRA- WOMACK, Mr. DESANTIS, Mr. STEWART, Mr. H.J. Res. 45: Mr. KING of Iowa. DER, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. MCCAUL, Mr. TROTT, and Mr. VALADAO. H.J. Res. 51: Ms. JACKSON LEE. RENACCI, Mr. LATTA, and Ms. SINEMA. H.R. 3136: Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia and H.J. Res. 54: Mr. POLIS. H.R. 2912: Mr. BRAT. Mr. SERRANO. H.J. Res. 59: Mr. PETERSon. H.R. 2915: Mr. KILMER and Ms. GRANGER. H.R. 3137: Mr. CALVERT and Ms. KUSTER. H. Con. Res. 17: Mr. CURBELO of Florida. H.R. 2920: Mr. SCHIFF, Ms. ESTY and Mr. H.R. 3138: Mr. BARTON. H. Con. Res. 19: Mr. STIVERS, Mr. WEST- TAKANO. H.R. 3139: Mr. RATCLIFFE. MORELAND, Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. H.R. 2932: Mr. TAKANO. H.R. 3142: Ms. TSONGAS. MARCHANT, Mr. SMITH of Missouri, Mr. H.R. 2933: Mr. NOLAN and Ms. DELBENE. H.R. 3150: Ms. ESTY, Ms. BROWN of Florida, LEWIS, and Mr. ROTHFUS. H.R. 2940: Mr. BENISHEK and Mr. BOST. Mr. VARGAS, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. NADLER, Ms. H. Con. Res. 40: Ms. HAHN. H.R. 2942: Mr. MESSER. PINGREE, Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts, Mr. H. Con. Res. 50: Mr. ISRAEL and Mr. NEUGE- H.R. 2944: Mr. JONES and Mr. RANGEL. VAN HOLLEN, Mrs. TORRES, Mrs. LAWRENCE, BAUER. H.R. 2946: Mr. CHABOT. Mr. TONKO, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Mr. H. Con. Res. 62: Mr. WILSON of South Caro- H.R. 2948: Mr. ZINKE, Mrs. KIRKPATRICK, HONDA, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. lina and Mr. GOODLATTE. and Mr. PALAZZO. SERRANO, Mrs. BUSTOS, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, H. Con. Res. 63: Mr. JONES. H.R. 2949: Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. CLAY, Mr. MEEKS, and Mr. TAKAI. H. Con. Res. 66: Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. COS- H.R. 2958: Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mex- H.R. 3151: Mr. BABIN and Mr. BRAT. TELLO of Pennsylvania, Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. ico. H.R. 3160: Mr. COHEN, Mr. MCGOVERN, and CARSON of Indiana, Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Mr. H.R. 2962: Mr. AGUILAR, Ms. MATSUI, Mr. Ms. BROWNLEY of California. TAKANO, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, MCNERNEY, and Mr. VEASEY. H.R. 3161: Mr. WOMACK. Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Mr. LARSON of Con- H.R. 2978: Ms. MCCOLLUM. H.R. 3166: Mr. SALMON. necticut, Mr. ZINKE, Mr. CASTRO of Texas, H.R. 2979: Mr. AGUILAR. H.R. 3167: Mr. BUCK, Mr. SCHWEIKERT, Mrs. Miss RICE of New York, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. H.R. 2987: Mr. ROSS, Mr. MULVANEY, Mr. LOVE, Mrs. LUMMIS, Mr. DESANTIS, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. JOHNSON of PITTENGER, Mr. DELANEY, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. WALKER, Mr. JONES, Mr. MULVANEY, and Ms. Ohio, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. KILMER, Mr. MURPHY of Florida, and Mr. ROTHFUS. MCSALLY. DELANEY, Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. PASCRELL, Ms. H.R. 2991: Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. H.R. 3171: Mr. POLIQUIN. CLARKE of New York, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mrs. H.R. 2994: Miss RICE of New York. H.R. 3178: Mr. ROE of Tennessee. TORRES, Mr. NEWHOUSE, Mrs. BEATTY, Mr. H.R. 2998: Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. H.R. 3179: Mr. ROE of Tennessee and Mr. PETERS, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mrs. DINGELL, H.R. 2999: Ms. ESTY. ROKITA. Mr. PRICE of North Carolina, Mr. CONNOLLY, H.R. 3007: Mr. COHEN, Ms. JUDY CHU of Cali- H.R. 3180: Mr. MURPHY of Florida, Mr. ROD- Mr. TED LIEU of California, and Mr. COLLINS fornia, Mr. VEASEY, and Mr. SWALWELL of NEY DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. COSTELLO of Penn- of New York. California. sylvania, Mr. MACARTHUR, and Ms. SINEMA. H. Res. 12: Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. H.R. 3011: Mr. BOUSTANY. H.R. 3187: Mr. HUFFMAN. H. Res. 15: Ms. MCCOLLUM. H.R. 3017: Mr. CHABOT. H.R. 3189: Mr. ROTHFUS and Mr. HULTGREN. H. Res. 28: Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ and H.R. 3025: Ms. BROWNLEY of California, Mr. H.R. 3197: Mr. GOWDY, Mr. BARR, and Mr. Ms. DUCKWORTH. VALADAO, and Mr. ROYCE. ROKITA. H. Res. 54: Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. H.R. 3026: Mrs. TORRES. H.R. 3199: Mr. CARTER of Georgia. H. Res. 130: Mr. PETERS and Ms. PLASKETT. H.R. 3029: Mr. POCAN, Mr. COHEN, and Miss H.R. 3202: Mr. PIERLUISI. H. Res. 210: Ms. MCCOLLUM, Ms. ESTY, and RICE of New York. H.R. 3209: Mr. TIBERI and Mr. JOHNSON of Mr. MOULTON. H.R. 3033: Mrs. COMSTOCK, Ms. EDWARDS, Ohio. H. Res. 230: Mr. BENISHEK, Ms. FRANKEL of and Mr. WESTERMAN. H.R. 3213: Mr. CHABOT. Florida, and Ms. BROWN of Florida. H.R. 3037: Mr. FORTENBERRY, Mr. ROGERS of H.R. 3215: Mr. PITTS, Mr. HARRIS, Mr. H. Res. 294: Mr. KIND. Kentucky, Mrs. WALORSKI, and Mr. GRIFFITH. GOWDY, Mr. WALBERG, Mr. SAM JOHNSON of H. Res. 327: Mr. AGUILAR. H.R. 3041: Mr. SARBANES. Texas, Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia, Mr. H. Res. 354: Mr. DESANTIS and Mrs. H.R. 3044: Miss RICE of New York. STEWART, Mr. WENSTRUP, Mr. JONES, and Mr. WALORSKI. H.R. 3051: Mr. POCAN, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. CHABOT. H. Res. 364: Mr. SWALWELL of California SCHIFF, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Mr. ENGEL, H.R. 3216: Mr. GOODLATTE. and Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. SMITH of Washington, H.R. 3221: Mr. PETERS, Mr. NADLER, Mr. H. Res. 367: Mr. POLIQUIN, Mr. LUCAS, Mr. Ms. ESTY, and Mr. SERRANO. RANGEL, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mrs. WATSON COLE- MEEHAN, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mr. NEWHOUSE, and H.R. 3054: Mr. MCDERMOTT. MAN, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Ms. EDWARDS, Ms. Mr. WITTMAN. H.R. 3065: Ms. NORTON and Mr. VAN HOL- PLASKETT, Mr. HECK of Washington, Mr. LAR- H. Res. 382: Ms. FRANKEL of Florida, Mr. LEN. SEN of Washington, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. CAPU- COHEN, Mr. VARGAS, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. H.R. 3067: Mr. GRIJALVA and Ms. TSONGAS. ANO, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. CLAY, Ms. BONAMICI, MEEKS, and Mr. RICHMOND. H.R. 3080: Mr. COLE. and Ms. MOORE. H. Res. 385: Mr. MASSIE, Mr. JONES, and Mr. H.R. 3094: Mr. TOM PRICE of Georgia. H.R. 3222: Mr. GUTHRIE and Mr. WITTMAN. YOHO.

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Vol. 161 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015 No. 121 Senate The Senate met at 9:30 a.m. and was The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the kind of certainty they need to called to order by the President pro clerk will read the measures by title focus on longer term road and bridge tempore (Mr. HATCH). for the second time. projects. f The senior assistant legislative clerk Here is how Kentucky’s main trans- read as follows: portation advocacy group, Kentuckians PRAYER A bill (S. 1881) to prohibit Federal funding for Better Transportation, put it: A The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- of Planned Parenthood Federation of Amer- longer term bill would ‘‘provide an op- fered the following prayer: ica. portunity to plan for and implement Let us pray. A joint resolution (H.J. Res. 61) amending projects that are important to Ken- Active and intervening God, we trust the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt tucky’s citizens and Kentucky’s econ- employees with health coverage under omy—and to every other state in the in You. Nothing can stop Your plan and TRICARE or the Veterans Administration Your purposes will prevail. Bless our nation.’’ from being taken into account for purposes We will conference the legislation we lawmakers. Guide them on the right of determining the employers to which the path so that they will be instruments employer mandate applies under the Patient pass with what the House passes and of Your peace. Use them as salt and Protection and Affordable Care Act. then send a unified bill to President Obama. In the meantime, we will work light to strengthen our Nation and Mr. MCCONNELL. In order to place with our friends in the House to pass a world. Forgive them when they forget the measures on the calendar under the measure that will give them the space that You are still on Your throne and provisions of rule XIV, I object to fur- they need to develop a multiyear high- that the hearts of humanity are in ther proceedings en bloc. way bill. It is also a measure that Your hands. Help them to remember The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- would deliver some important relief to that Your power is far above any con- tion having been heard, the measures our veterans by covering unfunded re- ceivable command, authority or con- will be placed on the calendar. quirements the administration failed trol. f to budget for. It would also extend a Lord, as our lawmakers strive to con- THE HIGHWAY BILL helping hand to heroes who need it. tribute to building a better world, bless I can’t see a reason any Senator Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, late those who support them in their work. would vote against it. We will take up nights, vigorous legislating, and some- Help us all to trust You without waver- that bill once the House sends it to us. times unpredictable outcomes may ing. We will continue working in the in- We pray in Your great Name. Amen. make some reach for the aspirin, but terim to finish our own bipartisan, f these are the hallmarks of a func- multiyear highway bill—a bill that is tioning Congress. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE fiscally responsible and will not raise The push-and-pull between different taxes by a penny. The President pro tempore led the parties, different Members, and dif- f Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: ferent Chambers is all part of the I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the democratic rhythm. That is especially PLANNED PARENTHOOD United States of America, and to the Repub- true when you are talking about a Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, on lic for which it stands, one nation under God, measure as complicated and con- an entirely different matter, the ongo- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. sequential as a multiyear highway bill. ing revelations about Planned Parent- f I am pleased to see Republicans and hood are more than just disturbing. Democrats continuing to hold together They literally shock the conscience. A RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY to pass the Senate’s bipartisan high- LEADER Democratic colleague called them way legislation. We are on the verge of ‘‘very troubling,’’ ‘‘extremely trou- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. scoring another important victory for bling,’’ and ‘‘highly troubling.’’ PAUL). The majority leader is recog- the American people. Next week, every Member of his nized. Once the Senate completes its work party will have a chance to join us in f on the bill, the House of Representa- reaffirming the Senate’s commitment tives will begin its work on a to genuine compassion and to women’s MEASURES PLACED ON THE CAL- multiyear measure as well. A health. We introduced legislation last ENDAR—S. 1881 AND H.J. RES. 61 multiyear bill is now our joint goal. night that would ensure taxpayer dol- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I That is important for our country. We lars for women’s health are spent on understand there is a bill and a joint know it represents the best way to pro- women’s health, not a scandal-plagued resolution due for a second reading. vide State and local governments with political lobbying giant.

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

S6089

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.000 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6090 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 It is a simple choice: Senators can ei- President’s son, one President’s broth- next to me in this august Chamber of ther vote to protect women’s health or er who basically said we have to the Senate is a man who is the senior they can vote to protect subsidies for a change Medicare, as he was speaking to Senator from Illinois. I have said this political group mired in scandal. the Koch brothers. before, and I will say it again. The rea- I know Planned Parenthood’s en- We are working, trying to get the Ex- son I mention his name is because I trenched lobbyists have been close al- Im Bank that affects the lives of 165,000 knew we needed to do something about lies of Democrats in recent years, but working Americans. Most of the Re- the debt. I arranged a long trip—my this moment calls for Senators to rise publicans want to get rid of that. Now first job as leader—to Central and higher and to think bigger. the program is out of sync. It has ex- South America, and I took Judd Gregg, Let’s not filibuster women’s health pired. a Republican from New Hampshire, in order to protect special subsidies for The environment. Don’t worry about who is an expert on the finances of this one scandal-plagued political organiza- it; it is fine. The icecaps are melting in government, and a Democratic coun- tion. Why don’t we join together in- the Arctic. Don’t worry about it. We terpart, Kent Conrad, who is just as stead to bring something positive to have the worst fires in the history of good. They worked on that airplane the American people from a terrible Alaska because of climate change. side by side for 14 hours and worked up situation. Don’t worry about it; it is only 5 mil- a plan. What they came up with was so f lion acres that burned this summer so brilliant. They said: What we are going far. The droughts are affecting all of to do is have a plan just like the base RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY America but especially the West. It is closings. LEADER so bad in the West that in the Sierras The base closing commissions that The PRESIDING OFFICER. The there are bears that don’t even hiber- were set up—we did two rounds of Democratic leader is recognized. nate anymore. It is not cold enough. In them—got rid of military bases in the f New Hampshire, moose are dying. country that we were trying to get rid of prior to World War II. We were able WOMEN’S HEALTH About one-third of them are dead be- cause of fleas and ticks. Why? Because to do that, and as a result, we saved Mr. REID. Mr. President, the Repub- it is not cold enough to kill them any- the country billions and billions of dol- lican legislation to attack women’s more. These little pests are ravaging lars. health is disguised as a way to help these huge animals. They introduced legislation that said women. We have to look long and hard I could go on, but I am going to stop, that we are going to have a commis- to find those people who are being other than to say, in addition to all of sion appointed. There will be legisla- taken care of across the country today that, now they are after women’s tors, and there will be people the Presi- because of programs that allow them health. dent appoints and people from the out- to go to someone who knows what they I hope they understand the pretty side. They will report to us, and there are talking about when they are con- posters and the fancy words—no mat- will be no filibusters, no amendments, cerned about their fertility, they are ter how you package it—are an attack and we will have an up-or-down vote. It concerned about birth control, and a on women. Indirectly, it is an attack was a great piece of legislation. When I brought that legislation to myriad of other problems that happen on my daughter, my wife, and my the floor, seven Republican Senators as women go through life. grandchildren directly. I should say my who cosponsored the legislation refused The Republican bill pretends to be granddaughters directly. I have a few to vote for it, and we weren’t able to for women’s health, but it would pro- of them. hibit Federal funds to go to an organi- move forward on it. Now I get to my f zation that is the health care backbone friend from Illinois. I had the ability to for American women during their lives. APPROPRIATIONS appoint three Members of my caucus to In fact, it is the only health care that Mr. REID. Mr. President, the Con- be on the Bowles-Simpson Commission. The President did that because what a significant number of women get. For stitution is very clear. It says the Gov- Judd Gregg and Kent Conrad tried to about 30 percent of women, that is ernment cannot spend a penny without do failed. To his credit, he did that. I their health care. You can disguise this an appropriations law—a law dealing needed a liberal. My friend and I are by giving fancy titles to the legislation with appropriations. not afraid to use that term—a progres- any way you want. This is an attack on I am so fortunate, when I came to the sive, if that makes people feel better. women’s health. Senate, I became a member of the Ap- He didn’t want to do that. He did it be- It is stunning to me that the 16 peo- propriations Committee. I loved work- cause it was the best thing for this in- ple who are running for President are ing on the Appropriations Committee. stitution. He sat through days and days out there going after immigration. Under John Stennis from Mississippi, of hearings and became a believer that They are going after not only immigra- Robert Byrd from West Virginia, and we had to do something about the debt. tion generally but specifically. These Dan Inouye from Hawaii, it was a won- He voted for something that Repub- young men and women who came to derful process. licans didn’t vote for—to do something America—and the face of this picture I have this job. I got off the com- about the debt. in Nevada is a woman by the name of mittee, which was very hard for me to I say to the Presiding Officer and to Astrid Silva, who came here as a little do because I loved that committee. We everybody within the sound of my girl with her mother in a boat across worked very hard every year to fund voice: We have done something since the Rio Grande River with her little every one of those 12 appropriations then. We have reduced the debt of this doll and her rosary beads that she bills. We did it because we were legisla- country by $4 trillion. That doesn’t didn’t understand—a little, little girl. tors. We compromised. We worked to- mean we don’t have a lot more to do. She knew no other country. What do gether to fund this government, but all But what virtually all economists tell the Republicans want to do? They want of that is gone. us is that we are at a point now where to deport Astrid Silva, a woman who fi- Republicans do not work with us on we have to start spending some money. nally because of the courageous action appropriations bills. We don’t do them My friend from California has worked of President Obama—because Repub- anymore. This season of Republicanism hard on this highway bill. It was hard licans refused do anything on immigra- is more than I can hardly understand. I for her to do that because the Repub- tion—was allowed to get her driver’s li- certainly don’t appreciate it. No job is licans weren’t allowing her to come up cense, to fly in an airplane for the first more important in the Constitution with any new revenue. time, to be able to go to the airport than exercising the power of the purse. Anyway, my point is this: The Re- without fear of being arrested, and That is our responsibility, but that has publicans are failing their most impor- they want to do away with that. But been taken away from us by convoluted tant job, and that is helping us come that is not enough. methods. up with some spending programs. We Most of them want to privatize So- I know my Republican colleagues called on the Republicans to get seri- cial Security; they want to change it in will get up and say we have to do some- ous about budgeting. They have re- some significant way. It is led by one thing about this terrible debt. Seated fused. We have pleaded with them to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.002 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6091 sit down and negotiate a long-term bi- work. It doesn’t have to be this way. I wish to applaud the Senate for tak- partisan plan to avoid another shut- We have time to come up with a bal- ing another step, and that is what we down. From the start, it has been clear anced solution to keep our government are going to be doing in just a few min- that Republicans are not serious about funded. We have 2 months to come to- utes with the DRIVE Act in Congress governing. gether, but a CR will not work. Seques- with these votes, and tomorrow we ex- A party that is serious about gov- tration will kick in, and it will harm pect to see a final vote for passage so erning does not do the things they have every agency in the government. It will we can send it to the House. This will done. For example, in the wake of mass especially hurt the middle class of our be my sixth reauthorization over the shootings by individuals—it is in every country. If they are serious about gov- past number of years. These bills are newspaper in the country, and it has erning, they will work together with us all about compromise. It is hard to do. been for weeks. There were new deaths on appropriations bills rather than ig- There are a lot of Members of this body in Tennessee and Colorado. It doesn’t nore us. who didn’t think they got what they matter. I am sorry to say that we have Republicans need to sit down and get wanted in this bill, and I have to say lost track of where they all are. to work on their most important job, that I didn’t get what I wanted. I sus- Even after these mass shootings, Re- as is dictated by the Constitution. pect that the occupier of the chair publicans still want to cut our funding I apologize to everyone for taking didn’t get what he wanted, and Senator for mental health services. Gee-whiz— more time than I normally do, but it BOXER didn’t get what she wanted. how could they do that? The Repub- was brought about by my friend the That is not the way this works because lican bill cuts funding for substance Republican leader. this is a bill to get us away from the abuse and mental health services. They I ask the Chair to announce the busi- short-term extensions. blocked research for funding for the ness of the day. It has been obvious that Members of Centers for Disease Control to study f this body are opposed to moving to a 6- the cause and effect of gun violence. year reauthorization bill and are will- RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME They are cutting funding for coun- ing to use any procedural means to seling programs in elementary and sec- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under slow it down, and that is what hap- ondary schools. That is only on one the previous order, the leadership time pened. If we had not dragged on yester- subject. A party that is serious about is reserved. day, and if we had yielded back some of governing doesn’t cut critical funding f the time, we could have had these to our Nation’s security. They have cut HIRE MORE HEROES ACT OF 2015 votes that we are about to have now funding for the Bureau of Tobacco, Al- yesterday. If we had done that, we cohol and Firearms, they cut funding The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under could have final passage today, and it to vital cyber-security upgrades and fi- the previous order, the Senate will re- would be sent over to the House before nancial agencies. They cut funding for sume consideration of H.R. 22, which they leave. They are going to leave. U.S. marshals, the brave men and the clerk will report. That doesn’t mean that this is not im- The senior assistant legislative clerk women who helped to catch those two portant. What we are doing today and read as follows: murderers who escaped from the prison tomorrow is passing this bill. Even in New York. A bill (H.R. 22) to amend the Internal Rev- though the House is going home, they enue Code of 1986 to exempt employees with A party that is serious about gov- all agree that we need a good, long- erning doesn’t wage war against our health coverage under TRICARE or the Vet- erans Administration from being taken into term bill as soon as they get back. Nation’s infrastructure. They have cut account for purposes of determining the em- That is why we have a motion before us funding for the Nation’s electric grid ployers to which the employer mandate ap- for a short-term delay—so they will by 40 percent, leaving our utilities sus- plies under the Patient Protection and Af- have time to do it. ceptible to cyber attacks. Senate Re- fordable Care Act. We will have a good bill for them. We publicans have cut transit projects all Pending: have worked on it for several months. across this country. They have cut McConnell modified amendment No. 2266, It passed out of committee unani- funding of the air traffic control sys- in the nature of a substitute. mously. Every Republican and every tem. The list is endless. There are cuts McConnell amendment No. 2421 (to amend- Democrat voted for it. We will have a to education, women’s health, agri- ment No. 2266), of a perfecting nature. chance to do that. culture, energy, and job training. McConnell (for Inhofe) amendment No. 2533 Also, I have State sheets on every If the Republican leader and the (to amendment No. 2421), relating to Federal- State. I can read off how every State Speaker wanted to get serious about aid highways and highway safety construc- benefits from this 6-year reauthoriza- tion programs. governing, they would sit down with us McConnell amendment No. 2417 (to the lan- tion bill. All you have to do is talk to and craft a bipartisan compromise to guage proposed to be stricken by amendment the Governors, mayors, and the depart- prevent another government shutdown. No. 2266), to change the enactment date. ments of transportation across the On the bill before us, the Speaker of McConnell amendment No. 2418 (to amend- country. They fully expected Congress the House of Representatives has re- ment No. 2417), of a perfecting nature. only to deliver piecemeal extensions, ferred to that bill by using a very de- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under as we have in the past. rogatory word which starts with the the previous order, the time until 10 We have to keep in mind that the letter ‘‘s.’’ If the Republican leader and a.m. will be divided in the usual form. last reauthorization bill that we had the Speaker want to get serious about Mr. REID. I suggest the absence of a was in 2005. I remember that vividly be- governing, then they need to sit down quorum. cause I was the author of the bill. with us so we can craft a bipartisan The PRESIDING OFFICER. The When we passed it, everyone rejoiced. compromise to prevent another govern- clerk will call the roll. Yesterday the Senator from Minnesota ment shutdown. Instead they have al- The senior assistant legislative clerk was talking about the tragedy of the ready given up. Both the Speaker and proceeded to call the roll. fallen bridge in Minnesota, where 13 the Republican leader have said that Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask people died. I told the story about how what we are going to do is abandon the unanimous consent that the order for a bridge in Oklahoma City had a chunk appropriations process in favor of a the quorum call be rescinded. of concrete fall off of it and hit a moth- continuing resolution, which is a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without er of three children and kill her. You buzzword for failure. Failure is another objection, it is so ordered. don’t want to wait until this happens. word for a government shutdown. It is Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I had We have bridges in this country—and another way to close our government. some time reserved, and I am halfway we have talked about each one of them By relying on a continuing resolu- through that time now. So I will talk a on the Senate floor during the discus- tion, it leaves in place sequester cuts little faster than usual because we sion on this bill—that are deterio- and underfunds critical priorities for have an Armed Services meeting right rating, and we have to do something working American families. Repub- now, and we are trying get to the bot- about it. licans are neglecting their responsibil- tom of this side agreement that was If any Member or the staff of any ities. They are not showing up for apparently made with Iran. Member—I know the staffs are all

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.004 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6092 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 watching right now. We have every The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays State listed on these sheets, and it jority leader. before the Senate the pending cloture shows what they will have and how VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 2417 motion, which the clerk will state. they will benefit from the DRIVE Act, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The legislative clerk read as follows. which will be before us in a moment. If move to table amendment No. 2417. CLOTURE MOTION we don’t do it, there are consequences, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- and I have to remind everyone of that question is on agreeing to the motion ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the today as we approach a shutdown of to table. Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby move to bring to a close debate on H.R. 22, the transit programs. I urge my col- The motion was agreed to. an act to amend the Internal Revenue Code leagues to join in voting yes on this VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 2533 of 1986 to exempt employees with health cov- procedural hurdle today. If you vote The PRESIDING OFFICER. The erage under TRICARE or the Veterans Ad- no, you are reinforcing current laws question is on agreeing to the Inhofe ministration from being taken into account and extensions, which is the worst pos- amendment No. 2533. for purposes of determining the employers to sible outcome. The amendment (No. 2533) was agreed which the employer mandate applies under One area deals with big projects. We the Patient Protection and Affordable Care to. Act. cannot do big projects with 3-month, 4- VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 2421, AS AMENDED Mitch McConnell, John Cornyn, Orrin G. month or even 1-year extensions. We Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Hatch, John Barrasso, Pat Roberts, have gone through 33 short-term exten- ask unanimous consent to vitiate the Richard Burr, Thom Tillis, David Vit- sions since the SAFETEA–LU bill was yeas and nays on amendment No. 2421. ter, Lindsey Graham, Kelly Ayotte, passed. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Lamar Alexander, Daniel Coats, John The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- objection? Hoeven, James M. Inhofe, Roger F. ator’s time has expired. Without objection, it is so ordered. Wicker, Susan M. Collins, John Thune. Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask The question is on agreeing to The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- unanimous consent that I be given 5 amendment No. 2421, as amended. imous consent, the mandatory quorum additional minutes. The amendment (No. 2421), as amend- call has been waived. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ed, was agreed to. The question is, Is it the sense of the Senate that debate on H.R. 22, an act objection, it is so ordered. VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 2266, AS MODIFIED, AS Mr. INHOFE. We have the problem of AMENDED to amend the Internal Revenue Code of not having any of the big projects, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The 1986 to exempt employees with health everyone knows that is a problem. The question is on agreeing to amendment coverage under TRICARE or the Vet- reason big projects can’t be done is due No. 2266, as modified, as amended. erans Administration from being taken to the costs. But a study has been done The yeas and nays were previously into account for purposes of deter- by Gary Ridley, who is one of the fore- ordered. mining the employers to which the em- most authorities nationwide on this The clerk will call the roll. ployer mandate applies under the Pa- subject, and in that study he came to The senior assistant legislative clerk tient Protection and Affordable Care the conclusion that it costs an addi- called the roll. Act, as amended, shall be brought to a tional 30 percent off the top to do The result was announced—yeas 62, close? The yeas and nays are mandatory short-term extensions. nays 38, as follows: under the rule. If there is anyone who is a conserv- [Rollcall Vote No. 258 Leg.] The clerk will call the roll. ative and wants to take the conserv- YEAS—62 The legislative clerk called the roll. ative position on this issue, the con- Alexander Feinstein McConnell The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 65, servative position is to vote for a long- Ayotte Fischer Moran nays 35, as follows: Baldwin Franken Murray term reauthorization bill, and that is [Rollcall Vote No. 259 Leg.] what is before us now. The current Barrasso Gardner Nelson Bennet Graham Peters YEAS—65 funding has no growth—not even for in- Blunt Grassley Portman Alexander Fischer McConnell Boozman Hatch flation. The DRIVE Act provides Roberts Ayotte Flake Moran Boxer Heitkamp growth in the highway and transit sys- Rounds Baldwin Franken Burr Heller Murray Sanders Barrasso Gardner tems in each State. For those who are Cantwell Hoeven Nelson Schatz Bennet Graham Capito Inhofe Peters interested, we have all of this listed Blunt Grassley Cassidy Isakson Sessions Portman State by State. The current law gives Boozman Hatch Coats Johnson Shaheen Roberts Boxer Heitkamp States and local governments no cer- Cochran Kaine Stabenow Rounds Burr Heller tainty. However, the certainty is there Collins King Sullivan Sanders Cantwell Hoeven Coons Kirk Tester Schatz in the DRIVE Act. So we have every Capito Inhofe Cornyn Klobuchar Thune Scott reason to do this. Cassidy Isakson Daines Leahy Tillis Coats Johnson Sessions Project delivery. We are going to be Durbin Manchin Vitter Cochran Kaine Shaheen Enzi McCain Whitehouse able to deliver the projects. We can’t Collins King Stabenow Ernst McCaskill Wicker even start the projects on short-term Coons Kirk Sullivan extensions. NAYS—38 Cornyn Klobuchar Tester Freight. We have a freight section. Daines Lankford Thune Blumenthal Heinrich Reid Durbin Leahy Tillis We have never had a freight section be- Booker Hirono Risch Enzi Manchin Vitter fore for moving freight across the Brown Lankford Rubio Ernst McCain Whitehouse country. Cardin Lee Sasse Feinstein McCaskill Wicker Carper Markey Schumer Transparency. Everything is there so Casey Menendez Scott NAYS—35 that everyone can see every nickel that Corker Merkley Shelby Blumenthal Heinrich Reid Cotton Mikulski is used. This is the most transparent of Toomey Booker Hirono Risch Crapo Murkowski Udall Brown Lee Rubio all of the reauthorizations we have Cruz Murphy Warner Cardin Markey had. Donnelly Paul Sasse Warren Carper Menendez Schumer Lastly, innovation. The DRIVE Act Flake Perdue Casey Merkley Gillibrand Reed Wyden Shelby prepares our transportation system for Corker Mikulski Toomey the future. That is why it is so impor- The amendment (No. 2266), as modi- Cotton Murkowski Udall Crapo Murphy fied, as amended, was agreed to. Warner tant that we get to it today. Cruz Paul Warren I compliment the leaders for moving CLOTURE MOTION Donnelly Perdue Wyden us forward and making every effort to Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask Gillibrand Reed get this done before the House goes unanimous consent that the manda- The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this home. tory quorum call be waived. vote, the yeas are 65, the nays are 35. This will give them a good start on The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. COT- Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- what to do during the recess. TON). Without objection, it is so or- sen and sworn having voted in the af- I yield the floor. dered. firmative, the motion is agreed to.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:27 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.005 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6093 EXECUTIVE SESSION side and that the time be equally di- piles of snow that were unbelievable, vided among the following Senators: tens and tens of feet of snow every win- REID, BOXER, WHITEHOUSE, MARKEY, ter—no longer. In fact, this past NOMINATION OF ALLISON BECK TO SCHATZ, and SCHUMER. March, World Cup ski cross and BE FEDERAL MEDIATION AND The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there snowboardcross races had to be can- CONCILIATION DIRECTOR objection? celled. Why? We had no snow—no snow Without objection, it is so ordered. at a place where we had the Winter CLIMATE CHANGE Olympics in Squaw Valley—no snow. NOMINATION OF JEFFREY MI- Mr. REID. Mr. President, at virtually They cancelled the races. CHAEL PRIETO TO BE GENERAL every caucus we have, every Tuesday As I have said on the floor, because it COUNSEL OF THE DEPARTMENT caucus, I have Senators report on what is so traumatic as far as I am con- OF AGRICULTURE is going on in the world as it relates to cerned, many of our black bears aren’t climate change. even hibernating. It is not cold enough. I wish these were fun-filled presen- This past June, a few weeks ago—Lake NOMINATION OF CAROL FORTINE tations where people laughed, clapped, OCHOA TO BE INSPECTOR GEN- Mead at one time was the largest man- and smiled, but they are not. They are made lake in America. It isn’t anymore ERAL, GENERAL SERVICES AD- very downbeat because each Senator MINISTRATION because of Lake Powell, which over- who makes a presentation—whether it took Nevada for the largest manmade The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under is the senior Senator from New Hamp- lake in America. Lake Powell is on the the previous order, the Senate will pro- shire, who talks about moose dying in road to being eliminated. It is part of ceed to executive session to consider her State because the fleas and ticks the great Colorado River program that the following nominations, which the no longer die in the cold weather, she allows the States of California—all the clerk will report. explained how about one-third of the upper Colorado States—Arizona, and The senior assistant legislative clerk moose are dead in New Hampshire, or Nevada, to survive. read the nominations of Allison Beck, whether it is the junior Senator from This past June, Lake Mead water lev- of the District of Columbia, to be Fed- the State of Michigan talking about els sunk to record lows—record lows. eral Mediation and Conciliation Direc- what is going on in that beautiful Towns that were buried with the mak- tor; Jeffrey Michael Prieto, of Cali- State of Michigan. ing of the Boulder, Hoover Dam, we can fornia, to be General Counsel of the De- Without going through the list of see them again. St. Thomas is an ex- partment of Agriculture; and Carol Senators who have reported what is ample. An early Mormon settlement Fortine Ochoa, of Virginia, to be In- going on as they see it with climate there was buried in the water—no spector General, General Services Ad- change, everyone within the sound of longer. Now they are doing archeo- ministration. my voice should rest assured things are logical work on what was buried under VOTE ON BECK NOMINATION not good. Our world is changing and Lake Mead previously. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The has already changed drastically. Now, that is only Nevada, and that is The Earth is undergoing a shift, a question is, Will the Senate advise and only a touch of what is happening in manmade climate change shift. We consent to the nomination of Allison Nevada. Wildfires are devastating our don’t need to travel to the polar ice- Beck, of the District of Columbia, to be State, wiping out native grasses and caps for proof, although if we did, we Federal Mediation and Conciliation Di- plants, causing endangered species that would see that too. There is evidence rector? need to be listed as threatened or going all around. Talking about the polar ice- The nomination was confirmed. extinct because, for example, if you cap, think about Alaska. Millions of VOTE ON PRIETO NOMINATION have birds survive in our sagebrush, acres are on fire as we speak—not a fire The PRESIDING OFFICER. The sagebrush is burned and no longer ex- as we see in the forest or the range question is, Will the Senate advise and ists, you get these foreign species that lands of Nevada, where you see fire consent to the nomination of Jeffrey come in, mainly cheatgrass, and it is flames flip up into the sky so high it is Michael Prieto, of California, to be no good for anything other than more hard to believe sometimes. But this is General Counsel of the Department of fires. That is what we have in Nevada, burning underground at the perma- Agriculture? devastating wildfires. frost. It is awful what is happening in The nomination was confirmed. Around the United States, massive Alaska. VOTE ON OCHOA NOMINATION But let’s talk about Nevada. Nevada floods are destroying life around the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The is an unusual State in many different globe. The poles are melting. By the question is, Will the Senate advise and ways. We have over 32 mountains more year 2050, scientists estimate the sea consent to the nomination of Carol than 11,000 feet high. We have one level will rise in the world by 16 feet. Fortine Ochoa, of Virginia, to be In- mountain we share with California What will that do to Florida? Of all spector General, General Services Ad- that is 14,000 feet high. We have beau- the major cities in the world, with vir- ministration? tiful, beautiful wilderness. tually no exception, they are all in The nomination was confirmed. I have had the good fortune during coastal areas. What coastal city in the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under my time in the Senate to legislate. world is going to be hit hardest in the the previous order, the motions to re- When I came here, we had about 60,000 world by this climate change, the ris- consider are considered made and laid acres of wilderness. We are now ap- ing of the seas? Miami, FL, the State upon the table and the President will proaching about 4 million acres of wil- of Florida. be immediately notified of the Senate’s derness, and it is beautiful, beautiful Massive floods are destroying life action. country. There are beautiful moun- around the globe. Poles are melting. I f tains, antelope, and mountain sheep, of repeat, ocean resources are being ex- course. We even have mountain goats. hausted. LEGISLATIVE SESSION It is a beautiful, beautiful State. Stunningly, Republicans in Congress The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- We share Lake Tahoe with Cali- are ignoring changes to our environ- ate will now resume legislative session. fornia—beautiful, beautiful Lake ment that we are all witnessing. They f Tahoe that Mark Twain said is the are here. They are in denial. They are fairest place on all the Earth. The in what I refer to as Koch denial be- HIRE MORE HEROES ACT OF 2015— water level this summer is at a record cause, remember, everybody, the two Continued low. Water we used to take for granted Koch brothers don’t want us to do any- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The that would come out of the lake isn’t thing on climate change. Why? No. 1, it Democratic leader is recognized. coming out anymore. may prevent them from making more Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada billions. They are heavily invested in imous consent that the next 40 minutes Mountains is a fraction of normal lev- tar sands in Canada, and, of course, be under the control of the Democratic els. A few decades ago, we used to have their original fortunes were made in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.010 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6094 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 oil, gas, and coal in America. Repub- a few weeks ago, a solar company an- exact—she said: What I am hoping that licans are in denial. They are in Koch nounced it would build a 100-megawatt we can do now is get beyond the discus- denial. solar farm and sell the power to Ne- sion as to whether climate change is Last month House Republicans vada’s utility. The electricity gen- real and talk about what do we do. passed legislation that would rescind erated by that solar farm was described That was January 22 on the Senate President Obama’s action addressing by the press as ‘‘not only the cheapest floor, 6 months ago. What have we seen air pollution and climate change. That solar—it may be the least expensive from the majority party in the 6 legislation is not going to happen over electricity in the entire country.’’ That months since their energy chairman here, but that is the mindset of the Re- is what solar does now. Think about said that we need to get to this ques- publicans. Not to be outdone, Repub- that. The cheapest power being built in tion, we need to concede climate licans here in the Senate are trying the America today is solar and it is inex- change is real, and that we need to ad- same thing with the Senate Interior haustible. It doesn’t have to be in the dress what to do? We have seen exactly and Environment appropriations bill, desert, where the Sun shines all the nothing—that is to say nothing but filling it with policy riders that are time; it can be used where the Sun complaints: Oh, the President’s Clean dangerous to the planet, dangerous to doesn’t shine all the time, and used Power Plan is no good. Oh, we should America. well. have massive resistance to the Presi- Republicans all know the planet is Solutions to address climate change dent’s Clean Power Plan. Oh, we should changing—I hope they do, but they are here. They are right here. Nevada defund the EPA. don’t. If a Republican knows this, they has seen $5 billion in development with These are the thoughts the Repub- are a rare Republican and I am still solar and geothermal and a little bit of lican majority brings as we face this waiting for them to step forward. Re- wind. Solutions to address climate question. publicans don’t admit it is a problem. change are here, and they are afford- So it is worth looking at some of the Where is their solution? Well, they able and become more so every day. folks who are very clear that climate have none. They have no solution be- They have created thousands of jobs. change is a real problem. Here is one— cause they refuse to acknowledge there And I misspoke earlier. It is $6 billion NASA, our scientists from NASA. They is a problem. in Nevada—not $5 billion—that has couldn’t be clearer about the impor- Let’s not fool ourselves as to why Re- now been invested in clean energy. tance of climate change and about the publicans reject climate change. I have Republicans should stop denying cli- role of carbon pollution. How smart are already said why. It is the Koch chal- mate change. If they want to keep NASA scientists? They are driving a lenge they all have. Every Presidential complaining about the solutions, they rover around on the surface of Mars, candidate has to be very careful. There should offer their own solutions. But folks. They just shot a spacecraft by are certain things, and I don’t know there can’t be a solution if they do not Pluto close enough to take pictures of them all because I am not in attend- see a problem, so I am not going to it and send back data. ance at the meetings, but No. 1 is that hold my breath that Republicans are What does the Republican majority the Ex-Im Bank has to stay dead. going to change their ways. have to say about NASA’s position on Those 165,000 people working in Amer- This is the No. 1 issue facing our climate change? That they are in on a ica, get rid of them. It is a government world. The Defense Department is con- hoax. They basically accuse NASA sci- program, get rid of it—even though, as cerned about the resources they are entists of being dishonest, even though we speak right now, 40 other countries going to get for manpower. If you ask they are the ones who put our country have working ex-im bank programs the people who run the government’s on the surface of Mars and who put an that are taking business away from military, the Chiefs of Staff, they will American vehicle close enough to American exporters. My Republican tell you they are concerned about what Pluto to take pictures of it. friends are unwilling to stand up to the this means for the security of this Na- Look at Walmart. Just a moment oil barons who bring their filthy tar tion. ago, the junior Senator from Arkansas sands from Canada. We cannot ignore this issue any was presiding. Walmart joined with a Republicans have offered no legisla- longer. It is affecting the security of dozen other companies yesterday at tion nor have they offered a single idea this Nation for lots of other reasons— the White House to say climate change that would protect our world from cli- namely, what it does to other countries is real. These aren’t leftwing compa- mate change. The closest they came that puts pressure on us. nies. This was Walmart. This was was to try to be funny here on the floor I appreciate very much my col- Alcoa. This was GM. This was Coke. when it snowed and they brought a leagues joining in this discussion we This was Pepsi. This was UPS. snowball into the Chamber, saying: It are going to have today because it is a We have to start taking this seri- couldn’t be climate change; we have discussion we have to have because the ously. But is there anything out of the some snow today. Well, we did get world is in trouble because of the cli- State of Arkansas—Walmart’s home some snow, but that doesn’t mean we mate change. State—on climate? Nope. Not a single don’t have climate change. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. CAS- thing. It is shameful to turn our back on SIDY). The Senator from Rhode Island. There was recently an article in the biggest dilemma the Earth faces. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, Forbes magazine titled ‘‘Climate We must come together to arrest cli- let me take a moment to commend the Change Will Cause Increased Flooding mate change. leadership of our minority leader on in Coastal Cities.’’ The picture is a sat- I am very happy that my friend the this issue. He has made it a priority in ellite picture of the State of Florida. junior Senator from Rhode Island is the caucus. He has seen its effects at The little caption under the picture here because he is focused on all kinds home in Nevada, and he is an out- says: ‘‘Flooding from climate change is of issues relating to climate, and he standing voice in this area. I am very threatening much of the coastline, in- has been the driving force in recog- grateful to him. cluding major cities in Florida.’’ Yet nizing that one of the places climate I also thank and recognize my chair- we have two Presidential candidates change is devastating our world is our man on the Environment and Public from Florida on the Republican side, oceans. We can’t see that very well be- Works Committee, BARBARA BOXER, and what do they have to say about cli- cause the oceans are so massive, but in and no one is more forceful than she on mate change? Nothing—nothing other places our oceans are already dead— the need that we have to address cli- than ‘‘I don’t know, I am not a sci- not dying but dead. mate change and the carbon pollution entist’’ and all the usual dodges. So it is shameful, I repeat, to turn we are emitting that is causing this. Pope Francis wrote an encyclical—an our backs on the biggest dilemma the Mr. President, we are here just after extraordinarily important article in Earth faces probably in the history of the 6-month anniversary of an inter- the Catholic faith—about the reality our world. We must come together to esting statement that was made by the and the effect of climate change. What address climate change. Republican chairman of the energy do our Catholic Republican Senators There are solutions that involve, committee, the Senator from Alaska. have to say about that? Nothing. We among other things, clean energy. Just Six months ago—January 22, to be are not going to listen to him; he is not

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.011 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6095 a scientist. Well, actually, technically pendent—who understands this is one Initiative with a 40-percent renewable he is. He is a trained chemist. But that of the great challenges of our genera- portfolio standard, and the legislature is the line—not a scientist. tion. So we are seeing some movement. in the last 3 or 4 months just passed What could possibly explain these We are seeing some openness to at the first 100 percent clean energy stat- strange anomalies? The biggest cor- least concede that this problem, in ute in the United States. Our unem- poration in Arkansas knows climate fact, exists. ployment rate is 4 percent, and we have change is a problem, and there is noth- We have this incredible law in the exceeded our previous goals. California, ing from the Senators from Arkansas. Clean Air Act. We don’t need to pass a with its Cap-and-Trade Program, and The coastline of Florida is under im- new law. Of course, Senator WHITE- all the hue and cry and panic about mediate threat, according to Forbes HOUSE and I have been working very what would happen to our economy— magazine, the capitalist tool, and the hard with Senator BOXER and others on California is booming. Hawaii is doing Presidential candidates from Florida a carbon fee, but we also have the tools well. People still have their economic can’t say a single thing about it. The at our disposal to regulate carbon pol- challenges, but it is not because of our Pope is calling on us—— lution. Like methane and other air- desire to drive an innovation economy The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- borne pollutants, it is causing environ- and to try to solve this great challenge ator’s time has expired. mental and health damage. of our time. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I ask unanimous The Clean Power Plan is very simple. We can create clean energy jobs. We consent for a closing minute. It is treating this as though it is the can innovate into the future. America The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without pollutant that it is. Originally, I think has an incredible opportunity to lead objection, it is so ordered. there were some legitimate concerns in this space. I am so pleased to be part Mr. WHITEHOUSE. The last thing I about how this thing was going to get of that innovation and part of that will mention is that there is a common administered. I will give a ‘‘for exam- leadership. We are putting our marker thread that links all of this, and it is ple.’’ down as a country. We understand this money. The Koch brothers are putting If you are in a very small rural State is going to take a global effort, but hundreds of millions of dollars into and you are going to regulate not a now America has the credibility to lead this election. One of their organiza- State’s total carbon emissions but an on climate. tions—one—said that it was going to individual powerplant’s carbon emis- Mr. President, I yield the floor to the spend $889 million in this election and sions, that is a very tough sell. There great Senator from California. that anybody who crossed them on cli- are instances where, because of legacy The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- mate change would be at ‘‘a severe dis- infrastructure, because of distance—for ator from California. advantage.’’ Nice little campaign you instance, in Hawaii we have remote Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, before got here; I would hate to put it at a se- and relatively small islands. So it is the Senator from Hawaii leaves the vere disadvantage with my $900 mil- very difficult to ask the island of floor, I just want to say what a breath lion. So what we have is secret money Lanai, which is running on diesel-fired of fresh air he is. That is something we and we have threats related to it that generators, or the island of Molokai, say to compliment somebody, but in are obliterating what had been a good to, at an individual powerplant level, this case he is fighting for clean air. He Republican response on climate change reduce carbon emissions. That is is fighting for his kids and his and on other environmental issues. tough. They can make improvements grandkids. It has been an honor to We need to move on. in efficiency, but they may not be able work with him. I yield the floor. to meet the standard. So the idea is to The world understands this, Ameri- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- allow all of it to aggregate. cans understand this; that we are fac- ator from Hawaii. What Hawaii did, we have a Hawaii ing a serious threat to our Nation— Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, I want Clean Energy Initiative, recognizing dangerous climate change. We abso- to talk a little about the particulars of that there are going to be some places lutely need to act now. The evidence is the Clean Power Plan and address some that will have incredible challenges all around us. of the questions that have been raised economically and in terms of the fi- I will highlight, in the brief time I by some of the opponents. nancing of the projects, incredible have, some of the facts. These cannot I think the first premise has to be challenges complying at the micro be refuted. that carbon is an airborne pollutant; level, at the site level, at the power The evidence of climate change is that the Clean Air Act doesn’t just give generation level, but if we provide around us. NASA and NOAA found that the EPA the authority to regulate air- flexibility to States—and I know in 2014 was the hottest year around the borne pollutants, it actually requires California with the Cap-and-Trade Pro- globe since recordkeeping began 134 that all airborne pollutants that can gram and the Northeast with the RGGI years ago. How my colleagues could cause a public health risk get regu- Program, there is a flexibility region- come to the floor and dispute this—if lated. That is the basis of the Supreme ally or within States of energy systems we were to ask people do you respect Court decision. This doesn’t give the to say that as long as you, in the ag- NASA, I would say everyone from our EPA the discretion—this doesn’t give gregate, are making sufficient kids to our grandmas would say, abso- the Obama administration the discre- progress, we are going to allow you to lutely, they are scientists. tion to regulate carbon pollution, it re- figure out how to make that progress The American Meteorological Asso- quires that they do so. So the only on your own. So we anticipate these ciation, the society, reported that nu- question is not a legal one. The legal rules will provide sufficient flexibility merous key climate change indicators one has been settled. The EPA is re- to allow economies to thrive. were at or near record levels. They quired to regulate pollution under the I will make one final point on this found 2014 was the hottest year since Clean Air Act. The only question re- before hearing from the great Senator recordkeeping began in 1880—2014 was maining is, Is carbon a pollutant? I from California; that is, all of the hue the hottest year since 1880—and sea don’t think there is anybody credible and cry, all of the panic, all of the surface temperatures and sea levels in this Chamber who thinks carbon is heartburn about what is going to hap- were at record highs. not a pollutant. pen to our economy doesn’t have to be This is the problem: When we have Look, I think we are actually making an abstract question anymore. We have these kinds of record temperatures, progress. Over the last 6 to 12 months, States currently exceeding the antici- they come with a cost—a cost to wild- we have seen a sea change among Re- pated thresholds in the clean power- life, a cost to human life. publican Members of Congress who are plants. So we don’t have to imagine I don’t have time to go into what we increasingly concerned, I think, about what is going to happen to various are beginning to see, but about 8 years being on the wrong side of history, economies if we comply because we ago when I did take the gavel of the about being on the wrong side of have States such as California, we have Environment and Public Works Com- science, about being on the wrong side the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. mittee, we held a hearing. Everything of a whole generation of young voters— Two years ago, I was on the floor that was predicted by the scientists is Republican, Democratic, and Inde- talking about the Hawaii Clean Energy coming true—everything.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.013 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6096 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Here is the good news. Here is the The International Panel for Climate complishing more than 50 percent clean en- great news. My State of California is a Change (IPCC) conservatively estimates ergy by 2030 is technologically possible, pol- true leader in this area. With the lead- that, without action, 1–5% percent of global icymakers must do their part to push us over ership of our State legislature, our mean Gross Domestic Product is at risk due the top. The deck is currently stacked to climate change, and in some localized against clean energy, as subsidies and other Governor, Jerry Brown, and leading ac- places the risks even higher. preferential treatment prop up outdated fos- tivists in our States, such as Tom Intensifying seasonal weather patterns, ex- sil fuels, stifling American innovation and Steyer and many others, we are seeing treme weather events, rising sea levels, and slowing the growth of modern renewable en- California stand up and address this increased illness and disease will cost the ergy sources. issue. And what has happened? What U.S. economy billions of dollars a year in Our country needs bold leadership that ac- has happened? All the gloom and doom: property damage, increased costs, and lost celerates the transition away from fossil fuels that cause climate change and towards Oh, my God. If we try to move away productivity. We are already feeling the effects of cli- America’s clean energy future and the eco- from dirty energy, it is going to be ter- mate change at home. From 2010 to 2014 the nomic benefits it will bring. By fully imple- rible for everybody. United States experienced nearly 50 climate- menting the Clean Power Plan and pursuing Let me tell you the good news. Ac- related disasters with costs in excess of $1 other policy solutions that will allow energy cording to the Bureau of Labor Statis- billion each, and in 2013 alone the United sources like solar and wind to compete tics, in 2011 California had over 360,000 States experienced $125 billion in expenses against fossil fuels on a level playing field, green jobs, the most of any State, and from climate-related events. our leaders can ensure we transition to clean in 2014 there were more than 2,094 solar Climate change poses a grave national se- energy in time to prevent climate disaster. companies at work throughout the curity risk as well. Just last year, 16 retired ACHIEVING MORE THAN 50 PERCENT CLEAN EN- three- and four-star generals and admirals ERGY BY 2030 WILL SPUR ECONOMIC GROWTH value chain in California, employing issued a report, National Security and the AND CREATE JOBS 54,700 people. Let me say there are Accelerating Risks of Climate Change, iden- Today, clean energy jobs are significantly some days in California where we get tifying climate change as a ‘‘catalyst for outpacing fossil fuels jobs. In 2014, the num- half of our energy from the Sun—half conflict.’’ Additionally, the Pentagon’s 2014 ber of people working in solar power sur- of our energy from the Sun. Quadrennial Defense Review laid out that passed the number of people employed as Here is the other thing we have to climate change poses a serious threat and coal miners. As the technology landscape know: California households pay the will aggravate stressors abroad. continues to change, clean energy has the ninth lowest electricity bills in the TRANSITIONING TO A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY opportunity to be a significant driver of em- country. So all the doom and gloom, WILL PREVENT CLIMATE DISASTER ployment in every city, state, and region. These jobs include installing and operating we are going to have to pay more and It is not too late to avoid the worst con- sequences of climate change—though time is clean energy, performing energy retrofits, all the rest, is so much talk. designing and researching new technologies, A long time ago, when I became running out. The longer the United States, and the global community, delay the transi- and operating the clean energy businesses of aware of climate change, I looked at it tion to a clean energy economy the larger tomorrow. Solar jobs are growing 20 times faster than and thought: Oh, my gosh. What are we the economic impacts will be. In order to going to do? But the longer I looked at the broader economy. help prevent climate disaster, the United Solar energy creates eight times more jobs it and the longer I studied it, the faster States must reduce carbon emissions by 83 in construction, installation, operations, and I recognized that if we address climate percent economy-wide by 2050. maintenance, than coal and natural gas do change in the right way, it will be a A plan to power America with more than 50 across full project lifetimes. boon to our economy and it will be a percent clean and carbon-free energy by 2030 There are more than 500 wind manufac- will put us on the path to a 100 percent turing facilities across the U.S. and there are boon to our health because we know for clean-energy economy by 2050, accom- sure that asthma and respiratory ail- currently more than 70,000 people employed plishing the necessary carbon emissions re- in wind-related jobs. ments and cardiovascular disease are duction from the electricity sector. In this global race for clean energy, the na- threats to our families, and they will MORE THAN 50 PERCENT CLEAN ENERGY BY 2030 tion that leads on clean energy technology go down—the risks will go down be- IS A TECHNOLOGICALLY ACHIEVABLE GOAL development will have a significant advan- cause when we clean up the carbon pol- The transition to a clean energy economy tage in creating the millions of clean energy lution, we clean up all the other pollut- is already underway. Clean energy tech- jobs that are up for grabs in this new energy ants that go along with it. nologies like wind and solar are increasingly revolution. Just this week one of our great lead- competitive with outdated fossil fuels on The United States is on the road to a clean cost, and are growing rapidly across America energy economy. Technology and economics ers whom I mentioned, who was the no longer limit our ability to realize this leader of NextGen, the president and and around the world: Installed solar capacity in the United new energy system. With bold political lead- founder Tom Steyer, said the fol- States increased 34 percent between 2013 and ership, we can accelerate America’s transi- lowing: Our country needs bold leaders 2014. tion to a clean energy economy, win this who will lay out a plan to achieve more The U.S. has installed over 20,000 global clean energy race, strengthen our than 50 percent clean energy by 2030, megawatts of solar enough to power more economy, and help mitigate potentially tril- putting us on a pathway to a com- than 4 million average American homes—and lions of dollars of damages from climate change. pletely clean energy economy by 2050 that is expected to double in just the next and millions of new jobs. two years. Mrs. BOXER. After stating their key Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- Utility scale solar has reached cost parity findings, I will complete my presen- with coal and gas in many regions and is pro- sent that the fact sheet from NextGen tation. jected to be cheaper than fossil fuels How many more minutes do I have? Climate be printed in the RECORD. throughout most of the U.S. by 2017. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- There being no objection, the mate- Combined with significant technological ator has consumed 51⁄2 minutes. rial was ordered to be printed in the cost breakthroughs of clean energy tech- Mrs. BOXER. I ask unanimous con- RECORD, as follows: nologies and the Obama Administration’s historic steps to stop the unlimited dumping sent for 1 more minute. FACT SHEET: POWERING AMERICA WITH MORE The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without THAN 50 PERCENT CLEAN ENERGY BY 2030 of carbon pollution into our air and water with the Clean Power Plan, the U.S. elec- objection, it is so ordered. NextGen Climate is calling on candidates tricity sector is beginning to transform to Mrs. BOXER. Here is what NextGen and elected officials to tackle climate one that is cleaner, cheaper, and more reli- found: Achieving more than 50 percent change—the defining issue of our time—by able. clean energy by 2030 will spur economic producing a plan to power America with The Energy Information Administration more than 50 percent clean and carbon-free growth and create jobs. projects that the electricity mix in 2030 will energy by 2030, putting us on a pathway to I agree. be approximately 25% coal, 31% natural gas, 100% clean energy by 2050. The transition to Second, most Americans support a 1% oil, 18% nuclear, 7% hydropower, 12% clean electricity is urgently needed, techno- goal of more than 50 percent clean en- wind, 3+% solar, and 3% other renewable logically achievable, economically bene- ergy by 2050. sources. This means that with no additional ficial, and politically popular. I think the polls bear that out. policies other than expected implementation CLIMATE CHANGE PUTS AMERICA’S ECONOMY of the Clean Power Plan, nearly 43% of the Third, climate change puts America’s AND SECURITY AT RISK electricity produced is projected to be clean economy and security at risk. Left unchecked, climate change will have or carbon-free in 2030. I absolutely agree with that. We have devastating effects on America’s economy Though the transformation to a clean en- been told that by the defense establish- and security. ergy economy is already underway, and ac- ment.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.027 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6097 Next, transitioning to a clean energy attempts to block the Clean Power tion is rising up. And what is doing it? economy will prevent climate disaster. Plan and other commonsense steps. Well, we have put tax breaks on the That is true. Last year, the EPW Committee heard books now for wind and solar. We are Lastly, they say 50 percent clean en- from four former EPA administrators giving them the same breaks we always ergy by 2030 is feasible. who served under Republican Presi- gave oil, we always gave coal. But what Although I haven’t studied this my- dents, from Richard Nixon to George do we hear from the Republican Party? self, I can say the Energy Information W. Bush, and they all agreed that cli- Should we eliminate the coal and oil Administration estimates that this can mate change requires action now. This tax breaks? Oh, no. You can’t touch happen if we take the kind of steps should not be a partisan issue. those. But when we say, well, let’s President Obama is recommending and President Obama has a plan, the renew the tax breaks for wind and a lot of us in the Senate support, put- American people want us to act, so I solar, they say it is time for us to now ting a price on carbon that will save us ask my Republican colleagues, what is allow these new industries to go it from devastating climate change. It your plan? alone. That has been the problem all will provide jobs and will make us a I yield the floor. along; there isn’t a level playing field. healthier nation. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- What we have done over the last 7 As I said, I rise today to talk about ator from Massachusetts. years is create a level playing field, so one of the most serious threats facing Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, we are the new energy technologies can com- our Nation—dangerous climate change. at a crossroads. We have a catastrophe pete against these old tax breaks for We need to act now, but the Republican that is looming for our planet. We have coal and oil that have been on the majority in Congress has no plan to ad- the world looking at the United States books for generations. We can do it. We dress the threat posed to the American wondering if we are going to lead. We can solve this problem, but we can’t people. have the Pope coming to the United create an unlevel playing field. The evidence of climate change is all States and speaking out on this issue. The same thing is true with auto- around us. NASA and NOAA found that We have the world gathering in Paris motive technologies. All of that CO 2014 was the hottest year around the 2 this November, this December, dis- coming out of automobiles, coming out globe since recordkeeping began 134 cussing this issue because it is now the of trucks, people said we just have to years ago. focal point of the world; that is, the live with it. The average for vehicles Earlier this month, the American danger of ever-escalating, dangerous that ordinary families drove in our Meteorological Society reported that climate change, the warming of our country just 6 years ago was 25 miles a numerous key climate change indica- planet, and the catastrophic con- gallon, essentially the same as 1975. tors were at or near record levels last sequences of the warming of our plan- The green generation, the young people year. 2014 was the hottest year since et. in our country, say let’s do better, let’s recordkeeping began in 1880; and sea The tides are rising. Snows are melt- invent new technologies. Let’s have surface temperatures and sea levels ing. In other places, the snows are electric cars. Let’s have plug-in hy- were at record high levels. greater than they have ever been be- And it is continuing—NOAA reported brids. Let’s have a generation of hy- fore. Climate change—dangerous cli- that January through June 2015 has brids. No, says the industry. It is too mate change—that is what is hap- been the hottest first half of any year difficult. We can’t figure it out. It will pening. on record. cripple our industry. We must act now to address climate What is the response from the Repub- We pass new laws here on the Senate change by reducing dangerous carbon lican side of the aisle? We hear noth- floor and on the House floor. What has pollution from the biggest source— ing. We hear denial. We hear essen- happened? We have a revolution in power plants. tially an argument that it is not our automotive technology. We now have The President’s Clean Power Plan responsibility to deal with it, but the people driving around in computers on will help America lead the way to avert Pope is asking us to be the leader. The wheels. The dashboard looks like it is a the worst impacts of climate change— world is asking us to be the leader. The spaceship. The cars are infinitely more such as sea level rise, dangerous heat young people in our country, the green efficient, and we are heading toward waves, and economic disruption. generation, are asking us to be the 54.5 miles per gallon. What did the ex- By reducing carbon pollution, we can leader. perts say 10 years ago? Impossible. We also cut many types of air pollutants The United States is a technological cannot do it. These are the same people that threaten human health. giant. We have the capacity to invent who said to President Kennedy that we I often say, if people can’t breathe, the technologies that are going to radi- cannot put a man on the moon in 8 they can’t go to work or school. Ac- cally reduce greenhouse gases, not only years. President Kennedy said: ‘‘We cording to EPA, the powerplant pro- in our own country but around the choose to go to the moon . . . and do posal will avoid up to 150,000 asthma world: new renewable energy tech- other things, not because they are attacks in children, 3,300 heart attacks, nologies, new battery technologies, and easy, but because they are hard.’’ We 6,600 premature deaths, and 490,000 new ways of generating electricity in are the United States of America. We missed days at school and work in 2030. the 21st century. We do not have to be will invent the new propulsion sys- The Obama administration clearly tied to 19th century technologies—oil tems. We will invent the new methods. gets it, and so do the American people. and coal. It is the 21st century. We will invent all of the things we need A Stanford University poll from earlier In our country, in 2015 and 2016, we so that America dominates the Soviet this year found that 83 percent of are going to generate 40,000 new Union and not the opposite. Americans, including 61 percent of Re- megawatts of wind and solar. We ask, The whole world is looking at this publicans, say if nothing is done to re- Well, what does that translate into? generation, this Senate. We have a duce carbon pollution, climate change What are 40,000 megawatts? If we think plan. President Obama has a plan to will be a problem in the future. And 74 of all the nuclear powerplants that control emissions coming out of the percent of Americans say the Federal have been constructed in our country powerplants of our country. Our plan is Government should take action to over the last 70 years, we now have one that moves toward renewable en- combat climate change. 100,000 megawatts of electricity coming ergy and away from these smokestacks Our businesses also get it. On Mon- from nuclear power. In these 2 years, of CO2 going up into the atmosphere day, 13 of the largest American busi- 2015 to 2016, we are going to add 40,000 and creating a blanket that holds in nesses gathered at the White House to in wind and solar. The experts did not the heat and continues to dangerously launch the American Business Act on think this was possible 10 years ago. warm the planet. That is what the Climate Pledge. These companies, in- The experts would have said: Oh, wind greenhouse effect is. It holds in the cluding California-based Google and and solar, that is nice, but it can’t re- heat, all of this pollution. Apple, pledged to take steps to address place the coal that has always been re- When we move toward solar, when we climate change. lied upon to provide our electricity move toward wind, when we move to- But climate deniers in Congress still going back to the 19th century. Impos- ward geothermal, when we move to- don’t get it—they have made repeated sible, they said. No. This new genera- ward all the new technologies, the CO2

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:49 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.028 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6098 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 is cut radically and the planet is able Mr. President, I yield back the re- the oil and gas sector, to healthcare to breathe, and breathe in a way that mainder of my time. and financial services and transpor- says to generations to come that we Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, man tation and hospitality. Disclosing cli- will have left this planet better than it made climate change has evolved from mate risk through the Securities & Ex- was before. a critical threat to an unavoidable re- change Commission’s, SEC, corporate That is what the Pope is going to ality. The reality of climate change reporting measures enhances trans- come and talk to us about—dangerous has already shown its grim effects on parency and allows investors to make climate change. That is what the Pope our environment and our health. smarter decisions, ultimately pro- is going to come and ask the United Today, I would like to speak about tecting and increasing shareholder States—to be the leader and not the the impacts of climate change on this value. lagger, to not allow the deniers of cli- country’s economic engine: our busi- As we continue to deplete our scarce mate change to dominate our debate in nesses. As temperatures and sea levels natural resources and send their harm- the United States of America, to not rise and as weather patterns become ful byproducts back into our air, water allow the technologies of the 19th cen- more severe, the costs of doing busi- and land, the cumulative impacts are tury dictate to the 21st century. ness go up. Droughts and heat waves changing the world. The rate of this Just 18 years ago, a small percentage drive up energy costs and have put in- change is accelerating; the status quo of all Americans had a wireless device credible pressure on global food pro- is untenable. By providing honest cli- in their pocket. Do you want to know duction. On a warming planet, floods mate risk disclosure and establishing why? The experts said it was impos- and other natural disasters damage in- climate action policies to mitigate and sible; you can’t do it. Today everyone frastructure and private property, driv- reduce that risk, American companies is walking around with one of these in ing up insurance premiums and in- are acting in everyone’s best financial their pocket, including 700 million peo- creasing the cost of doing business. interests. ple in Africa. We can do it. All of this creates uncertainty for in- Profit-driven corporate superpowers In Kenya and in Ethiopia, they are vestors, who increasingly want to like Apple, Coca-Cola, and Walmart are moving toward geothermal, solar, and know how climate change will affect taking concrete steps to reduce the im- wind. They are skipping the landline the companies in which they invest. pact of climate change. The message delivery of telecommunication service American companies are beginning to they are sending is clear: adapt, or fall in favor of wireless, and they are also notice. General Mills’ Chief Sustain- behind. Other companies now have the skipping the landline system of genera- ability Officer Jerry Lynch said, ‘‘The opportunity to join in what American tional electricity and moving to renew- best available science tells us all the businesses do best: innovating and ables. They are not relying on coal. changes we are making to the planet as leading the rest of the world by their They are moving on to the new. You a human species are what’s causing example. It is increasingly obvious can’t eliminate it totally. You need this.’’ Last year, General Mills an- that taking action to combat climate some coal. You need some oil. But we nounced its commitment to increasing change is economically prudent. But can continue to reduce it year after sustainability and reducing greenhouse more important, it is also the morally year. gas emissions in its supply chains. correct thing to do. I encourage more What is the plan we hear from the Even oil companies realize what is in the business community to take a Republican Party? How do we reduce happening: ExxonMobil’s William Col- stand on the right side of human his- the amount of greenhouse gases we are ton, Vice President of Corporate Stra- tory. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- going to be sending into the atmos- tegic Planning, said, ‘‘The risk of cli- mate change is clear and the risk war- jority whip. phere? What is their plan? They say Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, we are rants action.’’ ExxonMobil officials they don’t like President Obama’s continuing to make substantial subsequently announced the company plan. Where is their plan? What are progress on passing a multiyear high- would put $600 million into algae farms they going to do? What are they going way bill. Thanks to the developments that would turn sunlight into auto- to tell the green generation—all these of the recent day—I guess it was yes- motive fuel. Its new focus shows that pages on the floor representing tens of terday—we learned that the House is millions across our country? They are corporations across all economic sec- open to a conference committee to rec- asking the question: Where is the plan? tors are realizing something vital: the oncile an authorization bill that they How do we do this? How do we solve the negative effects of climate change hurt will likely take up soon and then to problem? How do we invent the new their bottom line. have a conference committee to rec- This week, some of America’s largest technologies, as we did with wireless oncile those differences. Previously we companies such as Apple, Coca-Cola, technology, and spread it across the had been told that the House would not planet? How do we do it for climate General Motors, Goldman Sachs, take up the Senate bill and was insist- change as well? That is going to be the Google, PepsiCo, and Walmart are ing on a short-term patch to the De- essential debate. standing with the Obama Administra- cember timeframe. I can tell you that Shruggy says: I am not happy; I am tion to launch the ‘‘American Business I, for one, was reluctant do that be- sad. Act on Climate Pledge’’. By signing cause without a clear path forward Where is the Republican emoji? this pledge, companies demonstrate an after December, we would be looking at Where is the one who says: We can do ongoing commitment to having a cli- perhaps not just the 34th patch but the it; we are America. mate action plan. The ongoing shift in 35th patch and on and on. We are not going to allow the rest of official corporate climate policies from What this country needs is a long- the world to have a problem from a burgeoning number of other large and term transportation bill, and that is which the United States is going to ex- small businesses demonstrates that what the Senate will likely pass tomor- empt itself because it is the only coun- taking action on climate makes strong row—our own 3-year bill—and then try that is denying climate change. economic sense. If these bastions of work with our colleagues in the House, The Senate has a great responsibility. capitalism can develop and commit to as we usually do when the two bodies We have an opportunity to be the glob- climate action plans, why has not the don’t necessarily agree on everything, al leader. We can save all of creation Republican Party devised its own ac- to work those out. while engaging in massive job creation tion plan? Denial simply will not cut I am thankful that the Members of here in America. We now have 100,000 it. this Chamber recognize how important clean energy jobs in Massachusetts. It The involvement of American busi- this legislation is. I have to tell you, is a big job creator. It is an employer of nesses in climate policy is a welcome coming from Texas—a big, fast-growing Americans all across our country. development but they must move even State that needs this investment in our We have a chance to do something further by disclosing the risks they infrastructure—this is important for special. We can begin this transition in face from climate change to investors. my constituents. a much more serious way—away from These risks, which are passed on to The highway legislation we are put- coal, away from oil, and toward this re- shareholders, hit nearly every industry ting forward is actually a 6-year au- newable solar era of the 21st century. imaginable, from obvious choices like thorization, and that is something to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:49 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.030 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6099 be celebrated. As I mentioned, this Interstate Highway 35 through Austin, viously unserved by the Interstate avoids the sorts of temporary patches but it is almost like a parking lot. It Highway System. we have had in the past. runs the length of our State, starting Through years of outreach and public Although Chairman HATCH of the in Laredo, TX, which is the largest in- engagement—from Brownsville to Tex- Senate Finance Committee came up land port in America, where we have a arkana—we have identified upgrades with enough money—enough pay-fors lot of trucks and a lot of commercial and improvements to existing State in the jargon we use around here—to traffic coming across. It starts in La- corridors that could deliver a future I– pay for this for 5 years, there was an redo, but it goes through multiple pop- 69 throughout the State. We have made attempt to work on a bipartisan con- ulation centers, such as San Antonio— great progress since 2010. More than sensus. Since all of those pay-fors were my hometown—Austin, and then Dal- $1.3 billion has been expended toward not acceptable to this consensus, we las and Fort Worth, which are some of corridor improvements throughout got enough pay-fors to pay for the first the fastest growing cities in America, Texas, and since 2011, more than 200 3 years of this 6-year bill. But that before going on to Oklahoma. The miles of I–69 have been added to the doesn’t mean the work will end on try- interstate is more than 400 miles long Interstate Highway System, including ing to find a way to, in a fiscally re- in Texas alone, and because of our the first segment in South Texas. sponsible way, pay for the back end of growth, it is incredibly congested. In This is still a work in progress, and it this 6-year bill. fact, 18 segments of the interstate rank costs money. Upgrades are needed for There is a popular bumper sticker in the top 100 most congested roadways more than 1,000 miles of designated found on cars and trucks in Texas. I across the State. That growth isn’t roadways to complete it. I am re- know people sometimes get a little projected to let up anytime soon. As a minded of what the chairman of the tired of Texans who are so proud of matter of fact, it is going to continue Environment and Public Works Com- NHOFE, has said to me their State, as I am. But one of those at high levels. mittee, Senator I bumper stickers said: ‘‘I wasn’t born in Employment levels in Central Texas privately, which I know he has also Texas but I got here as fast as I could.’’ alone—some of the fastest growing said publicly as well, about the impor- Indeed, people have been voting with parts of the State—are projected to tance of infrastructure and the Federal Government’s role. Now, I happen to be their feet, coming from parts of the double or quadruple in the next 30 one who believes that the Federal Gov- country where, frankly, the policies— years. whether it is tax or regulatory poli- We are not afraid of getting bigger. ernment needs to do a much better job cies—or just the lack of jobs have We are proud of our size, our growth, when it comes to prioritizing Federal caused people to look elsewhere for and the opportunity that provides to spending and spending within our means, which the Federal Government jobs, for an opportunity to provide for the people of Texas. But passing a long- has not been doing. But when we talk their families and to pursue the Amer- term, well-funded highway bill be- about priorities and things that only ican dream. comes even more important when you the Federal Government can do that I have mentioned time and time come from a State such as mine with the States and local government can- again on this floor that our economy in the sorts of transportation challenges not do, as Chairman INHOFE likes to Texas grew at a rate of 5.2 percent last we have now and will continue to have say, there are two things that the Fed- year. Compare that to the national in the future. eral Government should do, and that is growth rate, which was 2.2 percent. So Building a stronger transportation national defense and infrastructure. He something is going on here, and I network for a stronger economy means said pretty much everything else is a would argue that what is going on is strengthening not only Interstate lower priority item. I think that makes that the policies that have been ema- Highway 35, which I mentioned a a lot of sense. minute ago, but also the vast existing nating from Washington, DC, have ac- When it comes to spending money, tually been a restraint or a wet blan- networks of other interstates and up- that is something that my constituents ket on job growth and economic grading routes to higher standards. in Texas are leery of when it comes to growth. We ought to look to some of This is ultimately about public safety. the Federal Government. They realize the States that have been successful We need to have transportation infra- that spending money on our infrastruc- laboratories of democracy for the kinds structure, highways, and interstates ture and the highway system just of policies that actually pay off. I am that allow people to travel at rel- makes common sense. So with a not just talking about for businesses; I atively high speeds in a safe way. That multiyear highway bill such as the one am talking about for workers and fami- is why this is important as well. before us, we can complete our inter- lies, particularly when it comes to Because we understand the relation- state, I–69, and that will move us one wages and good jobs. ship between quality infrastructure step closer to reality. As I mentioned a My State is a growing, diverse State. and economic success, I introduced an moment ago, these and other mod- I know sometimes people are surprised. amendment to the highway bill that ernization efforts also make our roads They know we have a large Hispanic would help our State connect more ef- safer and help with more efficient population. Roughly 38 percent of ficiently. I appreciate the bill man- freight movement, which means our Texas is Hispanic. But Vietnamese is agers for letting us take a close look at businesses can deliver goods to cus- the third most commonly spoken lan- this and the potential benefit for my tomers across the State and through- guage in Texas. We have about a quar- State and the transportation network out the country in a more expeditious ter of a million Vietnamese Americans. as a whole. fashion. We are a very diverse State. Some esti- This amendment will provide for I must also point out that this bipar- mates project our State to exceed 50 much needed improvements to high tisan bill is fiscally responsible and the million people by the year 2050, poten- priority corridors in Texas, such as pay-fors are not phony pay-fors, which tially doubling our current population. Interstate Highway 69. Congress first sometimes occurs here in the Congress. There is no time to lose when it designated future segments of I–69 in It doesn’t increase taxes or add to the comes to maintaining and expanding Texas nearly 25 years ago, after leaders deficit. So from my perspective, it is a our transportation networks to meet from the gulf coast region and East win-win. the rising demands from more people Texas said the State needed a new I encourage all of our colleagues to and more vehicles on our roads. That is route to increase connectivity between continue reviewing it and to keep in why this multiyear bill is so impor- land and sea ports and our existing mind the essential role infrastructure tant. interstate system. Fortunately, this is plays in our country and in our econ- For example, this legislation would also a route that improves emergency omy. Our economy, of course, is what help our State focus on improving evacuation capabilities—something I produces jobs, and it allows people to roadways that impact the daily lives of know the Presiding Officer can appre- find good work and provide for their Texans. That includes many of our ciate coming from Louisiana—and one families and pursue their dreams. interstates, such as Interstate 35. I that delivers an interstate to the Rio So far 2015 has been marked by real don’t know how many people in this Grande Valley, which is the largest steps forward in this Chamber, includ- Chamber have ever tried to drive down population center in the country pre- ing essential legislation, such as the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.031 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6100 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Defense authorization bill and a bill port Bank to again make available fi- sound like a lot, but I think our GDP that will combat human trafficking. nancing for business—not for every growth in the first quarter was zero. This highway bill continues in the spir- business large and small, but for quite We struggled through a tough winter. it of accomplishment. Perhaps it is not a few. Other nations with whom we It has bounced back nicely in the sec- a grand-slam home run, but I would compete help finance their exports, and ond quarter, but it is still only 2.5 per- call them singles and doubles that we for us not to do the same puts us at a cent. The idea of being able to add 1.5 have been able to eke out so far this competitive disadvantage. percent to that would give us a 4-per- year. This bill will represent another Another thing we can do to strength- cent GDP growth, and that is as strong solid accomplishment for the 114th en our economic recovery is to better as we have seen in a while. It would Congress that we can be proud of on a protect our international property—re- translate into a lot more jobs for peo- bipartisan basis. search and development—whether it is ple other than just building highways, I encourage all of our colleagues to from cyber security attacks, data bridges, and roads in our country. continue the momentum and to get breaches, or whether it is through sim- I have been asked, why would our this bill passed soon, hopefully no later ply the way we combat patent trolling. GDP grow so much by making these in- than tomorrow. Folks come up with ideas and they are vestments in transportation? In one of I yield the floor. delayed. They end up in court, and re- several meetings I have had with indus- I suggest the absence of a quorum. search and development is stymied in try groups, someone from a company The PRESIDING OFFICER. The some cases as a result of all that. said: We move a lot of our products clerk will call the roll. We have worked in the Environment overseas in order to sell our products. The legislative clerk proceeded to and Public Works Committee for years We don’t export by air, but by ship. call the roll. now on something called the Tax Ex- Most of the exports leaving this coun- Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I ceptions Control Act which provides try go by way of ship. He went on to ask unanimous consent that the order predictability and certainty for busi- say: We send our products to ports and for the quorum call be rescinded. nesses, especially in the chemical in- we have a narrow window of time. In The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. dustry, but also at the same time his particular case it was a timeframe ERNST). Without objection, it is so or- works to protect our health as human of 4 hours. The ships coming into this dered. beings, especially among the most vul- particular port needed to pick up their Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I nerable—the young, the old—and at the goods and products within 4 hours. He ask unanimous consent to speak as in same time it is good for the environ- said if they met that window, they morning business. ment. That legislation may be coming were good. If they missed that window, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without before us as soon as next week. they were not good. As it turns out, objection, it is so ordered. Many of us have sought to provide there are enormous delays in moving STRENGTHENING OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY some certainty for businesses on the not just people in this country but in Mr. CARPER. Madam President, col- tax side through international tax re- moving products and freight. leagues, I want to hearken back to last form, which is an idea supported by the One of the great things about the En- November’s election. I thought for President, by the House Republican vironment and Public Works Commit- some time—and the Presiding Officer and Democratic leadership, and by the tee’s 6-year transportation reauthor- has heard me say this once or twice— Finance Committee working group led ization legislation was a freight provi- that for this Senator there are three by Senators PORTMAN and SCHUMER. It sion. I give a lot of credit to Senators takeaways from that election. No. 1, is not comprehensive tax reform, but it BOXER and INHOFE for including—we the American people want us to work is a big piece of it that at least pro- were among the people who strongly together in the Senate here in Wash- vides some certainty and predictability recommended it—a strong freight pro- ington; the American people want us to and would also provide, frankly, a cou- vision in the Transportation bill in get things done; and most especially, ple hundred billion dollars over the order to help grow GDP to help grow the American people want us to get next 10 years to be used for roads, high- jobs. things done that actually strengthen ways, bridges, transit, rail, and so As it turns out, part of the reason our economic recovery. forth. why it is difficult to get anything done My own view is that one of the things The last thing I will mention in around here on transportation is the we can do to strengthen our economic terms of strengthening our economic issue of how we are going to pay for all recovery is to increase exports. We recovery is transportation. There is an these investments, although I have ref- work very hard in this Chamber, in the outfit called McKinsey which is a erenced some pretty good ideas. I men- Senate and with the House and the major consulting company. They have tioned one. One of the reasons it is dif- President, to try to pave the way to something called the McKinsey Global ficult to pass legislation through is create a large new trading block con- Institute. Not long ago they reported that multiple committees have juris- sisting of the United States and 11 that if we were to make the kind of ro- diction over transportation. The Envi- other countries which, when put to- bust investment in infrastructure ronment and Public Works Committee gether, comprise about 40 percent of sought by the President and supported in which I serve is led by Senators the world’s customers. This is the trad- by House Republican and Democratic INHOFE and BOXER. We have jurisdic- ing block we call the Trans-Pacific leadership, and supported by our bipar- tion over roads, highways, and bridges. Partnership. It is something that is tisan working group on the Finance That is a big piece of our transpor- sought by the President and is sup- Committee—if we were actually to do tation system, but it is not all of it. ported by myself, by Democrats, and that, we would grow, according to The Banking Committee has jurisdic- by Republicans, and it is still being ne- McKinsey’s employment estimates, by tion over transit, which is significant. gotiated. But it is an important part in as much as 1.5 million jobs over the The Commerce Committee has jurisdic- growing and strengthening our eco- next several years. A lot of these jobs tion over freight rail and interstate nomic recovery. are for people who are either not work- passenger rail and jurisdiction over One of the other related areas is how ing or are working part-time. They safety in a lot of instances. They also do we finance exports. One of the ways would like to build something or re- have jurisdiction over a fair amount of we have done that for years in this build something, and they could work what happens in the air for our coun- country is through the Export-Import on highways, bridges, our transit sys- try. Then the Finance Committee, Bank. We have reached a point where tems, and so forth. The folks at the which I am also privileged to serve the authorization of the Export-Import McKinsey Global Institute go even fur- on—which is called the Ways and Bank has expired. The legislation that ther to say that if we were to make Means Committee in the House—is has passed the Senate would renew this kind of robust investment in heavily involved in how to pay for all that authorization, and my hope is transportation at large, we would not the improvements we need to make— that when we finally find our way only put a lot of people back to work, and how badly we need to make them. through the transportation gauntlet, but we would grow our GDP by as As it turns out, there are some folks we will also reauthorize the Export-Im- much as 1.5 percent. That may not who actually study the amount of time

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.037 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6101 that we are delayed either sitting in good for my State or my district, and My Chrysler minivan that I men- traffic or moving very slowly in this this is one of the reasons why I am sup- tioned earlier gets about 24 miles per country. The folks at Texas A&M put porting this legislation. It doesn’t gallon on the highway, but there are out an annual report on congestion in mean we ought to go back to earmarks, vehicles today, including minivans, in- our country. They found the average but it is one of the reasons why it is cluding trucks, that do a whole lot bet- U.S. commuter wastes 38 hours every harder to build a super majority to ter than that. We have smaller pas- year because of traffic congestion. move legislation like this through the senger cars that routinely get 40 and There is an industry group that has Senate. even 50 miles to the gallon. To say that something called The Road Informa- So where are we? The House has the diesel tax and the gas tax are for- tion Program. They estimate the aver- passed legislation that says for the ever the sole solution is probably not age driver in the United States pays next 3 months we are going to fund realistic. We have some vehicles on the $377 each year in additional vehicle transportation projects in this coun- road that are pretty much all electric. costs as a result of poor road condi- try—roads, highways, bridges, and They do not buy any gas. They do not tions. The World Bank, in a related re- transit. They have outlined a couple of buy any diesel fuel. When they need a port, has found that when a road is al- ways to pay for that. They do not have refill, they pull up and recharge their lowed to deteriorate from good to poor, enough money to pay for projects over batteries. We have some folks who buy each dollar we fail to invest in road the next 5 months. They have author- vehicles that are powered by fuel cells. maintenance will increase vehicle oper- ized the actual construction of those They run on hydrogen or natural gas, ating costs by between $2 and $3. So projects for the next 3 months. That is methane. among the many reasons we want to their bill, and I think they have pretty So given the changing mix in the way make these investments is No. 1, to much passed it and said, kind of, take we move ourselves and goods and serv- grow employment for the many folks it or leave it. Previously, they said ices around the country, that sole reli- who are actually building and working they wanted to extend for 5 months the ance on user fees, by a gas tax and die- on these projects—a lot of people. We authorization and the appropriations sel tax, forever is not a good idea. want to grow our gross domestic prod- for roads, highways, bridges, and tran- Among the other ideas that are out uct. We want to reduce the amount of sit until sometime in December to give there is tolling. People who come time spent sitting in traffic or trav- us time between now and December to through my State on I–95 pay a toll. A eling very slowly in traffic. The 38 come to agreement on the administra- lot of them use E-ZPass. They can go hours wasted in congestion are hours tion’s earlier idea embraced by House through our State on the highway we lose in our lives every year. Lastly, Democratic and Republican leadership using E-ZPass so they don’t have to sit we want to reduce the amount of and embraced by the working group in in line and wait. Their credit card ac- money we spend on our own vehicles. the Senate Finance Committee about counts get charged for their travel. We I know my own vehicle, my Chrysler international tax reform, which some have a similar kind of arrangement on Town and Country minivan, went over would deem repatriation. State Route 1, where a lot of people 400,000 miles this week as we were driv- We passed out of here today a dif- come through our State from I–95 head- ing in from Delaware the day before ferent plan that I do not support but a ing south to our beaches or to Dover last. We were coming across the Chesa- plan that would appear to authorize Air Force Base. We have highway-speed peake Bay Bridge last week when it projects for a 6-year transportation E-ZPass there too. So tolling is part of topped out at 400,000 miles. Along the bill. As it turns out, the money is good the future. way people have asked: How do you get for maybe 3 years, not for 6. It comes Another idea that is being experi- a vehicle to go that many years and from a lot of different sources, some mented with by the States—it is re- that far? I tell them that every other that I would deem inappropriate. Oth- ferred to in different ways—but I think week we wash it. That is pretty much ers may differ with that. It is not the of it as vehicle miles traveled. Is there all I do. Well, I actually do a lot more way I think we should do business, but a way we can actually figure out how than that. I have replaced a lot of tires. it is the way we have done business. much, in terms of a true user—how There are a lot of potholes, causing a We passed a bill. We have different many miles we are actually traveling lot of realignments, and it adds up. The perspectives as to what we ought to do. in our vehicles and assess some kind of average is almost $377 a year, but the My expectation is that the Senate will fee at the Federal level or maybe at the money adds up for us as it does for agree with the House-passed bill and State level on those who are driving other people as well. we will, in the meantime, go back to cars, trucks, and vans. I mentioned earlier that the Environ- the drawing board. One of the things Folks in Oregon have been working ment and Public Works Committee has that I think has value in the House- on this the longest. I think they start- jurisdiction over roads, highways, and passed bill is it sets the stage for us to ed this effort about 10 years ago. They bridges. The commerce committee has get serious about the administration’s call it a road user charge. That is an- jurisdiction over ground transpor- proposal, again embraced by the House other way of saying vehicle miles trav- tation, including freight rail, passenger Democratic and Republican leadership, eled. I think at the end of the day—not rail, and air; the banking committee and by our bipartisan working group in the end of the day but in 10, 15, 20 has jurisdiction over transit; and the the Finance Committee. It gives us years, we will have figured out how to Finance Committee has jurisdiction time to actually find out if we can do actually do vehicle miles traveled/road over finance and how we actually fi- that. user charges in a cost-effective way nance these investments. That is one of There are some people who don’t like that is protective of people’s rights to the reasons it is difficult to put a pack- that idea. Some people in pretty power- privacy. age together with all the different ful positions around here don’t like The other area that I think we will pieces to find common ground and to that idea, but there are others in do a better job in is tolling, moving to come to an agreement on how to fund equally high positions who think that more things like the highway-speed E- it. is a very good idea. Among the benefits ZPass, so people who want to use a par- One of the other difficulties is—and I that it would provide—it doesn’t ad- ticular road will pay a toll and do so in am not a huge advocate of earmarks, dress our transportation needs forever, a way that still expedites movement of but one of the reasons people were will- but it certainly would provide a lot of traffic as we do through highway-speed ing to vote year after year, decade money for the next 6 years. E-ZPass. Having said that, if we are after decade, for a 6-year transpor- Why might that be a good idea? I unable to come to an agreement at the tation bill was because they could think ultimately—and while for years end of this year, if we are unable to point to certain specific provisions in we have used user fees, gas taxes, diesel come to an agreement on some kind of the Transportation bill which helped taxes, to fund most of our road con- international tax reform, the idea of their congressional district or their struction at the national level and for using a lot of cats and dogs to fund State. It is more difficult now for a our road repairs—to be honest with transportation improvements for the representative or Senator to say these you, over time, our cars, trucks, and next 2 or 3 years—I don’t think that is are the specific provisions that are vans have been more energy efficient. a good outcome.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.039 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6102 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 I am not a Congress of one. If I were, cents a year for 4 years. But there were nese—and I don’t think they are doing I would go back and say we should look six States last year across the coun- this so much anymore, but they manip- at—at least for the next 6 years—user try—most of them with Republican ulate their currency. fees. We have been using user fees or Governors and Republican legisla- When the Chinese are trying to taxing gas and diesel for a long time to tures—that did something like this. maybe dump some of their products in provide for most of the Federal share They did not raise the gas tax by $1 or this country illegally and we say you for these transportation construction 50 cents or even 25 cents, but they can’t do that, China, you can’t do that, projects and improvements. I think the raised it, in some cases, over several for the Chinese, it is very easy to say I last time we raised the Federal gas tax years. thought you wanted to borrow money, was 1993. We raised it to 18.3 cents per The question is, Can State legislators and it puts us in a very awkward posi- gallon. We raised, at the same time, or Members of the Congress actually tion as a nation. the diesel taxes to 24.3 cents per gallon. vote to meet our transportation needs? If things are worth having, they are We have not raised either of those for Can they actually vote for this stuff worth paying for. I don’t think the pay- over 22 years. Since that time, the cost and get reelected? As it turns out, 95 fors that were used in the—not the 6- of asphalt, the cost of concrete, the percent of the Republicans in these six year authorization bill that passed cost of labor, the cost of steel have all States and State legislatures—95 per- here—the Transportation bill is really gone up, but the user fees, the gas tax cent of the Republican legislators who a 3-year. I don’t think the idea of tak- and diesel tax, have not gone up at all. voted for these user fee increases won ing money away from Customs fees and George Voinovich—former Governor, their primaries last year and they won different other sources to use for pur- former U.S. Senator—and I worked to- their generals. They were reelected. poses for which it was never intended— gether about 5 or 6 years on the Among the Democrats who voted in for transportation purposes—I don’t Bowles-Simpson Commission to sug- those six States last year to raise user think that is the way to do this. gest an increase in the gas and diesel fees, 90 percent of them won their pri- The good news is this: The House is tax by a penny every quarter, by a maries, they won the general election. in one place, the Senate is in another. penny every 3 months, for about 15 They were reelected. For people who We have several months to figure this quarters. We were roughly saying 3 or 4 say you cannot vote to do a tough out. I hope we use these several months cents a year for 4 years and then index thing and still get reelected, I would to drill down real hard on the idea of international tax reform, the deemed the gas tax after that to the rate of in- just say look at those six States from repatriation, which will provide hun- flation so we did not have to come back last year. Other States are going to fol- dreds of millions of dollars for trans- and re-address it every year or every 2 low in those footsteps this year as well. portation over the next 6 years. If that or 3 or 4 years. So the long term—I will wrap it up at That is an idea that was actually this point in time. I see Senator does not work, I want us to look at some other alternatives. The worst al- adopted in the Bowles-Simpson report, GRASSLEY is on the floor. But long but much of what the Bowles-Simpson term, the worst option is to do nothing. ternative is to get to December and report included has not been enacted. The worst option is to do nothing. I say: Well, let’s just borrow some more money or let’s come up with some cats One of the things I am going to be have a glass of water here. I am going and dogs and patch this and kick the doing—and I hope colleagues in the to ask the pages to bring me a couple more glasses, just empty glasses, if can down the road again. House as well as in the Senate—in the So I am going to work very hard as a they will quickly. Senator GRASSLEY is next day or two is introducing an in- member of the Finance Committee on waiting to talk. Bear with me. This is crease in the gas and diesel tax of 4 the international tax reform piece. I cents a year for the next 4 years—that show-and-tell on the Senate floor. I know Senator GRASSLEY, if I am not don’t think this is against the rules, will be 16 cents over the next 4 years— mistaken, is the senior Republican on and then indexing the gas tax and die- but if it is, maybe the Presiding Officer the Finance Committee and somebody sel tax to the rate of inflation. will cut me a break. who is a key participant in trying to What would that cost the average We will say this glass of water that is find common ground. He is good at sitting right here is world capital mar- family, the average driver in this coun- that. I look forward to working with kets, a lot of money, trillions of dol- try? On a weekly basis, it would be him on that. about $2, actually less than $2. I don’t lars. Some of it is from sovereign na- I will close with this. To me, the know what people pay for a cup of cof- tions, some of it is from trust funds, message from the American people in fee, but I am told you can buy—I pension funds, and so forth. This glass the elections from last November was bought a cup of coffee today for $1.70. is empty. This is the U.S. transpor- threefold: People want us to work to- Some people buy it for less. Some peo- tation trust fund. It is empty. gether. They want us to get important ple buy it for $2 or more. But for rough- When we run out of money and we things done, and among the most im- ly a cup of coffee a week, we could have don’t raise taxes or revenues to fill it, portant is to further strengthen an al- better roads, highways, bridges—a we turn to the general fund. We say ready strengthening economy. A big whole lot better. let’s take money out of the general piece of that can be transportation. By doing that, we would raise, over fund and put some of it into the trans- The American people expect us to the next 10 years, $180 billion, maybe portation trust fund. This glass is make tough decisions. This is a tough even more, to be able to provide for our empty too. Our debt is down, our def- negotiation, but it is one we have to construction needs, roads, highways, icit is down—our debt is not down—our have. We have to have a good outcome bridges, and transit. We have the sys- deficit is down, but we still are running in the end. tem in place. We know how to do it. a big deficit. There is no money in the With that, I thank my friend from The price of gasoline—I bought gas the general fund to refill the transpor- Iowa for his patience. other day in Central Delaware, in tation trust fund these days. I yield the floor. Dover. I paid $2.53 a gallon. It was down So what we do is we go out into the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- by about 20 cents over the last month. world capital markets—here, where ator from Iowa. If the Iran deal actually goes through there is a lot of money—and we borrow. FALSE CLAIMS ACT and is approved, the Iranians are ex- We sell Treasury securities. So as it Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I pected to add to a world already awash turns out, one of the best buyers for often come to the floor to honor whis- in oil. So the price of oil is coming those Treasury securities is China. So tleblowers but more importantly to down. The Iranians would add, I am we ask China: How about buying some talk about their very important role in told, about another half billion barrels of our Treasury securities? They do. making government function. of oil to the marketplace and probably Then when the Chinese turn around On July 30, 1778, the Continental Con- continue to push down the price of oil. and start pushing around the Viet- gress passed the very first whistle- I ask us to keep that in mind. Some namese or the Filipinos in the South blower law in the United States. It people say we will never be able to get China Sea, around the Spratly Islands read: the votes for an increase in the gas or and places I used to fly as a naval [I]t is the duty of all persons in the service diesel tax, even if it is phased in for 4 flight officer years ago—when the Chi- of the United States . . . to give the earliest

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.040 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6103 information to Congress or other proper au- way. For example, the amendments words the judge use, and that judge was thority of any misconduct, frauds or mis- provided protection for whistleblowers right. demeanors committed by any officers or per- and eliminated the impossible govern- Congress intended to empower, to sons in the service of these states, which ment knowledge bar. Essentially, a re- protect, and to reward relators who may come to their knowledge. lator’s suit was only barred where the identify fraud against the taxpayers. Probably for the last 6, 7 years, I fraud had been publicly disclosed. The History teaches us that weakening the have been referring to this around the amendments also clarified that the act relator’s rights weakens the govern- time of July 30. covers false claims made not just di- ment’s ability to fight fraud. All that Going back to 1778, we have had rec- rectly to a government agency; it also does is let wrongdoers off the hook, and ognition of the important role whistle- covers fraud against grantees, States, it costs the taxpayers money. That is blowers can play in making sure gov- and other recipients of Federal funds, not the result we intended with the ernment is responsible. Whistleblowers whether or not the fund obligation is False Claims Act. And the Continental have always been crucial in helping fixed. Congress, which was so concerned Congress and the Federal Government These provisions and others were in- about identifying misconduct, fraud, root out fraud and misconduct. tended to give the False Claims Act and misdemeanors, would not have It is simple common sense to reward teeth again, and they did. However, as wanted those results I just talked and protect whistleblowers who report happens with a lot of legislation Con- about. waste of taxpayers’ money, fraudulent gress passes, the courts chipped away I want to remind my colleagues to use of taxpayers’ money, and outright at the heart of the False Claims Act stand strong for the effective tool that simple abuse. The False Claims Act and ignored the intent of Congress. The we have to combat fraud. does that. In fiscal year 2014 alone, the assault on the act came to a head in I yield the floor. Federal Government recovered nearly the Supreme Court’s erroneous opin- Mr. ENZI. I suggest the absence of a $6 billion under the False Claims Act. ions in the well-known cases of Allison quorum. That makes more than $22 billion since Engine and Totten. The Court held The PRESIDING OFFICER. The January 2009 and more than $42 billion that the act required proof of intent clerk will call the roll. since I got the legislation passed in that the government itself pay a claim The bill clerk proceeded to call the 1986. These recoveries represent vic- and that a claim is presented directly roll. tories across a wide array of industries to the government. Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I ask and government programs. Those pro- The problem with that logic is it cre- unanimous consent that the order for grams include mortgage insurance, ates a loophole big enough to drive a the quorum call be rescinded. Federal student aid, Medicare and Med- truck through. A third party paid with The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without icaid, as well as defense contracts. government money would get away objection, it is so ordered. The Department of Justice credits with fraud because a contractor, not 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICARE whistleblowers for their important role the government agency, paid the claim. Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I re- in the success, for the money that has So in 2009 we passed the Fraud Enforce- mind my colleagues that tomorrow come back to the Federal Treasury, ment and Recovery Act and made very marks the 50th anniversary of Presi- and for the carrying out of the False clear that was not consistent with the dent Johnson traveling to Independ- Claims Act. According to the Justice original intent of the 1986 False Claims ence, MO, to be with President Tru- Department, whistleblowers accounted Act. The act reaches false claims for man, who in the 1940s had attempted to for $3 billion in recoveries under that government money or property, wheth- push through Congress legislation to act in just fiscal year 2014. In fact, over er or not the wrongdoer deals directly expand the Social Security Act to in- 80 percent of False Claims Act cases with the Federal Government. It was clude what we now call Medicare. When are initiated by whistleblowers. never the intent of Congress to give a President Johnson went to Independ- Clearly, the False Claims Act is free pass to subcontractors or other ence, MO, he signed the legislation. working very well. Of course, the act parties receiving government funds. In The one we pay the most attention to has no shortage of critics—typically in fact, those folks are some of the big- is Medicare, which is health care for the groups where you find perpetrators gest perpetrators of fraud today. the elderly, but probably equally im- of fraud. But we have learned our les- The inspector general for the Depart- portant and certainly very significant son that a weak False Claims Act is ment of Health and Human Services is the creation of Medicaid. Medicaid not in the taxpayers’ best interests. has reported a 134-percent increase in came out of several years of congres- In 1943, Congress bowed to the pres- complaints against Medicare Part D in sional debate where Congress under- sure to undo the act’s crucial qui tam just the last 5 years. By not stopping stood that low-income people—espe- provisions. Amendments passed in that fraud against programs such as Medi- cially low-income people who were era of World War II barred actions care Part D, the government is hem- working—didn’t have insurance. It was where the government already had orrhaging funds. Taxpayer money is for people who were poor, people in knowledge of fraud. The result was to taxpayer money. Fraud does not magi- nursing homes, and it evolved for elder- block nearly all private actions. Con- cally become OK just because a third ly people. Most of the money in Med- gress assumed—and now we can say as- party is involved. icaid goes to take care of the elderly in sumed wrongly—that the Justice De- Of course, the issue of presentment nursing homes, and it has had such an partment could do a good job pros- to government officials is not the only impact on their lives. ecuting fraud all by itself. As I said, sticking point. There has been But think about what Medicare has they were wrong. Between 1943 and pushback in courts and from lobbyists done. Prior to 1965, this social insur- 1986, when the False Claims Act was about all sorts of issues, such as the ance program—this program we call amended, fraud against the govern- ‘‘public disclosure bar,’’ settlement Medicare today—provided health care ment skyrocketed. Most of those ac- practices, and award shares for rela- to almost every senior. Prior to 1965, cused went unpunished. tors. Through it all, Congress has had only about half of the senior citizens in A 1981 report by the Government Ac- to stay vigilant in keeping courts and the United States of America had countability Office said: Federal agencies generally true to our health insurance—only about half. For those who are caught committing original legislative intent. Huge numbers of the elderly lived in fraud, the chances of being prosecuted and As an example, just recently the Jus- poverty. They lived in poverty partly eventually going to jail are slim. . . . The tice Department tried to minimize a because for a whole host of reasons sad truth is that crime against the Govern- relator award in a Medicare and Med- they couldn’t save enough and Social ment often does pay. icaid fraud case. The relator contrib- Security wasn’t quite enough. Many So in 1986 I coauthored much needed uted significantly to the case. The lived in poverty because of their health amendments to the False Claims Act. judge recognized that Congress in- care costs. They would go to the doctor The 1986 amendments once again gave tended that ‘‘the only measuring and have to pay out of pocket. They citizens the ability to help the govern- stick’’ for an award is ‘‘the contribu- barely could afford that and sometimes ment go after fraud in a meaningful tion of the relator.’’ Those are the couldn’t afford that.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.042 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 So what Medicare does is it provides age with Medicare. It protects you if sponsible for Congress not to pass a bi- 50 million seniors today with health in- you are disabled with Social Security. partisan bill this week and keep those surance. It wasn’t easy. A majority of It protects you if you are laid off with projects moving forward. Republicans in the House and the Sen- unemployment insurance. I hope this fall we will finally be able ate opposed the creation of Medicare. That is why, when people hear my to come together with our colleagues The John Birch Society—we know it colleagues—particularly, again, the in the House to send to the President a today as the tea party—the John Birch most conservative Republicans, who multiyear surface transportation bill. Society in those days opposed the cre- have never supported these programs— The State of Maine currently re- ation of Medicare. Insurance interests go after these programs, understand ceives $170 million of Federal highway and the medical interests opposed what privatization means and under- funds annually, and the Maine Depart- Medicare. It was a huge struggle. As I stand what vouchers mean. It means ment of Transportation needs and obli- said, a majority of Republicans voted shifting costs of health care to seniors gates every single dollar. Under the against the creation of Medicare. Just instead of this program taking care of multiyear bill before the Senate, Maine like the Affordable Care Act—Repub- those seniors. It means privatizing So- would do even better and would receive licans didn’t like the Affordable Care cial Security. nearly $190 million the first year, in- Act and don’t like the Affordable Care In my State of Ohio, half of the sen- creasing to nearly $215 million. The Act today. Republicans didn’t like ior citizens rely on Social Security for legislation before us also prioritizes Medicare a generation and a half ago more than half of their income. So bridge reconstruction and safety. This and opposed it. Bob Dole—then Con- think what would have happened if a funding is critical, as 364 of Maine’s gressman Dole, later Senator Dole, decade and a half ago President Bush bridges have been rated as structurally later Presidential candidate, Repub- had actually been successful in trying deficient. lican nominee Dole—bragged about op- to turn Social Security over to Wall The commissioner of Maine’s Depart- posing Medicare, saying it wouldn’t Street, which is what he wanted to do. ment of Transportation tells me that if work. He bragged about that for a cou- If he had been successful in turning So- the highway trust fund is not fixed by ple of decades after it took effect. But cial Security over to Wall Street, July 31, the department will have to we know social insurance works. think what would have happened to stop construction projects midstream What is social insurance? Social in- people’s Social Security checks in 2007, within weeks. This would be dev- surance is where everybody pays into in 2008, in 2009, in 2010, and in 2011, astating for the State’s economy, for something. Whether it is Social Secu- when the bottom fell out of Wall Street the people employed in these well-pay- rity, whether it is unemployment in- and our financial systems. That is why ing construction jobs, and for the surance, whether it is Medicare, people these social systems are so important. transportation infrastructure in des- pay into a government program of That is why tomorrow, when we com- perate need of repair and rehabilita- some kind, and then when they need it, memorate the 50th anniversary of tion. they get assistance. You pay into So- President Johnson traveling to Inde- The lack of consistent multiyear cial Security. If you become disabled, pendence, MO, to the home of Presi- funding for the highway trust fund you get a benefit. Once you retire, you dent Truman and his signing the Medi- makes it so difficult for States to plan, get a benefit. You paid into it. It is care bill, and how much it has meant causes construction companies to delay called social insurance. to generation after generation—my hiring workers, and costs the govern- You pay into Medicare all your work- parents, my grandparents, and the par- ment more in the long run due to the ing life, but when you turn 65, you re- ents and grandparents of so many of us uncertainty of funding. According to ceive a Medicare benefit. You get in this body and in the gallery—that the American Association of State health insurance; you get hospitaliza- matters so much to us. Highway and Transportation Officials, tion; you get a doctor’s benefit. So I wanted to stop by the floor to the States of Arkansas, Georgia, Ten- You pay into unemployment insur- say happy birthday to Medicare—happy nessee, Utah, and Wyoming are among ance, which is another kind of social 50th birthday. We want to see another those that have already postponed bid- insurance. When you get laid off, you 50 years where Medicare makes a huge ding on major transportation projects get assistance so you can continue to difference in the lives of so many due to the uncertainty of Federal fund- feed your family and go on with not as Americans. ing. good a lifestyle but at least you will I suggest the absence of a quorum. While I feel I have no choice but to have enough to get along. That is why The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. support a short-term patch to prevent social insurance matters. TILLIS). The clerk will call the roll. the highway trust fund from expiring What is troubling about all of this is The senior assistant legislative clerk later this week, this short-term ap- there are still people in this country— proceeded to call the roll. proach is not the answer. It needs to particularly conservative Repub- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I ask stop being the norm. It epitomizes licans—who just don’t like social insur- unanimous consent that the order for Congress’s failure to govern sensibly— ance. They don’t like Social Security. the quorum call be rescinded. to govern in a cost-effective way, to They don’t like unemployment insur- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without govern in a way that allows for the cre- ance. They don’t like Medicare. They objection, it is so ordered. ation of good jobs in this country, and will tell you they do. Very few politi- Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise in the renovation, repair, and rehabilita- cians running for office say they don’t support of the multiyear surface trans- tion of our vital transportation sys- like Medicare. But we know that be- portation bill before the Senate. The tem. cause if, in fact, they get elected, we current authorization is set to expire We in the Senate have the oppor- know what they do when they are in of- this Friday when the highway trust tunity to pass a multiyear surface fice. They try to privatize Social Secu- fund will be depleted to levels that can transportation bill that reauthorizes rity, as President Bush did. They try to no longer fully reimburse States for our highways, transit, rail, and safety voucherize Medicare, as the Republican construction that has already been programs, while keeping the highway Vice Presidential nominee in 2012, completed. Unfortunately, it looks as trust fund solvent for the next 3 years. PAUL RYAN, tried to do. And we know though we are going to have yet an- This legislation gives State depart- what so many Republicans—conserv- other short-term extension, rather ments of transportation the certainty atives, the most conservative Repub- than immediately enacting a longer they need to continue planning, invest- licans—thought about unemployment term bill, as the House of Representa- ing, and constructing thousands of insurance when they tried to cut it tives is preparing to send the Senate a highway and infrastructure projects back, when they tried to weaken it, 3-month extension. that the entire Nation relies upon. and when they tried to undercut it. This is a critical time of year for These investments create jobs, boost So while government isn’t close to many States, particularly for my home our Nation’s economy, and keep us solving all of our problems, social in- State of Maine, where peak construc- competitive in the global marketplace. surance sets a safety net that protects tion work occurs during a very short The legislation maintains the Fed- the public. It protects you in your old construction season. It would be irre- eral-aid highway formula program

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.043 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6105 structure. This funding is not only cru- whom I have worked with on the trans- TIGER grants are being used to make cial for building new highways and portation-HUD subcommittee of the critical safety improvements to a bridges but also to maintain and repair Appropriations Committee, as well as major trucking route where the fatal- our Nation’s crumbling infrastructure, Republicans such as Senator COCHRAN ity rate has been more than three including, as I mentioned, the thou- and Senator SHELBY at the full com- times the State average. In my home sands of deficient bridges across the mittee level on this program. But, State of Washington, $204 million has Nation. most of all, it is important that we act gone to 13 critical infrastructure With the consideration of this impor- and act quickly to pass a multiyear projects across my State, from Seattle tant bill, we are one step further to re- surface transportation bill that will to Spokane to Vancouver. sponsible investments, steady invest- create jobs and on which our country Demand for TIGER funding is in- ments in infrastructure that millions can depend. tense. Applications always exceed the of Americans count on every day. That Thank you, Mr. President. amount of funding available, some- is why I am so disappointed that in- I yield the floor. times by as much as 20 to 1. It is clear stead we will do yet another short- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. that we can and should be doing so term patch. We need to get away from BOOZMAN). much more to help communities carry that method of funding the highway The Senator from Washington. out these projects that make our trans- trust fund. Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I am portation system safer and more effi- I also wish to highlight today the im- delighted to join the Senator from cient. portance of the national infrastructure Maine on the floor today to speak Though we hit some unfortunate and investment grants, otherwise known as about this critical infrastructure pro- unnecessary barriers in passing the the TIGER program. While this pro- gram called TIGER. She and I have TIGER amendment, I know that Sen- gram was not included in the under- worked together for many years on ator COLLINS and Senator REED are lying bill, Senators MURRAY, REED, and transportation infrastructure, and I so going to continue fighting along with I have filed an amendment, along with appreciate her leadership and her tre- me to support this critical program. I Senators COCHRAN, SHELBY, and others, mendous enthusiasm in making sure hope more of our colleagues will join that would authorize this highly suc- that our country does the right thing. with us in boosting regional economies cessful TIGER grant program. This It is a delight to be here today with and in improving our Nation’s infra- program has been such an effective ini- her, as well as with my colleague from structure, because this type of program tiative. It has helped to advance crit- Rhode Island, who is now the ranking is so important to our States and our ical transportation infrastructure member on the transportation appro- local agencies as they work to tackle projects across our great country. It is priations subcommittee. I thank them the complex transportation needs of one of the most flexible transportation both for coming to the floor to speak our communities. programs in which State and local au- about a program that we created sev- Thank you, Mr. President. eral years ago and that has been so ef- I yield the floor. thorities can apply for funding. Every The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- fective. Senator here has seen firsthand how ator from Rhode Island. TIGER projects create good jobs and We all know that investing in our Mr. REED. Mr. President, let me Nation’s infrastructure is a critical support economic growth in our home begin by commending Senator COLLINS part of broad-based and long-term eco- States. The program has supported and Senator MURRAY for their extraor- highway, bridge, port, rail, and transit nomic growth. As we can see today, dinary leadership on this TIGER pro- projects from this highly competitive this is not a partisan issue. Democrats gram in particular but in so many dif- program. and Republicans agree that infrastruc- ferent aspects, particularly with re- In fact, let me give my colleagues ture investments get workers back on spect to transportation policy. They some idea of the demand for the TIGER the job, help our economy grow in com- have done an extraordinary job, and grants. To date, the TIGER program munities across this country, and today is no exception. I am delighted has received a total of $4.6 billion make sure our transportation systems to be able to join them on their amend- through appropriations from fiscal work in a 21st century economy. That ment to increase resources for TIGER year 2009 through 2015, awarding 342 is why I am so proud to be a strong grants. projects in all 50 States. Here is how supporter of this bipartisan amend- I am disappointed, as are my col- many applications were submitted. Re- ment that we are offering today. It has leagues, that this is merely, in some member that 342 projects were actually 29 cosponsors from both sides of the respects, a discussion amendment—we funded. There were 6,700 applications aisle. What it does is it continues the can’t bring it up for a vote—because I that were received by the Department, popular competitive grant program think this is an effort, as Senator COL- totaling nearly $134 billion in funding known as TIGER. LINS pointed out, that would be sup- requests. So my colleagues can see that TIGER grants have made an impact ported strongly by both sides of the the pent-up demand is just enormous. in every corner of this country, and aisle. This demonstrates how oversubscribed they represent exactly the type of in- Since 2009, the TIGER program has the TIGER program is and how much it vestment our country should be mak- helped State and local governments is needed by our State and local gov- ing—addressing our Nation’s short- make critical investments in their in- ernments. I have received numerous term and long-term transportation frastructure all across this country. In letters of support for our amendment, issues while creating good-paying many respects, it is the final piece of a some of which include Transportation jobs—American jobs, I would add—and puzzle of how we get needed, necessary for America and more than 150 elected working to grow our economy from the infrastructure in place. It has been officials, State departments of trans- middle out, not just the top down. that catalyst that has brought private portation, metropolitan planning orga- We have all seen firsthand the dif- funds and State funds and local funds nizations, and chambers of commerce. ference the TIGER program can make together to accomplish something that You name it; they have endorsed our in our States. So that is why I fought, makes sense to our economy and to the amendment to authorize this impor- along with my colleagues, to get this efficiency and productivity of our tant program. amendment included in the final States. This is just one of the many ways my Transportation bill. TIGER is able to leverage additional colleagues and I would like to work to Since its creation, TIGER has award- resources. It is a program that has improve this bipartisan bill. Our ed $4.1 billion directly to communities been wildly popular to construct roads TIGER grant amendment is widely sup- to support more than 340 innovative, and bridges, public transit, ports, and ported on both sides of the aisle, and I multimodal projects in every State. passenger and freight railroads. It is believe it would pass were we able to For example, TIGER grants are in- very flexible. Its flexibility, its adapt- get a vote. creasing the flow of commerce and ability, and its ability to coalesce It has been a privilege to work very trade between Maine and New Hamp- other resources has been remarkable. closely with my colleagues, Senator shire because of improvements to the As a result, it has been extraordinarily MURRAY and Senator REED, both of Memorial Bridge. In New Mexico, popular.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.048 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6106 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Through the TIGER program, the corporation should make, and if they children there. They know they are U.S. Department of Transportation has think it is worthwhile, they are the going to be cared for. They know peo- supported more than 340 different ones who should put the money up, not ple will care for them. They don’t care projects in all 50 States and in the Dis- with a subsidy from the tax code. That whether they are Republicans or Demo- trict of Columbia. These projects have is just an example of some of the ways crats, they are women who need health improved safety, they have connected we could generate real resources. care, and I will strongly oppose the ef- workers to jobs, and they have sup- Again, let me say how strongly I sup- fort that is going to be before us in this ported economic development. By the port this amendment, how much we body to cut off health care for women. way, they put people to work right really owe the determination, the vi- I yield the floor, and I thank the Sen- away in an economy that needs people sion, and the thoughtfulness of Senator ator from California. to be working right now. COLLINS and Senator MURRAY. I must The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. As Senator COLLINS pointed out, the also thank Senator INHOFE and Senator SCOTT). The Senator from California. demand has far outstripped the re- BOXER for their work on getting us at Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I thank sources: 6,700 applications for the least this far. We have got to go fur- the Senator from Vermont, the rank- roughly 300 grants. We can do more. ther, but they have got us at least this ing member of the Judiciary Com- The appetite is there, the need is there, far. mittee, for his remarks. I agree with and the competitive process ensures It looks as if, given that the House is him, and I will be speaking later on that these needed resources are tar- leaving, this bill will not be enacted today on the same topic. geted to extraordinarily important pro- this week. Certainly, we have got a I want to go back to speaking about grams. So for many of these reasons template which I hope we can improve the Transportation bill. I want to this is one of those programs that is on as we spend the few months’ exten- thank my colleagues for the strong just win-win-win. Unfortunately, we sion that will be the ultimate result of show of support we had on this bill. We cannot bring it forward on this legisla- this week. In that time I think one of had 65 colleagues voting to end debate tion. This funding is absolutely nec- the measures that will be improved is and get to a vote. We do expect a good essary. the TIGER program and other things vote tomorrow, but I have to say that I have seen in my home State of that we can and must do. the reaction of the House Speaker took Rhode Island that without the TIGER Let me conclude where I began and me aback. Remember that the bill we grant we would not have been able to thank very sincerely Senator COLLINS passed was totally bipartisan, with a jump-start a project which is the Inter- and Senator MURRAY. majority of Democrats and a strong state 95 viaduct. It sounds interesting, I yield the floor. majority of Republicans. Senators but it is actually critical. It is the cen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- INHOFE, MCCONNELL, BOXER, DURBIN, ter of I–95 in Providence, RI, which is ator from California. and a host of others worked very hard the major north-south highway in New Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I will on this bill. Why would the Speaker of England. If this viaduct project could yield 5 minutes to Senator LEAHY. the House be so negative about it? As a not be funded, then essentially there The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- matter of fact, his comments that were would be a roadblock on I–95. TIGER ator from Vermont. reported in the Politico online version has helped this project move forward. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I thank today were such that I can’t repeat We have to do more, but it has helped the distinguished Senator from Cali- what was said on the floor of the Sen- to move this project forward. fornia. I am sure I won’t take that ate because I would be breaking the It has helped ports in Providence and long. rules. I will leave it up to everybody to at Quonset Point. All of these are so PLANNED PARENTHOOD see exactly what he said about our bi- necessary because they improve our Mr. President, I will speak further on partisan bill. Actually, the name on economic competitiveness globally, re- the efforts to defund health services for the bill is that of the Republican leader gionally, nationally; they put people to women later on, but I am concerned of the U.S. Senate. Yet the Speaker of work, and they prepare us for much about those Senators who are attack- the House demeans our bill. more complicated issues in the world ing women’s health with a renewed ef- I want to be clear that I defend free- economy. As I said before, we are all fort to eliminate health centers that dom of speech and I defend the right of disappointed that because of this proc- thousands of Vermonters rely on every Speaker BOEHNER to say whatever he ess we can’t have a debate and have a day. Across the country we have mil- wants; therefore, I can say whatever I vote. We are also disappointed because lions of low-income women who depend want. What I would like to ask is why we bypassed in this process the com- on Planned Parenthood health centers on Earth would you oppose a bill that mittees that typically do these for lifesaving preventive treatments is so bipartisan, that received 65 votes, things—the Banking Committee for and care, including annual exams, cer- and that the Republican leader has put transit, the Finance Committee for the vical and breast cancer screenings, and his name to? Why would you do that? pay-fors for this legislation. Again, I HIV screenings and counseling. These Another question is this—and I put am disappointed we could not have clinics are the primary source of health up this chart. Where is the House bill? done it the old fashioned way, through services for many women. Eliminating One could argue that you don’t like our the committees and bring it to the Federal funding for Planned Parent- bill. Where is your bill? What have you floor. If we had that approach, we could hood health centers would deny women done? Where have they been? have improved the offsets that we are access to these critical services. They We have known about this transpor- using to pay for these programs. We will force women to find medical care tation crisis for a long, long time. The could have considered amendments elsewhere or, more devastatingly—or Presiding Officer and I have worked like this. We could have done a lot of more probable—to simply go without. hard together on getting a strong bill, things. The partisan bill that was introduced even though we disagree on so many Now we all have additional amend- yesterday in the Senate is the latest things. The bill was voted out of the ments that we are filing, but we won’t attempt to score political points. It is Environment and Public Works Com- be able to take them up. I have got one bumper sticker politics at its worst. mittee 20 to 0. Yet the Republican in terms of pay-fors that would produce Needlessly jeopardizing the health care Speaker of the House condemns the $55 billion over 10 years—robust fund- of millions of Americans who depend bill. Where is the House bill? ing for a score of highway programs— on these preventive care services is a We are about to pass the third exten- and it is by capping the deduction of bid to rally a base that is as irrespon- sion since the last Transportation bill publicly traded corporations for em- sible as it is offensive to this Senator. expired in 2014. There have been dozens ployee salaries over $1 million. I think I know women in Vermont who tell me and dozens of extensions—more than most Americans would say if someone they go for their health care, their can- 30. We know that when the highway is getting over $1 million we shouldn’t cer screening, to the Planned Parent- trust fund is extended for just a couple be subsidizing that with tax reimburse- hood centers because they feel they of months at a time—and Senator ment. They very well may be worth have people they feel comfortable with. INHOFE has taught me this because I that money, but that is a judgment the They can bring their daughters, their was not aware—it is administratively

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.049 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6107 very expensive to do, and on the doesn’t like? Is it the $55 billion a year do say: Where is your bill? Where is it? ground what is happening is States are for 6 years, the first 3 years being fully You can stand on the Capitol steps and shutting down their projects. paid for with every State getting more say: I don’t like this about it. I don’t Let’s look at the seven States that funding, including his State, for high- like that about it. I don’t like the pay- have essentially canceled or delayed ways and transit? Does he not like fors. I don’t like what is on page 50 or projects because there has been inac- that? Does he think we shouldn’t spend page 150. That is your right and I re- tion. Arkansas has canceled or delayed funding on fixing up our bridges, roads, spect it. I support your right to say highway projects, as well as Delaware, and highways? Does he not like the two this is not a good bill, if you don’t Georgia, Montana, Tennessee, Utah, new programs—the freight program, think so. and Wyoming. Why have these States which would provide funds for States Where is your bill? Where is the done this? Because they are concerned to improve the movement of goods? House bill? Get it together. Do not go that we don’t have a long-term high- Does he not like the assistance for on vacation. Wait until you finish this way bill. That is why we are so excited major projects, a program which is job because I will tell you what hap- about the bill that looks like it is on going to help our States when they pens when you do go on vacation. The its way to passage because it is a 6- know there is a real problem in their first person in your State to see you year authorization with a full 3 years community and they want to build a who was laid off—because States are of funding. Again, I ask the Speaker project? cutting back. We know from the Asso- rhetorically what is it about the bill Does the Speaker not like the fact ciation of General Contractors that that he doesn’t like? that we have tripled safety fines so these States lost construction jobs last Let’s go to the highlights of the bi- when a Takata airbag problem happens month because we have not acted on a partisan Senate bill. I will discuss the companies have to step up? Does he long-term bill: Alaska, Arizona, Cali- them. I would put up the chart which not like the fact that there is a new fornia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Mary- asks ‘‘Where is the House bill?’’ be- law in there that says consumers land, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, cause that is the common question I should be protected from renting a car Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, want to ask today. It is easy to throw that is under recall? We stopped that. New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Or- darts at someone else and say I don’t Does he not like the first-ever com- egon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Ten- like what you did. What you did wasn’t muter rail fund for positive train con- nessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, good enough. Where is your answer? trol, where we can actually help our West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Just last month the General Contrac- They have nothing—nothing but an- computer railways put in positive train tors told us that construction workers other paltry extension. Why did they control so we will not have those trage- were laid off because we have not do that? Either they don’t have an idea dies that happened? Why doesn’t he like this bill? It has acted. I want to say to the Speaker, in the world as to how to proceed or Ohio is on the list. You lost jobs in 1 a long list of supporters. Let’s look at they want to go on a 5 ⁄2-week break. Ohio. What are you doing by just say- The American people—most of us— the supporters. I guarantee you it is ing you don’t like this bill? Stay in. Do work. I ask rhetorically: How many rare that you see the U.S. Chamber of your work. You have terrific people on people in America who hold down a job Commerce agreeing with the Inter- both sides of the aisle on your Trans- 1 national Union of Operating Engineers. get a 5 ⁄2-week break, which is called portation and Infrastructure Com- It is rare that the Laborers’ Inter- the August break, which begins in mittee. I had the privilege of working national Union of North America July, and they get that break without on both sides of the aisle with Chair- taking care of pressing business? I agrees with the AAA, which agrees man SHUSTER, with Ranking Member think your boss would say: You know with the Conference of Mayors, which DEFAZIO, and many other members of agrees with the United Brotherhood of what. You have a lot of problems here, that committee. I know the Speaker so stay another couple of days. Oh, no, Carpenters, which agrees with the As- has told me he wants a 6-year bill. I be- they want to get out of town. They sociation of State Highway and Transit lieve him, but why put it off? originally were going to get out of Officials, which agrees with the Moth- We have the Inhofe-Boxer McConnell- town tomorrow. My understanding is ers Against Drunk Driving, which Durbin product. It passed overwhelm- they are trying to get out today. That agrees with the American Council of ingly. Take it up. Here is what the gives them a 51⁄2-week break without Engineering Companies. It goes on. It Committee for a Responsible Federal taking care of business. goes on. It is rare to see it. The Amer- Budget said: It is refreshing to see Con- I think anybody who is watching this ican Highway Users Alliance, the gress focus on a multiyear solution in- who really cares about the highway American Public Transportation Asso- stead of another short-term patch. trust fund, transportation, and bridges ciation, the American Road & Trans- They say of our bill: This is a fiscally collapsing—let’s look at this one that portation Builders, the Society of Civil responsible bill that relies on solid off- happened in California. This is a fright- Engineers, the trucking association, sets. ening view of a bridge that collapsed. the equipment distributors, the general Let me be clear. I did not love every We were so lucky. We thank God that contractors, the equipment manufac- offset. I see my friend from Maryland. nobody was killed. California now has a turers, the Metropolitan Planning Or- He knows we tried desperately to get bridge that has collapsed, and people ganization, the National Asphalt Pave- better offsets. There may be a lot of have to go 400 miles out of their way to ment Association. It goes on and on people in the House who don’t like the go from California to Arizona or Ari- and on. This is America. offsets. Why don’t you come together zona to California. We are hoping to fix The National Association of Coun- and figure out another way? Why don’t it with emergency funds, but we can’t ties—I used to serve as a county super- you see if you can fully fund a 6-year rebuild the part that fell that quickly. visor. It is hard to get us to agree. bill? We fully funded a 3-year bill. So I We need a long-term bill. They agree. Pass the bill. The National ask the question of the Speaker: What I say to the Speaker: Don’t go home. Association of Manufacturers, I under- is it about our bill that you don’t like I say to the majority whip over there, stand they scored this vote. The Na- and where is your bill? my friend from California: Don’t go tional Association Of Truck Stop Oper- Yesterday Chairman SHUSTER over home. Stay and do your job. The Amer- ators, the National Governors Associa- there issued a statement: The House ican people are not going to think very tion, the League of Cities, the ready also needs to make its voice heard and highly of you if you leave with this mixed concrete people, the stone, sand, put forth its own priorities. He is right. highway trust fund going broke on Fri- and gravel people, the owner-operator So why are you going home for a 51⁄2- day. independent drivers, the Portland Ce- week break when the Senate is going The Senate has passed a bill. It is a ment Association, the retail industry to be in session next week? Put off good bill. The Speaker has used some leaders. your little break here—or your long- words I cannot use on the floor to de- The AFL–CIO sent a statement yes- term break here, 51⁄2 weeks. I do not scribe it. terday to the House: Take up this know too many American workers who I want to ask the Speaker what it is issue. If they do not love our bill, I—it get that kind of a break in the sum- that he doesn’t like. What is it that he is fine. I do not expect them to, but I mer.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.051 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 I say it is time to see your bill. I and the five county supervisors found ported out, a 6-year bill, is a bill that think we can get it done. I have a lot that out—we were told many, many deals with the surface transportation of faith in the people over there. I years ago it was possible we could be needs in this country. served in the House for 10 proud years. held liable because we knew absolutely It was put together in a very bipar- I know how things get done. It gets that this could crumble around us. tisan manner. It respected and re- done a lot easier than over here be- I am not saying for one second that flected different views. I had certain cause here we have rules that are very any colleague is liable if something views with regard to alternative trans- old, which can allow one person to hold like this happens again, but I will tell portation programs. Not everybody up a bill for days and days, but they you I think it is in fact a moral ques- agreed, but we were able to come to- don’t have it. They don’t have that tion for us. How long can we put this gether on that issue so we can help kind of situation. They can come to- off? I guarantee you a 3-month patch is local governments with their prior- gether, go through the committee, not going to give the States the con- ities. come out with a rule, bring the bill to fidence to enter into any long-term We need a 6-year bill. The Senator is the floor, and get it done. agreements to fix any of the 60,000-plus absolutely right. I must tell the Sen- Let me quote from the Washington bridges that are deficient and 50 per- ator, I could not agree with her more. Post editorial: cent of the roads that are not up to We have been talking since the last ex- The Senate bill authorizes 6 years of spend- par. tension, the extension before that, and ing on transportation projects under a sen- So I say to the House, if you don’t the extension before that, that we need sible plan Senators Boxer and Inhofe worked stay here and you go home after pass- out. The bill provides 3 years of guaranteed to have a 6-year reauthorization. The ing a short-term extension and some- Senator was able, working with Sen- funding for the spending plan, raised from a one comes up to you and says, Con- ator INHOFE, to deliver a bill that does variety of sources. gressman or Congresswoman, I just got They basically say—they don’t love that. We have yet to see a 6-year bill laid off. I am a construction worker—I from the House of Representatives. We the process, neither did any of us. But guarantee you are going to have a hard they say it is a ‘‘significant improve- are prepared to make the hard deci- time explaining why you left and took sions. We are prepared to sit down with ment from what Congress has done for 1 a 5 ⁄2-week break, August break, and our House colleagues and work out the the past decade or so, as lawmakers you left before even August 1. It is the fumbled from short-term funding patch differences, but we need a 6-year reau- first time the House will have done thorization, not another short-term ex- to short-term funding patch, a non- that in 10 years. They have not left be- strategy that often relied on budget tension. They are talking now about 3 fore August 1 in 10 years. months. Another short-term extension gimmicks and made it difficult for There is a lot on our plates. Instead, provides no predictability. I have pro- transportation officials to conduct we are going to talk about Planned grams in Maryland, and I know the long-term planning.’’ Parenthood. Fine. I welcome the argu- Senator from California has programs So we have an opportunity. The Sen- ment because to me it is the same old, in her State, that you cannot plan with ate has worked its will. We have a good same old argument about interfering a 3-month partnership with the Federal bill. Is it great? Is it perfect? No. Are with women’s health. I will go there Government. You need to have the the pay-fors great and perfect? No. Is with you. I will be there with you. I multiyear commitments. every policy in it perfect? No. But as will fight that battle for the people of AMY KLOBUCHAR told me, we stood our America, the women of America. I What Senator BOXER was able to do ground, all of us, but we found common don’t mind that, but we have to do in the Environment and Public Works ground. That is important. We stood this. We have to do this in the House. Committee—we need to duplicate that our ground, but we found common We have to pass a bill. and get this done and get a bill to the ground. That is how we are supposed to So I hope the House will change its President’s desk. It is more important do things around here. mind. The Republican leadership, they than the recess. I thank my colleague I look at my friend who is going to know they control the schedule. They for taking the floor and for her ex- speak shortly from Maryland. I know should cancel their recess and stay in traordinary work in that regard. he set the pace with Senator CORKER in an extra week. In that extra week, we Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- working out some very difficult issues can work together. If the Speaker does sent to speak as in morning business. in the Foreign Relations Committee, not like our bill, he can write his own The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without on which I am so proud to serve and so bill. We will go to conference, we will objection, it is so ordered. proud of my leader on that committee, start working on it, and we will get 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICARE AND MEDICAID Senator CARDIN. They set the pace over that bill. That is my ask today. My ask Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, this there. is, Where is the House bill? I am asking week—tomorrow, to be precise—we will Then PATTY MURRAY, working with the House in the nicest way I know be celebrating the 50th anniversary of LAMAR ALEXANDER—they came out how: Please don’t leave tonight or to- Medicare and Medicaid, which then- with an education bill. Then I worked morrow on a 51⁄2-week break with your President Lyndon Baines Johnson with Senator INHOFE, and he worked desk a mess with this issue. It is a signed into law on July 30, 1965. with me. MITCH MCCONNELL worked mess with this issue. with Senator DURBIN. We came out The highway trust fund is going bust I take great pride in the Medicare with a product that is supported by a on Friday. If the best you can do after and Medicaid Programs, which fall majority of both caucuses. I am proud knowing about this for months and under the Social Security Act, because of the product. I know it is not perfect. months and months is give us a paltry they are so successful, but also be- I know if I had my way, I would have 3-month extension, then shame on you. cause—as I think most of my col- drawn up a very different bill. So would The Senate has proven, on a very bi- leagues know—the headquarters for Senator INHOFE. So would Senator partisan basis, that we can do better— both the Social Security Administra- MCCONNELL. So would Senator DURBIN. not a 3-month extension but 3 years of tion (SSA) and for CMS, the Centers But here is what is at stake. I will a paid-for bill, 6 years of an authorized for Medicare and Medicaid Services, show you the bridge again. This is what bill. Surely you can meet us and we are located in Maryland. The men and is at stake. This is the face of what we can get this done together. women who work at SSA and CMS are are doing. It is bigger than our egos. It I yield the floor. doing incredible service to carry out is bigger than our taking a 51⁄2-week The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- some of the most important programs break. I served as a county supervisor. ator from Maryland. in our country: Social Security, Medi- We knew the building we were in was Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, first I care, and Medicaid. earthquake deficient. It is still beau- want to thank Senator BOXER. It is a For the past 50 years, our seniors and tiful, Frank Lloyd Wright’s last built- privilege to serve on the Environment our most vulnerable citizens have been out government building. I served in and Public Works Committee with Sen- able to rely upon Medicare to provide that gorgeous building. When I found ator BOXER, under her and Senator access to affordable, high-quality out it could collapse in an earthquake INHOFE’s leadership. The bill we re- health care.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.060 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6109 Let me underscore how important I am particularly proud that when I ation of Medicare and Medicaid 50 Medicare is to our country, to our sen- was in the House of Representatives, I years ago and, more recently, the en- iors and those who suffer with disabil- authored the bill that expanded Medi- actment of the Affordable Care Act. ities. It allows them to be able to get care to cover preventive health care, Let’s continue to make progress so quality health coverage, affordable including screenings for colorectal can- that all Americans have accesses to af- care, without having to deal with the cer, diabetes, and osteoporosis, and fordable, quality health care. difficulties of obtaining and paying for mammographies. Those tests were I suggest the absence of a quorum. private insurance. Private insurance added in legislation that I authored in The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. makes money by insuring people who the House of Representatives. We have TOOMEY). The clerk will call the roll. make fewer claims. As you get older, come a long way since then, culmi- The senior assistant legislative clerk your health care needs become more nating with the Affordable Care Act proceeded to call the roll. intense. Therefore, private insurance that eliminated all the copays for pre- Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for companies aren’t exactly excited to ventive health care. the quorum call be rescinded. have people who make a lot of claims Today, Medicare is keeping our sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ior population healthier. Seniors know in their health insurance pool. That is objection, it is so ordered. why we developed Medicare. We devel- that their preventive health care is NUCLEAR AGREEMENT WITH IRAN oped it so our seniors would be able to covered and that they can detect dis- Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I rise have quality coverage. eases at an earlier stage and live today to express my deep concerns Before we had Medicare, one out of healthier lives as a result. with the nuclear agreement negotiated every two seniors had no health insur- Over the past five decades, our Na- between the United States and other ance. Our seniors are now able to get tion has seen incredible, positive change as a result of the Medicare and world powers and Iran. health care coverage. Today, only 2 In May, Congress acted in a bipar- Medicaid Programs. On the 50th anni- percent of adults aged 65 and older lack tisan way to enact the Iran Nuclear versary of the passage of this landmark health insurance. Before we had Medi- Agreement Review Act. The Senate legislation, let us celebrate the care, nearly 60 percent of seniors’ passed the legislation 98 to 1, and the progress we have made and work to- health care costs came out of their House passed it 400 to 25. The bill was gether to try to find ways to build upon pockets. Today, that is down to 13 per- signed into law by President Obama. cent. So we have seen significant im- that progress by further improving our This critically important legislation provement over time. Before we had Nation’s health care system to ensure provides Congress, as the representa- Medicare, 1 out of every 3 women aged that all Americans have access to af- tives of the American people, the abil- 65 or older lived in poverty. Today, fordable, high-quality health care and ity to examine and vote on an agree- that number is 1 out of 10. are able to live healthy, productive ment that will have tremendous im- All of the indicators that we have lives. pact on the future security of the Mid- show that Medicare, Medicaid, and So- This is particularly timely because I dle East and the world. cial Security have accomplished their believe next week we are going to see When the Senate passed the legisla- objectives. Now we are celebrating the an attack on women’s health care. I tion in May, I said the bill would allow 50th anniversary of Medicare and Med- urge my colleagues to recognize the Congress to hold the administration icaid. historical discrimination we have had accountable for negotiating an enforce- With regard to the Medicare Pro- against women’s health care in this able and verifiable agreement that gram, those seniors who have disabil- country. We dealt with that in the Af- would stop Iran’s progress toward a nu- ities and who qualify are allowed to fordable Care Act, some of the histor- clear weapon. have full coverage—again without hav- ical discriminations against women. Negotiators have completed their ing to worry about being discriminated But we need to be very careful about work. Review of the agreement is un- against in the private insurance mar- this because there is going to be an at- derway. Committees are holding im- ketplace. In Medicaid, 33 million chil- tack on Planned Parenthood. Planned portant hearings. We had one this dren are covered, more than 1 out of Parenthood is particularly important morning. After the August recess, Con- every 3 in our Nation. for women’s health care needs. Yes, it gress will have the opportunity to vote Over time we have improved these does deal with contraceptive services— on a resolution that approves or dis- programs. The Medicaid program has that is very important for women—but approves of the deal reached with Iran. been improved by the passage of the it also deals with preventive health I believe the agreement is flawed in Children’s Health Insurance Program, care, screenings, and primary health several ways. First, the agreement fails a bipartisan bill that was passed by care. So many women get their health to provide for an inspections regime this body. It significantly improved ac- care needs met through Planned Par- that is strong enough to prevent Iran cess to care for our children, particu- enthood. from fulfilling its nuclear ambitions. larly our low-income children. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary Any agreement with Iran should in- We have also improved access to cov- of Medicare and Medicaid, as we cele- clude rigorous and immediate inspec- erage through the passage of the Af- brate how we have been able to make tions of suspected nuclear sites. There fordable Care Act. The Affordable Care progress in providing affordable, qual- has been much talk and hope of an any- Act has strengthened and improved ity health care to all Americans— where, anytime inspection regime, but Medicare and expanded Medicaid Pro- whether they are our seniors, our dis- anywhere, anytime inspections are not grams to cover more low-income Amer- abled population, our children, those of what this agreement provides. Instead, icans. To date, thanks to the ACA, 9.4 low income, those groups who have under this agreement, it could take 24 million Medicare beneficiaries have been historically discriminated days, and potentially longer under the saved more than $15 billion just on pre- against—I urge that we look to try to Joint Commission process, before in- scription drugs. In Maryland alone, our build upon those programs and make spectors have access to a suspected nu- seniors have saved more than $230 mil- them even stronger and not weaken the clear site. It is obvious Iran could hide lion on their prescriptions. programs that are available. elements of a nuclear program, such as I am particularly pleased that over President Johnson’s Vice President, the construction of centrifuges, before the 50-year history of Medicare, we Hubert H. Humphrey, famously said inspectors could ever gain access to a have changed the program, improved that ‘‘the moral test of government is suspected nuclear site. it, and built upon it over time. When it how that government treats those who Iran has already failed to meet the was first enacted, it was there mainly are in the dawn of life, the children; transparency requirements of the in- to cover seniors’ needs when they were those who are in the twilight of life, terim Joint Plan of Action. The Inter- injured and ill. It was an insurance pro- the elderly; and those who are in the national Atomic Energy Agency, or gram for when they got sick or had an shadows of life, the sick, the needy, IAEA, consistently warned of Iran’s injury. Well, we have changed that and the handicapped.’’ While we still failure to meet those standards of full focus to a wellness program to keep have work to do, we are closer to pass- transparency and in its June 2015 re- seniors healthy. ing that moral test because of the cre- port stated that ‘‘the Agency remains

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Jul 29, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.064 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6110 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 concerned about the possible existence yesterday, this argument ‘‘paint[s] a I yield the floor. in Iran of undisclosed nuclear-related simplistic picture that allows [its pro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- activities involving military related ponents] to gloss over the very real ator from Indiana. organizations, including activities re- problems with this deal.’’ WASTEFUL SPENDING lated to the development of a nuclear The Gazette-Mail continues: Mr. COATS. Mr. President, once payload for a missile.’’ The deal’s many critics have consistently again, I am on the floor for the ‘‘Waste Given Iran’s lack of transparency, I made the case that there are other possible of the Week.’’ Each week since Feb- believe the content of this agreement paths. The problem is that this administra- ruary, I have come to the floor to dis- does not contain strong enough mecha- tion doesn’t want to take them. cuss an issue of waste, fraud, and nisms to prevent Iran’s clandestine de- Even the President’s top general abuse—misspent taxpayer money iden- velopment of a nuclear weapon. agrees that this is a false proposition. tified by neutral agencies of the Fed- Second, I find it more troubling that Just this morning, when asked if the eral Government that didn’t have a Congress—or even the administration— choice was binary—accept the Iran partisan bone to pick in this or by in- has not been given access to the under- agreement or go to war—GEN Martin spectors general of various agencies or standing between Iran and the IAEA Dempsey, Chair of the Joint Chiefs, by the agencies themselves. regarding how Iran’s compliance with said that ‘‘we have a range of options In February, I said I am going to the agreement will be implemented. and I always present them.’’ come here every week throughout the This has been the subject of great dis- All of us would prefer a diplomatic duration of this session, and I am going cussion. solution in Iran, but a good agreement to try to achieve a goal of $100 billion Third, I am concerned the agreement with Iran is one that will truly cut off of waste. I wasn’t sure we could reach will provide Iran with financial re- Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon and that goal, but today is a very special sources that they could use to continue improve the security situation in the day because we are going to highlight to fund terrorist groups that put Amer- Middle East. by the end of my speech over $100 bil- The sanctions passed by this Con- icans and our allies at risk. We know lion of waste, fraud, and abuse that the gress, together with the sanctions that they were doing it in the past. We taxpayer is covering with hard-earned were built in concert with our foreign know of their desire to do it in the fu- pay at home. allies over the course of a decade, were ture. It is troubling that when the Over the past several months, I have what brought Iran to the negotiating sanctions against Iran are lifted, the highlighted a variety of examples from tables in the first place. These sanc- nation will immediately receive ap- the serious, such as the illegal procure- tions should be kept in place and ment practices at the Veterans’ Ad- proximately $150 billion in assets. As a strengthened until Iran is forced to ac- designated state sponsor of terrorism ministration, to the ridiculous: tax- cept a deal that actually makes the re- payer funding, under grants, for mas- for over 30 years, Iran has funded proxy gion safer. I believe a better deal is sages of rabbits to determine whether a wars across the region. possible than the leverage provided by These wars range from Shia militias massage after strenuous exercise made sanctions, and I am not alone. A CNN them feel better. I don’t think we need- in Iraq to Houthis insurgents in poll released yesterday found that 52 Yemen. Iran further threatens our al- ed to gather a bunch of rabbits and percent of the American people want pay, with a $387,000 grant to an organi- lies through funding Hezbollah and Congress to reject this deal, while only zation to mechanically massage the Hamas and propping up the regime of 44 percent believe the agreement backs of rabbits. Bashar al-Assad, who continues to should be approved. I think if you stop anybody on the slaughter his own people. A majority of Americans didn’t say street and ask: Do you think a good While no one knows for sure how Iran they oppose this agreement because massage would make you feel a little will spend the signing bonus it receives they want war with Iran. Absolutely bit better, especially after a strenuous from sanctions relief, the regime’s not. Instead, the poll reveals that a exercise—I think the answer would be prior behavior provides the best evi- majority of Americans want a better yes. Actually, I thought I might want dence of how it will act in the future. deal, one that cuts off Iran’s path to a to sign up for this until I found out I hear the argument that the internal nuclear weapon and makes the Middle that when the experiment was over, infrastructure of the country has fallen East more secure. they killed the rabbits. So I didn’t into disrepair because of the sanctions There are legitimate arguments on want to put myself in that position. and because of the lack of the eco- both sides of the debate about the Iran Then, from the young taxpayers who nomic activities. Yet we have to look deal. I accept that the President and receive (improper and fraudulent child at Iran as still funding terrorist activ- his administration truly believe the tax credit refunds) to the old, the ac- ity while allowing their own country’s deal they have negotiated is in Amer- tive Social Security numbers that were infrastructure to become failed and ica’s best interest, but the claim that assigned to individuals over the age of compromised. those who have a different view want 112. Obviously there aren’t too many What makes us think that with the war with Iran is an inappropriate at- people in the country, if any, over that new flush, $150 billion signing bonus, tempt to short-circuit the legislative age. These people had obviously died Iran is going to change their priorities debate about this agreement. many years before—on and on it goes. all of a sudden? I personally have trou- Congress must stand up against a We are deluged with examples of ble with that. threat to national security and ensure waste, fraud, and abuse, which brings Finally, I am worried the decision to that a monumental agreement con- some chuckles and brings some ‘‘Can lift the embargo on conventional arms tains the necessary verification and en- you believe we are actually doing and ballistic missiles sold to Iran will forcement measures to protect future that?’’ But the bottom line is that peo- allow Iran to present a greater threat generations from a nuclear Iran. I ple are working hard every day to to its neighbors. In addition, it could stand with all of our allies in the re- make ends meet to pay the mortgage, precipitate a military buildup in the gion that have put their trust in Amer- to buy the groceries, to save money to region, which will in turn increase vol- ica to negotiate a deal that will protect send the kids to school, and they are atility in an already volatile region. them indefinitely from the threat of sending taxes to Washington and the Despite these questions and concerns, Iranian nuclear weapons. bureaucracy is doing stuff like this. the administration has argued that our The posterity of our Nation and our It is a bad break for taxpayers, and it only options are to accept the deal or allies depends on the critical policy de- is shameful for government not to take to go forward with Iran. cisions made by this Congress and this measures to stop this waste, fraud, and To accept this binary choice is to say administration. Now is the time to abuse from happening. I am trying to the American people should accept this carefully consider the nature of Iran’s disclose to the public this is how your deal, regardless of how one-sided it threat toward Israel and America, the taxpayer money is being spent so they may be, in order to avoid a military history of Iranian-funded terrorism, will put pressure on their Members and conflict with Iran. and the consequences of nuclear pro- say clean it up. Fortunately, we have As a newspaper in my State, the liferation in the Middle East. America been able to do some of that, but there Charleston Gazette-Mail, editorialized does not have to accept a bad deal. is a long way to go.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.057 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6111 Today I want to discuss errors with eral budget is a drop in the bucket, but understanding and it has been con- payments under the earned-income tax $100 billion is almost incomprehensible. firmed that the suspect has been appre- credit. Let me go back and explain Maybe Donald Trump understands hended and is in custody. this. The earned-income tax credit is a what $100 billion is, but I don’t. In My staff and all of the staffs here in refundable tax credit that offsets in- terms of that magnitude of money, it is Washington stand ready to help those come tax owed by low-income tax- a small portion of what we spend here. affected by this tragedy. Our hearts payers. Congress originally approved We can do so much more in terms of break for the victims and for their fam- the earned-income tax credit in 1975 to identifying issues and programs that ilies. offset the burden of Social Security will save the taxpayer money. Federal I ask my Senate colleagues to join taxes for low-income workers and pro- spending is out of control. We know the Montana delegation and all Mon- vide an incentive for them to work. It that, and this highlights some of that. tanans in keeping the community, the is a good motive. To some extent, it The real issue is much worse. While victims, and their families in their has worked. The way it works is this: States such as mine, the State of Indi- thoughts and prayers. When the credit exceeds the amount of ana, have created balanced budgets, PLANNED PARENTHOOD taxes due, it provides a lump-sum pay- eliminated debt, and provided sur- Mr. President, 655,306 kidneys is more ment, after you file your taxes, to pluses, which they can use to return to than $49 million, which equates to 256 those who qualify for the program. the taxpayers or save for a rainy day, Lamborghinis; 327,653 hearts is more People who work and earn less than a the Federal Government has not done than $24.5 million, which equates to 128 certain income level qualify for this re- that. This is a huge challenge in front Lamborghinis; 1,310,612 arms and legs fund from the government. According of us. This is just a small piece of try- is $98 million, which equates to 512 to the Congressional Research Service, ing to identify some of the problems Lamborghinis—this is the envisioned this tax credit is the largest need-test- and challenges that we have, and by price tag were every one of Planned ed, antipoverty cash assistance pro- identifying them, we can save the tax- Parenthood’s 327,653 abortions per- gram the Federal Government runs. So payer money by making reforms to formed last year to provide body parts whether you think this is a right pro- these various programs. and organs to harvest. gram or not, the questions are: How is With that, I will yield back the floor, The utter callousness of Planned Par- it being run? And is it efficient and ef- but you can count on me being here enthood in discussing the price of baby fective or is it making mistakes? We are talking about Big Govern- every week for the rest of this session parts, as if handing over a menu, is ment. Mistakes are usually big mis- with the ‘‘Waste of the Week’’ for as clear evidence of the culture of an or- takes, if there are some. In 2011, the long as the Congress and Senate are in ganization enriched through ghoulish IRS identified more than 6.6 million session. and disturbing practices. This is a cul- potentially erroneous earned-income I suggest the absence of a quorum. ture which protects tissue over life and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tax credit claims that went to house- lays out harvested organs as financial clerk will call the roll. holds that didn’t qualify. Individuals milestones toward a new car. The legislative clerk proceeded to were telling the government they are Planned Parenthood has worked its call the roll. working and earning and therefore eli- way into the American lexicon, becom- Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask gible for the earned-income tax credit ing synonymous with women’s health unanimous consent that the order for bonus check, but at the same time they but hiding its abortion practices. the quorum call be rescinded. were telling other agencies, such as the Planned Parenthood received $528 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without million of Federal taxpayer money last Supplemental Social Security Pro- objection, it is so ordered. gram, that they are not earning that year alone. And when asked on the TRAGEDY ON CROW RESERVATION much or not working or don’t have in- street, so few even know that Planned come. Some are getting double Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I come Parenthood does abortions. But now checks—one for which they’re qualified to the floor today to share some re- the veil has been lifted, exposing inex- and one for which they’re not. marks on what is going on with cusable and unconscionable behavior. When we add all of that—the latest Planned Parenthood. Prior to sharing This organization, Planned Parent- year that has been identified is 2013, those remarks, I wish to inform my hood, performs more abortions than and the tax credit costs to taxpayers colleagues that we received some trag- any other organization in our country. during that year amounted to $60 bil- ic news that has come out of Montana. But now our own calloused hearts—the lion. Of those, $14.5 billion were erro- I literally just got off the phone with heart of our Nation—are shocked out of neously sent out checks by the agency, Chairman Darrin Old Coyote with the apathy, and we have a choice. We can- the IRS. If we can put in place meas- Crow Tribe in Montana. I wish to take not accept the destruction and the sell- ures that can provide accountability a moment to discuss the reports of a ing of our children, to stare clearly and verification to this program, we tragic shooting that has occurred on into the face of the appalling and do could save the taxpayer up to $14.5 bil- the Crow Reservation in Montana. nothing. We can allow our consciences lion a year. So with that, we add to our This afternoon we received word of a to be moved and then remove the pub- gauge an additional $14.5 billion. shooting in the community of Pryor, lic endorsement of these actions. We As everyone can see on this chart, MT, on the Crow Reservation. I lit- can remove Federal taxpayer funding this gauge is climbing up each week. erally just got off the phone with of the organization that has perpet- This chart shows the amount of money Chairman Darrin Old Coyote before I uated such horrific actions. saved through the various programs we got to the floor just to see how things I am proud to join Senator JONI have identified. We have now eclipsed were going and to be informed of the ERNST and Leader MCCONNELL, as well the $100 billion level, and we are just a latest developments. There are two as 23 of my Senate colleagues, in the little ways past the middle of the year. confirmed fatalities and at least one introduction of legislation to protect I could take the charts, stick them in other injured individual who has been women’s access to health services and the back closet, and say: Thank you. I life-flighted to Billings. defund Planned Parenthood. This bill made it to my $100 billion mark, and I My wife Cindy and I are deeply sad- ensures that funds allocated to have made my point. But I will keep on dened by the news of today’s tragic Planned Parenthood will be redirected going. Every week the Senate is in ses- shootings in Pryor. Our thoughts and to other eligible entities to provide sion for the remainder of this year, I prayers go out to the Pryor commu- women’s health care services. will be back down here for the latest nity, and the families of all victims are Let me be very clear, so the informa- ‘‘Waste of the Week’’ so we can embar- in our prayers. I understand this was a tion is clear about what this bill does rass, disclose, and let agencies know couple who had children and grand- and what it doesn’t do. This bill en- that they are wasting taxpayers’ dol- children and are well known in Pryor. sures there is no reduction—not $1 of lars, and we, as a Congress, need to do I am staying in close contact with reduction—in overall Federal funding something about that. Crow leaders, with local law enforce- available to support women’s health. Some people may say that $100 bil- ment, Federal officials, and commu- This bill ensures the preservation of lion in comparison with the total Fed- nity leaders during this time. It is our Federal funding for women’s health

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They ing, and cervical and breast cancer who are writing this legislation state wanted to plan their families. They screenings. Let me say again, this bill that they are not attacking health wanted to avoid unplanned pregnancies ensures the preservation of Federal care. Yet they try to defund the one or- and the options that they would face if funding for these very important serv- ganization in the country that people they had an unplanned pregnancy. ices for women. This bill does not re- trust to deliver that health care. It is What was the response? The clinic was duce any funding for women’s health interesting because it is part of the at- raided, the clinic was shut down, and services. tack on health care that we see from nine days later its founder was thrown This bill does not allow any Federal my friends on the other side of the in jail. Planned Parenthood has been a funds to go toward Planned Parenthood aisle. target of attacks by extremists since to continue its practice of trafficking We celebrate the 50th anniversary of 1916, and that attack continues on the baby parts. We bristled when we heard Medicare and Medicaid which have pro- floor today. of an abortion doctor that left babies vided millions of Americans with ac- Despite the effort of extremists, our born alive to die, and we sensed justice cessible, affordable health care. This country has come a long way since the when that same doctor was sentenced week we heard one of the leading Re- days when a woman could be jailed for in a court of law for his crimes. Simi- publican Presidential candidates talk advocating birth control. We can’t go larly, we shuddered as parents. Cindy about how it is time to end Medicare. back. We can’t turn back the clock on and I have been married for 29 years. This isn’t a fringe candidate. I heard women’s health, and we still have peo- We have four children, two boys and Newt Gingrich say years ago that ple that are saying women shouldn’t two girls. We shuddered as parents at Medicare will wither on the vine. They get free birth control through the idea of baby parts being harvested have been after Medicare forever and ObamaCare. They want it to go over and sold in the context of equating ever and ever. They don’t like Med- the counter. We can’t turn back the that value to purchasing a icaid. Some Republican governors are clock on women’s health, but that is Lamborghini. Will we see this to the not providing their poor people with what is about to come. same end? health care because they don’t like With all the problems facing us—we We are a society. We are a nation Medicaid. These are lifelines that from still have work to do on transpor- that values life so much that in our their start have been attacked by Re- tation, we still have work to do to Declaration of Independence it is clear- publicans. I have proof. I have spoken avoid sequester and all the deep cuts to ly articulated that all have the right to many times and quoted Republicans our military and to our domestic pro- life. We Democrats, Republicans, and from past years going after Medicare, grams such as the FBI, Homeland Se- all Americans must stand strong in the going after Medicaid, and now again curity, food inspection, and border pa- defense of those who are most vulner- going after Planned Parenthood and trol. All of that is going to be cut, but, able. We must advocate and be a voice women’s health care. This is an ideo- oh no, we don’t turn to that to fix that. for those who do not have a voice, for logical attack, and it would put wom- What do we turn to? Another attack on the most vulnerable in our society, in- en’s health and women’s lives at risk. Planned Parenthood, another attack cluding the unborn. It is attacking women’s reproductive on women’s health. Over the last year, we have cringed health care, an issue that was resolved We know this extremist group went at terrible images coming out of the in 1973. undercover and secretly taped people. Middle East. We have seen horrible im- I want to say to my friends on the That is what they did. If you approve ages coming across social media, and other side—and they are my friends— of those tactics that is fine, but what I we have called loudly for action. That why don’t you just keep moving us for- approve of is women getting health was on soil thousands and thousands of ward like you did on the Transpor- care. I think that when you scratch the miles away from America. tation bill. We set aside our differences surface, what you will find is that a lot Today we cringe at terrible images and we are moving forward. Now you of my colleagues don’t think women that have occurred on our own soil. are reopening, again, the attacks on should be able to plan their families. Nothing, not even a Lamborghini, is health care. You tried to repeal We are still debating birth control. You worth the lives of our children. ObamaCare more than 55 times now in have got to be kidding. Planned Parenthood has clearly articu- the House. It didn’t work. You tried it You have to look at the work lated the value they have placed on ba- here the other day; it didn’t work. You Planned Parenthood does: cancer bies’ organs and limbs, but what they have attacked Medicare. You have at- screening, STD tests, and other life- have failed to acknowledge is the value tacked Medicaid, and now you want to saving health care. They want to deny the American people know full well, take away women’s health care pro- women this health care. and that is the value of our children, vided by an organization that is chosen Do you know what I really find ex- which is priceless. by millions of women and men every treme? So many of my Republican I yield the floor. single year for lifesaving and preven- friends tell me day after day, keep The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. tive services. Uncle Sam out of our private lives. GARDNER). The Senator from Cali- This legislation is being driven by an How true. I agree. Some of them even fornia. outrageous and potentially illegal act call themselves Libertarians. When you PLANNED PARENTHOOD of an extremist group. It is just the lat- look up the meaning of Libertarian in Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, thank est chapter in the long history of at- Wikipedia, it is defined as one who you very much. It is so interesting, tacks on Planned Parenthood and their ‘‘seeks to maximize the autonomy and coming away from the Transportation health care providers who work there, freedom of choice, emphasizes political bill where we saw such cooperation be- and on the women and the men they freedom, voluntary association, and tween the two sides, and now we are serve. the primacy of individual judgment.’’ headed back to our corners with the Again, one can go back to the begin- The primacy of individual judgment— vast majority of Republicans attacking ning of Planned Parenthood, when that is the definition of Libertarian. an organization that helps millions of America’s first birth control clinic Yet my colleagues decided they don’t Americans get fundamental health opened before women could vote. We like a certain organization so they care. It is the same old sides again. forget that women got the vote in 1920. should say to everybody in the country My friend from Montana may not If we have a woman in the White House follow us. No. No. It is not right. like Planned Parenthood, and he can in 2020—something that I personally Planned Parenthood is the safety net tell his family and his friends not to go hope will happen—we will celebrate the for women’s health care, and it has

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Women’s leased this week shows that a strong version of the highway bill, hopefully a health is not a game. It isn’t some- majority of Americans opposes multiyear bill, in which case we would thing you should gain or lose votes on. defunding Planned Parenthood, even go to conference with them and hope- Women’s lives are not a game. We all after these videos—these edited vid- fully get something we can get to the have women in our lives, all of us, eos—have been put out. President on his desk that would be whom we adore regardless of our polit- The American people are paying at- more than a short-term extension, but ical party—our moms, our wives, our tention to this story. Women are pay- instead be something that provides the daughters, our sisters. Why would any- ing attention to this story. We know certainty that those who are involved one in the Senate or anywhere else this is a political attack on women’s in building roads and bridges and mak- want to take away the health care that health. We know the group went in and ing sure that freight and people move has benefitted one in five women in secretly filmed people for 3 years. We across this country will have the infra- America, and more than 800,000 pa- knew what their objective was—to hurt structure in place to do that, and that tients in my State every year? Why women’s health, women’s reproductive we can get about the process of cre- would anyone want to deny birth con- health. We know because that is where ating jobs and growing our economy, trol to more than 600,000 Californians they stand. which is what infrastructure is all each year? Why would anyone want to They want Uncle Sam to tell a about. deny women in my State 100,000 breast woman what her rights are. Well, I I want to speak specifically to some exams? have to say that I am a Senator. I have of the rail provisions in the legislation. Instead of listening to these extreme strong views. I do not impose these I want to say that thanks to the lead- voices, Republicans should listen to views on anyone. I want people to ership of Senators Wicker and Booker women in their States. I will tell you choose the way they feel and make de- and the bipartisan contributions of the about a woman in my State, Nicole cisions between themselves, their fam- members of the Commerce, Science, Sandoval of Pasadena, CA. Planned ily, their doctor, their God. That is up and Transportation Committee, the Parenthood was there for Nicole when to them. I do not want any Senator in legislation before the Senate today in- she needed it most. When she was 23 this body telling my family what to do cludes critically important provisions years of age, she had no insurance be- or your families what to do because it from the bipartisan Rail Reform, En- fore ObamaCare. Planned Parenthood is up to them. I respect their families. hancement, and Efficiency Act that caught her cervical cancer early enough to treat it and to save her life. They will discuss it with their families. our committee passed by voice vote Instead of listening to these extreme This is a political attack on women’s last month. voices, Republicans should listen to health. We know it is an attack on a This bill reauthorizes Amtrak women such as Heather Penman of group that saves lives every day. This through fiscal year 2019, while increas- Concord, CA. Planned Parenthood was is a fight they have picked before. They ing rail safety, improving infrastruc- there for Heather when she needed it come out here with this, as if this were ture, cutting redtape, and empowering most, providing her with a cancer the first time they have ever attacked local officials. Following the tragic screening. They found precancerous Planned Parenthood. Well, we won it May 12 derailment of Amtrak 188 in cells, and it helped her get the life- before, and we will win it again. I heard Philadelphia that resulted in eight fa- saving surgery she needed. She didn’t my colleague, Senator MURRAY, recall talities, Senator WICKER and BOOKER say what my colleague said, standing that in 2011—she thought it was 2011— added additional rail safety provisions up and attacking an organization that the Republicans threatened to shut that were approved by the committee. saved her life. She said, ‘‘I might not down the government because they The bipartisan rail bill that passed in be alive today’’ without their help. She wanted to defund Planned Parenthood. committee and is included in the told me that a few years ago. She said, They were going to shut down the gov- multiyear transportation bill before ‘‘Planned Parenthood is about taking ernment. She said: You know what; we the Senate today would also advance care of women’s health and it shouldn’t are not going do this to women’s the deployment of positive train con- be reduced to some political argu- health. If that is what you want to do, trol technology for averting accidents. ment.’’ shut it down. We will take this case to I am proud to note that we recently Imagine what would have happened if the American people. They backed off. amended the multiyear transportation Planned Parenthood hadn’t been there We won that fight. We will win this legislation to expand this authoriza- for Nicole or Heather. That is what fight as well. tion. Never before has the Senate au- Planned Parenthood does. There are We are going to fight. We are going thorized robust, dedicated, and manda- millions of Nicoles and Heathers across to fight to make sure that Nicole and tory funding for positive train control America, each with her own story of Heather and women across America implementation. how Planned Parenthood has been can continue to get the services they The amendment accepted by the Sen- there for her. We are not going to allow need: the birth control, the cancer ate earlier today would authorize $199 Republicans to take away their health screenings, STD screenings. That is million in PTC grants and loan financ- care. No, we are not. We are not going what we are fighting for. We are going ing for commuter railroads in fiscal to allow Republicans to undermine the to make sure that Planned Parenthood year 2016. This is the highest single- vital research that is helping treat- is still there for the millions of women year authorization for PTC ever. Using ments for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and families who depend upon it. the Railroad Rehabilitation and Im- multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, I yield the floor. provement Financing Program, com- HIV, and birth defects. I suggest the absence of a quorum. muter railroads will be able to leverage The research has led to public health The PRESIDING OFFICER. The this funding for $2 billion in loans, nec- breakthroughs, including vaccines for clerk will call the roll. essary to cover the PTC capital needs. polio, chickenpox, rubella and shingles. The senior assistant legislative clerk In addition to advancing the deploy- Instead of attacking this research, we proceeded to call the roll. ment of PTC, the Wicker-Booker bill should be supporting it. That is some- Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask would require speed limit action plans thing we should all agree on. Repub- unanimous consent that the order for for all passenger railroads to address licans are pushing an extreme, dan- the quorum call be rescinded. automatic train control modifications, gerous agenda—an agenda that is out The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without crew communication practices, and of touch with most Americans. objection, it is so ordered. other measures to prevent overspeed We had a breather from that agenda Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I want to derailments while positive train con- when we had that Transportation bill. speak to the highway bill today, legis- trol is being implemented. It would

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.067 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 also require grade crossing action plans Bronx, Bridgeport, CT, and West to ensure railroads are prepared and to improve State grade crossing safety Haven, CT. This bill would apply the have resources positioned to respond to efforts, and it would consolidate grant emergency order’s speed limit action worst case scenarios, another priority programs to focus resources on critical plan framework to the entire passenger from our colleague from Washington safety and infrastructure needs. rail network, reducing the risk of fu- State, Senator CANTWELL. Building on the work of the com- ture overspeed derailments. Further, aiding emergency response merce committee’s ranking member, I would also like to include a state- efforts, Senators BOOKER and MENEN- Senator NELSON, the bill would in- ment from Senator BLUMENTHAL fol- DEZ included provisions that prohibit crease the rail passenger liability cap lowing the news that 13 current and the withholding of train information for inflation from the $200 million level former Metro-North employees had from first responders. Their work will set in 1997 to $295 million, with infla- been accused of cheating on licensing also examine the sufficiency of re- tion adjustments every 5 years. The exams. The statement reads: ‘‘My sponse information carried by train bill applies a new higher cap retro- amendment was accepted into the bill, crews addressing issues raised in rela- actively to the date of the Amtrak ac- which was voted out of the committee tion to the 2012 derailment in cident in Philadelphia, thereby raising favorably, and I urge the Senate to Paulsburo, NJ. the potential compensation available take up the measure swiftly so we can Senator MANCHIN worked to ensure to victims and their families. ensure Metro-North is implementing tank car owners and shippers annually This legislation also includes a meas- true safety reforms.’’ report on their compliance with the ure from Senator PETERS to require a I echo Senator BLUMENTHAL’s state- new tank requirements requiring thorough examination of Amtrak’s ment on Metro-North, and I ask unani- stronger oversight for those important postaccident response following the mous consent that it be printed in the safety upgrades. In addition, Senator Philadelphia derailment, ensuring a RECORD. MANCHIN and I have agreed on the need close look at whether Amtrak ad- There being no objection, the mate- for a real-world derailment test of elec- dressed the needs of families and pas- rial was ordered to be printed in the tronically controlled pneumatic, or sengers involved in tragedy. RECORD, as follows: ECP, brakes. As this testing moves for- Senator PETERS’ work will make JUNE 30, 2015. ward, the existing Department of meaningful improvements to Amtrak’s BLUMENTHAL STATEMENT ON METRO-NORTH Transportation requirements will be emergency preparedness going forward. CHEATING SCANDAL kept in place unless the real-world As we worked on the legislation before HARTFORD, CT.—U.S. Senator Richard testing and evaluation show the re- our committee’s adoption, I included a Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following quirement is not justified. statement today regarding news that 13 cur- Enhancing the bill’s grade crossing requirement for all passenger railroads rent and former Metro-North employees have safety provisions, Senator GARDNER in the Nation to install inward- and been accused of cheating on exams to be- added stronger oversight of the Federal outward-facing cameras on their loco- come licensed conductors and engineers: Railroad Administration’s actions per- motives. ‘‘The scale and scope of these revelations taining to the use of locomotive horns This fulfills an outstanding rec- are sweeping and shocking—yet another at highway-rail grade crossings. ommendation of the National Trans- searing indictment of Metro-North’s safety training programs and procedures. Metro- Senator KLOBUCHAR included timely portation Safety Board. These cameras provisions to help address issues with will not only help with accident inves- North owes the public a better explanation to this apparent serious criminal conduct, the blocking of crossings as a result of tigations, a need that we saw following and I will call for congressional hearings to idling trains. The bill also incorporates the Philadelphia derailment, but they compel them to do so. the work of Senator ROY BLUNT, whose will help monitor each passenger rail- Over a year ago, the Federal Railroad Ad- TRAIN Act, cosponsored by Senators road’s compliance with critical safety ministration conducted a Deep Dive inves- MANCHIN, HELLER, and myself, will requirements. Last week I received a tigation of Metro-North and found deeply streamline the permitting process for disturbing flaws in Metro-North’s training letter from NTSB Chairman Chris- rail improvements, making our critical topher Hart stating: program. The news today that 13 employees have been indicted for cheating on a training infrastructure dollars go even further. I applaud the recent passage of the pas- exam raises more troubling questions about Senator DAINES included provisions senger rail safety bill. I was pleased to see whether the training program at Metro- to improve Amtrak’s operations the inclusion of recommendations regarding North remains weak, ineffective—or worse, through the study of new station devel- inward and outward facing audio and image susceptible to criminal conduct. These pro- opment options where Amtrak would recorders. Thank you for your support of the cedures must be improved and the flaws dis- NTSB. turn a profit, potentially increasing covered by the FRA must be addressed. That private sector investment in our Na- The bill also includes extensive con- is why I pushed last week for an amendment tion’s passenger rail system. The re- to a rail bill in the Commerce Committee tributions from Senator BLUMENTHAL forms extend to project financing, and to improve passenger rail safety, in- that will require FRA to provide Congress Senator BOOKER’s embedded RRIF bill, cluding redundant signal protection to with quarterly reports on the nearly 30 rec- cosponsored by Senators HELLER, CAR- increase roadway worker safety, poten- ommendations outlined in the Deep Dive re- port. My amendment was accepted into the PER, and KIRK, will create a faster and tially preventing tragedies such as the bill, which was voted out of the committee more flexible RRIF Program. one in West Haven, CT, in 2013. favorably, and I urge the Senate to take up I also applaud Senator KIRK for his Senator BLUMENTHAL also made im- the measure swiftly so we can ensure Metro- contributions to the RRIF reform bill, portant contributions on provisions North is implementing true safety reforms,’’ improving the loan process and facili- covering alerters, signage, and track Blumenthal said. tating more timely and transparent de- inspections. The bill includes his pro- Mr. THUNE. I urge the Senate to en- cisions. These RRIF loans can be used posal for the Federal Railroad Admin- sure Metro-North and other railroads for safety improvements, including istration to increase oversight of need- improve safety by voting in support of positive train control. It also explains ed safety improvements at Metro- the bill before the Senate. why its inclusion in the broader sur- North. Working with Senator CANTWELL, face transportation bill is strongly sup- I call my colleagues’ attention to the who has been a strong advocate for ported by Transportation for America, following document: the Federal Rail- crude-by-rail safety, we have also in- the States for Passenger Rail Coali- road Administration’s ‘‘Operation Deep cluded in the bill new requirements for tion, the National Association of Rail- Dive Report’’ outlining the safety con- real-time train information to aid road Passengers, the American Public cerns at Metro-North and setting forth emergency response officials in the Transportation Association, and the specific directed actions. The bill be- event of an accident. Senator BALDWIN Southern Rail Commission. fore the Senate would require the FRA worked last week to ensure emergency I ask unanimous consent to have to follow up on that report and its rec- officials have advance notice of crude printed in the RECORD the statement ommendations. oil and ethanol unit trains traveling from Transportation for America. I also call my colleagues’ attention through their jurisdictions. There being no objection, the mate- to Emergency Order No. 29, which was This bill also includes a provision for rial was ordered to be printed in the issued after terrible derailments in the comprehensive oilspill response plans RECORD, as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.092 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6115 TRANSPORTATION FOR AMERICA, successful implementation as soon as Rail Technical Grant program that provides Washington, DC, July 14, 2015. practicable. $199 million to leverage financing and pro- Hon. JOHN THUNE, Multiple government reports, includ- vide direct grants to install PTC or for inter- Chairman, Senate Commerce Committee, Wash- operability between rail operators. ing from the Government Account- Approval of the PTC deadline extension to ington, DC. ability Office, the DOT, and the FRA, DEAR CHAIRMAN THUNE: We write to thank December 31, 2018 gives VRE assurance that you for your leadership on the Comprehen- have concluded that the vast majority commuter rail operations will not be dis- sive Transportation and Consumer Protec- of railroads will not meet the Decem- rupted. I ask that you please support its pas- tion Act of 2015, which authorizes the federal ber 31, 2015, deadline for PTC imple- sage. passenger rail program with the transpor- mentation. This extension will not Sincerely, tation safety and freight provisions under delay safe and successful implementa- DOUG ALLEN, CEO. the jurisdiction of the Commerce Committee tion of positive train control tech- through 2021. nology. Rather, it offers a realistic ap- Mr. THUNE. Burlington Northern The Comprehensive Transportation and Santa Fe Railway, one of the freight Consumer Protection Act of 2015 authorizes proach to ensure this important tech- nology is implemented as quickly as railroads that collectively have spent the passenger rail program as part of the over $5 billion in private funds on im- broader surface transportation program for possible without risking shutdowns of the first time. The bill incorporates the Rail- rail service that will not meet the cur- plementation, recently sent a letter to road Reform, Enhancement, and Efficiency rent deadline no matter what the law the Surface Transportation Board that Act (S. 1626) that already received unani- says. This proposal is not novel. Senate stated the possibility that ‘‘if Congress mous approval from the Commerce Com- bill S. 1006, with original cosponsors has not extended the deadline for PTC mittee on June 25, 2015. The passenger rail BLUMENTHAL, SCHUMER, and GILLI- operations, as of January 1, 2016, nei- bill would provide sustainable funding and ther passenger nor freight traffic would enhancement opportunities for a unified na- BRAND, would extend the deadline to 2018 on a case-by-case basis in 1-year operate on BNSF lines that are re- tional passenger rail program, while also im- quired by Federal law and regulation proving the safety of the rail system. This is increments. Despite good-faith efforts an important step in supporting a truly from railroads, the Blumenthal exten- to have an interoperable PTC system multimodal approach to providing people im- sion recognizes the deadline in current as of that date.’’ Critically, as I have noted, this ex- proved mobility and access to destinations. law simply is not attainable. The Comprehensive Transportation and Similarly, in its GROW AMERICA tension is now paired with robust, dedi- Consumer Protection Act of 2015 also makes proposal, the administration requested cated, and mandatory funding for PTC progress to improve the movement of freight giving the Secretary of Transportation implementation among commuter rail- and enhance U.S. economic competitiveness roads. Recently, the American Public by improving freight transportation serving discretion to extend the deadline on a case-by-case basis without any con- Transportation Association, or APTA, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, retail surveyed its commuter railroad mem- and other sectors. Freight movement is in- straints on the dates the Secretary herently multimodal and multi-jurisdic- may approve. bers and found that over 50 percent tional. It requires a program with broad eli- We follow this model but add explicit were deferring maintenance to install gibilities and a competitive approach to constraints on installation and activa- PTC and only 29 percent had a shot at guarantee that limited funding is targeted to tion by 2018, while allowing the Sec- installation by the end of the year. the projects with the greatest impact. This retary discretion in overseeing testing That is why APTA, the National Asso- proposal moves the federal transportation ciation of Railroad Passengers, and rail program in the right direction in addressing to ensure that PTC works as intended. Recently, railroads from across the labor support the inclusion of this crit- the nation’s freight needs. ical funding in this underlying meas- We look forward to working with you and country explained the potential disrup- your committee to address remaining con- tion caused by the current unattain- ure. cerns with the bill, such as the future of the able deadline. Virginia Railway Ex- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- TIGER program; however it is clear that pas- press, or VRE, wrote to me stating that sent to have printed in the RECORD the sage of the Comprehensive Transportation ‘‘VRE commuter rail operations could letter from the American Public Trans- and Consumer Protection Act of 2015 would be suspended after December 31, 2015’’ portation Association. be an important step forward in creating a and has requested more time to ensure There being no objection, the mate- transportation program that will boost the that PTC works as intended. rial was ordered to be printed in the nation’s economy and ensure future pros- RECORD, as follows: perity. I ask unanimous consent to have AMERICAN PUBLIC Sincerely, printed in the RECORD the July 28, 2015, TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION, JAMES CORLESS, letter from Virginia Railway Express. Washington, DC, July 28, 2015. Director. There being no objection, the mate- Hon. JOHN THUNE, Mr. THUNE. Transportation for rial was ordered to be printed in the Chairman, Senate Committee on Commerce, America wrote that the committee-re- RECORD as follows: Science and Transportation, Washington ported legislation would be an impor- VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESS, DC. tant step forward in creating a trans- Alexandria, VA, July 28, 2015. DEAR CHAIRMAN THUNE: We understand portation program that will boost the Hon. JOHN THUNE, that the manager’s amendment on the Com- Nation’s economy and ensure future Chair, merce Committee title of the bill authorizes prosperity. It also stated that the bill Hon. BILL NELSON, $199 million in funding that can be used by public commuter railroads for grants, or to would improve the safety of our Na- Ranking Member, Committee on Commerce, Science and Transpor- leverage financing, for the implementation tion’s rail system. tation, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. of positive train control (PTC) systems. Building on the work of the com- Dear CHAIRMAN THUNE AND RANKING MEM- These funds are of critical importance as merce committee, the multiyear BER NELSON: This letter supports the dead- commuter railroads address the $3.5 billion Transportation bill also includes a bi- line extension for certification and inter- in costs associated with installing PTC sys- partisan extension to the PTC dead- operability of Positive Train Control (PTC) tems under the new deadline and process also line. The bipartisan extension is a rig- to December 31, 2018 being incorporated into included in the bill. APTA appreciates the orous case-by-case approach, with en- the Surface Transportation Authorization committee’s effort to support implementa- bill (DRIVE Act) now being considered in the tion. forceable milestones and metrics. U.S. Senate. The Virginia Railway Express is APTA’s commuter railroads support the The Secretary of Transportation ap- concerned that without an extension to the implementation of PTC on all commuter and proves or disapproves of the dates in a PTC deadline, VRE commuter rail oper- intercity passenger rail lines, but we do not railroad’s updated implementation ations could be suspended after December 31, believe that PTC can be implemented on the schedule, including the hard end date 2015 even though VRE has done everything in entire system by the current statutory dead- for implementation. Under no cir- its control to comply with the requirements line, despite good faith efforts. The funds cumstances can the Secretary approve for PTC established in the Rail Safety Im- provided in the bill, in conjunction with the a date for full installation and activa- provement Act of 2008. authority for the Secretary to oversee imple- The extension for PTC represents a com- mentation of PTC systems by the end of 2018, tion that is later than 2018. The Sec- mon sense, bi-partisan approach and it al- will help ensure that PTC is safely installed retary also has the authority to iden- lows sufficient time for VRE and it host rail- as quickly as possible. We do not think it tify and require changes to deficient roads to test, commission and certify PTC makes sense for commuter railroads to cease schedules that do not show safe and for compliance. VRE is also supportive of the operations on January 1, 2016 because they

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.043 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6116 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 were unable to install PTC by the current I yield the floor. and again. Battles we all thought were deadline, despite their best efforts to imple- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- settled, that women across the country ment this new technology. ator from Washington. thought they had won decades ago keep Thank you for consideration of our views. Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask coming back. And each time we have We remain committed to PTC implementa- unanimous consent to speak as in tion and we look forward to working with made it clear: We are not going away. Congress as it advances this important morning business. Republicans can keep trying to at- transportation bill. If you have questions, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tack women’s health care, they can put please contact Brian Tynan of APTA’s Gov- objection, it is so ordered. new spins on old ideas, they can try ernment Affairs staff at [email protected] or PLANNED PARENTHOOD talking about it in a different way, and at (202) 496–4897. Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I am they can look for any opportunity they Sincerely, on the floor this afternoon to talk want to bring this back up, but they MICHAEL P. MELANIPHY, about something I have had to talk should know we are not going to be President & CEO. about far too many times—extreme Re- fooled and they will not fool women Mr. THUNE. APTA wrote: ‘‘These publicans pandering to their extreme across the country. Women in this funds are of critical importance as base by attacking women’s health. country should be able to make their commuter railroads address the $3.5 My Republican colleagues have own decision about their own health billion in costs associated with install- picked this fight over spending bills, care. Our government should be invest- ing PTC systems.’’ over the debt ceiling, and the list goes ing in women’s health, helping more The National Association of Railroad on. In fact, they even tried last week to women get access to care, not moving Passengers wrote: ‘‘Just as important attach political riders attacking in the opposite direction. as the level of the authorization is the Planned Parenthood to a bill that was I very much hope Republicans finally structure of the eligibility . . . RRIF supposed to help seriously wounded learn their lesson and move on to the could potentially be used to leverage veterans start families. So we know other things, but, if not, we need them the amount provided by the DRIVE Act how far they are willing to go to appeal to know we are going to be here ready by a factor of ten.’’ to the tea party, and what we are dis- to stand and fight for women in this The Senate has an important oppor- cussing today is more of the same. country. tunity to advance deployment of posi- Republicans are using undercover at- I yield the floor. tive train control and help commuter tack videos, produced by a radical, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- railroads get over the finish line. rightwing organization dedicated to ator from Connecticut. Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I In sum, this is a national rail safety taking away a woman’s right to am proud to join my colleague from and infrastructure improvement bill. choose, to once again on the floor try Washington State, a very distinguished Amtrak provides service to over 30 to defund Planned Parenthood and and dedicated colleague, and others million per year, with stops in over 500 take away critical health services from such as she who are championing this communities and in 46 States. New women. cause of defending Planned Parent- York has about 6 million riders, Penn- As Republicans try once again to get hood. I am proud to stand with Planned sylvania about 3 million, and States in between a woman and her health Parenthood in advocating and cham- such as Florida, Virginia, and Wash- care, my colleagues are on the floor pioning the cause of women’s health ington all have over 1 million riders. today to make one thing very clear: This bill also improves the safety of care in this country. This bill is a nonstarter. We are stand- Planned Parenthood needs no defense commuter railroads, which collectively ing up to be the voices for millions of and, indeed, this body should not be have nearly 500 million boardings per men and women across the country and spending valuable time and energy in year. Metro-North, serving New York, to say we are not going to let Repub- this attack on women’s health care Connecticut, Long Island Railroad, and licans hurt women and take away their that is epitomized by an effort to New Jersey Transit each have 80 mil- health care—not on our watch. defund Planned Parenthood. lion boardings per year. These pas- Mr. President, 2.7 women and men Let’s be very clear. Planned Parent- sengers deserve the critical safety and visit Planned Parenthood each year for hood provides countless women across infrastructure improvements put for- health care. One in five women will this country with STD testing, breast ward in this bipartisan legislation. visit Planned Parenthood at some cancer screening, funding research in The failure to pass this bipartisan point in her life. These women and strengthening women’s health care, DRIVE Act, which includes these pas- their families are looking for every- and contraception. None of these ac- senger rail investments and safety im- thing from cancer screenings to birth tivities is involved in abortion. They provements, would be a significant loss control, to basic primary care, and the are entirely unrelated to abortion. to the traveling public who utilize pas- bill some of my Republican colleagues They are about women’s health care. senger rail systems across the country. have introduced would take all of that The effort to defund Planned Parent- I would simply conclude by adding away. It would leave women without hood is, in fact, an attack on women’s that this is a copy of all the letters of the providers they know and the pro- health care. support we have received regarding viders they trust. Planned Parenthood should need no provisions in this legislation, regarding I don’t think women want the tea defense from any of us because its ac- the legislation in its entirety, and I en- party making their health care deci- tivities immensely benefit women who courage Members of the Senate to sup- sions for them, but under this bill that depend on it and rely on its profes- port it. is exactly what would happen and that sionals for basic screening, testing, and In addition to the letters I have al- is why it is not going anywhere. Repub- other activities that protect them from ready included, there are literally licans can go ahead and try for the the ravages of cancer and other kinds probably hundreds of letters in here umpteenth time to turn back the clock of diseases that will cost more to this from organizations that are impacted, on women’s health and score political Nation if we deny Planned Parenthood affected by, and benefit from provi- points with their extreme base. They that funding. sions in the DRIVE Act. can pander to the tea party instead of Planned Parenthood is under attack. So I hope when this comes to a final working with us on the real challenges It is under siege from a sensationalistic vote, which I believe it will sometime this country faces. We need to be cre- and disingenuous kind of publicity that tomorrow, that we will demonstrate in ating jobs, growing our economy, and is based on undercover videos. People a big bipartisan fashion our support for actually expanding access to health are offended by them, and Planned Par- this legislation, not only for what it care. enthood has in fact spoken to the mer- does for roads and bridges but what it We want them to know we are going its of them. I encourage Planned Par- does for freight transportation in this to be right there as this comes to the enthood to continue speaking to those country and specifically many of the floor, fighting back to make sure videos. Another was released just yes- things I have just mentioned that we women come before politics and not terday. have included as part of the rail provi- the other way around. We have fought Planned Parenthood needs no defense sions in this bill. this battle before and again and again from us because the American people

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.046 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6117 support it. American women do be- eran who lives further than 40 miles VA programs and veterans to have ac- cause they know the reality, which is away, or inside of 40 miles but can’t get cess to money that is there. It is for different from what is depicted in those the services they need for their health the same purpose as the community videos. The reality is that Planned care, can use Choice to get to a health and care programs. They are, in fact, Parenthood provides funding for wom- care provider of their choosing. identical programs in terms of their en’s health care. So the funding of Choice was passed to react to the ter- basic efforts and goals. women’s health care by defunding rible crisis in the VA in Arizona when The meeting we had—that Chairman Planned Parenthood should not be the the Phoenix, AZ, hospital had veterans ISAKSON had last week—was very pro- goal or the effect of anything we do in die because appointments weren’t kept, ductive and important in reaching a this body. veterans couldn’t get services, and consensus, a bipartisan consensus, and I am proud to stand and urge my col- mental health issues couldn’t be han- I urge my Democratic colleagues on leagues to reject this attack from the dled. The Choice Act was engineered by this side of the aisle to join this effort most extreme members of the anti- Senators Burr and McCain, who did a to enable VA programs to go forward choice movement, which seeks to un- good job. and to make sure we continue to keep dermine critical access to health care We are proud to be modifying it in faith with our veterans. We should through Planned Parenthood. My hope this highway extension to be sure we leave no veteran behind when it comes is that congressional opinion, like do not run out of funding and not ap- to health care. We must make sure American public opinion, will continue propriate an additional dime other that we fulfill our obligation to all of to be, as we are, on the side of Planned than what we already have. For Mem- our veterans in mental health care, in Parenthood. bers who are listening to these remarks physical health care, in primary health I yield the floor. and will vote tomorrow, I want them to care, and all the specialties that are The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- served by this program. ator from Georgia. understand quite clearly that when they read the bill it will show money I thank my very good friend from VETERANS HEALTH CARE as emergency funding. That doesn’t Georgia for his leadership in this ef- Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I will mean it is new or additional money. It fort. I am proud to be his partner in be joined on the floor by the distin- serving this goal. guished Senator from Connecticut, Mr. just means the money that was appro- priated last year as emergency funding I yield the floor, and I thank the BLUMENTHAL, who is the ranking mem- for VA Choice will be able to be used Chair. ber of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee; The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. LEE). only for benefits for veterans in terms Senator MCCAIN of Arizona, who is the The Senator from Arizona. of health care no matter what program leader behind the Choice movement Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I want they are in—non-VA, regular VA or VA that took place last year in August; to thank Senator BLUMENTHAL and also and Senator ROY BLUNT from Missouri. Choice. my friend from Georgia, the distin- As we speak, at this very moment We want to see to it that Choice is a guished chairman of the Veterans’ Af- the House is voting. They are voting on force multiplier, Choice is the way we fairs Committee, who is ensuring we a 3-month extension of the highway get our veterans’ timely appointments, continue strong oversight and account- bill. But more importantly to us on the Choice is the way we utilize and maxi- ability at the VA. It is much needed. Veterans’ Affairs Committee and to mize the ability of our country to meet There are a lot of problems, but what our veterans, they are voting on a bill the needs of our veterans and bring pri- the Senator from Georgia has done on we have agreed to, to fix the problem vate sector participation into service a bipartisan basis is to continue the at the VA with regard to the funding of for our veterans without diminishing funding to add billions of dollars on top our hospitals and health care, and to or taking away the services our vet- of the VA’s request. We have approved open up a new day in terms of Veterans erans get from the VA. of every single increase for funding Administration services to the vet- I appreciate Senator BLUMENTHAL that has been requested, and yet I am erans of our country. and the contributions he made in the disappointed the administration is I was pleased to be joined by Senator meeting 2 weeks ago. I want to com- seeking to use funds originally allo- BLUMENTHAL at the VA a couple of mend Chairman MILLER and Ranking cated for the VA Choice card to pay for weeks ago where we had a heart-to- Member BROWN in the House for all the hospital and medical treatment needs. heart, 4-hour meeting with Secretary work they did, and Speaker BOEHNER, Thanks to the work, though, of the McDonald, Sloan Gibson, and others who was instrumental in making this Senator from Georgia and our other about the false-intended press release come about. colleagues, including Chairman MILLER that was sent out of the VA saying I now yield to Senator BLUMENTHAL, in the House of Representatives, we they were about to run out of money, then Senator MCCAIN, and then Sen- will ensure the VA health care will health care was going to be stopped in ator BLUNT. continue without any funding interrup- certain places, and some hospitals Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I tions through the summer and into the might be closed. That was a misleading thank the chairman of the Committee new fiscal year. We will do this to en- press release. It was meant to create a on Veterans’ Affairs, who has correctly sure that our disabled veterans do not crisis that didn’t really exist. The cri- and appropriately stated what our goal suffer from the VA bureaucracies’ mis- sis was not in not having the money. is in seeking the transfer of funding—a takes and mismanagement. The crisis was in addressing the money goal that will be fulfilled by the bill Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- and having to organize it in such a way coming to us from the House. It is, in sent to engage in a brief colloquy with it could meet VA’s needs. What is at- fact, coming to us from the House, but the Senator from Georgia. tached to the highway bill and coming as Chairman ISAKSON has very cor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without over here is the following: redirection rectly stated, it is the result of an ini- objection, it is so ordered. of $3.348 billion in the Choice money tiative that he—and I have been very Mr. MCCAIN. I would ask the Senator which was appropriated last year into a proud to join him in this effort—initi- from Georgia if he would agree the central fund for health care, just as the ated with the VA Secretary at our Choice card was really a major break- funds for non-VA health care and reg- meeting last week. And the leadership through in concept, in that at least a ular health care are. Now all of the of the House has joined in that effort. certain portion of our veteran popu- money for veterans’ benefits is in the I am proud and honored to be his lation, rather than having to go a long same pie. And the limitations on the partner in this effort, which is abso- distance in order to get VA care, would paying for benefits that were in the lutely necessary to continue the VA’s be able to go to a local provider? Choice bill are not going to be there health care programs. This transfer of I wonder if the Senator from Georgia any longer, so all the money can be $3.4 billion is required by the fact that would discuss for a moment, or com- used for what it was intended, and that the community and care programs of ment on, whether that program has is to pay for the benefits for our vet- the VA will in effect exhaust their rev- been viable, whether it is accepted or erans who have earned them. enue streams unless we enable the VA not accepted by our veterans popu- In addition, there will be an addition to use some of this Choice funding in lation, and whether we need to make it to the 40-mile rule to say that any vet- this effort. It is necessary to permit permanent or not.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.099 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I thank lion—a 428-percent overrun—but look of us have an obligation to all of our the Senator from Arizona for his ques- at Orlando, FL, and look at three other veterans, but I know my colleagues can tion. It was the Senator from Arizona hospitals we have built, all of them understand the special aspects of where who initiated the Choice Act move- being two or three times the original this whole thing began. ment in August of last year when we estimate. The VA needs to be taken I am very grateful, and on behalf of had the terrible crisis in Phoenix where out of the business of building hos- the veterans of my State, I thank both appointments weren’t made for vet- pitals, and we are doing that and trans- of you for your leadership and your erans in trouble and, in some cases, ferring it to the Corps of Engineers, commitment. I will be going back to some of them died. who are the people who know how to my veterans community, and I will be We created Choice to be sure if a vet- build something. having townhall meetings and meet- eran needed an appointment within 30 The VA needs to manage the health ings with them and ensuring them that days, or immediately, if it was mental delivery system for our veterans. That at least we think we are taking meas- health or other things, and the VA is what they need to be providing. They ures that put us on the right track. medical facility couldn’t provide it, do not need to be building buildings. I thank the Senator from Missouri they could use Choice to go to a local They don’t need to be keeping us out of for his patience while we engaged in provider, either because of distance or their business. They need, instead, to this colloquy. service offered. That was initiated in find private sector solutions wherever Mr. ISAKSON. I want to acknowledge November of last year, and it has they can and do what they were char- the fact that Choice would have never grown almost every single month in tered to do, which is to provide services happened, and this would have never utility and use because it gives the VA for veterans who fought and sacrificed happened, had the Senator from Ari- a way, when they are backed up, to for our country. zona not immediately responded when meet the needs of a veteran without Mr. MCCAIN. In other words, from the crisis first started and fixed this. just saying we cannot help. It is be- now on, if there is a new VA facility to We appreciate his leadership, and we coming more and more popular. be built, that will be supervised and are glad to follow him. Not only is it helping veterans to get constructed by the Corps of Engineers? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- services on a timely basis, it is a force Mr. ISAKSON. Exactly. With one ex- ator from Connecticut. multiplier for the VA. Every time we ception. If it is a modification to a Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I can use a local Medicare-approved phy- CBOC or a clinic or something like thank our friend from Arizona, the dis- sician, which is what Choice does, we that, that is a smaller allocation or a tinguished cosponsor with me of the are saving the VA having to hire an- smaller appropriation. Maybe anything Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for other physician, having to build an- under $25 million, they might do, but American Veterans Act, for his great other hospital room, and having to pro- anything over $25 million, such as a work in this area as well as on health vide another service. Yet the VA has hospital, they won’t do it. The Corps of care generally for our veterans. He has control of the services going to the vet- Engineers will do it. raised one of the most profoundly im- eran. Mr. MCCAIN. Well, I am sure it is portant as well as intelligent questions We have 6.5 million American vet- probably a dumb question, but has any- about accountability—accountability erans who have received Choice cards body been held accountable? I am sure for the debacle and delays in health since November of last year. The num- that is a stupid question. care and cooking the books that led to bers started out slow, but they are Mr. ISAKSON. It is the most intel- the Choice program, but also account- picking up every single month because ligent question anybody can ask. The ability for the cost overruns in the con- veterans like the fact that they can go press questioned me in Denver, when I struction of the Aurora, CO, facility— closer to home for what the VA can’t went there, along with Ranking Mem- $1 billion at least over budget, and offer, they can get the service they ber BLUMENTHAL, and we looked at the months, if not years, of delays, as well need if the VA can’t offer it, and they situation firsthand. After looking at it as in other construction facilities. can be served in a timely fashion. and interviewing the VA people, we I would just say to my friend from I thank the Senator for his initiation were asked by the Denver Post how we Arizona that the chairman and I are fo- of this whole movement last August could explain this mess, and I asked cused on the accountability issue, and and for being a part of getting this ad- them very simply if they knew what a we are working together in a bipar- dition passed today. camel was. They said no. I said that is tisan way on a legislative measure that Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I thank a horse built by a committee. Well, the will meet the test of constitutionality the Senator from Georgia, and I would Denver hospital is a camel—a horse as well as effectiveness in holding ac- ask two more questions. being built by a committee, most of countable past and future officials at One is, how important is it that we whom have left and are not there to be the VA for these kinds of mismanage- make it permanent, and maybe even held accountable anymore. ment and in other areas. So I thank look towards expansion of eligibility It is unconscionable and irresponsible him for raising this issue. for the card; and second of all, I know for that hospital to be costing what it I apologize to my colleague from Mis- the Senator from Georgia has already has cost. We have finally put our arms souri for delaying him from taking the discussed it, but when we have a $1.7 around it. We have finally put people in floor. billion cost overrun on the construc- place with accountability, and the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tion of one VA hospital—and we see Corps of Engineers is now overseeing ator from Missouri. cost overruns literally everywhere the completion of that hospital so we Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I join throughout the VA on their construc- don’t have more overruns like we had. Senator MCCAIN in thanking Senators tion projects—how do we fix that? It was a matter of nobody being in ISAKSON and BLUMENTHAL for the pack- Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, we are charge and everybody being in charge— age we are putting together and talk- fixing it, and I appreciate both ques- too many chiefs and not enough Indi- ing about. And I join them in thanking tions. ans. We had people in charge of health Senator MCCAIN for coming forward On question No. 1, we need to repeal care building buildings, and that and giving reality to this idea that the sunset of Choice, which is in 2 wasn’t what we needed. many of us have advocated for some years, and make it permanent. Choice Mr. MCCAIN. I think they must have time—more choices for veterans, more is a force multiplier for the VA, which gotten some of those bureaucrats from competition to see who serves vet- is good, and it is an added service for the Pentagon. erans. I think the numbers Senator our veterans, which is also good. I com- I want to thank both Senator ISAKSON has used here today would in- mit to you as chairman that I am BLUMENTHAL and you, Mr. Chairman, dicate that every month veterans are going to work towards eliminating the for the great work you are doing. As embracing this idea of more choices. sunset so Choice is permanent in VA you know, this whole scandal began in It makes common sense that there health services from now on. Arizona at the Phoenix VA, where alle- are a few things the veterans health As far as hospital cost overruns, the gations remain that over 50 veterans care system should be better at than Senator is right. Denver was $1.732 bil- died while awaiting care. Obviously all anybody else. They should be better at

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.069 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6119 post-traumatic stress, dealing with care of one kind or another—be hired and I appreciate the comments made that unique battle situation so many of by an employer and not count toward by Senator ISAKSON and Senator our veterans are facing right now. It is the 50 because they don’t need to be MCCAIN. We had bipartisan support for not a disorder; it is a problem veterans counted in terms of who needs health this initiative to make sure our vet- have because of what we ask them to care because they already have it. That erans continue to receive health care do and where we ask them to do it. is what this does. that is necessary because funds will be They should be better at IEDs, the ex- So I would like to see a better job terminated at the end of August if we plosive devices, dealing with the inju- done. The Cochran facility in St. fail to act. It is, in effect, a short-term ries that come from those kinds of at- Louis—I think one of the more trou- fix that is necessary because of the tacks, eye injuries and others. They bled facilities in the country right present structure of funding within the should be better, in all likelihood, at now—the big VA hospital there is VA. I think we can take this step and dealing with prosthetics because in the about to get its eighth Interim Direc- leave for another day the question of history of military service, so many of tor in 2 years. Now, there is some seri- how long the Choice Program should be our people who serve have lost arms ous management problem when one of extended, if it should be extended at and legs. The VA has been good at our major facilities with some signifi- all. prosthetics because of that. cant problems as an agency is now My hope is that accountability and But, frankly, I don’t know very much looking forward to its eighth Interim funding will focus on making the VA else we should argue that they should Director in 2 years. No problems are even better than it is. The reason for be better at than the place we probably going to be solved by half a dozen In- accountability is to make sure VA hos- drive by to get to their facility. There terim Directors. The head of the VA pitals and providers are giving our vet- is absolutely no reason to think the needs to understand that just like ev- erans world-class, first-class health Veterans’ Administration should be a erybody else does. care. better place to get heart bypass sur- The waiting list for getting a VA ap- I welcome the focus of the Senator gery done or a better place to get renal pointment is longer than 30 days and is from Missouri on what the VA does cancer dealt with or a better place to more than 50 percent bigger than it well. I hope it does everything well do almost anything else. If, in fact, was a year ago. that it is doing. From primary care, to there is a unique VA location that has So the choice aspect of this—looking women’s health care, to all of the clin- become better at those things than for more flexibility in how to apply the ics that are, to the initiatives it is tak- anybody else, that is a great place for ability of veterans to get their health ing in telemedicine, the VA ought to be veterans to go. But our goal should be care where they want to get their providing the best health care avail- to get veterans the choice they need to health care—is a good thing. able in the world to our veterans. They go to the location that works best for I am certainly disappointed that we need it and deserve it. We need to make them. are looking at another short-term ex- sure we keep faith with those veterans. I am proud we are taking this step on In looking at veterans mental health, tension of the highway bill, but if we a bipartisan basis to address the short- Senator STABENOW and I last year pro- have to put something with that short- term challenge of $3.4 billion that must posed the Excellence in Mental Health term extension of the highway bill that be transferred from the Choice Pro- Act. Particularly young veterans want moves veterans choice and competing gram to other accounts in the VA and to have more choices. They want more for who can provide health care to vet- to make sure the money is available to choices that work better with work erans in the best way, as this addition provide this funding and keep health and work better with their families and does, I think it is a great step in the care going for our veterans. let them access those kinds of facilities right direction. I yield the floor. and that kind of assistance in an easier I certainly want to work with Sen- I suggest the absence of a quorum. way. ator BLUMENTHAL, and the chairman’s The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Seeing the steps this bill begins to pledge to do everything he can to make clerk will call the roll. take is something we should all em- this competitive environment, where The legislative clerk proceeded to brace. veterans can get their health care call the roll. We should also hold the VA account- where they want in the best way, a per- Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I ask able for doing everything they could— manent part of veterans health care— unanimous consent that the order for it appears to me—to resist the concept that is something I want to do. the quorum call be rescinded. Congress wanted them to embrace. One of my good friends introduced The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without This bill addresses some of those obsta- me at a meeting at a VA hospital about objection, it is so ordered. cles. a year ago. He said: Senator BLUNT has PLANNED PARENTHOOD I joined with Senator MORAN in a bill been telling me for about 10 years that Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, here he had so the Veterans’ Administration we need to have more choice. I have we go again. Once again, Planned Par- could no longer say: Well, the way we been telling him the VA could do the enthood is under attack. A bill is be- read the law, in the strictest possible job. I am now convinced that more fore the Senate that would once again sense, if you are within 40 miles of a fa- choice is what we need. attempt to defund Planned Parent- cility—no matter whether your health Many of our veterans and their fami- hood. And once again, we are seeing care problem can be dealt with there or lies have had great experiences at Vet- the Republican majority putting their not—you don’t meet the 40-mile cri- erans’ Administration facilities, but partisan agenda ahead of the health of teria. Well, of course the intention of every one of them should have a great women. Congress wasn’t that they meet a 40- experience, the best possible experience For 100 years, Planned Parenthood mile criteria. This piece of legislation, at whatever facility they go to in grat- has been a trusted provider of health with the help of Senator BLUMENTHAL, itude of the service they provided us. care services. Last year alone, Planned Senator ISAKSON, and Chairman MIL- I am glad these additions are in the Parenthood of Northern New England LER in the House, begins to clarify bill. I look forward to working with my served 12,000 women in New Hampshire. that. colleagues as we try to make competi- Most of them are low income. For I had a bill the House passed some tion work better, as we try to ensure many women in my State of New time ago—Hire More Heroes—that al- that it is permanent, and as we try to Hampshire, the full range of health lows veterans to have some advantage make the Veterans’ Administration services offered at Planned Parenthood with companies that hiring that are work for the veterans instead of being is the most affordable and accessible right at 50 employees, and because of focused on working for the Veterans’ way for them to get the care they need. the difficulties of the new health care Administration. Ninety-four percent of the services pro- requirements for employers, those em- I yield the floor. vided by Planned Parenthood in New ployers don’t want to get to more than The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Hampshire are prevention-related. We 50. The Hire More Heroes provision of ator from Connecticut. can see on this chart that it is well- this will let veterans who have Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I women visits, cancer screenings, vac- TRICARE—who have veteran-provided thank my colleague for his support, cinations, birth control, breast exams,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.071 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6120 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 and HIV tests. Planned Parenthood The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without DOE’s sustainable transportation ini- provides the health care so many objection, it is so ordered. tiatives are already making great women need to ensure that they can VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY strides in vehicle efficiency, and VIA live their lives in a way that gives Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, the will continue to strengthen those ac- them opportunities and gives them re- United States is a world leader in new tivities while providing new authori- assurance that they are going to have technological advancements, and in no ties to expand their work. their health. sector is that better illustrated than The SuperTruck Initiative is a great I oppose the legislation that has been the auto industry. example of this. Industry partners have introduced to defund Planned Parent- We find ourselves at a critical junc- achieved and exceeded the program hood. It would make it harder for mil- ture in terms of vehicle technology. goal of a 50-percent improvement in lions of women—as I said, 12,000 in New Advancements such as super-light- overall freight efficiency on a heavy- Hampshire last year alone—to get the weight materials and vehicle-to-vehicle duty, class 8 tractor-trailer. Some have high-quality, affordable care they need. and vehicle-to-infrastructure commu- even reached over a 100-percent im- This attack on women’s health is po- nications are rapidly coming to market provement. My bill ensures that the litically motivated. It holds hostage and changing the way Americans get to DOE will be able to continue working the millions of women and families work, travel on vacation, and move with the industry on supertrucks. who depend on Planned Parenthood. goods and services across the country. Another example that the Vehicle In- The highly edited videos that have With a shared goal in maximizing the novation Act will build on is the work been circulated are disturbing. Planned potential of these technologies, we on multimaterial, lightweight vehicles. Parenthood has apologized, and the se- must get ahead of the curve and think Holistic vehicle and manufacturing de- cretly taped videos and Planned Par- strategically about how to seamlessly sign improvements for reducing vehicle enthood’s practices are under review by weave them together in a way that will weight can result in weight reduction the Department of Justice. That is ap- best increase public safety, fuel effi- and fuel economy gains of over 20 per- propriate. But make no mistake about ciency, and vehicle performance. That cent. it—the group who is responsible for is why I am excited to be leading two The Vehicle Innovation Act is tech- theses deceptive videos is motivated by bills that will provide the tools re- nology neutral. It develops and a single purpose: to limit access to searchers, engineers, manufacturers, strengthens the toolbox for auto ex- abortion services. Its three officers are and others need to create the next gen- perts without picking winners and los- prominent in the anti-abortion move- eration of cars and trucks built in ers. It also directs the Department of ment. They have ties to many other Michigan and in States all across the Energy to continue its investment into politically motivated groups who are country. multiple transformational tech- working to take away a woman’s right The Vehicle Innovation Act builds on nologies, such as hydrogen and bat- to choose. They have been tied to orga- the Department of Energy’s innovative teries. DOE research and development nizations that harass medical pro- work to improve vehicle fuel economy has cut costs for fuel cell systems by 50 viders, doctors, and patients, try to and minimize petroleum use. The Vehi- percent since 2006. My bill will build on limit access to women’s health care cle Innovation Act is bipartisan, with this success and expand DOE’s focus clinics, and they actively work to limit strong support from my lead cospon- into the near-term deployments that the reproductive health care decisions sors, Senator ALEXANDER and Senator will result in major savings for the na- a woman can make. STABENOW. Thanks to a team effort, it tional fleet. passed as an amendment to a bipar- Federal dollars are already prohib- The Vehicle Innovation Act also in- tisan energy bill in the Committee on ited from being used to pay for abor- cludes new research authorities on ve- Energy and Natural Resources yester- tion under the Hyde amendment except hicle-to-vehicle—or V2V—communica- in cases of rape, incest, or when the day by a vote of 20 to 2. The need for this legislation is clear. tions systems. This technology allows health of the mother is threatened. cars to talk to one another and recog- This is not a vote to defund abortion; Oil dependency is driven by transpor- nize dangers that a vehicle’s radar, this is a vote to defund preventive tation, particularly cars and trucks. cameras, and other sensors can’t de- health care for women, the kinds of Transportation is responsible for 66 tect. things that are outlined on this chart— percent of U.S. petroleum usage and 27 As we are working to develop these the cancer screenings, the vaccina- percent of greenhouse gas emissions. features in new vehicles, we must also tions, the breast exams, HIV tests, and America’s dependence on oil poses sig- ensure that we are keeping pace with birth control. nificant economic, energy, and envi- If you don’t like abortion, then you ronmental risks to the United States, technologies in our infrastructure. should support family planning, which and the Department of Defense has rec- Vehicle-to-vehicle infrastructure—or is one of the things Planned Parent- ognized that our reliance on oil puts V2I—technology allows vehicles to hood does. our men and women in uniform at communicate with the road and has By targeting Planned Parenthood, greater risk. the ability to help prevent collisions, this politically motivated attack on We have 240 million light-duty vehi- relieve traffic congestion, and reduce women’s health will limit access to cles on the roads in the United States, unnecessary energy consumption. That health care services that I think we all and it will take decades of sustained ef- is why I introduced another bill to pro- agree should be available, the kinds of fort to turn over that fleet. mote investments in V2I technology by services that are listed on this chart. It is absolutely critical that we de- authorizing States to use existing sur- On behalf of the millions of women velop the advanced technologies now in face and highway transportation fund- who are served by Planned Parenthood, order to achieve fuel savings in the fu- ing to invest in V2I projects as they up- and the thousands of women in New ture and become truly energy inde- grade highway infrastructure. Hampshire, I oppose and I will continue pendent. The Vehicle Innovation Act An example of V2I in action is a mon- to oppose any attempt to defund establishes a consistent and consoli- itor on a bridge that will tell approach- Planned Parenthood, an organization dated authority for the Department of ing drivers if there is a dangerous ice that is absolutely a critical component Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Pro- buildup on it. Other examples include of women’s health care. gram, which promotes partnerships traffic signals that warn vehicles of Mr. President, I yield the floor. with the public and private sector to stopped traffic or sensors that warn of I suggest the absence of a quorum. improve fuel efficiency in vehicles. nearby emergency vehicles for work The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Through this program, the DOE will zones. clerk will call the roll. collaborate with light-duty automobile In 2013 the National Highway Traffic The legislative clerk proceeded to and medium- and heavy-duty commer- Safety Administration found that more call the roll. cial truck engineers, manufacturers, than 32,000 people were killed in vehi- Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask and suppliers to conduct cutting-edge cle crashes. According to NTHSA, V2V unanimous consent that the order for research that will help us advance the and V2I—the two technologies being the quorum call be rescinded. future of fuel-efficient cars and trucks. developed—will be able to eliminate up

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.073 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6121 to 80 percent of vehicle accidents in- keep the clinic staff from helping her. While abortion accounts for only 3 volving nonimpaired drivers once they They connected her to the only OB/ percent of the health care services pro- are fully deployed. GYN in the city who accepted low-in- vided by Planned Parenthood, it is I am pleased that my V2I legislation come patients, and she got the care she often one of the only abortion pro- is included in the overall highway bill needed. viders in a State or a region. For exam- the Senate is considering this week, She said: ‘‘Since that early detection ple, there are 10 abortion clinics in and I look forward to working in the and intervention, I’ve been healthy and Texas. Just a few years ago, there were fall during the conference to make sure would not be where I am today without 36 abortion clinics. Twenty-six clinics this funding eligibility language re- Planned Parenthood.’’ were forced to close after Texas passed mains in the bill. Another young woman from a law aimed at ending abortion in the V2V and V2I technologies are part of Victorville, CA, told me it was hard to State. The Supreme Court has put the auto industry’s future, and these get information about how to prevent some provisions of that law on hold technologies will be readily available pregnancy and sexually transmitted pending further review. But the point in the near term. That is why it is so diseases and access contraception. is that laws such as the one in Texas important that we make these invest- Three girls she knew in high school be- force much-needed facilities to close. ments in our infrastructure now to en- came pregnant. It wasn’t until she vis- Just 10 clinics in Texas have met the sure that we can start using these life- ited Planned Parenthood in college unnecessary and burdensome new re- saving technologies as they become that she felt she could make respon- quirements, and 5 of those 10 clinics available. sible health care decisions. are Planned Parenthood clinics. If Taken together, these two bills rep- Another young woman shared her Planned Parenthood closes, Texas loses resent the type of forward-thinking abortion story. She was 19 when she be- half of its remaining abortion providers policymaking that Congress should be came pregnant. She felt scared and in one fell swoop. focused on every day. Investments in alone. She said: ‘‘During a time when a The goal of the groups pushing this research and development have dem- tough decision had been made and a effort is clear. It is to chip away bit by onstrated the ability to transform our million thoughts were running through bit at a woman’s ability to make her society for the better, and I am deter- my mind, it was relieving to know that own health care decisions in consulta- mined to make sure the United States I was in the hands of people whose only tion with her family and her doctor. is the country that is driving forward goal was to help me.’’ And 4 years That is their goal—no matter the cost advanced technology instead of putting later, she still uses Planned Parent- to women across the country who rely on the brakes and being left behind. hood as her primary health care pro- on Planned Parenthood for cancer I yield the floor. vider and encourages her friends and screenings, annual checkups, and other The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- family to also use them. essential services—and in my view, this ator from California. I want to say just a little bit about is simply wrong. PLANNED PARENTHOOD the services Planned Parenthood pro- I am really troubled by the aggres- Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I vides and how it uses Federal funds. sive tactics used by anti-choice groups, come to the floor to speak about the Nearly 80 percent of its patients are such as the illegal filming of a medical importance of protecting women’s low income, making less than $18,000 a procedure and the hacking of Planned health and protecting their access to year. Without Planned Parenthood, Parenthood’s records. This is dis- their health care, in other words, their many of these women could not access turbing. We all know the danger of choice. I strongly oppose what is be- the most basic health care services. leaking confidential information. We coming a major effort to defund That bears repeating. Planned Parent- know the potential for serious vio- Planned Parenthood. Planned Parent- hood is often the only option for lence. hood has ensured women receive the women to get their annual checkup. It In 1994, shortly after I came to the health care they need for almost 100 provides breast exams, contraception, Senate, we passed the Freedom of Ac- years now. That was before women prenatal care, cancer screenings, and cess to Clinic Entrances Act in re- even had the right to vote. Its founder testing for sexually transmitted dis- sponse to a spate of violent episodes was thrown in jail for making birth eases, including HIV. It also runs teen targeting women’s health clinics. Two control available, and it has been under pregnancy prevention and health edu- doctors, a clinic escort, and two recep- near-constant attack since then. cation programs that reach more than tionists at a Planned Parenthood facil- I think the Senate needs to stand up 1 million young people per year. This is ity in Boston were killed by anti-abor- on behalf of millions of women across what the Federal funding Planned Par- tion activists during three separate at- this country and vote no on any enthood receives goes toward. tacks in 1993 and 1994. amendment that would defund Planned In 2013, Planned Parenthood used This week, upon learning that her Parenthood. This organization is the Federal funds to provide the following: name and email address had been pub- primary health care provider for mil- nearly half a million breast exams, lished, one Planned Parenthood staffer lions of American women. One in five nearly 400,000 cervical cancer in California told my office that she re- women in this country has been to screenings, contraception for 2.2 mil- fused to be intimidated because she Planned Parenthood. lion patients, and testing and treat- knows that is the whole point. I have received hundreds of emails ment for sexually transmitted infec- I am concerned that the message and calls from women in California tions for 4.5 million patients. being sent is that it is OK to commit about their support for and experiences In addition to serving predominately crimes against Planned Parenthood, its at Planned Parenthood. They told me low-income women, Planned Parent- employees, and its patients; and it is that doctors there listened to them, hood operates in some of the most un- not. That sort of message can be taken the nurses became their friends, and derserved communities in this country. up by extremists and become very dan- they felt valued as patients. Before For example, without Planned Parent- gerous for women and doctors across they went to Planned Parenthood, they hood, 13 of California’s 58 counties the country. were worried about their health. They would not have a single clinic to pro- Whether you support the right to didn’t know if they would be able to vide family planning services to low-in- choose or not—and I very much do—we get the care they need, and they didn’t come women through title X programs. should all be very careful here. Doctors have the information to make smart, Attacks on Planned Parenthood are a and clinic staff who provide constitu- healthy lifestyle choices. concerted attack on access to safe, tionally protected health care services One young woman from Santa Bar- legal abortion services in this country. and women who access these services bara told me about a health care scare Make no mistake about it. The group should not be terrorized and threat- she had when she was 20. Precancerous behind this latest attack, the Center ened. cells were discovered during her annual for Medical Progress, has longstanding In closing, I will return to where I exam. Planned Parenthood didn’t have ties to the anti-choice movement, in- started. I believe that if there is a the equipment to perform the followup cluding Operation Rescue, which is movement to withhold funding from procedure she needed, but that didn’t closely associated with clinic violence. Planned Parenthood, that movement

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So this bridge, This country has so many problems, businesses that want to have good in- which covers 4 percent of GDP, is in not the least of which are things that I frastructure to get their goods to mar- the home State of the majority leader, deal with every day in the intelligence ket and want their employees to be and yet the majority leader did not community—the fear of extremists, the able to drive to work or take the bus to allow another Senator to offer an attacks by terrorists and those who work without major damage to the amendment that actually would take want to strike our homeland. It seems axles of their cars when they hit the care of rebuilding and fixing up that to me that we do not need this fight potholes on too many city streets. In- historic bridge that is very crucial to now, particularly a fight where those stead, we are looking at a bill that our economy. Without the Federal who oppose Planned Parenthood, I be- pays for just 3 years and offers small Government, that bridge won’t get re- lieve, will be seriously defeated. increases over current spending levels. placed. The State government of Ken- If a bill does come before us, I believe Think about how we are doing this. tucky is not going to do it. Ohio is not it is a mistake, and I would urge my This is a 6-year authorization, with going to do it. They should play a role. colleagues to oppose it. funding for slightly less than 3 years They could toll that bridge. Who I thank the Chair, and I yield the but collecting the money by budget knows. They should play a role. floor. gimmicks over 10 years. What kind of Federal investment in highways was The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. game is this? Instead of funding infra- mapped out by President Roosevelt and TILLIS). The Senator from Ohio. structure the way we used to when we started by President Eisenhower with Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, we know would come together bipartisanly and the interstates. It was always bipar- that our generation, people in the Sen- fund infrastructure with real dollars tisan until the pledge by far too many ate and in the House—people in their and real investments, we are now play- Members of this body to special inter- forties, fifties, and sixties—inherited ing games. That is why in the House of est lobbyists who said we can’t do that, from their parents and grandparents Representatives the Speaker of the we can’t fund this infrastructure. the greatest infrastructure in the his- House used a four-letter word to de- On the transit side, I would have tory of the world. From the 1940s, 1950s, scribe this bill. It is why so many are sought to strike a pilot program that 1960s, and 1970s into the Reagan years, so dissatisfied in the House of Rep- allows pilot projects with any private when we decided we should invest less resentatives. investment to ‘‘skip the line’’ of Fed- It will pass with a majority. It will in infrastructure, we had this incred- eral funding, meaning these projects, pass with cloture. It has already gotten ible infrastructure we inherited from which are often bad for workers that 60 votes. But they are 60 pretty un- our parents and grandparents. Yet, for operate the new line, would have been happy votes because nobody I know in whatever reason, we have allowed it to in a special category that they surely this body thinks we are doing this any- crumble. We haven’t invested. We didn’t earn because they haven’t served haven’t modernized. We haven’t even thing close to the right way. If we had considered amendments in the same public purpose and gone maintained it as well as we should. the regular order as the majority lead- through the same justification process, The dismal state of our Nation’s out- er promised, I would have offered a if you will, as a normal public trans- dated roads and bridges and railways fully paid for proposal to boost the portation project. cost Ohioans and North Carolinians bill’s investments and expand the When the majority leader brought a valuable time and money and energy. major projects program. Let me talk combined transportation bill to the The State legislature in my State about that for a second. floor last Tuesday, he used his privi- and I know the State legislature in the This amendment would fund projects leged position to prevent any Senator Presiding Officer’s State have been on such as the Brent Spence Bridge be- from offering amendments. I remember a budget-cutting tear. My State legis- tween Cincinnati and northern Ken- the elections last fall when Senator lature has decided to slice in half, and tucky. The Brent Spence Bridge, built MCCONNELL—then the minority lead- then some, local funding for many in 1959, 1960, connects Cincinnati with er—said that things will be different in things, including infrastructure. As a northern Kentucky. I–75 running north the Senate. It didn’t take long for Sen- result, the streets in any town in Ohio, and south goes from Cincinnati to Day- ator MCCONNELL to sort of trump his virtually—not just big cities, not just ton. The Brent Spence Bridge includes predecessor by doing it even worse— suburbs, but more affluent commu- I–75 and runs from Cincinnati, to Day- pardon the play on words with the verb nities, small towns, and rural areas— ton, to Lima, to Toledo, to Detroit. I– there. This matters because bad proc- the streets and highways continue to 71 also comes together right at the ess can lead to bad outcomes. crumble. It is because this body has Brent Spence Bridge as it crosses into The Senate, given the opportunity to been far too dysfunctional because of Ohio—Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleve- have a full debate on transportation, the pledges that many elected officials land, not far from Akron. would be voting on a much stronger have made to a Washington lobbyist So my colleague, the senior Senator proposal. As the Presiding Officer that they will never close tax loopholes from Oklahoma, Mr. INHOFE, who has knows, this bill has improved over the and will continue to fail to fund infra- played a major role in transportation last couple of weeks. structure because of what State gov- and would like to do it right, has point- They have taken out—this bill origi- ernment has done in my State. ed out several times during this debate, nally was going to slice money out of But instead of debating a long-term the equivalent—get this—that one the Social Security fund to pay for bill with that funding, we debate a bridge—4 percent of our Nation’s GDP highways and bridges and transit. We hastily assembled bill, without an open crosses that bridge every day, every have never done that before in this process, without amendments, that no week, every month, every year. Four body. one expects will even be considered by percent of our gross domestic product We were going to take money out of the House of Representatives. The moves back and forth across that money that was already promised and Speaker of the House, a fellow Ohioan, bridge; yet that bridge is about 55 dedicated and about to be spent to help used a four-letter word to describe this years old. There has never been a seri- cities that have been particularly dev- legislation when or if—I assume when— ous accident with that bridge. There astated by foreclosures. They were it goes over to the House. have been problems. There have been going to use money from that. The Senate is considering a bill that some safety issues. I don’t think any- They were going to use money from doesn’t do enough for infrastructure. It body expects it to fall down next year— community banks—they still are—in makes bad choices about how to pay I am not being an alarmist—but when this proposal. for these investments. Yet, at the same are we going to do something to fix They are going to charge everybody time, President Obama proposed a 6- that bridge? who is getting a mortgage $50, $100, $300 year, $478 billion transportation pack- Senator MCCONNELL, the majority at closing to help pay for transpor- age that would provide a major expan- leader—that bridge, for curious histor- tation—what is that about?—instead of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.082 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6123 doing it right and funding transpor- publican offices with little input from est Hit Fund, Social Security money, tation the way we used to, Democratic Senators. Even though the increase costs to middle-class people at bipartisanly, back when Senate can- majority leader has said that times a closing who are trying to get a mort- didates and House candidates didn’t have changed, we are going to have a gage, and privatize debt collection. sign pledges from special interest lob- full committee process, an open It is hard to see how these programs byists where they tie their hands and amendment process, debate, and all of that hurt families—the Hardest Hit are not able to come up with revenue that, this didn’t happen. Fund, the debt collection, the Social for a transportation bill. If all the com- The greatest barrier of this bill, aside Security money—how this makes sense mittees of jurisdiction over this bill from the limited growth in investment, to pay for investments for bridges and held markups to actually discuss the is this bill makes choices about rev- roads. bill, had hearings for the bill, had been enue that this Senator thinks the Con- This bill would reduce the dividends able to amend the bill, it would have gress and the American people will re- paid to banks with over $1 billion in been a much stronger bill. gret. I have mentioned a couple of total assets that are members of the The chairman of the Environment them. Let me talk about those that Federal Reserve System. That raises and Public Works Committee did good were a part of the banking committee, $17 billion. While it might make sense bipartisan work on highways. I com- on which I sit, which I think I probably to reduce the dividend—you can argue mend Senator INHOFE and Senator know the most about. that—I have heard people on both sides BOXER—one Republican and one Demo- Despite opposition from consumer of that debate. If we exempted the crat—but their work is the exception. advocates and participants in the hous- smallest banks under $1 billion, there The banking committee, on which I ing market, including bankers and re- are plenty of community banks that serve as ranking member, traditionally altors, the bill would increase the guar- are $2 to $3 billion in size. Most are developed the public transportation anty fees paid by homeowners that are smaller, but they will be paying more— portion of this bill. It is done charged to protect against losses to hundreds of thousands of dollars—mil- bipartisanly through the regular com- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. That lions in some cases. All of the people mittee process. Not even a hint of that means when going to a closing, you are who voted for this bill—voted for clo- happened this year. going to be assessed a fee. It would in- ture, voted for this highway bill—are The Finance Committee, of which I crease the cost of homeownership by assessing a number of community am a member, has jurisdiction over $4,000 for borrowers who have a 20-per- banks in their States for this money. much of the revenue that is used to off- cent downpayment for the median We don’t know if the new rate of 1.5 set funds going into the highway trust home price and would increase even percent that Senator MCCONNELL has fund—no markups there either. As in- more for those who put less down. That decided on is fair. I appreciate the cut- troduced, this bill would have robbed is why a vote for this bill is a vote to off of the lower rate of $1 billion, but Social Security, as I said, taken money increase the cost of homeownership for we should be working this out in com- from the Hardest Hit Fund, as I said, families across the country and puts mittee, discussing it and hearing peo- for communities devastated by fore- taxpayers at greater risk. There is a ple on both sides. They started with closure crisis. history of opposition to the use of this every bank and arbitrarily cut it to set I invite the majority leader to come fee for purposes other than housing. the $1 billion threshold. They arbi- to Cleveland—I know he comes to More recently, Senator CRAPO, a Re- trarily dropped the percentage from 6 Cleveland to fund-raise—but come to publican, and Senator WARNER, a Dem- to 1.5. Nobody truly knows what I am Cleveland and look at the neighbor- ocrat from Virginia, wrote a provision talking about when I talk about this hood I live in. I live in ZIP Code 44105. in this year’s budget resolution to pre- because nobody truly understands this My wife and I have lived there for a vent this fee from being misused, and program. Even people who are on the couple of years. In 2007, that ZIP Code of course they are right. banking committee don’t know it very had the highest number of foreclosures This bill requires the IRS to use pri- well. Maybe we should have researched in the United States of America. That vate debt collection agencies to collect and discussed it and had hearings on it. happened because of Wall Street greed, taxes because the majority leader was Instead, the majority leader came in large part, but the fact that it did looking for anything he could find that around to these banks and to this com- happen means there is far too much might produce revenue—it has nothing mittee and they thought, hey, we can blight in this neighborhood. The Hard- to do with transportation—but any- get $16 billion there by changing a pro- est Hit Fund matters to clean up some place he could find in the government gram and nobody knows what it is any- of this neighborhood and enable people funds to produce revenue that then way. Well, he has taken that money to get back on their feet. could be used to pay for a highway bill. from a lot of community banks. More The commerce committee, the third Again, it is smoke and mirrors and just power to him. It is another reason I am committee—first, there was banking sort of funny money. not going to support this bill. It is and then Finance. Then there is the One of the ways he did this was to ironic that on the fifth anniversary of EPW that did it mostly right. The take money from the IRS—even as we Wall Street’s Dodd-Frank reform this banking committee was excluded, the cut the budget for IRS debt collec- bill would undercut rules to help small Finance Committee was excluded. The tion—to take some more of that money banks. commerce committee, which is respon- and give it to a private debt collection Before I close I want to be fair and sible for highway safety and rail safe- company to collect this debt. That was point out some of the good provisions ty, held a markup but not a single considered to be approximately a $2 in this bill. First, the Senate voted on Democrat on the committee supported billion revenue generator for reasons a strong bipartisan basis to add an the language in the legislation because that aren’t quite clear. It has been amendment to renew the U.S. Export- they did nothing about public safety. If tried before and each time it has lost Import Bank. This Bank has helped 350 my recollection is right, younger peo- money and it has been repealed. The businesses in my home State, two- ple are allowed to drive trucks—as if companies hired for these efforts were thirds of which are small businesses. It we want less truck safety. I say ‘‘young found to have frequently harassed low- doesn’t cost taxpayers a cent. Interest- people’’ meaning 18-year-olds. I know I income families and they violated the ingly, the Export-Import Bank, begun am getting older, but I don’t really Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, but by President Roosevelt in the 1930s, want 18-year-olds driving these rigs the majority leader needed that bil- was always bipartisan. Its reauthoriza- when they clearly don’t have much ex- lion-plus dollars for his highway bill. tion, continuation, renewal, and update perience and less training. It also did People here didn’t have the guts to was always done by Congress on a bi- not fix some of the rail issues we stand up and say, no, we may have partisan basis. My recollection—I am should fix, having seen some of these made this pledge to the special interest not quite sure this is precise, but my terrible accidents. It was one thing lobbyists and we can’t come up with recollection is that only once was there after another. revenue, but instead let’s actually do ever a vote in the Senate for the reau- For the past 2 weeks, a large part of this right. No, they aren’t going to do thorization of the Export-Import Bank the legislation was written in the Re- that. They take money from the Hard- because there was no need to because

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:13 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.084 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 everybody agreed with it. Yet because FOIA PROVISIONS odology is reviewed, it is critical that of the far right, the tea party—we used Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I ask the scores remain available under to call them the John Birch Society unanimous consent to engage in a col- FOIA. Even if the scores are removed when they opposed Medicare and now loquy with Senator THUNE, chairman of from the Web site while the method- they are called the tea party when they the commerce committee, regarding ology is reviewed, under the provision, oppose the Affordable Care Act—has the DRIVE Act and the Freedom of In- they will remain available to law en- decided this Export-Import Bank, formation Act, FOIA. forcement and regulators for use in which helps businesses and companies, I want to thank Chairman THUNE for overseeing the industry. For this rea- particularly small companies in Day- working with me to remove four provi- son alone, as well as many others, we ton, Toledo, Cleveland, Charlotte, sions in the DRIVE Act aimed at carv- should not withhold that information Asheville, and Durham—helps small ing out information from disclosure from public scrutiny. Moreover, the Ju- businesses export their products. They under FOIA, three of which were in ti- diciary Committee did not review this need some help sometimes. tles of the bill falling under the com- new proposed exemption and has not merce committee’s jurisdiction. The Every other country in the world— had time to fully consider the potential removal of these four provisions is re- every other major country, we think, effects of this exclusion. has some kind of an export financing flected in the second-degree amend- I thank Senator THUNE for working agency such as this, but we are not ment filed by Senator INHOFE, amend- with me to remove this FOIA exemp- able, for political reasons, call it crony ment No. 2533, to the McConnell sub- tion. Originally the bill language stat- capitalism—the tea party weighed in stitute amendment. FOIA is our Na- ed that none of the score information and convinced a lot of Senate and tion’s premier open government law ‘‘may be made available to the general House Republicans that it is not such a and the foundation on which all our public (including through requests good idea. Right now the Ex-Im Bank sunshine and transparency policies is in this bill. Hopefully it will stay in rest. It remains an indispensable tool under Section 552 of title 5, United over the process. I am hopeful. Because for Americans to obtain information States Code [the FOIA statute]).’’ The the Speaker used a four-letter word to affecting public policy, consumer safe- Inhofe second degree amendment describe this bill, I am hopeful when we ty, the environment, and public health. strikes the phrase ‘‘including through get a short-term extension—I hate The Freedom of Information Act falls requests under Section 552 of title 5, cliche´s but this is such a good one— under the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States Code’’ in its entirety. when we kick this can down the road Senate Judiciary Committee, and Under the OPEN FOIA Act of 2009, no again for another 2 or 3 months, what- changes affecting this law should not new FOIA exemption under 5 U.S.C ever it is going to be, I am hopeful the be enacted without full and careful 552(b)(3), is effective unless it specifi- majority leader and the Speaker will consideration by the Judiciary Com- cally cites to 5 U.S.C 552(b)(3). Remov- include the Export-Import Bank reau- mittee. ing the citation to the FOIA statute Mr. THUNE. I thank Senator LEAHY thorization and make it long term, but makes clear that, while the scores may for his interest in these matters, and I it is not clear if they will. no longer be routinely published and am pleased we were able to work out easily accessible to the general public I want to also point out that Chair- an agreement to strike these provi- man SHELBY, the chairman of my com- via FMSCA’s Web site until they have sions and move forward with consider- been reviewed and reformed, the scores mittee in banking, with whom I have a ation of the DRIVE Act. I look forward good relationship, included a number of are still subject to disclosure pursuant to working with you and Senator to a FOIA request, unless an existing proposals for transit policy that I GRASSLEY, the chairman of the Judici- exemption is found to apply. think make good sense. ary Committee, on any future pro- The mass transit account was cre- posals to amend the Freedom of Infor- Mr. THUNE. For the reasons you ated in 1983 under President Reagan. It mation Act. stated, I agree that if enacted into law, was done right. Public transit has al- Mr. LEAHY. I also want to draw par- nothing in Section 32003 exempts or is ways received around 20 percent, some- ticular attention to Section 32003, re- intended to exempt information under times a little more, of any new revenue lated to the Federal Motor Carrier the Freedom of Information Act. I that is dedicated to growth. We have a Safety Administration’s, FMCSA’s, would, however, just offer two com- tradition in this country that for every compliance, safety, and accountability ments to explain to my colleague the $100 we are spending on the Transpor- system, CSA. The CSA system is de- rationale for and limits of the modified tation bill, $20 of that goes to small bus signed to evaluate the safety and com- provision. First, the commerce com- systems in Lorain, OH, it goes to RTA pliance performance of motor carriers mittee has received information from for trains and rail in Cleveland, it goes by using data from inspections, crash- several objective sources, including the to major transit systems in New York es, compliance reviews, and the Fed- Government Accountability Office, the or anywhere around the country. This eral motor carrier census to come up Department of Transportation’s Office bill initially was less than 20 percent. I with a safety measurement system, of Inspector General, and the law en- appreciate Chairman SHELBY and the SMS, score for each motor carrier in forcement community, identifying con- majority leader getting it back up to 20 seven behavior analysis and safety im- cerns with the accuracy of the scoring percent. provement categories, BASICs. It is my analysis performed by FMCSA as part There is a new program for competi- understanding that these scores are of the CSA program. As noted by GAO, tive bus grants. It is underfunded at currently available to the public via the manner in which scores are cal- $190 million a year. This bill increases FMCSA’s Web site. It is also my under- culated under the program ‘‘creates the the amount of American-made steel standing that, as originally drafted, likelihood that many SMS scores do and other components. That is a good this bill would have prohibited FMCSA not represent an accurate or precise thing. from making these scores available to safety assessment for a carrier.’’ Ac- the general public via its Web site or With all my criticism on this bill in cordingly, the bill proposes to with- via a FOIA request while FMCSA eval- the way it was handled by the leader- draw this potentially misleading anal- uates and reforms the methodology un- ship in this House, there are some good ysis from public review temporarily, derlying these scores. things in this bill. I hope the Senate I have serious concerns about remov- until the program is reviewed and cor- will move forward after today with a ing this information from public view, rected. Nevertheless, as underscored by desire to revive the bipartisan process even for a short period of time. The subsection 32003(c), the underlying based on regular order when we address safety score is one of the tools we give ‘‘[i]nspection and violation informa- transportation issues. consumers and other stakeholders to tion’’ submitted to FMCSA under the I stand ready to work with my col- help fully evaluate motor carriers. program ‘‘shall remain available for leagues in both parties to deliver a ro- While I prefer that these scores remain public viewing.’’ bust 6-year transportation bill. easily accessible on FMSCA’s Web site The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- I yield the floor. for the general public while the meth- jority leader.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.086 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6125 MORNING BUSINESS supported his efforts; and for more Act. The Affordable Care Act is also Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I than 70 years, has made civic, reli- helping seniors with the cost of their ask unanimous consent that the Sen- gious, and humanitarian contributions prescription drugs. Since the passage of ate proceed to a period of morning of her own that have shaped our com- the ACA, people with Medicare in Illi- business, with Senators permitted to munity. Today, all Las Vegans benefit nois have saved over $554 million on speak for up to 10 minutes each. from the compassionate work of Ger- prescription drugs, because we closed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without trude and George to make our commu- the donut hole. That is an average sav- objection, it is so ordered. nity a better and more just place. ings of $925 for each Illinois senior. The George Rudiak was a lawyer’s law- Affordable Care Act also expanded f yer. He was the lawyer we all looked to Medicare coverage of certain preven- RECOGNIZING THE 100TH BIRTH- as the gold standard for an ethical, tive services, such as mammograms or DAY OF GERTRUDE SILVIA competent, experienced trial lawyer. colonoscopies, without any cost shar- RUDIAK There are truly selfless people in the ing. world, and Gertrude is one of these peo- Let’s not forget this is also the 50th Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today ple. She is dedicated to her five chil- Anniversary of Medicaid. Medicaid has to acknowledge the 100th birthday of dren, their children, and their chil- been a lifeline for millions of people, an incredible Nevadan, Gertrude Silvia dren’s children and still finds time to especially children. My friends on the Rudiak. For more than 70 years, Ger- improve her community. Over the past other side of the aisle find it easy to trude has been a leader in southern Ne- seven decades, she has filled tradition- discredit a government program, but vada and has remained committed to ally male-held positions on community this isn’t about a program. It is about her family, community, and faith. boards, including becoming the first fe- the people who benefit from them. Nearly a century ago, on August 2, male to serve on the board of Temple Over 54 million people benefit from 1915, Gertrude was born to Jewish im- Beth Sholom, and has been a champion Medicaid. Before the Affordable Care migrant parents in Dickinson, ND. As a of secular and Jewish education in Las Act, two out of three people on Med- child, her family moved from place to Vegas and Israel. Her efforts have been icaid were pregnant women and chil- place across the country, but it was her recognized by the Jewish National dren. That is 36 million of our most parents’ understanding of the value of Fund, the United Jewish Appeal, and vulnerable citizens. Medicaid also higher education that brought them to the Anti-Defamation League. Addition- serves people with disabilities, includ- the west coast. In California, she at- ally, Mayor Carolyn Goodman pre- ing many low-income Americans with tended the University of California, sented Gertrude with the rare honor of disabilities who would have nowhere Berkeley, where she received her bach- a key to the city of Las Vegas in 2014. else to turn. elor’s degree in music. Later, Gertrude On more than one occasion, the city Before the Affordable Care Act, al- built upon her skill set and earned cre- has declared August 2, Gertrude’s most 3 million people were covered by dentials from the Business College of birthday, Gertrude Rudiak Day in rec- Medicaid in Illinois and more than half Oakland in office procedure. With un- ognition of her long-standing commit- of all births were covered by Medicaid. deniable tenacity and the knowledge ment to Las Vegas. Now, anyone living below 133 percent of she gained, she was able to work I am grateful for Gertrude’s contribu- poverty can join Medicaid. That’s a through the Great Depression. tions to our State, and I wish her a single person earning less than $15,654 a In 1942, Gertrude met the love of her happy 100th birthday. May this year year, or a family of three bringing in life, George Rudiak, and they married bring Gertrude and her family much $26,720. And for this population, the in September the same year. George health and happiness. Federal Government picks up 100% of was born in Moscow, Russia, and the f the cost. Because of the Affordable experiences he and his family endured Care Act, more than 570,000 people in 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICARE as they immigrated to the United Illinois are now covered by Medicaid. I AND MEDICAID States greatly shaped the man he be- call that a success. came and the civil work he pursued Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, in 1965, Just ask Christopher Greenwood if later in his life. millions of Americans and nearly half this law is making a difference. Chris- George had received a law degree the country’s seniors couldn’t afford topher Greenwood is a community from the Boalt Hall School of Jurispru- basic health care. But that began to health and prevention coordinator for dence at the University of California, change 50 years ago today. President the City of Rockford working to help Berkeley, in 1940, but finding a job was Lyndon Johnson signed into law the people sign up for health insurance. He a challenge. He was able to do some Medicare program for the elderly and helped a 50-year-old woman enroll in work for the State of California and the Medicaid program for low-income Medicaid, and she was excited to have the U.S. Employment Services; and in adults, children, pregnant women, and coverage for preventive services like a the midst of World War II, George en- people with disabilities. mammogram. listed in the U.S. Army Air Corps. The Although it was signed by President According to Christopher: first place he was assigned was the Johnson, it ‘‘started with the man from People aren’t realizing the benefits of the Af- Western Flying Training Command at Independence,’’ . . . Harry S. Truman. fordable Care Act. It’s all about prevention Santa Ana. George was later trans- In 1949, Truman became the first Presi- services. When we tell people they need to ferred to the Las Vegas Gunnery dent to publically support a national sign up, they think they don’t need it. But School, which is now Nellis Air Force health insurance program and sent a when we start telling them the benefits, to Base. Though the young couple was bill to Congress that would give health see the looks on their faces, it’s all really only stationed in Las Vegas for a short insurance to everyone age 65 and older. cool. time, they fell in love with the city and Critics called the idea ‘‘socialized med- You know who else benefits from moved back to plant their roots in the icine,’’ and the effort failed. Medicaid? Providers, hospitals and doc- desert sand as soon as George was hon- Sixteen years later, President John- tors. Ask a provider back home: What orably discharged in 1946. son believed ‘‘the times had caught up would you prefer? Reimbursement by The Las Vegas of the 1940s was quite with the idea.’’ And he was right. Medicaid or not be paid at all? The an- different from the Las Vegas of today. Today, 46 million older adults and 9 swer is obvious. Approximately 21,000 people called the million people with disabilities depend Medicare and Medicaid save lives. city home, and there was racial seg- on Medicare for health care and eco- The programs provide high quality regation. Some even referred to Las nomic security. In Illinois, 1.9 million health care to millions of people. Yes, Vegas as the ‘‘Mississippi of the West.’’ people are enrolled in Medicare. we owe something to Truman for this As the first city attorney of North Las And because of the Affordable Care idea. We owe something to Johnson for Vegas, a Nevada Legislator, and chair- Act, the program has grown stronger. signing it into law. And today, we man of the Nevada Equal Rights Com- The Medicare Part A trust fund is now should focus on further strengthening mission, George was committed to expected to be solvent for an additional these programs so they can serve fu- bringing equality to Nevada. Gertrude 13 years because of the Affordable Care ture generations.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.087 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, this And Congress took notice of what we tion drug ‘‘donut hole,’’ where we gave week, we commemorate the 50th anni- were doing. In 1966, I was invited to seniors free preventive services, where versary of Medicare and Medicaid, pro- come testify before Congress in the we put the focus on quality of care, not grams that have made such a difference Senate Subcommittee on Aging, which quantity of care. in the lives of so many. was chaired by Senator Kennedy. We And it means fighting to protect Upon signing these programs into told the committee what we were these vital programs from those who law 50 years ago, then-President Lyn- doing, told them who we were fighting want to turn them from a guarantee don Johnson reminded us of a shared for. We were fighting for people in into a voucher and political promise, as tradition within our great Nation—one need, people who lived in unsafe hous- Republicans have repeatedly tried to that ‘‘calls upon us never to be indif- ing, had inadequate diet and clothing, do in their budget proposals. ferent toward despair . . . commands a dearth of recreational opportunities, Make no mistake, Republican pro- us never to turn away from helpless- who were lonely and were in need of posals to privatize Medicare, to turn it ness . . . directs us never to ignore or health care. into a voucher program, would end to spurn those who suffer untended in a These people, our seniors and our Medicare as we know it. I will not let land that is bursting with abundance.’’ families of modest means, were the that happen. I will fight side-by-side That deep-seated tradition—to lend a reason Congress passed Medicare and with those 1 million Maryland seniors hand to our neighbors and friends and Medicaid in the first place. And thank and 55 million American seniors. We to honor our mothers and fathers—is God we did. will fight to keep Medicare and Med- what guided Congress and country to Today, 55 million Americans—nearly icaid strong and healthy so that they do the right thing so many years ago. every senior—has access to Medicare’s can continue to provide for the health With the stroke of his pen, President guarantee. An additional 68 million of care needs of our citizens Johnson, and all those who fought be- our Nation’s most vulnerable have As you can see, there is a lot to cele- fore and alongside him, made sure that health care coverage thanks to Med- brate as we mark Medicare and Medic- there would be care for the sick and se- icaid. Because of Medicare and Med- aid’s 50th anniversary. For the past renity for the fearful. icaid, more Americans have health in- five decades, these programs have ac- I know just how important Medicare surance. Before Medicare, 48 percent of complished their two main goals: en- and Medicaid are for the people who seniors had no insurance. Today, only 2 suring access to health care for the el- rely upon them. In the 1960s, I was a percent of seniors are uninsured. Out of derly, for the disabled, and for those of young social worker in Baltimore for pocket costs have decreased. Before modest means. And protecting people ‘‘Operation REASON’’ (Responding to Medicare, seniors paid 56 percent of against the financial hardship of health the Elderly’s Abilities & Sickness Oth- health care expenses out of pocket. care costs. erwise Neglected). Our goal was to help Today, seniors only pay 13 percent. I consider it a great honor and privi- Maryland seniors get the health care Life expectancy is longer. Medicare has lege that I have been able to devote so they needed. You have to remember, in contributed to a 5-year increase in life much of my career to protecting, im- those days, when you retired, you usu- expectancy after age 65. Deaths from proving, and fighting on behalf of Medi- ally lost your health insurance, which heart disease have dropped by a third care and Medicaid and all the people meant that many seniors also lost ac- for people over age 65. Our elderly’s served by these programs. From my cess to their doctors and health care. More than half of America’s seniors poverty rate has declined dramatically, days as a young social worker helping had no health insurance. This meant from 29 percent in 1966 to 10 percent seniors and families get the health care that middle-class seniors were a heart today. Seniors have more affordable they needed, to my days in the House attack away from bankruptcy, a cancer drugs. Since 2010, over 8 million seniors and Senate fighting against efforts to diagnosis away from destitution. It have saved more than $11 billion on privatize Medicare or block grant Med- didn’t matter if you were a senior of prescription drugs. Kids are getting icaid, to those years spent working to modest means or middle-class. Every- comprehensive early childhood refresh and improve these programs one was vulnerable. screenings, and 32 million children na- through the Affordable Care Act, in- But our job was to help. So, with tionwide now get needed childhood cluding closing the ‘‘donut hole,’’ ex- teams led by social workers and nurses, screenings. panding Medicaid eligibility, and en- we worked to help sick elderly people In Maryland alone, Medicare ensures suring seniors could get free preventive get health coverage and get to their that 1 million Maryland seniors can get screenings. doctor’s office. We were focused on the health care they need at prices I believe ‘‘honor thy father and helping seniors who had neglected their they can afford. And Medicaid ensures mother’’ is a good commandment to chronic conditions because of inability that 975,000 Marylanders can get the live by and a good policy to govern by. to travel, ignorance of services avail- health care they need, including 478,000 That is why I have fought to save and able to them, fear of asserting their Maryland kids—that is one in three of strengthen Medicare and Medicaid to right to such services, or other barriers Maryland’s children—149,000 Maryland- ensure that health care is affordable, placed in their way. ers with disabilities, and 77,000 of our accessible, reliable, and undeniable. I saw firsthand how hard Baltimore’s low-income seniors. f seniors were struggling. They were Over the past half century, we have PLANNED PARENTHOOD foregoing medical care because they seen Medicare and Medicaid prolong didn’t have insurance, because they and enhance the lives of millions of Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I wish to couldn’t afford the bills, or simply be- Americans. Ensuring access to health take a moment to express my disdain cause they didn’t have transportation care for America’s most vulnerable for the reprehensible actions of to get to doctor’s office or hospital. I ranks as one of our Nation’s greatest Planned Parenthood and my support knew Medicare and Medicaid could public health accomplishments. That is for the defense of all the unborn babies help these seniors and all seniors. why I am committed to doing every- subject to this group’s immoral prac- So every single day I would go out to thing within my power to keep Medi- tices. churches and senior citizen centers. I care and Medicaid strong, so that these Thanks to the Center for Medical would inform people about their op- programs can continue helping those Progress, the Nation has quickly been tions, organize transportation for who rely on them today, as well as made aware that Planned Parenthood them, and help them fill out com- those who will need them tomorrow. affiliates across the country have been plicated forms. In those days, we didn’t That means fighting for reforms that modifying their abortion procedures have computers or cell phones. We had keep Medicare solvent, as we did in the for the specific purpose of preserving to physically go meet seniors where Affordable Care Act, where we ex- organs from the fetuses being aborted they were. And it worked. After 4 tended Medicare’s solvency by more in exchange for compensation. In the months of operation, we had 103 clients than a decade. It means fighting for video released this week, a former pro- with a variety of chronic diseases, and improvements that make Medicare curement technician explains how the we helped them get the care they need- stronger, as we did in the Affordable procurement of certain body parts war- ed. Care Act, where we closed the prescrip- rants a higher level of compensation,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.052 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6127 stating: ‘‘If you can somehow procure a denying Federal funds to these abor- earning an income sooner. And Congress may brain or a heart you’re going to get tion providers. I strongly encourage also need to consider new providers of edu- more money than just [an . . .] umbil- the support of my fellow Senators on cation that don’t fit the traditional mold. I have two questions for today’s hearing: ical cord.’’ As a father of four, and a efforts to defund Planned Parenthood First, how can Congress help colleges find strong advocate for the sanctity of life, and protect unborn babies from being new ways to meet students’ changing needs, I am deeply disturbed by reports of the target of these gruesome practices. and how can we end practices by the federal these gruesome and inhumane actions. f government that discourage colleges and However, Planned Parenthood cur- universities from innovating? rently continues to receive funding INNOVATION And second, should the federal government be considering a new definition for the col- from hard-working taxpayers, many of Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I whom also find their practices deplor- lege or university? There are many new ask unanimous consent that a copy of learning models that are entering the land- able. Between fiscal year 2010 and fiscal my remarks at the Senate Committee scape, thanks to the internet. We need to year 2012, Planned Parenthood received on Health, Education, Labor and Pen- consider what role they play in our higher an average of $500 million per year, to- sions hearing on Reauthorizing the education system, and whether federal finan- taling $1.5 billion. On top of these high Higher Education Act: Exploring Bar- cial aid ought to be available to students levels of federal funding, Planned Par- riers and Opportunities within Innova- who are learning outside our traditional in- enthood has made a profit every year stitutions. tion be printed in the RECORD. On the first question, how we can stop dis- since 1987. There being no objection, the mate- Given our current fiscal climate and couraging innovation, I want to focus one ex- rial was ordered to be printed in the ample of innovation—competency-based all our talk of the need to cut excessive RECORD, as follows: learning: and wasteful spending, there is no jus- INNOVATION One of the most promising innovations tification for continuing to subsidize that traditional colleges and universities are This is our sixth hearing during this Con- their profitable venture with taxpayer making is through something called com- gress on the reauthorization of the Higher dollars. It is time for big abortion busi- petency-based learning. Education Act. This morning we are talking These competency-based models allow stu- nesses like Planned Parenthood to be about innovation in higher education. investigated and defunded, and I have dents to progress through their studies as Ranking Member Murray and I will each they demonstrate competency, enabling taken several actions to do just that. have an opening statement, then we will in- skilled and dedicated students to finish de- For the last three congresses, I have troduce our panel of witnesses. After our grees more quickly and often at significantly been the Senate sponsor of the title X witness testimony, senators will each have 5 less cost. Abortion Provider Prohibition Act. minutes of questions. For example, a working mom studying at Title X is a grant program that has un- Clark Kerr, the former president of the the University of Wisconsin has an associ- fortunately become a large subsidy for University of California, wrote in his 2001 ate’s degree in nursing and wants to get her book, ‘‘The Uses of the University’’ that of 85 abortion providers that claim to pro- Bachelors in Nursing to increase her earning human institutions founded before 1520 and potential. Through the university’s new vide family planning and women’s largely unchanged today—about 70 are uni- health care services. My bill, S. 51, Flexible Option, she’s able to earn credits versities. and finish tests and assignments on her own would prohibit the Department of As for the other 15 institutions—well, time, including between her shift and her Health and Human Services (HHS) among them are the Catholic Church, and son’s baseball game. Because the degree pro- from providing this Federal funding to the Isle of Man. gram is based on her ability to demonstrate an entity or their affiliate that per- Kerr wrote: ‘‘Universities are among the knowledge of the subjects—rather than her forms an abortion. most conservative of all institutions in their ability to sit through courses twice a week— I have also signed on to two letters methods of governance and conduct and are she might finish a Biology course in 8 weeks, likely to remain so.’’ but take only 3 weeks to finish a Mathe- regarding needed investigations into If that’s true, maybe we ought to pack up this matter. In one letter, I joined 49 matics course. this hearing on innovation in higher edu- But it’s possible that government regula- fellow senators to request that Depart- cation and head home? tions may be stifling this new model of ment of Health and Human Services Let’s keep our seats for a minute. learning. Secretary Sylvia Burwell immediately The world around the universities is The report by the Task Force on Govern- begin a ‘‘thorough review of the com- changing—especially the students who at- ment Regulation, which was commissioned pliance of the Department and Planned tend them. by a bipartisan group of four Senators on Parenthood—one of the Department’s First, there are more people attending. this Committee to examine higher education Right around the end of World War II, only grantees—with all relevant and appli- regulations, told us that ‘‘government regu- about 5% of the population 25 years old and lation is a barrier to innovation.’’ cable Federal statutes, regulations, up had earned a college degree. And in one example, they cited a 2010 De- and other requirements.’’ In a second When the first Higher Education Act was partment of Education regulation that es- letter, I joined 10 Senators in asking signed in 1965, only about 10% of this popu- tablished a federal definition of a credit hour both Secretary Burwell and Attorney lation had a college degree. as a minimum of 1 hour of classroom instruc- General Loretta Lynch to conduct a Now, about 32% of Americans 25 and up tion and 2 hours of outside work. full investigation into Planned Parent- have a college degree. The government relies upon this definition hood to determine if the organization Second, American colleges and universities of ‘‘credit hour’’ in determining how to are now serving the most diverse group of award grants and loans to students. violated Federal law. students ever— Concerning the credit hour definition, the Lastly, I am supporting a bill intro- 40% are 25 years or older and come to col- Task Force wrote ‘‘by relying on the concept duced by Senator JONI ERNST that lege with experiences in the workforce. of ‘seat time,’ the Department’s definition would prohibit Planned Parenthood, or Of the 21 million students in higher edu- has discouraged institutions from developing any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, suc- cation, only one-third are full-time under- new and innovative methods for delivering cessors, or clinics, from receiving any graduates under 22 years old. and measuring education, such as com- Federal funds. Instead, funds that are Only 18.9 percent of first-time, full-time petency-based models which don’t rely on currently offered to Planned Parent- students live on a campus and students are credit hours.’’ increasingly coming from a wide array of hood would be available to other eligi- When Kentucky Community and Technical backgrounds and are the first in their family College System began a competency-based ble entities to provide women’s health to attend college. program in 2009, federal time requirements care services, including diagnostic lab- Third, employers need workers with post- related to the credit hour, which are building oratory and radiology services, well- secondary degrees. blocks of semesters and academic years, got child care, prenatal and postnatal care, Labor economist Dr. Anthony Carnevale of in the way. Now when students finish within immunizations, and cervical and breast Georgetown University tells us, if we don’t the last 5 weeks of the semester they have to cancer screenings. change the trend, we’ll be about 5 million wait till the following semester to continue The sanctity of human life is a prin- short in 2020 of people who have the proper their studies. ciple that Congress should proclaim at post-secondary skills. In 2005, Congress established a provision in Congress needs to help colleges and univer- the higher education law for competency- every opportunity. The time has come sities meet the needs of a growing population based education known as ‘‘direct assess- to respect the wishes of the majority of of today’s students—one that has less time ment.’’ This provision permitted programs at Americans who adamantly oppose to earn their degree, wants flexibility in colleges and universities to use ‘‘direct as- using taxpayer dollars for abortions by scheduling their classes, and needs to start sessment of student learning, in lieu of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.081 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 measuring student learning in credit hours’’ that Congress should consider ‘‘a new system drome is the most common form of as a way to distribute federal aid. The law . . . that would provide pathways for higher combined deafness and blindness in the said that each program had to be approved education models and colleges to receive fed- United States, impacting as many as by the institution’s accreditor and the Sec- eral student aid based on performance and 50,000 Americans, not including their retary of Education. results.’’ families, friends, and communities. It Despite this flexibility granted in the law, What he and others are proposing is that accreditors and the Education Department students could use federal aid at these new is estimated that 82 percent of those af- have given approval for receiving financial organizations that aren’t traditional col- flicted by deaf-blindness are unem- aid to just 6 institutions to offer one or more leges. ployed. In the United States, the an- of these programs. A bill from Senator Lee would allow states nual economic cost of blindness alone Shifting gears, a second barrier to innova- to create parallel accreditation pathways to is estimated at 145 billion dollars. tion may be accreditation. broaden the kinds of classes students could Usher syndrome results when there In this committee we have begun looking attend while also receiving federal aid. are mutations in genes that are impor- at the accreditation system, recognizing Under the bill, students could receive aid for tant for the function of both that it must improve, but that it also may be attending specialized programs, apprentice- a barrier to innovation. photoreceptors in the retina and hair ships, professional certifications, com- cells in the cochlea, or inner ear. To Accreditation is very old-fashioned in petency tests, even individual courses. I be- many ways—it is still regional, despite the lieve Senators Bennet and Rubio are working date, 11 genes have been identified that fact that institutions compare themselves to on legislation that has a similar goal. can cause different subtypes of Usher peers across the country and may have little syndrome when mutations take place. f in common with those in closest proximity. These mutations usually lead to a defi- It also hasn’t kept up with new ways stu- RECOGNIZING THE UDALL ciency of a protein that is critical for dents are learning and the new ways teach- FOUNDATION ers are teaching. Today, some institutions the health and function of the retina are modifying a professor’s traditional role Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I wish and cochlea. Usher type 1 individuals in teaching and evaluating learning. to call attention to a remarkable foun- are born deaf and then learn, often be- I’m sure there are many other examples of dation that has benefited thousands of fore adolescence, that they are also los- government discouraging institutions from young Americans. The Morris K. Udall ing their vision. Usher type 2 individ- innovating and I hope our witnesses can and Stewart L. Udall Foundation was uals are born with moderate to severe speak to some of these and ways to make hearing loss and then in the prime of policy more flexible for innovations to come. established by Congress to honor the On the second point—whether we should public service of the Udall brothers. their adolescent lives are told that consider the role of new providers of higher During the past 20 years, the founda- they are losing their vision. Usher type education: tion has effectively leveraged modest 3, usually diagnosed during adoles- I have said that the American higher edu- Federal appropriations into unique cence, leads to the slow loss of both cation system of today is like the American learning experiences for over 3,000 hearing and vision. automobile industry of the 1970s. Life with Usher syndrome requires First, it offers a remarkable number of young Americans who are committed to public service in natural resources, constant adaptation to the loss of vi- choices of the best products in the world at sion, caused by retinitis pigmentosa. a reasonable cost. Native nations, and environmental First is the loss of peripheral vision, Second, it is not doing enough about chal- areas. when the rods are impacted resulting lenges that will require major adjustments The Udall Foundation has rewarded in the loss of night vision and the onset if, 20 years from now, it wants to be able to over 1,400 scholarships to college stu- make that same claim of superior choices at of tunnel vision, which shrinks over dents in all 50 States, plus the District a reasonable cost. time to the size of a pinhole. Once the of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Like the Japanese auto manufacturers rods are gone, the cones atrophy. Color 44 tribal nations, for their work in pub- that ultimately brought the American auto vision and the ability to read lips are industry to its knees for a time, there is an lic service. One of the distinguished lost, further impacting the hearing im- emerging market of new or upstart providers college students receiving a scholar- paired Usher syndrome individual’s of affordable higher education. ship from the Udall Foundation comes ability to communicate with others. These are organizations that aren’t nec- from my home State of Florida. Ms. essarily colleges, like we are accustomed to, Often, central vision fades and the per- but are providing higher education that may Steffanie Munguia is a junior at the son is left completely blind. offer students a similarly high-quality edu- University of South Florida and is re- During this time—for which there is cation at a lower cost. ceiving a scholarship for her dedication no prediction of how long the decline For example, students are learning tech- to environmental conservation. to total blindness will take—individ- nology, software-coding or product design in Additionally, the Udall Foundation as little as 12 weeks at places like General uals with Usher syndrome are con- has provided more than 200 students, stantly adapting to remain aurally and Assembly, a school that hires industry ex- from 110 tribal nations, the oppor- perts from places like Apple and Cisco to visually connected. For the hearing teach adult students skills that today’s em- tunity to gain practical experience in loss, hearing aids, cochlear implants, ployers value. the Federal legislative process, American Sign Language, closed cap- Or they’re taking general education classes through their Native American Con- tioning, assistive listening devices, and like college algebra from online organiza- gressional Internship Program. tactile sign language are among the tions like StraighterLine under a monthly The foundation strives to educate un- adaptive strategies used. For the vision subscription fee with credentialed teachers, derserved middle school youth to the loss, glasses, magnification, high con- or attending a MOOC—a Massive Open On- joys of outdoor exploration through line Course that’s free and delivered by pro- trast on computer screens, screen read- fessors at many traditional colleges. their Parks in Focus program. Thus ers, audio descriptive devices, braille, Some organizations such as Mozilla Foun- far, it has introduced more than 1,500 canes, and guide dogs are used to com- dation are developing open-source ‘‘digital youth to 22 national parks, monu- pensate for the increasing blindness. badges’’ that allow more types of organiza- ments, and other natural areas. To accelerate research, the Usher tions to identify and recognize an individ- The Udall Foundation benefits count- Syndrome Coalition is raising public ual’s subject matter mastery and com- less groups and many areas of our envi- knowledge by launching ‘‘Usher Syn- petency. ronment, and I would like to congratu- But there’s no place for any of these drome Awareness Day’’ on the third innovators in today’s Higher Education Act late them on 20 outstanding years. The Saturday in September. The theme or accreditation system. The definition of foundation has delivered real results centers on the autumnal equinox, what is a college has largely remained con- for people in every State in the Nation which marks the start of days that sistent since 1965. since its establishment and has earned contain more darkness than light—a Some senators, the President and Sec- our continued support now and in the powerful metaphor for the threat of retary Duncan are interested in under- years ahead. Usher syndrome. This will be a global standing how to enable an environment event that starts on one side of the where these new providers of higher edu- f world—Australia—and runs around the cation can compete with traditional higher USHER SYNDROME AWARENESS education and potentially offer students a globe to the farthest point before the lower cost, high quality education. Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I wish to international dateline in Alaska. In 2013, President Obama said in docu- bring attention to a genetic condition Like many, I too have a personal ments accompanying his State of the Union known as Usher syndrome. Usher syn- connection with Usher syndrome. A

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.047 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6129 former congressional fellow in my of- Act. He then worked in the Projections Wyoming natives, the Tatmans have fice, Moira Shea, has Usher syndrome. Unit, where he helped prepare CBO’s each contributed greatly to the agri- She, with her guide dog by her side, budget projections and continued his culture industry and their home com- took the Metro and came to work work on budget process issues; for ex- munity of Lingle. Both have served as every day. In addition, she wore hear- ample, he wrote a section in CBO’s educators for the University of Wyo- ing aids, read lips, and overcame what- January 2003 Budget and Economic ming Extension, a statewide program ever adversity came her way. Today, Outlook entitled ‘‘The Expiration of helping Wyoming citizens and commu- Moira has lost her sight but not her vi- Budget Enforcement Procedures: Issues nities address a wide range of issues sion—of finding treatments and cures and Options,’’ which has often been through education and leadership. for Usher syndrome so that no other cited in discussions on that topic. Wayne’s career focused on production generation has to go through what she Because of his extensive knowledge and economic issues while Kathy dedi- and tens of thousands of other Ameri- of the budget and his strong inter- cated her efforts to consumers. Gary cans have. personal skills, in 2003 Sandy was ap- Stone, an extension educator for the With the acceleration of research, it pointed CBO’s first associate director University of Nebraska, nominated the may be possible for Moira and the for legislative affairs, to serve as the couple, and said, ‘‘they truly are the thousands of others afflicted by this agency’s key liaison with the Congress. ’best of the best’ when it comes to Wy- genetic disease to regain sight. The In that capacity, he worked closely oming agriculture.’’ technology is there. The Casey Eye In- with many staff members of the House For more than 30 years, Wayne con- stitute at Oregon Health & Science and Senate—fielding and clarifying tributed to the UW Extension program University has started the first human questions, alerting them about a forth- working on livestock and crop produc- study of gene therapy for Usher syn- coming CBO publication, keeping them tion, invasive plants, agricultural re- drome. I am proud that the first clin- apprised about CBO’s progress in re- search, and water issues. He worked to ical trial for Usher syndrome is being sponding to a particular request, re- promote agriculture to Wyoming’s conducted in the state that I am privi- sponding to concerns about a CBO youth through the 4–H leadership pro- leged to represent. analysis, and identifying potential CBO gram. I am committed to working with my products that would aid the legislative Kathy joined the UW Extension colleagues to raise awareness about process. Cent$ible Nutrition program in 2000. Sandy’s professional accomplish- this devastating disease, and I applaud She focused on nutrition, food safety, ments set him apart, but his personal the hard work of the Usher Syndrome and food economics, and worked with ethic—his good cheer and thoughtful Coalition to make Usher syndrome re- low income families to provide nutri- consideration of his colleagues at CBO search a higher priority at the Na- tion and meal planning. Kathy was also and on congressional staffs—truly de- tional Institutes of Health. vital in developing a nutrition cur- fines him. Whether giving someone a riculum for the State of Wyoming. f ‘‘heads-up’’ about a hot-button issue, Former UW President Tom Buchanan RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT helping Members or congressional staff commented, ‘‘Wayne and Kathy helped OF EDWARD ‘‘SANDY’’ DAVIS track down a cost estimate, or just an- literally hundreds of Wyoming resi- Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, along with swering questions about the budget or CBO’s analyses, Sandy has always been dents understand the impact of agri- my colleague, the ranking member of culture on so many facets of life.’’ the Budget Committee, Senator SAND- gracious, straightforward, and gen- erous with his time and efforts. The Tatmans passed on their love of ERS, we wish to honor and recognize agriculture and way of life to their Edward ‘‘Sandy’’ Davis on his retire- In short, over the past 36 years, Sandy exemplified the dedication and three sons, all of whom earned agricul- ment after 36 years of distinguished tural degrees from UW and are still in- service to the Congress, including 20 high-quality work that is so critical to the Senate’s deliberations. I know my volved in the industry. Their legacy ex- years with the Congressional Budget tends beyond their family to their com- Office and 16 years with the Congres- colleagues join me in extending our thanks and appreciation to Sandy for munity, and the State as a whole. sional Research Service. Sandy is held I am proud to have the opportunity in high esteem by both Republicans his service to our Nation and our very best wishes for a happy and productive to recognize Wayne and Kathy’s and Democrats for his insight, exten- achievements with Senator BARRASSO sive knowledge of the legislative proc- retirement. I would like to now turn to my col- as 2015 inductees into the Wyoming Ag- ess, and unfailing graciousness in deal- league, Senator SANDERS, for his re- riculture Hall of Fame. Wyoming is ing with Members and staff over those marks. well served by their lasting and con- many years. Mr. SANDERS. I thank Chairman tinuing contributions to agriculture Sandy started his career at CRS in ENZI and join him in commending Mr. and education in our State. 1979 and quickly became an expert in DAVIS for his many years of dedicated Federal budget procedures and prac- and outstanding service to CBO, the f tices. He prepared over 150 reports and Congress, and the American people. We memoranda on the budget process and RECOGNIZING SHAUN AND LACEE wish him all the best. SIMS on budget process reform proposals, We hope our colleagues will join us in analyzed and edited draft legislation, thanking Mr. DAVIS—and really all of Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, at and prepared committee and con- the hard-working employees at the the 103rd Wyoming State Fair, Senator ference report language on major budg- Congressional Budget Office—for his ENZI and I will have the pleasure of in- et process legislation in 1985, 1987, and and their service. troducing Shaun and Lacee Sims as 1990. A few of his key achievements in- 2015 inductees of the Wyoming Agri- f volve the development of two reports culture Hall of Fame. I am proud to that are still being published today: RECOGNIZING WAYNE AND KATHY say this dynamic husband and wife ‘‘Points of Order under the Congres- TATMAN team exemplify the ideals of the Wyo- sional Budget Act’’ and a ‘‘Manual on Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I wish to ming way of life and have made im- the Federal Budget Process.’’ Sandy speak on behalf of Wayne and Kathy mense contributions to the State and also coached CRS’s softball team—an- Tatman who will be inducted into the national agricultural community. other key achievement of his time Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame at The Sims family has demonstrated there. the 103rd Wyoming State Fair in Au- their deep-rooted commitment through In 1995, Sandy joined the Congres- gust. Since 1992, Wyoming has recog- five generations of involvement in sional Budget Office, quickly employ- nized individuals each year who have stewardship of the land and production ing his expertise in budget laws and in made substantial contributions to agri- of high quality livestock. Shaun and the history of the congressional budget culture in our State. This year I have Lacee have shared their passion for ag- process. He first worked in the Special the honor of presenting this award to riculture as parents, and now as grand- Studies Division, where he authored an Wayne and Kathy with my colleague parents, with their children and grand- excellent report on the Line Item Veto Senator BARRASSO. children.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.034 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Shaun and Lacee have shared their ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS the puck for face-offs and have to keep livelihood with countless local stu- up with the pace of the game to make dents who have toured their ranch and offside calls—all while avoiding inter- DUNBARTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE wind turbine facility. The students who ference. Brian has excelled in every as- 250TH ANNIVERSARY visit their ranching operation gain val- pect of his career and is one of only 13 uable insight into the origin of their ∑ Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I honor U.S. born NHL officials. Most officials food and electricity. In addition to edu- Dunbarton, NH—a town in Merrimack who work for the NHL are Canadian cating students, the Sims have also County that is celebrating the 250th nationals who have relocated. During Brian’s 27 years as an on-ice taught the teachers by hosting the Wy- anniversary of its founding. I am proud to join citizens across the Granite official, he has worked 1713 regular sea- oming Ag in the Classroom Teacher In- State in recognizing this special mile- son NHL games and the men’s hockey stitute. As Amy Hendrickson, execu- stone. games at the 2010 Vancouver Winter tive director of the Wyoming Wool Dunbarton, previously known by Olympics. More recently, Brian was se- Growers Association observed, ‘‘They many names, including Starkstown, lected for the 7th Stanley Cup Finals have served as educators, mentors, and was incorporated in 1765 by Colonial between the victorious Chicago leaders on a variety of important Governor Benning Wentworth and was Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Light- issues affecting Wyoming’s agriculture officially renamed Dunbarton. ning in June of this year. industry, and their example of true The town’s population has grown As the former president of the Na- leadership serves as a model for oth- since then to over 2,700 residents. With tional Hockey League Officials Asso- ers.’’ more than 1,600 acres of protected land, ciation, Brian understands the sac- rifices and hard work that are nec- Shaun and Lacee have served in var- Dunbarton is located on the Merrimack River watershed and is rich in natural essary to perform his job. I ask my col- ious capacities whenever they have beauty. Based upon its latitude and leagues to join me today in celebrating been called upon. Shaun’s service ex- longitude, Dunbarton is known as the Brian’s career as a linesman. I am de- tends from his 14-year tenure with the true center of New England. lighted to congratulate him on reach- Uinta County Conservation District The patriotism and commitment of ing this important career milestone Supervisors to his election on the Na- the people of Dunbarton is reflected in and I wish him many more years of tional Association of Conservation Dis- part by their record of service in de- success.∑ tricts Executive Board. As president of fense of our Nation. Revolutionary War f the Wyoming Association of Conserva- General John Stark, his wife Molly and RECOGNIZING THE ASSOCIATION tion Districts, Shaun often sacrifices son Caleb, all lived in Dunbarton. An- FOR FACILITIES ENGINEERING valuable time on his home ranch to at- other Dunbarton native was Robert tend all meetings for Uinta County and Roger, famed Commander of Roger’s ∑ Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I wish the State association. Shaun’s dedica- Rangers during the French and Indian to recognize the 100th anniversary of tion to the State and the industry has War who was instrumental in devel- the Association for Facilities Engi- neering. The organization began in not gone unnoticed. He was recently oping military tactics still used to this Framingham, MA when Henry ‘‘Harry’’ appointed to a second term on the Wy- day. Additionally, John Ordway, who S. Dennison, president of the Factory oming Board of Agriculture. helped lead the Lewis and Clark Expe- dition, made his way back home to Managers Association, saw a need for Like her husband, Lacee has been an Dunbarton after the expedition had fin- increased information-sharing within active agricultural advocate in Wyo- ished. the engineering world. Because of this, ming. Lacee received the Masters of The spirit of community and vol- Dennison invited a group of 25 mechan- Beef Advocacy certification through unteerism is strong in Dunbarton as ics and engineers from the greater Bos- the National Cattlemen’s Beef Associa- evidenced by the hard work and dedica- ton area to attend the organization’s tion and was appointed by Wyoming tion of all involved with the planning first informal meeting. On June 9, 1915, Governor Matt Mead to serve on the and celebration of the annual Old the organization’s constitution was ap- statewide Wyoming Beef Council. Home Day festival, as well as this spe- proved, their officers were elected and Lacee has combined her passion for ag- cial sestercentennial anniversary. they began their history as a working, riculture with her growing photog- Dunbarton is a place that has greatly professional consortium for engineers raphy business to tell the story of agri- contributed to the life and spirit of and mechanics alike. Years later in 1954, a group of engi- culture through an artistic lens. By New Hampshire. I am pleased to extend my warm regards to the people of Dun- neering clubs associated with the orga- highlighting the beauty and impor- nization came together and changed tance of Wyoming agriculture, she is barton as they celebrate this special day.∑ the organization’s name to the Amer- able to capture in photos what words f ican Institute of Plant Engineers, often fail to convey. Patrick AIPE. AIPE became the hub for count- Zimmerer, with the Wyoming Board of TRIBUTE TO BRIAN MURPHY less engineering societies in New Eng- Agriculture stated, ‘‘Lacee tells and ∑ Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I con- land and elsewhere, including the New advocates the story of Wyoming agri- gratulate Brian Murphy of Dover, NH. England Chapter of AIPE, comprised of culture through her lens as a photog- On May, 29 2015, Brian reached an im- New Hampshire and five other States. rapher and through social media, tell- portant career milestone by working In May of 1996, AIPE’s board of direc- ing and highlighting the importance of his 250th National Hockey League play- tors voted to change their name to the Wyoming agriculture to a broad audi- off game as a linesman. Association for Facilities Engineering ence of followers.’’ Born on December 13, 1964, Brian has or AFE, in an effort to include more Shaun and Lacee Sims represent been a lifelong resident of Dover. He than just plant engineers, and to focus graduated from Dover High School in on buildings and facilities as a whole. every positive attribute of leaders in 1982 and continued his education by at- Wayne Saya of Nashua serves among Wyoming agriculture. Together, side tending the University of New Hamp- the leaders and board members of AFE. by side, they have represented Wyo- shire, where he earned a degree in busi- As AFE’s executive director, Wayne is ming’s interests with dedication and ness administration in 1986. Brian was personally committed to furthering the honor. It is because of people like them then hired by the NHL in September message and continued success of the that the agricultural community in 1988. His first game was on October 7, association. He believes that the chap- Wyoming has a bright and productive 1988 between the Pittsburgh Penguins ters of AFE have the best tools for future. My wife, Bobbi, joins me in con- and the Washington Capitals. problem solving and often cites his gratulating these outstanding individ- Linesmen have a difficult and often motto during mediations: ‘‘Chapters uals, Shaun and Lacee Sims, who are thankless job. While referees officiate may not always be right, they are just 2015 inductees into the Wyoming Agri- the game and call penalties, linesmen never wrong!’’ His continued advocacy culture Hall of Fame. break up fights between players, drop is a vital tool for engineers, mechanics

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.079 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6131 and buildings that might not otherwise Aidan is currently a student at the done for me, my staff, and the people of have a say. Taft School. He is a dedicated and dili- the State of Florida. AFE is a non-profit, volunteer-based gent worker who has been devoted to Theodore is a student at Princeton organization that considers the getting the most out of his internship University, where he is majoring in wellbeing of its chapters before all else. experience. history. He is a dedicated and diligent They recognize that a strong relation- I would like to extend my sincere worker who has been devoted to get- ship with a chapter can mean more op- thanks and appreciation to Aidan for ting the most out of his internship ex- portunities for all parties involved. all the fine work he has done and wish perience. With global reach, AFE is inventive him continued success in the years to I would like to extend my sincere and organized—it is the only associa- come.∑ thanks and appreciation to Theodore tion of its kind with a fully paperless f for all the fine work he has done and online presence. wish him continued success in the It is because of organizations like TRIBUTE TO STEVEN BARBEE years to come.∑ AFE that our country can continue to ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I f excel and innovate, while ensuring the recognize Steven Barbee, a 2015 sum- needs of engineers are met. I urge my mer intern in my Washington, DC, of- TRIBUTE TO JORDAN GARSIDE colleagues to join me in congratulating fice, for all of the hard work he has ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I this exceptional organization for their done for me, my staff, and the people of recognize Jordan Garside, a 2015 sum- unparalleled work and commitment. the State of Florida. mer intern in my Washington, DC, of- Congratulations to AFE for reaching Steven is currently a student at Re- fice, for all of the hard work he has this important milestone, and best dondo Union High School. He is a dedi- done for me, my staff, and the people of wishes for the next 100 years.∑ cated and diligent worker who has been the State of Florida. f devoted to getting the most out of his Jordan is a law student at the Uni- REMEMBERING ROGER VICKERS internship experience. versity of Virginia. He is a dedicated I would like to extend my sincere and diligent worker who has been de- ∑ Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today thanks and appreciation to Steven for voted to getting the most out of his in- I wish to recognize the life and legacy all the fine work he has done and wish ternship experience. of Marion County Sheriff Roger Vick- him continued success in the years to I would like to extend my sincere ers who passed away on Thursday, July come.∑ thanks and appreciation to Jordan for 23, 2015 following a battle with cancer. f all the fine work he has done and wish Sheriff Vickers dedicated his life to him continued success in the years to law enforcement and protecting the TRIBUTE TO NINA BARBERO come.∑ community. With more than three dec- ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I ades of service with the Arkansas State f recognize Nina Barbero, a 2015 summer Police, Sheriff Vickers was well re- intern in my Washington, DC, office, TRIBUTE TO HAYDEN GRAHL spected in the law enforcement com- for all of the hard work she has done ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I munity by the time he retired from the for me, my staff, and the people of the recognize Hayden Grahl, a 2015 summer State police in 2008 as lieutenant and State of Florida. intern in my Washington, DC, office, assistant troop commander of Troop I Nina is a student at Florida Gulf for all of the hard work he has done for in Harrison. During his time with the Coast University, where she is major- me, my staff, and the people of the Arkansas State Police, he received nu- ing in economics. She is a dedicated State of Florida. merous commendations, including the and diligent worker who has been de- Hayden is a student at the University Valor Award, the highest honor be- voted to getting the most out of her in- of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is stowed by the State police. ternship experience. majoring in political science. He is a His commitment to Marion County I would like to extend my sincere dedicated and diligent worker who has led him to run for sheriff. From the thanks and appreciation to Nina for all been devoted to getting the most out of time he was elected in 2008, Sheriff the fine work she has done and wish his internship experience. Vickers fought tirelessly to improve her continued success in the years to I would like to extend my sincere his community. He was an advocate for come.∑ thanks and appreciation to Hayden for building a new jail and his vision is all the fine work he has done and wish starting to take shape with the Marion f him continued success in the years to County Quorum Court recently approv- TRIBUTE TO ALEX FOGG come.∑ ing purchasing land for the project. ∑ Sheriff Vickers was a well-qualified Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I f recognize Alex Fogg, a 2015 summer in- law enforcement officer and also a true TRIBUTE TO AMBER MARIANO public servant. Prior to his career in tern in my Washington, DC, office, for ∑ law enforcement, he served as a marine all of the hard work he has done for Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I during the Vietnam war, earning the me, my staff, and the people of the recognize Amber Mariano, a 2015 sum- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, State of Florida. mer intern in my Washington, DC, of- Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Presi- Alex is a student at Princeton Uni- fice, for all of the hard work she has dential Unit Citation. versity, where he is majoring in chem- done for me, my staff, and the people of I am greatly appreciative for Sheriff istry. He is a dedicated and diligent the State of Florida. Vickers’ lifetime of service throughout worker who has been devoted to get- Amber is a student at the University the State of Arkansas. My prayers are ting the most out of his internship ex- of Central Florida, where she is major- with his wife Joan, and his family and perience. ing in political science. She is a dedi- friends during this trying time. I hope I would like to extend my sincere cated and diligent worker who has been they find comfort knowing that he thanks and appreciation to Alex for all devoted to getting the most out of her made a positive impact on his commu- the fine work he has done and wish him internship experience. nity.∑ continued success in the years to I would like to extend my sincere come.∑ thanks and appreciation to Amber for f f all the fine work she has done and wish TRIBUTE TO AIDAN ANDREWS her continued success in the years to ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I TRIBUTE TO THEODORE come.∑ FURCHTGOTT recognize Aidan Andrews, a 2015 sum- f mer intern in my Washington, DC, of- ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I fice, for all of the hard work he has recognize Theodore Furchtgott, a 2015 TRIBUTE TO LOGAN PERETZ done for me, my staff, and the people of summer intern in my Washington, DC, ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I the State of Florida. office, for all of the hard work he has recognize Logan Peretz, a 2015 summer

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.076 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 intern in my Washington, DC, office, PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE the Democratic Leader appoints the for all of the hard work he has done for following individual on the part of the me, my staff, and the people of the House of Representatives to the Com- State of Florida. REPORT ON THE CONTINUATION mission on Care: Mr. Michael Blecker Logan is a student at Northwestern OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY of San Francisco, California. THAT WAS ORIGINALLY DE- University, where he is majoring in po- ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED CLARED IN EXECUTIVE ORDER litical science and economics. He is a The President pro tempore (Mr. 13441 WITH RESPECT TO LEB- dedicated and diligent worker who has HATCH) announced that on today, July ANON—PM 22 been devoted to getting the most out of 29, 2015, he signed the following en- his internship experience. The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- rolled bills, previously signed by the I would like to extend my sincere fore the Senate the following message Speaker of the House: thanks and appreciation to Logan for from the President of the United S. 1482. An act to improve and reauthorize all the fine work he has done and wish States, together with an accompanying provisions relating to the application of the him continued success in the years to report; which was referred to the Com- antitrust laws to the award of need-based come.∑ mittee on Banking, Housing, and educational aid. Urban Affairs: H.R. 876. An act to amend title XVIII of the f Social Security Act to require hospitals to To the Congress of the United States: provide certain notifications to individuals Section 202(d) of the National Emer- TRIBUTE TO KATHERINE PERRY classified by such hospitals under observa- gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides tion status rather than admitted as inpa- ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I for the automatic termination of a na- tients of such hospitals. recognize Katherine Perry, a 2015 sum- tional emergency unless, within 90 f mer intern in my Washington, DC, of- days prior to the anniversary date of fice, for all of the hard work she has its declaration, the President publishes MEASURES REFERRED done for me, my staff, and the people of in the Federal Register and transmits to The following bill was read the first the State of Florida. the Congress a notice stating that the Katherine is a student at Colorado and the second times by unanimous emergency is to continue in effect be- consent, and referred as indicated: College, where she is majoring in polit- yond the anniversary date. In accord- H.R. 675. An act to increase, effective as of ical science. She is a dedicated and ance with this provision, I have sent to diligent worker who has been devoted December 1, 2015, the rates of compensation the Federal Register for publication the for veterans with service-connected disabil- to getting the most out of her intern- enclosed notice stating that the na- ities and the rates of dependency and indem- ship experience. tional emergency with respect to Leb- nity compensation for the survivors of cer- I would like to extend my sincere anon that was declared in Executive tain disabled veterans, to amend title 38, thanks and appreciation to Katherine Order 13441 of August 1, 2007, is to con- United States Code, to improve the United for all the fine work she has done and tinue in effect beyond August 1, 2015. States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, wish her continued success in the years Certain ongoing activities, such as to improve the processing of claims by the to come. ∑ continuing arms transfers to Hizballah Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- that include increasingly sophisticated fairs. f weapons systems, undermine Lebanese sovereignty, contribute to political and f TRIBUTE TO JAMES RULEY economic instability in the region, and MEASURES PLACED ON THE ∑ Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I continue to constitute an unusual and CALENDAR recognize James Ruley, a 2015 summer extraordinary threat to the national intern in my Washington, DC, office, security and foreign policy of the The following bill and joint resolu- for all of the hard work he has done for United States. For this reason, I have tion were read the second time, and me, my staff, and the people of the determined that it is necessary to con- placed on the calendar: State of Florida. tinue the national emergency declared S. 1881. A bill to prohibit Federal funding James is a law student at the Indiana in Executive Order 13441 with respect of Planned Parenthood Federation of Amer- University Mauerer School of Law. He to Lebanon. ica. H.J. Res. 61. Joint resolution amending the is a dedicated and diligent worker who BARACK OBAMA. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt em- has been devoted to getting the most THE WHITE HOUSE, July 29, 2015. ployees with health coverage under out of his internship experience. f TRICARE or the Veterans Administration I would like to extend my sincere MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE from being taken into account for purposes thanks and appreciation to James for of determining the employers to which the all the fine work he has done and wish At 12:03 p.m., a message from the employer mandate applies under the Patient him continued success in the years to House of Representatives, delivered by Protection and Affordable Care Act. Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, come.∑ f announced that the House has passed f the following bills, in which it requests ENROLLED BILL PRESENTED the concurrence of the Senate: The Secretary of the Senate reported MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT H.R. 427. An act to amend chapter 8 of title that on today, July 29, 2015, she had A message from the President of the 5, United States Code, to provide that major presented to the President of the rules of the executive branch shall have no United States was communicated to force or effect unless a joint resolution of ap- United States the following enrolled the Senate by Mr. Pate, one of his sec- proval is enacted into law. bill: retaries. H.R. 675. An act to increase, effective as of S. 1482. An act to improve and reauthorize December 1, 2015, the rates of compensation provisions relating to the application of the f for veterans with service-connected disabil- antitrust laws to the award of need-based ities and the rates of dependency and indem- educational aid. EXECUTIVE MESSAGE REFERRED nity compensation for the survivors of cer- tain disabled veterans, to amend title 38, f As in executive session the Presiding United States Code, to improve the United EXECUTIVE AND OTHER Officer laid before the Senate a mes- States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, sage from the President of the United to improve the processing of claims by the COMMUNICATIONS States submitting nominations which Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other The following communications were were referred to the Committee on purposes. laid before the Senate, together with Armed Services. The message also announced that accompanying papers, reports, and doc- (The message received today is print- pursuant to section 202(a) of the Vet- uments, and were referred as indicated: ed at the end of the Senate pro- erans Access, Choice, and Account- EC–2431. A communication from the Direc- ceedings.) ability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–146), tor of the Regulatory Management Division,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.023 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6133 Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- of Consumer Financial Protection, transmit- EC–2451. A communication from the Direc- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, titled ‘‘Zeta-cypermethrin; Pesticide Toler- titled ‘‘2013 Integrated Mortgage Disclosures Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ances’’ (FRL No. 9929–74) received in the Of- Rule Under the Real Estate Settlement Pro- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- fice of the President of the Senate on July cedures Act (Regulation X) and the Truth In titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- 28, 2015; to the Committee on Agriculture, Lending Act (Regulation Z) and Amend- mentation Plans and Designation of Areas; Nutrition, and Forestry. ments; Delay of Effective Date’’ (RIN3170– North Carolina; Redesignation of the Char- EC–2432. A communication from the Direc- AA48) received in the Office of the President lotte-Rock Hill, 2008 8-Hour Ozone Non- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, of the Senate on July 27, 2015; to the Com- attainment Area to Attainment’’ (FRL No. Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- 9931–28–Region 4) received in the Office of the ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- fairs. President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to titled ‘‘Phosphoric Acid Manufacturing and EC–2442. A communication from the Sec- the Committee on Environment and Public Phosphate Fertilizer Production RTR and retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- Works. Standards of Performance for Phosphate ant to law, a six-month periodic report on EC–2452. A communication from the Direc- Processing’’ ((RIN2060–AQ20) (FRL No. 9931– the national emergency that was declared in tor of the Regulatory Management Division, 01–OAR)) received in the Office of the Presi- Executive Order 12947 with respect to terror- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- dent of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to the ists who threaten to disrupt the Middle East ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and peace process; to the Committee on Banking, titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air Forestry. Housing, and Urban Affairs. Quality Implementation Plans; West Vir- EC–2433. A communication from the Direc- EC–2443. A communication from the Assist- ginia; 2011 Base Year Emissions Inventory tor of the Regulatory Management Division, ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- for the Marshall, West Virginia Nonattain- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to ment Area for the 2010 1-Hour Sulfur Dioxide ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard’’ titled ‘‘Isofetamid; Pesticide Tolerances’’ Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–015); to (FRL No. 9931–56–Region 3) received in the (FRL No. 9923–86) received in the Office of the Committee on Foreign Relations. Office of the President of the Senate on July the President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; EC–2444. A communication from the Assist- 28, 2015; to the Committee on Environment to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- and Public Works. and Forestry. ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to EC–2453. A communication from the Direc- EC–2434. A communication from the Direc- law, a report relative to sections 36(c) and tor of the Regulatory Management Division, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, 36(d) of the Arms Export Control Act (DDTC Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- 15–048); to the Committee on Foreign Rela- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- tions. titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air titled ‘‘Fluxapyroxad; Pesticide Tolerances’’ EC–2445. A communication from the Assist- Quality Implementation Plans; Virginia; (FRL No. 9930–73) received in the Office of ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- Consumer and Commercial Products and Mo- the President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to bile Equipment Repair and Refinishing Oper- to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the ations’’ (FRL No. 9931–29–Region 3) received and Forestry. Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–046); to in the Office of the President of the Senate EC–2435. A communication from the Direc- the Committee on Foreign Relations. on July 28, 2015; to the Committee on Envi- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, EC–2446. A communication from the Assist- ronment and Public Works. EC–2454. A communication from the Direc- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Depart- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- titled ‘‘Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy and law, a report relative to section 36(c) of the ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- the corresponding ammonium, sodium, po- Arms Export Control Act (DDTC 15–066); to titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air tassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc salts; the Committee on Foreign Relations. Quality Implementation Plans; State of Exemption from the Requirement of a Toler- EC–2447. A communication from the Direc- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Iowa; Revisions to Linn County Air Quality ance’’ (FRL No. 9930–22) received in the Of- Ordinance’’ (FRL No. 9931–33–Region 7) re- fice of the President of the Senate on July Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ceived in the Office of the President of the 28, 2015; to the Committee on Agriculture, Senate on July 28, 2015; to the Committee on Nutrition, and Forestry. titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- mentation Plans; Wyoming; Revisions to SO2 Environment and Public Works. EC–2436. A communication from the Direc- EC–2455. A communication from the Direc- Ambient Standards’’ (FRL No. 9931–38–Re- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, gion 8) received in the Office of the President Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to the Com- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- mittee on Environment and Public Works. titled ‘‘Benalaxyl-M; Pesticide Tolerances’’ titled ‘‘Technical Amendments to Inad- EC–2448. A communication from the Direc- (FRL No. 9927–63) received in the Office of vertent Errors in Air Quality Designations tor of the Regulatory Management Division, the President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; for the 2006 24-hour Fine Particulate Na- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, tional Ambient Air Quality Standards (2006 ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- and Forestry. 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS), 1997 Annual PM2.5 titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- EC–2437. A communication from the Chair- NAAQS, and 1987 Annual Coarse Particle mentation Plans; Washington: Interstate man of the Commodity Futures Trading (PM10) NAAQS’’ (FRL No. 9929–97–OAR) re- Transport of Fine Particulate Matter’’ (FRL Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, ceived in the Office of the President of the No. 9931–46–Region 10) received in the Office a report relative to a violation of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to the Committee on Antideficiency Act; to the Committee on Ap- of the President of the Senate on July 28, Environment and Public Works. propriations. 2015; to the Committee on Environment and EC–2456. A communication from the Regu- EC–2438. A communication from the Chair- Public Works. lations Specialist, Fish and Wildlife Service, man of the Commodity Futures Trading EC–2449. A communication from the Direc- Department of the Interior, transmitting, Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled a report relative to a violation of the Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ‘‘Subsistence Management Regulations for Antideficiency Act; to the Committee on Ap- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Public Lands in Alaska—2015–2016 and 2016– propriations. titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- 2017 Subsistence Taking of Fish Regula- EC–2439. A communication from the Prin- mentation Plans; North Carolina: Non-inter- tions’’ (RIN1018–AZ67) received in the Office cipal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense ference Demonstration for Federal Low-Reid of the President of the Senate on July 28, (Personnel and Readiness), transmitting a Vapor Pressure Requirement for Gaston and 2015; to the Committee on Environment and report on the approved retirement of General Mecklenburg Counties’’ (FRL No. 9931–27–Re- Public Works. Martin E. Dempsey, United States Army, gion 4) received in the Office of the President EC–2457. A communication from the Chief and his advancement to the grade of general of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to the Com- of the Endangered Species Listing Branch, on the retired list; to the Committee on mittee on Environment and Public Works. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Armed Services. EC–2450. A communication from the Direc- Interior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the EC–2440. A communication from the Acting tor of the Regulatory Management Division, report of a rule entitled ‘‘Endangered and Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation Readiness), transmitting a report on the ap- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- of Critical Habitat for Mount Charleston proved retirement of General Raymond T. titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- Blue Butterfly (Icaricia (Plebejus) shasta Odierno, United States Army, and his ad- mentation Plans; Georgia: Revisions to Defi- charlestonensis)’’ (RIN1018–AZ91) received in vancement to the grade of general on the re- nitions and Ambient Air Quality Standards’’ the Office of the President of the Senate on tired list; to the Committee on Armed Serv- (FRL No. 9931–65–Region 4) received in the July 28, 2015; to the Committee on Environ- ices. Office of the President of the Senate on July ment and Public Works. EC–2441. A communication from the Assist- 28, 2015; to the Committee on Environment EC–2458. A communication from the Chief ant Director for Legislative Affairs, Bureau and Public Works. of the Recovery and State Grants Branch,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.015 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the By Mr. JOHNSON, from the Committee on me of the pertinent contributions made by Interior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Homeland Security and Governmental Af- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Endangered and fairs, without amendment: formation contained in this report is com- Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical S. 1826. A bill to designate the facility of plete and accurate.) Corrections for 54 Wildlife and Plant Species the United States Postal Service located at Contributions: amount, date, and donee: on the List of Endangered and Threatened 99 West 2nd Street in Fond du Lac, Wis- 1. Self: None. Wildlife and Plants’’ (RIN1018–BA89) received consin, as the Lieutenant Colonel James 2. Spouse: Not applicable. in the Office of the President of the Senate ‘‘Maggie’’ Megellas Post Office. 3. Children and Spouses: Not Applicable. on July 28, 2015; to the Committee on Envi- 4. Parents: Marilyn Doherty: None. John f ronment and Public Works . Doherty: Deceased (2007). EC–2459. A communication from the Acting EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF 5. Grandparents: Thomas Doherty (1944) Chief of the Endangered Species Listing COMMITTEES Deceased; Edward Grimm (1956) Deceased; Branch, Fish and Wildlife Service, Depart- Eliza Jane Doherty (1990) Deceased; Helen ment of the Interior, transmitting, pursuant The following executive reports of Rita Grimm (1986) Deceased. to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Endan- nominations were submitted: 6. Brothers and Spouses: Robert Doherty gered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; By Mr. CORKER for the Committee on and spouse Elizabeth Doherty; Friends of Threatened Status for the Rufa Red Knot’’ Foreign Relations. Jim Meffert: $99 10/2010; ACP Services PAC: (RIN1018–AY17) received in the Office of the * Sheila Gwaltney, of California, a Career Cumulative Total $1000, 2/2011, 3/2012, 4/2013, 3/ President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class 2014, Hope for Congress: Total $250, 2/2014, the Committee on Environment and Public of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- Spouse (Elizabeth Doherty): Obama Victory Works. traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Fund: Cumulative Total Amount, $366, Feb- EC–2460. A communication from the Acting United States of America to the Kyrgyz Re- ruary, July, and September 2012. 7. Sisters and Spouses: Erin Doherty Rose Chief of the Foreign Species Branch, Fish public. and spouse Peter Rose: None; Patricia and Wildlife Service, Department of the Inte- Nominee: Sheila Gwaltney. Doherty and spouse Robert Garber: Alan rior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- Post: Kyrgyz Republic. Grayson, Congressional Re-Election Cam- port of a rule entitled ‘‘Endangered and (The following is a list of all members of paign, $15.00, 9/2010; Bill Pascrell, Congres- Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing All my immediate family and their spouses. I sional Re-Election Campaign, $25.00, 9/2010; Chimpanzees as Endangered Species; Final have asked each of these persons to inform MoveOn.org, $5.00 9/2010; Alan Grayson, Con- Rule’’ (RIN1018–AZ52) received in the Office me of the pertinent contributions made by gressional Re-Election Campaign, $15.00, 9/ of the President of the Senate on July 28, them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- 2012; Elizabeth Warren, Senatorial Election 2015; to the Committee on Environment and formation contained in this report is com- Campaign, $50.00, 9/2011; John Arvanites, Public Works. plete and accurate.) Congressional Campaign, $50.00, 8/2012; Act EC–2461. A communication from the Chief Contributions, amount, date, and donee: Blue DSCC, $15.00, 2/2012; MoveOn.org, $5.00, of the Division of Environmental Review, 1. Self: 0. 9/2012; Act Blue DCCC, $50.00, 9/20/13; Corey Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the 2. Spouse: N/A. Booker, NJ Senatorial Election Campaign, Interior, transmitting, pursuant to law, the 3. Children and Spouses: N/A. $25.00, 8/2013; Barbara Buono, NJ Governor report of a rule entitled ‘‘Interagency Co- 4. Parents: Helen Gwaltney Rose—deceased Election Campaign, $50,00, 8/2013. operation—Endangered Species Act of 1973, 2002; Ralph Carl Gwaltney, Sr.—deceased as Amended; Incidental Take Statements’’ 1971. *Hans G. Klemm, of Michigan, a Career (RIN1018–AX85) received in the Office of the 5. Grandparents: Ollie Tice Casey—de- Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to ceased 1978 (est); Homer Tice—deceased in of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- the Committee on Environment and Public 1940s (est); William Gwaltney—deceased in traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Works. 1960s (est); Father’s mother—deceased in United States of America to Romania. EC–2462. A communication from the Wild- 1930s (est). Nominee: Hans G. Klemm. life Biologist, Fish and Wildlife Service, De- 6. Brothers and Spouses: George Michael Post: Romania. partment of the Interior, transmitting, pur- Gwaltney—Deceased in 1997; Ralph Carl (The following is a list of all members of suant to law, the report of a rule entitled Gwaltney, Jr., 0; Marjorie Gwaltney, 0; Dan my immediate family and their spouses. I ‘‘Migratory Bird Permits; Update of Fal- Gwaltney, 0; Joann Gwaltney, 0; David have asked each of these persons to inform conry Permitting Reporting Address’’ Gwaltney, 0; Sue Gwaltney, 0; Steven me of the pertinent contributions made by (RIN1018–BA90) received in the Office of the Gwaltney, 0; Deborah Gwaltney, 0. them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- President of the Senate on July 28, 2015; to 7. Sisters and Spouses: NA. the Committee on Environment and Public formation contained in this report is com- Works. plete and accurate.) *Perry L. Holloway, of South Carolina, a Contributions, amount, date, and donee: f Career Member of the Senior Foreign Serv- 1. Self: None. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ice, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Am- 2. Spouse: Mari Kano Klemm: None. bassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 3. Children and Spouses: N/A. The following reports of committees of the United States of America to the Co- 4. Parents: Hans J. Klemm—deceased; were submitted: operative Republic of Guyana. Ingeborg K. S. Klemm—deceased. By Mr. THUNE, from the Committee on Nominee: Perry Lee Holloway. 5. Grandparents: Grandfather: Emil Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Post: Georgetown, Guyana. Klemm—deceased; Grandmother: Martha with an amendment in the nature of a sub- (The following is a list of all members of Klemm—deceased; Grandfather: Georg stitute: my immediate family and their spouses. I Schievelbein—deceased; Grandmother: Char- S. 373. A bill to provide for the establish- have asked each of these persons to inform lotte Schievelbein—deceased. ment of nationally uniform and environ- me of the pertinent contributions made by 6. Brothers and Spouses: Steven Klemm, mentally sound standards governing dis- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- none; Eileen Klemm (spouse), none. charges incidental to the normal operation formation contained in this report is com- 7. Sisters and Spouses: Lori Klemm, none; of a vessel (Rept. No. 114–96). plete and accurate.) Sally Klemm, none. By Mr. CORKER, from the Committee on Contributions, amount, date, and donee: Foreign Relations, with an amendment: 1. Self: None. * James Desmond Melville, Jr., of New Jer- S. 284. A bill to impose sanctions with re- 2. Spouse: None. sey, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign spect to foreign persons responsible for gross 3. Children and Spouses: None. Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be violations of internationally recognized 4. Parents: None. Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- human rights, and for other purposes. 5. Grandparents: None. potentiary of the United States of America By Mr. JOHNSON, from the Committee on 6. Brothers and Spouses: None. to the Republic of Estonia. Homeland Security and Governmental Af- 7. Sisters and Spouses: None. Nominee: James Desmond Melville. Jr. fairs, without amendment: Post: Tallinn, Republic of Estonia. S. 1596. A bill to designate the facility of * Kathleen Ann Doherty, of New York, a (The following is a list of all members of the United States Postal Service located at Career Member of the Senior Foreign Serv- my immediate family and their spouses. I 2082 Stringtown Road in Grove City, Ohio, as ice, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Am- have asked each of these persons to inform the ‘‘Specialist Joseph W. Riley Post Office bassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary me of the pertinent contributions made by Building’’. of the United States of America to the Re- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- By Mr. CORKER, from the Committee on public of Cyprus. formation contained in this report is com- Foreign Relations, with an amendment in Nominee: Kathleen Ann Doherty. plete and accurate.) the nature of a substitute: Post: Cyprus. Contributions, amount, date, and donee: S. 1632. A bill to require a regional strat- (The following is a list of all members of 1. Self: None. egy to address the threat posed by Boko my immediate family and their spouses. I 2. Spouse: None. Haram. have asked each of these persons to inform 3. Children and Spouses: None.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.015 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6135 4. Parents: None. None; Nora Sarah Murray (Heins): None; Maurice Heins, 5,000, 8/8/2011, Democratic 5. Grandparents: None. Scott Murray: Please see continuation pages. Senatorial Campaign Committee; 20,000, 9/14/ 6. Brothers and Spouses: None. 4. Parents: Maurice Heins: Please see con- 2012, Obama Victory Fund 2012. 7. Sisters and Spouses: None. tinuation pages; Hadassa Wagman Heins: Hadassa Wagman Heins, 25,000, 10/27/2011, Please see continuation pages. Obama Victory Fund 2012; 5,000, 5/21/2012, * Peter F. Mulrean, of Massachusetts, a Ca- 5. Grandparents: Alec Wagman: Deceased; Obama Victory Fund 2012; 1,000, 7/23/2012, reer Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Libby Wagman: Deceased; Samuel Heins: De- Democratic Senatorial Campaign Com- Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- ceased; Rose Heins: Deceased. mittee; 20,000, 9/14/2012, Obama Victory Fund traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the 6. Brothers and Spouses: None. 2012. 7. Sisters and Spouses: Sulamith Heins United States of America to the Republic of Scott Murray, 100, Sep 14, Mayday PAC. Potter: None; Jack Potter: None. Haiti. Samuel D. Heins, 2,500, 10/19/2011, Barnes Nominee: Peter Francis Mulrean. for Congress; 200, 12/13/2011, Chris Coleman * Paul Wayne Jones, of Maryland, a Career Post: Port-au-Prince, Haiti. for Congress; 30,800, 8/5/2011 (refunded on 8/12/ Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class (The following is a list of all members of 2011), Democratic Senatorial Campaign Com- of Career Minister, to be Ambassador Ex- my immediate family and their spouses. I mittee; 10,000, 8/12/2011, Franken MVPS; 2,500, traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the have asked each of these persons to inform 9/30/2011, Friends of Maria; 800, 2/2/2011, Klo- United States of America to the Republic of me of the pertinent contributions made by buchar for Minnesota 2012; 1,000, 7/28/2011, Poland. them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- McCollum for Congress; 2,500, 5/3/2011, Min- Nominee: Paul Wayne Jones. formation contained in this report is com- nesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party; Post: Poland. plete and accurate.) 35,800, 8/17/2011 ($5,000 refund on 8/17/2011; (The following is a list of all members of Contributions, amount, date, and donee: $30,800 refunded from portion of contribution my immediate family and their spouses. I 1. Self: $250, 09/02/2012, Barack Obama. allocable to the Democratic Senatorial Cam- have asked each of these persons to inform 2. Spouse: Corinne Beque: None. paign Committee on 3/29/2013), Minnesota me of the pertinent contributions made by 3. Children and Spouses: Chloe Mulrean: Senate 2012; 10,000, 5/11/2011, Minnesota Sen- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- None; Celine Mulrean: None. ate Victory Committee 2012; 2,500, 9/13/2011, formation contained in this report is com- 4. Parents: Francis H. Mulrean—deceased, Montanans For Tester; 2,500, 9/13/2011, Mon- plete and accurate.) none; Ann S. Mulrean, None. tanans For Tester; 2,500, 4/4/2011, Obama For Contributions, amount, date, and donee: 5. Grandparents: Francis X. Mulrean—de- America; 2,500, 4/4/2011, Obama For America; 1. Self: None. ceased, None; Catherine Mulrean—deceased, 30,800, 10/11/2011, Obama Victory Fund 2012; 2. Spouse: Catherine Cheremeteff Grove None; William Mahoney—deceased, None; 9,200, 12/16/2011, Swing State Victory Fund; Jones, none. Margaret Mahoney—deceased, None. 250, 3/31/2011, Tim Walz for US Congress; 2,250, 3. Children and Spouses: Aleksandra 6. Sisters and Spouses: Linda M. Mulrean, 5/11/2011, Tim Walz for US Congress; 2,500, 5/ Cheremeteff Jones, none; Hale Grove Jones, None; John G. Rowe, None; Diane J. 12/2011, Tim Walz for US Congress; 5,000, 9/14/ none. Mulrean, None; Mary C. Mulrean, None; Rob- 2011, Treasure State PAC; 2,500, 6/17/2011, 4. Parents: Evelyn Jones (Mother), $175, ert P. Wiemann—None. Whitehouse for Senate; 35,800, 3/27/2012, Com- 2014, DSCC; $175, 2013, DSCC; $150, 2012, mittee for Charlotte, NC; 10,000, 9/19/2012, DSCC; $50, 2012, Obama Victory Fund; $50, *Laura Farnsworth Dogu, of Texas, a Ca- Iowa Democratic Party (transferred to non- 2012, Obama for America; Father—deceased. reer Member of the Senior Foreign Service, federal account); 5,000, 3/2/2012, Minnesota 5. Grandparents: None living, none. Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambas- Democratic Farmer-Labor Party; 2,000, 9/19/ 6. Brothers and Spouses: none. 7. Sisters and Spouses: Catherine Johnsen sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of 2012, Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor (Sister), none; Sigurd Johnsen (Her Spouse), the United States of America to the Republic Party; 500, 11/29/2012, Minnesota Democratic of Nicaragua. Farmer-Labor Party; 500, 6/5/2013, Minnesota none; Margaret Anne Wayne Jones (Sister), Nominee: Laura Farnsworth Dogu. Democratic Farmer-Labor Party; 1,000, 3/4/ none. Post: Mexico City. 2013, Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor (The following is a list of all members of Party; 5,000, 1/24/2013, Midwest Values PAC; * Michele Thoren Bond, of the District of my immediate family and their spouses. I 2,500, 4/3/2013, Follow the North Star Fund; Columbia, a Career Member of the Senior have asked each of these persons to inform 32,400, 2/28/2013, Democratic Senatorial Cam- Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, me of the pertinent contributions made by paign Committee; 5,200, 5/19/2014, Alison to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Con- them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- Lundergan Grimes for US Senate; 5,000, 7/15/ sular Affairs). formation contained in this report is com- 2014, Democratic Congressional Campaign * Sarah Elizabeth Mendelson, of the Dis- plete and accurate.) Committee; 15,000, 2/20/2014, Democratic Na- trict of Columbia, to be Representative of Contributions, amount, date, and donee: tional Committee; 10,000, 8/07/2014, Minnesota the United States of America on the Eco- 1. Self: None. Democratic Farmer-Labor Party; 1,000, 9/11/ nomic and Social Council of the United Na- 2. Spouse: None. 2014, Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor tions, with the rank of Ambassador. 3. Children and Spouses: Derin Berk Dogu Party (transferred to nonfederal account on * Sarah Elizabeth Mendelson, of the Dis- (son), none; Adem Akin Dogu (son) none. 10/18/2014); 10,000, 10/17/2014, Minnesota Demo- trict of Columbia, to be an Alternate Rep- 4. Parents: Patricia F. Farnsworth, none; cratic Farmer-Labor Party (transferred to resentative of the United States of America David Lee Farnsworth (deceased). nonfederal account on 10/18/2014); 5,000, 6/27/ to the Sessions of the General Assembly of 5. Grandparents: Agnes Fanning (deceased), 2014, Ready for Hillary PAC; 1,000, 7/8/2014, the United Nations, during her tenure of Wallace Fanning (deceased). Tim Waltz for US Congress; 5,000, 7/7/2014, service as Representative of the United 6. Brothers and Spouses: Andrew Win Minnesota Federal PAC. States of America on the Economic and So- Farnsworth (brother), none; Jennifer Stacey Mills Heins, 2,500, 10/20/2011, Barnes cial Council of the United Nations. Farnsworth (spouse), none. for Congress; 10,000, 8/12/2011 ($5,000 refunded * Gayle Smith, of Ohio, to be Adminis- 7. Sisters and Spouses: Katherine on 2/24/2013 from portion of contribution allo- trator of the United States Agency for Inter- Farnsworth (sister), none. cable to Midwest Values PAC), Franken national Development. MVPS; 200, 2/2/2011, Klobuchar for Minnesota * Thomas O. Melia, of Maryland, to be an * Samuel D. Heins, of Minnesota, to be Am- 2012; 1,400, 2/2/2011, Klobuchar for Minnesota Assistant Administrator of the United bassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 2012; 300, 4/30/2011, Klobuchar for Minnesota States Agency for International Develop- of the United States of America to the King- 2012; 2,300 4/30/2011 ($200 refunded on 5/11/2011), ment. dom of Norway. Klobuchar for Minnesota 2012; 1000, 7/27/2011 Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, for the Nominee: Samuel D. Heins. (refunded 2/11/2013,) Minnesota Democratic Committee on Foreign Relations I re- Post: U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Farmer-Labor Party; 30,800, 10/11/2011, Obama port favorably the following nomina- Norway. Victory Fund 2012; 9,200, 12/16/2011, Swing Nominated: May 14, 2015. State Victory Fund; 2,500, 8/31/2011, Tim Walz tion list which was printed in the (The following is a list of all members of For US Congress; 300, 9/30/2012 (refunded on 4/ RECORD on the date indicated, and ask my immediate family and their spouses. I 30/2013), Democratic Party of Wisconsin; unanimous consent, to save the ex- have asked each of these persons to inform 2,500, 5/31/2012, Jim Graves for Congress; 2,500, pense of reprinting on the Executive me of the pertinent contributions made by 9/24/2012, Jim Graves for Congress; 5,000, 3/19/ Calendar that this nomination lie at them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- 2012, Obama Victory Fund 2012; 30,800, 3/19/ the Secretary’s desk for the informa- formation contained in this report is com- 2012, Obama Victory Fund 2012; 2,500, 6/15/ tion of Senators. plete and accurate.) 2012, Tim Walz for US Congress; 5,000, 1/24/ Contributions, Amount, Date, Donee: 2013 (refunded 2/24/2013), Midwest Values The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 1. Samuel D. Heins Please see continuation PAC; 500, 3/11/2013, Minnesota Democratic objection, it is so ordered. pages. Farmer-Labor Party; 5,000, 1/14/2013, Presi- * Foreign Service nominations beginning 2. Stacey Mills Heins Please see continu- dential Inaugural Committee 2013; 5,000, 1/2/ with Maura Barry Boyle and ending with An- ation pages. 2013, Presidential Inaugural Committee 2013; thony Wolak, which nominations were re- 3. Children and Spouses: Madeleine Sarah 500, 6/18/2014, Minnesota Democratic Farmer- ceived by the Senate and appeared in the lsraelson (Heins): None; Brody Israelson: Labor Party. Congressional Record on June 10, 2015.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.027 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 (minus 3 nominees: Jeffries Blunt de S. 1887. A bill to protect and preserve inter- By Mr. BLUNT: Graffenried, Jr.; Debbie Patrice Jackson; national cultural property at risk due to po- S. Res. 234. A resolution to authorize the Christopher Nairn Steel) litical instability, armed conflict, or natural printing of a collection of the rules of the By Mr. INHOFE for the Committee on En- or other disasters, and for other purposes; to committees of the Senate; considered and vironment and Public Works. the Committee on Foreign Relations. agreed to. * Kristen Marie Kulinowski, of New York, By Mr. MCCAIN (for himself and Mr. By Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr. to be a Member of the Chemical Safety and ENZI): NELSON): Hazard Investigation Board for a term of five S. 1888. A bill to reduce waste and imple- S. Res. 235. A resolution designating Sep- years. ment cost savings and revenue enhancement tember 2015 as ‘‘National Spinal Cord Injury * Eric Martin Satz, of Tennessee, to be a for the Federal Government; to the Com- Awareness Month’’; considered and agreed Member of the Board of Directors of the Ten- mittee on Environment and Public Works. to. nessee Valley Authority for a term expiring By Ms. MIKULSKI: f May 18, 2018. S. 1889. A bill to make supplemental appro- * Vanessa Lorraine Allen Sutherland, of priations for fiscal year 2015; to the Com- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS Virginia, to be a Member of the Chemical mittee on Appropriations. S. 30 By Mr. HATCH (for himself, Mr. COONS, Safety and Hazard Investigation Board for a At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the Mr. FLAKE, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. TILLIS, term of five years. name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. * Vanessa Lorraine Allen Sutherland, of and Ms. BALDWIN): S. 1890. A bill to amend chapter 90 of title MCCAIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. Virginia, to be Chairperson of the Chemical 30, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- Safety and Hazard Investigation Board for a 18, United States Code, to provide Federal ju- risdiction for the theft of trade secrets, and term of five years. enue Code of 1986 to modify the defini- for other purposes; to the Committee on the * Gregory Guy Nadeau, of Maine, to be Ad- tion of full-time employee for purposes Judiciary. ministrator of the Federal Highway Admin- of the employer mandate in the Pa- By Mr. WYDEN (for himself and Mr. istration. tient Protection and Affordable Care UDALL): By Mr. JOHNSON for the Committee on S. 1891. A bill to amend the Mineral Leas- Act. Homeland Security and Governmental Af- ing Act to improve coal royalties, and for S. 31 fairs. other purposes; to the Committee on Energy At the request of Ms. KLOBUCHAR, the * Denise Turner Roth, of North Carolina, to and Natural Resources. name of the Senator from Wisconsin be Administrator of General Services. By Mr. HATCH (for himself and Mr. (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- * Nomination was reported with rec- WARNER): sor of S. 31, a bill to amend part D of ommendation that it be confirmed sub- S. 1892. A bill to provide for loan repay- ment for teachers in high-need schools; to title XVIII of the Social Security Act ject to the nominee’s commitment to to require the Secretary of Health and respond to requests to appear and tes- the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Human Services to negotiate covered tify before any duly constituted com- By Mr. ALEXANDER (for himself, Mrs. part D drug prices on behalf of Medi- mittee of the Senate. MURRAY, Mr. ENZI, Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. care beneficiaries. f ISAKSON, Mr. BENNET, Mr. KIRK, Ms. S. 141 BALDWIN, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. MURPHY, INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the Ms. AYOTTE, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. JOINT RESOLUTIONS WICKER, Mr. CASEY, Mr. UDALL, Mr. MCCAIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. The following bills and joint resolu- DURBIN, Ms. MIKULSKI, Ms. HEITKAMP, and Mr. CASSIDY): 141, a bill to repeal the provisions of tions were introduced, read the first S. 1893. A bill to reauthorize and improve the Patient Protection and Affordable and second times by unanimous con- programs related to mental health and sub- Care Act providing for the Independent sent, and referred as indicated: stance use disorders; to the Committee on Payment Advisory Board. Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. By Mr. CARDIN (for himself and Mr. S. 149 KIRK): By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and At the request of Mr. HATCH, the S. 1882. A bill to support the sustainable re- Mrs. BOXER): covery and rebuilding of Nepal following the S. 1894. A bill to provide short-term water name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. recent, devastating earthquakes near supplies to drought-stricken California; to MCCAIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. Kathmandu; to the Committee on Foreign the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- 149, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- Relations. sources. enue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise By Mr. REED (for himself and Mrs. By Mr. MCCAIN: tax on medical devices. S. 1895. A bill to amend the Radiation Ex- CAPITO): S. 258 S. 1883. A bill to maximize discovery, and posure Compensation Act for purposes of making claims under such Act based on ex- At the request of Mr. ROBERTS, the accelerate development and availability, of name of the Senator from Arkansas promising childhood cancer treatments, and posure to atmospheric nuclear testing; to the for other purposes; to the Committee on Committee on the Judiciary. (Mr. COTTON) was added as a cosponsor Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. By Mr. CASEY (for himself, Mr. of S. 258, a bill to amend title XVIII of By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. FRANKEN, Mrs. MURRAY, Ms. WARREN, the Social Security Act to remove the WHITEHOUSE, Mr. REED, Mr. BROWN, Mr. BROWN, and Mr. MERKLEY): 96-hour physician certification require- S. 1896. A bill to amend the Fair Labor Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. KING, and Ms. Standards Act of 1938 to ensure that employ- ment for inpatient critical access hos- HIRONO): pital services. S. 1884. A bill to amend title XVIII of the ees are not misclassified as non-employees, S. 330 Social Security Act to deliver a meaningful and for other purposes; to the Committee on benefit and lower prescription drug prices Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. At the request of Mr. HELLER, the under the Medicare program; to the Com- By Mr. SCOTT (for himself, Mr. GRA- name of the Senator from Arkansas mittee on Finance. HAM, and Mr. BOOKER): (Mr. COTTON) was added as a cosponsor S. 1897. A bill to help keep law enforcement By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself, of S. 330, a bill to amend the Internal officers and communities safer by making Mr. SANDERS, Mr. BROWN, and Ms. grants to purchase body worn cameras for Revenue Code of 1986 to make perma- HIRONO): use by State, local, and tribal law enforce- nent the special rule for contributions S. 1885. A bill to amend title 38, United ment officers; to the Committee on Home- of qualified conservation contribu- States Code, to improve the provision of as- land Security and Governmental Affairs. tions, and for other purposes. sistance and benefits to veterans who are By Mr. CASSIDY: S. 621 homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or S. 1898. A bill to establish a program to as- occupying temporary housing, and for other At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the sist in the importation and care of abused, name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- injured, or abandoned nonhuman primates; fairs. to the Committee on Health, Education, MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of By Mr. WICKER (for himself and Ms. Labor, and Pensions. S. 621, a bill to amend the Federal CANTWELL): f Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to en- S. 1886. A bill to reauthorize the Integrated sure the safety and effectiveness of Costal and Ocean Observation System Act of SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND medically important antimicrobials 2009 and for other purposes; to the Com- SENATE RESOLUTIONS mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- approved for use in the prevention and tation. The following concurrent resolutions control of animal diseases, in order to By Mr. CASEY (for himself, Mr. GRASS- and Senate resolutions were read, and minimize the development of anti- LEY, and Mr. PERDUE): referred (or acted upon), as indicated: biotic-resistant bacteria.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:45 Feb 23, 2016 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD15\JUL 15\S29JY5.REC S29JY5 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6137 S. 637 Mexico (Mr. HEINRICH) was added as a Rights Act of 1965 to revise the criteria At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the cosponsor of S. 1144, a bill to amend for determining which States and polit- name of the Senator from Wisconsin title 5, United States Code, to provide ical subdivisions are subject to section (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- for a corporate responsibility invest- 4 of the Act, and for other purposes. sor of S. 637, a bill to amend the Inter- ment option under the Thrift Savings S. 1760 nal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and Plan. At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, modify the railroad track maintenance S. 1212 the name of the Senator from New credit. At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the York (Mr. SCHUMER) was added as a co- S. 700 name of the Senator from Michigan sponsor of S. 1760, a bill to prevent gun At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor trafficking. name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. of S. 1212, a bill to amend the Internal S. 1789 MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of Revenue Code of 1986 and the Small At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the S. 700, a bill to amend the Asbestos In- Business Act to expand the availability names of the Senator from Virginia formation Act of 1988 to establish a of employee stock ownership plans in S (Mr. KAINE), the Senator from West public database of asbestos-containing corporations, and for other purposes. Virginia (Mrs. CAPITO), the Senator products, to require public disclosure S. 1312 from New Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) of information pertaining to the manu- At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the and the Senator from Delaware (Mr. facture, processing, distribution, and name of the Senator from Arkansas COONS) were added as cosponsors of S. use of asbestos-containing products in (Mr. COTTON) was added as a cosponsor 1789, a bill to improve defense coopera- the United States, and for other pur- of S. 1312, a bill to modernize Federal tion between the United States and the poses. policies regarding the supply and dis- Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. S. 709 tribution of energy in the United S. 1812 At the request of Mr. ROBERTS, the States, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. S. 1345 name of the Senator from South Caro- MCCAIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the lina (Mr. SCOTT) was added as a cospon- 709, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- name of the Senator from Michigan sor of S. 1812, a bill to protect public enue Code of 1986 to repeal the amend- (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- safety by incentivizing State and local ments made by the Patient Protection sor of S. 1345, a bill to amend title law enforcement to cooperate with and Affordable Care Act which dis- XVIII of the Social Security Act to im- Federal immigration law enforcement qualify expenses for over-the-counter prove access to diabetes self-manage- to prevent the release of criminal drugs under health savings accounts ment training by authorizing certified aliens into communities. and health flexible spending arrange- diabetes educators to provide diabetes S. 1832 ments. self-management training services, in- At the request of Mr. SANDERS, the S. 804 cluding as part of telehealth services, name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. BROWN) was added as a cosponsor of S. At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the under part B of the Medicare program. 1832, a bill to provide for increases in name of the Senator from West Vir- S. 1382 the Federal minimum wage. ginia (Mrs. CAPITO) was added as a co- At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, sponsor of S. 804, a bill to amend title the name of the Senator from Ohio S. 1833 At the request of Mr. CASEY, the XVIII of the Social Security Act to (Mr. BROWN) was added as a cosponsor specify coverage of continuous glucose of S. 1382, a bill to prohibit discrimina- name of the Senator from Maryland monitoring devices, and for other pur- tion in adoption or foster care place- (Ms. MIKULSKI) was added as a cospon- poses. ments based on the sexual orientation, sor of S. 1833, a bill to amend the Rich- ard B. Russell National School Lunch S. 925 gender identity, or marital status of Act to improve the child and adult care At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the any prospective adoptive or foster par- food program. name of the Senator from Rhode Island ent, or the sexual orientation or gender S. 1834 (Mr. REED) was added as a cosponsor of identity of the child involved. At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, S. 925, a bill to require the Secretary of S. 1465 the name of the Senator from Rhode Is- the Treasury to convene a panel of citi- At the request of Mr. KIRK, the name land (Mr. REED) was added as a cospon- zens to make a recommendation to the of the Senator from South Dakota (Mr. sor of S. 1834, a bill to amend title 18, Secretary regarding the likeness of a THUNE) was added as a cosponsor of S. United States Code, to protect more woman on the twenty dollar bill, and 1465, a bill to amend title XVIII of the victims of domestic violence by pre- for other purposes. Social Security Act to expand access to venting their abusers from possessing stroke telehealth services under the S. 1110 or receiving firearms, and for other Medicare program. At the request of Mr. ENZI, the name purposes. S. 1489 of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. S. 1872 MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the At the request of Mr. BOOKER, the S. 1110, a bill to direct the Secretary of name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. name of the Senator from Michigan Agriculture to publish in the Federal PERDUE) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor Register a strategy to significantly in- 1489, a bill to strengthen support for of S. 1872, a bill to amend the Higher crease the role of volunteers and part- the Cuban people and prohibit financial Education Act of 1965 to require the ners in National Forest System trail transactions with the Cuban military, Secretary to provide for the use of data maintenance, and for other purposes. and for other purposes. from the second preceding tax year to S. 1121 S. 1555 carry out the simplification of applica- At the request of Ms. AYOTTE, the At the request of Ms. HIRONO, the tions for the estimation and deter- name of the Senator from Michigan name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. mination of financial aid eligibility, to (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. increase the income threshold to qual- sor of S. 1121, a bill to amend the Horse 1555, a bill to award a Congressional ify for zero expected family contribu- Protection Act to designate additional Gold Medal, collectively, to the Fili- tion, and for other purposes. unlawful acts under the Act, strength- pino veterans of World War II, in rec- S. 1875 en penalties for violations of the Act, ognition of the dedicated service of the At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the improve Department of Agriculture en- veterans during World War II. name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. forcement of the Act, and for other S. 1659 RUBIO) was added as a cosponsor of S. purposes. At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the 1875, a bill to support enhanced ac- S. 1144 name of the Senator from Michigan countability for United States assist- At the request of Mr. WHITEHOUSE, (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor ance to Afghanistan, and for other pur- the name of the Senator from New of S. 1659, a bill to amend the Voting poses.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.020 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 S. 1877 tion from being taken into account for isn’t working, or if other major med- At the request of Mr. INHOFE, the purposes of determining the employers ical events occur during the course of a name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. to which the employer mandate applies particular treatment. It is critical that PERDUE) was added as a cosponsor of S. under the Patient Protection and Af- doctors, nurses, and other providers are 1877, a bill to require the Attorney fordable Care Act. able to effectively communicate infor- General to appoint a special prosecutor AMENDMENT NO. 2456 mation about the disease, the treat- to investigate Planned Parenthood, At the request of Mr. MORAN, the ment process, and what other health and for other purposes. names of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. and development impacts children can S. 1881 HELLER) and the Senator from Oregon expect to experience. At the request of Mrs. ERNST, the (Mr. MERKLEY) were added as cospon- As such, the STAR Act reauthorizes names of the Senator from Georgia sors of amendment No. 2456 intended to the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer (Mr. PERDUE), the Senator from North be proposed to H.R. 22, a bill to amend Childhood Cancer Act to help create a Carolina (Mr. BURR), the Senator from the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to comprehensive children’s cancer bio- Arkansas (Mr. COTTON), the Senator exempt employees with health cov- repository for researchers to use in from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN), the Sen- erage under TRICARE or the Veterans searching for biospecimens to study ator from Louisiana (Mr. CASSIDY), the Administration from being taken into and would improve surveillance of Senator from Ohio (Mr. PORTMAN), the account for purposes of determining childhood cancer cases. Senator from North Carolina (Mr. the employers to which the employer Additionally, this legislation in- TILLIS), the Senator from Florida (Mr. mandate applies under the Patient Pro- cludes provisions dealing with issues RUBIO), the Senator from Louisiana tection and Affordable Care Act. that arise for survivors of childhood (Mr. VITTER), the Senator from South f cancer. Unfortunately, even after beat- Dakota (Mr. ROUNDS), the Senator from ing cancer, as many as two-thirds of STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED Mississippi (Mr. WICKER), the Senator childhood cancer survivors are likely BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS from Idaho (Mr. CRAPO) and the Sen- to experience at least one late effect of ator from Utah (Mr. LEE) were added as By Mr. REED (for himself and treatment; as many as one-fourth expe- cosponsors of S. 1881, a bill to prohibit Mrs. CAPITO): rience a late effect that is serious or Federal funding of Planned Parenthood S. 1883. A bill to maximize discovery, life-threatening, including second can- Federation of America. and accelerate development and avail- cers and organ damage. S. RES. 230 ability, of promising childhood cancer We must do more to ensure that chil- At the request of Mr. KING, the name treatments, and for other purposes; to dren survive cancer and any late ef- of the Senator from Connecticut (Mr. the Committee on Health, Education, fects so they can live a long, healthy, BLUMENTHAL) was added as a cosponsor Labor, and Pensions. and productive life. This legislation of S. Res. 230, a resolution designating Mr. REED. Mr. President, I am would enhance research on the late ef- September 25, 2015, as ‘‘National Lob- pleased to be joined by Senator CAPITO fects of childhood cancers, improve col- ster Day’’. in the introduction of the Childhood laboration among providers so that Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Ac- AMENDMENT NO. 2279 doctors are better able to care for this cess, and Research, STAR, Act of 2015. population as they age, and establish a At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the This legislation is an extension of on- names of the Senator from Pennsyl- new pilot program to begin to explore going bipartisan efforts in the Senate improved models of care for childhood vania (Mr. CASEY), the Senator from Il- over the past decade to get us closer to cancer survivors. linois (Mr. DURBIN), the Senator from the goal of hopefully one day curing This legislation also provides some Connecticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL), the cancers in children, adolescents, and clarity for patients and their physi- Senator from Maryland (Ms. MIKULSKI) young adults. Representatives MCCAUL, and the Senator from New Mexico (Mr. cians attempting to access new drugs VAN HOLLEN, and SPEIER are intro- and therapies from pharmaceutical UDALL) were added as cosponsors of ducing the companion legislation in amendment No. 2279 intended to be pro- companies. When a patient has run out the other body. posed to H.R. 22, a bill to amend the In- of other options, the last thing they I first started working on this issue ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt and their families need is to spend after meeting the Haight family from employees with health coverage under months being given the run-around Warwick, RI, in June of 2004. Nancy TRICARE or the Veterans Administra- trying to access a potential treatment. and Vincent lost their son, Ben, when Lastly, this bill will ensure more pe- tion from being taken into account for he was just 9 years old to neuro- diatric expertise at the National Insti- purposes of determining the employers blastoma, a very aggressive tumor in tutes of Health to better leverage the to which the employer mandate applies the brain. research investment to improve pedi- under the Patient Protection and Af- The heart-wrenching story of Ben atric cancer research by requiring the fordable Care Act. Haight highlights the importance of inclusion of at least one pediatric AMENDMENT NO. 2416 this legislation. It is my hope that one oncologist on the National Cancer Ad- At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, the day Ben’s story, and thousands of other visory Board and improving childhood name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. children like him, will be one of sur- health reporting requirements to in- MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor vival. With the strong support of fami- clude pediatric cancer. of amendment No. 2416 intended to be lies like the Haights for increased re- I am pleased that the Childhood Can- proposed to H.R. 22, a bill to amend the search into the causes of childhood cer STAR Act has the support of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ex- cancers and improved treatment op- American Cancer Society Cancer Ac- empt employees with health coverage tions, I introduced bipartisan legisla- tion Network, St. Baldrick’s Founda- under TRICARE or the Veterans Ad- tion that eventually was signed into tion, and Children’s Oncology Group, ministration from being taken into ac- law in 2008 as the Caroline Pryce Walk- among others. I look forward to work- count for purposes of determining the er Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. ing with these and other stakeholders, employers to which the employer man- This was an important step. Yet, as well as Senator CAPITO to urge the date applies under the Patient Protec- more work remains. With the STAR rest of our colleagues to join us in sup- tion and Affordable Care Act. Act, we would take the next needed porting this crucial legislation. AMENDMENT NO. 2419 steps to advance pediatric cancer re- At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the search and child-focused cancer treat- By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. ments, while also improving childhood WHITEHOUSE, Mr. REED, Mr. DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of cancer surveillance and providing re- BROWN, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. KING, amendment No. 2419 intended to be pro- sources for survivors and those im- and Ms. HIRONO): posed to H.R. 22, a bill to amend the In- pacted by childhood cancer. S. 1884. A bill to amend title XVIII of ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt If a treatment is working, doctors the Social Security Act to deliver a employees with health coverage under elsewhere should know immediately. meaningful benefit and lower prescrip- TRICARE or the Veterans Administra- The same should happen if a treatment tion drug prices under the Medicare

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.021 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6139 program; to the Committee on Fi- ‘‘(2) SUPPLEMENTAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG ‘‘(IV) Step therapy. nance. COVERAGE.—Insofar as a Medicare operated ‘‘(V) Medication therapy management. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask prescription drug plan offers supplemental ‘‘(VI) Generic drug substitution. unanimous consent that the text of the prescription drug coverage, the Secretary ‘‘(iii) FLEXIBILITY.—In applying such for- may adjust the amount of the premium mulary incentives the Secretary may decide bill be printed in the RECORD. charged under paragraph (1). not to impose any cost-sharing for a covered There being no objection, the text of ‘‘(e) USE OF A FORMULARY AND FORMULARY part D drug for which— the bill was ordered to be printed in INCENTIVES.— ‘‘(I) the elimination of cost sharing would the RECORD, as follows: ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—With respect to the oper- be expected to increase compliance with a ation of a Medicare operated prescription S. 1884 drug regimen; and drug plan, the Secretary shall establish and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ‘‘(II) compliance would be expected to apply a formulary (and may include for- produce savings under part A or B or both. resentatives of the United States of America in mulary incentives described in paragraph Congress assembled, ‘‘(3) LIMITATIONS ON FORMULARY.—In any (2)(C)(ii)) in accordance with this subsection formulary established under this subsection, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. in order to— the formulary may not be changed during a ‘‘(A) increase patient safety; This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Medicare year, except— Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of ‘‘(B) increase appropriate use and reduce ‘‘(A) to add a generic version of a covered 2015’’. inappropriate use of drugs; and part D drug that entered the market; ‘‘(C) reward value. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF MEDICARE OPER- ‘‘(B) to remove such a drug for which a ‘‘(2) DEVELOPMENT OF INITIAL FORMULARY.— ATED PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN safety problem is found; and OPTION. ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In selecting covered ‘‘(C) to add a drug that the Secretary iden- (a) IN GENERAL.—Subpart 2 of part D of part D drugs for inclusion in a formulary, tifies as a drug which treats a condition for title XVIII of the Social Security Act is the Secretary shall consider clinical benefit which there has not previously been a treat- amended by inserting after section 1860D–11 and price. ment option or for which a clear and signifi- (42 U.S.C. 1395w–111) the following new sec- ‘‘(B) ROLE OF AHRQ.—The Director of the cant benefit has been demonstrated over tion: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality shall be responsible for assessing the clinical other covered part D drugs. ‘‘MEDICARE OPERATED PRESCRIPTION DRUG benefit of covered part D drugs and making ‘‘(4) ADDING DRUGS TO THE INITIAL FOR- PLAN OPTION recommendations to the Secretary regarding MULARY.— ‘‘SEC. 1860D–11A. (a) IN GENERAL.—Not- which drugs should be included in the for- ‘‘(A) USE OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE.—The withstanding any other provision of this mulary. In conducting such assessments and Secretary shall establish and appoint an ad- part, for each year (beginning with 2017), in making such recommendations, the Director visory committee (in this paragraph referred addition to any plans offered under section shall— to as the ‘advisory committee’)— 1860D–11, the Secretary shall offer one or ‘‘(i) consider safety concerns including ‘‘(i) to review petitions from drug manufac- more Medicare operated prescription drug those identified by the Food and Drug Ad- turers, health care provider organizations, plans (as defined in subsection (c)) with a ministration; patient groups, and other entities for inclu- service area that consists of the entire ‘‘(ii) use available data and evaluations, sion of a drug in, or other changes to, such United States and shall enter into negotia- with priority given to randomized controlled formulary; and tions in accordance with subsection (b) with trials, to examine clinical effectiveness, ‘‘(ii) to recommend any changes to the for- pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce the comparative effectiveness, safety, and en- mulary established under this subsection. purchase cost of covered part D drugs for eli- hanced compliance with a drug regimen; ‘‘(B) COMPOSITION.—The advisory com- gible part D individuals who enroll in such a ‘‘(iii) use the same classes of drugs devel- mittee shall be composed of 9 members and plan. oped by the United States Pharmacopeia for shall include representatives of physicians, ‘‘(b) NEGOTIATIONS.—Notwithstanding sec- this part; pharmacists, and consumers and others with tion 1860D–11(i), for purposes of offering a ‘‘(iv) consider evaluations made by— expertise in evaluating prescription drugs. Medicare operated prescription drug plan ‘‘(I) the Director under section 1013 of the The Secretary shall select members based on under this section, the Secretary shall nego- Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, their knowledge of pharmaceuticals and the tiate with pharmaceutical manufacturers and Modernization Act of 2003; Medicare population. Members shall be with respect to the purchase price of covered ‘‘(II) other Federal entities, such as the deemed to be special Government employees part D drugs in a Medicare operated prescrip- Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and for purposes of applying the conflict of inter- tion drug plan and shall encourage the use of ‘‘(III) other private and public entities, est provisions under section 208 of title 18, more affordable therapeutic equivalents to such as the Drug Effectiveness Review United States Code, and no waiver of such the extent such practices do not override Project and State plans under title XIX; and provisions for such a member shall be per- medical necessity as determined by the pre- ‘‘(v) recommend to the Secretary— mitted. scribing physician. To the extent practicable ‘‘(I) those drugs in a class that provide a ‘‘(C) CONSULTATION.—The advisory com- and consistent with the previous sentence, greater clinical benefit, including fewer safe- mittee shall consult, as necessary, with phy- the Secretary shall implement strategies ty concerns or less risk of side-effects, than sicians who are specialists in treating the similar to those used by other Federal pur- another drug in the same class that should disease for which a drug is being considered. chasers of prescription drugs, and other be included in the formulary; ‘‘(D) REQUEST FOR STUDIES.—The advisory strategies, including the use of a formulary ‘‘(II) those drugs in a class that provide committee may request the Agency for and formulary incentives in subsection (e), less clinical benefit, including greater safety Healthcare Research and Quality or an aca- to reduce the purchase cost of covered part D concerns or a greater risk of side-effects, demic or research institution to study and drugs. than another drug in the same class that make a report on a petition described in sub- ‘‘(c) MEDICARE OPERATED PRESCRIPTION should be excluded from the formulary; and paragraph (A)(i) in order to assess— DRUG PLAN DEFINED.—For purposes of this ‘‘(III) drugs in a class with same or similar ‘‘(i) clinical effectiveness; part, the term ‘Medicare operated prescrip- clinical benefit for which it would be appro- ‘‘(ii) comparative effectiveness; tion drug plan’ means a prescription drug priate for the Secretary to competitively bid ‘‘(iii) safety; and plan that offers qualified prescription drug (or negotiate) for placement on the for- ‘‘(iv) enhanced compliance with a drug reg- coverage and access to negotiated prices de- mulary. imen. scribed in section 1860D–2(a)(1)(A). Such a ‘‘(C) CONSIDERATION OF AHRQ RECOMMENDA- ‘‘(E) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The advisory plan may offer supplemental prescription TIONS.— committee shall make recommendations to drug coverage in the same manner as other ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, after tak- the Secretary regarding— qualified prescription drug coverage offered ing into consideration the recommendations ‘‘(i) whether a covered part D drug is found by other prescription drug plans. under subparagraph (B)(v), shall establish a to provide a greater clinical benefit, includ- ‘‘(d) MONTHLY BENEFICIARY PREMIUM.— formulary, and formulary incentives, to en- ing fewer safety concerns or less risk of side- ‘‘(1) QUALIFIED PRESCRIPTION DRUG COV- courage use of covered part D drugs that— effects, than another drug in the same class ERAGE.—The monthly beneficiary premium ‘‘(I) have a lower cost and provide a greater that is currently included in the formulary for qualified prescription drug coverage and clinical benefit than other drugs; and should be included in the formulary; access to negotiated prices described in sec- ‘‘(II) have a lower cost than other drugs ‘‘(ii) whether a covered part D drug is tion 1860D–2(a)(1)(A) to be charged under a with the same or similar clinical benefit; and found to provide less clinical benefit, includ- Medicare operated prescription drug plan ‘‘(III) have the same cost but provide ing greater safety concerns or a greater risk shall be uniform nationally. Such premium greater clinical benefit than other drugs. of side-effects, than another drug in the for months in 2017 and each succeeding year ‘‘(ii) FORMULARY INCENTIVES.—The for- same class that is currently included in the shall be based on the average monthly per mulary incentives under clause (i) may be in formulary and should not be included in the capita actuarial cost of offering the Medi- the form of one or more of the following: formulary; and care operated prescription drug plan for the ‘‘(I) Tiered copayments. ‘‘(iii) whether a covered part D drug has year involved, including administrative ex- ‘‘(II) Reference pricing. the same or similar clinical benefit to a drug penses. ‘‘(III) Prior authorization. in the same class that is currently included

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.023 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6140 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 in the formulary and whether the drug (4) Section 1860D–16(b)(1) of the Social Se- American taxpayers are getting should be included in the formulary. curity Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–116(b)(1)) is ripped off by coal companies under the ‘‘(F) LIMITATIONS ON REVIEW OF MANUFAC- amended— current, broken coal royalties system. TURER PETITIONS.—The advisory committee (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘and’’ I raised concerns about this 2 years shall not review a petition of a drug manu- after the semicolon at the end; facturer under subparagraph (A)(i) with re- (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the pe- ago, and today, Senator UDALL and I spect to a covered part D drug unless the pe- riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and are introducing legislation to get the tition is accompanied by the following: (C) by adding at the end the following new public every penny owed by companies ‘‘(i) Raw data from clinical trials on the subparagraph: that may be taking advantage of a safety and effectiveness of the drug. ‘‘(E) payments for expenses incurred with loose system. Instead of subsidizing ‘‘(ii) Any data from clinical trials con- respect to the operation of Medicare oper- private coal companies, it is time to ducted using active controls on the drug or ated prescription drug plans under section put this money back where it belongs— drugs that are the current standard of care. 1860D–11A.’’. into rural communities and the pock- ‘‘(iii) Any available data on comparative (5) Section 1860D–41(a) of the Social Secu- effectiveness of the drug. rity Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–151(a)) is amended ets of taxpayers. ‘‘(iv) Any other information the Secretary by adding at the end the following new para- Our bill will require the Interior De- requires for the advisory committee to com- graph: partment to collect royalties based on plete its review. ‘‘(19) MEDICARE OPERATED PRESCRIPTION the actual market value of coal, not ‘‘(G) RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATIONS.—The DRUG PLAN.—The term ‘Medicare operated the below-market price they charge Secretary shall review the recommendations prescription drug plan’ has the meaning their own companies. of the advisory committee and if the Sec- given such term in section 1860D–11A(c).’’. Our bill will also bring some much- retary accepts such recommendations the SEC. 3. IMPROVED APPEALS PROCESS UNDER needed transparency to the Federal Secretary shall modify the formulary estab- THE MEDICARE OPERATED PRE- lished under this subsection accordingly. SCRIPTION DRUG PLAN. coal program by requiring the Interior Nothing in this section shall preclude the Section 1860D–4(h) of the Social Security Department to publish more informa- Secretary from adding to the formulary a Act (42 U.S.C. 1305w–104(h)) is amended by tion and calling for Government Ac- drug for which the Director of the Agency adding at the end the following new para- countability Office to review the pro- for Healthcare Research and Quality or the graph: gram every 3 years. advisory committee has not made a rec- ‘‘(4) APPEALS PROCESS FOR MEDICARE OPER- I urge my colleagues to join Senator ommendation. ATED PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN.— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall de- UDALL and me by cosponsoring and ul- ‘‘(H) NOTICE OF CHANGES.—The Secretary timately passing this important bill. shall provide timely notice to beneficiaries velop a well-defined process for appeals for and health professionals about changes to denials of benefits under this part under the Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- the formulary or formulary incentives. Medicare operated prescription drug plan. sent that the text of the bill be printed Such process shall be efficient, impose mini- in the RECORD. ‘‘(f) INFORMING BENEFICIARIES.—The Sec- mal administrative burdens, and ensure the retary shall take steps to inform bene- There being no objection, the text of timely procurement of non-formulary drugs the bill was ordered to be printed in ficiaries about the availability of a Medicare or exemption from formulary incentives the RECORD, as follows: operated drug plan or plans including pro- when medically necessary. Medical necessity viding information in the annual handbook shall be based on professional medical judg- S. 1891 distributed to all beneficiaries and adding in- ment, the medical condition of the bene- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- formation to the official public Medicare ficiary, and other medical evidence. Such ap- resentatives of the United States of America in website related to prescription drug coverage peals process shall include— Congress assembled, available through this part. ‘‘(i) an initial review and determination SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ‘‘(g) APPLICATION OF ALL OTHER REQUIRE- made by the Secretary; and This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Coal Roy- MENTS FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS.—Ex- ‘‘(ii) for appeals denied during the initial alty Fairness Act of 2015’’. cept as specifically provided in this section, review and determination, the option of an SEC. 2. VALUATION OF COAL ROYALTIES. any Medicare operated drug plan shall meet external review and determination by an Section 7 of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 the same requirements as apply to any other independent entity selected by the Sec- U.S.C. 207) is amended— prescription drug plan, including the require- retary. (1) in subsection (a), by striking the fourth ments of section 1860D–4(b)(1) relating to as- ‘‘(B) CONSULTATION IN DEVELOPMENT OF sentence; and suring pharmacy access.’’. PROCESS.—In developing the appeals process (2) by adding at the end the following: under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— ‘‘(d) ROYALTIES.— consult with consumer and patient groups, (1) Section 1860D–3(a) of the Social Secu- ‘‘(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: as well as other key stakeholders to ensure rity Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–103(a)) is amended ‘‘(A) ASSESSMENT VALUE.— the goals described in subparagraph (A) are by adding at the end the following new para- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘assessment achieved.’’. graph: value’, with respect to Federal coal, means— ‘‘(4) AVAILABILITY OF THE MEDICARE OPER- By Mr. WYDEN (for himself and ‘‘(I) the price of Federal coal paid by the ATED PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN.—A Medicare purchaser at final sale; or operated prescription drug plan (as defined Mr. UDALL): ‘‘(II) a price imputed by the Secretary in section 1860D–11A(c)) shall be offered na- S. 1891. A bill to amend the Mineral based on the coal price index. tionally in accordance with section 1860D– Leasing Act to improve coal royalties, ‘‘(ii) EXCLUSIONS.—The term ‘assessment 11A.’’. and for other purposes; to the Com- value’ does not include, as determined and to (2)(A) Section 1860D–3 of the Social Secu- mittee on Energy and Natural Re- the extent determined to be appropriate by rity Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–103) is amended by sources. the Secretary— adding at the end the following new sub- Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, today, I ‘‘(I) transportation costs, as determined in section: am proud to stand up for fairness by in- accordance with the transportation cost ‘‘(c) PROVISIONS ONLY APPLICABLE IN 2006 troducing legislation with my Senate index; or THROUGH 2016.—The provisions of this sec- colleague, Senator TOM UDALL of New ‘‘(II) the cost of coal washing. tion shall only apply with respect to 2006 Mexico, to ensure American taxpayers ‘‘(B) BROKER.—The term ‘broker’ means a through 2016.’’. receive the full value of coal produced person that resells Federal coal. (B) Section 1860D–11(g) of such Act (42 ‘‘(C) COAL PRICE INDEX.—The term ‘coal U.S.C. 1395w–111(g)) is amended by adding at on public lands. price index’ means the schedule of average the end the following new paragraph: The Coal Royalty Fairness Act would market prices of Federal coal (in United ‘‘(8) NO AUTHORITY FOR FALLBACK PLANS require the Interior Department to col- States dollars) paid by the purchaser at final AFTER 2016.—A fallback prescription drug lect royalties for coal mined on Fed- sale, based on the quality and type of the plan shall not be available after December eral lands based on the actual market Federal coal, as determined by the Sec- 31, 2016.’’. value of coal. This bill is based on cur- retary, in consultation with the Adminis- (3) Section 1860D–13(c)(3) of the Social Se- rent successful practices in Montana— trator of the Energy Information Adminis- curity Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–113(c)(3)) is the Nation’s second largest Federal tration. amended— coal-producing State. Currently, some ‘‘(D) PURCHASER.— (A) in the heading, by inserting ‘‘AND MEDI- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘purchaser’ private mining companies sell coal to CARE OPERATED PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS’’ means a person that— after ‘‘FALLBACK PLANS’’; and their own affiliated companies at a ‘‘(I) purchases or contracts to purchase (B) by inserting ‘‘or a Medicare operated lower cost than market value, and pay Federal coal— prescription drug plan’’ after ‘‘a fallback pre- Federal royalties based on the cheaper, ‘‘(aa) directly from a coal mine operator; scription drug plan’’. first point of sale. or

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.023 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6141 ‘‘(bb) indirectly from a broker; and ‘‘(i) use the price of coal free on board the the 15-year period beginning on that date of ‘‘(II) uses that Federal coal in any indus- marine vessel used to transport the coal enactment, the Comptroller General of the trial or energy conversion process. overseas at the port of origin; and United States shall submit to Congress a re- ‘‘(ii) EXCLUSION.—The term ‘purchaser’ ‘‘(ii) limit any deductions that apply to the port that describes a review of the Federal does not include— assessment value of the Federal coal to costs coal program, including the administration ‘‘(I) a coal broker; or incurred prior to being free onboard the ves- of this subsection. ‘‘(II) any other third-party intermediary. sel. ‘‘(B) CONSULTATION.—In conducting a re- ‘‘(E) QUALITY.—The term ‘quality’, with re- ‘‘(C) UNCERTAIN EXPORT PRICE.—If the Sec- view under this paragraph, the Comptroller spect to Federal coal, means the quality of retary cannot determine the value of ex- General shall consult with— Federal coal measured in British thermal ported coal in accordance with subparagraph ‘‘(i) the Secretary; units, sulfur, moisture, and other criteria de- (B), the Secretary shall— ‘‘(ii) the Director of the Bureau of Land termined to be appropriate by the Secretary. ‘‘(i) assess royalties under this subsection Management; ‘‘(F) SECRETARY.—The term ‘Secretary’ based on the coal price index for coal of a ‘‘(iii) the Secretary of Transportation; and means the Secretary of the Interior. similar quantity and type; and ‘‘(iv) the Secretary of Energy. ‘‘(G) TRANSPORTATION COST INDEX.—The ‘‘(ii) limit any deductions that apply to the ‘‘(C) INCLUSIONS.—A review under this term ‘transportation cost index’ means the assessment value of the Federal coal to costs paragraph shall include a review of— transportation cost index established under incurred within the contiguous United ‘‘(i) the total volume of coal production paragraph (7). States. from Federal land; ‘‘(H) TYPE.—The term ‘type’, with respect ‘‘(7) TRANSPORTATION COST INDEX.— ‘‘(ii) the total volume of remaining coal re- to Federal coal, means a general category of ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the other serves on Federal land; coal, such as metallurgical coal or steam provisions of this paragraph, the Secretary, ‘‘(iii) the total revenues generated from coal, as determined by the Secretary. in consultation with the Secretary of Energy the Federal coal program, itemized by type ‘‘(2) PAYMENT RATE.— and the Secretary of Transportation (in con- of revenue, including lease bonus payments ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sultation with the Surface Transportation and royalties; subparagraph (B), a lease shall require pay- Board and others), shall— ‘‘(iv) market prices for coal; ment of a royalty in such amount as the Sec- ‘‘(i) compile in a transportation cost index ‘‘(v) market prices for transportation costs retary shall determine of not less than 12.5 the average costs of transporting coal; and and any other deductible costs; and percent of the assessment value of Federal ‘‘(ii) determine the amount of any trans- ‘‘(vi) the appropriateness of royalty rates. coal, as determined under paragraph (3). portation cost deduction under this sub- ‘‘(D) FORMAT.—The Comptroller General ‘‘(B) EXCEPTION.—In lieu of the royalty section, on the basis of the transportation shall report information in a review under payment rate described in subparagraph (A), cost index. this paragraph— the Secretary may establish such lower roy- ‘‘(B) UNIT OF MEASUREMENT.—The transpor- ‘‘(i) in the aggregate for the United States; alty payment rate as the Secretary deter- tation cost index shall be based on the aver- and mines to be appropriate in the case of Fed- age transportation costs per ton of coal or ‘‘(ii) categorized by State for at least the eral coal recovered by an underground min- another unit of measurement determined by top 10 Federal coal-producing States, as de- ing operation. the Secretary. termined by the Comptroller General. ‘‘(3) VALUATION FOR ROYALTIES.—Not later ‘‘(C) DIFFERENCES IN TRANSPORTATION ‘‘(9) APPLICATION.—This subsection— than 1 year after the date of enactment of COSTS.—The transportation cost index shall ‘‘(A) applies to coal mined from Federal this subsection, the Secretary shall estab- take into consideration differences in the land; and lish, as the valuation for Federal coal royal- costs of transportation, as determined by the ‘‘(B) does not apply to coal mined from ties, the assessment value of Federal coal. Secretary, based on— tribal land.’’. ‘‘(4) ADMINISTRATION.— ‘‘(i) the mode of transportation; ‘‘(A) REPORTING.—The purchaser of Federal ‘‘(ii) the geographic region, and By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself coal shall annually submit to the Secretary ‘‘(iii) other characteristics of the transpor- a report containing such information as the tation industry that the Secretary considers and Mrs. BOXER): Secretary determines to be necessary to to be necessary to calculate a fair, trans- S. 1894. A bill to provide short-term carry out this subsection. parent, and accurate transportation cost water supplies to drought-stricken ‘‘(B) AUDITS.—To carry out this subsection, index. California; to the Committee on En- the Secretary may examine the records of ‘‘(D) EXCLUSIONS.—The transportation cost ergy and Natural Resources. any person engaged in the purchase, sale, index shall not include costs associated with, Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I transportation, or marketing of Federal as determined by the Secretary— rise today to speak about the historic coal. ‘‘(i) take-or-pay contract penalties; drought that is devastating California ‘‘(5) COAL PRICE INDEX.— ‘‘(ii) liquidated damages; ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall ‘‘(iii) the speculative aspects of transpor- and much of the West and to introduce compile the assessment values of coal by tation transactions; or the California Emergency Drought Re- type and quality of coal in a coal price index. ‘‘(iv) any other costs that are not directly lief Act along with Senator BOXER. ‘‘(B) PUBLICATION.—Not less frequently associated with moving Federal coal from 1 The toll on some of our most vulner- than quarterly, the Secretary shall publish location to another location. able communities is mounting. the coal price index, along with a methodo- ‘‘(E) PUBLICATION.—Not less than twice an- As of July, 2,091 wells are already dry logical description, including— nually, the Secretary shall publish the trans- or will soon run out of water. This puts ‘‘(i) the method of calculation; portation cost index, along with a methodo- more than 10,000 people in jeopardy. ‘‘(ii) the data used to calculate the coal logical description, including— Rural and disadvantaged commu- price index in an aggregate manner that does ‘‘(i) the method of calculation; not reveal proprietary information; and ‘‘(ii) the data used to calculate the trans- nities are some of the hardest hit. ‘‘(iii) any other information the Secretary portation cost index, in an aggregate manner Just this month, the Washington considers appropriate to ensure trans- that does not reveal proprietary informa- Post reported that arsenic had been parency. tion; and found in wells serving St. Anthony’s ‘‘(C) OTHER INFORMATION.—If a person be- ‘‘(iii) any other information the Secretary mobile home park in the Coachella lieves that the coal price index significantly considers to be appropriate to ensure trans- Valley at twice the safe concentration. deviates from the assessment value of the parency. In Porterville, Californians are bath- coal produced by the person, the person may ‘‘(F) OTHER INFORMATION.—If a person be- ing themselves with bottled water. petition the Secretary to use information lieves that the transportation cost index sig- California is also suffering a massive supplied by the person in lieu of the coal nificantly deviates from the transportation price index, including all information the costs of the person, the person may petition loss of agriculture production. Secretary requires to accurately determine the Secretary to use information supplied by A study from UC Davis estimates the assessment value and audit the records the person (other than costs descried in sub- that farmers will fallow 563,000 acres in of the person. paragraph (D)) in lieu of the transportation 2015, a 35 percent increase from last ‘‘(6) EXPORTS.— cost index, including all information the year when farmers fallowed 410,000 ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In assessing royalties Secretary requires to accurately determine acres. for the export of Federal coal under this sub- cost and audit the records of the person. The State’s agriculture sector stands section, the Secretary may obtain from the ‘‘(8) REVIEWS.— to lose $1.8 billion in direct agricul- exporter of the Federal coal such informa- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—To ensure a transparent, tural costs this year, on top of $1.5 bil- tion as the Secretary determines to be nec- fair, and efficient administration of the Fed- essary to carry out this subsection. eral coal program, and to ensure that citi- lion last year. ‘‘(B) ASSESSMENT VALUE OF EXPORTED zens of the United States receive a fair re- The San Joaquin Valley is at the epi- COAL.—Subject to subparagraph (C), in deter- turn on Federal coal, not later than 3 years center of the drought, and the possible mining the assessment value of Federal coal after the date of enactment of this sub- damage to our nation’s food supply is that is exported, the Secretary shall— section and every 3 years thereafter during dire.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:21 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.029 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6142 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 The Valley is home to 90 percent of Let me briefly discuss how this bill create additional spawning habitat for the country’s tomatoes, 74 percent of will help. endangered and threatened species; and our lettuce, and 95 percent of our broc- Federal policy will be most effective improving how water systems are man- coli. The drought’s effects on the Val- if it is aligned with the State’s goals aged using the latest science and tech- ley will extend far beyond California’s and the State water bond. nology. borders. This means expanding Federal efforts The bill’s short-term provisions build But the devastating consequences of to include long-term solutions such as on legislation that unanimously passed this drought aren’t limited to a single desalination, recycling and storage. We the Senate in 2014, with added protec- region. also must look at ways to help commu- tions for environmental and water UC Davis also reports that Califor- nities that are running out of water. rights and the removal of several provi- nia’s economy will lose an estimated To help those communities, the bill sions to address environmental con- $2.7 billion in 2015, along with 18,600 includes a new program to assist areas cerns. jobs. that have suffered the brunt of the The bill’s short-term provisions will That is on top of $2.2 billion last year drought, communities like Porterville help move water efficiently to those and 17,100 jobs lost. and others in Tulare County. areas where it is most needed. Effects on the environment are also Providing emergency supplies like Let me be clear—this language was destructive. bottled water is a no-brainer, but it is carefully drafted to remain consistent Groundwater reserves in underground a short-term fix. aquifers are being depleted, which is with environmental laws, including the We need to look beyond this emer- Endangered Species Act and the Clean causing the surrounding land to sink. gency at ways we can shift these com- Delta smelt are at their lowest levels Water Act, as well as all biological munities from vulnerable water opinions. since surveys first began in 1959, while sources like wells to more sustainable Chinook salmon are imperiled by Here are some examples of how the and resilient water systems. short-term section works. warmer water in the Sacramento We also need to take a close look at River. First, by operating the water sys- desalination and water recycling. tems with more precision, we will be Saltwater from the San Francisco These are two of the most promising Bay threatens to contaminate fresh- able to monitor for endangered species technologies that may offer long-term like the Delta Smelt and adjust pump- water in the Delta, imperiling an en- solutions. tire ecosystem, not to mention the ill ing levels to avoid harming fish. By The bill identifies 26 desalination doing this, more water can be moved to effects on drinking water supplies and projects capable of producing more farmland. the communities that need it while than 330,000 acre-feet of water. protecting endangered and threatened Finally, we can’t ignore the increas- It also identifies 105 recycling species. ing threat of wildfires. Since January projects with the potential to produce The bill also directs agencies to open 1, the U.S. Forest Service reports more about 854,000 acre-feet of water. the Cross-Channel Gates on the Sac- than 5,000 fires have burned on state That is a total of 1.2 million acre-feet ramento River during times when and federal lands, a 10 percent increase of clean water per year, enough for 2.4 salmon are not migrating. This would over last year. million households. Despite the high likelihood of a allow thousands of acre feet of water to But these projects aren’t cheap. That strong El Nin˜ o this year, one wet sea- be moved without harming fish or is why the bill funds a loan-guarantee son won’t fix the problems. Experts es- water quality. program and other financing mecha- timate that California needs at least nisms to help make these projects a re- For water transfers in the Delta— three above-average precipitation ality. where water sellers and buyers can years to cover the current 37 million Another area we should focus on is help get water where it’s needed—we acre-foot deficit. storage. This drought has showed that included many additional protections. Doing nothing is simply not an op- our reservoir capacity is insufficient. Every transfer will be reviewed to en- tion. Given the consensus that droughts sure it is consistent with environ- In drafting the bill we’re introducing mental laws. The transfers, which can today, we started with the bill that will grow more severe, we have to in- crease how much water we can hold only occur in April and May, must in- unanimously passed the Senate in 2014. clude only additional water pumped We then modified that bill, adding from wet to dry years. The bill positions the Federal Gov- into the Delta on top of the regular significant environmental protections river flow. and removing controversial provisions. ernment as a partner with California to build new reservoirs and expand exist- Moving water more efficiently will We also included a range of provi- help supply water to millions of Cali- sions to protect and restore threatened ing reservoirs. Conservation and groundwater re- fornians in urban areas, from Silicon and endangered species, as well as a Valley to Southern California. number of programs to support long- charge are two more promising areas. While cities and towns are doing their It will also increase water allocations term infrastructure projects like de- for family farms in the San Joaquin salination, water recycling and stor- part, the bill also identifies areas where the Federal, state and local gov- Valley. More than 15,000 small farms age. served by the Friant Water Author- My staff and I have taken dozens of ernments and the ag sector can do ity—with an average size of just 83 meetings since January. more. We have met with Congressional Re- Finally, the Federal Government can acres—would benefit. publicans and Democrats, environ- play a significant role in supporting re- I have introduced many bills during mental groups, water districts, and search on promising technologies, from my years in the Senate, and this may State and local officials. recapturing energy and improving be the most difficult. My California staff has visited water membranes used in desalination to de- Nevertheless, the goal has remained projects throughout the State to col- veloping strategies to minimize envi- constant: a bill that can get signed lect ideas, and my staff in Washington ronmental effects of smart-water strat- into law that benefits all regions of the has consulted closely with Federal egies. State. agencies to ensure the bill adheres to The bill also includes a number of Congress worked together after Hur- environmental law. short-term, low-cost proposals to pro- ricanes Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast By releasing a bill this summer, tect and assist in the recovery of fish and Hurricane Sandy devastated the months before the rainy season, Con- populations, including salmon and East Coast. gress and the public will have ample smelt. I think we now have a bill that will time to review, debate and, where nec- This includes authorizations to im- help the West survive this historic essary, suggest improvements. plement the Endangered Species Act drought. I expect the bill will receive a com- recovery plan for salmon; trap-and- I look forward to a committee hear- mittee hearing, allowing every member barge fish and address predator species, ing on this bill and to public input to of Congress and the public to weigh in. two ways to reduce mortality rates; make it even better.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G29JY6.055 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6143 By Mr. MCCAIN: SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without S. 1895. A bill to amend the Radiation objection, it is so ordered. Exposure Compensation Act for pur- COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND SENATE RESOLUTION 234—TO AU- TRANSPORTATION poses of making claims under such Act THORIZE THE PRINTING OF A Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask based on exposure to atmospheric nu- COLLECTION OF THE RULES OF unanimous consent that the Com- clear testing; to the Committee on the THE COMMITTEES OF THE SEN- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Judiciary. ATE Transportation be authorized to meet Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I am Mr. BLUNT submitted the following during the session of the Senate on pleased to introduce legislation that resolution; which was considered and July 29, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., in room SR– would amend the Radiation Exposure agreed to: 253 of the Russell Senate Office Build- Compensation Act, RECA, by adding S. RES. 234 ing to conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘Wireless Broadband and the Future of Mohave County, AZ, to the list of Resolved, That a collection of the rules of the committees of the Senate, together with Spectrum Policy.’’ counties eligible for downwinder com- related materials, be printed as a Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without pensation. A similar proposal was in- document, and that there be printed 250 addi- objection, it is so ordered. troduced today by Congress PAUL tional copies of such document for the use of COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL the Committee on Rules and Administration. GOSAR. I am hopeful this bill will help RESOURCES close a painful chapter for those Arizo- f Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask nans who were arguably the most af- SENATE RESOLUTION 235—DESIG- unanimous consent that the Com- fected by nuclear weapons testing dur- NATING SEPTEMBER 2015 AS mittee on Energy and Natural Re- ing the Cold War. ‘‘NATIONAL SPINAL CORD IN- sources be authorized to meet during JURY AWARENESS MONTH’’ the session of the Senate on July 29, In 1990, Congress enacted the Radi- 2015, at 10:30 a.m., in room SD–366 of ation Exposure Compensation Act to Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr. NEL- the Dirksen Senate Office Building. compensate victims or their survivors SON) submitted the following resolu- tion; which was considered and agreed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without who suffered certain illnesses caused to: objection, it is so ordered. by fallout exposure ‘‘down wind’’ of at- S. RES. 235 COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC mospheric nuclear weapons testing WORKS Whereas the estimated over 1,275,000 indi- during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Among viduals in the United States who live with a Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask other requirements, eligibility is lim- spinal cord injury cost society billions of unanimous consent that the Com- ited to individuals who can prove their dollars in health care costs and lost wages; mittee on Environment and Public physical presence in one of several af- Whereas an estimated 100,000 of those indi- Works be authorized to meet during viduals are veterans who suffered a spinal the session of the Senate on July 29, fected counties. Astonishingly, despite cord injury while serving as members of the its close proximity to the Nevada Test 2015, at 10 a.m. United States Armed Forces; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Site, the original RECA law and its Whereas work-related accidents are the objection, it is so ordered. subsequent amendments never listed leading cause of spinal cord injuries; COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS Mohave County proper as an affected Whereas motor vehicle crashes are the sec- ond leading cause of spinal cord injuries and Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask area. I believe the people of Mohave traumatic brain injuries; unanimous consent that the Com- County deserve to see righted this un- Whereas 70 percent of all spinal cord inju- mittee on Foreign Relations be author- just policy which has obstructed their ries that occur in children under the age of ized to meet during the session of the ability to qualify for compensation. 18 are a result of a motor vehicle accident; Senate on July 29, 2015, at 10 a.m., to Whereas every 48 minutes a person will be- I understand that several of my col- come paralyzed, underscoring the urgent conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘The Joint leagues have proposed similar RECA need to develop new neuroprotection, phar- Comprehensive Plan of Action.’’ amendments in previous years. I would macological, and regeneration treatments to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without reduce, prevent, and reverse paralysis; and objection, it is so ordered. hope that these various RECA pro- Whereas increased education and invest- COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, posals give additional consideration to ment in research are key factors in improv- AND PENSIONS an April 2005 report by the National ing outcomes for victims of spinal cord inju- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask ries, improving the quality of life of victims, Academy of Sciences, NAS, that as- unanimous consent that the Com- sessed, among other things, whether and ultimately curing paralysis: Now, there- fore, be it mittee on Health, Education, Labor, additional geographic areas should be Resolved, That the Senate— and Pensions be authorized to meet added to the RECA program. The NAS (1) designates September 2015 as ‘‘National during the session of the Senate on study revealed a much wider area of ra- Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month’’; July 29, 2015, at 9 a.m., in room SH–216 dioactive fallout then originally identi- (2) supports the goals and ideals of Na- of the Hart Senate Office Building, to tional Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month; fied when the RECA law was first writ- conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘Reauthor- (3) continues to support research to find izing the Higher Education Act: Com- ten. The report also recommended re- better treatments and therapies, and a cure placing the geographic area criteria for spinal cord injuries; bating Campus Sexual Assault.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without with a new science-based process for (4) supports clinical trials for new thera- pies that offer promise and hope to individ- objection, it is so ordered. determining compensation eligibility, uals living with paralysis; and COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND a method similar to what’s used in the (5) commends the dedication of national, GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS Radiation Exposed-Veterans Com- regional, and local organizations, research- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask pensation Act and the Energy Employ- ers, doctors, volunteers, and people across unanimous consent that the Com- ees Occupational Illness Compensation the United States that are working to im- prove the quality of life of people living with mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- Program Act. I believe it is worthwhile spinal cord injuries and their families. ernmental Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate for policy makers to consider the rec- f ommendations of the NAS report. on July 29, 2015, at 10 a.m. AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without This bill is an expansion of the RECA MEET objection, it is so ordered. program and thus I will be working COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS with my colleagues to find funding off- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask sets to ensure there is no net increase unanimous consent that the Com- unanimous consent that the Com- in government spending if this legisla- mittee on Armed Services be author- mittee on Indian Affairs be authorized tion were enacted. I encourage my col- ized to meet during the session of the to meet during the session of the Sen- leagues to support this bill. Senate on July 29, 2015, at 9:45 a.m. ate on July 29, 2015, in room SD–628 of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.031 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6144 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 29, 2015 the Dirksen Senate Office Building, at ment Support of the Committee on lution be agreed to, the preamble be 2:15 p.m., to conduct a hearing entitled Armed Services be authorized to meet agreed to, and the motions to recon- ‘‘Examining the True Costs of Alcohol during the session of the Senate on sider be laid upon the table with no in- and Drug Abuse in Native Commu- July 29, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. tervening action or debate. nities.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. f The resolution (S. Res. 234) was COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS AND agreed to. PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP The preamble was agreed to. Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I ask unani- (The resolution, with its preamble, is unanimous consent that the Com- mous consent that Budget Committee printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- mittee on Small Business and Entre- interns Flora Lipsky and Hannah be mitted Resolutions.’’) preneurship be authorized to meet dur- given floor privileges for the rest of the f ing the session of the Senate on July week. 29, 2015, at 10 a.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without NATIONAL SPINAL CORD INJURY The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. AWARENESS MONTH objection, it is so ordered. f Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS EXECUTIVE SESSION ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask ate proceed to the consideration of S. unanimous consent that the Com- Res. 235, submitted earlier today. mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be author- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ized to meet during the session of the clerk will report the resolution by Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Senate on July 29, 2015, at 2:30 p.m., in title. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- room SR–418 of the Russell Senate Of- The senior assistant legislative clerk ate proceed to executive session for the fice Building, to conduct a hearing en- read as follows: consideration of Executive Calendar titled ‘‘Ending Veteran Homelessness.’’ A resolution (S. Res. 235) designating Sep- No. 224; that the nomination be con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tember 2015 as ‘‘National Spinal Cord Injury firmed, the motion to reconsider be objection, it is so ordered. Awareness Month.’’ considered made and laid upon the There being no objection, the Senate SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE AND REGIONAL table with no intervening action or de- SECURITY COOPERATION proceeded to consider the resolution. bate; that no further motions be in Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask order; that any statements related to ask unanimous consent that the reso- unanimous consent that the Com- the nomination be printed in the mittee on Foreign Relations Sub- lution be agreed to, the preamble be RECORD; that the President be imme- agreed to, and the motions to recon- committee on Europe and Regional Se- diately notified of the Senate’s action, sider be laid upon the table with no in- curity Cooperation be authorized to and the Senate then resume legislative tervening action or debate. meet during the session of the Senate session. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without on July 29, 2015, at 2 p.m., to conduct a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. hearing entitled ‘‘Financial Crisis in objection, it is so ordered. The resolution (S. Res. 235) was Greece—Implications and Lessons The nomination considered and con- agreed to. Learned.’’ firmed is as follows: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The preamble was agreed to. IN THE MARINE CORPS objection, it is so ordered. (The resolution, with its preamble, is The following named officer for appoint- SUBCOMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- ment as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of AND CONSUMER PROTECTION mitted Resolutions.’’) Staff and appointment to the United States Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask Marine Corps to the grade indicated while f unanimous consent that the Com- assigned to a position of importance and re- mittee on Banking, Housing, and sponsibility under title 10, U.S.C., sections UNANIMOUS CONSENT Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Finan- 152 and 601: AGREEMENT—H.R. 3236 cial Institutions and Consumer Protec- To be general Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I tion be authorized to meet during the Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. ask unanimous consent that if the Sen- session of the Senate on July 29, 2015, f ate receives the papers for H.R. 3236, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing enti- that at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, tled ‘‘The Role of Bankruptcy Reform LEGISLATIVE SESSION the Senate proceed to the immediate in Addressing Too-Big-To Fail.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- consideration of H.R. 3236; that the bill The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ate will now resume legislative session. be read three times and the Senate objection, it is so ordered. f vote on passage of the bill with no in- SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT, AGENCY ACTION, tervening action or debate; that there FEDERAL RIGHTS, AND FEDERAL COURTS AUTHORIZING THE PRINTING OF A be a 60-affirmative-vote threshold for Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask COLLECTION OF THE RULES OF passage of the bill; and that following unanimous consent that the Com- THE COMMITTEES OF THE SEN- passage of the bill, the motion to re- mittee on the Judiciary, Sub- ATE consider be considered made and laid committee on Oversight, Agency Ac- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I upon the table. tion, Federal Rights, and Federal ask unanimous consent that the Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Courts be authorized to meet during ate proceed to the consideration of S. objection, it is so ordered. the session of the Senate on July 29, Res. 234, submitted earlier today. f 2015, at 2 p.m., in room SD–106 of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Dirksen Senate Office Building, to con- clerk will report the resolution by ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, JULY 30, duct a hearing entitled ‘‘Revisiting IRS title. 2015 Targeting: Progress of Agency Reforms The senior assistant legislative clerk Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I and Congressional Options.’’ read as follows: ask unanimous consent that when the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without A resolution (S. Res. 234) to authorize the Senate completes its business today, it objection, it is so ordered. printing of a collection of the rules of the adjourn until 10 a.m., Thursday, July SUBCOMMITTEE ON READINESS AND committees of the Senate. 30; that following the prayer and MANAGEMENT SUPPORT There being no objection, the Senate pledge, the morning hour be deemed Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask proceeded to consider the resolution. expired, the Journal of proceedings be unanimous consent that the Sub- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I approved to date, and the time for the committee on Readiness and Manage- ask unanimous consent that the reso- two leaders be reserved for their use

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY6.035 S29JYPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6145 later in the day; that following leader MARY M. MEADE THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT BRADLEY C. NINDL TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE remarks, the Senate resume consider- MICHAEL J. PRESCOTT ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: ation of H.R. 22, postcloture; further, JAMES R. ROBERTSON CINDY M. SALADIN MUHAMMAD To be colonel that the time following leader remarks JANE F. SCHILLACI JENNIFER M. AHRENS until 12 p.m. be equally divided in the CHRISTOPHER P. WILLARD DEIDRE M. ANDERSON THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT JERALD N. CHESTER usual form; finally, that all time dur- TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE BRENDA L. HAVELKA ing the adjournment of the Senate ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: GERALD D. HOLLEGER count postcloture on H.R. 22. TODD W. TRAVER To be colonel THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without DAVID B. ANDERSON TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY objection, it is so ordered. MATTHEW J. BARRY DENTAL CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 624 STEVEN E. BATTLE AND 3064: f STEVEN J. BAUER To be lieutenant colonel GLORIA Y. BROWNE ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. CHRISTINA CAWLEY RAMIE K. BARFUSS SHEMROCK O. CORDOVA DAVID A. BELTRAN TOMORROW IVONNE M. DALY GUZMAN JOHN F. DECKER TIMOTHY J. DICKASON WALTER G. DIMALANTA Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if S. FOLLEY DUNNA WILLIAM A. GILBERT there is no further business to come be- FRANK P. FAUSTUS KEVIN R. GILLESPIE MICHAEL Q. FITE JEFFERY B. HAMBRICE fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- ALEXANDER G. GARZA JOSEPH W. IVORY sent that it stand adjourned under the BRIAN L. GLADWELL HARRY J. JACKSON TODD G. GOTTSCHALK HWAHOON JEONG previous order. DAVID M. GOURLAY ANITA M. KIMBROUGH There being no objection, the Senate, LYLE B. HAM JOSEPH R. LOWE GERALD D. HAUTMAN EDWARD W. LUMPKINS at 6:28 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, VICTOR R. HERNANDEZPILLICH DAVID R. MAXWELL July 30, 2015, at 10 a.m. FOSTER C. KORDISCH III AMANDA R. NELSON DUANE LUKE JOEL M. NICHOLS f DEBORAH S. LYON NATHAN C. PARRISH ROBERT F. MARINO RACHELLE A. RETOMA NOMINATIONS MATTHEW L. MASTERSON CHRISTOPHER L. ROWE PETER MAZOLEWSKI CURTIS D. SCHMIDT Executive nominations received by CRAIG C. MCFARLAND BRIAN W. STANCOVEN CECILIA P. MIKITA MICHAEL J. STEWART the Senate: JAMES E. MILLER RUSSELL D. TAYLOR DENTONIO WORRELL IN THE AIR FORCE TERRY L. MILLS WILLIAM D. MURRELL THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT RICHARD A. NAHOURAII TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- PAZ C. NUANEZ MEDICAL CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 624 CATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE BIDEMI Y. OLANIYILEYIMU AND 3064: AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION WILLIAM H. PAULL 601: CLAUDE C. PERKINS To be lieutenant colonel MARK D. PORTER DAVID J. ADAM To be lieutenant general LUIS J. RAMOS SANTIAGO BRIAN L. ADAMS ALAN L. RIVERA LT. GEN. SAMUEL D. COX ERIC P. AHNFELDT LAWRENCE M. ROBERMAN MICHAEL V. ARNETT THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT NORMAN A. SABIO FARHAN S. AYUBI IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- DON J. SARMIENTO BRIAN C. BELDOWICZ CATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE RICHARD A. SCHEURING BROCK A. BENEDICT AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION FRANK L. SCHMID PAMELA BLAND 601: RAFAEL G. SEMIDEI JOHN H. BODEN DOUGLAS G. SMITH To be lieutenant general ANTHONY C. BONFIGLIO ANN M. STRAIGHT EDWARD E. BRIDGES II CARL W. THURMOND MAJ. GEN. GINA M. GROSSO SAMUEL E. BURKETT IN THE NAVY THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TRAVIS C. BURNS TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE CRAIG M. BUSH THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: ROBERT W. BYRNE IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED MICHAEL S. CAHILL WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND To be colonel BRIAN J. CARR RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: JERRY G. BAUMGARTNER LAUDINO M. CASTILLOROJAS To be vice admiral JOSE E. COLON MATTHEW S. CHAMBERS CARLOS J. MIRO MARCUS H. COLYER VICE ADM. PAUL A. GROSKLAGS JOSEPH ROSENWALD ROBERT J. S. CORNFELD MAURI M. THOMAS MARK S. CRAIG IN THE AIR FORCE STEVEN H. CRAIG THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT KEVIN L. CUMMINGS THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE LAURENCE DAVIDSON TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES AIR ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: RACHEL S. DAWSON FORCE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: To be colonel MATTHEW L. DRAKE To be colonel DOUGLAS M. DUDEWICZ ELIZABETH A. ANDERSON MATTHEW J. ECKERT RICHARD H. FILLMAN, JR. MICHELLE M. BEACH EDUARDO ESCOBAR MASSIMO D. FEDERICO IN THE ARMY SCOTT L. BORCHARDT JAMIE P. CHERRY DORI M. FRANCO THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT KATHLEEN A. CLARY MATTHEW D. GIVENS TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE ONDINE CRABTREE CHRISTINE M. GOULD ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: LACONNIA Y. DANDY YOLANDA N. GRAYDAVIS ZANDRA M. DAY ARTHUR F. GUERRERO To be colonel RANDY A. ESTES JORDAN M. HALL LINDA S. FISHER NATHAN E. HARTVIGSEN DEAN R. KLENZ ANGELA S. GARNER JODY N. HEFNER SYLVIA A. B. MILLER ALEXANDER GILSON CHRISTOPHER C. HIGGINS JAMES J. RICHE SHARON A. GREENAWAY HEATHER L. HIGGINS THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT OK S. HODGES MICAH HILL TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE WILLIAM R. KOGL THOMAS N. HOFFMANN ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: TERESA M. LONG LUKE J. HOFMANN To be colonel ALEXIOS A. LOUKAS JOHN D. HORTON JOHN M. RINEHART JAMES T. T. HSU RICHARD L. BAILEY CARLISS L. TOWNS STEVEN J. HUDAK KENNETH S. SHEDAROWICH KAREN H. WILLIAMS KATHRYN JOHNSON RONALD D. WOODARD OWEN N. JOHNSON THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT MARGARET L. YOUNG NATHAN D. JONES TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE ANDREW KAGEL THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: ESTHER KIM TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE RESERVE OF THE YOUNG W. KIM To be colonel ARMY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: MEGAN K. KLOETZEL WILLIAM ANDINO To be colonel NICHOLAS J. LANGE ROBERT J. BLAESING RYAN J. LARSON FREDA W. BREDY TONIA M. CROWLEY DAVID S. LIDWELL ELESS D. BROWN CHRISTOPHER FOWLER JEFFREY R. LIMJUCO FORREST E. CHASE CLIFFORD D. GEHRKE NICK M. LY BETTY J. DEMUS JAMES R. HILL ANDREW W. MACK ELIZABETH A. ENGLISH DONALD B. JONES EDWARD W. MALIN IV RUSSELL A. FREEMAN ERIK J. KIRCHEN ERIK S. MANNINEN ROSEANN E. GROB BONNIE S. LOWE BRIAN P. MARKELZ JEFFREY E. HAFNER DOUGLAS R. MEDD JOSEPH W. MAY SANDRA I. HERSH ROBERTO J. NOGUERAS ALEX J. MCKINLAY THOMAS S. HYSLIP DENNIS J. RATLIFF DANIEL F. MCLAUGHLIN NATHAN G. LEWANDOSKI PEDER SWANSON MARIA M. MOLINA LARRY J. LUEDEMAN CHERYL M. K. ZEISE PATRICK D. MUNSON

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ENFORCE THE LAW FOR Blaine County Commissioner Tom Bowman lent films. For the next 60 years, the Alex The- SANCTUARY CITIES ACT for all of the great help he has provided. atre previewed first-run films, ranging from Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 1937’s Saratoga to 1977’s Star Wars, solidi- SPEECH OF f fying its continuing identity as the epicenter of HON. BARBARA LEE Hollywood glamour. CONGRATULATING THE NORTHERN Originally designed by architects Charles R. OF CALIFORNIA ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY SUPER- Selkirk and Arthur G. Lindley, the theatre IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MILEAGE TEAM fac¸ade was remodeled in 1940 by S. Charles Thursday, July 23, 2015 Lee—a remodel that included the extraor- Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong oppo- HON. ADAM KINZINGER dinary 100-foot Art Deco tower. sition to H.R. 3009, the Enforce the Law for OF ILLINOIS The Alex Theatre continued hosting Holly- Sanctuary Cities Act. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES wood premieres until the 1980s, at which point The murder of Kathryn Steinle in San Fran- the theatre began to fall into disrepair. In Wednesday, July 29, 2015 cisco was a senseless tragedy. My heart con- 1991, however, the Glendale Redevelopment tinues to go out to her family and friends at Mr. KINZINGER of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I Agency restored the Alex Theatre to its former this difficult time. rise today to congratulate the Northern Illinois glory, investing over $6 million. As a nation, we cannot base complex policy University Supermileage team on their recent The renovated theatre opened on New decisions regarding the intersection of our fed- success at the 36th Annual SAE Supermile- Year’s Eve in 1993 to serve as a community eral immigration system and local law enforce- age Competition in Marshall, Michigan. arts theatre and civic center. Owned by the ment on a single tragic event. Over the course of two days in June, engi- City of Glendale and operated by Glendale Sanctuary Cities exist because municipali- neering and technology students from around Arts, the Alex Theatre was placed on the Na- ties across the country recognized that they the world completed the challenge of design- tional Register of Historic Places in 1996. had to act to keep families together as Con- ing and constructing a single-person, fuel-effi- Since its redesign in the 1990s, the Alex gressional Republican leadership refused to cient vehicle. The Northern Illinois vehicle, Theatre has retained its identity as a center move forward on bipartisan comprehensive called the Huskie Rocket, was able to reach a for arts, but has increased its functions. An- immigration reform. fuel efficiency of 1,057 miles per gallon, plac- other expansion project began in July 2013 These are some of the most populous cities ing the Northern Illinois Supermileage team and was completed in June 2014. This $5.2 in the country—New York, Los Angeles, Chi- third in the world, and second in the United million renovation added 6,600 square feet to cago, Houston—and the list goes on. States. the backstage area. Our local law enforcement agencies are not Since 2010, the NIU Supermileage team, The Alex Theatre is currently home to four trained immigration agents, nor should they led by faculty advisor Dr. David Schroeder, companies: the Los Angeles Ballet Company, be. has consistently placed in the top ten at the the Alex Film Society, the Glendale Youth Or- This conversation comes at a time in this annual SAE Supermileage Competition. This chestra, and the Los Angeles Chamber Or- country when many local law enforcement year’s impressive showing included the hard chestra. In addition to hosting these compa- agencies are facing a crisis of trust with the work of ten NIU students, including Supermile- nies, the Alex Theatre also hosts dance, com- communities they are sworn to protect and age team captain Lindsey Dodis, Kevin edy, theatre, music, and special events to serve. Kuebrich, Christian McAdoo, Kyle McNamara, serve more than 100,000 people who pass To threaten their federal funding based on Russell Fordyce, Andrew Hagel, Adam through its doors annually. To attest to the local decisions about how best to serve their Detrick, Aaron McKeown, Tom Swanberg, and theatre’s versatility, I had the great pleasure of communities, as H.R. 3009, would do, is not Saajan Patel. All the students, faculty, and hosting the 21st State Senate Arts Competi- only misguided but dangerous. staff that contributed to the success of the tion at the Alex Theatre in the late 1990s and Instead, my colleagues should be working to Supermileage team and their Huskie Rocket early 2000s. pass bipartisan legislation to fix our broken im- should be commended for their hard work and The Alex Theatre is destined to continue its migration system and address these long- dedication to applying what they have learned impressive legacy as a local and national standing issues in a comprehensive and from the NIU College of Engineering and Engi- landmark. I am honored to recognize the Alex thoughtful way. neering Technology at the Supermileage Com- Theatre for its great cultural value to the com- f petition. munity, and ask all members to join me in Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 16th District of congratulating the Alex Theatre upon its 90th SAWTOOTH NATIONAL RECRE- Illinois, I wish to express our sincere congratu- anniversary. ATION AREA AND JERRY PEAK lations for the hard work of the Northern Illi- f WILDERNESS ADDITIONS ACT nois University Supermileage team. I look for- ward to seeing what these bright and dedi- IN HONOR OF THE 60TH ANNIVER- SPEECH OF cated students accomplish in the future. SARY OF THE TEVIS CUP RIDE HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON f OF IDAHO HON. TOM McCLINTOCK TRIBUTE TO THE ALEX IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA THEATRE’S 90TH ANNIVERSARY Monday, July 27, 2015 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I would also HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF Wednesday, July 29, 2015 like to recognize one of America’s greatest OF CALIFORNIA Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today conservation writers, Rocky Barker of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Tevis Idaho Statesman. Rocky has provided unpar- Cup Ride of the Western States Trail. alleled depth and insight to the readers of Wednesday, July 29, 2015 The Western States Trail Foundation hosts Idaho and the United States throughout the 15 Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to the Ride with the aim of preserving the trail. years I have been working on CIEDRA and honor the Alex Theatre upon its 90th anniver- Throughout its long history, the trail has been SNRA+. He has hiked throughout these moun- sary. used by Native Americans, emigrants, gold tains and understands every nuance and as- The Alex Theatre has been a cornerstone of and silver miners, and sportsmen alike. pect of the area and this bill. I want to thank the Glendale community since its establish- The Tevis Cup is the oldest modern-day en- him for covering this story fairly and accurately ment in 1925. In its early years, the Alex The- durance ride, covering one hundred miles in all of these years. I also want to thank former atre was home to Vaudeville theatrics and si- one day. Riders begin in Robie Park, east of

∑ 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 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K29JY8.009 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 Squaw Valley, and have twenty-four hours to proud mother and grandmother. She is sur- reach the 99 percent goal, the bill establishes make their way to the end of the rugged trail vived by her daughters Celeste Welch Crago equipment and operation standards, manda- in Auburn, California. The 60th annual ride will and Julie Welch Cirincioni; and her sons Mi- tory leak detection and repair procedures, and take place on August 1, 2015. chael Warren Welch (Aino), O.C. Welch III, recordkeeping requirements; it also institutes Thousands of horseback riders from around Daniel Kevin Welch, Brian Christopher Welch new reporting requirements for all gas pro- the world participate in the Tevis Cup. The (Tiffany), Douglas Gerald Welch (Marcy), and duced, disposed, or leaked on a lease and re- event brings together a vast community of vol- Joseph Thomas Welch (Charlotte); 20 grand- quires public disclosure of the data. Market- unteers dedicated to keeping the Western children and 2 great-grandchildren. appropriate enforcement mechanisms for non- States Trail open to the public. Volunteers f compliance, as well as guidelines for applying spend innumerable hours and significant finan- such measures, are also established. cial resources to make this equestrian endur- INTRODUCTION OF THE NATURAL This bill is a win-win for the American tax- ance ride a success year after year. GAS ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECO- payer, providing both environmental and eco- Mr. Speaker, the Western States Trail Foun- NOMIC SECURITY ACT nomic benefits, while also promoting the dation and the Tevis Cup Ride have made an growth of the domestic methane mitigation in- important contribution to both the local econ- HON. ALAN S. LOWENTHAL dustry, which is creating high-paying jobs omy and the preservation of this rugged Sierra OF CALIFORNIA through small businesses across the nation. trail. I thank the Western States Trail Founda- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Further, many of these gains come at minimal tion for hosting the Tevis Cup Ride, particu- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 or no cost to producers, since many mitigation larly on the event’s 60th Anniversary, and I technologies pay for themselves once the cap- commend the Foundation for its continuing ef- Mr. LOWENTHAL. Mr. Speaker, today I am tured gas is marketed. forts to ensure the trail remains a monument introducing the Natural Gas Environmental The Natural Gas Environmental and Eco- to public access and enjoyment of our nation’s and Economic Security Act with a number of nomic Security Act stops the waste of valuable abundant natural resources. my colleagues, including the Ranking Member taxpayer resources, protects the environment of the House Natural Resources Committee and public heath, and boosts the economy. I f ´ RAUL GRIJALVA, to reduce the frivolous and ask that my colleagues support this common- REMEMBERING LEONORA TERESA unnecessary waste of natural gas from public sense legislation and rein in the waste of nat- BROWNE WELCH lands. Large volumes of natural gas are regu- ural gas from our public lands. larly flared, vented, or simply leak from Fed- f HON. EARL L. ‘‘BUDDY’’ CARTER eral oil and gas leases—in 2013 alone, the OF GEORGIA amount of lost gas could meet the heating and HONORING THE DEDICATED C IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cooking needs of 1.6 million American homes SERVICE OF DOROTHEA M BRIDE according to the Environmental Defense Fund. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 To make matters worse, the Center for Amer- HON. MARTHA ROBY Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise ican Progress and The Wilderness Society OF ALABAMA today in remembrance of Leonora Teresa showed that the amount of gas lost to venting IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Browne Welch who passed away peacefully and flaring doubled between 2008 and 2013, on Tuesday, July 28, 2015. with no sign of the trend slowing. In addition, Wednesday July 29, 2015 Mrs. Welch was born in Savannah, Georgia this wasted gas is not subject to royalties, Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to on June 23, 1928 and was the only child of costing the American taxpayers as much as honor Dorothea McBride who is retiring from Josephine Mollo and Palmer Carr Browne. $58 million annually in lost revenue according the Department of Veterans Affairs after 27 She had many fond memories of her child- to the Government Accountability Office. years of dedicated service. A Registered hood with Italian family members on her moth- Beyond being economically wasteful, these Nurse, a Veteran, and Patient Administrator at er’s side, and growing up on her father’s dairy processes are bad for human health and the Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System, farm, Kensington Dairy, which comprised the environment. Gas released to the atmosphere her tireless work has been instrumental in land known today as Kensington Park and from venting and leaks contributes dramati- helping the veterans of Central Alabama. Fairway Oaks. cally to climate change, since methane, the Under particularly challenging cir- Mrs. Welch attended Cathedral Day School major component of natural gas, has 25 times cumstances, Dorothea has provided critical and St. Vincent’s Academy where she was the warming impact of carbon dioxide over health care to many of our nation’s most dedi- Valedictorian of her graduating class in 1946. 100 years. In 2013 alone, the Environmental cated servants. Whether responding to vet- She went on to study journalism at Armstrong Defense Fund estimated that the volume of erans directly or working with my office on College and worked at Citizens and Southern methane released to the atmosphere was Congressional inquiries, she has dem- Bank. equivalent to the emissions from 5.6 million onstrated an exceptional level of profes- In 1952, Mrs. Welch married O.C. Welch, cars. Venting, flaring, and leaks all affect local sionalism and patriotism, literally saving lives. Jr., a Savannah native and engineer for the air quality as well by releasing volatile organic Dorothea McBride cares deeply for the vet- Seaboard Coastline Railroad, and by 1963 compounds, nitrogen oxides, and particulate erans in her care. She never failed to respond she was a busy mother to her eight children. matter into the atmosphere. These environ- diligently and with compassion and courtesy She was affectionately called ‘‘Noni’’ by her mental costs undercut the potential benefits of when asked for help. Along with my staff, I husband and later by her many grandchildren. natural gas as a lower-carbon, cleaner burning want to wish her all the best in the next chap- The Welches were married for 43 years until fuel alternative to coal. ter of her life. We will never forget her service. Mr. Welch’s death in 1996. Local regulations have already dem- f Mrs. Welch was a devout Catholic through- onstrated that the best way to curb venting, out her life, and the Welch family were com- flaring, and fugitive releases is to both enact CONGRATULATING GIL MILLER ON municants of St. James Catholic Church strong regulations and incentivize gas capture HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE where their children attended school before by collecting royalties on lost gas, and our bill, UNITED STATES NAVY going on to attend St. Vincent’s Academy and the Natural Gas Environmental and Economic Benedictine Military School. Security Act takes this two-pronged approach. HON. KAY GRANGER As her children began to leave the house, To address royalties, the bill amends the Min- OF TEXAS Mrs. Welch found more time to avail herself to eral Leasing Act and the Outer Continental IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES volunteer for several community organizations Shelf Lands Act to require royalties on all gas including Goodwill, but was especially dedi- produced from new leases, including gas used Wednesday, July 29, 2015 cated to her work in the Diocese of Savannah on the lease to power equipment. Gas lost in Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to and St. James offices. She also enjoyed a acute emergency situations would remain ex- congratulate Captain Gil Miller on his retire- close circle of friends known as The BOF’s— empt from royalties to ensure that safety is not ment from the United States Navy and to or Best of Friends—who met monthly for compromised. thank him for his many years of dedicated luncheons around Savannah. She was also The bill would also require that 99 percent service. active in the Daughters of Ireland. of all gas produced each year from Federal Captain Miller is a Naval Academy graduate Mrs. Welch was a shining example of God’s leases be captured within 5 years. It also pro- who has devoted 25 years of his life to serving unconditional love, and was a loving and hibits venting and limits routine flaring. To our country. For the last two years he has

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K29JY8.004 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1157 done an outstanding job as commander of expertise was instrumental in the planning and ple laugh, and his good sense of humor made Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve standup of the 254th Security Forces Squad- a positive lasting impression on everyone he Base in Tarrant County, Texas. He has served ron. As commander of the 254th Air Base met. Valuing integrity in work, politics and life, our country well while also making significant Group from August 2007 to September 2013, Mr. Saab treated everyone equally with re- contributions to the communities around the he was responsible for the command and con- spect and as a friend, and cared deeply about base. trol of Guam Air National Guard’s units and civil liberties and justice. He enjoyed helping Earlier in his career, Captain Miller flew SH– activities and their maximum readiness capa- people and was a dependable friend in hard 2 and SH–60 helicopters based on ships in bilities. times. Deeply patriotic, Abdo loved Lebanon, the Eastern Pacific, Central America, and Car- Brigadier General Lizama is a 1977 alum- his country of origin, and America, his adopted ibbean. He also flew fleet airlift missions in the nus of Father Duenas Memorial High School home. Beechcraft C–12 and the C–130T Hercules in Tai, Guam. He received a Bachelors degree A devoted family man, Abdo is survived by transport for three tours, and deployed on re- in Management from the University of Guam his loving wife Lourdes, daughters Liane and lief missions for the Pakistani earthquake and and Masters degrees in Public Administration Jessica Saab, brother George and sisters Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. and Human Resources from Golden Gate Uni- Georgette, Layla, Aida and May. Captain Miller served two tours in the Pen- versity. Additionally, Brigadier General Lizama Abdo was an irreplaceable part of our com- tagon as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Di- enrolled and successful completed Air War munity and he will be sorely missed by his rector and as principal briefer to the Undersec- College. family and friends and all those whose lives retary of Defense for all Reserve and National I extend my congratulations to Johnny S. he touched. A trusted friend and a man of im- Guard mobilizations, deployment orders, and Lizama on his promotion to Brigadier General, peccable character, I ask all Members to join global force management. and I join the people of Guam in commending me in remembering Abdo Youssef Saab. While Captain Miller has served our country him for his service to our nation and island. he has been blessed with the support of his Brigadier General Lizama’s promotion marks f wife, Cheryl. an important milestone in the history of the I offer my heartfelt thanks and congratula- Guam National Guard. Finding qualified offi- HONORING PRINCIPAL JAMES tions to Captain Miller for his outstanding ca- cers to serve in Assistant Adjutant General po- CONDON FOR THE 2015 INDIANA reer in the Navy and wish him the best in his sitions ensures that the vision and intent of the PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR retirement. Guard Empowerment Act is being fulfilled on f Guam. This will provide greater professional HON. JACKIE WALORSKI development for well qualified officers in the OF INDIANA CONGRATULATING JOHN S. Guam National Guard. LIZAMA ON HIS PROMOTION TO Moreover, this is a historic occasion for our IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BRIGADIER GENERAL IN THE island as Brigadier General Lizama is the first Wednesday, July 29, 2015 UNITED STATES AIR FORCE Chamorro Airman to be promoted and feder- Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ally recognized at the rank of brigadier general to recognize Principal James Condon of Plym- HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO in the Guam Air National Guard and the outh High School for being named the 2015 OF GUAM United States Air Force. I also extend my con- Principal of the Year. His success in fostering IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gratulations to his wife, Dee, and their four an exceptional learning environment for stu- children, Keith and his wife Paul Jean, Kim- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 dents in Plymouth is nothing short of remark- berly and her husband Jonathan, Brother able. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Cody, OFM Cap., and Rico as well as to his to recognize Johnny S. Lizama of the village two grandchildren, Taehlyn-Jean and Urijah Every year, the National Association of Sec- of Santa Rita on his promotion to the rank of John. I wish him the best on this important ondary School Principals recognizes out- Brigadier General of the Guam Air National achievement. standing middle school and high school prin- Guard. Brigadier General Lizama is the Direc- cipals who have succeeded in providing high- f tor of Staff for Air, Joint Forces Headquarters, quality learning opportunities for students. Re- Guam National Guard. He was appointed to MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO ABDO cipients are chosen based on their perform- serve as the Assistant Adjutant General-Air YOUSSEF SAAB ance in four categories, which include per- Force by Governor Eddie Baza Calvo. sonal excellence, collaborative leadership, cur- Brigadier General Lizama began his military HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF riculum and personalization. Among other re- quirements, an award winner must model val- career in June 1977 after enlisting in the OF CALIFORNIA ues, beliefs and attitudes that encourage oth- United States Coast Guard. In December IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1982, he enlisted in the Air Force and re- ers to higher levels of performance; create a ported to Eglin Air Force Base as a Direct Wednesday, July 29, 2015 culture of collaboration; ensure that each stu- Duty Assignment Interior Electrician with the Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor dent has the best possible opportunity of real- 3202nd Civil Engineering Squadron. He later the memory of Abdo Youssef Saab of Los An- izing success; and create a school climate that served as a Manpower Management Techni- geles, California, a man of integrity and an is warm, inviting, safe and secure. Every one cian with Detachment 6, 3904th Management outstanding community leader, who passed of us depends on our teachers, and because Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, California, away on July 23, 2015. of that, they deserve our support and appre- during his last two years of active duty serv- Abdo was born in Hammana, Lebanon on ciation. ice. In 1988, Brigadier General Lizama sepa- August 15, 1945. He was educated in Jesuit For over 20 years, Principal Condon has rated from the Air Force and returned to schools in Lebanon, studied in France and re- been contributing to the betterment of Indiana Guam, where he joined the Guam Air National ceived his Civil Engineering degree. Abdo education. Since he became the principal of Guard and served as the 254th Services Flight came to Los Angeles in the early 1970’s, Plymouth High School in 2007, the school has Superintendent until 1992. where he met Lourdes, a community liaison been rated as one of the top high schools in In 1992, Brigadier General Lizama was for the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office; they fell in Indiana and has received an ‘‘A’’ from the commissioned in the Guam Air National Guard love and married. They lived and raised their state in school accountability. As an added ac- as Personnel Programs Officer for the 254th two daughters, Liane and Jessica in La complishment, the school has achieved an 86 Air Base Group and later as Director of Per- Can˜ada Flintridge before moving to Los Ange- percent graduation rate, exceeding the Indiana sonnel for the Active Guard Reserve. As Di- les. state average by nearly 10 percent. These re- rector of Personnel, he administered a range Mr. Saab began a long and remarkable ca- markable achievements have been duly-recog- of personnel programs to include procurement, reer as a businessman, ascending quickly to nized and rewarded. Before receiving Principal professional development, recruitment and re- the position of Vice President of Downtown of the Year, he was named the top high tention programs, and support for contingency L.A. Motors. He then began several busi- school principal in Indiana’s second district, operations, among other major responsibilities. nesses, including a travel agency and a con- which includes Elkhart, St. Joseph, Starke, From 2002 to 2006, Brigadier General sulting firm. Abdo was also active in the local Marshall, Pulaski, Fulton, LaPorte and Kos- Lizama was the comptroller for the 254th Air law enforcement and political communities. ciusko counties. Because of leaders like him, Base Group with oversight of $2.1M in appro- A charismatic man, Abdo’s presence was Hoosier classrooms are filled with future doc- priated funds, whose financial management felt wherever he went. He loved to make peo- tors, scientists and entrepreneurs.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K29JY8.008 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 Principal Condon’s efforts have been instru- And affiliate Asia Pacific Airlines’ services Dr. Tan Siu Lin’s values and beliefs are the mental in advancing Indiana’s education sys- match the needs of a wide-ranging clientele. guiding principles of the operation and devel- tem. His leadership has led to the develop- APA is a US-registered airline and a reliable opment of businesses in Luen Thai. Dr. Tan ment of digital and project-based learning, cre- air cargo service carrier in the western Pacific believes strongly in giving back to the commu- ation of dual credit courses and preparation of region. nities where Luen Thai operates. students for the job market. As a result, Plym- Luen Thai has been involved in shipping In 2009, Luen Thai launched the ‘‘iServe. outh High School now offers 35 dual credit since its early days. Along with partners, Luen iGiveback.’’ program that incorporated all busi- courses and has achieved one of Indiana’s Thai set up Mariana Express Lines, Ltd. in ness units and their employees. The group of highest pass percentages on AP classes. The 1997 to increase the supply of shipping serv- companies has also shown its support for edu- school recently opened a state-of-the-art Ad- ices in the Micronesian region. MELL’s reliable cational, art, cultural, as well as sport activities vanced Manufacturing Training Center that and regular shipping services have brought and programs with generous sponsorships. serves students during the day and adults in business growth to Luen Thai Group as well The first Tan Siu Lin Foundation was estab- the evening. Contributions like these would not as other enterprises in the region. lished in Saipan in 1986, followed by others in be possible without the effort of passionate With service stations in 12 countries across Guam, Hong Kong, and China, to oversee and educators like Principal Condon. Quite simply, Asia and America, affiliate CTSI is the largest coordinate Dr. Tan’s wide-ranging charitable his work is bettering the lives of Hoosiers. provider of logistics services in Micronesia. It works in many different places. I want to take this opportunity to once again also works closely with MELL and APA to pro- thank Principal Condon for helping students in vide a full range of logistics and support serv- The history of the Luen Thai group of com- Plymouth develop their talents and become ices, including logistics consultancy and train- panies is an extraordinary success story that our future leaders. On behalf of myself and my ing, as well as customized IT solutions which reflects the vision and dedication of Dr. Tan fellow Hoosiers, I congratulate him on receiv- support service integration, real time informa- and his family. The company and its affiliates ing this prestigious award. tion and efficient operations. CTSI strives to bring employment, products, services, and business opportunities to the Northern Mar- f provide the best to its customers by fostering a corporate culture that champions quality iana Islands, to our entire region, and around RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVER- service, and by continually investing in both the world. SARY OF LUEN THAI GROUP personnel as well as the hardware of the com- pany. f HON. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO Affiliate POI Aviation provides a broad range of round-the-clock services in ground handling, RECOGNIZING VIC STORY JR., 2015 SABLAN passenger and cargo handling, airport oper- FLORIDA FARMER OF THE YEAR OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS ation, and aircraft maintenance, to Saipan IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES International Airport and its users. HON. DANIEL WEBSTER Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Affiliate Century Insurance was established in the 1980s as an agent for a number of OF FLORIDA Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, today I ask you multi-national non-life insurance companies to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to join me in celebrating a fifty-year story of issue and underwrite policies on commercial success that spans not just the Northern Mar- and domestic types of insurance in Micro- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 iana Islands or the mid-Pacific region, but nesia. It was granted a Certificate of Authority Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am three continents and several oceans. The to operate as the first fully-fledged non-life in- pleased to take this opportunity to recognize a Luen Thai Group of companies was founded surance company in CNMI. close friend of mine whose dedication to the by Dr. Tan Siu Lin in Hong Kong in Sep- For a long time, the sheer size of Micro- citrus industry has greatly impacted our Cen- tember 1965, expanded to the Northern Mar- nesia has made it difficult and costly to pro- tral Florida community. Mr. Vic Story Jr. of iana Islands and Guam in the 1970s, and now vide a quality health service to the small popu- Lake Wales, Florida was recently named the provides many important services to our com- lations scattered over its islands. Luen Thai 2015 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Florida munity through its many local, regional, and met this challenge by investing in TakeCare, Farmer of the Year. Mr. Story oversees The international affiliates. Inc. TakeCare provides medical insurance and Story Companies, his family-owned and oper- The Luen Thai Group is among the most owns FHP Health Center. One of the longest ated business, which includes land holdings, successful apparel and accessories supply serving health service providers in the region, citrus management, citrus marketing and har- chain service providers in the world. The ap- FHP operates twelve centers of medical care vesting for over 7,000 acres of citrus in Polk, parel business is listed on the Hong Kong on Saipan and Guam which cover the full Hardee, Highlands, and Hendry counties. Stock Exchange and produced 175 million spectrum of wellness, both in sickness and units of garments, bags and shoes last year. health, from monitoring physical fitness to dis- In 1945, upon returning home from fighting The company has invested heavily in the pensing quick responses to urgent medical in World War II, Mr. Story’s parents moved to tourism industry in our region and continues to needs such as transfer service to major med- Polk County, Florida and purchased 100 drive the expansion of tourism today. Luen ical facilities overseas. acres. Mr. Story, along with his brother, Terry, Thai affiliate Century Travel and Tours is re- Affiliate Saipan Tribune is a daily newspaper helped his father plant their property with an sponsible for bringing thousands of visitors to that keeps the people of Saipan informed orange and grapefruit grove until all the land our islands and for providing for their enjoy- about life on the island and world events while was planted in citrus. Mr. Story’s father, Vic ment during their stay with professional, qual- its web version serves as a window to the is- Sr. grew the family’s grove into a successful ity services in air and ground passenger trans- lands for the outside world. The Tribune is a enterprise after surviving the major citrus portation. very important part of the community fabric. freezes in 1957–58. In 1965, they began pur- Luen Thai Fishing Venture is a ‘‘one-stop’’ Luen Thai also owns Cosmos Distributing chasing other citrus groves in the area, and by seafood provider, offering a full range of sup- Co. Ltd. and Dickerson & Quinn, which is a 1984, they had started a harvesting company. ply chain services from fleet operation, base vast network in Micronesia for the distribution Today Mr. Story serves as the President and operation, and processing in the central and of a myriad of international brands. Chairman of the Board of The Story Compa- western Pacific regions, to marketing and Tango, Inc. brings great, state-of-the art cin- nies for the family farm. He has passed on the sales in Japan, the United States and China. ema to the western Pacific region. Today, the management of the family business to his two Luen Thai is also a provider of third party lo- company owns 17 movie screens, 30 bowling sons, Kyle and Matt. gistics as well as air and sea freight for- alleys, and other entertainment and dining out- This October, Mr. Story and his family will warding. The synergy created by these three lets in the region. head to Moultrie, Georgia for the Sunbelt Ag areas of activity not only supports Luen Thai’s Realty Management Services provides pro- Expo, where he will compete with nine other own growth, but also helps connect the many fessional management and rental services in state winners for the Southeastern Farmer of small islands scattered over our vast ocean Guam and Saipan, including for residential, the Year. He is most deserving of being region, contributing to economic development commercial and industrial properties. The first- named 2015 Florida Farmer of the Year. His and lifting the quality of life for those who in- rate service and green initiatives of RMS have leadership, dedication, and passion continue habit Micronesia. set benchmarks in the region. to be an inspiration to us all.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY8.011 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1159 IN RECOGNITION OF COLONEL guished, 37 year career in the United States HONORING SHARON P. PEARCE, RICK HARNEY, JR. ON THE OCCA- Army. I hope that he will celebrate the occa- PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN SION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM sion in the company of his wife, Leslie, his ASSOCIATION OF NURSE ANES- THE UNITED STATES ARMY children, Dominick, Aerin, Marc, and Ashley, THETISTS and his grandchildren, Izumi, Eugene, Marc, HON. LOU BARLETTA Marvelo, Mecca, Ayrielle, and Ash’kelon. I HON. RICHARD HUDSON OF PENNSYLVANIA wish him all the best in this next chapter of his OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES life. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, July 29, 2015 f Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to to recognize Colonel Rick Harney, Jr. on the IN HONOR OF EMMA HARRIS honor my constituent, Sharon P. Pearce, occasion of his retirement from the United ARMSTRONG CRNA, MSN, of Lexington, North Carolina. States Army. Throughout his 37 year career, Ms. Pearce’s term as president of the Amer- Col. Harney has selflessly served our country ican Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) and community; namely, during the time he HON. DAVID SCOTT OF GEORGIA will soon come to an end. spent as Director of the United States Army Throughout her presidency at the AANA, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) at Ms. Pearce has been a strong advocate for the Carlisle Barracks, which I am honored to Wednesday, July 29, 2015 patient safety and the practice of nurse anes- represent. USAHEC is a tremendous institu- Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, thesia. She has worked tirelessly to advance tion within my congressional district charged policies that modernize the industry and meet with educating members of our Armed Forces I rise today to pay tribute to the accomplish- the unique needs of patients. Ms. Pearce has and honoring soldiers—past and present. ments of an extraordinary woman, Mrs. Emma also been a vocal advocate for veterans’ ac- Col. Harney enlisted in the Army in August Harris Armstrong. Throughout her 99 years, of 1978. In 1987, after matriculating from the Mrs. Armstrong has experienced important cess to quality healthcare. Ms. Pearce has served as a CRNA for more United States Officer Candidate School in Fort moments in history and has also continuously Benning, Georgia as a Distinguished Military striven to improve the lives of her family, than 20 years and has made great contribu- Graduate, he received his commission as a friends, and community. tions to the healthcare system in North Caro- Field Artillery Lieutenant. He has undertaken Mrs. Armstrong’s hardworking and inde- lina. She has demonstrated a lifelong commit- many notable assignments, including Assistant pendent attitude grew out of her childhood and ment to professional development having re- Commandant and Chief at the United States subsequent life experiences. Growing up as ceived her Master of Science in Nurse Anes- Army Quartermaster School in Fort Lee, Vir- the third child of twelve siblings, she, like her thesia from the University of North Carolina at ginia, and Commander of the Defense Dis- siblings, helped with household chores and Greensboro, a Certificate in Nurse Anesthesia tribution Center at the Anniston Army Depot in sharecropping, while worshipping at the Mount from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Alabama. Such roles have enabled Col. Har- Olive Baptist Church and attending school. At Center, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from ney to positively influence his colleagues, as the Brunswick Courthouse in Georgia, Emma the University of North Carolina at Greens- well as the future strategic leaders of our mili- Harris Armstrong married John ‘‘Jackie’’ Arm- boro, and an Associate Degree in Nursing tary. strong. During their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. from Davidson County Community College. Ms. Pearce has been an active member of A Magna Cum Laude graduate from Hawaii Armstrong traveled across the United States numerous AANA committees and has pre- Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science to accommodate Mr. Armstrong’s military ca- viously served in AANA leadership positions in Business Administration, he also holds an reer. During and after World War II, Mrs. Arm- including President-Elect, Vice President, and impressive number of advanced degrees, in- strong resided in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Region 2 Director. She has even served as cluding a Master of Business Administration Mrs. Armstrong often passed the time playing President of the North Carolina Association of from Webster University, a Master of Military tennis with other Army wives, eventually be- Nurse Anesthetists. Ms. Pearce produced the Arts and Science from the United States Army coming quite good at the sport. Through her AANA Public Relations award winning video, Command and General Staff College, and a and her husband’s travels, Mrs. Armstrong ‘‘The Best Kept Secret in Healthcare,’’ and is Master of Strategic Studies from the Air War cultivated a love for travel and the beautiful nationally recognized as a distinguished College. In addition to his academic success, sites of this country. speaker on anesthesia topics. Col. Harney has received an extensive Mrs. Armstrong has seen an incredible Equally as impressive to her leadership in amount of awards and decorations. These in- amount of change during her lifetime. During her official capacity as a CRNA has been her clude the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious her life, Mrs. Armstrong has seen the dev- involvement in philanthropic endeavors. Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, astating effects of the Great Depression, the Among other charitable acts, Ms. Pearce has Army Meritorious Service Medal with Silver desperate times of World War II, and the land- served on the board of directors for the Juve- Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commenda- ing of the first man on the moon. Mrs. Arm- tion Medal, Army Commendation Medal with nile Diabetes Research Foundation, where strong lived through the painful effects of dis- three Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service she started and led a ‘‘Walk to Cure Diabetes’’ crimination, however, despite everything, she Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clus- that raised nearly $500,000 for research. always approached the evils of segregation ters, Army Achievement Medal with five Oak Mr. Speaker, please join me today in hon- with love in her heart. Through her independ- Leaf Clusters, Joint Meritorious Unit Award oring Sharon P. Pearce, CRNA, MSN, for her ence and strong will, Mrs. Armstrong raised with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Superior Unit notable career and her esteemed service as two children in the midst of these turbulent Award, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault the most recent president of the American As- times while still finding time to be actively in- Badge, and Parachute Rigger Badge. Such sociation of Nurse Anesthetists. volved in her church, the community, and poli- accolades are indicative of the high caliber of tics. Mrs. Armstrong worked on the Senate f his dedicated service to our nation. On July 7th, 2014, Col. Harney assumed campaigns for both Senator George McGov- A SACRED TRUST: CELEBRATING duties as the Director of the USAHEC at the ern and Senator Tim Johnson. MEDICARE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY Carlisle Barracks in my congressional district. On most days, Mrs. Armstrong can be found As an instructor and educator, Col. Harney attending church activities, spending time with HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH has significantly improved the experiences of family, and devoting her time to the commu- OF NEW JERSEY nity. Throughout her years, Mrs. Armstrong his fellow instructors and students. The initia- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tives and programs he has implemented have has always treated all her family, friends, and Wednesday, July 29, 2015 shaped the lives of the future leaders of our visitors with graciousness and kindness. military, and have enhanced the effectiveness Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the in- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I of the United States Army War College. Even credible perseverance and steadfastness of take this opportunity today to mark the 50th though he will no longer be present at this woman. Mrs. Emma Harris Armstrong is a anniversary of Medicare and to express my USAHEC on a day-to-day basis, his legacy great lady whose love and dedication inspires strong support for the programs that provide will inevitably carry on. numerous people around her. I ask my col- health coverage for older Americans. Mr. Speaker, I am humbled to congratulate leagues to join me in venerating this distin- Fifty years ago, our country made a commit- Col. Harney on the culmination of a distin- guished individual. ment to our seniors. A commitment that said

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if you worked hard and paid into the system KEVIN BRADY and Ranking Member JIM stage of their lives. Passage of my legislation you would have access to quality healthcare in MCDERMOTT—will allow CMS to test models will empower individuals with much-needed in- retirement. To this day, Medicare continues to that bring PACE’s effective care plans to more formation to outline their future treatments and provide health insurance coverage for millions seniors as well as individuals with disabilities. care—giving patients HOPE, and a plan for of Americans age 65 and older, and adults By way of background, PACE is an effec- their future. with permanent disabilities. Medicare, along tive, integrated and community-based program As our population ages, it is imperative that with Social Security, is a sacred trust that I that works to raise quality of life of senior citi- we preserve and expand access to the serv- have consistently fought to preserve and one zens, while keeping them in their homes and ices that enable senior citizens to live healthy that we must continue to protect for the 54 supporting their independence. It delivers the and productive lives, and give seniors the se- million Americans enrolled in Medicare entire range of medical and long-term services curity and confidence they need when plan- today—and those who will enroll throughout including: medical care and prescription drug ning for their future medical care. our nation’s tomorrows. services; physical or occupational therapy; day Strengthening and preserving Medicare is a Amended and improved throughout the or respite care; and medical specialties, such promise that every preceding generation has years, Medicare has come to play a key role as dentistry, optometry, and podiatry. made and kept. It is our duty to continue to in providing health coverage to millions of Currently, participating in a PACE program honor the senior citizens in New Jersey and Americans. The Social Security Amendments is limited to those aged 55 and older who around the country who have worked hard to of 1965, established Medicaid to ensure low- meet state-specified criteria for needing a provide for their families and help build our income families have access to healthcare; nursing home level of care (LOC). However, communities and deliver on promises made, Social Security Amendments of 1972, ex- many populations—including younger individ- for—at a minimum—another 50 years to tended Medicare eligibility to individuals under uals, people with multiple chronic conditions come. age 65 with long-term disabilities; then later and disabilities, seniors who need comprehen- sive care but do not yet meet the nursing the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, f and Modernization Act of 2006, established home LOC standard—could benefit from the the Medicare Advantage program and a new all-inclusive nature of the PACE model. CELEBRATING THE 50TH BIRTH- landmark prescription drug benefit known as Having worked to bring the first PACE pro- DAY OF MS. KERI LEE SMITH OF Medicare Part D. gram to New Jersey, St. Francis Medical Cen- ROSEVILLE, CA In addition to large scale changes to the ter’s Living Independently for the Elderly program, I have supported and worked on (LIFE) in Trenton, I’ve personally visited sen- policies that address specific aspects of Medi- iors who are enrolled in PACE and witnessed HON. TOM McCLINTOCK care to both raise the quality of life for bene- how this important program works to raise the OF CALIFORNIA ficiaries while also saving the program money quality of life of its enrollees. Today over 100 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in the long run. For example, I authored legis- PACE programs are serving seniors through- lation that was signed into law (PL 100–203) out the country including four, soon to be five, Wednesday, July 29, 2015 to provide Medicare coverage for therapeutic centers in my home state of New Jersey. This Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today shoes for seniors with severe diabetic foot dis- bill is important to build on the success of the to congratulate Keri Lee Smith of Roseville, ease. At the time, Medicare covered costly program and make it better, offering better CA, as she celebrates her 50th birthday today, amputations—which an estimated 25,600 sen- comprehensive care and preserving the dignity July 29, 2015. iors received annually—but not the therapeutic of those most deserving of our care and atten- A fourth generation Californian, Keri Lee is shoes what would prevent the need for those tion. an active member in the community of Rose- amputations. The American Diabetes Associa- To further strengthen the Medicare system ville. Keri graduated from CSU Chico in 1988, tion estimated that my bill would save Medi- and aid those individuals and families who are earning a BS in Business with a minor in care over $100 million in one year alone, while facing the reality of Alzheimer’s disease, I also Recreation Administration. She received her the affordable and available foot care would recently introduced the HOPE for Alzheimer’s teaching credentials from CSU Chico in 1991. spare seniors the trauma of an amputation. Act (HR 1559). My HOPE Act would provide She later earned a Masters of Education from And my work to sustain and protect the pro- for Medicare coverage of a care-planning ses- the University of LaVerne and received a gram continues. Earlier this year I was sion for newly diagnosed patients and their G.A.T.E. certificate from UC Davis. Keri has pleased to lend my support to the Medicare family caregivers or legal representatives. been teaching for over a decade in the greater Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 Mr. Speaker, my Alzheimer’s legislation will Roseville area, and currently teaches math (PL: 114–10) which finally repealed the flawed fill an important gap in current Medicare serv- and life sciences at Western Sierra Collegiate SGR—the statutory method for determining ices. Take for example an experience of one Academy in Rocklin and educates future the annual update to the Medicare physician of my constituents, Mary Gerard of Ocean teachers as a professor at Chapman Univer- fee schedule. Previous temporary patches to New Jersey. Mary was one of the 15 million sity. the SGR were unsustainable and unproduc- family members and friends who act as unpaid Agriculture has long been a part of Keri tive, leaving seniors questioning if they could caregivers to Alzheimer’s and dementia pa- Lee’s life. She was born in Chico and raised visit their own doctors if the so-called patches tients across the country every year. on a family farm her great-grandfather began were not extended. When her mother Helen was diagnosed with A final repeal of the SGR modernizes the Alzheimer’s, Mary took charge and was there in 1918 in Clarks Valley, part of the California formula for determining Medicare reimburse- with her mother day in and day out—faithfully coastal range. Later, the farming operation ments and will help the Centers for Medicare and lovingly—until she passed. She is a moved to Butte City near the Sacramento and Medicaid transition to a new system in- trained critical care nurse. She was equipped River, where her siblings continue the enter- tended to incentivize quality of care and over- with knowledge and resources that many first prise today. When she’s not teaching, Keri all health improvements. This law allows sen- time caregivers do not have. Yet even with a finds time to be an active member of the Cali- iors to retain access to quality healthcare, es- medical services background, she still strug- fornia Women in Agriculture. tablishes predictability for the doctors who gled with the challenges of her new life as a Keri Lee is a loving wife to her husband treat Medicare beneficiaries, and continues to caregiver. Scott and a dedicated mother to their three give seniors the security and confidence they Alzheimer’s caregivers provide an estimated children: Emma, Garret, and Maddox. Keri need when making healthcare decisions. 17 billion hours of unpaid care every year. The spends much of her time shuttling the children With that work successfully accomplished, emotional and financial toll can be immense. between sports and scouts, cheering them on we can and must do even more to strengthen Many are untrained and offered little guidance at ball fields, and shaping them into confident Medicare and ensure the healthcare needs of to function in their new role. Navigating the future leaders. Her role as a mother also in- all seniors are met, now and into the future. long-term care system is a daunting task and cludes service as the President of the Rose- Accordingly, yesterday, I introduced the Pro- can appear overwhelming, particularly for ville High School Parents Club, a Girl Scout gram of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly those who have only recently received the Troop Leader, and a member of the Parent- (PACE) Innovation Act. My new bill, intro- news that a loved one has Alzheimer’s dis- Teacher Council. In her limited spare time, duced with a group of bipartisan co-spon- ease. Keri enjoys to read, bake, and travel. sors—including the lead Democratic cospon- Upon receiving this diagnosis, patients and Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratu- sor Rep. EARL BLUMENAUER, the Ways and their families—like Mary’s—are frequently at a lating Ms. Keri Lee Smith on this special day, Means Subcommittee on Health Chairman loss for how to effectively plan for the next and in wishing her a happy 50th birthday.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY8.017 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1161 HONORING THE LIFE OF AMOS Before her union work, she was a policy an- Established in 1935, the Silvette Women’s LYNCH alyst to former St. Paul Mayor Jim Scheibel, Golf Club is the oldest women’s public golf specializing in labor, health and immigration club in the State of New York. The Silvettes HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI issues. She served on the Greater Twin Cities started out as a group of ten women who OF OHIO United Way board as well as the Humphrey came together to organize friendly tour- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Institute of Public Affairs Advisory Council. naments. After only three years, the Silvettes As head of the Minnesota AFL–CIO, Ms. grew in membership as their weekly tour- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Knutson helped lead the coalition that suc- naments became increasingly popular with a cessfully raised Minnesota’s minimum wage, Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to prize of two dollars for first and second place. honor and celebrate the life achievements of coordinated efforts that kept a ‘‘Right to Work’’ Amos H. Lynch, Sr. constitutional amendment off the ballot, and The Silvettes continue to play in many tour- Amos served as a leader in civil rights, busi- increased political participation among union naments as well as interclub matches with ness, and journalism in Columbus and members. Also under her leadership, the Min- other women’s golf clubs in New York and throughout Ohio. Amos was relentless in nesota AFL–CIO successfully passed legisla- New Jersey. However, their most important pushing for a more equal and prosperous city, tion extending unemployment benefits for event is the annual Silvette Memorial Classic. state, and country and he inspired a genera- locked out workers, opened up new avenues On the first day of the Classic, the Silvettes tion to continue to improve on his vision. The for women and young workers to be involved meet in the morning on the green of the 6th City of Columbus is a better place because of in the labor movement, and built an infrastruc- hole and in a gesture of remembrance, each Amos’ efforts and dedication. I am honored to ture to support affiliate unions in their orga- golfer draws the name of a deceased Silvette have known him. nizing efforts. and plays in her memory. I am privileged to recognize the decades of When Amos graduated from Columbus Throughout their history, the Silvettes have South High School in 1943, he had already tireless advocacy of Ms. Shar Knutson, whose contributions to Minnesota’s workers will be been active in their community, and have held spent years writing for neighborhood papers. many tournaments to benefit various charities He would go on to establish three newspapers felt for years to come. f over the years. Their dedication to the game in Columbus: the Ohio Sentinel, the Call and and their community shows why the Silvettes Post, and the Columbus Post. As a student at TRIBUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS AT have had such a presence since 1935. The Ohio State University at the height of MOYERS CORNERS FIRE DE- World War II, he was drafted into the Navy PARTMENT Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House join me and served the next three years treating in honoring the Silvette Women’s Golf Club of wounded members of the military in New York HON. JOHN KATKO Staten Island on their 80th Anniversary. and Illinois. OF NEW YORK During his 2011 induction into the Ohio Civil IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Rights Hall of Fame, he stated ‘‘I learned early Wednesday, July 29, 2015 in my life that the written word is the most HONORING CASA ALLEGRA Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to COMMUNITY SERVICES powerful tool for acquiring equal civil rights for recognize Deputy Chief Frank Crispin, Deputy all, and that newspapers were the best meth- Chief Steve Zaferakis, Firefighter Phil Vogt, od for getting the word out.’’ Amos tirelessly Firefighter Ryan Whitmore, and Firefighter Jer- HON. JARED HUFFMAN called for greater economic opportunities for emy Corsaro of the Moyers Corners Fire De- African-Americans and integration in schools partment. On December 25, 2014, Moyers OF CALIFORNIA and housing. Corners Fire Department was alerted to a resi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES On behalf of the citizens of Ohio’s 12th dential fire in Liverpool, New York. Upon ar- Congressional District, I would like to recog- rival, these five members of the Fire Depart- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 nize Amos for his devotion to the great state ment were advised that there were victims Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to of Ohio and to all of the communities that within the residence. Working collectively, have benefitted from his invaluable contribu- these firefighters quickly rescued the two indi- recognize Casa Allegra Community Services tions. viduals trapped within the residence. Without (CACS), which has been providing residential f hesitation, upon removing the victims from the support, community integration and income earning opportunities for people with intellec- HONORING MS. SHAR KNUTSON residence, these firefighters began emergency medical efforts on the victims, one of which tual and other developmental disabilities in the was found to be in full cardiac arrest. Due to San Francisco Bay Area for four decades. HON. KEITH ELLISON the rescue and life-saving medical efforts of In 1975, Chris Bonfiglio and Eileen Falvey OF MINNESOTA these firefighters, both victims survived the in- co-founded CACS in San Rafael, California to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cident, were transported to Upstate Hospital, provide housing for five young people with dis- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 and are recovering from their injuries. abilities facing unexpected homelessness. The bravery and heroism of Deputy Chief Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in They not only succeeded in their goal, but Crispin, Deputy Chief Zaferakis, Firefighter have grown the organization significantly from recognition of Shar Knutson, who on October Vogt, Firefighter Whitmore, and Firefighter 15th, 2015 will retire from her post as the first Corsaro displayed on Christmas Day of 2014, its origins. Today CACS runs two long-term woman to serve as president of Minnesota have earned them the 2015 Firemen’s Asso- care homes along with numerous living, edu- AFL–CIO. Ms. Knutson has led the 300,000- ciation of the State of New York’s Firefighters cational, and career programs for individuals member state branch of the American Federa- of the Year Award. I am proud to recognize with disabilities in seven counties across the tion of Labor and Congress of Industrial Orga- these courageous individuals for their service region. nizations (AFL–CIO) since 2009. to Central New York and congratulate them on The hard work undertaken by the staff and The Labor movement runs deep for Ms. their receipt of the FASNY 2015 Firefighters of leadership at CACS has impacted many in its Knutson, who was raised in a union family and the Year Award. 40 years. CACS’ efforts extend beyond meet- worked a union job as a single parent, experi- f ing basic needs—which it performs well and encing firsthand the benefits of organizing for with compassion—by striving to encourage improving lives. 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE Prior to her election in August 2009, Ms. SILVETTE WOMEN’S GOLF CLUB people with disabilities to lead meaningful Knutson served as president of the St. Paul lives. Regional Labor Federation for a decade. One HON. DANIEL M. DONOVAN, JR. CACS has played a crucial and necessary of her signature victories occurred in 1999, OF NEW YORK role in our community by serving as a voice when she led a coalition of labor and commu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for those who need it most. Mr. Speaker, it is nity leaders to successfully oppose then-St. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 fitting to honor and thank Casa Allegra Com- Paul Mayor Norm Coleman’s effort to Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to munity Services on their 40th Anniversary for outsource the city’s public water works to a recognize the 80th Anniversary of the Silvette their commitment to bettering the lives of non-union firm. Women’s Golf Club of Staten Island. those with disabilities.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY8.019 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1162 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 HONORING COMMUNITY CHAMPION ful people was inspirational and life-changing strengthen ties between our two countries and DR. WILLIAM DICUCCIO for Dr. DiCuccio and within an hour of depar- support peacekeeping efforts in West Africa. ture from Villa Hermosa, he realized God led I extend my best wishes and congratulations HON. MIKE KELLY him there for a very specific purpose. to Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf OF PENNSYLVANIA Dr. William and Marge DiCuccio started the and to all those celebrating in Liberia and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ‘‘Hope Project’’ which has collaborated with around the world this week. World Servants, various churches, and indi- f Wednesday, July 29, 2015 vidual sponsorships, all focused on the same Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I objective of improving the quality of life for CELEBRATING THE MINNESOTA would like to recognize one of my constituents others. Since Dr. DiCuccio took the initiative, SPOKESMAN-RECORDER’S 80TH from Western Pennsylvania, Dr. William the transformations within Villa Hermosa have ANNIVERSARY DiCuccio. Dr. DiCuccio is a prestigious med- been immeasurable: The local church, which ical professional in Butler County, and his sin- serves as the heart of the community, has HON. KEITH ELLISON cere desire to serve has had an international been repaired and expanded, allowing them to OF MINNESOTA impact. accommodate for large crowds. A brand new Dr. DiCuccio received a Bachelor of Science grade school, where 400 students are edu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Degree from Saint Vincent College and then cated, fed, immunized, clothed, and cared for Wednesday, July 29, 2015 went on to attend Medical School at Jefferson in general, has been constructed and devel- Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Medical College in Philadelphia. Shortly after oped. In addition, this school brings countless commemorate and honor the Minnesota graduation Dr. DiCuccio opened his own fam- benefits to the surrounding community, one of Spokesman-Recorder on its 80th Anniversary. ily practice, William A. DiCuccio M.D. & Asso- those being the fact that it employs a number The Spokesman-Recorder is the oldest Afri- ciates, where he worked for the following 30 of local residents, including seven teachers, a can-American business in Minnesota and one years. Throughout his career, Dr. DiCuccio psychologist, a principal, a secretary, and of the oldest African-American newspapers in has maintained an honorable reputation while cleaning staff. In order to produce clean drink- the United States. A longstanding pillar and serving in various prominent positions within ing water, a well was drilled and a water purifi- voice of the Minnesota African-American com- the community. These positions include Vice cation plant was constructed. This plant pro- munity since its inception in 1934, the Spokes- President of Medical Affairs for Butler Health duces 4,000 gallons of water per hour, sold to man-Recorder remains a journalistic force to System, Medical Director for Butler County benefit the people of Villa Hermosa. Most re- this day. Prison, and his current position as Medical Di- cently, a medical clinic was constructed and is Started as two separate papers, the Min- rector, at Sunnyview Nursing Home. Dr. currently being run by Medical Missions Inter- neapolis Spokesman and the St. Paul Re- DiCuccio humbly embraced each of these national. This clinic is combating the leading corder were founded on August 10, 1934 by roles, taking full advantage of his ability to cause of death in the Dominican Republic, Cecil E. Newman. Mr. Newman was truly in- positively influence the lives of those around namely the spread of communicable diseases. vested in the lives and communities his pa- him. In serving God, his family, and all of those pers reached. He designed both papers as Due to his professionalism and expertise, in need, Dr. DiCuccio is an absolute inspira- communication vehicles to unite, educate, in- Dr. DiCuccio’s involvement has been an asset tion. His compassion and generosity has posi- spire and empower the Twin Cities African- to various advisory boards, including Butler tively influenced the lives of so many, and will American community. When founding his pub- County Community College (Vice Chairman, continue to do so for years to come. There- lications, Mr. Newman was quoted as saying, Board of Directors), World Servants (Board fore, on behalf of the Third Congressional Dis- ‘‘I didn’t have enough money to begin one Member), Community Health Clinic of Butler trict of Pennsylvania, along with Villa newspaper, so I began publishing two.’’ (Chairman/Board Member), St. Vincent Col- Hermosa, I would like to express sincere grati- Mr. Newman was an important voice in the lege-Boyer School (Board Member), Gaiser tude and appreciation to Dr. William DiCuccio, civil rights era, advising Senators Hubert H. Center (Board Member), and Mission Develop- an admirable professional, a selfless indi- Humphrey (D–MN) and Clifford P. Case (R– ment Villa Hermosa-Dominican Republic (Di- vidual, and a true Community Champion. rector). In addition, Dr. DiCuccio has volun- NJ) throughout the passage of the Civil Rights tarily participated in a number of civic organi- f Act of 1964 as well as Senator Walter F. Mon- zations and professional societies, continu- CELEBRATING LIBERIAN dale (D–MN) on the Fair Housing Act of 1968. ously giving back to the community. He is cur- INDEPENDENCE Mr. Newman’s commitment to civil and human rently an active member of the American rights and his bipartisan advocacy gained the Academy of Family Physicians, American Ger- papers respect and influence. iatrics Society, Pennsylvania Medical Society, HON. DAVID N. CICILLINE Now one publication, the Spokesman-Re- and the Butler County Medical Society. OF RHODE ISLAND corder, has been a springboard for African- When he’s not caring for patients, Dr. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES American talent and continues to nurture and DiCuccio enjoys spending time with his family, Wednesday, July 29, 2015 support talented writers, photographers and participating within his church, traveling, and journalists. The Spokesman-Recorder helped golfing. These very interests were the driving Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, this week launch the careers of internationally-renowned factors behind Dr. DiCuccio’s first trip to the marks the 168th anniversary of independence photographer and writer Gordon Parks and Dominican Republic, a trip which would for- for the Republic of Liberia. honored U.S. journalist and former Ambas- ever change his life. While traveling abroad, In 1847, after decades under the rule of the sador to Finland, Carl Rowan. Dr. DiCuccio and his wife, Marge, visited a American Colonization Society, the Republic After Mr. Newman’s passing in 1976, his small barrio called Villa Hermosa, a poverty- of Liberia declared its independence in order wife Launa took the helm as publisher. Mrs. stricken town located about 70 miles from the to establish a free, sovereign state in West Af- Newman remained in that role for 32 years Dominican Republic’s capital city, Santo Do- rica. until she handed the reins to their grand- mingo. Villa Hermosa, which means ‘‘beautiful Today, my home state of Rhode Island is daughter, Tracey Williams-Dillard, in 2008. Ms. village’’ in English, is home to 4,500 of the home to a thriving Liberian-American commu- Williams-Dillard has worked to continue Cecil most genuine people, whose positive attitudes nity of 15,000 men, women, and children who Newman’s legacy and the Spokesman-Re- remain resilient despite their lack of basic ne- help make our state such a wonderful place to corder now connects the entire state of Min- cessities. live, work, and raise a family. nesota through print and digital content. Villa Hermosa consisted of miles of shacks, I am delighted today to celebrate this great I am proud to represent the congressional constructed from scrap metal. The community country, its people, their traditions, its strong district that the Spokesman-Recorder and the was without drinking water, sewage systems, ties to the United States, and the lasting im- Newman family call home. Today, I congratu- and electricity; however, there was an abun- pact this community has made in Rhode Is- late the Spokesman-Recorder for its accom- dance of joy. The children that ran through the land and other places all across America. plishments, its lasting legacy, and the decades streets did not have clothing on their backs or Last year, I had the honor of visiting Liberia of hard work required to publish one of the top shoes on their feet, yet there were smiles on with the United Nations Foundation and African-American owned newspapers in the their faces. The time spent with these wonder- speaking with officials there about ways to United States.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K29JY8.024 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1163 HONORING MR. JOAQUIN ESQUIVEL INTRODUCTION OF THE ‘‘FEDERAL The resulting increased tempo FPS’ security ON THE OCCASION OF HIS PROTECTIVE SERVICE IMPROVE- operations has necessitated the deployment of APPPOINTMENT AS ASSISTANT MENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY more law enforcement to higher-sensitivity fa- SECRETARY FOR FEDERAL ACT OF 2015’’ cilities, increases in the frequency of visitor WATER POLICY AT THE CALI- and vehicle screening, and enhancements to FORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON explosive canine detection and patrol oper- AGENCY OF MISSISSIPPI ations. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Each time that FPS is directed to heighten security operations, new costs are incurred. HON. RAUL RUIZ Wednesday, July 29, 2015 FPS has no choice but to absorb those costs, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- often, I suspect, at the expense of addressing OF CALIFORNIA er, I am reintroducing legislation to reform the longstanding administrative challenges. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Federal Protective Service (FPS). GAO, since 2009, has identified weak- The ‘‘Federal Protective Service Improve- nesses in FPS’ oversight of contract guards as Wednesday, July 29, 2015 ment and Accountability Act of 2015’’ seeks to an issue. improve FPS’ ability to carry out its mission to Now is the time, from a security and a tax- Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored protect the 1.4 million Federal employees and payer perspective, to have a long overdue dis- to recognize Joaquin Esquivel on his appoint- visitors that access more than 9,500 Federal cussion about whether FPS’ fee model is de- ment to serve as Assistant Secretary for Fed- facilities across the nation. signed to not only cover surges in protective eral Water Policy at the California Natural Re- After the 1995 domestic terrorist attacks on activities but also to cover the costs of imple- sources Agency. the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma menting core oversight and administration re- forms that GAO has repeatedly recommended. Mr. Esquivel has served on U.S. Senator City, Oklahoma, there was broad recognition that Federal buildings, which are symbols of That discussion must include looking at BARBARA BOXER’S staff for over 8 years, most our democracy, must be protected against ter- whether some combination of appropriations recently serving as Legislative Assistant and rorist attacks while remaining accessible to and fees need to be part of the equation. Director of Information and Technology. Dur- citizens. Mr. Speaker, with that, I urge Members to ing his time with Senator BOXER, Mr. Esquivel In recent years, the increasing number of cosponsor the ‘‘Federal Protective Service Im- has developed policy expertise in a variety of terrorist plots against diverse U.S. government provement and Accountability Act of 2015’’. issues critical to California including water pol- facilities in Illinois, Washington State, and New f icy, agriculture, tribal issues, and the Salton York City as well as attacks on government HONORING THE COAST GUARD’S Sea. Among his many contributions to federal buildings in other western democracies, such 225TH ANNIVERSARY water policy, Mr. Esquivel has been instru- as Canada and Norway, has brought into mental in the creation of comprehensive focus the need to strengthen U.S. Federal HON. CANDICE S. MILLER building security. drought resiliency legislation and helped write OF MICHIGAN Unfortunately, the primary agency respon- the Water in the 21st Century Act (W21). IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sible for providing such security—the Federal A native to the Coachella Valley, Mr. Protective Service—has a range of long- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Esquivel grew up in La Quinta. His parents standing administrative challenges that, to my Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I both worked for Coachella Valley Unified mind, raise questions about its ability to pro- rise today to recognize the Coast Guard’s sto- School District and his grandparents were vide adequate Federal building security. ried history of service to our nation. Next farmworkers. After graduating from La Quinta To ensure that FPS makes progress on its week, on August 4th, the Coast Guard will cel- High School, Mr. Esquivel went on to earn a fundamental challenges, my legislation calls ebrate its 225th anniversary. bachelor’s degree in English at the University for immediate attention to address staffing, On that day in 1790, President George of California, Santa Barbara, fulfilling his pas- training, and contractor oversight challenges Washington signed an act establishing ten cut- sion for literature and its ability to reflect and that the Government Accountability Office has ters, known as the Revenue Marine Service. catalyze social change. He then took a chance identified as problematic. These cutters were to be strategically posi- to pursue his dreams, stepping out of his com- It also directs FPS to not only put in place tioned near our ports and used for the collec- fort zone; in 2007 he moved to Washington, uniform minimum training and certification tion of tariffs. They were essential to our D.C., where he first started with Senator standards for all guards, regardless of whether young Nation’s finances, maritime security and BOXER as an intern. they are contract guards or Federal employ- trade activities. Over the years, several other ees, but develop and implement a strategy for services such as the Cutter Service, the Light- Mr. Esquivel’s talent and success are an ex- using covert testing to improve performance of house Service, and the Life-Saving Service ample of how our local youth can go on to security screening at FPS-protected facilities. joined together to ultimately become the U.S. make a difference for their communities. Fur- Importantly, my legislation recognizes that Coast Guard. thermore, growing up in the Coachella Valley, though FPS is responsible for security, the While the service is vastly different than he understands firsthand the unique struggles Interagency Security Committee, comprised of originally established, the Coast Guard has that our district faces with the decline of the Federal agencies that are tenants, has a evolved with the changing threats to our na- Salton Sea. He has been a true champion of major role to play in ensuring that risk-based tion. Following the events of September 11, the Salton Sea, coordinating Senator BOXER’S security practices are in use. 2001 the Coast Guard proved to be an even efforts on this impending issue and shep- Specifically, my bill requires DHS to assess greater asset to our nation as their role in se- herding authorizing language that would allow the degree to which the consensus standard curity operations significantly expanded the Army Corps of Engineers to help with its for risk management, which was developed by through heightened vigilance in ports and in- restoration. the Interagency Security Committee, has been creased presence along our coastline. adopted at non-military Federal facilities. As one of the five armed forces of the Mr. Esquivel’s other legislative accomplish- My legislation also is forward-looking. United States and the only military organiza- ments include spearheading ideas and legisla- It directs DHS to implement a one-year pilot tion within the Department of Homeland Secu- tion to protect pollinators across California, program to research the advantages of con- rity, the Coast Guard protects our Nation’s which are essential to our state’s almond pro- verting guard positions at the highest risk maritime interests at home and abroad. Their duction and other agricultural industries. Fur- FPS-protected facilities from contract guard presence along our rivers, in the ports, coastal thermore, as the Senator’s lead staffer on trib- positions to Federal positions. regions and on the high seas is vital to our na- al issues, Mr. Esquivel has worked to ensure Additionally, my legislation requires DHS to tional security. the more than 100 federally recognized tribes take a hard look at whether the fee-based sys- Right now there are Coast Guard men and in California have a voice in Congress. tem under which FPS currently operates pro- women aboard buoy tenders and ice breakers vides adequate resources to cover the actual keeping shipping lanes open ensuring a I am proud to recognize Mr. Esquivel’s con- costs that FPS incurs. steady flow of commerce and transportation. tributions to our nation’s water, tribal, and agri- Since October 2014, when terrorists at- National Security Cutters are conducting drug cultural policies, and I look forward to seeing tacked government sites in Canada, FPS’ has interdictions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pa- the vision and leadership he will bring to State been operating at an enhanced level, at the cific keeping drugs off of our streets. Air sta- of California. direction of DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson. tions and small boat stations are on call

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K29JY8.027 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1164 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 around the clock ready to save mariners in public health and has the potential for gles Ladies Auxiliary and the American Legion distress. Vessel examiners are inspecting abuse.’’ Auxiliary. commercial ships to keep them operating Kratom’s potential for benefit was of no Annie will be greatly missed by not only her apparent concern. family, but also by the Greensburg community. safely and ensuring the environmental stew- Edward Boyer, professor of emergency ardship of our waters. medicine and director of medical toxicology Her capacity for love and compassion is The Coast Guard has a large presence in at the University of Massachusetts Medical unrivaled, and I consider it a privilege to have my district conducting missions vital to the School, told Scientific American in 2013 that known such a benevolent and sincere woman. safety and prosperity of the Great Lakes. I am kratom blunts a patient’s withdrawal from On a personal note, I will never forget proud to represent the Coast Guard men and opioids ‘‘awfully, awfully well.’’ Annie’s smile. In high school, I remember women at Sector Detroit and adjoining sta- Dr. Boyer explained that kratom binds going to Andy’s house to swim at their pond. tions, as well as Air Station Detroit which op- with serotonin receptors. ‘‘So if you want to And, every time I visited, I would be greeted treat depression, if you want to treat opioid by his mom’s big smile. erates out of Selfridge Air National Guard pain, if you want to treat sleepiness,’’ Base. I know the boaters in Michigan’s 10th kratom ‘‘really puts it all together.’’ It gives She was a remarkable woman who will truly district are in good hands. addicts access to a drug that effectively be missed by everyone whose lives she Just two weeks ago, I met with the Com- treats pain without causing respiratory touched. Today, it is my privilege to honor the mandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Paul problems. life of Margaret A. Laudick. Zukunft, a superb leader with a bold vision Oregon resident Paul Kemp occasionally f that makes me optimistic for the future of this uses kratom, he says, to ease back pain, help great service. him relax and gain energy. Last year Mr. HONORING THE LIFE AND CAREER The Coast Guard’s values of honor, respect, Kemp told reporters it was ‘‘ludicrous’’ for OF GEORGE KUBOTA, SR., AND the FDA to stop the importation of kratom and devotion to duty are seen day in and day HIS SONS HERB AND GEORGE, on the grounds that it ‘‘may be’’ dangerous, JR. out by the men and women who proudly wear when FDA-approved products such as the uniform. We are fortunate that they go to OxyContin are known to be dangerous. work every day ready to serve and protect the Likewise, FDA-approved Xanax and Val- HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS American people. ium are often abused, along with the OF WASHINGTON On behalf of a grateful nation, I want to ‘‘psychostimulant’’ Adderall, used to treat IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. commend the men and women of the Coast Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Guard for their many years of service and What bothers the FDA, Mr. Kemp writes, is that kratom is being used very effectively as wish them a happy 225th anniversary. Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, ‘‘a way for America’s prescription drug ad- I rise today to recognize the exemplary life Semper Paratus. dicts to break free without experiencing the f usually traumatic withdrawal symptoms and career of George Kubota, Sr., as well as that stop most victims of OxyContin and the lives and careers of his sons Herb Kubota WASHINGTON TIMES ARTICLE: AN other opioids from getting clean.’’ and George Kubota, Jr. After decades of serv- EXCUSE FOR CRUSHING Edward Boyer, the toxicology professor, ice as both small business owners and public KRATOM: THE FDA’S UNDUE acknowledges that kratom can be abused, servants, we celebrate and reflect upon their SCRUTINY IS UNSCIENTIFIC but ‘‘speaking as a scientist, a physician and positive impact in Pend Oreille County, Wash- a practicing clinician, I think the fears of ad- ington. verse events don’t mean you stop the sci- George Kubota, Sr. was born in Japan in HON. AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN entific discovery process totally,’’ he told Scientific American. 1886. As a young man, he immigrated to the RADEWAGEN United States and settled in the small north- OF AMERICAN SAMOA If big pharma isn’t behind something, the attitude seems to be in Washington, legisla- east Washington community of Newport, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tors and regulators don’t even want to talk Washington, where he opened the first laundry Wednesday, July 29, 2015 about it. But talk and listen they should. in the area. His business, Kubota Steam Scientific research should continue. Fed- Laundry, primarily served the mining, logging, Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise eral and state officials need to be open-mind- today to submit an article from the July 23, milling, and railroad industries. As these indus- ed, see where the scientific research leads, tries grew to the north, he and his family 2015 edition of the Washington Times entitled, and consider all the evidence—including the An excuse for crushing kratom: The FDA’s testimony of people like Paul Kemp who moved to Metaline Falls, Washington, where undue scrutiny is unscientific. swear that kratom has helped them. they expanded and diversified their business. (By Lloyd Billingsley—Thursday, July 23, Banning kratom or banning its ingredi- In 1929, he founded the Metaline Falls Trad- 2015) ents, as Indiana has done, is the wrong mes- ing Company, a hardware store that still oper- sage at the wrong time. Last year, Americans spent an estimated ates today and is an integral part of both the A better option at this stage would be to $374 billion on prescription drugs, up 13 per- community in Metaline Falls and the county. let the voters decide, as California did in 1996 cent from the year before. These drugs in- In 1942, he was detained by the FBI and with medicinal marijuana. Let voters decide clude OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet and oth- was due, along with his family, to be sent to if Kratom should be banned—without proof— ers that the federal Food and Drug Adminis- as a dangerous menace, or whether individ- an internment camp. However, due to his tration (FDA) approved for sale without re- uals suffering from withdrawal pain and positive impact on the community, many resi- gard to their potential for abuse. other maladies should be free to make their dents throughout the northern part of the Meanwhile, the ‘‘potential for abuse’’ was county made special efforts to prevent their in- used for many years to block even a discus- own informed choices. sion of the possible medical benefits of can- f ternment. He became a citizen after the war. nabis. And now federal officials are using it George was a true patriot, pioneer, and fixture again to attack another potential natural HONORING MARGARET A. ‘‘ANNIE’’ of his community, serving the citizens of Pend remedy, kratom. LAUDICK Oreille County for decades. George died in Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), which de- 1988 at the age of 102. rives from a tree that grows in Thailand, Ma- HON. LUKE MESSER George Kubota, Sr. also had two sons, laysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, has OF INDIANA George and Herb, who additionally deserve been found to reduce pain, lessen dependence recognition for their service to the communities on opiates (like OxyContin), and work as a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in northeast Washington. After receiving col- mild stimulant. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administra- lege degrees and serving their country in the tion considers kratom a ‘‘drug of concern.’’ Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Armed Forces, Herb and George joined their The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) honor the life of Margaret A. ‘‘Annie’’ Laudick, dad running the Metaline Falls Trading Com- calls it ‘‘dangerous.’’ a loving wife and the mother of my close pany in the 1950s, and, like their father, be- Last year, U.S. marshals, at the request of friend, Andy Laudick. came important fixtures of their community. the FDA, seized more than 25,000 pounds of Annie was a devoted wife to James, her Herb served for years as an EMT and devoted raw kratom in Van Nuys, Calif. The action, explained Melinda Plaisier, FDA associate husband of 47 years, as well as an adoring large portions of his life to help the elderly of commissioner for regulatory affairs, ‘‘was mother and grandmother to her two children the community. Both Herb and George served taken to safeguard the public from this dan- and nine granddaughters. She was a woman as volunteer firefighters until the mandatory re- gerous product.’’ Ms. Plaisier called kratom of great faith, belonging to St. Mary’s Catholic tirement age. George Kubota, Jr. has also de- ‘‘a botanical substance that poses a risk to Church. She was also a member of the Ea- voted significant time to public service, serving

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.003 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1165 several terms on the town council and as TRIBUTE TO EDWARD ALFRED But Officer Thomas persevered and helped mayor of Metaline Falls. He has served on the THOMAS, LONGEST SERVING pave the way for many other African American boards of numerous community organizations AND GREATEST PATROL OFFI- police officers, like Chief McClelland and the and was instrumental in the construction and CER IN THE HISTORY OF THE more than 1,000 African American police offi- expansion of a medical clinic in lone, Wash- HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT cers who today comprise about 20 percent of ington. Herb sadly passed away in 2005. the Houston Police Department. George, now 84, continues to run the store HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE Mr. Speaker, naming the 26-story head- quarters building of the Houston Police De- their father founded. The massive contribu- OF TEXAS partment after Officer Edward Alfred Thomas tions of these three men cannot be over- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES stated—the scale and duration of their positive is a fitting tribute to a man who is, unarguably, Wednesday, July 29, 2015 influence on the communities of Pend Oreille one of the greatest police officers in the his- County goes beyond that of ordinary citizens. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to tory of the Houston Police Department and re- So today, I rise to recognize George Kubota pay tribute to retired Senior Police Officer Ed- mains one of the most revered and respected. and his sons Herb and George for their dedi- ward Alfred Thomas of Houston, Texas, one During his years of service to the city of cation to family, community, and country. They of the first African American police officers to Houston, Officer Thomas was named The 100 have continuously gone above and beyond as integrate the Houston Police Department and Club’s ‘‘Officer of the Year;’’ awarded a Chief citizens and public servants, and for all their the longest serving in the Department’s his- of Police Commendation by former Chief of accomplishments and service, we are grateful tory. Police Lee P. Brown; and recognized twice by for their positive impact on Eastern Wash- So well, so ably, and so honorably did Offi- The 100 Club with a Lifetime Achievement ington. cer Thomas serve the citizens of Houston that Award in 1998 and 2011, respectively; and f last month the Houston City Council voted has received many letters of appreciation from unanimously to rename the Houston Police citizens and supervisors. STOP DECEPTIVE ADVERTISING Department headquarters building as the ‘‘Ed- Mr. Speaker, the renaming of the Houston FOR WOMEN’S SERVICES ACT ward A. Thomas Houston Police Department Police Department headquarters building in STATEMENT OF INTRODUCTION Headquarters Building.’’ honor of Officer Thomas was supported by the This honor is well deserved because, as Houston Police Officer’s Union (HPOU), the HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland has African American Police Officer League NEW YORK said, Officer Edward Alfred Thomas ‘‘is the (AAPOL), Houston Police Organization of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES epitome of what every police officer should Spanish Speaking Officers (OSSO), and the be’’ and that it is both fitting and proper that Houston Organization of Public Employees Wednesday, July 29, 2015 ‘‘a man of his stature, character and out- (HOPE). Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. standing ethics and morals be given this Chief McClelland is absolutely correct in Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing, along honor. noting that there could be no finer tribute to with my colleague Representative SUZANNE Mr. Speaker, Edward Alfred Thomas was any patrol officer than to name the head- BONAMICI, the Stop Deceptive Advertising for born near Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1920 and quarters building in honor of ‘‘a patrol officer Women’s Services Act. This important bill pro- went on to attend Southern University in Baton for 65 years who underwent intense, systemic tects the rights of women seeking family plan- Rouge, where he played football before being discrimination,’’ and to have his name on the ning services. drafted to the military during World War II, building as an inspiration and example for oth- Women deserve to receive comprehensive, where he saw action with the U.S. Army at ers to follow. impartial, and medically accurate information Normandy, in northern Africa, and during the f when making personal health decisions. Un- Battle of the Bulge. INTRODUCTION OF THE POSTAL fortunately, there are so-called Crisis Preg- After the war and his honorable discharge INNOVATION ACT OF 2015 nancy Centers (CPCs) that deliberately mis- from the Army, Edward Thomas became one inform or mislead women seeking information of the first African American police officers in on family planning services. They pose as the city of Houston when he joined the Hous- HON. EARL BLUMENAUER sources of unbiased pregnancy counseling, ton Police Department on January 12, 1948 OF OREGON using deceptive propaganda to dissuade and where he remained for the next 63 years IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES women from considering comprehensive birth- until his retirement on July 23, 2011. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 control options or legal abortion. These fake Mr. Speaker, Officer Thomas’ more than six Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, the reproductive health clinics entice women decades of hard work and courage paved the United States Postal Service (USPS) provides through their doors under the pretense of pro- way for the hundreds of additional African universal connectivity all across the country viding the full range of reproductive options American and officers of color who followed, and a low cost delivery service that not just in- and services, and this bill would expose their including the current Houston Police Chief, dividual families rely on, but businesses of all deceptive tactics. Charles McClelland. sizes. The Stop Deceptive Advertising for Wom- Although Officer Thomas enjoyed a long However, the Postal Service faces growing en’s Services Act directs the Federal Trade and distinguished career, this is not to say it financial problems attributable to burdensome Commission to promulgate rules under the was easy or without challenges, especially mandates in existing law and the continued Federal Trade Commission Act, declaring it an given the fact that Officer Thomas joined the decline in mail service volumes. As a result, unfair or deceptive act for an entity, such as Houston Police Department in 1948, more the Postal Service is hard-pressed to identify a crisis pregnancy center, to advertise as a than 15 years before the height of the Civil cost-saving initiatives that can alleviate their fi- provider of abortion services if the entity does Rights Movement. nancial woes while at the same time maintain- not provide abortion services. When he began his career Officer Thomas ing their high quality of service. Clearly, deception and intimidation have no was assigned to foot patrol at night patrolling That is why I have introduced the Postal In- place when a woman is seeking information the African American neighborhoods of Hous- novation Act of 2015, which will authorize the about her pregnancy. Working together we ton, the Third, Fourth and Fifth Wards. Postal Service to take simple, common-sense can help stop the fraud and confusion these Because of his race, Officer Thomas was steps towards modernization such as updating Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) are perpe- not allowed to drive a squad car or to arrest its fleet of vehicles to align with updated envi- trating on the women of America. White suspects without obtaining permission ronmental and safety standards, and broad- I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this im- from his supervisor and at one point in his ca- ening its services to reflect the evolving de- portant legislation—because women deserve reer, he was disciplined for speaking to a mands of today’s consumers. access to the best, most comprehensive White meter maid who asked him to walk with The Postal Service must be given the flexi- healthcare information. Women need and de- her in order to avoid the unwanted attention bility to innovate and provide its customers serve accurate and comprehensive information and advances of nearby construction workers. modern services. By offering basic financial when making personal decisions about family In those early years, Officer Thomas was services, internet connectivity, and the ability planning, and so-called Crisis Pregnancy Cen- not allowed to congregate with his white coun- to ship beer, wine, and spirits, this Act will ters provide neither. Our legislation would ex- terparts, he could not attend roll calls with allow the Postal Service to not only raise rev- pose and stop deceptive and false advertising white officers, and he could not eat in the caf- enue, but remain a cornerstone of American from CPCs. eteria. communities.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.006 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1166 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 In addition to raising revenue and increasing sition to begin to renew the political leadership Biology, Mississippi State University, where services to meet consumer demands, upgrad- and help restore citizen confidence in govern- she received a Master’s of Science in Animal ing to energy efficient technology can reduce ment. Nutrition, and the University of Idaho, where the postal fleet’s carbon emissions while si- I want to honor this unprecedented, con- she received a Doctorate of Philosophy in Ani- multaneously cutting costs. This is critical be- tinuing, and fearless rise of the Guatemalan mal Physiology. cause the federal government ought to lead by people—students, people of all ethnic and reli- After completing her education, Ms. Welch example, not lag decades behind. Further, im- gious groups, civil society organizations, and accepted a Fellowship in my Washington, D.C. plementing cutting-edge active safety and ordinary citizens of all ages are coming to- office through the American Association for crash avoidance technology across the postal gether with a common agenda against corrup- the Advancement of Science and the Federa- fleet will make streets safer for all users in tion and in favor of reform. That said, I note tion of Animal Science Societies. During her every community in America. that frustration is growing as proposed reforms time in my office, she handled several legisla- The Postal Service is a vast and sprawling supported by the National Platform for Reform tive portfolios, including agriculture, animal enterprise that touches almost every house- of the State—a coalition of over 100 civil soci- rights, budget, housing, labor, natural re- hold six days a week. We will all benefit from ety and academic organizations—are not pro- sources, and social security. preserving and improving this vital piece of gressing as demanded. And there are legiti- On August 21, 2015, Ms. Welch’s time in America’s infrastructure and fabric of life. mate concerns expressed by civil society or- my office will come to an end. Ms. Welch will f ganizations that national elections scheduled be moving to Iowa to begin the next chapter for September 6th will take place in an envi- of her life. While I know she is very excited SUPPORT AN END TO CORRUPTION ronment that will enable fraud through illicit fi- IN GUATEMALA about her upcoming journey, she will be great- nancing and in which threats will be used to ly missed as a member of my team. intimidate voters. In this crucial moment, every Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN citizen who is speaking out peacefully needs United States House of Representatives to OF MASSACHUSETTS to be protected, defended and encouraged. join me in commending Cassie Welch for her IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I also want to recognize the brave and ex- public service to the people of the Central Val- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 cellent work of the International Commission ley and wishing her well in this next chapter of Against Impunity in Guatemala, CICIG, whose her life. Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, one year ago, technical capacity has supported the bold in- a surge of unaccompanied child migrants from vestigative initiatives undertaken by the Guate- f Central America was front-page news. Al- malan Attorney General’s office to uproot cor- though that humanitarian crisis at our borders ruption. When CICIG was established in 2007, RECOGNIZING THE BRANSON FFA appears to have abated, the difficulties and it was described as a choice between the past TRAP TEAM’S NATIONAL CHAM- life-threatening challenges faced by many citi- and future. Guatemala recognized that it need- PIONSHIP zens in Central America continue. The region ed help controlling illegal, clandestine and cor- urgently needs support in order to address the rupt power structures in the post-conflict root causes of outmigration—economic and years. CICIG is now at the heart of this chal- HON. BILLY LONG social inequality, insecurity and injustice. lenging but potentially promising moment in OF MISSOURI It is encouraging that the Obama Adminis- Guatemala’s history. Together with civil soci- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tration has worked with the governments of El ety and some dedicated leaders in Guate- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to present mala’s justice system, the good women and a request for $1 billion to tackle the structural men of CICIG are playing a critical role in Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to con- and multidimensional causes of migration helping move Guatemala towards justice and gratulate the Branson High School Future through investments and programs to create a better future. They, too, need protection and Farmers of America Trap Team on their senior jobs, expand education and social protection, encouragement to keep up the good work. division championship win and overall third strengthen public security and the judicial sys- Clearly, the next few weeks and months are place victory at the 2015 Scholastic Shooting tem, and improve transparency and efficiency critically important as the Guatemalan people Sports Foundation National Championship. in public administration. Congress is now con- work to figure out how to best address the The Senior Division team, made up of Ken- sidering this aid package in the House and challenges they face. At this important junc- nedy Mattox, Kory Gray, Jacob Anderson, Senate versions of the FY 2016 State and ture, I urge the Obama Administration, includ- Gage Dixon and Colten Calvert, hit 974 of Foreign Operations Appropriations bills. While ing our U.S. diplomats and other agency rep- 1,000 clay pigeons to take first place in their I support the overall amount of the request, I resentatives in Guatemala, to do their utmost division. During the competition, Kennedy do have concerns about how best to target to support Guatemalan civil society efforts to missed only one target, placing him above 697 funds so that they reach vulnerable and poor hold their own government accountable. Over other shooters to earn third place in the indi- communities, and especially youth and fami- the next weeks and months we will see wheth- vidual standings. lies in those communities, who are most in er Guatemala is capable of carrying out real need of support, while at the same time The Pirates’ trap team earned a third place change and moving closer to establishing a victory overall. It is the culmination of the strengthening human rights and judicial sys- just, accountable and increasingly secure, eq- tems in each of these countries. Open Division team’s fifth place victory, the In- uitable and prosperous country for all its citi- termediate Advanced team’s fourth place vic- In this context, I believe it is important to zens. focus attention on the situation in Guatemala, tory, the Intermediate Entry’s third place vic- f which today is facing a critical juncture. Re- tory and many other individual medals in cent revelations of cases of widespread and IN RECOGNITION OF MS. CASSIE sporting clays, handicap trap and regular trap. deep-seated corruption in Guatemala raise se- WELCH The 2015 Scholastic Shooting Sports Foun- rious concerns about the capacity of that gov- dation National Championship had a record ernment to be an effective partner in reducing HON. DAVID G. VALADAO breaking number of entries, further showing the team’s sharp skill and national achieve- poverty and inequality in the region. Evidence OF CALIFORNIA ment. The program is designed to use shoot- of massive and shameless looting of the state IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES by high level Guatemalan officials in the Perez ing sports to teach valuable skills such as Molina government, the legislature and polit- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 sportsmanship, responsibility and teamwork to ical parties has sparked a remarkable citizen Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to young individuals. mobilization. What started as urban, middle- thank Cassie Welch for her service to my of- The Branson team, led by Coach Joe Hen- class protests organized through social media fice and the 21 Congressional District of Cali- derson, has seen ample success in recent networks has morphed into nationwide dem- fornia over the past year. years and will compete at The American Trap onstrations demanding the resignation of Ms. Welch was born in Savannah, Ten- Association’s AIM Grand Nationals in August. President Perez Molina, and the immediate nessee to Donnie and Marilyn Welch. After I urge my colleagues to join me in congratu- passage and implementation of fundamental spending her youth in Savannah and com- lating the Branson High School FFA Trap reforms to electoral, judicial, civil service, and pleting her high school education, Ms. Welch Team for their accomplishments and hard procurement systems. Some are calling for a attended the University of North Alabama, work and in wishing them luck in their future ‘government of national renovation’ as a tran- where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in endeavors.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.009 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1167 HIRE VETS ACT OF 2015 she cherished the opportunity to work directly decorated war veterans, business leaders, civil with her local community. leaders, and so many hardworking people HON. PAUL COOK Ms. Peatman also served as a founding whose dignity and determination better us all. OF CALIFORNIA board member and president of the Puertas Like all small towns and cities in America, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Abiertas Community Resource Center. Found- the City of South Tucson faces challenges, but ed in 2005, the Center offers educational pro- the drive to meet those challenges and pros- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 grams and advocacy services to support per- per for the next 75 years is without a doubt Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, as a combat vet- sonal growth and family stability in the Latino the city’s future. eran, I’m deeply concerned that the men and community throughout Napa County. The or- I wish to congratulate the Mayor and Coun- women of our military continue to struggle to ganization also works to bridge the gap be- cil of the City of South Tucson and the resi- find employment upon reentering civilian life. tween service providers and the Latino com- dents of the city on its 75th anniversary. The These individuals have not only displayed munity by providing culturally sensitive intake commemoration ceremony on September 19, great courage but have acquired distinctive and referral services for over 500 families 2015 at the Music and Arts Festival will be a skills that make them ideal candidates for em- every year. day in which we pause and acknowledge the ployment. Veterans who serve this country In 2010, Ms. Peatman was named ‘‘Citizen history, achievements, and the future of the honorably shouldn’t struggle to find employ- of the Year’’ by the Napa Chamber of Com- City of South Tucson. Congratulations to ment, which is why I’m introducing the HIRE merce in recognition for her years of service to South Tucson. Vets Act of 2015. the valley’s community. She was also named f The HIRE Vets Act is a bipartisan bill that ‘‘Associate’’ by her alma mater, Stanford Uni- would promote private sector recruiting, hiring, versity. This prestigious title is given to a se- NICK BERARDINO’S RETIREMENT and retaining of men and women who served lect few alumni who have demonstrated sig- honorably in the U.S. military through a vol- nificant volunteer service to the university. HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ untary and effective program. Specifically, it Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that we recog- OF CALIFORNIA would create an awards program recognizing nize Ms. Peatman on the occasion of her 80th IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the meaningful, verifiable efforts undertaken birthday for her years of valued service to the Wednesday, July 29, 2015 by employers—both large and small—to hire Napa Valley community. We wish her a very and retain veterans. happy birthday and many years of health and Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. This program, designed to be self-funded happiness. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplish- and within the U.S. Department of Labor, will f ments and contributions of Nick Berardino, the allow employers to proudly display one of four General Manager of Orange County Employ- Presidential Awards on their products and HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVER- ees Association. marketing materials. These ‘‘HIRE Vets Me- SARY OF THE CITY OF SOUTH Born and raised in Los Angeles to Italian dallions’’—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Plat- TUCSON immigrants, Nick is a Marine Veteran and inum—would be awarded to employers that served our country for two years in Vietnam. achieve specific hiring and retention goals HON. RAU´ L M. GRIJALVA He became active in the civil rights move- each year. OF ARIZONA ment, the first of what would become a lifetime The program also establishes similar tiered IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of commitment to those who are oppressed or discriminated against. awards for small and mid-sized employers Wednesday, July 29, 2015 with fewer than 500 employees. To ensure I have known Nick for years and he always proper oversight, the Secretary of Labor would Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in looked for doing the best for his organization be required to provide Congress with annual honor of the 75th Anniversary of the City of and the people he represented. reports on the success of the program and the South Tucson, a community known for the re- From pension reform to workplace rights, he hiring and retention levels of veterans. siliency, determination, and independence of has led OCEA through a series of monu- This bill goes beyond simply recognizing its residents. mental achievements for the working men and that a business hires veterans. The HIRE Vets As a native of Tucson, Arizona, I am privi- women he represented. Act is an opportunity for Americans to see leged to represent the City of South Tucson in I am honored to recognize Nick Berardino’s which companies truly live up to the employ- the United States Congress. The support and distinguished career of exemplary service and ment promises they make to veterans. It is our loyalty I have received from the residents of leadership in strengthening the middle class, duty to ensure veterans are given the benefits South Tucson during my entire public life is a fighting for social justice and dignified working and resources they’ve earned through their great honor for me personally. conditions for 18,000 public employees and in- service to this country, and this includes en- Over 6,000 people and 300 businesses call stilling integrity at the Orange County Employ- couraging meaningful job opportunities. This the City of South Tucson home. This square ees Association. bill creates an innovative system to encourage mile city incorporated by its residents, rather f and recognize employers who make veterans than losing its identity to the City of Tucson, HONORING MR. ART COVIELLO a priority in their hiring practices, incentivizing continues after 75 years to assert its inde- the creation of thousands of jobs for veterans. pendence and be the unique and proud com- f munity it has always been through its history. HON. C. A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER South Tucson is about family and commu- OF MARYLAND HONORING ANGELA PEATMAN nity, offering to the much larger metropolis of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tucson a view of our past and a dynamic view HON. MIKE THOMPSON of what a community can do to retain its char- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 OF CALIFORNIA acter while looking forward. Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES South Tucson boasts the best Mexican cui- before you today to honor Mr. Art Coviello, an sine found anywhere; Las Artes, a model for international expert on cybersecurity, on the Wednesday, July 29, 2015 integrating public art and education; and public occasion of his retirement after more than 30 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, services from the state of the art San Lena li- years as a strategic, operating and financial- I rise today to honor Angela Peatman, an out- brary to excellent public schools Ochoa and management expert in high-technology com- standing member of the Napa Valley commu- Mission View. South Tucson has a sophisti- panies. nity and my dear friend, on the occasion of cated network of social service providers and Mr. Coviello graduated magna cum laude her 80th birthday. City of South Tucson first responders who from the University of Massachusetts in 1975 Born on July 30, 1935, Ms. Peatman has place the safety of their residents first. with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Adminis- been a dedicated public servant, a devoted The greatest asset that the City of South tration. He started his career as a certified mother, and a tireless advocate for families in Tucson has is its people, a diverse group rep- public accountant at Deloitte, Haskins & Sells the Napa Valley. She began her public service resenting Native-Americans, African-Ameri- and held positions in financial and operating at the Cope Family Resource Center in Napa, cans, and Anglos, and families that have con- management at several technology compa- where she served as a board member and tributed so much to the region. nies. later as president. Ms. Peatman flourished in From South Tucson have come generations He joined RSA, the Security Division of her role at the nonprofit organization, where of political leaders, tradesmen, educators, EMC, in 1995 and was the driving force in the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.013 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1168 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 company’s rapid growth during his tenure, in- producers, the so-called Center for Medical Since 2000, the Des Moines Business creasing revenue from $25 million to more Progress, which may have broken federal and Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual than $1 billion in 2014. Under his leadership, California law in the scheme to bring down review to identify a standout group of female RSA evolved from its roots in authentication Planned Parenthood. As an example, one of the interviews of a California doctor may leaders in the Greater Des Moines Area that and encryption to a leader in security tech- have been recorded without her consent. are making an impact in their communities ei- nology, including forensics, compliance and U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren of San Jose is push- ther personally or professionally, forging a detection. Among his many acquisitions, Mr. ing U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to path for other women to follow. The women Coviello played a key role in the successful investigate as well. The organization has given this prestigious award are individuals acquisitions of Xcert International, 3G Inter- tax-exempt status as a biomedical charity who have selflessly dedicated their time and national, TransIndigo and Securant Tech- but appears to be a fake limited liability cor- proven their leadership abilities across a vari- nologies, and in strategic partnerships with poration. It has never been a secret that Planned ety of professional fields. Microsoft and Accenture. He retires as Execu- Parenthood and many other clinics collect Before moving to the United States, Ms. tive Chairman. tissue for research. The unedited videos show Husain was raised all across the globe starting While his well-deserved awards and acco- repeated attempts by Planned Parenthood in Pakistan, then Tanzania, followed by Thai- lades are too numerous to mention in their en- doctors to explain that they’re only trying land and finally the Philippines. Once in the tirety, Mr. Coviello in 2013 was named a ‘‘Top to recoup costs for their work. Planned Par- United States she earned her BA studying 25 Innovator’’ by CRN. He has served as co- enthood likely loses money on the whole psychology and Spanish at the University of chair of the National Cyber Security Summit’s thing, but the numbers are a tiny part of its Texas at Austin, and she didn’t stop there. budget. Corporate Governance Task Force, a public- She moved on to Cornell University where she private effort organized by the Department of Republicans in the House and the Senate shamelessly are using this supposed expose´ earned a Master’s in Healthcare Administra- Homeland Security and leading industry asso- to argue that Congress should defund tion. Shortly after, Ms. Husain finished a post- ciations. He is a founding Board Member of Planned Parenthood. graduate Fellowship at the Northwestern Me- the Cyber Security Industry Alliance. And so the War on Women continues. morial Hospital in Chicago. In his retirement, Mr. Coviello works with Planned Parenthood and its 800 clinics pro- Throughout her life Ms. Husain has taken companies, industries, and governments to vide health care, particularly family plan- on a variety of leadership roles, not only in the continue informing and shaping the evolution ning, for nearly 3 million low income women a year. It receives more than $500 million in professional world at businesses, like Iowa of security strategy to meet the challenges Health Systems and Principal Financial Group, facing organizations today and tomorrow. He government funding, but not a penny of that pays for abortions—which make up just 3 but also at a number of philanthropic organiza- continues to play key roles in national and percent of the organization’s work. Cutting tions, like the United Way of Central Iowa and international cyber-security initiatives and is a Planned Parenthood funding means cutting Habitat for Humanity. She is a member of the regular speaker at conferences and forums health care to poor women, period. Board of Directors at both organizations. Now, around the world. Mr. Coviello is also a ven- Scientists using cultures from fetal kidney as Vice President of The World Food Prize ture partner at Rally Ventures, a Board Ob- cells won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1954 Foundation, Ms. Husain serves an integral role server for Synchrony Financial, and serves on for developing the polio vaccine. Fetal tissue in the growth and development of a number of the Board of Directors at EnerNOC. research helped produce vaccines for chicken Mr. Speaker, I have considered Mr. Coviello pox and rubella. These advances alone have programs within the World Food Prize Foun- a friend and colleague for many years. I know saved countless millions of lives, particu- dation. larly children’s. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to rep- him to be a man of intellect and, more impor- The National Institutes of Health spent resent leaders like Ms. Husain in the United tantly, integrity. His expertise has made our more than $70 million on fetal research in States Congress. It is with great pride that I country stronger. It is with great pride that I 2014, tackling diseases such as Parkinson’s recognize and applaud her for utilizing her tal- congratulate him on his retirement and wish and Alzheimer’s. Stem cell research is gradu- ents to better her community and the State of him continued success and happiness in the ally replacing fetal tissue research, but we Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the United next chapter of his life. can’t afford to stop work on these diseases while alternative methods ramp up. States House of Representatives to join me in f More tapes are expected this week, includ- congratulating her on receiving this esteemed VIDEOS ABOUT PLANNED PARENT- ing possibly showing the process of tissue re- designation, and wishing her the best of luck HOOD ARE GROSSLY MIS- moval. It’s ugly to watch, but so are most in all her future endeavors. significant surgical procedures. LEADING The core political issue here is abortion. f The Center for Medical Progress and many RECOGNIZING THE GARAZI Republican officials and candidates want to HON. ZOE LOFGREN FAMILY OF CALIFORNIA eliminate the right of American women to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES choose to end a pregnancy. In fact Planned Parenthood has done more Wednesday, July 29, 2015 HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN to prevent abortion than any other organiza- OF FLORIDA tion in this country by giving poor women Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES share with my colleagues and the American access to birth control and to prenatal care public this insightful editorial from the San to have healthy babies. It continues to pro- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 vide safe abortions because refusing will not Jose Mercury News, ‘‘Videos about Planned stop abortion, it will just drive women to un- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would Parenthood are grossly misleading.’’ This edi- safe alternatives. (Speaking of ugly proce- like to honor the continued efforts of a local torial clearly lays out how the Republican Par- dures.) family in my congressional district who have ty’s embrace of this video ‘‘expose´’’ is really Women’s ability to control their own re- made extraordinary efforts to improve the lives just a continuation of their War on Women, in productive future is the best way to prevent of our elderly. In a few short weeks, the particular low-income women. abortion. A Congress really concerned about Garazi family will hold its 5th Annual Solomon Anyone with half a brain can see through women and unborn children would give more, Garazi Memorial Day at the Races to benefit the heavily edited ‘‘gotcha’’ videos pur- not less, to Planned Parenthood. the Miami Jewish Health Systems, otherwise porting to show Planned Parenthood officials f known as the Jewish Home. The Jewish illegally bargaining to sell tissue from abort- TRIBUTE TO MASHAL HUSAIN Home is a great South Florida institution that ed fetuses. The videos are grossly misleading has done, and continues to do, so much to im- and politically irresponsible. The research that fetal tissue makes pos- HON. DAVID YOUNG prove quality of life for seniors. Solomon Garazi, who passed away in 2010 sible at respected universities across the OF IOWA country has produced vaccines that have at the age of 85, was known for his honor, in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES saved millions of lives and now targets Alz- tegrity, and strong spirit. In 1960, the Garazis heimer’s, Parkinson’s and other fatal, heart- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 fled the brutal Castro regime and sought ref- breaking diseases. Planned Parenthood does Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise uge in Miami, where Solomon and his in-laws not profit from it. But Republicans in Con- today to recognize and congratulate Mashal founded two businesses—the Suave Shoe gress and in the presidential free-for-all are having a field day with ‘‘facts’’ from Fox Husain for being named a 2015 Woman of In- Corporation and the Oriental Trading Com- News. fluence honoree by the award-winning central pany. Suave later became the first company California Attorney General Kamala Har- Iowa publication, the Des Moines Business owned by Cuban refugees to be listed on the ris fortunately is investigating the videos’ Record. New York Stock Exchange.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.017 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1169 Solomon was a very prominent member of H.R. 1734—IMPROVING COAL COM- mittee; developing and maintaining methods to the Jewish Community. He was one of the BUSTION RESIDUALS REGULA- process, manage and store communications founders and a president of Temple Moses. TION ACT OF 2015 data for the office; trouble shooting computer He served on the Board of Directors of the Mi- problems and recommending updated and chael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center, HON. EARL BLUMENAUER cost effective resources; helping make the Ju- and was the first Cuban American to be on OF OREGON diciary Committee web site the envy of Capitol Hill; and serving as a liaison between the Judi- the board of the Greater Miami Jewish Fed- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES eration. He also helped establish the Sephar- ciary Committee Democrats and House Infor- dic Jewish Studies Program at the University Wednesday, July 29, 2015 mation Resources (HIR). of Miami. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, last week, Dwight is a native of North Carolina, where he received his degree from Johnson C. Smith Additionally, Solomon was extensively in- I voted against H.R. 1734, the Improving Coal University, and where he met his wife of forty- volved with the Miami Jewish Health Systems. Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015. This dangerous and unnecessary legislation four years, Cheryl Sullivan. He still calls the In 2009 the Jewish Home’s Latin Auxiliary, Tar Heel state home, and spends his vaca- which Solomon helped organize in 1980, be- not only fails to improve coal ash regulation, it seriously undermines the EPA’s efforts to reg- tions there playing golf. In fact, those who stowed upon him its Lifetime Achievement know Dwight know that while his first love may Award for all his work on behalf of the institu- ulate coal combustion waste to protect human health and the environment. be politics, golf is a close second. From Myrtle tion. The Miami Jewish Health Systems serves Beach to Boca Raton to Pinehurst, his love of more than 12,000 patients, participants and Coal ash, the waste produced from the burning of coal, contains toxic materials such golf has become legendary on Capitol Hill, residents annually, through more than a dozen where he has inspired many others to take up varied healthcare programs and services. Its as arsenic, lead and chromium. According to the EPA, in 2012, coal-fired power plants in the game and shoot for par. services include rehabilitation assistance, reli- A former project manager for IBM, Dwight the U.S. generated 110 million tons of coal gious programming, and full residential care. It began his Capitol Hill career in the office of also is at the forefront of innovative research ash. The improper or unsafe disposal of coal my friend and former colleague, Congressman into dementia and other geriatric conditions. ash can lead to catastrophic releases of toxins Melvin Watt (retired), and later honed his craft Currently, The Mental Health and Memory if a failure occurs at the disposal site or, as is at HIR, before joining the House Judiciary Center at Miami Jewish Health Systems is more commonly the case, contaminants slowly Committee staff in 2007. running an innovative clinical trial to evaluate leach into groundwater and drinking water Dwight will be missed for his ability to use medications to treat and potentially cure Alz- sources. We have known for some time of the good judgement to solve problems, for meet- heimer’s. need to regulate the disposal of coal ash and ing technology challenges and keeping staff after several years, extensive consultation, The Solomon Garazi Memorial Day will di- up to date on the latest and most effective ap- and over 450,000 public comments, the EPA rectly support the maintenance and the expan- proaches to keep communicating the work of published a final, comprehensive rule to estab- sion of the Jewish Home’s Latin Auxiliary the Committee. He will be missed as well for lish national criteria for the disposal of coal Music Therapy Program. The program offers a his wit, good humor, and loyalty. We wish him ash on April 17, 2015. full-time board-certified music therapist, musi- the best of luck in his retirement and extend H.R. 1734 is an attempt to gut the EPA’s cal instruments, and a wide range of music to him and his family our deepest gratitude. final rule before it even has the chance to go media, recordings, equipment and resources. f into effect. The bill would eliminate restrictions Through musical involvement in a thera- for how close existing surface impoundments IN RECOGNITION OF MAJOR peutic context, individuals’ physical, emotional, can be to drinking water sources and would GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE cognitive, and social needs can be addressed eliminate liner requirements for existing sur- from a unique angle. The music serves as a face impoundments. It authorizes states to im- HON. PATRICK MEEHAN powerful medium, helping them express them- plement coal ash management permitting pro- OF PENNSYLVANIA selves in ways words do not allow them to. It grams, but these programs do not need to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES opens up a new world of language for them, meet national standards. In short, it eliminates, Wednesday, July 29, 2015 one that is not bound by the need for precise delays or weakens environmental protections Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to articulation. The sense of empowerment that and threatens health and public safety. this therapy fosters improves lives. pay tribute to Major General Nathanael There is no greater public need than access Greene, a highly decorated officer in the Con- I commend the Garazi family—Esther to clean and safe drinking water. I strongly op- tinental Army and leader in the fight for inde- Garazi, Isaac and Anita Garazi, Blanca and pose this legislation because it undercuts na- pendence during the Revolutionary War. Richard Schoonover, and their families—as tional protections and undoes important regu- Born August 7, 1742 in Rhode Island to well as everyone else involved with the Day at lations to safeguard drinking water sources. humble beginnings, Nathanael Greene com- the Races, for their work in putting this event We must use our legislative prerogative to mitted his life to public service. He first an- together year after year. Thank you for sup- protect public health and safety and not in a swered this call when he served as a member porting a pillar of our South Florida commu- manner that poses risks to our communities of the Rhode Island General Assembly. As a nity. and our environment as H.R. 1734 would do. supporter of the Patriot cause, Nathanael f Greene helped form a local militia called the f Kentish Guards. Although he was unable to IN GRATITUDE OF DWIGHT SUL- become an officer due to a handicap, he vol- PERSONAL EXPLANATION LIVAN AND HIS YEARS OF SERV- unteered as a private. He saw action in many ICE TO THE HOUSE OF REP- significant engagements, including Trenton, HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD RESENTATIVES Brandywine, Germantown and Princeton. Greene’s talent allowed him to rise through OF CALIFORNIA HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. the ranks, becoming first a Brigadier General IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MICHIGAN and then a Major General—the only one to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES serve as a general for the entire eight year Wednesday, July 29, 2015 war for independence besides George Wash- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I was ington. Major General Greene led the Conti- attending funeral services in my state and was Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to nental troops in the South and helped pave not present for three roll call votes on Monday, take this opportunity to thank Dwight Sullivan the way for Lord Cornwallis’s surrender at July 27, 2015. Had I been present, I would for twenty years of outstanding service to the Yorktown. have voted in this manner: House of Representatives, including eight The General Society Sons of the Revolution years as a Professional Staffer with the House will be designating August 7, 2015 as a Day Roll Call Vote # 467—Need Based Edu- Judiciary Committee Democrats. of Honor for Major General Nathanael Greene. cation Aid Act of 2015—Yes. Dwight will be retiring this month and he will On this day a monument will be dedicated to Roll Call Vote # 468—Secret Service Im- be missed by all who know him. I want to es- Greene in Valley Forge National Historic Park. provements Act of 2015—Yes. pecially thank Dwight for his extraordinary His statue will forever stand there as a re- Roll Call Vote # 469—Keeping Our Trav- work to provide high level communications minder of his service to our country during the elers Safe and Secure Act—Yes. services to the staff and Members of the Com- battle for independence.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.020 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1170 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 Mr. Speaker, the United States of America parade, Afterglow Car Show in conjunction dents continued success in the classroom and and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania owe with the Woodward Dream Cruise, fall Nature beyond. a great debt of gratitude to Major General Na- Center Open House, and Tree Lighting. thanael Greene. While auto-related manufacturing remains f f an important component of Madison Heights MITSUBISHI CORPORATION’S economy, Madison Heights is quickly devel- PERSONAL EXPLANATION APOLOGY TO AMERICAN WWII oping a multifaceted economy, attracting PRISONERS OF WAR emerging industries such as defense and HON. PETER J. ROSKAM aerospace—Navistar Defense and lonBond to OF ILLINOIS name a few. The University of Michigan re- HON. LOIS CAPPS OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cently awarded Madison Heights with an eCities 5-Star Rating and ‘‘Best Practice Com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, July 29, 2015 munity’’ for the City’s Economic Development Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. programs. Madison Heights is proud to now 468. host over 100 major high-tech companies Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to My flight was delayed due to weather. within its borders. honor my constituent, a member of our great- Had I been present, I would have voted As the City of Madison Heights celebrates est generation from Santa Maria, California, Aye. this milestone, I ask all my colleagues to join James T. Murphy. On Sunday, July 19th, f me in congratulating its residents, elected offi- 2015, at the age of 94, Mr. Murphy had the cials, and businesses as they celebrate their historic honor of being offered the first Japa- 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY history, preserve their rich local heritage, and nese corporate apology for his forced labor as OF MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN look forward to growth and prosperity in the an American prisoner of war (POW) in Japan future. during World War II. During World War II, Mitsubishi Mining HON. SANDER M. LEVIN f OF MICHIGAN Company Ltd. used the labor of over 900 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONGRATULATING JESSICA Americans in four of its coal and copper mines CAVINESS FOR RECEIVING THE on mainland Japan. Mr. Murphy, one of the Wednesday, July 29, 2015 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EX- last surviving American former POWs to have Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to CELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS worked as a slave laborer in one of these commemorate the City of Madison Heights, AND SCIENCE TEACHING mines, graciously accepted an apology from Michigan, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary the Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, the suc- this year. The City of Madison Heights was in- HON. KENNY MARCHANT cessor of Mitsubishi Mining Company, on be- corporated in 1955, and currently has a popu- OF TEXAS half of his fellow veterans. lation 29,694 people. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES A Texas native, Mr. Murphy fought in the I have had the pleasure of representing the Philippines with the U.S. Army Air Corps be- City of Madison Heights, centrally located in Wednesday, July 29, 2015 ginning with the bombing of Nichols Field on the 9th Congressional District, in Congress for Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today December 8, 1941 until surrender in Bataan the past thirty-two years. From walking in the in recognition of Jessica Caviness, a teacher on April 9, 1942. He endured the Bataan annual Memorial Day parade to attending nu- in my district at Coppell High School of Death March and a ‘‘Hell ship’’ to Japan. Dur- merous events in the schools, important Coppell, Texas. Jessica was recently selected ing the war, Imperial Japan assigned over projects like the 12 Town Drains, now known to receive the Presidential Award for Excel- 13,000 Americans to work in corporate mines, as George W. Kuhn Retention Treatment lence in Mathematics and Science Teaching factories, and docks to support the war effort. Basin and the formation of the Madison (PAEMST), along with 107 other teachers Mr. Murphy was assigned to POW Camp Heights Community Family Coalition to com- from all 50 states. Each recipient receives an Sendai #6–B and forced to mine copper at bat youth substance abuse I enjoy working in award from the National Science Foundation Mitsubishi’s Osarizawa mine near the town of this community. and is invited to an awards ceremony in Hanawa in Sendai, Japan. Known as the ‘‘City of Progress’’ Madison Washington, D.C. This award is given out an- After liberation, he continued to serve with Heights residents have always prided them- nually to outstanding K–12 science and math- the then-new U.S. Air Force and retired in selves on a high level of community spirit, vol- ematics teachers from across the country. The 1962 after a 23-year career. Captain Murphy unteerism, having top-notch city services, a winners are selected by a panel of distin- later moved to my district in California, work- rich heritage, and being known as a warm and guished scientists, mathematicians, and edu- ing as a civilian contractor with Lockheed Mis- family-oriented community. After sixty years of cators following an initial selection process sile & Space Company at Vandenberg Air growth and change, the city remains em- done at the state level. Force Base and finally retiring in 1986 to bodied in that local spirit. Ms. Caviness, a graduate of Stephen F. Santa Maria. Madison Heights originated from pioneering Austin State University, has just completed her On July 19th 2015 Mr. Hikaru Kimura, a families, such as the Lamphere Family, who 11th year in Coppell, where she teaches Ge- Senior Corporate Executive of Mitsubishi Ma- gave the community land in 1888 for the ometry and Algebra II. Jessica routinely cre- terials Corporation and Senior General Man- school house at 13 Mile and John R, and the ates innovative and transformative learning ex- ager of Global Business Management at the Kendal family who donated their land in 1926 periences for her students. Most notably, Jes- Paint Finishing System Division of Taikisha when the school was moved. Later, farm fami- sica excels in utilizing technology in the class- Ltd, delivered to him the official apology at a lies came to Madison Heights in the early room, where her classes have utilized Skype, ceremony held at the Museum of Tolerance in 1900s from other countries for the opportunity Twitter, and the iPads distributed through Los Angeles. to start fresh and be self-sufficient, farming Coppell Independent School District’s 1:1 iPad Mr. Murphy responded, ‘‘it is a glorious their land and often working to buy it. These initiative. Jessica’s work has not gone unno- day.’’ He continued, ‘‘For 70 years, we wanted families gave rise to the life and hope of the ticed, as she has presented at conferences at such action. Today we have it so I’m elated community that became Madison Heights. the local, state, and even national level. Her over that, and I hope this historical occasion Today Madison Heights residents take ad- ability to integrate Twitter into the learning ex- just spreads out through the world and helps vantage of the city’s 13 parks covering over perience has also been featured in an article mankind.’’ 140 acres; numerous recreational opportuni- for November Learning, which profiled specific And it is with grateful recognition for all our ties including a golf course, wave pool and ways that Ms. Caviness was able to effectively veterans swept up in the Pacific battles of the water park, soccer complex, baseball complex, engage students outside the classroom in a first months of World War II, many of whom Friendship Woods and nature center, wooded way that supplemented classroom material. became POWs of Imperial Japan, that I insert walking trails, sledding hill, bowling lanes, dog Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congres- both Mitsubishi Materials’ historic apology park, public library and Heritage Rooms Mu- sional District of Texas, I ask all my distin- statement and Captain Murphy’s acceptance. seum. Residents also benefit from popular guished colleagues to join me in honoring Jes- Remembering the stories of these POWs community events including a spring 5K run, sica Caviness for receiving the Presidential both in Japan and in the United States is im- Art Challenge and Art Exhibit, the annual Fes- Award for Excellence in Mathematics and portant for history, for the U.S.-Japan relation- tival in the Park with fireworks, Memorial Day Science Teaching. I wish her and all her stu- ship, and for all those who care about peace.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.024 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1171 STATEMENT OF JAMES T. MURPHY, IN RESPONSE about the terrible pain that POWs experi- HONORING CARMEN ‘‘DOLLY’’ TO MITSUBISHI APOLOGY TO WWII POWS, DE- enced in the mines of Mitsubishi Mining. VAZQUEZ FOR HER YEARS OF LIVERED AT THE MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE, The POWs, many of whom were suffering SERVICE TO WORCESTER COUN- from disease and injury, were subjected to SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER—LOS ANGELES, TY AND CONGRATULATING HER CA, JULY 19, 2015 hard labor, including during freezing win- ON HER RETIREMENT This is a great day to be here at the Mu- ters, working without sufficient food, water, seum of Tolerance because at this place and medical treatment or sanitation. When we at this time, history will truly be made. think of their harsh lives in the mines, we HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN We have just heard Mitsubishi’s [Materials cannot help feeling deep remorse. OF MASSACHUSETTS I would like to express our deepest sense of Corporation] representative, Mr. [Hikaru] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Kimura, present a stirring, heartfelt, warm ethical responsibility for the tragic experi- and sincere apology to former U.S. Prisoners ences of all U.S. POWs, including Mr. James Wednesday, July 29, 2015 of War who were forced to work for Murphy, who were forced to work under Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Mitsubishi Mining during World War II. harsh conditions in the mines of the former to honor Carmen ‘‘Dolly’’ Vazquez. Next His apology meets all the criteria nec- Mitsubishi Mining. On behalf of Mitsubishi Materials. I offer month Dolly will retire from Centro Las Amer- essary to satisfy the elements of an accept- icas after 23 years of service to the Latino able apology. It admits to wrongdoing, it our sincerest apology. makes sincere statements showing a deep re- I also extend our deepest condolence to community in Worcester County. morse for the wrongdoing and it assures that their fellow U.S. POWs who worked along- Dolly was born and raised in Bayamon, the wrongdoing will not recur. side them but have since passed away. Puerto Rico. She came to Central Massachu- As a former Prisoner of War of the Japa- To the bereaved families who are present setts from San Francisco, California and nese Imperial Armed Forces who was forced at this ceremony, I also offer our most re- began her cultural involvement in Worcester to work at the Mitsubishi [Osarizawa] copper morseful apology. by volunteering at WCUW community radio mine near Hanawa, Japan during part of 1944 This cannot happen again, and of course, Mitsubishi Materials intends to never let station. At WCUW, she hosted a bi-weekly and part of 1945 and being one of the few sur- radio show, Herencia Puertoriquen˜a for 13 viving workers of that time, I find it to be this happen again. We now have a clear corporate mission of years. my duty and responsibility to accept Mr. working for the benefit of all people, all soci- Kimura’s apology! Dolly was first hired in 1993 by Centro Las Hopefully, the acceptance of this sincere eties and indeed the entire globe. Respecting Americas to help manage their Latin American apology will bring some closure and relief to the basic human rights of all people is a core Festival, and she was later asked to head the the age-old problems confronting the sur- principle of Mitsubishi Materials, and we organization’s new Cultural Department. viving former Prisoners of War and to their will continue to strongly adhere to this prin- Since that Dolly has co-produced the annual family members. ciple. Our management team wishes for the Latin American Festival, the annual Latino Additionally, even though the Japanese Film Festival and the biennial Viva El Arte art people and the American people have a long- health and happiness of our employees every day, and we ask that all of them work not show, among other endeavors. standing friendly relationship, the action Dolly has been an active member of our that we are taking today will further en- only diligently, but also with a sense of eth- hance, expand and assure an enduring trust ics. community through her involvement with His- Mitsubishi Materials supplies general ma- and friendship benefitting both nations. panics Achieving and Celebrating Excellence Furthermore, I join others in this group terials that enrich people’s lives, from ce- of QCC, and Latino Dollars for Scholars. She who foster the idea of encouraging the doz- ment to cellphone components and auto is also an incorporator of the Worcester Art ens of other Japanese companies who used parts, all of which are closely related to peo- ple’s lives. We also place a strong emphasis Museum, YWCA, the Joy of Music Program, forced labor by the Allied Prisoners of War and the Worcester Historical Museum. For to offset their workforce shortage to follow on recycling for more sustainable societies, such as recovering valuable metals from used eleven years she also served as board mem- Mitsubishi Materials’ progressive leadership. ber of the Mass Cultural Council and is a Solving this long overdue problem would electrical appliances and other scrapped ma- permit the companies and their former la- terials. former board member of You Inc. Here in the United States, we have plants borers to look forward to a better future I want to thank Dolly for her years of service for cement and ready-mixed concrete, and a rather than continue to look backward to to Worcester County and I wish her the best sales headquarters for our advanced mate- their differences. Such actions would have of luck in the future. She is a remarkable per- rials and tools business, all in California, as positive results for both of our nations by son who has done so much for the commu- well as a polysilicon plant in Alabama. We strengthening our trust, confidence and believe that our company provides fulfilling nity. I’m also proud to call her a close and friendship. treasured friend. Perhaps other nations with similar prob- jobs for local employees and contributes to lems will follow our example here today with host communities through its business. f The American Defenders of Bataan & Cor- similar actions. Such actions would result in regidor Museum in Wellsburg, West Virginia CELEBRATING THE TENTH the betterment to all mankind. ANNIVERSARY OF MCABW Mr. Kimura, we thank you and the other archives extensive records and memorabilia members of your team for your hard work of POWs. These records and memorabilia will and long hours spent formulating and pre- be handed down to future generations for HON. KEVIN BRADY educational purposes. senting Mitsubishi Materials’ apology. OF TEXAS I will visit the museum the day after to- STATEMENT BY MITSUBISHI MATERIALS COR- morrow to view the exhibits and visualize IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PORATION, SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER how POWs were forced to work under harsh Wednesday, July 29, 2015 HIKARU KIMURA IN THE MEETING WITH A conditions. For now, however, I am pleased FORMER AMERICAN POW AND FAMILIES OF to announce that Mitsubishi Materials has Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand FORMER POWS donated 50,000 US dollars to the museum to today to honor the 10th anniversary of The Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, support its activities. Montgomery County Association of Business speaking on behalf of Mitsubishi Materials, Finally, I sincerely thank Ms. Kinue Women of Montgomery County, Texas. thank you very much for this opportunity to Tokudome and the members of the American Founded by my good friend Carol Gooch in meet with you today at the Museum of Tol- Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor Memorial 2005, the MCABW not only provides a forum erance. Society for creating this opportunity to for business women to develop and enhance Mitsubishi Mining Company Limited, the meet with you today. I also express my sin- professional and personal relationships with predecessor of Mitsubishi Materials, was en- cere thanks to Rabbi Abraham Cooper for of- gaged in coal and metal mining during World fering the Museum of Tolerance as a venue their peers, the group actively works to im- War II. As the war intensified, prisoners of for the ceremony. And I express my deep prove Montgomery County. war were placed in a wide range of industries gratitude to all others involved in arranging After graduating from Leadership Mont- to offset labor shortages. As part of this, this gathering. gomery County in 2003, Carol decided to form close to 900 American POWs were allocated I would also like to thank the family mem- a group so that women could network and to four mines operated by Mitsubishi Mining bers of a non-U.S. POW [Mr. Stanley Gibson grow their businesses. The group was one of in Japan. from Scotland, whose father also was a slave the first womens’ networking associations in I joined Mitsubishi Materials as a postwar laborer in the Mitsubishi Osarizawa mine] Montgomery County and its success has baby-boomer and have worked in the com- who have come from very far away to attend pany for 34 years. I have read the memoirs of this ceremony. spurred the creation of many more similar Mr. James Murphy, who is present here at I truly hope that this gathering marks the groups. this ceremony, and those of other former starting point of a new relationship between In addition to providing an invaluable forum POWs, as well as records of court trials. former POWs and Mitsubishi Materials. for women to network, the group has contin- Through these accounts, I have learned Thank you very much. ued to give back to their community. MCABW

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.028 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1172 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 sponsors college scholarships for women Pike County fostered the freedom and eco- most importantly, a life filled with so much graduating high school in Montgomery County nomic prosperity that are pillars of the Amer- happiness and love. and supports members who wish to continue ican Dream, from an active role in the Under- The job of a United States Congressman in- their education. At their inaugural fundraising ground Railroad to a key link in the Ohio-Erie volves much that is rewarding, yet nothing event this year, the group raised $12,000 Canal that connected commerce across Ohio. compares to recognizing and commemorating which will be used to fund additional scholar- I am honored to represent Pike County the life achievements of individuals such as ships and charities. today, an area of the state with a rich history Mrs. Agnes Fenton. Not only does the group mentor women, and strong community. Again, I congratulate Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our col- MCABW has helped virtually every non-profit Pike County on this historic milestone and I leagues, Mrs. Fenton’s family and friends, all organization in Montgomery County including: wish them the best over their next 200 years. those whose lives she has touched, and me, Interfaith of the Woodlands, Montgomery f in recognizing the 110th birthday of Mrs. County United Way, Children’s Safe Harbor, Agnes Fenton. AGNES FENTON Humane Society, and the Montgomery County f Food Bank, just to name a few. While the ranks of MCABW have grown far HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR. CONGRATULATING FRED AND beyond the original 52 members in the ten OF NEW JERSEY BETTY WILLIAMS ON THEIR 70TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY years since its founding, the mission of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES group has continued to focus on a team effort. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 By working together, the group has grown to HON. KENNY MARCHANT the largest nonprofit business women’s net- Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to OF TEXAS recognize Agnes Fenton, who will be turning working association in Montgomery County. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Members enjoy monthly coffees, luncheons 110 years old this Saturday, August 1, 2015. and evening mixers while continuously men- Mrs. Fenton will be the oldest person living in Wednesday, July 29, 2015 toring new members who want to start their the City of Englewood, New Jersey. Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today own business, learn more about networking or Mrs. Fenton was born in 1905 on a farm in to congratulate Fred and Betty Williams, of social media, or who just want to meet other Mississippi. After her father passed away Carrollton, Texas on achieving this incredible like-minded women in the community. when she was only an infant, her mother milestone of 70 years of marriage on August MCABW has helped organize the annual raised her alone. Upon the age of 14, Mrs. 30th, 2015. WISE (Women Inspiring, Supporting, Empow- Fenton moved to Memphis, Tennessee. While Fred and Betty both grew up in east ering) Conference. These conferences have It was in Memphis where Mrs. Fenton ran a Texas, they moved to Carrollton after retiring given female entrepreneurs access to tremen- restaurant called Pal’s Duck Inn, which spe- and reside there today. As long time members dous speakers and learning opportunities cialized in serving southern comfort food. Mrs. of the Nazarene Church, serving on the while raising money for charity. This year’s Fenton would be one of the first African-Amer- church board and in missions, they are be- WISE Conference has partnered with ican women in the city to own and operate a loved members of the community and strong Rettsyndrome.org to raise funds for research restaurant. The days were long and the work role models. It is an honor to be able to call for treatments and a cure for Rett Syndrome. was tiring, as she would often work from 6 them my constituents and friends. The women of MCABW represent all walks a.m. to midnight on a regular basis, but Mrs. In their successful marriage, Fred and Betty of life—there are members returning to the Fenton always kept her spirits high. have been blessed with a family of three chil- world of work, young members who are just During her time running the restaurant, dren, eleven grandchildren, and fourteen starting their careers, and seasoned profes- Agnes got married to Vincent Fenton. But great-grandchildren. It is my sincere hope that sionals willing to pass on their wisdom and sadly after contracting pneumonia, Mr. Fenton their family may gain much joy and wisdom knowledge. passed away in 1970. from Fred and Betty’s wonderful journey to- Today, I ask all of America to join me in Following many years of running her suc- gether. May their lives and inspiring story pass congratulating the dynamic Carol Gooch, and cessful restaurant, Mrs. Fenton decided to get down through generations to come. all members of the MCABW, on ten years of a new job in the kitchen of an Emerson, New Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congres- excellence. I can’t wait to see what the future Jersey company, and eventually worked for sional District of Texas, I ask all my distin- holds for the Montgomery County Association the Chapman family in nearby Oradell for guished colleagues to join me in congratu- of Business Women. many years afterwards. It was hard work and lating Fred and Betty Williams on their pros- f self-reliance that forged her into the strong perous 70th wedding anniversary. person she has been throughout her life. CONGRATULATING PIKE COUNTY f Mrs. Fenton moved to Englewood in the early 1950’s. She has resided there ever RECOGNIZING THE CENTENNIAL HON. BRAD R. WENSTRUP since, and is known to have a remedy for any ANNIVERSARY OF THE OF OHIO health concern that you can think of. She is OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES also well-known for her Lemon Ice Box Pies SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Wednesday, July 29, 2015 and Apple Lattice Pies, which she has given Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to her family and neighbors during the Christ- HON. JEFF MILLER to congratulate Pike County on their bicenten- mas holiday seasons. OF FLORIDA nial anniversary and celebration. Mrs. Fenton has always made room for God IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in her life, as she has been a member of the For 200 years Pike County has stood proud- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 ly at the heart of Southern Ohio. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in New Created by the Ohio General Assembly in York City since moving to Englewood. Mrs. Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise 1815, Pike County was named after American Fenton was honored to be indoctrinated into to recognize the Centennial Anniversary of the Brigadier General and explorer Zebulon Pike. the Centenarian Society, where she is an ac- Okaloosa County, Florida Sheriff’s Depart- Over the next 200 years, the people of Pike tive participant in the New England Cente- ment. County have lived up to Pike’s relentless narian Study being conducted by the Boston As a former Deputy Sheriff, I understand the American spirit. School of Medicine. Although the study may important and sometimes underappreciated Throughout its two century-long history, Pike credit Mrs. Fenton’s 110 years to her genetics, role that law enforcement officers play in local County has proudly contributed to the she partly attributes this to her daily regimen communities across the Nation. In Northwest strength, prosperity, and growth of our state of consuming a shot of Johnnie Walker and Florida, we are fortunate to have many world- and our nation. three Miller High Life’s a day. class Sheriff’s Departments and Police Depart- Pike County residents fought and died for Throughout her entire life, Mrs. Fenton has ments that are working each and every day to the United States in defense of this nation been able to live independently, even through protect their neighbors and community. For since the days of the Civil War. That service hard times. She continues to cook her own the last 100 years, the Okaloosa County Sher- continued into the Cold War, where their hard meals and bake for her family and friends dur- iff’s Department has served a thriving commu- work and industriousness in the heartland pro- ing the holiday season. Mrs. Fenton’s life is nity that has grown from a population of less vided the nuclear technology and tools that one we can all look upon and recognize as than 10,000 when the department was created continued to secure our blessings of freedom. one lived through hard work and sacrifice, but to a home for nearly 200,000 people today.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.030 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1173 Yet, while the population has increased nearly other important programs such as Los By closing the prescription drug ‘‘doughnut twentyfold over the past century, the Okaloosa Compadres and Successful Living. Los hole’’ and curtailing waste and fraud, the Af- County Sheriff’s Department has always Compadres and Successful Living aim to work fordable Care Act lowers costs to beneficiaries upheld their mission to ‘‘ensure fair and equal with high risk youth by providing mentors and and improves benefits. administration of the law, safeguarding civil lib- instructional sessions that teach young people There are definitely ways to improve Medi- erties and preserving public safety and doing to make responsible decisions and achieve care and Medicaid programs, and cut waste, so with professionalism and unity of purpose, economic success. The organization has not fraud, and abuse. while being good stewards of the public’s only granted financial assistance to the com- But, these changes should not be on the trust.’’ munity, they provide resources to those in backs of our seniors and most vulnerable citi- From the first Okaloosa County Sheriff, Ben- need to promote upward mobility, be self-suffi- zens. jamin Haywood Sutton, who initially funded the cient, and lead successful lives. We must work in a bipartisan way to department with his own money, through to For these reasons, I am honored to recog- strengthen Medicare and Medicaid and ensure the current Sheriff, Larry Ashley, 15 different nize Community Action of Ventura County on enhanced access to affordable, quality men have served as Sheriff, while countless their 50th anniversary. It is with sincere grati- healthcare. have joined the force as deputies. Each and tude that I commend Community Action of Fifty years later, Medicare and Medicaid every one of those selfless men and women Ventura County for its continued success and continue to save lives, help Americans live chose to stand up and serve their commu- service to our community. healthier, and provide the peace of mind that nities as officers of the law, and while they do f comes with access to healthcare and treat- not ask for any recognition in return, they cer- ment. tainly deserve our gratitude and thanks. There TRIBUTE TO DANNY AND JOYCE I will continue to support and improve these is no greater honor than to swear an oath to WESTLAKE two critical programs that are an integral part our Constitution to serve and protect the lives of our social safety net. of your fellow man at the risk of your own ei- HON. DAVID YOUNG f ther at home or abroad, and the Okaloosa OF IOWA County Sheriff’s Department has shown over IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RECOGNIZING MR. RANDY SHAW, KREM 2 NEWS ANCHOR ON HIS its 100 year history that it is dedicated to serv- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 ing the people of Okaloosa County. RETIREMENT Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise Congress, I am proud to recognize the accom- today to recognize and congratulate Danny HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS and Joyce Westlake of Prescott, Iowa, on the plishments and the service the Okaloosa OF WASHINGTON very special occasion of their 50th wedding County Florida Sheriff’s Department has pro- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES vided to the community over the last 100 anniversary. Danny and Joyce were married years. on July 10, 1965 in Massena, Iowa. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 f Danny and Joyce’s lifelong commitment to Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, each other and their children Jeanette, Doug, I rise today to celebrate Mr. Randy Shaw, HONORING COMMUNITY ACTION OF Paul and Pamela, along with their grand- Spokane’s KREM 2 News anchor for his years VENTURA COUNTY children and great-grandchildren truly em- of service to Eastern Washington. As a broad- bodies our Iowa values. I commend this de- cast journalist, Mr. Shaw has faithfully served HON. JULIA BROWNLEY voted couple on their 50th year together and Spokane, Washington and the entire Inland OF CALIFORNIA I wish them many more. I know my colleagues Northwest for over thirty-three years. Mr. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in the United States House of Representatives Shaw is retiring at the end of September and Wednesday, July 29, 2015 will join me in congratulating them on this mo- I am pleased to recognize his accomplish- mentous occasion. Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, ments and contributions to our great commu- today I rise to recognize Community Action of f nity in Eastern Washington. Ventura County on the occasion of their 50th MEDICARE AND MEDICAID 50TH Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. anniversary. For five decades, this remarkable ANNIVERSARY Randy Shaw covered the presidencies of Ger- organization has promoted economic equality ald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and through an array of efforts to combat poverty HON. JOYCE BEATTY George H.W. Bush. Reporting overseas in in Ventura County. Asia, Africa, and South America, Mr. Shaw re- OF OHIO Community Action of Ventura County was ceived more than three dozen journalism IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES established in 1965 under the Economic Op- awards and brought a wide range of news into portunity Act, one of the first federal anti-pov- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 the homes of the people of Eastern Wash- erty programs in the United States. To this Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, in 1965, Presi- ington. day, the organization’s mission continues to dent Lyndon Johnson signed two important Making his journalistic debut in newspaper, be to serve as an auxiliary to assist poverty- programs into law: Medicare and Medicaid. Mr. Shaw transitioned to radio and television stricken citizens in achieving self-sufficiency. These two critical programs provide Ameri- where he spent the majority of his career. Dur- Today, the organization has proven its effec- cans much needed access to healthcare. ing his time in Spokane, Mr. Shaw was award- tiveness by reducing poverty rates across the They were created out of the truth that ed a Regional Edward R. Murrow award for in- region, and is a recognized leader among healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and no vestigative reporting and the National Associa- community-based organizations. one should fall into poverty due to a lack of tion of Television Arts and Science Silver Cir- The services that Community Action of Ven- healthcare or treatment. cle for his service to our community. tura County provides to residents of our com- Over the last 50 years, Medicare has helped As the longest serving news anchor in Spo- munity have been invaluable in assisting those millions of American families maintain inde- kane broadcast history, Mr. Shaw worked dili- who live below the poverty line. Serving ap- pendence and security. gently to ensure that our citizens are well in- proximately 8,000 clients every year through Medicaid provides a health care safety net formed. Moreover, he also endeavored to impactful programs, Community Action of Ven- for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, serve local causes throughout our community. tura County has been instrumental in the effort and children and young adults from working Through the years, Randy supported numer- to reduce poverty and economic inequality in families. ous local charities and fundraising efforts, in- Ventura County. With committed and steadfast For example, in 2013, in my district, Ohio’s cluding the Inland Northwest Honor Flight, the board members, staff, and volunteers, all third congressional district, 85,313 of the resi- Alzheimer’s Association, the Children’s Miracle working toward the goal of lifting people out of dents received Medicare and 173,991 of the Network, and the American Red Cross. Off poverty, this organization positively impacts residents received Medicaid. camera, Mr. Shaw is an author, explorer, mu- our community through partnership building That is why I applaud Governor Kasich for sician, singer and entertainment producer. He and advocacy for measures to help low-in- his decision to expand Medicaid in Ohio. integrates these passions into many of his ef- come individuals and families survive and rise Our path forward should build upon Presi- forts. up above poverty. dent Johnson’s vision by strengthening Medi- I would like to thank Mr. Randy Shaw for his In its fifty years of service, Community Ac- care and Medicaid, improving essential bene- years of dedication to Spokane and to the In- tion of Ventura County has also implemented fits, and containing costs. land Northwest. I applaud his commitment to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.034 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1174 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 the citizens of Eastern Washington and wish combat hunger in our communities but also to as my Legislative Assistant and became one him the best of luck in the next chapter of his help other nations through trade as well as to of the few individuals who can say they life. assist them in providing lunches for some 40 worked for every Portuguese Republican from f million school children throughout the devel- California in the House of Representatives. oping world. During her time in my office, she handled sev- RECOGNIZING THE 51ST PASSAGE Mr. Speaker, this is why I am proud to re- eral legislative portfolios, including agriculture, OF THE ‘‘FOOD STAMP ACT’’ member the positive impact that the ‘‘Food energy, healthcare, homeland security, immi- Stamp Act’’ has had on our communities, and gration, trade, and water. Last year, she was HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE nation as a whole, along with the millions of promoted to Legislative Director and handled OF TEXAS lives it has improved over the decades. my work on the Appropriations committee. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f On August 1, 2015, Ms. Butler’s time in my Wednesday, July 29, 2015 office will come to an end. Ms. Butler is return- IN RECOGNITION OF WILLIAM ing to Texas, where she will marry Mr. Nathan Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise GRIGGS’ SERVICE AS WYAN- Russell, a nuclear plant operator who has today to recognize the 51st anniversary of the DOTTE CITY CLERK loved her since their freshman year of high ‘‘Food Stamp Act’’ of 1964, an act that school, on September 19, 2015. While I know strengthened the agricultural economy and im- HON. DEBBIE DINGELL her family will be happy to have her back in proved levels of nutrition among low income OF MICHIGAN the Lone Star State, she will be greatly missed households. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES as a member of my team. This impactful legislative achievement was Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the passed by the historic 88th Congress of the United States House of Representatives to United States, and signed into law by Presi- Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join me in commending Jessica Butler for her dent Lyndon B. Johnson on August 31, 1964. recognize William Griggs for his forty two public service to the people of the Central Val- During the 1960’s our nation was in the years of service to the city of Wyandotte. First ley and wishing her well in this next chapter of midst of the biggest legislative civil rights bat- elected in 1973, Bill is one of the longest serv- her life. tle since the ratification of the 14th amend- ing public officials in the Downriver commu- f ment of the Constitution, which addressed citi- nities. zenship rights and equal protection under the Bill is described by his colleagues as dedi- TO HONOR THE TEXAS JOB CORPS law. cated and kind, and is praised in the commu- GRADUATES Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to imagine that nity for the dignity and professionalism he has during a time where the country was experi- brought to the clerk’s office. His presence as HON. GENE GREEN encing its largest uninterrupted period of eco- a leading voice in Wyandotte has been recog- OF TEXAS nomic expansion, American families were bat- nized by generations of residents, and with the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tling a war on poverty. dedication of the City Council chambers in his Leaders like President Johnson, who him- honor will be recognized by many more. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 self grew up in a poverty stricken family in Bill has served as a role model in our com- Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Stonewall, Texas, had a firsthand account of munity, serving as the director of Wyandotte’s I rise today to honor the hard work and dedi- these struggles that many American families adaptive recreation program and on the Board cation of the recent graduates of the Texas faced on a daily basis. of Directors for the National Wheelchair Ath- Job Corps Centers. President Johnson took action and pursued letics Committee. He inspired people with dis- The four Job Corps centers in Texas have an agenda, which he called ‘‘The Great Soci- abilities with his participation in the 1968 and served the people of our great state for over ety.’’ 1972 Paralympics Games, and was inducted 50 years, providing a no-cost education and The ‘‘Food Stamp Act’’ is a legislative vic- into the Michigan Athletes with Disabilities Hall career technical training program that helps tory for his agenda that benefits those Ameri- of Fame in 2002. young Texans from ages 16 to 24 improve the cans who are living below the poverty line, by Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me quality of their lives through career technical providing a sustainable source of food. today to honor William Griggs for his forty two and academic training. The impact of this legislation was simple; it years of service and his lasting impact on the By graduating from the Job Corps, these helped put food on tables. Wyandotte community. I thank him for his young men and women have proven that they In my city of Houston, Texas, Supplemental leadership, and wish him many years of suc- have skills and determination to succeed and Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has cess. be valuable contributors to communities helped establish nine major Food Banks that f throughout Texas and the country. serve the city and its citizens with providing On behalf of the people of the 29th Con- the much needed access to nutrition for fami- IN RECOGNITION OF MS. JESSICA gressional District of Texas, I would like to lies and individuals who otherwise would be BUTLER congratulate the 2015 Job Corps graduates of unable to afford it without programs created by all four centers in our state—David L. the ‘‘Food Stamp Act.’’ HON. DAVID G. VALADAO Carrasco Job Corps, Gary Job Corps, Laredo As President Johnson remarked when he OF CALIFORNIA Job Corps, and North Texas Job Corps. signed this act that it, ‘‘weds the best of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I would also like to recognize the Texas Job humanitarian instincts of the American people Corps for their half century of success and say Wednesday, July 29, 2015 with the best of the free enterprise system.’’ thank you for the service the Job Corps Pro- The most important benefactors of this pro- Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to gram and its graduates have provided to gram have been the children of this nation. thank Jessica Butler for her service to my of- Texas. The ‘‘Food Stamp Act’’ at the time when it fice and the 21st Congressional District of f was signed into law assisted 17 million chil- California over the past two and a half years. dren by giving them access to hot lunches in Ms. Butler was born in Wharton, Texas to IN RECOGNITION OF THE RETIRE- their schools. Robert and Carol Butler and spent her youth MENT OF ADMIRAL JAMES A. For many of these children this was the first in Bay City, Texas with her siblings, Sarah WINNEFELD, JR. time they had a lunch while at school. and Sam. After completing her high school Mr. Speaker, hunger in our nation does not education, Ms. Butler studied poultry science HON. MIKE ROGERS see color or sex or religion. This is a problem and food safety at Texas A&M University and OF ALABAMA that affects us all no matter our background. Auburn University. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES While simultaneously strengthening our mar- After college, Jessica accepted a Fellowship Wednesday, July 29, 2015 kets for the farmers, the ‘‘Food Stamp Act’’ with Congressman DEVIN NUNES through the has immeasurably improved the volume of re- American Association for the Advancement of Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I tail food sales in our nation and around the Science and the Federation of Animal Science ask for the House’s attention today to recog- world. Societies. Her work in Mr. NUNES’ office led nize Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., who is Our national food abundance should be her to discover her passion for policy. After retiring July 31, 2015, after serving with dis- continuously used constructively not only to completing her fellowship, she joined my office tinction for more than 37 years, culminating

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.038 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1175 his career as Vice Chairman of the Joint Commander, United States SIXTH Fleet, training and career opportunities. He has Chiefs of Staff. Commander NATO Allied Joint Command Lis- worked to develop resources in the sur- Throughout his service as a senior military bon and Commander Striking and Support rounding community and at the state and fed- leader, Admiral Winnefeld has provided this Forces NATO. eral levels to provide transition assistance for body, and in particular the House Armed Serv- His shore tours include service in the Joint all veterans. ices Committee, with invaluable testimony and Staff Operations Directorate (J–3), as Senior The Army will be losing a strong leader candid military advice. Over the last four Aide to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of when COL Hodges retires later this year after years, Admiral Winnefeld has served as the Staff and as Executive Assistant to the Vice a long and impressive career in the Army. He ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Chief of Naval Operations. As a flag officer he started his service in the summer of 1985 Staff. I think I speak for all of my colleagues served ashore as director, Warfare Programs when he enlisted in the Florida National Guard on the Armed Services Committee when I say and Transformational Concepts, United States as an 11B Infantryman. After being commis- his vast experience, knowledge, outstanding Fleet Forces Command, as Director of Joint sioned as an Infantry Officer and Distin- leadership and professionalism combined with Innovation and Experimentation at United guished Military Graduate from the University his deep respect and consideration for all of States Joint Forces Command and as the Di- of Central Florida (UCF) he completed the In- our service men and women will be greatly rector for Strategic Plans and Policy (J–5) on fantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School missed. the Joint Staff. Prior to becoming the Vice and Ranger School. He was then assigned to During his tenure as Vice Chairman, he pro- Chairman, Admiral Winnefeld served as the Germany and 3–5 Cavalry in the 3rd Armored vided military advice to not only the legislative Commander of North American Aerospace Division. While there he participated in Oper- branch, but also to the President of the United Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. North- ation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After States, Secretary of Defense, National Secu- ern Command (USNORTHCOM). returning from Germany and completing the rity Council and the Chairman of the Joint As the Commander of NORAD and required military schooling, he commanded A Chiefs of Staff on a wide range of complex USNORTHCOM, Admiral Winnefeld led his- Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry military and national security issues during an toric advances in the working relationship be- (ASSLT) in the Republic of Korea; and Com- extremely challenging period in our country’s tween USNORTHCOM, Department of Home- pany H, the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) history. land Security, Federal Emergency Manage- in Arlington, Virginia. In this challenging fiscal and security envi- ment Agency, Drug Enforcement Administra- In 2001–2002, COL Hodges attended the ronment, Admiral Winnefeld helped lead our tion, Customs and Boarder Protection and the Command and General Staff School at Fort military through global events and threats to National Guard, specifically with the Dual-Sta- Leavenworth and was then assigned to Fort include the Department of Defense’s rebal- tus Commander concept. In addition, he led Lewis, where he served as a Battalion Oper- ance to the Pacific, Iraq troop withdrawal, Af- the U.S.-Mexican military-to-military relation- ations Officer and Executive Officer in 1st Bat- ghanistan transition, the global threat of ISIL, ship to a historic level of collaboration and talion, 23rd Infantry, (Tomahawks); and as the instability in Syria and Russia’s provocative brought very tangible results to our Nations’ Operations Officer of 3–2 Stryker Brigade actions in Eastern Europe. In addition, the important struggle against the fast-growing Combat Team. While there, he was part of the Vice Chairman played key roles in advising transnational criminal organizations. Through team that certified the Army’s first Stryker Bri- our nation’s leaders on and formulating plans his distinctive accomplishments, Admiral gade Combat Team and deployed as part of for various counterterrorism efforts. Winnefeld culminated a long and distinguished Operation Iraqi Freedom. As Vice Chairman, he led the development career in the service of our nation and his ten- After promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, he and implementation of the 2014 Quadrennial ure leaves a lasting positive legacy to the served as the Chair of the Military Science Defense Review, an effort that involved thou- Armed Forces. I appreciate his extraordinary Department at Duke University. In 2007, he sands of senior leadership man-hours. Pivotal reflected great credit upon himself, the United returned to Fort Lewis and took command of to his role as the Vice Chairman he also States Navy, and the Department of Defense. 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry, 3–2 Stryker Bri- chaired the Joint Requirements Oversight For nearly forty years Admiral Winnefeld gade Combat Team. He commanded the bat- Council (or JROC), where he worked tirelessly has performed his duty professionally, hon- talion for three years, and he deployed it to to transform the requirements processes to estly and with great dedication. Our nation will participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom. After become more agile, transparent and inclusive. miss his leadership and expertise. command, he was selected to serve as the Di- He focused its efforts on the immediate capa- Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing him rector of Training, G3, for I Corps. After at- bility needs of the Combatant Commanders and his family all the best as he moves to the tending the United States Army War College, and the most pressing military issues of the next phase of his life. COL Hodges took command of the newly cre- Joint Warfighter. As co-chair of the Defense f ated Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Au- Acquisition Board, Admiral Winnefeld worked gust of 2012. to link the requirements, resource and acquisi- RECOGNIZING COL. CHUCK Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize tion communities in developing programs to HODGES’ SERVICE TO JOINT COL Hodges’ successful and decorated ca- deliver appropriate capabilities to the Joint BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD AND THE reer. I commend him for his service, leader- Warfighter at the right time and for the right UNITED STATES ship, and dedication. I also wish to recognize price. Admiral Winnefeld’s work as a co-chair the sacrifices and contributions made by his of the nuclear weapons council ensured our HON. DENNY HECK family including his wife Kathy and their chil- military’s nuclear enterprise and number one OF WASHINGTON dren Shelby and Sam. priority remained viable and relevant as a stra- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The State of Washington and our country tegic deterrent to our nation’s adversaries. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 owe COL Hodges a debt of gratitude for his Admiral Winnefeld graduated from the Geor- work and dedication to our country. We thank gia Institute of Technology and received his Mr. HECK of Washington. Mr. Speaker, him for his service to our country and con- commission from the Navy Reserve Officer today I rise to honor my good friend and Com- gratulate him as he begins the next chapter of Training Corps program. He subsequently mander of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, U.S. his career. served with three fighter squadrons flying the Army Colonel Charles Hodges, Jr. f F–14 Tomcat and as an instructor at the Navy COL Hodges will leave command next Fighter Weapons School. Admiral Winnefeld’s month after a tremendously successful three COMMENDING UNITED STATES- unit commands at sea include Fighter Squad- years at JBLM. He has played a critical role in TURKEY MILITARY COOPERATION ron 211, USS Cleveland (LPD 7) and USS En- the implementation of joint basing and has terprise (CVN 65). He led ‘‘Big E’’ through her proved the success of the program to both the HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON 18th deployment, which included combat oper- Department of Defense and the Army. In addi- OF TEXAS ations in Afghanistan in support of Operation tion, his partnership with the surrounding com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Enduring Freedom immediately after the ter- munity is unprecedented. He has strengthened rorist acts of Sept. 11, 2001. As Commander, an already robust relationship between the Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Carrier Strike Group TWO/Theodore Roo- base and community by finding creative solu- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. sevelt Carrier Strike Group, he led Task tions to issues such as traffic congestion and Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to hear the Forces 50, 152 and 58 in support of Operation noise abatement. announcement made last Thursday that Incirlik Iraqi Freedom and maritime interception oper- COL Hodges has also been instrumental in Air Base in Turkey will now be made available ations in the Arabian Gulf. He also served as ensuring our separating troops can pursue job for both unmanned and manned airstrikes

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.043 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1176 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 against the Islamic State. The announcement resentatives to join me in congratulating her providing for consideration of H.R. 427, Regu- indicates a substantial increase in cooperation on receiving this distinguished award, and lations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny with our longstanding NATO ally, the Republic wishing her the best of luck in all her future Act of 2015). of Turkey. The enhanced operations will in- endeavors. On Roll Call 471 I would have voted No (On clude the direct involvement of the Turkish Air f H. Res. 380, providing for consideration of Force in conjunction with our own military. H.R. 427, Regulations from the Executive in In recent days, Islamic State terrorists have RECOGNIZING BASF ON THEIR Need of Scrutiny Act of 2015). stepped up their attacks on Turkey. On July 150TH ANNIVERSARY On Roll Call 472 I would have voted Aye 20, a suicide bomber took the lives of 32 inno- (H.R. 675, Veterans Compensation Cost of cent civilians near a cultural center in Suruc, HON. DEBBIE DINGELL Living Adjustment Act of 2015). Turkey. On July 23, a non-commissioned OF MICHIGAN On Roll Call 473 I would have voted No Turkish officer was killed in an armed attack at IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (Young Amendment to H.R. 427, Regulations a military border post at Elbeyli, Turkey. I wish from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of Wednesday, July 29, 2015 to express my sincere condolences to our 2015). friends in Turkey for these losses, which pro- Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to On Roll Call 474 I would have voted No vide further evidence of the barbaric nature of recognize BASF on their 150th Anniversary. (Smith of Missouri Amendment to H.R. 427, the terrorist forces now dominating much of Their longevity as a company is a testament Regulations from the Executive in Need of Syria and Iraq. to their innovative products, the drive of their Scrutiny Act of 2015). It is more essential than ever that we deep- leaders, and the hard work of their employees. On Roll Call 475 I would have voted Aye en our cooperation with key allies like Turkey BASF’s presence in the United States goes (Johnson of Georgia Amendment to H.R. 427, as we seek to bring peace and security to a back to the 1950s, and today they employ Regulations from the Executive in Need of troubled region. I wish to commend the contin- over 15,000 Americans in more than 30 Scrutiny Act of 2015). ued cooperative efforts of the military leader- states. They deserve to be commended for On Roll Call 476 I would have voted Aye ship in both the United States and the Repub- this milestone anniversary. (Capps Amendment to H.R. 427, Regulations lic of Turkey. It is essential that this bond be- BASF is a pillar of our community in South- from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of tween our countries remains strong as we east Michigan. Specifically, their plant in Wy- 2015). confront this strategic challenge. andotte, Michigan employs over 1,000 people On Roll Call 477 I would have voted Aye f in good paying, high skilled jobs. Notable is (Cicilline Amendment to H.R. 427, Regulations their dedication to community relations and from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of TRIBUTE TO KATIE ROTH charitable activities. The company played a 2015). critical role in the founding of the Detroit River On Roll Call 478 I would have voted Aye HON. DAVID YOUNG International Wildlife Refuge, the only inter- (Jackson Lee/Cicilline Amendment to H.R. OF IOWA national wildlife refuge in this country. They 427, Regulations from the Executive in Need IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES worked to restore Fighting Island in the Detroit of Scrutiny Act of 2015). River so it is suitable for wildlife habitat, and On Roll Call 479 I would have voted Aye Wednesday, July 29, 2015 they contributed to the trails in the Humbug (Nadler Amendment to H.R. 427, Regulations Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise Marsh unit, among numerous other activities. from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of today to recognize and congratulate Katie Their dedication to conservation, and giving 2015). Roth for being named the 2015 Woman Busi- back to the community, is to be commended. On Roll Call No. 480 I would have voted ness Owner of the Year by the award-winning When BASF was founded 150 years ago, Aye (Pocan Amendment to H.R. 427, Regula- central Iowa publication, the Des Moines Busi- nobody would have imagined how large the tions from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny ness Record. company would grow or the impact they would Act of 2015). Since 2000, the Des Moines Business have on the world. Today, they continue to On Roll Call No. 481 I would have voted Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual produce innovative products while also being Aye (Motion to Recommit H.R. 427, Regula- review to identify a group of standout female responsible corporate stewards. This is signifi- tions from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny leaders in the Greater Des Moines Area that cant in today’s world and deserves praise. Act of 2015). are making an impact in their communities ei- Congratulations to everyone at BASF as you On Roll Call No. 482 I would have voted No ther personally or professionally, forging a celebrate your 150th Anniversary. (On Passage of H.R. 427, Regulations from path for other women to follow. The women Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of given this prestigious award are individuals in honoring the 150 years of success and 2015). who have selflessly dedicated their time and community contributions of BASF. f proven their leadership abilities across a vari- f ety of professional fields. RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVER- Ms. Roth got her start in the news business PERSONAL EXPLANATION SARY OF MEDICAID AND MEDI- after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast CARE Journalism from the University of Iowa. With HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE hard work and her natural leadership qualities, OF TEXAS HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING Ms. Roth quickly worked her way up in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MASSACHUSETTS ranks, until ultimately she decided to open the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES doors of Portico Staffing. Since founding Por- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 tico Staffing, Ms. Roth has continued to grow Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, from Fri- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 the business through hard work and deter- day, July 24, 2015 through Tuesday, July 28, Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in mination to succeed. 2015, I was out of the country participating in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Medi- Ms. Roth has selflessly dedicated her time the congressional delegation accompanying care and Medicaid. and talents to improving the lives of others. President Obama on his diplomatic visits to In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed When she isn’t busy expanding the size and Kenya and Ethiopia. Had I been present I the Social Security Act into law—establishing scope of her business she invests her time in would have voted as follows: the groundbreaking programs of Medicare and mentoring others, helping to foster the next On Roll Call 467 I would have voted Aye (S. Medicaid and guaranteeing that a wide range generation of Iowa’s leaders. Ms. Roth’s high 1482, Need-Based Education Aid Act of of health and medical services would be avail- ethical standards and level of achievement 2015). able to millions of Americans previously ineli- have given her the necessary qualifications to On Roll Call 468 I would have voted Aye gible or unable to attain basic healthcare. receive this prestigious award. (H.R. 1656, Secret Service Improvements Act Prior to this law, over half of our nation’s Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to rep- of 2015). seniors did not have access to health insur- resent leaders like Ms. Roth in the United On Roll Call 469 I would have voted Aye ance. Yet one year after its establishment, 19 States Congress and it is with great pride that (Amendment to H.R. 2770, Keep Our Trav- million seniors and disabled individuals were I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her elers Safe and Secure Act of 2015). provided coverage. That figure has grown dra- talents to better the State of Iowa. I invite my On Roll Call 470 I would have voted No (On matically; for the last half century, Medicare colleagues in the United States House of Rep- Ordering Previous Question for H. Res. 380, and Medicaid have provided vital healthcare

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.045 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1177 services to countless seniors, individuals with HONORING H. GRAYSON COUNTY there is no reason why the Smithsonian disabilities and low-income families. By 2014, ADMINISTRATOR JONATHAN should not be accountable to the public for the 54 million Americans relied on Medicare for SWEET annual federal appropriations it receives, quality health care and economic security, which account for 70 percent of its budget. Al- while 69 million—including one in three chil- HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH though the Smithsonian was created by Con- dren—are benefited by Medicaid and its serv- OF VIRGINIA gress as a federal trust, it receives the great ices. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES majority of its funding from the federal govern- ment, much like federal agencies, and has al- Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Wednesday, July 29, 2015 the 50th anniversary of Medicare and Med- ways been treated as a federal agency except icaid. I look forward to continuing to strength- Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I submit these for FOIA and other open government laws. In en and protect Medicare and Medicaid to en- remarks in honor of Grayson County Adminis- the 1990s, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the sure that the promise of health and economic trator Jonathan Sweet, who was recently District of Columbia Circuit found under the security will be there for generations to come. named 2015 County Leader of the Year by current act that the Smithsonian is not a fed- Penton Media’s ‘‘American City and County’’ eral agency for purposes of FOIA and the Pri- magazine. f vacy Act. The Smithsonian’s website states As is noted in the magazine’s story, ‘‘Sweet that it is ‘‘not an Executive Branch agency, PERSONAL EXPLANATION started his professional career as the Director and FOIA does not apply to the Smithsonian.’’ of Economic Development of Carroll County, This bill would amend FOIA and the Privacy Va., and then served Danville, Va., in their of- Act to apply to the Smithsonian, which would HON. PETER J. ROSKAM fice of economic development. Sweet then require the institution to make administrative moved to Bland County, Va., to become staff manuals, interpretations of law or regula- OF ILLINOIS County Administrator at the age of 24—one of tions, final opinions, policies, and other IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the youngest in the state to hold that position. records available to the public. The bill would However, he was tied to Grayson [County], also require the Smithsonian’s Board of Re- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 where many of his friends and family lived. It’s gents and other boards to hold meetings to where he felt most at home.’’ the public. Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. Jonathan returned to Grayson in 2009 to The current absence of transparency at the 469 my flight was delayed due to weather. serve as County Administrator and began ad- Smithsonian should be of concern, particularly Had I been present, I would have voted Aye. dressing several difficult challenges, among in light of its recent history of secrecy and cor- them returning financial stability to the county ruption. In 2007, an independent review found f and encouraging the growth of jobs and the that the Smithsonian Board of Regents had economy. ‘‘As the furniture industry shrank CONGRATULATING FIVE STU- violated many principles of good management and textile jobs moved overseas, the county DENTS FROM THE 24TH CON- Regents during the tenure of Lawrence Small really began to suffer, ultimately hitting an un- GRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF as Secretary of the Smithsonian. The report employment rate of 14.6 percent,’’ Derek Prall TEXAS FOR RECEIVING FUL- indicated that the Board had failed to provide wrote in the magazine. ‘‘By the time Sweet BRIGHT AWARDS DURING THE the needed oversight, had over-compensated came on board, the county had taken on 2014–2015 ACADEMIC YEAR the Secretary, and had allowed the creation of $18.3 million in debt, and was relying on credit an ‘‘insular culture.’’ The report further found to stay afloat.’’ that the Smithsonian’s deputy secretary and HON. KENNY MARCHANT He immediately began working at the tasks chief operating officer, Sheila Burke, was fre- at hand. In part because of Jonathan’s efforts, quently absent from her duties because of out- OF TEXAS ‘‘Grayson county went from one of the most fi- side activities, including service on corporate IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nancially challenged and distressed counties boards, for which she earned more than $1.2 in Virginia, to becoming one of the most finan- million over six years. Importantly, the report Wednesday, July 29, 2015 cially stable and well managed in the region,’’ indicated that Smithsonian leaders took great David Sexton, Chairman of the Grayson Coun- measures to keep secret these missteps and Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ty Board of Supervisors, told the magazine. mismanagement. in recognition of Andrew Hasson of Coppell, Further, the magazine notes, ‘‘The unemploy- While the Smithsonian has since had new Afshan Kamrudin of Carrollton, Matthew ment rate now stands at 6.9 percent, less than leaders, who are moving away from the mis- Lenzen of Farmers Branch, Abhishek Raj of half of what it was at its peak.’’ takes of the past, Congress has not ensured Carrollton, and Amanda Kathleen White of Jonathan Sweet is a hardworking, dedi- that the Smithsonian is a transparent entity, Farmers Branch, who were selected to be cated, and passionate public servant, and I which should not depend on who is in charge. 2014–2015 Fulbright Grantees. This is an in- ask that my colleagues join me in congratu- An entity supported primarily by federal funds credibly illustrious achievement, and I am hon- lating him on being named the 2015 County must be accountable to the American people. ored that these came from my Congressional Leader of the Year. I commend Jonathan for I urge my colleagues to support this meas- District in Texas. his accomplishments and for his ongoing ef- ure. The Fulbright Program was established in forts to make Grayson County a great place to f 1946 by Congress. These five join the already live, work, and raise a family. TRIBUTE TO DONALD J. TRACY 360,000 past participants over seven decades f in the Fulbright Program, a prestigious group selected through open, merit-based competi- THE INTRODUCTION OF THE OPEN HON. JOHN R. CARTER AND TRANSPARENT SMITHSO- tions. Their destinations and universities are OF TEXAS NIAN ACT OF 2015 as follows: IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Andrew Hasson to Malaysia through the HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON Wednesday, July 29, 2015 University of Pennsylvania. Afshan Kamrudin Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to South Africa through Southern Methodist OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES today to salute Donald J. Tracy of Cedar Park, University. Matthew Lenzen to Taiwan through TX. A pillar of this bustling community nestled Texas A&M University. Abhishek Raj to Ger- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 in the heart of my congressional district, Don- many through the University of Texas at Dal- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I intro- ald recently resigned from the Cedar Park City las. Amanda Kathleen White to Japan through duce the Open and Transparent Smithsonian Council to start a challenging doctoral program the University of North Texas. Act of 2015 to further ensure that the Smithso- at Texas State University. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congres- nian Institution is accountable to the public for Daily life in Cedar Park rests upon the sional District of Texas, I ask all my distin- the taxpayer funds it receives. The bill pro- shoulders of dedicated public servants like guished colleagues to join me in honoring An- vides that, for the purposes of the Freedom of Donald Tracy. First elected to the City Council drew Hasson, Afshan Kamrudin, Matthew Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act, in 2010, Donald served as mayor pro tem and Lenzen, Abhishek Raj, and Amanda Kathleen the Smithsonian should be considered a fed- as a critical member of several city commit- White for this tremendous achievement. eral agency. This bill is necessary because tees. Widely admired and respected for his

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.049 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1178 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 leadership, Donald has been a public servant designation, and wishing her the best of luck IN RECOGNITION OF MS. ALEXIS both his colleagues and constituents could rely in all her future endeavors. JOY MARIE HAYES upon. Donald’s dedication to service extends to f HON. DAVID G. VALADAO his professional endeavors as well. For over CONGRATULATING CONGRESSMAN OF CALIFORNIA 15 years, he has worked in Central Texas as IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a human resource management and workforce KEN HECHLER AND CAROL Wednesday, July 29, 2015 education professional, where he has led HECHLER community- and state-wide skills development Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to initiatives focused on training workers in high- HON. ALEXANDER X. MOONEY thank Alexis Joy Marie Hayes for her service growth, high-opportunity industry clusters. He OF WEST VIRGINIA to my office and to the people of the 21st currently works for Austin Community College, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congressional District of California. where he serves as Director of Business Op- Alexis Hayes was born and raised in Visalia, Wednesday, July 29, 2015 erations and Marketing in the Continuing Edu- California to Mr. and Mrs. James and Kristin cation Division. Donald’s doctoral work will di- Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia. Mr. Speak- Hayes on February 5, 1994. Six years later, in rectly support his critical efforts to develop cer- er, I would like to congratulate Congressman 1999, Alexis was blessed with the birth of her tification programs for adults who want to tran- Ken Hechler and Carol Hechler on reaffirming sister, Rileey Hayes. sition into new jobs. their commitment to each other in their mar- Ms. Hayes attended Mountain View Elemen- Donald Tracy’s extraordinary commitment to riage on August 8th. Congressman Hechler tary and Divisadero Middle School prior to at- service reflects the best values of Central has honorably served the amazing state of tending Mt. Whitney High School, where she Texas. There’s no doubt that Cedar Park is a West Virginia for over fifty years, first as a graduated in 2012. Following high school, better place because of him. I heartily salute combat historian in the United States Army Alexis began her general studies at the Col- his work and wish him the best of luck in all during World War II, then as the Representa- lege of the Sequoias in Visalia, California. his new endeavors. tive of the 4th district and as West Virginia’s While in school, Ms. Hayes served as the President of the local College Republicans f Secretary of State. I am overjoyed that Con- gressman Hechler has decided to honor and Chapter. TRIBUTE TO MAYOR SARA uphold the sacred institution of marriage with Since high school, Ms. Hayes has been an KUROVSKI his wife, Carol. active member of her community. From an I join with their families, friends, and loved early age, she has demonstrated a strong in- HON. DAVID YOUNG ones in congratulating Congressman Hechler terest in politics and an unwavering commit- OF IOWA and his wife Carol on this momentous occa- ment to public service. She has held positions as Office Manager IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sion. I wish the reaffirmed couple the best of luck, and long, happy lives together. for Valadao for Congress, Intern for Congress- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 man DEVIN NUNES, and most recently, as a Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise f Constituent Services Representative in my today to recognize and congratulate Sara Hanford, California office. Kurovski, Mayor of Pleasant Hill, for being IN RECOGNITION OF DR. CHAD Friday, July 31, 2015, will be Ms. Hayes last named the 2015 Meredith Woman of Influence AUDI’S SERVICE TO OUR COMMU- day as a member of my staff. In August, Ms. honoree by the award-winning central Iowa NITY Hayes will begin attending the University of publication, the Des Moines Business Record. California, Berkeley. While I am proud of her Since 2000, the Des Moines Business HON. DEBBIE DINGELL academic achievements, she will be greatly Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual OF MICHIGAN missed as a member of my team. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the review to identify a group of standout female IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES leaders in the Greater Des Moines Area that United States House of Representatives to Wednesday, July 29, 2015 are making an impact in their communities ei- join me in commending Alexis Hayes for her ther personally or professionally, forging a Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to public service to the people of the Central Val- path for other women to follow. The women recognize Dr. Chad Audi’s years of service to ley and wishing her well as she begins the given this prestigious award are individuals our community and the State of Michigan. next chapter of her life. who have selflessly dedicated their time and The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries start- f proven their leadership abilities across a vari- ed as a soup kitchen in 1909. It had a reputa- TRIBUTE TO WORLD WAR II ety of professional fields. tion for serving hot meals, providing canned VETERAN CARL CRISP Mayor Kurovski’s passion for public service goods, and other necessities to feed many began when she attended Drake University people who had so little. Today, they offer nu- and received her Master’s degree in public ad- merous services including substance abuse HON. LUKE MESSER ministration. Since graduation she has dedi- treatment, transitional and permanent housing, OF INDIANA cated her time and talents to serving others job preparation, and educational courses. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and improving her community. Starting as a volunteer in 1994, Dr. Audi has Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Elected in 2013 as Mayor of Pleasant Hill, worked tirelessly to transform this organiza- Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to she has worked tirelessly to improve her com- tion. recognize the service of a remarkable war munity. Mayor Kurovski initially was involved After 10 years of service, Dr. Audi became hero from Indiana’s 6th Congressional Dis- in a number of boards for the city of Pleasant the President and CEO of the Detroit Rescue trict—World War II Veteran, Carl Crisp. Hill, where her passion for public service and Mission Ministries in 2004. Since then, he has Carl honorably served in the United States improving the lives of others grew. But running helped to make this community institution into Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1945. He flew the city of Pleasant Hill is only one aspect of the largest rescue mission in the United numerous missions with the allied forces her life, and her work does not stop there. She States. The resources they offer to women, throughout the Ardennes and played a critical also works for Iowa based Kum & Go as their children, senior citizens, and veterans, have role in liberating France from Nazi occupation. manager of sustainability. I admire her dedica- made the Detroit Metropolitan Area a better It’s been a long time coming, but on Satur- tion to the State of Iowa and believe it is hard place to work and live. Dr. Audi’s tenure and day, August 1, 2015, Carl will be presented working people like Mayor Kurovski that will contributions reflect his passion for service, his the French Legion of Honor Medal during a lead our future generations. commitment to his community, and his calling ceremony at the Henry County Historical Soci- Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to rep- to improve the lives of others. Dr. Audi de- ety Museum. This distinguished honor is given resent leaders like Mayor Kurovski in the serves our utmost respect and admiration and only to those who have served France or the United States Congress and it is with great this world would be a better place with more ideals it upholds, and Carl’s service in World pride that I recognize and applaud her for uti- people like him. War II makes him more than deserving. lizing her talents to better the State of Iowa. I Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me I congratulate Carl on this recognition and invite my colleagues in the United States in honoring the work of Dr. Chad Audi and the thank him for his service on behalf of our House of Representatives to join me in con- strength he has given to the Detroit Rescue great nation. The entire free world owes him gratulating her on receiving this esteemed Mission Ministries. a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.054 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1179 GUTHRIE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CANCEL AUGUST RECESS TRIBUTE TO HOWARD KELLER HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN HON. TIM WALBERG OF ALABAMA OF VIRGINIA OF MICHIGAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I want to Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am dis- Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Guthrie’s Chicken based in my appointed that Congress plans to adjourn for thank Howard Keller for his many years of hometown of Haleyville, Alabama for 50 years August recess without addressing critical service to the community of Adrian, Michigan. in the 4th Congressional District, Alabama and issues important to the American people. On July 21, Mr. Keller retired after 34 years the southeastern United States. I appreciate that district work periods allow as a board member of the Lenawee Inter- In 1965 Hal Guthrie opened a drive-in res- Members to visit with folks back in their com- mediate School District, most recently as taurant in Haleyville serving hamburgers, munity, but it is now becoming a habit for board president. As an advocate for students barbeque, fish and fried chicken. Congress to abandon a long ‘‘to do’’ list in the and teachers alike, Mr. Keller’s vision and Eighteen years after opening, Hal Guthrie rush to get out of town. This August is no ex- dedicated servant leadership has been instru- decided to add chicken fingers to the menu, ception. mental in moving the school district forward. which included a family created dipping sauce. Unfortunately, Congress has not done its In addition to his role on the school board, Guthrie did not know at the time that his deci- job. It has not completed the work of the peo- Mr. Keller’s tireless leadership has been evi- sion would make his name known from one ple; including budgeting and critical national dent in a number of causes. Earlier this year, side of Alabama to the other. security legislation. Our constituents expect us Mr. Keller stepped down as a board member In 1982, the Guthries opened a second res- to stay and finish the job. of the Lenawee Community Mental Health Au- taurant, this one just off campus of Auburn Let’s clear our schedules and—in the thority after 26 years of service. He also con- University. Not only was the Guthrie’s chicken strongest possible terms—request the Speak- tinues to serve as the treasurer of the Maurice finger box popular with college students, peo- er to call Congress back to Washington for the Spear Campus corporation board, a juvenile ple visiting Auburn for football games wanted month of August and to finish the business of detention facility, a position he has held for 25 a location in their hometown as well. the people. years. The Guthries answered that demand by As I have said in previous years on the eve Mr. Keller has left an indelible impact on our opening several more stores across Alabama of August recess, I’m prepared to stay in community through his dedication to promoting and also in places like Athens, Georgia, Talla- Washington as long as it takes. quality education, providing for those with de- hassee, Florida and even Cleveland, Ohio. If These issues are too important to delay. velopmental and emotional disabilities, and there is one thing that comes close to being f helping youth in need. He will be sorely as big as football in the south, it’s a love for TRIBUTE TO KATHRYN KUNERT missed, but I trust he will enjoy spending his Guthrie’s chicken. newfound freedom with his family. A half-century after the first restaurant was Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the opened by the Guthrie family, they are still a HON. DAVID YOUNG United States House of Representatives to family owned and operated business. They OF IOWA join me in commending Howard Keller for his are a shining example of American entrepre- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES many years of dedicated public service and neurship. Having grown up in Haleyville and Wednesday, July 29, 2015 wish him the best in his retirement. being in the 4th Congressional District, I am Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise f particularly proud of this great tradition and today to recognize and congratulate Kathryn PERSONAL EXPLANATION wish the Guthries another 50 years of great Kunert for being named a 2015 Woman of In- success. fluence honoree by the award-winning central f Iowa publication, the Des Moines Business HON. BARBARA LEE OF CALIFORNIA OLDER AMERICANS ACT Record. Since 2000, the Des Moines Business IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual Wednesday, July 29, 2015 HON. MARTHA McSALLY review to identify a group of standout female OF ARIZONA Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for leaders in the Greater Des Moines Area that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES roll call votes 467–482 due to congressional are making an impact in their communities ei- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 travel. ther personally or professionally, forging a Had I been present, I would have voted yes Ms. MCSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to path for other women to follow. The women on #467, yes on #468, yes on #469, no on support the reauthorization of the Older Ameri- given this prestigious award are individuals #470, no on #471, yes on #472, no on #473, cans Act, legislation that has helped countless who have selflessly dedicated their time and no on #474, yes on #475, yes on #476, yes Americans maintain their independence and proven their leadership abilities across a vari- on #477, yes on #478, yes on #479, yes on dignity as they grow older. ety of professional fields. #480, yes on #481, and no on #482. The modest programs under the Older Ms. Kunert is a true testament to hard work, f Americans Act make a big difference in com- dedication and commitment. She has spent munities across our country by providing nutri- the last 19 years at MidAmerican Energy and IN RECOGNITION OF DR. JOE BOB tion and transportation assistance to seniors now serves as the Vice President of Business MCGINNIS and helping them meet their daily needs. and Community Development. Throughout her In Pima County in my district, the Older time at MidAmerican she has focused on forg- HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS Americans Act provides: 800 people a day ing lasting relationships in the community and OF TEXAS with a home delivered meal; 1,200 people with with businesses, helping to grow the size and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES assistance with bath, laundry, and other scope of MidAmerican. Through her leader- household needs; transportation to senior ship and expertise, Ms. Kunert has had a Wednesday, July 29, 2015 meal sites; and many other services. positive and lasting impact on all she has Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Nearly 130,000 seniors live in the Second worked with. honor the life and Christian ministry of Dr. Joe District, and they deserve the opportunity to Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to rep- Bob McGinnis. The residents of Roanoke and live out their retirement without worrying about resent leaders like Ms. Kunert in the United surrounding communities were blessed to how they will meet basic needs. States Congress and it is with great pride that have had such a wonderful Pastor, neighbor, Recently we saw the 50th anniversary of the I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her and friend. Older Americans Act as well as the Senate talents to better the State of Iowa. I invite my Dr. Joe Bob McGinnis was born September unanimously pass legislation to reauthorize colleagues in the United States House of Rep- 30, 1947 in Brownwood to Dr. Robert W. and these critical programs. I urge my colleagues resentatives to join me in congratulating her Joyce McGinnis He earned his B.S. degree in the House to support reauthorization, so we on receiving this distinguished award, and and doctor of divinity degree from Dallas Bap- can help give seniors the retirement security wishing her the best of luck in all her future tist College and his master of divinity from they deserve. endeavors. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.060 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1180 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 For the past 44 years, Dr. McGinnis TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF KAREN part of a rural electrification project managed preached and brought the Word of God to IGNAGNI by NRECA International and funded by the people all over Texas. He pastored several United Nationals Environmental Program, churches including Northrich Baptist Church in HON. ANNA G. ESHOO USAID, and the Inter-American Development Richardson, First Baptist Church in McAllen, OF CALIFORNIA Bank. as well as the church that he founded, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Electricity is a critical element in improving Rockhaven Church in Roanoke. Joe Bob the quality of life and to providing healthcare, loved the Lord and his entire congregation. He Wednesday, July 29, 2015 education, access to clean water and eco- offered words of comfort and peace to those Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to nomic opportunity. In Haiti, less than 15 per- who were suffering while also preaching The honor Karen Ignagni for her more than two cent of the population has regular access to Word boldly and fervently. decades of leadership as President and CEO electricity. Tobias spent two weeks in the town Dr. McGinnis is survived by his wife, Bren- of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) of Coteaux to help build a distribution system da, daughter, Taylor Hubbard, and son Josh. and to wish her every success in her new po- that will interconnect three towns. Upon com- Dr. McGinnis’ efforts to spread the Gospel of sition as President and CEO of pletion, the diesel-solar hybrid electric system Christ will not be forgotten as he leaves be- EmblemHealth. will provide safe, affordable and reliable power hind his beloved church and thriving con- Karen Ignagni served with great distinction to 1600 consumers. His contribution included gregation in Roanoke. Each year he led Tro- at AHIP. Her intellect, broad policy knowledge upgrading and installing new power lines, phy Club’s National Day of Prayer event and and experience helped shape some of the training locally hired linemen in proper con- delivered thoughtful and timely devotions rec- most consequential national health policies for struction methods, pole climbing techniques, ognizing the faith foundation of our country. I our country, including the Affordable Care Act. proper handline use, and important safety personally appreciated his prayers for myself Her ability to see the benefits the Act would practices. and other public officials. It is an honor to bring to insurers and consumers was extraor- Thank you Tobias Geiger, for your dedica- have represented such an esteemed con- dinarily important and contributed to the suc- tion and commitment. stituent in the U.S. House of Representatives. cesses now being realized by millions of f Americans. IN RECOGNITION OF THE 70TH AN- f Jay Gellert, the highly regarded President and CEO of Health Net praised Karen, saying NIVERSARY OF THE VICTORY PERSONAL EXPLANATION that OVER JAPAN DAY ‘‘She was the face of the industry when it HON. ADAM SMITH was attacked. Without compromising her be- HON. DEBBIE DINGELL OF WASHINGTON liefs, she handled all of that with integrity and OF MICHIGAN dignity, and I think that was because from the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES start she was committed to the end point.’’ He Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Wednesday, July 29, 2015 opined that after all she had done to frame the Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr Speaker, on Affordable Care Act’s regulatory infrastructure, Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Monday, July 21, 2015, I was unable to be she probably took on the challenges of leading recognize the Yankee Air Museum’s observ- present for recorded votes. Had I been EmblemHealth as a way to ‘‘play it out on the ance of the 70th anniversary of Victory over present, I would have voted: ground.’’ Japan Day. Because of the bravery of the Greatest Generation, this day marks the end ‘‘Yes’’ on roll call vote No. 448 (on the mo- Karen Ignagni, a native of Providence, of humanity’s darkest time, the spreading of tion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. Rhode Island, is a graduate of Providence liberty to many peoples across the world, and 1557), and College and earned her MBA at Loyola Col- the start of the greatest peace time economic ‘‘Yes’’ on roll call vote No. 449 (on the mo- lege. Prior to her work at AHIP, she served as Director of the AFL–CIO’s Department of Em- boom in American history. tion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 2256, On August 15th, 1945, the Empire of Japan as amended). ployee Benefits, and worked for the U.S. Sen- ate Labor and Human Resources Committee, surrendered to the United States aboard the at the U.S. Department of Health and Human USS Missouri. Seventy years after the end of f Services, and in the office of Senator Clai- the Second World War, we celebrate this his- CONGRATULATING COLONEL TODD borne Pell. She has written about health policy torical event and honor the sacrifices of the MAYER issues and has received many honors for her brave men and women who served this coun- leadership, including the Second Century try. Award for Excellence in Health Care. We are honored to have the Yankee Air Mu- HON. BRAD R. WENSTRUP Mr. Speaker, I ask the entire House of Rep- seum commemorate this event. Since the for- OF OHIO resentatives to join me in paying tribute to mation of the Yankee Air Museum in 1981, it IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Karen Ignagni and wishing her every success has done excellent work to restore and pre- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 in her leadership of EmblemHealth. We are a serve artifacts from World War II. Through its stronger, better country because of Karen commemoration of Rosie the Riveter, the mu- Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Ignagni and her distinguished work and I’m seum has tirelessly highlighted the efforts of the United States House of Representatives privileged to have worked with her and call her the women who were the heartbeat of the Ar- and the United States Military, I congratulate my friend. senal of Democracy. Colonel Todd Mayer on 30 years of valued f Mr. Speaker, as the World War II era air- service and dedication to his country. crafts fly over Yankee Air Museum, I hope my Since 1985, Col. Mayer has upheld the core EXEMPLARY VOLUNTEERISM: colleagues will join me to celebrate the free- LDRSHIP values that are near and dear to the TOBIAS GEIGER dom of the many because of the sacrifices of National Guard: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Self- the men and women of the greatest genera- less-Service, Honor, Integrity, & Personal HON. RICHARD M. NOLAN tion. Courage. OF MINNESOTA f A highly decorated soldier, Col. Mayer was IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES awarded the Purple Heart in 1991 after being 275TH ANNIVERSARY OF wounded in Operation Desert Storm and the Wednesday, July 29, 2015 CORNWALL, CONNECTICUT Bronze Star in 2003 for his heroic achieve- Mr. NOLAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ment. His time in uniform is celebrated by recognize and thank Tobias Geiger from East HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY these courageous leadership efforts. He has Central Electric Cooperative in my district for OF CONNECTICUT brought incomparable virtue to himself, his his service and sacrifice to put into action co- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES family, his uniform, and his nation. operative principle #6—cooperation among co- Col. Mayer, congratulations again on your operatives. In March this year, Tobias traveled Wednesday, July 29, 2015 retirement and thank you for your longstanding to Haiti as a volunteer for the NRECA Inter- Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to cele- service to the United States Army National national Foundation where he helped build the brate the 275th anniversary of Cornwall, Con- Guard. country’s first electric cooperative. This work is necticut.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.066 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1181 This weekend, Cornwall will begin its cele- TRIBUTE TO ELISABETH BUCK Gromme of Colville, Washington for receiving bration of this historic milestone. Over the past the 2015 Veteran of the Year Award for the 275 years, Cornwall has stayed true to its HON. DAVID YOUNG State of Washington Veterans of Foreign Wars roots as a small agricultural New England OF IOWA (VFW). I want to recognize Mr. Gromme for town. Its rich history has endured and remains IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES his contributions and his tireless effort to im- evident in its rolling farmlands and colonial era prove the lives of our Eastern Washington vet- architecture. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 erans. Though small in size, the town of Cornwall Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise This annual award honors a veteran from has been making a big impact since it was in- today to recognize and congratulate Elisabeth Washington State who has committed him or corporated in 1740. During the 1800s, Corn- Buck for being named a 2015 Woman of Influ- herself to the ideals of the Veterans of Foreign wall’s rich natural resources made it an ideal ence honoree by the award-winning central Wars and who shows an undying devotion to location for iron production. Two of Cornwall’s Iowa publication, the Des Moines Business bettering the lives of the veterans within their iron firms formed part of the nationally recog- Record. community. Through the years, Mr. Lance nized Salisbury Iron District. Cornwall is also Since 2000, the Des Moines Business Gromme has demonstrated this commitment home to the historic Covered Bridge. Built in Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual and is well deserving of this award. 1864, this is one of the last standing covered review to identify a standout group of female Mr. Gromme’s devotion to serving his fellow bridges in Connecticut, and is still functional leaders in the Greater Des Moines Area that veterans began forty years ago when he be- today. The bridge serves as an enduring sym- are making an impact in their communities ei- came a life member of the American Legion bol of Cornwall’s rural New England legacy. ther personally or professionally, forging a while still active duty in the United States path for other women to follow. The women Army. After his retirement, Lance continued to Cornwall exemplifies the type of small agri- given this prestigious award are individuals show his dedication by becoming a life mem- cultural community on which our country was who have selflessly dedicated their time and ber of the VFW. After joining the Colville, built. As we have grown as a nation, this com- proven their leadership abilities across a vari- Washington post in 2009, Mr. Gromme quickly munity has continued to demonstrate its ability ety of professional fields. became a leader among his peers. After just to adapt and prosper. I am honored to rep- Ms. Buck has served in a wide-range of one year of involvement at the Colville post he resent Cornwall in Congress. leadership roles throughout her career. At assumed the positions of Quarter Master, Congratulations to Cornwall on its 275th an- Iowa State University, where she earned a BA Service Officer, and Fundraising Coordinator. niversary. in political science, Ms. Buck and her peers In addition to meticulously managing finances realized her leadership abilities when she was and running all major fundraising events, Mr. f elected student body president. That was just Gromme spends countless hours diligently the beginning. She went on to serve as Dep- INTRODUCTION OF THE ‘‘END OIL working for veterans. uty Chief of Staff for Iowa Governors Tom In his role, Mr. Gromme was instrumental in AND GAS TAX SUBSIDIES ACT Vilsack and Chet Culver. Following her time in encouraging the Stevens County Commis- OF 2015’’ the Governor’s Office she took on the role as sioners to establish a Veterans Resource Director of Iowa Workforce Development Phone line to assist veterans with a wide HON. EARL BLUMENAUER (IWD). As Director of IWD, Ms. Buck changed range of needs and issues. Moreover, when it the culture of the state agency, creating a came to his attention that some veterans were OF OREGON more efficient and effective department not receiving the services they needed, he IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES through the implementation of new, innovative joined with the Northeast Washington Hunger Wednesday, July 29, 2015 programs. Coalition to help those veterans in need. Mr. After her work in state government, Ms. Gromme is a true testament to what an in- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today, I Buck joined United Way of Central Iowa in volved and devoted community member looks am introducing the ‘‘End Oil and Gas Tax 2011 as Senior Vice President of Community like and continually goes above and beyond to Subsidies Act of 2015’’ that will save American Impact. Since then, she has risen through the better the lives of his fellow veterans. taxpayers more than $40 billion over the next ranks and now serves as the Chief Commu- So today I acknowledge these accomplish- decade. nity Impact Officer. Her time at United Way ments and congratulate Mr. Lance Gromme American taxpayers are subsidizing some of has been concentrated on advancing their on being a constant leader in his community the largest and most profitable companies in overall mission of improving lives through the and on receiving the distinct award of Veteran the world with their tax dollars. These sub- mobilization of the community and rallying of the Year for the Washington State Veterans sidies underwrite the costs of oil and gas pro- around a common goal. As the Chief Commu- of Foreign Wars. I applaud your work and con- duction, including offsetting intangible drilling nity Impact Officer she oversees a sizeable tinued advocacy for the veterans in North- costs, the cost of tertiary injectants, and costs budget, utilizing the resources given to her in eastern Washington. associated with domestic production. There a cost-efficient and effective manner. f are also subsidies that offset foreign taxes, Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to rep- RETIREMENT OF COLLEEN provide tax shelters disguising active income resent leaders like Ms. Buck in the United KELLEY, PRESIDENT OF THE NA- with passive losses, and subsidies that allow States Congress and it is with great pride that TIONAL TREASURY EMPLOYEES major oil companies to discount the value of I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her UNION their inventories. abilities to better her community and the State The ‘‘End Oil and Gas Tax Subsidies Act of of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the United 2015’’ would end 10 of the most egregious tax States House of Representatives to join me in HON. DONNA F. EDWARDS loopholes enjoyed by the oil and gas indus- congratulating her on receiving this esteemed OF MARYLAND try—tax loopholes that have helped compa- designation, and wishing her the best of luck IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nies like Chevron, ExxonMobil and Shell add in all her future endeavors. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 f to the billions in profits they already make Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to every year. The legislation is very similar to HONORING MR. LANCE GROMME, honor the distinguished career of Colleen President Obama’s proposal to eliminate oil RECIPIENT OF THE 2015 VET- Kelley who is retiring as President of the Na- and gas tax preferences in his FY 2016 Budg- ERAN OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR tional Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). Her et. THE STATE OF WASHINGTON resignation will become effective in August, Instead of padding the bottom line of oil and VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS following NTEU’s National Convention in Hol- gas companies, taxpayer dollars could be bet- lywood, Florida. ter spent renewing and rebuilding our nation’s HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS Colleen Kelley has provided the NTEU and infrastructure and investing in emerging clean OF WASHINGTON federal employees with skilled leadership over resources like wind and solar that will help us IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the past 16 years, while always advocating in combat climate change and transition to a an honest and forthright manner with Con- clean energy future. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 gress. Having served at the IRS and in var- I hope my colleagues will join me in sup- Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, ious NTEU roles, her experience and unique porting this important legislation. I rise today to congratulate Mr. Lance perspective on the impacts of proposals on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.072 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1182 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 federal employees was vital in educating law- his tireless efforts to cultivate a stronger bond twenty-first century. With leadership such as makers and constituents on the important role with the base’s host community. this, it is easy to see how the Department con- federal employees play in keeping our nation Chuck has also helped to facilitate the ren- tinues to excel in its efforts to serve our com- safe and growing our economy. ovation and replacement of five aging on-base munity. During her national presidency, federal em- schools. These schools, modernized with Con- And finally, Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss ployees have contributed $159 billion toward gressional funding following the efforts of the if I did not acknowledge the most important deficit reduction over 10 years in pay freezes, Military Child Education Initiative, are the foun- group of individuals who contribute to the suc- increased pension retirement contributions, dation for the growth and development of the cess of Columbia County’s Department of So- and furloughs. She has relentlessly educated next generation of leaders, both military and cial Services—the caseworkers, investigators the public on the important contributions made civilian. and the clerical and legal staffs who are the by federal employees and how cutting em- Furthermore, Chuck’s focus on smoothing backbone of the agency. They lead the way in ployee pay and benefits hurts our govern- the transition from military to civilian life is a the ongoing struggle to end poverty, child ment’s ability to recruit and retain the best major asset to the Puget Sound region and abuse, substance abuse, and domestic vio- workforce possible to serve the American peo- our military veterans. He assisted thousands lence. They protect the young and the old ple. of service members by helping to facilitate job alike, and they do so without fanfare. But As someone who has the honor of rep- fairs, training, and career-counseling services today we acknowledge our caseworkers and resenting over 51,000 federal employees from on base. His hard work is paying off: between thank them for all that they do. the 4th Congressional District of Maryland, I December 2011 and April 2014, the employ- May God bless each member of this team. have been fortunate to work closely with Col- ment rate of service members transitioning f leen for several years. I thank her for her dedi- from JBLM rose from 18 to 42 percent. While cation to federal employees and our country, there is still work to be done, Chuck’s efforts HONORING EDWARD ‘‘SANDY’’ and I look forward to coordinating closely with have undoubtedly left a mark in providing for MOTON DAVIS III ON THE OCCA- Colleen’s successor to ensure America’s fed- our past, future and present service members. SION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM eral employees receive the pay and benefits It is with great honor that I recognize Chuck THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET they deserve. as he moves on from his position as Base OFFICE I wish Colleen continued success, happi- Commander of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, ness, and hopefully some well-earned rest. and more importantly for his 30 years of serv- HON. TOM PRICE She leaves behind a legacy of service that ice in the United States Army. I wish him the OF GEORGIA others can and should aspire to. best and am confident that he will continue to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES do outstanding work in his civilian life. f Wednesday, July 29, 2015 f OUR UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL Mr. TOM PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, DEBT HONORING THE STAFF OF THE CO- my colleague, Mr. VAN HOLLEN of Maryland, LUMBIA COUNTY DEPARTMENT and I would like to recognize the career and HON. MIKE COFFMAN OF SOCIAL SERVICES retirement of Sandy Davis, the associate di- OF COLORADO rector for legislative affairs for the Congres- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. CHRISTOPHER P. GIBSON sional Budget Office [CBO] and thank him for OF NEW YORK his distinguished service to the Budget Com- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mittee and the Congress. Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January Sandy is retiring after 36 years of dedicated Wednesday, July 29, 2015 20, 2009, the day President Obama took of- service to the federal government. Sandy first fice, the national debt was Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to joined CBO in 1996 as a senior analyst focus- $10,626,877,048,913.08. recognize the hard working and dedicated ing on Congressional budget procedures and Today, it is $18,151,851,139,012.51. We’ve staff of the Columbia County Department of practices. Since 2003, he has served as the added $7,524,974,090,099.43 to our debt in 6 Social Services. associate director for legislative affairs. In this years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our na- The good people of Columbia County, New role, Sandy has diligently served as CBO’s tion, our economy, and our children could York are well served by this outstanding group chief liaison to the Congress and has worked have avoided with a balanced budget amend- of high minded professionals whose sole pur- closely with the Budget Committee. He has ment. pose is to serve the public. Rarely do these been invaluable in assisting committee mem- f fine individuals receive any sort of public ac- bers and staff in fulfilling our responsibilities claim; nonetheless, they remain steadfast in under the Congressional Budget Act. During RECOGNIZING COLONEL H. their commitment to providing timely and ef- his time at CBO, Sandy has served under six CHARLES ‘‘CHUCK’’ HODGES JR. fective human services. Whether it be pro- Directors and in both Republican and Demo- viding funding for fuel oil to needy families cratic Congresses. Prior to joining CBO, he HON. ADAM SMITH each winter, finding shelter for families during served as an analyst and senior budget proc- OF WASHINGTON hard times, protecting children from the hor- ess specialist at the Congressional Research IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rors of child abuse, or reuniting a family torn Service. apart by the ravages of substance abuse, Wednesday, July 29, 2015 As the Chairman and Ranking Member of Commissioner Jablonka and his staff are re- the Budget Committee, we greatly appreciate Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I lentless in their pursuit of the public welfare. Sandy’s exceptional service to the Budget rise to honor the service of Colonel H. Charles Commissioner Jablonka, who began his il- Committee and the Congress. Sandy exempli- ‘‘Chuck’’ Hodges Jr., a decorated and active lustrious career in public service as a DSS fies CBO’s high standard of professionalism, leader in our Armed Forces. caseworker more than forty years ago, is expertise, and nonpartisanship. We wish him For the past several years, Chuck has com- blessed to have an outstanding staff assisting all the best in his retirement and future en- manded Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) him. Deputy Commissioner Michelle Ublacker deavors. with passion, courage, and dedication. With has made a tremendous contribution to the f unparalleled determination to forge stronger agency in the few short months since coming ties with the surrounding communities, im- on board. She brings with her a strong back- RECOGNITION OF THE JUSTICE prove the on-base education system, and as- ground in human services, years of experi- FOR CONGO VICTIMS AND CONGO sist with the transition from military to civilian ence as a DSS caseworker and a tenacious REFORMS PEACE CONVENTION life, Chuck has tirelessly worked to improve work ethic. Her commitment to excellence is the lives of those both on and off the base. apparent to all who serve with her. Under HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON During his command, Chuck has been fully Michelle is an exemplary group of Directors OF TEXAS aware that his influence and work extends be- who oversee the day to day operations of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES yond JBLM’s fences. He has been recognized agency: Lynn Kutski, Judy Richards, Deborah on numerous occasions for his work, including Amerling and Valerie Caruso make up this ex- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Mili- ceptional team and together they have worked Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. tary Citizen of the Year award, which honored hard to help move the agency forward into the Mr. Speaker, I wish to submit the following

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.076 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1183 statement in recognition of the Justice for ployed. The ADA was a major step toward en- IN RECOGNITION OF MR. TYLER Congo Victims and Congo Reforms Peace suring economic independence. WILLIAM BECK Convention hosted at University of Texas at In my district, the Disability Student Support Arlington. I would like to express my gratitude Services project at Queens College was re- HON. DAVID G. VALADAO to Richard Millsap for asking me to participate cently awarded a federal grant from the U.S. OF CALIFORNIA in this Peace Convention. I would also like to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES thank those of you who were involved in mak- Department of Education that will help fund ing this event happen and all of the partici- that program. This program aids a group of Wednesday, July 29, 2015 pants who have taken time out of their sched- 100 students in their studies at Queens Col- Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ules to be a part of such a momentous con- lege, and provides them the support they need thank Tyler William Beck for his service to my ference. to ensure that they graduate. office and to the people of California’s 21st I have been a longtime advocate for peace I would like to commend my constituent, Congressional District. and diplomacy over armed conflict. As many Charmaine Worthy, for her efforts in the Tyler Beck was born in Salinas, California of you know, I began my A World of Women CUNY system serving disabled students. As on September 14, 1991 to Mr. and Mrs. Ste- for World Peace initiative in 2001. Throughout ven and Alice Beck. Tyler and his two younger the University Coordinator of Student Activi- my time in office, I have seen first-hand the brothers, Zachary Beck and Benjamin Beck, ties, she has worked tirelessly to empower pillage of war. Shortly after experiencing the grew up in Hanford, California, where they re- terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, I saw CUNY students. Thank you, Ms. Worthy, for side today. on the cover of Newsweek magazine, two your important work. You are a shining exam- Prior to high school, Mr. Beck attended St. boys from Liberia who were 12 and 14 years ple of the importance of giving back to one’s Rose McCarthy for his elementary and middle old dressed in military gear with machine community. school education. In 2006, he began high guns, and I just thought enough was enough. Educational and economic gaps that persist school at Hanford High School, where he I wondered how our world had come to this between disabled Americans and their peers graduated in 2010. Following his primary edu- place of aggression, and I knew that I had to shrink through people like Ms. Worthy, institu- cation, Mr. Beck attended the College of the do something to be a part of bringing a culture tions like CUNY, and the grants that fund Sequoias Hanford as well as West Hills Col- lege Lemoore. of peace to the world. these important programs. My efforts started with women who are the Throughout his college education, Mr. Beck mothers of young boys like the ones I saw on has served California’s 21st Congressional f the cover of that magazine, whose lives are District as an Administrative Assistant in my sacrificed in the name of war. We must recog- IN RECOGNITION OF THE 45TH AN- Hanford, California office. Mr. Beck’s commit- nize and empower these women to facilitate NIVERSARY OF SOS COMMUNITY ment to public service and strong ties to the peace-building, peacemaking, and peace- SERVICES community have made him an invaluable keeping activities across the world. We must asset to my team. also recognize the experts and leaders who Friday, August 21, 2015 will be Mr. Beck’s help us to plant the seeds of peace. HON. DEBBIE DINGELL last day as a member of my staff. With a pas- I recently participated in my A World of sion for agriculture and teaching, Mr. Beck will Women for World Peace conference in Taipei, OF MICHIGAN be attending Fresno State University. While I Taiwan, where we discussed ways to build IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES am proud of his academic ambition, Tyler will peace through culture. One panelist in par- be greatly missed by my entire team. ticular spoke about the necessity of compas- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the sion and healing the wounds of civil wars and United States House of Representatives to genocides before peace can be achieved on Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join me in commending Tyler Beck for his pub- the ground. I strongly believe that this is the recognize SOS Community Services for its lic service to the people of the Central Valley case in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 45th anniversary. For 45 years, SOS has and wishing him the very best as he begins The global community must recognize the worked to end homelessness for families in this exciting chapter of his life. tragedies of the Congo before the Congolese Washtenaw County by providing resources f people can truly move forward to a place of and support to the community. As a result of TRIBUTE TO PAT BODDY peace. Thank you for allowing me to provide their dedicated service and their mission to written remarks and I hope you have a pro- promote housing stability and self-sufficiency, ductive Peace Convention. SOS has immensely bettered Washtenaw HON. DAVID YOUNG f County. OF IOWA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOS Community Services was started in AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES 1970 by students and faculty at Eastern Michi- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 ACT gan University. Originally, the group provided Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise a 24-hour crisis phone line to EMU students. today to recognize and congratulate Pat HON. GRACE MENG It has grown into an effective and critical non- Boddy for being named a 2015 Woman of In- OF NEW YORK profit organization committed to ending familial fluence honoree by the award-winning central IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES homelessness in all of Washtenaw County. Iowa publication, the Des Moines Business Record. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 SOS Community Services provides a wide Since 2000, the Des Moines Business Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in range of services and support. They run a Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual celebration of this week’s 25th Anniversary of food pantry, provide temporary shelter and re- review to identify a standout group of female the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was housing services, and work with families to leaders in the Greater Des Moines Area that signed into law July 26, 1990. find employment, pursue further education, are making an impact in their communities ei- This milestone piece of legislation marked a and after-school and tutoring programs for ther personally or professionally, forging a positive step forward in affording Americans children and young people. They also provide path for other women to follow. The women with disabilities the right to life, liberty and the struggling families with everyday necessities given this prestigious award are individuals pursuit of happiness. It represented a signifi- such as utility assistance, bus tokens and ac- who have selflessly dedicated their time and cant change in national anti-discrimination cess to computers and phones. proven their leadership abilities across a vari- laws, making discrimination against Americans ety of professional fields. with disabilities in the private sphere illegal, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me Ms. Boddy started a career in journalism and requiring reasonable public accommoda- today to honor 45 years of ardent service to after moving from the St. Louis area to Des tion. However, there is still work to be done to their community. With compassion and re- Moines. After working at WHO radio, where improve the lives of Americans with disabil- spect, vital services are provided to maintain she found her passion for environmental engi- ities. Some still trail the population in many and raise the quality of life for approximately neering, she attended Iowa State University. It economic indicators, as they are twice as like- 4,700 people. I look forward to seeing further was there that she graduated with her Bach- ly to be poor and one-fifth as likely to be em- inspiring work from SOS Community Services. elor of Science in Agriculture Engineering and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.081 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1184 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 shortly thereafter a Master’s degree in Water provide comfort and reassurance to the out- tified to teach mathematics and chemistry, Su- Resources. numbered Soldiers. He repeatedly exposed zanne is particularly known for her dedication Ms. Boddy has a long history of leading and himself to enemy fire to recover wounded to AP Statistics—a challenging course that serving others in a number of different roles. men, dragging them to safety. When he students have come to love thanks to her sin- couldn’t drag them, he dug shallow trenches She has served as the Director of Polk County to shield them from enemy fire. As Chinese cerity. Conservation, the Deputy and Interim Director forces closed in, Kapaun rejected several Through dedication, creativity, and unwaver- of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, chances to escape, instead volunteering to ing patience, Suzanne has mentored count- and now serves as the Stewardship Director stay behind and care for the wounded. He less students and left a lasting and meaningful at RDG Planning and Design in Des Moines. was taken as a prisoner of war by Chinese impression on many more. Her energetic les- She has worked tirelessly to support the sus- forces on Nov. 2, 1950. After he was captured, sons, passion for the material, and commit- tainability of not only her community, but the Kapaun and other prisoners were marched ment to simplifying and translating complex entire state. for several days northward toward prisoner- concepts have served as a model for students of-war camps. During the march Kapaun led and teachers, alike. Last year, Suzanne’s out- Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to rep- by example in caring for injured Soldiers, re- resent leaders like Ms. Boddy in the United standing attitude and impact was recognized fusing to take a break from carrying the across the Commonwealth when she received States Congress, and it is with great pride that stretchers of the wounded while encouraging I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her others to do their part. Once inside the dis- the 2014 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year talents to better her community and the State mal prison camps, Kapaun risked his life by Award. of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the United sneaking around the camp after dark, for- Suzanne’s work as an educator does not States House of Representatives to join me in aging for food, caring for the sick, and en- end with the last bell of the school day. She enjoys speaking at the Massachusetts Math congratulating her on receiving this esteemed couraging his fellow Soldiers to sustain their faith and their humanity. On at least one oc- and Science Initiative’s Statistics Saturday designation, and wishing her the best of luck casion, he was brutally punished for his dis- Study Sessions, and serves on numerous or- in all her future endeavors. obedience, being forced to sit outside in sub- ganizations across the Commonwealth, includ- f zero weather without any garments. When ing as advisor to the New England Champion the Chinese instituted a mandatory re-edu- Rubik’s Cube Club, as co-advisor to the Na- THE 240TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE cation program, Kapaun patiently and po- MILITARY CHAPLAINCY FOUNDING litely rejected every theory put forth by the tional Honor Society, and as co-chair to the instructors. Later, Kapaun openly flouted New England Association of Schools and Col- HON. TIM HUELSKAMP his captors by conducting a sunrise service leges’ Committee on Instruction. Her passion on Easter morning, 1951. When Kapaun began to mathematics, the sciences, and, most im- OF KANSAS to suffer from the physical toll of his cap- portantly, to her students is unparalleled. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tivity, the Chinese transferred him to a Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Su- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 filthy, unheated hospital where he died zanne Kubik for receiving this prestigious alone. As he was being carried to the hos- Mr. HUELSKAMP. Mr. Speaker, military life award. I know all my colleagues in the House pital, he asked God’s forgiveness for his cap- join me in congratulating her and wishing her is filled with unspoken hardships, extraordinary tors, and made his fellow prisoners promise nothing but success in the future. demands—physically, mentally, spiritually, and to keep their faith. Chaplain Kapaun died in relationally—and constant sacrifice by both our captivity on May 23, 1951. f military members and their families. Recog- As Chaplain Kapaun’s compelling leadership THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE nizing this tremendous cost on our soldiers and powerful story attests, our chaplains are DODD-FRANK ACT and the need to lighten their burdens, at the vital to the wellbeing and morale of our request of George Washington, the continental troops—especially in the face of possible in- HON. JOYCE BEATTY Congress created the military chaplaincy 240 jury and death. The chaplaincy has endured OF OHIO years ago today. In fact, George Washington for over two hundred years because of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES believed chaplains were so essential he asked singular and widespread recognition of its Wednesday, July 29, 2015 for an increase in their pay in order ‘‘to en- unique role in the defense and support of our courage men of Abilities’’ to become chap- nation. It is essential to ensure that those Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, last week, lains. In the anniversary of the Chaplain Corps brave men and women who live out their House Democrats celebrated the 5th anniver- founding, I want to take this opportunity to promise to protect our sacred freedoms and sary of Dodd-Frank—the most sweeping finan- honor our military chaplains who courageously guard our religious heritage are paid the prop- cial regulatory reform in the United States serve the ongoing spiritual, religious, and er respect. Rest assured, as long as I have a since the 1930s. emotional needs of our men and women in voice in Congress, I will continue to defend Signed into law by President Obama on July uniform. and protect the religious freedom of those who 21, 2010, Dodd-Frank has changed—for the better—the way consumers, investors, and Since 1775 more than 25,000 chaplains served and still serve our nation in the Armed other market participants interact with our fi- have served in every major war and combat Forces. nancial system. engagements our nation has fought, while f hundreds have paid the ultimate sacrifice—in- It has provided oversight to Wall Street, giv- cluding the late Father Emil J. Kapaun. Called RECOGNIZING SUZANNE KUBIK ing regulators the tools to end the era of ‘‘too a ‘‘shepherd in combat boots,’’ Father Kapaun FOR HER OUTSTANDING WORK big to fail’’ entities and outrageous taxpayer bailouts, and has eliminated loopholes that al- was an Army captain and Roman Catholic AS A MATHEMATICS TEACHER lowed risky and abusive practices to go unno- priest from Pilsen, Kansas who died a prisoner ticed and unregulated. of war in the Korean War. His surviving com- HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING But how did we get here? rades noted how he selflessly risked his life to OF MASSACHUSETTS Five years ago, Dodd-Frank was enacted in rescue wounded soldiers, nursed the sick and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the wake of profound economic devastation as wounded, and stood steadfast in his faith and Wednesday, July 29, 2015 our nation was reeling from the impact of the his lifesaving ministerial responsibilities de- 2008 financial crisis. spite horrific persecution. In 2013, I had the Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Millions of Americans suffered job loss, honor of witnessing this saintly chaplain be proud recognition of Suzanne Kubik, a dedi- many small businesses closed down, fore- awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor cated mathematics teacher who has received closures skyrocketed, the stock market suf- for his heroism posthumously. the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math- fered large drops, and a looming repeat of the Additionally, The Diocese of Wichita and the ematics and Science Teaching. Great Depression was feared. Vatican have begun the formal process that The Presidential Award for Excellence in Specifically, in the six months before Presi- could lead to Father Kapaun’s canonization. In Mathematics and Science Teaching is the dent Obama took office in February 2009, our 1993, it was announced that Fr. Kapaun would highest honor that a K–12 mathematics or economy lost a total of nearly 4 million private receive the title of ‘‘Servant of God.’’ science educator can receive for outstanding sector jobs—an unimaginable average of The following account of Father Kaupan’s teaching in the United States, and I can think 650,000 jobs per month. Korean War service is provided by the United of no one more deserving than Suzanne. For Nearly $13 trillion in economic growth and States Army: the past nine years, Suzanne has served as a $16 trillion in household wealth simply dis- Kapaun moved fearlessly from foxhole to full-time teacher at Middleborough High appeared while close to 9 million individuals foxhole under direct enemy fire in order to School in Middleborough, Massachusetts. Cer- were displaced from their homes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.085 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1185 2008 was truly one of the lowest economic tackle the inequality in wage and job growth in community. Last year, Sergeant Ficcadenti points in U.S. history. African-American communities. was responsible for organizing the First An- Yet, the American people weathered this Today, I celebrate substantial achievements nual East African Junior Police Academy in storm and Congressional Democrats took ac- of Dodd-Frank and look forward to working 2014, which involved East African women and tion by passing legislation to restore responsi- with my congressional colleagues to find the men between the ages of 14 and 22 who were bility and accountability in our financial sys- appropriate tweaks to further facilitate its posi- interested in pursuing law enforcement ca- tem, and to give Americans confidence that tive lasting effects on the financial markets reers. we were the tools in place to avoid another and for consumers far beyond this five-year Officer Ross is a former school resource of- economic crisis. anniversary. ficer who subsequently became a St. Paul pa- In fact, since Dodd-Frank’s passage in July f trol officer. Last year, Officer Ross noticed a 2010, the American economy has experienced young female high school student who was vast improvement in private sector job growth CONGRATULATING BRIGADIER GENERAL DAVID T. BUCKALEW frequently absent from school. After some in- with nearly 12 million jobs added; a lower un- vestigation, Officer Ross discovered that the employment rate, to 5.3 percent from the peak student’s father had been abusing and ne- of 10.0 percent in October 2009, and a recov- HON. ALEXANDER X. MOONEY glecting her for years. Today, the young ering housing market. OF WEST VIRGINIA woman has graduated from high school and Indeed, because of Dodd-Frank, financial IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES plans on attending college in the fall. Her fa- regulators are now empowered to identify and Wednesday, July 29, 2015 ther is currently serving a 25 year prison sen- address risks to our financial system through tence. increased monitoring and stricter rules for our Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia. Mr. Speak- nation’s biggest banks in a timely way. er, I would like to congratulate Brigadier Gen- I join MPPOA and all of my fellow Minneso- Dodd-Frank also provided new authority to eral David T. Buckalew on a successful career tans in applauding these two distinguished the Securities and Exchange Commission in the West Virginia National Guard. Brigadier public servants. I would like to take this oppor- (SEC), which, since 2011, has recovered more General Buckalew has honorably and self- tunity to thank not only these two outstanding than $9.3 billion in civil fines and penalties de- lessly served the people of West Virginia for police officers, but all of MPPOA’s brave spite Republicans’ repeated budget cuts to the over 44 years, and will be retiring on August women and men who keep our communities agency. 1, 2015. During those many years, Brigadier safe. Like all comprehensive reform bills, how- General Buckalew worked his way up in rank ever, Dodd-Frank is not perfect. from an enlisted Guardsman to the Director of f There are a few areas that I believe can be the Joint Staff of the West Virginia National improved. Guard, and earned numerous awards and REMEMBERING DONALD CHIN Nonetheless, it is important that we do not decorations in this time as well. We are all let the perfect be the enemy of the good. grateful for Brigadier General Buckalew’s de- I believe we also have a responsibility to voted service in protection of the freedoms we HON. ADAM SMITH build upon and improve this legislation when so enjoy as West Virginians. OF WASHINGTON needed. I join with West Virginia National Guard and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES One area of concern for many stakeholders Brigadier General David Buckalew’s friends in my district, and across the country, is the and family in wishing him a happy retirement, Wednesday, July 29, 2015 manner in which Dodd-Frank requires the and thanking him for his service to our state, Federal Reserve to subject bank holding com- and country. Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Donald panies with more than $50 billion in consoli- f dated assets to enhanced regulatory super- ‘‘Donnie’’ Chin, an unsung hero who was both vision. HONORING MINNESOTA POLICE a protector and savior in the International Dis- However, if we are to subject smaller, re- AND PEACE OFFICERS trict of Seattle. gional bank holding companies to the same or Early on the morning of Thursday, July similar supervisory requirements, then we HON. BETTY McCOLLUM 23rd, Seattle activist Donnie Chin was taken should do so in a way that balances our na- OF MINNESOTA from our community in a senseless act of vio- tion’s financial stability without placing exces- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lence. A strong force for positive change in sive burdens on non-systemically important in- Seattle, he was doing what he had done tire- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 stitutions by using a more deliberative assets- lessly for the previous five decades: patrolling and-activities-based test should be considered Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, the Min- the streets of the International District and car- in determining the ‘‘systemic importance’’ of nesota Police and Peace Officers Association ing for those in need. bank holding companies. (MPPOA), the largest association representing Throughout his years of service and as the Earlier this month, Chair Yellen testified that Minnesota’s rank-and-file police officers, re- Director of the International District Emergency she was open to raising a threshold for deter- cently met for its annual conference in Alexan- Center, Donnie acted as the International Dis- mining a bank’s systemic importance. dria, Minnesota. trict’s guardian. At a young age Donnie recog- I look forward to working with her on this During that conference, MPPOA recognized nized the delayed emergency response times issue as this is at the top of my priority list for several outstanding police officers, including in his community, and became well known as improving Dodd-Frank. Sergeant Mark Ficcadenti of the St. Paul Po- an effective first responder and frontline hero. Another area of concern for me lays in the lice Department who was named Police Offi- From assisting with medical emergencies, to development of diversity assessment stand- cer of the Year. In addition, Officer Mark Ross finding lost children and feeding the homeless, ards under Section 342 of Dodd-Frank, also of the St. Paul Police Department received an he took it upon himself to better the lives of known as OMWI. Honorable Mention Award. those around him and earned the respect of Though Section 342 is not very long, it is a Both Sergeant Ficcadenti and Officer Ross medical professionals, residents, area busi- very significant step in the effort to improve are constituents of mine and both serve with ness owners, and local leaders. the hiring of women and minorities in the fi- brave women and men in the St. Paul Police nancial services industry in which these Department. Guided by a love for his community and a groups remain woefully underrepresented. Sergeant Ficcadenti received this distin- desire to assist others, Donnie made the Inter- However, due to misinterpretations of con- guished honor because of his steadfast efforts national District and Greater Seattle area a gressional intent, I am concerned that after in forging a relationship between police and more welcoming and caring place with his five years the federal financial regulators have the local community. During his more than 30 unrivaled dedication and courage. While his not developed standards requiring the disclo- years of service with the St. Paul Police De- passing is a tragedy, his life is an inspiration: sure of diversity data, which would provide partment, Sergeant Ficcadenti has helped or- an inspiration for us all to reach out in our own much needed transparency to this industry re- ganized community events that provide an op- communities and lend a helping hand. garding the promotion of diversity in its work- portunity for people to meet and socialize with Donnie will be remembered as an active place. local police officers. Some of these events in- and caring member of the International District In order to continue being a successful na- clude the ‘‘Safe and Sound’’ program and a who was always ready to give of himself for tion, we must capitalize on our diversity and Ramadan celebration with the local Somali his neighbors. He will be greatly missed.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.088 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1186 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 HONORING RAYMOND SIMONDS himself attended Miami-Dade Community Col- forming the child welfare system. Under Jim’s lege in Miami, Florida. Furthering his edu- leadership, The Mockingbird Society pushed HON. JOHN GARAMENDI cation, Dr. Stephens later obtained a Bach- for legislation that allowed youth to seal their OF CALIFORNIA elor’s and Master’s degree from Florida State juvenile records, so they will not be automati- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES University. He went on to earn an Education cally disqualified in obtaining employment and Doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute housing. The Mockingbird Society also advo- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. cated for extended foster care and access to Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I along with Dr. Stephens’ experiences with his own com- medical care for youth, which established the Congressman MIKE THOMPSON rise today to munity college education would later give him organization as a strong national presence on recognize Raymond Simonds, an outstanding the unique perspective that allowed him to juvenile policy issues. member our community and our friend, for his lead one of the premier community colleges in Prior to his work at The Mockingbird Soci- 40 years of service as a member and past North Carolina. ety, Jim earned a MAEd from Seattle Univer- president of the Solano County Fair Associa- Prior to moving to Wilson, North Carolina, sity and served in various positions dedicated tion Board of Directors. Dr. Stephens served numerous community to helping youth and families ranging from di- Over the years, Raymond has demonstrated colleges throughout the country beginning in rect service to senior management. Overall, an unwavering commitment to the diverse and 1971. He has held positions ranging from in- he has spent nearly 35 years working with and changing needs of the county fair. Following structor to his current post as president and advocating for disadvantaged children and his original appointment to the Board of Direc- has educated young people from Ohio to youth—specifically in mental health—and has tors, Raymond has revitalized the county fair- Georgia and places in between. Dr. Stephens been widely recognized for his hard work and grounds by consistently recruiting new and in- is truly the embodiment of the American suc- selfless commitment to youth causes. Of his novative attractions. cess story. He now resides in Wilson, North many awards, Jim received the 2011 Jefferson In addition to his thirty years of leadership Carolina, with his wife, Sandra. They have Award, our country’s longest standing and on the county fair’s racing committee, Ray- been blessed with a beautiful daughter, Heath- most prestigious celebration of public serv- mond has repeatedly distinguished himself as er, son-in-law Alex, and two grandsons. ice—a testament to his commitment to the a true supporter of vibrant local traditions and As President of Wilson Community College, community. community involvement. Raymond’s service Dr. Stephens has overseen the completion of Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rec- will stand as an enduring inspiration to the myriad advancements and improvements to ognize the work Mr. Theofelis has done to re- next generation of Solano County’s leaders. the school. He worked with then-Wilson Coun- form the child welfare system in our state and Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that, on behalf ty Schools’ Superintendent Larry Price to in our nation. Jim’s unrelenting and passionate of the grateful residents of California’s Third launch Wilson Early College Academy. That dedication to advocating for vulnerable youth and Fifth Congressional Districts, we recog- program is now in its seventh year and boasts serves as an example of the tremendous im- nize Mr. Simonds for his forty years of dedi- an enrollment of nearly 300 students. pact one outstanding person can have on his cated service, and we wish him well as our In addition to his passion for education, Dr. community. best wishes for his continued success in the Stevens has an immense interest in sustain- f years ahead. able energy and sustainable environmental IN RECOGNITION OF TEACHER AND f practices. He is a member of the North Caro- MUSICIAN WILLIAM DEWITT IN RECOGNITION OF MISS ABIGAIL lina Sustainable Energy Association and the EVELYN SUZAL Wilson Sustainable Community Council. He was the driving force behind the addition of HON. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO HON. BARRY LOUDERMILK the 70,000 square foot Student Center LEED SABLAN Building to the campus of Wilson Community OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS OF GEORGIA College. The College, the City and County of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wilson, and our state has greatly benefitted Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Wednesday, July 29, 2015 from his work and interest in environmental Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, allow me to add Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, today I stewardship. to the record of the U.S. House of Represent- would like to recognize Miss Abigail Evelyn Mr. Speaker, Dr. Rusty Stephens has im- atives the story of Mr. William DeWitt, a teach- Suzal from Georgia’s 11th District for her ef- pacted and positively influenced the lives of er, who has brought the art of music in the forts to recognize and appreciate children all countless people over his nearly 44 years in Northern Mariana Islands to an unprecedented over the world. Children are the future of this education. I ask my colleagues to join me in level of excellence and who has given to thou- nation, and we must work hard to preserve thanking Dr. Stephens for his dedication to sands of our young people the joy of finding freedom, prosperity, and hope for the genera- generations past and present and in offering within themselves their own musical talents. tions to come. him best wishes as he embarks on the next Mr. William DeWitt first came to the North- I would like to thank Miss Suzal for her let- chapter of his life. ern Mariana Islands in 1993, beginning his ca- ter to my office requesting that Universal Chil- f reer in middle and junior high school, teaching dren’s Day on November 20th be added to the HONORING JIM THEOFELIS a variety of subjects, including band, piano, calendar with the possibility of the school day and choir. He then accepted an offer to teach off and breakfast in bed. I applaud Miss Suzal at Marianas High School and was successful for her advocacy for children worldwide. HON. ADAM SMITH there at reviving its band program. Enthusiasm f OF WASHINGTON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for instrumental music education began to cre- ON THE OCCASION OF THE RE- scendo, and in 2002 Mr. DeWitt was invited to TIREMENT OF DR. RUSTY STE- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 join the faculty of the newly inaugurated PHENS, PRESIDENT OF WILSON Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I Saipan Southern High School, which was de- COMMUNITY COLLEGE rise to honor the work and achievements of signed to be a magnet school for students Jim Theofelis, Founder and Executive Director with an interest in the arts and technology. He HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD of The Mockingbird Society. has now spent thirteen years at Saipan South- OF NORTH CAROLINA With an eye towards the future, Mr. ern, helping countless students fulfill their Theofelis founded The Mockingbird Society in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dream to make music and share it with the 2001—which has worked to improve the foster world. In doing so, Mr. DeWitt and the stu- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 care system as well as end youth homeless- dents he has guided have created a legacy, Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ness for the past 14 years. The organization the Saipan Southern High School Manta Ray recognize and congratulate Dr. Rusty Ste- stands on the principle that all young people Band, that is certainly one of the greatest phens, my friend and an exemplary educator, deserve the right to reach adulthood in a sources of pride for the Northern Marianas as he retires as President of Wilson Commu- healthy, supportive environment with the op- Public School System and, indeed, for our en- nity College located in my hometown of Wil- portunity to thrive in life. tire community. son, North Carolina. As Executive Director of The Mockingbird When Mr. DeWitt came to Saipan 22 years Before embarking on a life of service to a Society, Jim and his team successfully advo- ago, he could not have known what he would number of community colleges, Dr. Stephens cated for a number of policies aimed at re- accomplish. Our island community has always

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.092 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1187 teemed with multi-generational musical talent TRIBUTE TO DR. SUSAN BECK ance issues and well-recognized thought lead- and held a deep love for singing. But band ership, he has helped move forward the cause music and its array of instruments—the trum- HON. DAVID YOUNG of making healthcare affordable for tens of pet, flute, trombone, and clarinet—were less OF IOWA thousands of construction workers. Mr. Rossmann’s distinguished record of well known. Mr. DeWitt changed that. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES service to the Merit Shop construction industry Mr. DeWitt also oversaw the incorporation of Wednesday, July 29, 2015 a growing diversity of students into our and in his local community are to be com- schools using music as a unifying influence Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise mended. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor and adding the international flavor of this new today to recognize and congratulate Dr. Susan Mr. Joseph Rossmann on this well-deserved occasion. I ask that my colleagues join me in student body to its musical sensibility. Up to Beck for being named a 2015 Woman of Influ- wishing him a wonderful retirement and many 250 students now participate in some aspect ence honoree by the award-winning central years of happiness. of the Manta Ray Band program at Saipan Iowa publication, the Des Moines Business Southern. They come from many ethnicities Record. f and cultures—Chamorro, Carolinian, Palauan, Since 2000, the Des Moines Business HONORING WARREN K. ASHE, Marshallese, Filipino, Korean, Hawaiian, Japa- Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual PH.D. nese, Chinese, Indian—and William DeWitt review to identify a standout group of female has helped them learn to join together as one, leaders in the Greater Des Moines Area that HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON making music. are making an impact in their communities ei- ther personally or professionally, forging a OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Perhaps, this very diversity is key to the path for other women to follow. The women success and world-wide recognition the Manta given this prestigious award are individuals Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Ray Band has achieved under the baton of who have selflessly dedicated their time and Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask the Mr. DeWitt. Five times in the last seven years proven their leadership abilities across a vari- House of Representatives to join me in re- the Manta Ray Band has earned the Tumon ety of professional fields. membering and honoring Warren K. Ashe, Bay Music Festival Sweepstakes Award, the Dr. Beck’s interest in leadership and the Ph.D., who passed away at the age of 85 this most wins by any organization in the festival’s health field began at Iowa State University, week after a lifetime of demonstrating what an history. The Manta Rays have been invited to where she earned her Bachelor’s degree be- African American can achieve, despite being and performed at two Olympic Games: Beijing fore moving on to receive her Medical degree denied the opportunities that were routinely in 2008 and London in 2012. The Band has at the University of Osteopathic Medicine and available to other Americans. For purposes of showcased its talents at the Sydney Opera Health Sciences (now Des Moines University). disclosure, Dr. Ashe was my cousin and I am House, Carnegie Hall, Westminster Abbey, Dr. Beck has been with the Katzmann Breast proud of the relationship. and Disneyland. And just last month, at the Center since 2000, beginning her current role Although born in Halifax, North Carolina, Dr. Los Angeles Musical Festival the Manta Ray as medical director in 2007. Ashe was educated in the District of Columbia Band earned the Gold Award as the highest Dr. Beck has served in a variety of leader- public schools, including the famed Dunbar scoring ensemble in festival competition. ship roles over the years at places like Mercy High School, in those days of segregation, the This Gold Award is something of a fairy-tale Medical Center, Des Moines University, Susan college preparatory high school in the nation’s ending to Mr. DeWitt’s career. His band exe- G. Komen, and Innervision Health Center. Dr. capital for Black students. Dr. Ashe served in cuted its performance with a new precision Beck has proven her leadership abilities time the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and intensity. His students displayed an infec- and time again. She has the special talent of and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. tious enthusiasm and rhythmic jaunt that gave bringing people together to achieve one com- Dr. Ashe’s achievements were outstanding their concert an element of variety and mon goal in a way that few are able to mirror. by any measure. He received his Bachelor of versatility no other ensemble could match. But She continually strives for the best and in her Sciences degree, as well as his M.A. and backstage after the event amidst the triumph, spare time she continues working toward her Ph.D. in microbiology from Howard University, while cameras clicked, tears flowed and hugs Master’s degree in Public Health. and his M.A. in Religious Studies. abounded, as the Manta Rays dealt with the Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to rep- He rose from grade GS–1 medical biology recognition that this pinnacle also marked the resent leaders like Dr. Beck in the United technician at the National Institute of Health to end of an era—for Mr. William DeWitt had States Congress. It is with great pride that I become the first African American to be a sen- taken his final bow with the band. recognize and applaud her for utilizing her tal- ior research scientist at the National Institute William DeWitt and his family will now be ents to better her community and the State of for Dental Research, a research microbiologist able to spend time with his parents in Cali- Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the United in the Laboratory of Oral Microbiology, and a fornia, where he will also pursue a post-grad- States House of Representatives to join me in health scientist administrator in the Soft Tissue uate degree. We wish him well. And we will al- congratulating her on receiving this esteemed Stomatology Program. While at NIH, Dr. Ashe ways be grateful to him for the way that he designation, and wishing her the best of luck also served as equal opportunity officer. His drew from a very small population of students in all her future endeavors. selfless dedication to equality for others led their maximum talent, so inculcating them in f him to take considerable risks to ensure that the fundamental elements of musicianship that he did not become a token African American. RECOGNIZING JOSEPH ROSSMANN they were able to soar on international stages. As a result of Dr. Ashe’s work in equal oppor- tunity, the employment of Blacks at NIH and We will also remember as significant as HON. TIM WALBERG their promotion to scientific and administrative what he gave to each individual student is leadership increased significantly. what Mr. William DeWitt gave to the larger OF MICHIGAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In 1971, Dr. Ashe was appointed the first communities of which we are part: the pride dean for research at Howard University. His and honor his musicians brought to Saipan Wednesday, July 29, 2015 accomplishments at Howard were remarkable: Southern High School, to the Public School Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to leadership in the establishment of the first clin- System, and to the Northern Mariana Islands recognize Joseph Rossmann, who will be retir- ical research center in the world with NIH as a whole. This musical venture he has led ing after decades of service to our country as funding at Howard University and establish- became a partnership for all of us. Individuals a leader in helping countless Merit Shop con- ment of the National Human Genome Center and businesses gladly supported the Manta struction companies provide high quality at Howard that helped in the sequencing of Ray Band with contributions totaling more than health insurance and benefits to their employ- human genomes to tackle diseases that dis- a million dollars over the course of the past ees. proportionately affect the African diaspora. Dr. decade. And, as a community, we should Mr. Rossmann has led the Associated Build- Ashe’s professional accomplishments were honor William DeWitt’s legacy by continuing to ers and Contractors Insurance Trust for almost matched by his dedication in preparing high give our young musicians the opportunity to three decades. Throughout that time, he has school students for the health sciences, his develop, master, and showcase their talents. worked tirelessly to help ensure that ABC activities as a member of the most distin- Thank you, Mr. William DeWitt. May the member contractors are able to provide best guished professional organizations in his field, richness of island life always flow in your in class benefits to their employees. and his devotion, in particular, to his church, blood, just as your accomplishments will al- Through his advanced industry designa- Turner Memorial AME, where he was a stew- ways be engraved into our island history. tions, testimony in Congress on health insur- ard until his passing.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.096 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1188 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 Mr. Speaker, as an African American born Stanley and Virginia Szejnar, of Hanover, attended Shaw University in Raleigh where he in 1929, when segregation nationwide barred Massachusetts. The Szejnars celebrate sev- earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and the doors to success, Dr. Ashe could hardly enty years of marriage on Wednesday, July Religion and a Master’s degree in Divinity. have dreamed of achieving these accomplish- 29, 2015. Following his matriculation at Shaw, Bishop ments. Dr. Ashe did more than dream—he Stanley and Virginia’s story is one of ro- Royal attended my alma mater of North Caro- worked until he moved 20th century discrimi- mance, dedication, and patience. Their love lina Central University in Durham and earned nation out of his way. has endured from Quincy, Massachusetts to a Master’s Degree in Psychology. He com- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the the high seas of the Pacific theater; Norfolk, pleted his education by attaining a Doctoral House of Representatives to join me in hon- Virginia to Hanover, Massachusetts. Born in degree in Religion and Clinical Psychology oring the life and work of Warren K. Ashe, Buffalo, New York, Stanley was stationed at from the Interdenominational Theological Cen- Ph.D. and in sending condolences to his wife, the U.S. Naval Air Station in South Weymouth, ter, Morehouse School of Religion in 1979. Grace and to Dr. Ashe’s entire family. Massachusetts during the early years of World Bishop Royal served as pastor in many f War II. It was during this time, in 1941, that he churches throughout his career, including New HONORING MS. TATYANA KALINGA was nervously set up on a blind date with Vir- Greenleaf Church of Christ in Goldsboro from ginia by her friend and, later, maid of honor. 1973 until 1978 and Philippi Church of Christ HON. BARBARA LEE After meeting in the town of Quincy, a trip for in Greenville, North Carolina beginning in ice cream was followed by a long walk—the 1982. Under Bishop Royal’s leadership, Phi- OF CALIFORNIA start of many more dates and conversations to lippi Church of Christ has expanded several IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES come. times to accommodate the growing number of Wednesday, July 29, 2015 As their relationship blossomed, Stanley parishioners which now tops 2,500. Just last Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor learned that he was being transferred to the year, Bishop Royal celebrated his 36th Pas- the service of Tatyana Kalinga, a senior and newly commissioned USS Ticonderoga. He toral anniversary. critical member of my staff. In the coming asked Virginia to come with him to Norfolk, In addition to his service as a pastor, Bishop days, Tatyana will be leaving my office after Virginia, where the aircraft carrier was docked, Royal was also a community activist and dedi- 11 years to pursue the next steps in her ca- and stay at the local USO. When Virginia re- cated public servant in Pitt County, North reer. turned home to Boston, she excitedly called Carolina. He served as a Pitt County Commis- Like many Congressional staff members, her mother with a joyous announcement: she sioner and on the board of many local organi- Tatyana started in my office as an intern and and Stanley were engaged to be married. zations, including the Pitt County United Way, joined the team full-time in June of 2004. Shortly thereafter, Stanley shipped out on the Pitt County Health Department and Pitt County Since she started in the office, I have relied USS Ticonderoga. During his time at war, dur- Memorial Hospital. Bishop Royal also worked on her professionalism, judgement and supe- ing which Stanley survived severe damage to with the National Association for the Advance- rior work product as my executive assistant, the Ticonderoga and a deployment on the ment of Colored People and the Southern scheduler and office manager. Navy destroyer, USS Dyers, Stanley and Vir- Christian Leadership Conference. For the past 11 years, she has also served ginia stayed in close contact. They may have Bishop Royal is survived by his three adult as my key liaison to the Congressional Black been separated by oceans between them, but Caucus, which I had the privilege of chairing children Bryan, Onica, and Stephanie; three during the 111th Congress. their love remained strong. brothers, Rev. Daniel Royal, Rev. George J. During her years of dedicated service, Upon his return, Stanley and Virginia were Royal, and Erroll Royal; four sisters, Rev. Bar- Tatyana’s most valuable skill has been her at last married in 1945. They spent their hon- bara Davis, Brenda Middleton, Vonshelia ability to step up and perform nearly any task, eymoon enjoying the mists and impressive Bacon, and Cathy Bacon Lyons; and six including assisting with media interviews, mak- waterfalls at Niagara Falls near Stanley’s grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. ing policy recommendations and representing hometown. Following the end of the war, they Mr. Speaker, Bishop Randy Brown Royal my office in high-level meetings, including with moved to Hanover, Massachusetts where they meant so much to so many people. His lasting Heads of State. reside today. A proud veteran, Stanley is the contributions to his church family as Bishop She has been and remains a consummate former commander of the Post #149 American and to his community and its citizens as professional who is truly dedicated to her work Legion and V.F.W. #178804, as well as a re- County Commissioner will always be remem- and serving my constituents. tired member of the Local #537 Pipe Fitters bered. His community, our state of North In fact, Tatyana’s work has been so exem- Union. After more than seventy years of love, Carolina, and our great nation are better be- plary in my office that she is often asked to their most precious gift and proudest achieve- cause of Bishop Randy Royal. train new staffers in the offices of my col- ments are their daughter, Candace Finnie, and I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing leagues. granddaughter, Ericka, who live in Ocala, Flor- our deepest condolences to the family of On a personal note, I have witnessed ida. Bishop Randy Brown Royal, his congregation, Tatyana’s growth and development from a Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Stanley and his community. young intern into a mature and brilliant young and Virginia Szejnar on the joyous occasion of f woman. She has a very promising future, their 70th anniversary. I ask that my col- which my staff and I look forward to wit- leagues join me in wishing them many more PERSONAL EXPLANATION nessing. We all intend to keep Tatyana as a years of happiness. valued member of Team Lee within our hearts f HON. PETER J. ROSKAM and in our deeds. OF ILLINOIS On behalf of myself and the people of Cali- HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fornia’s 13th Congressional district, I’d like to OF BISHOP RANDY BROWN ROYAL thank Tatyana for her years of dedicated serv- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 ice. HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. Tatyana, we will miss you as you start this OF NORTH CAROLINA 467, my flight was delayed due to weather. new chapter in your life but we wish you every Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ success. We cannot wait to see all that you IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES will accomplish! Wednesday, July 29, 2015 f f Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to TRIBUTE TO LT. GOVERNOR KIM REYNOLDS IN THE FIRST SES- IN RECOGNITION OF THE 70TH AN- recognize and remember my good friend and SION IN THE 114TH CONGRESS NIVERSARY OF STANLEY AND a cornerstone of eastern North Carolina, VIRGINIA SZEJNAR Bishop Randy Brown Royal, a resident of Greenville, North Carolina who was called to HON. DAVID YOUNG be with God on Sunday, July 26, 2015 at the OF IOWA HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING age of 63. OF MASSACHUSETTS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Bishop Royal was born on January 6, 1952, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in Craven County in New Bern, North Carolina Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Wednesday, July 29, 2015 to George Emerson and Sarah Louise Royal. Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in He spent his formative years being educated today to recognize and congratulate Lt. Gov- recognition of the 70th wedding anniversary of in the Craven County School system and later ernor Kim Reynolds for being named a 2015

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.099 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1189 Woman of Influence honoree by the award- chief. Her qualifications and professionalism law on August 6, 1965 the Voting Rights Act winning central Iowa publication, the Des as an emergency medical technician, para- of 1965, which swept away barriers impeding Moines Business Record. medic, and arson investigator have inspired millions of Americans from meaningful partici- Since 2000, the Des Moines Business others towards public service and her ability to pation in American political life. Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual coordinate with the department’s partners is On July 30, 1965, President Johnson signed review to identify a group of standout female much-praised among her colleagues. Her into law the Social Security Amendments Act leaders in the Greater Des Moines Area that dedication and good humor has been a tre- of 1965, which we today know as Medicare, are making an impact in their communities ei- mendous asset for the city, and has helped which has transformed the delivery of health ther personally or professionally, forging a the Fire Department offset budget restrictions care in the United States and which, along path for other women to follow. The women and foster a greater sense of community in with Social Security, reduced the rate of pov- given this prestigious award are individuals Woodhaven and beyond. Janet is a true gem erty among the elderly from 28.5 percent in who have selflessly dedicated their time and in our community and Woodhaven is fortunate 1966 to 9.1 percent in 2012. proven their leadership abilities across a vari- to call her their own and grateful for her con- On July 2, 1964 President Johnson secured ety of professional fields. tributions. passage and signed into law the most sweep- Lt. Governor Reynolds began her political Janet’s commitment to education has been ing civil rights legislation since Reconstruction, career by serving four terms as the Clarke evidenced by her annual trips to each elemen- the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits County Treasurer. She was then elected State tary school in the city to teach fire safety. discrimination in employment, education, and Senator of Iowa’s 48th Senate District, where ‘‘Firefighter Jan’’ is no stranger to the class- public accommodations based on race, color, she served until 2010. During her time in the room, and has used her experience as a religion, or national origin. Senate, the Republican nominee for Governor, physical education instructor to promote fire On November 8, 1965, President Johnson Terry Branstad, asked then Senator Kim Rey- prevention techniques that students find as ex- signed into law the Higher Education Act, nolds to serve on his ticket as the nominee for citing as they are informative. Jan has also which provided need-based financial aid to Lt. Governor. She accepted his request and promoted higher education in Woodhaven, students in the form of scholarships, work- the rest is history. partnering with Wayne County Community study grants, and loans, and thus for the first Lt. Governor Reynolds has dedicated her College to provide two full scholarships for time made higher education more accessible life to serving the people of Iowa. As Lt. Gov- students in her community to pursue a career to populations of persons who were previously ernor she has leveraged her unique under- in public safety. unable to attend college because of economic standing of small rural communities and their Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me circumstances. governments to bring good, high paying jobs today to honor Chief Janet Sikes for her twen- On October 3, 1965, President Johnson to the state. Lt. Governor Reynolds has also ty-nine years of service and her lasting impact signed into law the Immigration and Natu- built strong, lasting relationships with some of on the Downriver communities. I thank her for ralization Act of 1965, which transformed the Iowa’s most important global trading partners. her leadership, and wish her many years of nation’s immigration system by abolishing the Her long list of accomplishments is a testa- success. racially based quota system that had defined ment to her hard work, dedication and willing- f American immigration policy for the previous ness to selflessly serve all Iowans. four decades and replaced it with a policy Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to rep- URGING AWARD OF CONGRES- whose central purpose was family reunifica- resent leaders like Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds SIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO PRESI- tion, with a preference for immigrants with in the United States Congress and it is with DENT LYNDON BAINES JOHNSON specific skillsets. great pride that I recognize and applaud her FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY According to Robert A. Caro, the pre- for utilizing her talents to better the State of RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT IN eminent biographer of Lyndon Baines John- Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the United THE FIELD OF DOMESTIC AF- son, with the single exception of Abraham Lin- States House of Representatives to join me in FAIRS coln, Lyndon Johnson was the greatest cham- congratulating her on receiving this esteemed pion of the poor and underprivileged in the designation, and wishing her the best of luck HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE history of the Republic and was the President in all her future endeavors. OF TEXAS ‘‘who wrote mercy and justice into the statute f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES books by which America was governed.’’ I invite all Members to join me in sponsoring PERSONAL EXPLANATION Wednesday, July 29, 2015 this legislation awarding the Congressional Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask Gold Medal and recognizing the extraordinary HON. ADAM SMITH unanimous consent to address the House for domestic achievements of President Lyndon OF WASHINGTON 1 minute and revise and extend my remarks. Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Today I introduced legislation awarding the United States. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Congressional Gold Medal to Lyndon Baines f Johnson, the 36th President of the United Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on States whose vision and leadership secured HONORING DAVID FINKEL Tuesday, July 22, 2015, I was detained in a passage of the landmark Voting Rights Act of meeting and unable to make the first vote in 1965, the Social Security Amendments Act a series. I would have voted ‘‘No’’ on roll call HON. JULIA BROWNLEY (Medicare) of 1965, the Civil Rights Act of vote No. 450 (on ordering the previous ques- OF CALIFORNIA 1964, the Higher Education Act of 1965, and tion on H. Res. 369). IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Immigration and Naturalization Act of f 1965. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 IN RECOGNITION OF JANET SIKES’ The awarding of the Congressional Gold Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, SERVICE AS FIRE CHIEF OF THE Medal is long overdue recognition of the re- today I rise to recognize the remarkable life of CITY OF WOODHAVEN markable record of achievement in the field of David B. Finkel, an honorable veteran, a dis- domestic affairs of the person most respon- tinguished civil rights attorney, an esteemed HON. DEBBIE DINGELL sible for several of the nation’s landmark laws elected official, and someone I was privileged that mark their 50th anniversary this year. to call a friend. David deeply impacted count- OF MICHIGAN Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress less lives by standing up for civil rights, free- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES from the Tenth Congressional District of dom of speech, affordable housing, and edu- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Texas, as Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, cational equality for over six decades. David Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Vice-President and President of the United was also a longtime and devoted member of recognize Janet Sikes for her 29 years of States, Lyndon Baines Johnson’s domestic ac- the Sholem community and will be remem- service to the Woodhaven Fire Department, complishments in the fields of civil rights, edu- bered for his integrity and compassion as a 18 of those served as Fire Chief. During her cation, and economic opportunity rank among ‘‘warrior for justice.’’ career, Janet has saved many lives, and en- the greatest achievements of the past half David, the son of Jewish immigrants fleeing riched countless others. century. persecution in Europe, lived through historical Janet has served as a role model in our As President, Lyndon Johnson proposed, events such as the Great Depression and community as Woodhaven’s first female fire championed, led to passage, and signed into World War II. These heavy experiences

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.104 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1190 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 shaped David into a lifelong advocate for so- State College Raiders’ baseball team on their ‘‘producing graduates who are well equipped cial justice by instilling deep values within him victory in the 2015 JUCO World Series, bring- to meet the challenges of education, work, of humility and humanitarianism. In his youth, ing home the school’s first NJCAA Baseball and life.’’ David served as Bal Torah at Temple B’nai National Championship. This hard-earned title Alongside the 100 years of quality education Abraham under Rabbi Joachim Prinz, who ad- is a testament to their dedication to excel- it has provided to the children of Greenfield, vocated for equality as a speaker at the 1963 lence, commitment to teamwork, and unwaver- McClain has become famous for the historic March on Washington. This experience gave ing work ethic, and all of Northwest Florida art contained within its walls. David a deeper understanding of human rights celebrates their tremendous success. Truly a jewel of culture, students are im- that he carried with him throughout his life. While the Raiders capped their season with mersed in a rich history of art and tradition, in- During the Cold War, David served in the a dominant 15–1 victory over McLennan Com- cluding murals, statues, and architecture. U.S. Army and refused to sign the loyalty oath munity College in the championship game, the The institution and its graduates owe a debt when his mother was brought before the Raiders’ players, coaches, and staff proved of gratitude to the community of Greenfield, for House Un-American Activities Committee. throughout the season that they had the met- the continued support in preserving and main- David won a case before the U.S. Supreme tle of true champions as they persevered taining the magnificent building. Court when he argued that a son should not through difficult stretches early in the season. McClain High School is a living legacy of be forced to choose between the 10th Amend- Despite tough early season losses that saw Edward McClain’s hopes that the Greenfield ment to honor country and the 10th Com- the team drop to 4–5 in conference play, Raid- school would be an institution which encour- mandment to honor family. David’s involve- ers’ Head Coach Doug Martin and his players aged ‘‘higher education, purer morals, and ment in this case carved a path for him to fol- were undeterred, and they continued to work broader and better citizenship.’’ low a career in law and justice. hard each day in pursuit of a championship. Through discipline and dedication, David ob- I am honored to represent a district which Even after an impressive late season run— contains such a quality and historic edu- tained his undergraduate degree from the Uni- which saw the Raiders win 14 of their last 16 versity of Chicago in 1951 and earned his cational institution within its borders. I applaud games, including a seven-game winning Edward Lee McClain High School on this his- Juris Doctorate from the University of South- streak that included a sweep of the Gulf Dis- ern California in 1959. In the 1960s, David toric milestone, and I wish the school the very trict/FCSAA State Tournament that qualified best over their next 100 years. worked during the Freedom Summer in Mis- them for the World Series—the Raiders came sissippi, as well as a defense lawyer of con- into the JUCO World Series ranked 14th in the f scientious objectors during the Vietnam War. Nation. But, despite being an underdog, the In his noteworthy legal career, David was Raiders pulled off impressive victories—de- 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF known for his work ethic as he tried cases feating three top ten teams, including the num- CLARKDALE FRUIT FARMS representing labor unions advocating for work- ber one ranked team in the country by a mar- ing families, freedom of speech cases for pro- gin of 10–0—en route to a rematch in the Na- HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN fessors and students, and discrimination cases tional Championship game with the only team OF MASSACHUSETTS promoting racial equality and protecting civil that defeated them during the World Series: IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rights. McLennan Community College. In the re- David began his notable political career match, the Raiders put in a true team perform- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 when he became a founding member of Santa ance and in the end they earned a well-de- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, on July 19th, Monicans for Renters Rights in 1981 and was served 15–1 victory to bring the national title elected to the Santa Monica Rent Control I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the back to Northwest Florida. Centennial Event at the Clarkdale Fruit Farm Board in 1983. David was first elected to the Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Santa Monica City Council in 1986, where he in Deerfield, Massachusetts and celebrate 100 Congress, I am privileged to recognize the years of family business. served a period as Mayor Pro-Tempore. David Raiders players—Aaron Palmer, Onix Mar- was then elected to the Los Angeles Superior The Clarkdale Fruit Farm has generated tre- tinez, Danny Blanco, Corderias Dorsey, mendous good will and contributions to our Court in Santa Monica in 1984. Upon retire- Tra’Mayne Holmes, Will Luft, Mack Hathcock, ment from the bench, David began to humbly community. I love this farm and all it stands Hunter Beard, Avery Geyer, Evan Hebert, for. Locally grown fresh fruit—apples, peach- teach at Santa Monica City College in 2002 as Ryan Leone, Dakota Dean, Andrew Deramo, he wanted to contribute more to the commu- es, nectarines, plums and pears—all on beau- James Granat, Tanner Halstead, Ross tiful land preserved for farming. nity. In 2006, David was recruited and elected Goforth, Shawn Feltner, Rex Rutledge, Carlos The Clark family are not only great farmers to the Santa Monica College Board of Trust- Alayon, Brian Browning, Lukas Holub, Trey and great business people. They are not only ees, where he served until 2014. Lang, Jarren Pinkney, and Hunter Bening— Those who knew David, remember him great community activists. They’re really in- Head Coach Doug Martin, Assistant Coaches fondly as a compassionate, thoughtful, and credible, nice people. Andrew Franco and Brett Stewart, Athletic Di- brilliant advocate for his community. David This is a family who works hard and cares rector Ramsey Ross, and the entire Raiders worked with a great spirit and it was his stead- deeply about the community. staff and fans on their national championship. fast commitment to serving his community that I want to say a special thanks to Tom and My wife Vicki and I congratulate the entire made for a particularly extraordinary career Ben Clark for inviting me to join them on their Raiders baseball program and wish them all and life. beautiful farm—truly a gem in the Pioneer Val- the best for continued success in the future. In heartfelt recognition and appreciation of ley. I also want to thank the rest of the Clark the outstanding impact and contributions that f family: Becky Clark—Ben’s mother and Tom’s David made to his community and country, I CONGRATULATING EDWARD LEE wife, Lori Clark—Ben’s wife, and Emerson wish to send my sincere condolences to his MCCLAIN HIGH SCHOOL Clark—Ben and Lori’s son. The farm is a won- wife, Bruria, his family, and to all who knew derful place and they have so much to be him. His work and legacy are immeasurable, HON. BRAD R. WENSTRUP proud of. and his presence in the community will be It was a thrill to celebrate the 100th anniver- OF OHIO greatly missed. sary of the Clarkdale Fruit Farms, which has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f a rich history and a special place in the agri- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 CONGRATULATING THE NORTH- cultural heritage of Central Massachusetts. WEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Clarkdale Fruit Farms is also a leading ex- RAIDERS’ BASEBALL TEAM AS to congratulate Edward Lee McClain High ample of what sustainable agriculture can ac- NATIONAL CHAMPIONS School of Greenfield, Ohio, on their 100-year complish, supporting many of our region’s anniversary and celebration. local businesses and communities. HON. JEFF MILLER For a century, McClain High School has As we commemorate the 100th anniversary, stood proudly at the heart of Greenfield, edu- we are not just celebrating the past. We are OF FLORIDA cating the community’s next generation and also celebrating the future. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES preparing them for the future. Clarkdale Fruit Farm is helping to keep Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Originally donated by Edward Lee McClain Massachusetts agriculture vibrant and strong Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise and his wife Lulu in 1915, McClain High and I look forward to their continued success today to congratulate the Northwest Florida School has since fulfilled its stated mission of in the years to come.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.108 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1191 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE POW/ wish all the employees at Mercy Corning Hos- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chair, I rise today in MIA FLAG pital nothing but the best moving forward. opposition to H.R. 427, the so-called ‘‘Regula- f tions from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY (REINS) Act of 2015.’’ REGULATIONS FROM THE EXECU- The REINS Act is yet another attempt by OF CONNECTICUT TIVE IN NEED OF SCRUTINY ACT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES House Republicans to limit the ability of fed- OF 2015 eral agencies to enforce commonsense rules Wednesday, July 29, 2015 and regulations. This legislation would require SPEECH OF Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- Congressional approval before an agency can ognize the upcoming 25th anniversary of the HON. TERRI A. SEWELL issue any major new rule. Congress relies on POW/MIA flag. OF ALABAMA agencies to promulgate rules, because they In May of 1970, the National League of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES have expertise in a given area. However, this Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Tuesday, July 28, 2015 bill would require that congressional politics Southeast Asia was founded in Washington, play a part in deciding complicated rules and D.C. One year after the first official meeting, The House in Committee of the Whole regulations. As a result, this legislation is de- House on the state of the Union had under Mary Hoff, the wife of a service member des- consideration the bill (H.R. 427) to amend signed to protect special interests while under- ignated as missing in action during the Viet- chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to mining the ability of federal agencies from nam War, introduced the idea of creating a provide that major rules of the executive doing their jobs and working to ensure there flag to remember and honor military men and branch shall have no force or effect unless a are safeguards in place to protect the public’s woman like her husband. joint resolution of approval is enacted into health and safety. Twenty-five years ago, on August 25, 1990, law: Moreover, Congress already has consider- Congress designated the POW/MIA flag as Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Chair, yester- able power to review and reject the rules ‘‘the symbol of our Nation’s concern and com- day, the House voted on H.R. 427, Regula- issued by executive agencies. For the past mitment to resolving as fully as possible the tions from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny two decades, Congress has had the authority fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and Act of 2015. I was unavoidably detained, but to pass a joint resolution disapproving any rule unaccounted for in Southeast Asia.’’ Now, the if I had been present, I would have opposed within 60 days of receiving the rule. If the POW/MIA flag flies for every man and woman this legislation. While the bill claims to accom- President signs the resolution of disapproval, who has given his or her life for our great plish well-meaning goals such as increasing the regulation is not implemented. In addition, country and remains captured or missing. ‘‘accountability for and transparency in the fed- President Obama has implemented significant To commemorate the 25th anniversary of eral regulatory process,’’ it only threatens the reforms to the rulemaking process. In January the recognition of this flag, Wheeler-Young historic separation of legislative and executive 2010, he signed an Executive Order requiring VFW Post 201 from Waterbury, Connecticut powers. agencies to determine if the benefits of pro- will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown By requiring a joint resolution of approval posed rules are justified considering their cost Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Au- from Congress before any ‘‘major’’ rules set to society. gust 10, 2015. VFW Post 201 is a vibrant post forth by a federal agency come into effect, the At a time when Congress should be doing involved in numerous activities in the Water- REINS act attempts to undermine executive everything it can to create jobs and improve bury community. They recently celebrated the power and expand congressional regulatory the economy, this bill is nothing but a distrac- grand opening of their new location. Wheeler- authority. This partisan bill is a thinly vailed at- tion. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legis- Young VFW Post 201 exemplifies the promise tempt to score political points by attacking the lation. of leaving no man behind and the mission to Obama Administration. And as Republican f educate and promote veterans’ issues. Post leaders take another ideological swipe at the 201 is a pillar of our community. Obama administration, a number of more CONGRESSWOMAN SEWELL URGES Thank you to Post 201 for recognizing and pressing issues go unaddressed, especially as IMMEDIATE REAUTHORIZATION honoring our nation’s Prisoners of War and we leave for our District Work Period. OF THE EXPORT-IMPORT BANK personnel Missing in Action. I stand with you Second-guessing agency standards and to ensure that they are not forgotten. rules that are supposed to be governed by HON. TERRI A. SEWELL f Congressional laws is not only redundant but OF ALABAMA is reflective of the Republican’s relentless pur- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRIBUTE TO MERCY CORNING suit of removing important and necessary reg- Wednesday, July 29, 2015 HOSPITAL ulations. Given that the bill also has a 70-day requirement to approve any new standards, Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, HON. DAVID YOUNG the potential for delays in enacting public safe- today I rise to urge the immediate reauthoriza- OF IOWA guards is steep, particularly if bipartisan coali- tion of the Export-Import Bank. The Ex-Im IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tions can’t quickly draft joint resolutions. Bank has become a crucial driver of our econ- We have seen efforts to push this legislation omy by offering loans, capital insurance, and Wednesday, July 29, 2015 through three times previously, and each time other financial services to businesses who Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise it has failed to pass both houses. I urge my wish to invest in American products and grow today to recognize and congratulate Mercy fellow Members of Congress to reject this their businesses. It fills the gap between do- Corning Hospital of Corning, Iowa, for receiv- harmful piece of legislation once more. mestic capital and domestic investment, en- ing a Silver Safety Award. f suring that each and every opportunity to ex- Each year the National Safety Council pand our economy has the financial backing to Greater Omaha Chapter recognizes busi- REGULATIONS FROM THE EXECU- do so. Furthermore, the Ex-Im Bank is an ex- nesses, organizations, and individuals who TIVE IN NEED OF SCRUTINY ACT ceptional government institution insofar that it demonstrate an outstanding commitment to OF 2015 both improves our economy and makes safety. Mercy Corning Hospital was given this money. SPEECH OF prestigious award for continuously promoting a For these reasons, Ex-Im Bank reauthoriza- culture of safety and accountability. Their hard HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN tion has been relatively uncontroversial in the work and commitment to serving others OF MARYLAND past. During the 112th Congress, my first term through a safe and healthy hospital environ- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in office, we reauthorized the Ex-Im Bank with ment truly embodies our Iowa values. Tuesday, July 28, 2015 a vote that crossed party lines. However, I Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent the have witnessed the agreement and goodwill members of the Mercy Corning Hospital in the The House in Committee of the Whole surrounding this issue deteriorate during my United States Congress, and it is with great House on the state of the Union had under tenure. On July 1st, 2015, this burgeoning par- consideration the bill (H.R. 427) to amend pride that I congratulate them today. I know chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to tisanship brought the Export-Import Bank to a my colleagues in the United States House of provide that major rules of the executive screeching halt. Members of this congres- Representatives will join me in congratulating branch shall have no force or effect unless a sional body refused to renew the charter for them for receiving this award and thanking joint resolution of approval is enacted into the Ex-Im Bank, allowing it to shut down en- them for their commitment to serving others. I law: tirely.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.112 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1192 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 29, 2015 Since the first day of this month, our obsti- United States economy, States, local AUGUST 5 nacy has cost our nation over fifty million dol- communities, and the environment. 10 a.m. lars. Every day that we allow this shut down SD–406 Committee on Banking, Housing, and to continue, we are shortchanging our tax- 10 a.m. Urban Affairs payers another two million dollars. This inac- Committee on Energy and Natural Re- To hold hearings to examine the implica- sources tions of sanctions relief under the Iran tion is irresponsible, short-sighted, and detri- To hold hearings to examine the back- agreement. mental to our economy. The American people end of the nuclear fuel cycle and re- SD–538 want us to create jobs and help small busi- lated legislation, including S. 854, to Committee on Health, Education, Labor, nesses grow, not play political games. establish a new organization to manage and Pensions I urge my colleagues to reauthorize the Ex- nuclear waste, provide a consensual To hold hearings to examine reauthor- port-Import Bank immediately. process for siting nuclear waste facili- izing the Higher Education Act, focus- ing on opportunities to improve stu- f ties, ensure adequate funding for man- aging nuclear waste. dent success. SD–430 SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS SD–366 Committee on the Judiciary Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, Committee on Finance To hold hearings to examine the Depart- To hold hearings to examine preserving agreed to by the Senate of February 4, ment of Justice’s legal obligation to 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- families and reducing the need for fos- ensure Inspector General access to all tem for a computerized schedule of all ter care. records needed for independent over- meetings and hearings of Senate com- SD–215 sight. mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- Committee on Foreign Relations SD–226 tees, and committees of conference. To hold hearings to examine the Joint This title requires all such committees Comprehensive Plan of Action, focus- AUGUST 6 ing on non-proliferation, inspections, to notify the Office of the Senate Daily 9 a.m. and nuclear constraints. Committee on Homeland Security and Digest—designated by the Rules Com- SD–419 mittee—of the time, place and purpose Governmental Affairs Committee on Homeland Security and Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and of the meetings, when scheduled and Governmental Affairs Federal Management any cancellations or changes in the To hold an oversight hearing to examine To hold hearings to examine agency meetings as they occur. the Bureau of Prisons, focusing on progress in retrospective review of ex- As an additional procedure along first-hand accounts of challenges fac- isting regulations. with the computerization of this infor- ing the Federal prison system. SD–342 mation, the Office of the Senate Daily SD–342 9:30 a.m. Digest will prepare this information for 2:30 p.m. Committee on Armed Services printing in the Extensions of Remarks Committee on Foreign Relations To hold hearings to examine the procure- ment, acquisition, testing, and over- section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD To hold hearings to examine the nomina- tions of Ann Calvaresi Barr, of Mary- sight of the Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class on Monday and Wednesday of each aircraft carrier program. week. land, to be Inspector General, United States Agency for International Devel- SD–G50 2:30 p.m. Meetings scheduled for Thursday, opment, and David Malcolm Robinson, Select Committee on Intelligence July 30, 2015 may be found in the Daily of Connecticut, to be an Assistant Sec- To receive a closed briefing on certain Digest of today’s RECORD. retary of State (Conflict and Stabiliza- intelligence matters. tion Operations), and to be Coordinator SH–219 MEETINGS SCHEDULED for Reconstruction and Stabilization. AUGUST 4 SD–419 SEPTEMBER 10 3 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 10 a.m. Select Committee on Intelligence Committee on Environment and Public Committee on Banking, Housing, and Works To hold closed hearings to examine cer- Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Man- tain intelligence matters. To hold hearings to examine the nomina- agement, and Regulatory Oversight SH–219 tion of Adam J. Szubin, of the District To hold an oversight hearing to examine of Columbia, to be Under Secretary for litigation at the Environmental Pro- Terrorism and Financial Crimes, De- tection Agency and Fish and Wildlife partment of the Treasury. Service, focusing on impacts on the SD–538

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29JY8.116 E29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS Wednesday, July 29, 2015 Daily Digest Senate tection and Affordable Care Act, after taking action Chamber Action on the following motions and amendments proposed Routine Proceedings, pages S6089–6146 thereto: Pages S6091–92 Measures Introduced: Seventeen bills and two reso- Adopted: lutions were introduced, as follows: S. 1882–1898, McConnell (for Inhofe) Amendment No. 2533 (to and S. Res. 234–235. Page S6136 Amendment No. 2421), relating to Federal-aid high- ways and highway safety construction programs. Measures Reported: Page S6092 S. 373, to provide for the establishment of nation- McConnell Amendment No. 2421 (to Amend- ally uniform and environmentally sound standards ment No. 2266), of a perfecting nature. Page S6091 governing discharges incidental to the normal oper- By 62 yeas to 38 nays (Vote No. 258), McConnell ation of a vessel, with an amendment in the nature Modified Amendment No. 2266, in the nature of a of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 114–96) substitute. Page S6092 S. 284, to impose sanctions with respect to for- Rejected: eign persons responsible for gross violations of inter- McConnell Amendment No. 2417 (to the lan- nationally recognized human rights, with an amend- guage proposed to be stricken by Amendment No. ment. 2266), to change the enactment date. (Senate tabled S. 1596, to designate the facility of the United the amendment.) Page S6091 States Postal Service located at 2082 Stringtown During consideration of this measure today, Senate Road in Grove City, Ohio, as the ‘‘Specialist Joseph also took the following action: W. Riley Post Office Building’’. McConnell Amendment No. 2418 (to Amend- S. 1632, to require a regional strategy to address ment No. 2417), of a perfecting nature, fell when the threat posed by Boko Haram, with an amend- McConnell Amendment No. 2417 (to the language ment in the nature of a substitute. proposed to be stricken by Amendment No. 2266) S. 1826, to designate the facility of the United (listed above), was tabled. Page S6091 States Postal Service located at 99 West 2nd Street By 65 yeas to 35 nays (Vote No. 259), three-fifths in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, as the Lieutenant Colo- of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having nel James ‘‘Maggie’’ Megellas Post Office. Page 6134 voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion Measures Passed: to close further debate on the bill. Page S6092 Authorize Printing: Senate agreed to S. Res. 234, A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- to authorize the printing of a collection of the rules viding for further consideration of the bill, post-clo- of the committees of the Senate. Page S6144 ture, at approximately 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, July 30, 2015; that the time until 12:00 p.m. be equally National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month: divided in the usual form; and that all time during Senate agreed to S. Res. 235, designating September the adjournment of the Senate count post-cloture on 2015 as ‘‘National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness the bill. Pages S6144–45 Month’’. Page S6144 Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Measures Considered: Care Choice Improvement Act—Agreement: A Hire More Heroes Act—Agreement: Senate con- unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing tinued consideration of H.R. 22, to amend the Inter- that if the Senate receives the papers for H.R. 3236, nal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt employees to provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, with health coverage under TRICARE or the Vet- highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and erans Administration from being taken into account other programs funded out of the Highway Trust for purposes of determining the employers to which Fund, to provide resource flexibility to the Depart- the employer mandate applies under the Patient Pro- ment of Veterans Affairs for health care services, that D904

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:39 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D29JY5.REC D29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with DIGEST July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D905 at 1:45 p.m., on Thursday, July 30, 2015, Senate marks of the Majority Leader in today’s Record on begin consideration of the bill and vote on passage, page S6145.) with no intervening action of debate, and that there be a 60 affirmative vote threshold for passage of the Committee Meetings bill. Page S6144 Message from the President: Senate received the (Committees not listed did not meet) following message from the President of the United JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION States: Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a Transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on the hearing to examine the impacts of the Joint Com- continuation of the national emergency that was prehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on United States originally declared in Executive Order 13441 with interests and the military balance in the Middle respect to Lebanon; which was referred to the Com- East, after receiving testimony from John F. Kerry, mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Secretary of State; Ashton B. Carter, Secretary, and (PM–22) Page S6132 General Martin E. Dempsey, USA, Chairman, Joint Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol- Chiefs of Staff, both of the Department of Defense; lowing nominations: Jacob J. Lew, Secretary of the Treasury; and Ernest Allison Beck, of the District of Columbia, to be J. Moniz, Secretary of Energy. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Director. PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SHIPYARDS Page S6146 Carol Fortine Ochoa, of Virginia, to be Inspector Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Readi- ness and Management Support concluded a hearing General, General Services Administration. Page S6146 Jeffrey Michael Prieto, of California, to be General to examine best practices at public and private ship- Counsel of the Department of Agriculture. yards, after receiving testimony from Ray Bagley, Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Ship- Page S6146 building, Newport News, Virginia; and Paul O’Con- 1 Marine Corps nomination in the rank of general. nor, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Page S6146 Maine. Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- lowing nominations: BANKRUPTCY REFORM 2 Air Force nominations in the rank of general. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: 1 Navy nomination in the rank of admiral. Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Con- Routine lists in the Air Force and Army. sumer Protection concluded a hearing to examine the Pages S6145–46 role of bankruptcy reform in addressing too-big-to- fail, including S. 1840, to amend title 11, United Messages from the House: Page S6132 States Code, to provide for the liquidation, reorga- Measures Referred: Page S6132 nization, or recapitalization of a covered financial Measures Placed on the Calendar: Page S6132 corporation, after receiving testimony from Randall D. Guynn, Davis Polk and Wardwell LLP, New Enrolled Bills Presented: Page S6132 York, New York, on behalf of the Bipartisan Policy Executive Communications: Pages S6132–34 Center Financial Regulatory Reform Initiative Fail- Executive Reports of Committees: Pages S6134–36 ure Resolution Task Force; John B. Taylor, Stanford University Hoover Institution, Palo Alto, California; Additional Cosponsors: Pages S6136–38 Thomas H. Jackson, University of Rochester, Roch- Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: ester, New York; and Simon Johnson, MIT Sloan Pages S6138–43 School of Management, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Additional Statements: Pages S6130–32 on behalf of the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S6143–44 WIRELESS BROADBAND Privileges of the Floor: Page S6144 Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee concluded a hearing to examine wireless Record Votes: Two record votes were taken today. broadband and the future of spectrum policy, after (Total—259) Page S6092 receiving testimony from Jessica Rosenworcel, Com- Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and missioner, Federal Communications Commission; adjourned at 6:28 p.m., until 10 a.m. on Thursday, Meredith Attwell Baker, CTIA—The Wireless Asso- July 30, 2015. (For Senate’s program, see the re- ciation, and Thomas M. Lenard, Technology Policy

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:39 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D29JY5.REC D29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with DIGEST D906 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST July 29, 2015 Institute, both of Washington, D.C.; J. Pierre de sador to the Republic of Cyprus, James Desmond Vries, University of Colorado Silicon Flatirons Center Melville, Jr., of New Jersey, to be Ambassador to for Law, Technology and Entrepreneurship Spectrum the Republic of Estonia, Samuel D. Heins, of Min- Policy Initiative, Boulder; and Blair Levin, Brook- nesota, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom of Nor- ings Institute Metropolitan Policy Program, Chevy way, Hans G. Klemm, of Michigan, to be Ambas- Chase, Maryland. sador to Romania, Paul Wayne Jones, of Maryland, BUSINESS MEETING to be Ambassador to the Republic of Poland, all of the Department of State, Gayle Smith, of Ohio, to Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee be Administrator, and Thomas O. Melia, of Mary- continued consideration of an original bill to provide land, to be an Assistant Administrator, both of the for the modernization of the energy policy of the United States Agency for International Development, United States, but did not complete action thereon, and routine lists in the Foreign Service. and will meet again on Thursday, July 30, 2015. Committee recessed subject to the call. JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Joint Comprehensive Plan Committee on Environment and Public Works: Com- of Action, after receiving testimony from Mark mittee ordered favorably reported the nominations of Dubowitz, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Vanessa Lorraine Allen Sutherland, of Virginia, to be Center of Sanctions and Illicit Finance, Washington, Chairperson of the Chemical Safety and Hazard In- D.C.; and Nicholas Burns, Harvard Kennedy School, vestigation Board, Kristen Marie Kulinowski, of Boston, Massachusetts. New York, to be a Member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, Gregory Guy FINANCIAL CRISIS IN GREECE Nadeau, of Maine, to be Administrator of the Fed- Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on Eu- eral Highway Administration, Department of Trans- rope and Regional Security Cooperation concluded a portation, and Eric Martin Satz, of Tennessee, to be hearing to examine the financial crisis in Greece, fo- a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee cusing on implications and lessons learned, after re- Valley Authority. ceiving testimony from John B. Taylor, Stanford BUSINESS MEETING University Hoover Institution, Stanford, California; and Robert B. Kahn, Council on Foreign Relations, Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee ordered fa- Washington, D.C. vorably reported the following business items: S. 284, to impose sanctions with respect to for- BUSINESS MEETING eign persons responsible for gross violations of inter- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- nationally recognized human rights, with an amend- fairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the fol- ment; lowing business items: S. 1632, to require a regional strategy to address S. 1864, to improve national security by devel- the threat posed by Boko Haram, with an amend- oping metrics to measure the effectiveness of security ment in the nature of a substitute; between ports of entry, at points of entry, and along S. 1875, to support enhanced accountability for the maritime border; United States assistance to Afghanistan, with an S. 1846, to amend the Homeland Security Act of amendment; and 2002 to secure critical infrastructure against electro- The nominations of Michele Thoren Bond, of the magnetic threats, with an amendment in the nature District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of a substitute; (Consular Affairs), Sarah Elizabeth Mendelson, of the S. 1869, to improve federal network security and District of Columbia, to be Representative on the authorize and enhance an existing intrusion detection Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, and prevention system for civilian federal networks, with the rank of Ambassador, and to be an Alternate with amendments; Representative to the Sessions of the General Assem- S. 1073, to amend the Improper Payments Elimi- bly of the United Nations, Sheila Gwaltney, of Cali- nation and Recovery Improvement Act of 2012, in- fornia, to be Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, cluding making changes to the Do Not Pay initia- Perry L. Holloway, of South Carolina, to be Ambas- tive, for improved detection, prevention, and recov- sador to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Laura ery of improper payments to deceased individuals, Farnsworth Dogu, of Texas, to be Ambassador to the with amendments; Republic of Nicaragua, Peter F. Mulrean, of Massa- S. 1868, to extend by 15 years the authority of chusetts, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Haiti, the Secretary of Commerce to conduct the quarterly Kathleen Ann Doherty, of New York, to be Ambas- financial report program, with an amendment;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:39 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D29JY5.REC D29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with DIGEST July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D907 S. 1808, to require the Secretary of Homeland Se- hibit the intentional discrimination of a person or curity to conduct a Northern Border threat analysis, organization by an employee of the Internal Revenue with an amendment in the nature of a substitute; Service, after receiving testimony from John S. 779, to provide for Federal agencies to develop Koskinen, Commissioner, Internal Revenue Service, public access policies relating to research conducted Department of the Treasury; Cleta Mitchell, Foley by employees of that agency or from funds adminis- and Lardner LLP, Stephen Spaulding, Common tered by that agency, with an amendment in the na- Cause, Lawrence M. Noble, Campaign Legal Center, ture of a substitute; Diana L. Aviv, Independent Sector, Gregory L. S. 1170, to amend title 39, United States Code, Colvin, Adler and Colvin, on behalf of the Bright to extend the authority of the United States Postal Lines Project, and Jay Alan Sekulow, American Cen- Service to issue a semipostal to raise funds for breast ter for Law and Justice, all of Washington, D.C.; cancer research; Edward D. Greim, Graves Garrett, LLC, Kansas H.R. 1531, to amend title 5, United States Code, City, Missouri; Toby Marie Walker, Waco Tea to provide a pathway for temporary seasonal employ- Party, Waco, Texas; and Jenny Beth Martin, Tea ees in Federal land management agencies to compete Party Patriots, Inc., Woodstock, Georgia. for vacant permanent positions under internal merit BUSINESS MEETING promotion procedures; S. 1596, to designate the facility of the United Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Com- States Postal Service located at 2082 Stringtown mittee ordered favorably reported the following busi- Road in Grove City, Ohio, as the ‘‘Specialist Joseph ness items: W. Riley Post Office Building’’; S. 1400, to amend the Small Business Act to di- S. 1826, to designate the facility of the United rect the task force of the Office of Veterans Business States Postal Service located at 99 West 2nd Street Development to provide access to and manage the in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, as the Lieutenant Colo- distribution of excess or surplus property to veteran- nel James ‘‘Maggie’’ Megellas Post Office; and owned small businesses, with an amendment in the The nomination of Denise Turner Roth, of North nature of a substitute; Carolina, to be Administrator of General Services. S. 1756, to help small businesses take advantage of energy efficiency; BUSINESS MEETING S. 1857, to amend the Small Business Act to pro- Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee ordered favor- vide for expanded participation in the microloan pro- ably reported S. 383, to provide for Indian trust gram; asset management reform, with an amendment in S. 1866, to establish the veterans’ business out- the nature of a substitute. reach center program, to improve the programs for veterans of the Small Business Administration, with ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE OVERSIGHT an amendment; Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded a S. 1870, to amend the Small Business Act to re- hearing to examine the true costs of alcohol and quire the Administrator of the Small Business Ad- drug abuse in Native communities, after receiving ministration to carry out a pilot program on issuing testimony from Robert G. McSwain, Principal Dep- grants to eligible veterans to start or acquire quali- uty Director, Indian Health Service, and Mirtha Bea- fying businesses, with an amendment in the nature dle, Director, Office of Tribal Affairs and Policy, of a substitute; and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin- An original bill entitled, ‘‘A Sense of the Com- istration, both of the Department of Health and mittee on the Small Business Tax Compliance Relief Human Services; Melanie Benjamin, Mille Lacs Band Act of 2015’’. of Ojibwe, Onamia, Minnesota; John P. Walters, VETERAN HOMELESSNESS Hudson Institute Center for Substance Abuse Policy Research, Washington, D.C.; and Sunny Goggles, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Committee concluded a White Buffalo Recovery Center, Arapahoe, Wyo- hearing to examine ending veteran homelessness, ming. after receiving testimony from Lisa Pape, Executive Director, Homeless Programs, Veterans Health Ad- IRS TARGETING ministration, Department of Veterans Affairs; Jen- Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Over- nifer Ho, Senior Advisor on Housing and Services, sight, Agency Action, Federal Rights and Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development; Courts concluded a hearing to examine Internal Rev- Lisa Tepper Bates, Connecticut Coalition to End enue Service targeting, focusing on progress of agen- Homelessness, Hartford; Michael Blecker, Swords to cy reforms and congressional options, including S. Plowshares, San Francisco, California; Baylee Crone, 273, to amend title 18, United States Code, to pro- National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, and Jeff

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:39 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D29JY5.REC D29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with DIGEST D908 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST July 29, 2015 Steele, The American Legion, both of Washington, D.C.; and Edward Powers, HOPE Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia. h House of Representatives Rejected the Takano motion to recommit the bill Chamber Action to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs with instruc- Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 160 tions to report the same back to the House forthwith public bills, H.R. 3273–3432; and 18 resolutions, with an amendment, by a recorded vote of 184 ayes H.J. Res. 62; H. Con. Res. 67–69; and H. Res. to 241 noes, Roll No. 488. Pages H5651–53 392–405 were introduced. Pages H5762–70 Pursuant to the Rule, an amendment in the na- ture of a substitute recommended by the Committee Additional Cosponsors: Pages H5775–77 on Veterans Affairs now printed in the bill shall be Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: considered as an original bill for the purpose of H.R. 9, to amend title 35, United States Code, amendment under the five-minute rule. Page H5631 and the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act to make Agreed to: improvements and technical corrections, and for Benishek amendment (No. 1 printed in H. Rept. other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 114–234) that reforms and improves the VA Inspec- 114–235); tor General’s ability to report on problems and prob- H.R. 1992, to reduce temporarily the royalty re- lem employees at the VA; requires the IG to release quired to be paid for sodium produced on Federal reports including employee misconduct to the public lands, and for other purposes (H. Rept. 114–236); and explain what changes the VA has requested, re- H.R. 3116, to extend by 15 years the authority quires the IG to identify a manager responsible for of the Secretary of Commerce to conduct the quar- fixing an identified problem, makes it easier to fire terly financial report program (H. Rept. 114–237); an identified employee, and targets the bonuses of H.R. 1759, to amend title 5, United States Code, employees that fail to solve problems. Pages H5635–40 to provide for the publication, by the Office of Infor- Rejected: mation and Regulatory Affairs, of information relat- Takano amendment in the nature of a substitute ing to rulemakings, and for other purposes (H. Rept. (No. 2 printed in H. Rept. 114–234) that sought to 114–238, Part 1); and provide VA Secretary the authority to immediately suspend without pay any employee whose perform- H.R. 1759, to amend title 5, United States Code, ance or misconduct is a threat to health or safety; to provide for the publication, by the Office of Infor- ensure back pay for whistleblowers unfairly termi- mation and Regulatory Affairs, of information relat- nated, and cap the payment of administrative leave ing to rulemakings, and for other purposes (H. Rept. to 14 days; make effective date of back pay provision 114–238, Part 2). Page H5762 October 1, 2015 (by a recorded vote of 191 ayes to Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he 233 noes, Roll No. 487). Pages H5650–51 appointed Representative Fleischmann to act as H. Res. 388, the rule providing for consideration Speaker pro tempore for today. Page H5595 of the bills (H.R. 1994) and (H.R. 3236) was agreed Recess: The House recessed at 11:30 a.m. and re- to by a recorded vote of 243 ayes to 183 noes, Roll No. 484, after the previous question was ordered by convened at 12 noon. Page H5605 a yea-and-nay vote of 242 yeas to 180 nays, Roll Journal: The House agreed to the Speaker’s approval No. 483. Pages H5610–23 of the Journal by voice vote. Pages H5605, H5653 Question of Consideration: The Chair announced VA Accountability Act of 2015: The House passed that the bill (H.R. 3236) to provide an extension of H.R. 1994, to amend title 38, United States Code, Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier to provide for the removal or demotion of employees safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on per- Highway Trust Fund, and to provide resource flexi- formance or misconduct, by a yea-and-nay vote of bility to the Department of Veterans Affairs for 256 yeas to 170 nays, Roll No. 489. health care services, contained an emergency designa- Pages H5653–40, H5650–53 tion pursuant to section 4(g)(1) of the Statutory Pay-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:39 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D29JY5.REC D29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with DIGEST July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D909 As-You-Go Act of 2010. Subsequently, the House Natural Resources. S. Con. Res. 20 was referred to agreed to consider H.R. 3236 by voice vote. the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the Page H5640 Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015: The Energy and Commerce. Page H5761 House passed H.R. 3236, to provide an extension of Quorum Calls—Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes and Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier three recorded votes developed during the pro- safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the ceedings of today and appear on pages H5621–22, Highway Trust Fund, and to provide resource flexi- H5622–23, H5623, H5650, H5651, H5652–53, bility to the Department of Veterans Affairs for and H5653. There were no quorum calls. health care services, by a yea-and-nay vote of 385 Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and ad- yeas to 34 nays with one answering ‘‘present’’, Roll journed at 8:28 p.m. No. 486. Pages H5640–50 H. Res. 388, the rule providing for consideration of the bills (H.R. 1994) and (H.R. 3236) was agreed Committee Meetings to by a recorded vote of 243 ayes to 183 noes, Roll DODD-FRANK TURNS FIVE: ASSESSING No. 484, after the previous question was ordered by THE PROGRESS OF GLOBAL DERIVATIVES a yea-and-nay vote of 242 yeas to 180 nays, Roll REFORMS No. 483. Pages H5621–22 Committee on Agriculture: Full Committee held a hear- Suspension—Proceedings Resumed: The House ing entitled ‘‘Dodd-Frank Turns Five: Assessing the agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following Progress of Global Derivatives Reforms’’. Testimony measure which was debated on Monday, July 27th: was heard from public witnesses. First Responder Anthrax Preparedness Act: POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS IN THE H.R. 1300, amended, to direct the Secretary of REGION OF THE IRAN DEAL Homeland Security to make anthrax vaccines and Committee on Armed Services: Full Committee held a antimicrobials available to emergency response pro- hearing entitled ‘‘Potential Implications in the Re- viders, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 424 yeas with gion of the Iran Deal’’. Testimony was heard from none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 485. Page H5623 public witnesses. Meeting Hour: Agreed by unanimous consent that MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet Committee on Energy and Commerce: Full Committee at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 31. Page H5653 concluded a markup on H.R. 985, ‘‘Concrete Ma- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure—Commu- sonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion nication: Read a letter from Chairman Shuster where- Act of 2015’’; H.R. 3154, ‘‘E-Warranty Act of in he transmitted copies of resolutions to authorize 2015’’; H.R. 1344, ‘‘Early Hearing Detection and nine alteration projects, two reprogramming Intervention Act of 2015’’; H.R. 1462, ‘‘Protecting prospectuses, two construction prospectuses, and two Our Infants Act of 2015’’; H.R. 1725, ‘‘National All lease prospectuses, included in the General Services Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Author- Administration’s FY2015 and FY2016 Capital In- ization Act of 2015’’; and H.R. 2820, ‘‘Stem Cell vestment and Leasing Programs. The resolutions Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of were adopted by the Committee on Transportation 2015’’. The following bills were ordered reported, and Infrastructure on July 23, 2015. Page H5664 without amendment: H.R. 1462, H.R. 1725, H.R. Presidential Message: Read a message from the 2820, and H.R. 3154. The following bills were or- President wherein he notified Congress that the na- dered reported, as amended: H.R. 1344 and H.R. tional emergency with respect to Lebanon that was 985. declared in Executive Order 13441 of August 1, MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 2007, is to continue in effect beyond August 1, 2015—referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs Committee on Financial Services: Full Committee con- and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 114–53). cluded a markup on H.R. 766, the ‘‘Financial Insti- Page H5664 tution Customer Protection Act of 2015’’; H.R. 1210, the ‘‘Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Senate Message: Message received from the Senate Act’’; H.R. 1317, to amend the Commodity Ex- appears on page 5601. change Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Senate Referrals: S. 614 and S. 242 were held at to specify how clearing requirements apply to certain the desk. S. 764 was referred to the Committee on affiliate transactions, and for other purposes; H.R.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:39 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D29JY5.REC D29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with DIGEST D910 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST July 29, 2015 1553, the ‘‘Small Bank Exam Cycle Reform Act of Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Depart- 2015’’; H.R. 1737, the ‘‘Reforming CFPB Indirect ment of the Interior; and Sam Rauch, Deputy Assist- Auto Financing Guidance Act’’; H.R. 1839, the ant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, Na- ‘‘Reforming Access for Investments in Startup Enter- tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration prises Act of 2015’’; H.R. 1941, the ‘‘Financial In- Fisheries. stitutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act’’; H.R. 2091, the ‘‘Child Support Assistance Act of EPA MISMANAGEMENT, PART II 2015’’; H.R. 2243, the ‘‘Equity in Government Compensation Act of 2015’’; H.R. 2643, the ‘‘State Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Full Licensing Efficiency Act of 2015’’; H.R. 2912, the Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘EPA Mis- ‘‘Centennial Monetary Commission Act of 2015’’; management, Part II’’. Testimony was heard from H.R. 3032, the ‘‘Securities and Exchange Commis- the following Environmental Protection Agency offi- sion Reporting Modernization Act’’; H.R. 3189, the cials: Ronald Harris, Equal Employment Oppor- ‘‘Fed Oversight Reform and Modernization Act of tunity Specialist; Carolyn Bohlen, Chief, Enforce- 2015’’; and H.R. 3192, the ‘‘Homebuyers Assistance ment Services Section #2, Superfund Division; Ross Act’’. The following bills were ordered reported, Tuttle, Senior Advisor; and Gina McCarthy, Admin- without amendment: H.R. 766, H.R. 1210, H.R. istrator; and a public witness. 1941, H.R. 1553, H.R. 2091, H.R. 3192, H.R. 3032, H.R. 2912, H.R. 1737, and H.R. 2643. The DATA ACT IMPLEMENTATION following bills were ordered reported, as amended: Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- H.R. 2243, H.R. 1839, H.R. 3189, and H.R. 1317. committee on Information Technology; and Sub- WOMEN UNDER ISIS RULE: FROM committee on Government Operations, held a joint BRUTALITY TO RECRUITMENT hearing entitled ‘‘DATA Act Implementation’’. Tes- Committee on Foreign Affairs: Full Committee held a timony was heard from Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller hearing entitled ‘‘Women Under ISIS Rule: From General of the United States, Government Account- Brutality to Recruitment’’. Testimony was heard ability Office; David Mader, Controller, Office of from public witnesses. Federal Financial Management, Office of Manage- ment and Budget; David A Lebryk, Fiscal Assistant THREATS TO PRESS FREEDOM IN THE Secretary, Department of the Treasury; and Robert AMERICAS A. Taylor, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the Audit, Department of the Treasury. Western Hemisphere held a hearing entitled ‘‘Threats to Press Freedom in the Americas’’. Testi- A REVIEW OF THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY mony was heard from public witnesses. COMMISSION’S LICENSING PROCESS AVIATION SECURITY CHALLENGES: IS TSA Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Sub- READY FOR THE THREATS OF TODAY? committee on Energy held a hearing entitled ‘‘A Re- Committee on Homeland Security: Full Committee held view of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Li- a hearing entitled ‘‘Aviation Security Challenges: Is censing Process’’. Testimony was heard from Stephen TSA ready for the threats of today?’’. Testimony was Burns, Chairman, Nuclear Regulatory Commission. heard from Peter V. Neffenger, Administrator, Transportation Security Administration, Department Homeland Security. Joint Meetings INTERNET OF THINGS No joint committee meetings were held. Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, f Intellectual Property, and the Internet held a hearing NEW PUBLIC LAWS entitled ‘‘Internet of Things’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. (For last listing of Public Laws, see DAILY DIGEST, p. D865) H.R. 2499, to amend the Small Business Act to FEDERAL AGENCIES’ SELECTIVE increase access to capital for veteran entrepreneurs, to ENFORCEMENT OF ESA CONSULTATION help create jobs. Signed on July 28, 2015. (Public Committee on Natural Resources: Full Committee held Law 114–38) a hearing entitled ‘‘Federal Agencies’ Selective En- forcement of ESA Consultation’’. Testimony was heard from Michael Bean, Principal Deputy Assistant

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:39 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D29JY5.REC D29JYPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with DIGEST July 29, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D911 COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, in residential buildings and industry, S. 873, to designate JULY 30, 2015 the wilderness within the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in the State of Alaska as the Jay S. Hammond (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Wilderness Area, S. 1103, to reinstate and extend the Senate deadline for commencement of construction of a hydro- electric project involving Clark Canyon Dam, S. 1104, to Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Military extend the deadline for commencement of construction of Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, a hydroelectric project involving the Gibson Dam, S. to hold hearings to examine whistleblower claims at the 1240, to designate the Cerro del Yuta and Rio San Anto- Department of Veterans Affairs, 10:30 a.m., SD–124. nio Wilderness Areas in the State of New Mexico, S. Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine the nomination of Admiral John M. Richardson, USN, to 1305, to amend the Colorado River Storage Project Act be Chief of Naval Operations, 9:30 a.m., SD–G50. to authorize the use of the active capacity of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: business Fontenelle Reservoir, S. 1483, to direct the Secretary of meeting to continue consideration of an original bill to the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of des- provide for the modernization of the energy policy of the ignating the James K. Polk Home in Columbia, Ten- United States, S. 133, to approve and implement the nessee, as a unit of the National Park System, S. 1694, Klamath Basin agreements, to improve natural resource to amend Public Law 103–434 to authorize Phase III of management, support economic development, and sustain the Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project for agricultural production in the Klamath River Basin in the purposes of improving water management in the Yak- the public interest and the interest of the United States, ima River basin, and an original bill to provide for re- S. 145, to require the Director of the National Park Serv- forms of the administration of the Outer Continental ice to refund to States all State funds that were used to Shelf of the United States, 10 a.m., SD–366. reopen and temporarily operate a unit of the National Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to exam- Park System during the October 2013 shutdown, S. 146, ine sanctions and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Ac- to authorize the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary tion, 10 a.m., SD–419. of Agriculture to enter into agreements with States and Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the political subdivisions of States providing for the contin- nominations of Lucy Tamlyn, of New York, to be Am- ued operation, in whole or in part, of public land, units bassador to the Republic of Benin, Jeffrey J. Hawkins, of the National Park System, units of the National Wild- Jr., of California, to be Ambassador to the Central Afri- life Refuge System, and units of the National Forest Sys- can Republic, David R. Gilmour, of Texas, to be Ambas- tem in the State during any period in which the Secretary sador to the Togolese Republic, Daniel H. Rubinstein, of of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture is unable Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia, to maintain normal level of operations at the units due and Carolyn Patricia Alsup, of Florida, to be Ambassador to a lapse in appropriations, S. 329, to amend the Wild to the Republic of The Gambia, all of the Department and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of of State, 2 p.m., SD–419. the Farmington River and Salmon Brook in the State of Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Connecticut as components of the National Wild and Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, to hold hear- Scenic Rivers System, S. 403, to revise the authorized ings to examine the impact of the United States tax code route of the North Country National Scenic Trail in on the market for corporate control and jobs, 9:30 a.m., northeastern Minnesota and to extend the trail into SD–342. Vermont to connect with the Appalachian National Sce- Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider nic Trail, S. 521, to authorize the Secretary of the Inte- S. 1814, to withhold certain Federal funding from sanc- rior to conduct a special resource study of President Sta- tuary cities, and S. 32, to provide the Department of Jus- tion in Baltimore, Maryland, S. 583, to establish certain tice with additional tools to target extraterritorial drug wilderness areas in central Idaho and to authorize various trafficking activity, 10 a.m., SD–226. land conveyances involving National Forest System land Select Committee on Intelligence: to receive a closed brief- and Bureau of Land Management land in central Idaho, ing on certain intelligence matters, 2:30 p.m., SH–219. S. 593, to require the Secretary of the Interior to submit to Congress a report on the efforts of the Bureau of Rec- House lamation to manage its infrastructure assets, S. 610, to Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Livestock authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special and Foreign Agriculture, hearing entitled ‘‘Examination resource study of P.S. 103 in West Baltimore, Maryland of Federal and State Response to Avian Influenza’’, 8:30 and for other purposes, S. 720, to promote energy savings a.m., 1300 Longworth.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Thursday, July 30 1 p.m., Friday, July 31

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Thursday: Senate will continue consider- Program for Friday: House will meet in Pro Forma ses- ation of H.R. 22, Hire More Heroes Act, post-cloture, sion at 1 p.m. and vote on passage of the bill at 12 p.m. If Senate receives the papers for H.R. 3236, Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Im- provement Act, Senate will begin consideration of the bill and vote on passage at 1:45 p.m.

Extension of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Hudson, Richard, N.C., E1159 Price, Tom, Ga., E1182 Huelskamp, Tim, Kans., E1184 Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman, American Aderholt, Robert B., Ala., E1179 Huffman, Jared, Calif., E1161 Samoa, E1164 Barletta, Lou, Pa., E1159 Jackson Lee, Sheila, Tex., E1165, E1174, E1176, E1189 Roby, Martha, Ala., E1156 Beatty, Joyce, Ohio, E1173, E1184 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E1175, E1182 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E1174 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E1165, E1169, E1181 Kato, John, N.Y., E1161 Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana, Fla., E1168 Bordallo, Madeleine Z., Guam, E1157 Keating, William R., Mass., E1176, E1184, E1188 Roskam, Peter J., Ill., E1170, E1177, E1188 Brady, Kevin, Tex., E1171 Kelly, Mike, Pa., E1162 Roybal-Allard, Lucille, Calif., E1169 Brownley, Julia, Calif., E1173, E1189 Kinzinger, Adam, Ill., E1155 Ruiz, Raul, Calif., E1163 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E1179 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E1155, E1179, E1188 Ruppersberger, C.A. Dutch, Md., E1167 Butterfield, G.K., N.C., E1186, E1188 Levin, Sander M., Mich., E1170 Sablan, Gregorio Kilili Camacho, Northern Mariana Capps, Lois, Calif., E1170 Lofgren, Zoe, Calif., E1168 Islands, E1158, E1186 Carter, Earl L. ‘‘Buddy’’, Ga., E1156 Long, Billy, Mo., E1166 Sanchez, Loretta, Calif., E1167 Carter, John R., Tex., E1177 Loudermilk, Barry, Ga., E1186 Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E1155, E1157 Cicilline, David N., R.I., E1162 Lowenthal, Alan S., Calif., E1156 Scott, David, Ga., E1159 Coffman, Mike, Colo., E1182 Maloney, Carolyn B., N.Y., E1165 Sewell, Terri A., Ala., E1191, E1191 Conyers, John, Jr., Mich., E1169 Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E1170, E1172, E1177 Simpson, Michael K., Idaho, E1155 Cook, Paul, Calif., E1167 McClintock, Tom, Calif., E1155, E1160 Smith, Adam, Wash., E1180, E1182, E1185, E1186, E1189 Dingell, Debbie, Mich., E1174, E1176, E1178, E1180, McCollum, Betty, Minn., E1185 Smith, Christopher H., N.J., E1159 E1183, E1189 McGovern, James P., Mass., E1166, E1171, E1190 Thompson, Bennie G., Miss., E1163 Donovan, Daniel M., Jr, N.Y., E1161 McMorris Rodgers, Cathy, Wash., E1164, E1173, E1181 Thompson, Mike, Calif., E1167 Edwards, Donna F., Md., E1181 McSally, Martha, Ariz., E1179 Tiberi, Patrick J., Ohio, E1161 Ellison, Keith, Minn., E1161, E1162 Meehan, Patrick, Pa., E1169 Valadao, David G., Calif., E1166, E1174, E1178, E1183 Eshoo, Anna G., Calif., E1180 Meng, Grace, N.Y., E1183 Van Hollen, Chris, Md., E1191 Esty, Elizabeth H., Conn., E1180, E1191 Messer, Luke, Ind., E1164, E1178 Walberg, Tim, Mich., E1179, E1187 Garamendi, John, Calif., E1186 Miller, Candice S., Mich., E1163 Walorski, Jackie, Ind., E1157 Gibson, Christopher P., N.Y., E1182 Miller, Jeff, Fla., E1172, E1190 Webster, Daniel, Fla., E1158 Granger, Kay, Tex., E1156 Mooney, Alexander X., W.Va. E1178, E1185 Wenstrup, Brad R., Ohio, E1172, E1180, E1190 Green, Gene, Tex., E1174 Nolan, Richard M., Minn. E1180 Wittman, Robert J., Va., E1179 Griffith, H. Morgan, Va., E1177 Norton, Eleanor Holmes, The District of Columbia, Young, David, Iowa, E1168, E1173, E1176, E1178, E1179, Grijalva, Rau´ l M., Ariz., E1167 E1177, E1187 E1181, E1183, E1187, E1188, E1191 Heck, Denny, Wash., E1175 Pascrell, Bill, Jr., N.J., E1172

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